JP2000107450A - Game device, and information storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device and an information storing medium by which a realistic three-dimensional shooting game can be enjoyed by a simple operation. SOLUTION: To a moving range (a circle, a band-shaped region including the circle, the surface of a ball, a band-shaped region including the surface of the ball or the like) 52 surrounding a target object 42, a moving body is moved while limiting the location of the moving body 40, and a hit check between a shot from the moving body and the target object is performed, and an observing point is controlled based on the location and the direction of the moving body. The direction DM of the moving body is always faced to the target object. When a lever 50 is tilted in the longitudinal direction, the moving body moves in the longitudinal direction, and when tilted in the lateral direction, the moving body moves in the lateral direction. By a vertical operation of a three-dimensional lever, the moving body vertically moves. The target object 42 is moved and rotated, and at the same time, a hit point which is a hit target for a shot from the moving body, is disposed on the target object. The direction of a line of sight is faced in the direction for which directions of a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players are averaged. The movements of the moving bodies are limited so that the plurality of the moving bodies may be always projected on one screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a game apparatus and an information storage medium for generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game apparatus which arranges a plurality of objects in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space and generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. Has been developed and put into practical use, and is very popular for experiencing so-called virtual reality. For example, in the case of a game device capable of enjoying a shooting game, a player operates a moving object (airplane, spacecraft, tank, character, etc.).
Is moved in the object space, and the player enjoys the game by aiming at a target object (a moving object operated by a computer or another player) and shooting.

However, in such a three-dimensional shooting game, the player needs to perform an operation of aiming at the target object using operating means such as an eight-way lever. Therefore, the target object
If the user moves in an arbitrary direction in the object space, the operation of setting this aim becomes very complicated. And, the problem of the complicated operation has caused such a three-dimensional shooting game to be avoided by a beginner player having poor game skill.

On the other hand, in a so-called two-dimensional shooting game, such a problem of complicated operation does not occur.
However, since the target is a two-dimensional display object, there is a problem that a realistic image effect like a three-dimensional target object cannot be obtained.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and an information storage medium that allow a user to enjoy a realistic three-dimensional shooting game with a simple operation. To provide.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space. Means for performing an operation of moving the moving object while restricting the position of the moving object to a given moving range surrounding the target object based on the obtained operation data, and shooting performed from the moving object toward the target object. Means for performing a hit check between the shot and the target object, means for controlling the viewpoint based on at least one of the position and the direction of the moving object, and means for generating an image at the controlled viewpoint. And

According to the present invention, the moving body moves based on the operation data input by the player. In this case, the moving body moves while its position is restricted to a given moving range surrounding the target object. Then, a hit check between the shot from the moving object and the target object is performed, and an image from a viewpoint controlled based on the position and direction of the moving object is generated. Thereby, a three-dimensional shooting game is realized. According to the present invention, the position of the moving object is limited to the moving range surrounding the target object, so that the player can easily grasp the positional relationship between the target object and the moving object. Further, even if the target object moves, the moving range also moves accordingly, so that aiming on the target object becomes easy.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the moving body is moved while the moving body is oriented toward the target object. By doing so, aiming on the target object can be further facilitated.

In the present invention, the given moving range may be at least one of a circle surrounding the target object, a band-like region including the circle, a surface of a sphere surrounding the target object, and a band-like region including the surface of the sphere. It is characterized by being. In this way, when shooting at the target object, the target object can be viewed from various directions, and an excellent video effect can be created. It is to be noted that such a moving range is particularly desirable, but various other moving ranges can be considered.

Further, according to the present invention, the operating means may include first and second operating means.
Direction can be designated along a plane including the axis, and when the direction designation is made along the first axis by the operating means, the direction along the first direction connecting the moving body and the target object is determined. And moving the moving body along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction when a direction instruction is made along the second axis. . By doing so, it is possible to move the moving body along the first and second directions while being limited to a given moving range surrounding the target object, and the degree of freedom of the player's operation is increased. It is possible to leave to some extent. In addition,
When a direction instruction is made along the second axis while a direction instruction is made along the first axis, the moving body may be moved in the second direction while moving in the first direction. desirable.

Further, according to the present invention, the operating means is provided with first and second operating means.
Direction indication along a plane including the axis of
Direction is possible along the axis of, and when a direction instruction along the first axis is made by the operating means,
When the moving body is moved along a first direction connecting the moving body and the target object, and a direction is instructed along the second axis, a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction is provided. Moving the moving body along the third axis, and moving the moving body along a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions when a direction instruction is made along the third axis; It is characterized by making it. By doing so, the degree of movement variation of the moving body can be further increased.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the position and the direction of the target object is changed, and at least one hit point which is a hit target of a shot from the moving object is provided on the target object. In this way, for example, even when the moving body is always directed to the target object, the player can enjoy a game in which the shooting is aimed at the hit points.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a viewpoint is controlled based on at least one of a position and a direction of a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players. This makes it possible to provide a game image from an optimal viewpoint even in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the line of sight is directed to a direction in which directions of a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players are averaged. In this way, in the multi-player mode, a game image in a more natural gaze direction can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players are always displayed on one screen.
It is characterized in that the movement of the moving body is restricted. In this way, even when a plurality of players play while watching one screen, each player can always recognize the moving body operated by itself.

Further, according to the present invention, when the angle between the direction of the moving body and the line of sight becomes larger than a given angle, the movement of the moving body is restricted so that the angle becomes equal to or smaller than the given angle. It is characterized by doing. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the moving object disappears outside the screen while leaving a certain degree of freedom of the player's operation.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method for determining whether a distance between a moving object and a target object is longer than a given first distance.
Limiting the movement of the moving object so that the distance is equal to or less than the first distance, and when the distance between the moving object and the target object becomes shorter than a given second distance, the distance becomes the second distance. It is characterized in that the movement of the moving body is restricted so as to be longer than the distance of 2. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the moving body moves beyond the moving range while leaving the player's operation flexibility to some extent.

[0018]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a variety game in which a plurality of mini-games can be played will be mainly described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the following, 2
Although a game device that can be played by one player will be described, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a game device that can be played by three or more players.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game device of the present embodiment.

The operation unit 10 is used by a player to input operation data by operating a lever, a button, a shooting device (an input device imitating a gun or the like), a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, and the like. Operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is input to the processing unit 100.

The processing section 100 controls the entire game device,
It performs various processes such as instruction of instructions to each block in the game device, game calculation, and the like.
It can be realized by hardware such as U (CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The storage unit 180 serves as, for example, a work area of the processing unit 100, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

An information storage medium (a storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 190 stores programs and data. The function of the information storage medium 190 can be realized by hardware such as an optical disk (CDROM, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a game cassette, an IC card, and a semiconductor memory. Processing unit 1
00 performs various processes based on the program and data from the information storage medium 190.

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 190 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
80.

The processing section 100 includes a game calculation section 110, an image generation section 150, and a sound generation section 160.

Here, the game calculation section 110 performs a game mode setting process, a game progressing process, a selection screen setting process, and a moving object (character, robot, car, tank, airplane, spacecraft, ship, boat, ski, etc.). , Surfboards, balls, bullets, etc.) processing to determine the position and direction of the viewpoint, processing to determine the viewpoint position and line of sight, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space,
Various game calculation processes such as a hit check process, a process of calculating a game result (result), and a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space are performed based on operation data from the operation unit 10, a game program, and the like. Do it.

The image generation unit 150 includes a game calculation unit 110
A game image is generated according to the game calculation in. The game image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 1.
2 is displayed.

The sound generation section 160 generates a game sound according to the game calculation in the game calculation section 110. The game sound generated by the sound generation unit 160 is output from the sound output unit 14.

The game operation unit 110 includes a moving object operation unit 11
2, including a viewpoint control unit 114 and a hit check unit 116.

Here, the moving body operation unit 112 is operated by the operation unit 10.
Based on operation data and a given program input from the PC, an operation for moving a moving body operated by a player or a moving body whose movement is controlled by a given control program (computer) in the object space is performed. . More specifically, a calculation is performed to determine the position and direction of the moving object, for example, every frame (1/60 second).

For example, the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are, for example, the following expressions (1) and (2)
Is required. PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The viewpoint control unit 114 obtains data on the position and direction of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 112 Based on the above, a process of obtaining a viewpoint position, a line-of-sight direction, and the like is performed. More specifically, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction to follow, for example, the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed (in the case of the single player mode). In this case, it is desirable to cause the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction to follow the position or the direction of the moving body while having inertia, for example. The image generation unit 150 generates an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by the viewpoint control unit 114.

The hit check unit 116 performs a process of checking whether or not a shot by shooting hits an object such as a target object. That is, when the player presses a shooting button or the like, a shot is fired from the moving object, and the moving object calculation unit 112
A calculation is performed to determine the position and direction of the shot for each frame. Then, the hit check unit 116 determines whether or not the shot has hit the target object based on the position and direction of the target object, the position and direction of the shot calculated by the moving body calculation unit 112, and the like. When the shot hits the target object, explosion effect processing, processing for changing the position, direction, color, and shape of the target object are performed. On the other hand, if the shot did not hit the target object,
For example, a process for deleting a shot is performed. Note that a simple object in which the shape of the target object is simplified may be prepared, and a hit check between the simple object and a shot may be performed.

In the present embodiment, the moving body operation unit 112
An operation is performed to move the moving object while restricting the position of the moving object to a given moving range surrounding the target object. Further, the hit check unit 116 performs a hit check between the shot shot from the moving object toward the target object and the target object. In this case, it is particularly desirable to move the moving body while the moving body is oriented toward the target object.

It should be noted that the game device of the present embodiment is capable of both game play in a single player mode in which one player plays and game play in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one game device, or may be generated using a plurality of game devices connected by a transmission line or a communication line. Good.

2. Outline of Game Next, an outline of a game realized by the present embodiment will be described with reference to game image examples of FIGS. 2A to 5B.

When the player inserts a coin (price in a broad sense), a game rule explanation screen is first displayed as shown in FIG. 2 (A). In the variety game of the present embodiment, the player is required to achieve a quota within a time, and if the quota is not achieved, the number of lives of the player is 1
Decrease. When the number of lives becomes zero, the player is over the game.

When the player presses the start button, FIG.
As shown in (B), a difficulty level selection screen is displayed. In this variety game, the player can select any one of an elementary course having the lowest difficulty, an intermediate course having a medium difficulty, and an advanced course having the highest difficulty.

When the player selects the difficulty, FIG.
As shown in (A), a game stage (mini game) selection screen is displayed. The player selects a desired game stage from a plurality of game stages (options G1 to G15) using a lever, a button, and the like while viewing the game stage selection screen (G7 is selected in FIG. 3A). Has been).

When the player selects a game stage, as shown in FIG. 3B, an explanation screen (command mode screen) for clearing conditions of the selected game stage.
Is displayed. In FIG. 3B, as shown by the arrow 20, it is required to attack the head 24 of the monster 22. Then, if 100 shots are hit against the head 24 of the monster 22, the clear condition of the game stage is satisfied. In this game stage, the display 26
As shown in (2), two players will attack the monster 22 in cooperation.

After displaying the explanation screen of the clear condition of the game stage, the game play of the player in the game stage starts.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are examples of game images in the single player mode. In FIG. 4A, a monster (target object in a broad sense) 22 is rotating and moving in the air. The player operates the lever (8-way lever) in accordance with the movement of the monster, and moves the helicopter (moving body in a broad sense) 30 back and forth and left and right. Then, a shooting button is fired by pressing the shooting button, and the head 24 of the monster 22 is aimed at and hit. FIG.
As shown in (B), the player can make the helicopter 30 approach the monster 22 by tilting the lever forward.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are examples of game images in the multiplayer mode. In FIG. 5A,
Player 1 operates helicopter 30-1, and player 2
Operates the helicopter 30-2. Then, the players 1 and 2 cooperate with each other to fight the enemy monster 22. FIG.
In (A), helicopter 3 operated by players 1 and 2
0-1 and 30-2 are divided into right and left. On the other hand, FIG.
, Helicopters 30-1 and 30-2 are lined up front and back. The line of sight direction (the direction of the virtual camera) for generating the game image is a direction obtained by averaging the directions of the helicopters 30-1 and 30-2. And helicopter 30-2,
The game image is generated so that 30-2 is always displayed on the screen.

3. Features of the present embodiment The features of the present embodiment are as follows. The moving body is moved while restricting the position of the moving body to a given moving range surrounding the target object, and a shot from the moving body hits the target object. The point is to check.

For example, in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C,
Each of the movement ranges is a circle 44 surrounding the target object 42.
, A band-like region 46 including a circle, and a surface 48 of a sphere surrounding the target object 44 (a band-like region including the surface 48 may be used).

That is, in FIG. 6A, the moving body 40 has its position (representative point) indicated by a circle 44 surrounding the target object 42.
It moves while PM is restricted. In FIG. 6B, the moving body 40 moves to the band-like region 46 including the circle surrounding the target object 42 while the position PM is restricted. In FIG. 6C, the moving body 40 moves to the surface 48 (or a band-like region including the surface 48) of the sphere surrounding the target object 42 while its position PM is restricted.

When the player presses the shooting button, a shot is fired from the moving body 40, and a hit check is performed between the shot and the target object 42 (the hit point if there is a hit point).

In this case, toward the target object 42,
It is particularly desirable to move the moving body 40 while keeping the direction DM of the moving body 40 always facing. By doing so, the operation of aiming at the target object 42 can be further simplified, and the game operation of the player can be facilitated.

The viewpoint position (the position of the virtual camera) P
V and the line-of-sight direction (direction of the virtual camera) DV are obtained based on the position PM and the direction DM of the moving object. For example, in the case of the single player mode, the position PM
Alternatively, the viewpoint position PV or the line-of-sight direction DV is changed so as to follow the direction DM.

The moving body 40 is moved by the player using the operation unit 1.
It is performed by operating 0.

For example, in FIG.
Is capable of indicating a direction along a plane including the first axis AX1 and the second axis AX2. Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (B), when a direction is indicated by the lever 50 along the first axis AX1, the moving body 40 is moved along the first direction connecting the moving body 40 and the target object 42. Moving.
That is, when the lever 50 is moved forward, the moving body 40 moves forward, and when the lever 50 is moved backward, the moving body 40 moves backward. However, as described above, the movement of the moving body 40 is limited to the moving range (a band-like region including a circle here) 52. Therefore, the moving body 40
It cannot move back and forth beyond the movement range 52.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When a direction instruction is given along the second axis AX2 by 0, the moving body 40 is moved along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction (the direction connecting the moving body 40 and the target object 42).
Moves. That is, if the lever 50 is tilted to the right, the moving body 40
Moves to the right, and to the left moves it to the left. In this case, the movement of the moving body 40 is restricted within the moving range 52, and the moving body moves right and left so as to go around the target object 42. When the lever 50 is tilted to the right front, left front, right rear, and left rear, the moving body 40 moves to the right front, left front, right rear, and left rear, respectively.

In FIG. 8A, the 3D lever 54 is
A direction indication along a plane including the first axis AX1 and the second axis AX2 is possible, and a direction indication along a third axis AX3 is possible. That is, unlike the lever 50 shown in FIG. 7A, the 3D lever 54 shown in FIG. 8A can be pulled up or pushed down.

The first and second 3D levers 54 are used.
When the direction designation along the axes AX1 and AX2 is performed, the moving body 40 moves in the first direction (the direction connecting the moving body 40 and the target object 42) as in FIGS. 7B and 7C. It moves along a second direction (a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction). That is, if the 3D lever 54 is tilted back and forth, the moving body 40
Will move back and forth, and move left and right if you defeat it left and right.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when a direction is instructed along the third axis AX3 by the 3D lever 54, the moving body 40 is substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions. Move along the third direction. That is, when the 3D lever 54 is pulled upward, the moving body 40 moves upward, and when the 3D lever 54 is pushed down, the moving body 4
0 moves down. By using such a 3D lever 54, it is possible to increase the variety of movement of the moving body 40.

Note that the 3D lever 54 in FIG. 8A has a structure in which the player operates by holding it with the palm of the hand, but the structure of the 3D lever is not limited to this. For example, in FIG. 9A, a 3D lever (analog type lever) 58 provided on the controller main body 56 can be operated by a player with a thumb. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the 3D lever 58 can be instructed in any direction along a plane including AX1 and AX2.
In addition, the 3D lever 58 can be pressed, for example, downward using a thumb. If such a 3D lever 58 is used, fingers other than the thumb can be used for other game operations, and the variety of game operations can be increased.

By the way, in a general three-dimensional shooting game, a moving body can be freely moved in an object space by an operation of a player. In addition, the player can freely aim at the target object by operating the player.

However, if the degree of freedom of movement or aiming of the moving body is too high, the operation of moving the moving body or the aiming operation becomes difficult, and a beginner player or the like who has a poor game skill avoids game play. Will be done. In other words, the player loses the sense of direction while moving the lever back and forth and left and right. Then, the player cannot grasp the positional relationship between the target object and the moving body operated by the player, and is confused. Also,
When the target object moves in an arbitrary direction in the object space, the player must aim at the target object while moving the moving object. Therefore, the operation of the player becomes extremely complicated.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (B) and (C), the movement of the moving object 40 is determined by a given movement range 44, 46 surrounding the target object 42,
Limited to 48. By doing so, for example, FIG.
(B) and (C), the player can easily grasp the positional relationship between the target object 42 and the moving body 40 operated by the player even when the lever 50 is tilted back and forth and left and right. Therefore, confusion of the player can be prevented. Also,
As the target object 42 moves, the movement ranges 44, 46, 48 surrounding the target object 42 also move. Therefore, aiming on the target object 42 is also facilitated. In particular, if the direction DM of the moving body is always directed toward the target object 42, aiming on the target object 42 can be further facilitated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation of the player can be simplified, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which a novice player having poor game skill is avoided from playing the game.
Moreover, according to the present embodiment, unlike the two-dimensional shooting game, the player can see the target object 42 from any direction by moving the moving body 40. Therefore, an excellent video effect can be obtained. In particular, when the target object 42 is a large object such as a monster, a fortress, or a huge spaceship, the image effect can be further enhanced.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the target object 42 is moved or rotated to change its position or direction. Then, a hit point 6 which is a hit target of the shot 62 from the moving body 40
0 is provided for the target object 42. For example, FIG.
In the game images of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the head 2 of the monster 22 is displayed.
4 is the hit point.

When the target object 42 moves and rotates, the player moves the moving body 40 in accordance therewith, and shoots at the hit point 60.
When the shot 62 hits the hit point 60, the score of the player is added. In this way, the direction DM of the moving body 40 is shifted toward the target object 42.
The player can enjoy shooting for the hit point 60 even if the player always faces.

Although only one hit point 60 is provided in FIG. 10, two or more hit points may be provided on the target object 42.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of moving bodies 40 operated by a plurality of players are provided.
-1, 40-2 positions PM1, PM2 or directions DM1, D2
The viewpoint position PV or the line-of-sight direction DV is controlled based on M2. For example, the direction DM of the moving bodies 40-1 and 40-2
1. The visual line direction DV is directed in a direction in which DM2 is averaged. In this way, for example, even when two players play while looking at one screen, it is possible to provide a natural game image that is easy for both players to see.

In this case, the position P of the moving bodies 40-1 and 40-2
The viewpoint position PV may be set at a position where M1 and PM2 are averaged. Alternatively, the viewpoint position PV may be set at a position away from the position PT of the target object 42 by a certain distance in a direction opposite to the line-of-sight direction DV. If the PV is set at a position separated by a certain distance from the PT, a more natural game image in which the distance to the target object 42 is always kept constant can be generated.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B, a plurality of moving bodies 40 operated by a plurality of players are provided.
The movements of the moving bodies 40-1 and 40-2 are restricted so that -1 and 40-2 are always displayed on one screen 64. In this way, for example, two players can use one screen 64
, Each player can always recognize the moving bodies 40-1 and 40-2 operated by the player. Therefore, a game in which two players cooperate to shoot the target object 42 and a game in which two players compete with each other to shoot the target object 42 can be provided.

4. Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the processing of this embodiment. First, a movement calculation process of a moving body operated by the player 1 (a process of obtaining a position and a direction of the moving body) is performed (step S1), and then a movement calculation process of a moving body operated by the player 2 is performed (step S1).
2). Then, a viewpoint control process for generating a game image is performed (step S3). Next, a hit check process is performed between the shot shot from the moving object and the target object (step S4), and finally, an image generation process is performed (step S5). The above processing is repeated for each frame, for example.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the movement calculation processing in steps S1 and S2 in FIG. First, operation data is input by a player operating a lever (step T1). Next, based on the operation data, as shown in FIG. 15, the moving amount SX of the moving body 40 in the left-right direction and the moving amount SZ in the front-rear direction are calculated (step T2). That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the lever 50 is tilted back and forth, the movement amount SZ increases and decreases.
As shown in (C), when the lever 50 is tilted left and right, the movement amount SX increases or decreases. Further, when the lever 50 is tilted in an oblique direction, the movement amounts SX and SZ both increase and decrease.

Next, referring to FIG.
A between the direction (facing direction) DM and the viewing direction DV
D is determined, and it is determined whether this AD is greater than a given angle ADL (step T3). And FIG.
When AD is smaller than ADL as in (B),
The process moves to step T5 without performing any processing. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15C, when AD is larger than ADL, SX, which is the amount of movement of the moving body 40 in the left-right direction, is corrected so that AD is equal to or less than ADL (step T).
4). For example, a value corresponding to AD is added to or subtracted from SX to limit the movement of the moving body 40 in the left-right direction. By doing so, for example, as shown in FIG.
Or, the situation where 40-2 disappears outside the screen can be prevented. And unless AD is bigger than ADL,
The SX correction process is not performed, and the movement of the moving body 40 in the left-right direction is not limited. Therefore, as long as the AD does not become larger than the ADL, the player can freely move the moving body 40 right and left, so that the player's operation flexibility can be left to some extent.

Next, referring to FIG.
Is a given distance L1
It is determined whether it is longer than (first distance) (step T5). Then, as shown in FIG. 16A, when L is equal to or less than L1, the process proceeds to step T7 without performing any processing. On the other hand, when L is longer than L1 as shown in FIG. 16B, the SZ is corrected so that L becomes L1 or less (step T6). That is, the moving body 40 is restricted from moving backward beyond the moving range 52.

Next, the moving body 40 and the target object 42
Then, it is determined whether or not the distance L with respect to is shorter than a given distance L2 (second distance) (step T7). And FIG.
As shown in (A), when L is equal to or greater than L2, the process proceeds to step T9 without performing any processing. On the other hand, FIG.
When L is shorter than L2 as in (1), the SZ is corrected so that L becomes L2 or more (step T8). That is, the movement of the moving body 40 in the forward direction beyond the movement range 52 is restricted.

By performing the processing of steps T5 to T8 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the moving body 40 from moving beyond the moving range 52 in the front-rear direction. Moreover, L1 ≧ L ≧ L2
, The SZ correction process is not performed, and the movement of the moving body 40 in the front-rear direction is not limited. Therefore, L1 ≧ L ≧ L
As long as the number is 2, the player can freely move the moving body 40 back and forth, and the degree of freedom of the player's operation can be left to some extent.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17A, the direction DM of the moving body 40 and the moving amounts SX and SZ (steps T4 and TZ)
6, corrected SX, SZ if corrected at T8)
, The position (coordinate) PM of the moving body 40 in the world coordinate system is calculated (step T9). Next, FIG.
As shown in (B), a direction DMT from the moving body 40 to the target object 42 is calculated based on the position PM of the moving body 40 and the position PT of the target object 42 (Step T10). Then, as shown in FIG. 17B, the direction DM of the moving body 40 is turned to the direction of the DTM (step T11). By doing so, it is possible to make the direction DM of the moving body 40 always face the target object 42.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the viewpoint control processing in step S3 in FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 18A, a DAV that is a direction obtained by averaging the directions DM1 and DM2 of the moving bodies 40-1 and 40-2 operated by the players 1 and 2 is calculated (step U1).
Next, the line-of-sight direction DV is turned in the direction of this DAV (step U2). Then, as shown in FIG. 18B, a position PA separated from the target object 42 by a given distance LA in a direction opposite to the line-of-sight direction DV obtained in step U2.
Is calculated (step U3). Next, the viewpoint position PV is set at the calculated position PA (step U4).

By performing the above, the moving body 40-1,
The line of sight direction DV is set to the direction DAV obtained by averaging the directions DM1 and DM2 of the direction 40-2, and the viewpoint position PV can be set to a position PA that is separated from the target object 42 by a certain distance LA. This allows the two players to
Even when playing while watching two screens, it is possible to provide a natural game image that is easy to see for both players.

5. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4. Information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. And the image generation IC 1010
Is connected to the display 1018, and the sound generation IC 10
08 is connected to a speaker 1020, and the I / O port 1
012 is connected to the control device 1022,
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing objects to be displayed, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-R is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program and the like.
OMs, game cassettes, DVDs and the like are used. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

Further, this type of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
This is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used as the display 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various kinds of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line.

FIGS. 1 to 11B and FIG. 15A
The various processes described with reference to FIGS.
3, an information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, a CPU 1000 operating according to the program, an image generation IC 10
10, the sound generation IC 1008 and the like. Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000, a general-purpose DSP, or the like.

FIG. 20A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102 and the button 1104 while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. The IC substrate 1106 built in the device has C
A PU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted.
Then, based on the operation data input by the player using the operation means, information for performing a calculation for moving the moving object while restricting the position of the moving object to a given moving range surrounding the target object, Information for performing a hit check between a shot shot from the body toward the target object and the target object, information for controlling the viewpoint based on at least one of the position and the direction of the moving object, information on the controlled viewpoint Information for generating an image, information for moving the moving body while the moving body is directed toward the target object, and the like are stored in an IC.
It is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the substrate 1106. Hereinafter, such information is referred to as stored information. These stored information include a program code for performing the above various processes, image information, sound information, shape information of a display object,
It includes at least one of table data, list data, player information, and the like.

FIG. 20B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
The game controller 1202 and 1204 are operated to enjoy the game. In this case, the stored information is stored in the CD-ROM 1206, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main unit.
It is stored in C cards 1208, 1209 and the like.

FIG. 20C shows a host device 1300 and
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including this host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected via a communication line 1302 will be described. in this case,
The storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminal 1304-1 ~
When the CPU 1304-n has a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound processing IC and can generate a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 can generate a game image and a game sound. Are delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. on the other hand,
If it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 1
300 generates a game image and a game sound, and
The data is transmitted to 304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified.

For example, when the present invention is applied to a multi-player game played by a plurality of players, FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), a plurality of players may play while watching one screen, or a plurality of screens may be prepared for a plurality of players, and each player may play while watching each screen. You may make it.

The movement range in which the movement of the moving body is restricted is preferably the one described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, but is not limited thereto.

The operation means is also shown in FIGS. 7 (A) to 9 (B).
Although those described in the above are particularly desirable, the present invention is not limited to these.

The present invention is not limited to the game described in this embodiment, but can be applied to various games.

The present invention is not limited to home and business game machines, but also includes a simulator, a large attraction device in which many players participate, a personal computer,
The present invention can be applied to various game devices such as a multimedia terminal and a system board for generating a game image.

[0093]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are examples of a game image generated according to the embodiment; FIG.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are also examples of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams for explaining various movement ranges that restrict movement of a moving body;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are diagrams for describing a method of operating a moving body using a lever.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a method of operating a moving object using a 3D lever.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining another example of the 3D lever.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a method of providing a hit point in a target object.

FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining a method of obtaining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction based on the position and direction of a moving object, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a method of restricting movement of a moving object so that the moving object is projected.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing an example of a movement calculation process of a moving object.

FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart showing an example of a viewpoint control process.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams for explaining the movement calculation processing of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C are diagrams for explaining the movement calculation processing of FIG. 13;

17 (A) and 17 (B) are diagrams for explaining the movement calculation processing of FIG. 13;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are views for explaining the viewpoint control processing of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 12 Display part 14 Sound output part 40 (40-1, 40-2) Moving body 42 Target object 44 Circle (moving range) 46 Band-like area (moving range) including circle 48 Surface of sphere (moving range) 50 Lever 52 Moving range 54 3D lever 56 Controller main body 58 3D lever 60 Hit point 62 Shot 64 Screen 100 Processing unit 110 Game calculation unit 112 Moving body calculation unit 114 View point control unit 116 Hit check unit 150 Image generation unit 160 Sound generation unit 180 Storage Part 190 Information storage medium

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA06 AA07 AA09 BA00 BA01 BA02 BA05 BB00 BB01 BB05 BB08 BC00 BC01 BD05 CA01 CA05 CB01 CB06 CC02 CC08

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A game apparatus for generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space, wherein a given moving range surrounding the target object is based on operation data input by a player using operation means. Means for performing an operation of moving the moving object while restricting the position of the moving object, means for performing a hit check between a shot shot from the moving object toward the target object and the target object, A game device comprising: means for controlling a viewpoint based on at least one of a position and a direction of the game; and means for generating an image at the controlled viewpoint. 2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving body is moved while the moving body is directed toward the target object. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the given movement range is a circle surrounding the target object, a band-like region including the circle, a surface of a sphere surrounding the target object,
And at least one of a band-shaped region including a surface of the sphere. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is capable of indicating a direction along a plane including a first axis and a second axis, and the operation means is arranged along the first axis. When a direction instruction is given, the mobile unit is moved along a first direction connecting the mobile unit and the target object, and when a direction instruction is made along the second axis, the A game device, wherein a moving body is moved along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation means is capable of indicating a direction along a plane including the first and second axes and capable of indicating a direction along a third axis. When a direction instruction is given along the first axis by the operation means, the moving body is moved along a first direction connecting the moving body and the target object, and the second axis is moved. When a direction instruction along the third direction is given, the moving body is moved along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and when a direction instruction along the third axis is given, A game apparatus for moving a moving body in a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first and second directions. 6. The target object according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a position and a direction of the target object is changed, and at least one hit point which is a hit target of a shot from the moving object is provided on the target object. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned. 7. The game device according to claim 1, wherein a viewpoint is controlled based on at least one of a position and a direction of a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players. 8. The game device according to claim 7, wherein the gaze direction is directed to a direction obtained by averaging directions of a plurality of moving bodies operated by a plurality of players. 9. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the moving body is restricted so that the plurality of moving bodies operated by the plurality of players are always displayed on one screen. . 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the angle between the direction of the moving body and the line-of-sight direction is larger than a given angle, the angle is equal to or smaller than the given angle. A game device characterized in that the movement of a moving object is restricted to a vehicle. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the distance between the moving object and the target object is longer than a given first distance, the distance is equal to or less than the first distance. And when the distance between the moving object and the target object becomes shorter than a given second distance, the moving object is moved so that the distance becomes equal to or longer than the second distance. A game device for restricting movement. 12. An information storage medium capable of reading information by a computer and generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space, the operation data being input by a player using an operation means. Information for performing an operation of moving the moving object while restricting the position of the moving object to a given moving range surrounding the target object, based on the information, and shooting is performed from the moving object toward the target object. Information for performing a hit check between the shot and the target object, information for controlling the viewpoint based on at least one of the position and the direction of the moving object, and information for generating an image from the controlled viewpoint. An information storage medium comprising: