JP2001314657A - Network system and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system wherein in a cyber-space, while a character is being operated by using a terminal apparatus, information can be exchanged between an operator operating a desired character selected from characters and the operator by means of voices, and effects can be provided for the voices according to the progress of the game when information is transferred by means of voices, thereby improving the reality. SOLUTION: Since a game is advanced without suspending a time base, while information is obtained by means of voices on real time, a game full of ambiance (state of tension) can be built up, while since an Internet telephone is used, it is basically possible to have a secret telephone conversation between a player A and a player B. By making voices nearly inaudible or inaudible according to the situation, the progress of the game and the voice are united so that feel of ambiance can be improved.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a network system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected via a communication network to form a common cyberspace, and a program for causing a terminal device to execute the network system. It relates to a storage medium that has been set.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of network game system has a video game device as a terminal device and a server device, and each video game device and the server device are directly connected by a telephone line or a provider is provided. It is connected by the Internet network. In each terminal device, under the control of a game application program common to the server machine, a game space (cyber space), such as a competitive game, is established between the terminal devices, and a player plays a game in this space. be able to.

In recent years, many network game systems of this type have been constructed, and the number of players who intend to participate in the network game systems has been increasing dramatically. In such a game system, if a player satisfies a specific requirement,
Anyone can access this network game system.

[0004] In a network game system, information exchanged among players without knowing each other may be against each other or play a game to achieve one purpose jointly. Only, and
In this game screen, almost the same screen is mainly used.

Here, in a game mode in which one goal is achieved jointly, there is a game in which a plurality of (for example, two) roles are shared, and different screens suitable for each role are executed on the same time axis. is there. In this type of game, one is a navigator that gives advice while grasping the entire game screen, and the other is an actor that appears as a character on the game screen and progresses the game based on the operation of the player. To achieve one purpose. Specific games include airplanes, spacecraft and ground controllers, explorers and logistics units, frontline soldiers and strategic bases, American football players and coaches, singers and producers, conductors and orchestras, etc. What was done is conceivable.

In this case, as a means of transmitting information from the navigator role to the execution role, chat technology is applied.
An interactive form using characters can be considered.

[0007]

However, in the transmission of information using such characters, it is troublesome to input characters while executing a game (that is, while operating a character or the like). There is a problem that responsiveness is poor and timely information cannot be transmitted.

[0008] Further, when the chat-on technology is applied, a problem occurs in terms of confidentiality, and it is difficult to transmit information only to a joint partner.

[0009] Further, in the information transmission by characters, a character window is displayed on a part of the screen, and while the character window is displayed, the time is often stopped, and the reality becomes weak, It is a cause of spoiling the taste.

In view of the above facts, the present invention makes it possible to exchange information by voice with an operator who operates a desired character from among characters while operating the character with a terminal device in cyberspace. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a network system capable of improving the responsiveness compared to the information transmission by the network.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system which can enhance the realism by applying an effect to a voice in accordance with the progress of a game at the time of transmitting information by voice.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected via a communication network to form a common cyberspace. A plurality of characters are formed in cyberspace, and the characters are formed by character control means operated by the corresponding terminal device and an operator who operates a desired character from the characters by an operator of a specific terminal device. And information exchange means for enabling information exchange by voice between them.

According to the first invention, a plurality of terminal devices share a common cyberspace via a communication network. In cyberspace, a plurality of characters corresponding to operators operating each terminal device are formed, and are operated based on the operations of the operators.

Here, when the operator of the specific terminal device selects, for example, one of a plurality of characters, the operator and the selected character (ie, another operator operating the character) Can exchange information by voice.

[0015] Thus, information can be exchanged in real time with respect to the movement of the character in the shared cyberspace.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system for a game terminal device comprising a plurality of game terminal devices connected to each other via a communication network and a server connected to the communication network. Means for sharing the same cyberspace, forming a plurality of characters in the shared cyberspace, the characters being controlled by a corresponding game terminal device, and operating the characters. It is characterized in that information exchange means by voice is provided between a plurality of game terminal devices.

According to the second invention, the cyber space and the character in the first invention are constructed based on a specific game, and information is transmitted between players in real time with respect to the progress of the game. Becomes possible.

In the first invention and the second invention,
The information exchange means is a voice exchange means between specific players using an Internet telephone.

That is, using an Internet telephone not only can maintain confidentiality but also can be used as one means of character selection. That is, by inputting the identification code (address or the like) of the other party to be selected and opening the Internet telephone, it is possible to make the intention of the selection. Therefore, the receiving side of the Internet telephone can recognize that the selection is made by receiving the Internet telephone.

In the second aspect of the present invention, display control means for displaying different screens of a game of the same content proceeding on the same time axis on different game terminal devices, respectively, Selection means for selecting a specific player, voice exchange realization means for realizing voice exchange between the specific player and the game execution player, and game execution means for starting the game after realizing the voice exchange. It is characterized by having.

For example, if two people form a pair,
In the game of a person, the game progresses on each game terminal device on the same time axis. On the other hand, the displayed image is different. That is, rather than two people standing in the same field of view, for example, one player plays a game that moves in cyberspace, and the other plays a navigator who looks at cyberspace as a third party. By obtaining such information, it is possible to increase the amount of information for achieving one purpose jointly.

Further, the display control means displays a character operated by an operator on the information exchange partner side when information is exchanged by the information exchange means.

When making Internet telephone calls, there are many who want anonymity. Therefore, by displaying a character corresponding to the player on the information exchange partner side instead of the player, it is possible to recognize the mutually selected characters.

Further, the game terminal and the server have a game execution means for executing a game program of a game in which a plurality of players cooperate with each other, and the system communicates the players with each other. It is characterized by being executed by information exchange means.

In the present game program, communication between players is required as an essential requirement when proceeding with the game, and this communication can be performed by information exchange means using voice.

The game executing means includes means for a plurality of players to advance the game jointly while using the respective game terminals. Further, the game terminal of a specific player has a specific game terminal. A processing unit for displaying the position information of the character, wherein the player can transmit the position information of the character to another player who jointly executes the game to the other players via the Internet telephone. It is characterized by becoming.

Here, an upper concept including one example of the role of the character described above (one playing a game that moves in the cyber space, another navigator playing the cyber space as a third party). Is shown,
The position information of the specific character is displayed on the game terminal of the specific player. Further, a specific player transmits the position information of the character to another player via the Internet telephone.

The game executing means includes means for a plurality of players to advance the game jointly while using the respective game terminals. Further, the game terminal of the first player has map information. Is displayed on the game terminal of the second player, and processing means for displaying the character in an enlarged manner or displaying the visual field of the character is provided. The position of the character on the map is transmitted to the second player via the Internet telephone, and the second player gives predetermined operation processing of the character to the game terminal based on the position information of the character, The position of the character as a result of the operation processing is reflected on the game terminal device of the first player.

That is, during execution of the game, the map information is displayed on the game terminal of the first player, and the character is enlarged and displayed on the game terminal of the second player, or the visual field of the character is displayed. Is displayed.

Thus, the first player can transmit the position of the character on the map to the second player via the Internet telephone to the second player. Can give predetermined operation processing of the character to the game terminal based on the position information of the character.

Since the result of the motion processing, that is, the position of the character is reflected on the game terminal device of the first player, the first player can transmit more accurate information to the second player. If the cooperation between the two is excellent, one objective can be achieved quickly.

In the first and second aspects of the present invention,
The specific player can select an opponent character who proceeds with the game in a joint manner from among a plurality of characters.

That is, it is limited that the selected opponent is a so-called friend who advances the game jointly. In the first invention and the second invention, the game has been described as proceeding jointly for the purpose of explanation, but if there is no limitation here,
The selected opponent may be an opponent. In the case of an opponent, information transmission by voice can be one of psychological strategies.

Further, in the first and second aspects of the present invention, when information is exchanged by the voice, an effect means for applying an effect to the voice is further provided.

Further, the effect means is provided in each of the terminal devices on the receiving side.

A priority is set between a sound effect according to the game progress status of the terminal device on the receiving side and the received voice, and at least a sound pressure of the voice is determined based on the set priority. The sound quality including the frequency is controlled.

By applying effects to audio, two purposes can be achieved.

One is to give anonymity by changing to actual voice. For example, although it is a male player, by changing the voice to a female voice or changing from a young voice to an old voice, it is possible to maintain the anonymity and make the voice suitable for the content of the game.

Another object is to create a sense of presence by making the sound difficult to reach or not reaching at all depending on the progress of the game. That is,
In the case of games with the motif of war, the situation is such that the sound is difficult to hear due to gunshot sounds and explosions during battle, or the situation where radio waves do not reach and you can not hear at all when you are in the subway, etc. The communication can also be synchronized with the progress of the game. In this way, by setting the priority between the sound effect of the game progress status and the received sound, it is possible to increase the sense of reality and improve the taste of the game.

Here, especially when the second object is achieved,
Since the receiving side recognizes the game progress in real time, it is preferable that the effect effect is performed on the receiving side.

[0041]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(System Configuration) Here, a system configuration for accessing a specific game apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In this case, first, the specific game device 1
Initial registration is required. After the initial registration, the game server 7 connected to the network system
It is necessary to determine whether to permit or disallow access based on whether there is a history of performing a malicious act in 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game device 1 is connected to the network 3.
Thus, the user can access a predetermined game server 77 connected to the network 3 and execute a network game. The game server 7
Although the number 7 is single, the game server 77 can be added to the network 3. Of course game device 1
The number of game devices 1 is not limited to the number shown in the figure, and more game devices 1 can be connected.

The network 3 has an authentication server 9
0 is connected. The authentication server 90 is a common authentication server 9 for the plurality of game servers 77.
0. That is, each game server 77 does not have an authentication server individually. In the database 92 of the authentication server 90, information of the game device 1 based on the execution of each game application program from a plurality of game servers 77 is registered. Among these pieces of information, the most important information is information for determining permission / non-permission of a future access due to a malicious action of the game apparatus 1.

This determination is various depending on each game server 77, and may be automatically determined and transmitted, or may be determined and input and transmitted by an administrator of the game server 77. (Structure of Game Apparatus) FIG. 2 shows a conceptual connection diagram of the game apparatus according to the present embodiment. This game device is configured by mutually connecting a game device main body 1, a controller 2, and a subunit (subset) 3.

The game device main body 1 is a control device main body for controlling the progress of the game. The game apparatus main body 1 is connectable to a plurality of controllers 2. For this purpose, connectors 141 and 142 and a communication line modular jack 1 are provided.
31 are provided.

The game apparatus body 1 has a CD holder 105 so that a recording medium such as a CD can be detachably mounted.

The controller 2 has a configuration as an operation section operated by each player,
1, operation button group 22, cross key 23, analog key 2
4 and the like, and a connector for connecting the game machine body 1 and the subunit 3.

The sub-unit 3 is a unit for displaying a sub-image display and for allowing a player to play a sub-game. The sub-unit 3 includes a sub-monitor 39 and an operation button group 40 and the like, and a connector for connecting to the controller 2. Have.
The subunit 3 is provided with a microphone 41. In a preferred embodiment, the microphone is provided integrally with the game machine main body or the subunit. Alternatively, the microphone is provided with a mechanism that can be fixed to the game main body or the subunit later.

The connection cable 150 has connectors 151 and 152 and connects the game machine body 1 and the controller 2 to each other. Connection cable 160
Has connectors 161 and 162, and connects the controller 2 and the subunit 3 to each other.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the game device.
As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus body 1 includes a CPU block 10, a video block 11, and a sound block 12.
Etc. are provided.

The CPU block 10 includes a bus arbiter 10
0, CPU 101, main memory 102, boot ROM
103 and a CD-ROM drive 1104. The bus arbiter 100 is configured to control transmission and reception of data by allocating a bus occupation time to devices connected to each other via a bus. CPU10
1 is a main memory 102, a boot ROM 103, a CD
The backup memory 21 and the subunit 3 can be accessed via the drive 104, the video block 11, the sound block 12, and the controller 2.

When the power is turned on, the CPU 101
Executes an initialization program (initial execution program) stored in M103, initializes the entire apparatus,
When it is detected that the CD 200 or the like is mounted on the CD drive 104, the operating system program data stored in the CD 200 is stored in the main memory 102.
To be forwarded to.

Thereafter, the CPU 101 operates according to the operating system, and continues to operate the CD.
The program of the game processing method of the present invention stored in 200 is transferred to the main memory 102 and executed.

The CPU 101 stores the game processing image data in the graphic memory 11 via the VDP 110.
1 and the sound data can be transferred to the sound memory 121 via the sound processor 120.
The processing by the program executed by the CPU 101 includes input of operation signals from the controller 2 and communication data from the communication device, control of command output to the subunit 3 based on these, control of image output to be performed by the video block 11, and control of the sound block 12. Control of audio output to be performed by the user.

The main memory 102 can mainly provide the operating system program data and programs, and also provide a work area for storing static variables, dynamic variables, and the like. Boot ROM 103
Is a storage area of the initial program loader.

The CD drive 104 is configured such that the CD 200 is detachable.
The data to that effect is output to the CPU 101, and the data under the control of the CPU 101 can be transferred.

The CD 200 stores a program for causing the game apparatus to execute a game process, image data for displaying an image, sound data for outputting sound, and the like. The recording medium is not limited to the CD 200, and may be configured to be able to read various other recording media. A configuration may be such that a data group stored in the CD 200 via the communication device 130 is transferred to each memory. With this setting, data can be transferred from a fixed disk or the like of a remote server.

The video block 11 is composed of a VDP (Video Di
A splay processor 110, a graphic memory 111 and a video encoder 112 are provided. The graphic memory 111 stores the image data read from the CD 200 as described above.

The VDP 110 has a graphic memory 11
1, image data necessary for image display is read, and information necessary for image display supplied from the CPU 101, that is, command data, viewpoint position data, light source position data, object designation data, Object position data, texture designation data,
Coordinate conversion (geometry calculation), texture mapping processing, display priority processing, shading processing, and the like can be executed in accordance with texture density data, visual field conversion matrix data, and the like. In addition, the processing such as the coordinate conversion,
You may comprise so that CPU101 may perform. That is,
What process should be executed by which device should be assigned in consideration of the arithmetic capability of each device. The video encoder 112 converts the image data generated by the VDP 110 into an NTS
It is configured so that it can be converted into a predetermined television signal of the C system or the like and output to a main monitor 113 connected to the outside.

The sound block 12 includes a sound processor 120, a sound memory 112, and a D / A converter 122. The sound memory 121 stores the audio data read from the CD 200 as described above.

The sound processor 12 has a CPU 101
Audio data such as waveform data stored in the sound memory 12 on the basis of command data supplied from the CPU, and performs various effect processing based on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) function, digital / analog change processing, and the like. Has become. The D / A converter 122 converts audio data generated by the sound processor 120 into an analog signal, and outputs the analog signal to a speaker 123 connected to the outside.

The communication device 130 is, for example, a modem or a terminal adapter, is configured to be connectable to the game device 1, and can function as an adapter for connecting the game device body 1 to an external line.

The communication device 130 can receive the data transmitted from the game supply server connected to the public line network and supply the data to the bus of the CPU block 10. The public line network may be a subscriber line, a dedicated line, or a wired / wireless network.

The controller 2 is capable of periodically converting the operation states of the operation button group 22 and the cross key 23 into codes and transmitting the codes to the game machine body 1. Each controller 2
Are used to move each of the two characters displayed in the game. When a command for the subunit 3 is transmitted from the game machine main body 1, the controller 2 transfers the command to the subunit 3. Further, the controller 2 transmits / receives parameters for specifying a game processing situation, character setting data, and the like to / from the game machine main body 1, reads those data from the backup memory 21,
You can write to it. The backup memory 21 can be detachably connected to the controller 2 and is configured to be accessible from the CPU 101. It is a storage area for setting data, which is transferred from the CPU 101 and includes settings such as the progress of the game occurring during the game, the results of the game, and the operation method.

These set data function as backup data for restarting the game from the state immediately before the power was turned off when the power is turned off, and also, by exchanging the backup memory, the operation state of another game apparatus is directly transferred to the game apparatus. It can also be data for reflection.

The sub-unit 3 functions as a sub-monitor device for displaying a sub-image in response to a command transferred from the game machine body 1 via the controller 2, and also functions as an independently operable portable game device. It is configured as follows.

More specifically, the subunit 3 includes a CPU 3
0, interface circuit 31, RAM32, ROM3
3, oscillation circuit 34, speaker 35, piezo drive circuit 3
6, piezo element 37, liquid crystal driver 38, sub monitor 3
9, an operation button group 40 and a microphone 41 are provided.

The interface circuit 31 is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the controller 2.

The RAM 32 is an operation area of the CPU 30. The ROM 33 stores a program for operating the sub-unit 3 as a portable game device, and also stores sub-image data for operating the sub-unit 3 as a sub-monitor device. This sub-image data is an image corresponding to the image generated by the game machine main body 1.

The oscillating circuit 34 generates a sound signal of a fixed frequency under the control of the CPU 30, and the speaker 35 can convert the sound signal into sound. These (3
Reference numerals 4 and 35) denote sound generating mechanisms. For example, a buzzer or the like is used if a player can generate a sound of a predetermined frequency (about 1 kHz) recognizable by a player, such as a sound called "pip-pip" used in a mobile phone. Other configurations may be used.

The piezo drive circuit 36 generates a drive signal of a constant frequency under the control of the CPU 30 and
Is capable of inputting this signal and performing electromechanical conversion to convert it into vibration of a constant amplitude. These (36, 37) are vibration generating mechanisms, and other configurations such as an eccentric motor may be used as long as a predetermined vibration can be generated so that the player can recognize the vibration, such as a vibration used in a mobile phone. .

The liquid crystal driver 38 has a video memory,
Under the control of the CPU 30, the drawing data in the video memory can be updated, and the sub-monitor 39 can display the drawing data stored in the video memory as an image.

These (38, 39) may be configured so that characters and images can be recognized by a player like an LCD in a portable information terminal.

The CPU 30 causes the sub-monitor 39 to display a sub-image corresponding to the game processing in the game machine main body 1 based on the program stored in the ROM 33. Then, when a command is transmitted from the game machine body 1 via the interface circuit 31, new sub-image data is read from the ROM 33 in accordance with the command, and the sub-image displayed on the sub-monitor 39 is updated. I have. When the content of the command indicates the generation of sound, the CPU 30 operates the oscillation circuit 34 to generate sound, thereby stimulating the hearing of the player. Further, when the content of the command indicates generation of vibration, the CPU drives the piezo drive circuit 36 to transmit vibration to the player holding the subunit, thereby stimulating the tactile sensation of the player. ing.

In the above configuration, the subunit is connected to the controller 2 via the connection cable 160 as shown in FIG. 2, but the subunit 3 is housed in a predetermined position of the controller 2 and integrated. The connection may be made by using. (Summary of Game Contents) FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a game to which the present invention can be applied. In this case, it is assumed that each game device 1 is already connected to the Internet provider.

In the character selecting section 200, for example, the game device 1 connected to the Internet provider is displayed on the screen.
Is displayed, and a specific character can be selected by displaying a screen to which an ID number is attached, respectively. Then, the player's ID number corresponding to the selected character is input.
The screen at this time is a connection screen as shown in FIG.

In the connection screen shown in FIG. 5, when a character is selected, that is, an ID is input, INET
By operating the button 202, the Internet telephone line connection control unit 204 executes line connection.
By the Internet telephone line connection control unit 204,
Communication with the player corresponding to the selected character becomes possible, and consultation as to whether to play the game jointly can be made by voice. The sound quality of the voice at this time can be changed by changing the frequency according to the intention of the person.
Also, characters may be used together like a chat.

As a result of the consultation, when the cooperation is completed,
A signal is sent to the image information output unit 208 by the game start trigger unit 206 based on a predetermined operation (for example, operating the start button almost simultaneously). In the image information output unit 208, information for displaying a display screen according to the role in which each is in charge is sent to the display screen control unit 210. Thereby, the display screen driver 2
12, different screens are displayed on the monitor screen 113 of the game apparatus 1. An operation signal from the controller 2 is input to the display image control unit 210, and a display image is controlled based on the operation signal.

FIG. 6 shows a screen in which a game is progressed jointly by two players.
Item 21 (treasure) 216 in any one of the characters 21
8 is going to be a game.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the character 218. The screen on which the road surface on which the character 218 moves is only partially visible (hereinafter referred to as screen A).
On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a screen on which the road surface on which the character 218 moves moves is displayed in a wide area and the position of the character 218 can be recognized (hereinafter referred to as a screen B). The screen A may be the field of view of the character 218.

The different screens are displayed, and the game progresses on the same time axis. The player collects the item (treasure) 216 somewhere on the road surface while avoiding the obstacle 220. Will go to.

Here, in the present embodiment, since an Internet telephone is open between both parties, information can be exchanged by voice. That is, a player operating the character 218 while looking at the screen A (hereinafter, a player A
, It is completely unknown where the item (treasure) 216 is located. On the other hand, a player looking at the screen B (hereinafter referred to as “player B”) is not connected between the character 28 and the item (treasure) 216. The relative positional relationship can be recognized. For this reason, the player A can perform an appropriate character operation by instructing the player B to give appropriate advice (such as the direction to head) by voice.

Basically, the above-mentioned game progresses, but it is not originally such a simple game, but a complicated cyber space such as an existing RPG (role playing game) or an action game. A highly interesting game will proceed.

Here, means for complicating the game according to the present invention will be listed. The obstacle 220 visible on the screen A is symbolized and displayed on the screen B.

In such a case, it is possible that an obstacle 220 is standing up or is about to come to the character 218 following the guidance of the player B. In this case, in the information transmission by voice, it is possible to promptly notify the player B of the presence of the obstacle from the player A. The conversation (character window) with another character that proceeds only on the screen A is made inaudible (not visible) on the screen B.

Although some new information hint was obtained by advice from another character, the information can be jointly decoded by transmitting the hint from the player A to the player watching the screen B by voice. . Changing Voices (Voice Changer)-Part 1 Since players select from an unspecified majority, it is not uncommon for players to want anonymity with their opponent. Therefore, by setting the frequency for voice change in advance, you can change the male voice to the female voice, change the young voice to the old voice, and send it, without letting the other party hear the actual voice, The community can be maintained. Changing the voice-Part 2 Depending on the progress of the game, there are situations where it is uncomfortable to receive the voice reliably. For example, a warrior in a battle has a sense of incongruity that the sound is clearly heard when a shooting sound or a bomb explosion sound is output as a sound effect. Therefore, in such situations, the sound may be reduced or interrupted,
By giving a sense of presence as if on a battlefield, it is possible to exchange information by voice integrated with the progress of the game.

As another specific example, the explosive sound of an airplane, the cheer of a stadium, the reverberation of a subway, the noise of a construction site, the music of a concert hall, and the like can be a factor for canceling the sound. In addition, radio interference in the underground of a building, underwater, in outer space, or the like, may be a factor that prevents sound from reaching.

That is, by setting a priority (priority) between the sound effect of the progress of the game and the voice, it is possible to output a voice in accordance with the progress of the game. The priority is not limited to the real voice of the player,
It may be a sound effect on the game.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the conversion of sound (in particular, the sound effect in).

The voice of the sender (player) 225 input from the microphone 41 of the transmitting game device 222 is output from the speaker 123 of the receiving game device 223 via a network telephone. Here, an audio conversion unit 224 is provided between the receiving game device 223 and the speaker 123, and the audio conversion unit 224 changes the frequency and sound pressure of the audio, and the receiver (player). At 226, the changed voice can be heard.

It should be noted that in FIG.
3 are classified into a transmitting side and a receiving side. Needless to say, each of them is provided with a microphone 41 and a speaker 123 (and a voice conversion unit 224), and can be mutually a transmitting side and a receiving side. That is, the game devices 222 and 223 correspond to the game device 1 in FIG. 2, and the voice conversion unit 224 corresponds to the sound processor 120 illustrated in FIG.

The operation of the present embodiment will be described below.

First, based on the flowchart of FIG.
A procedure for selecting an opponent who proceeds with the game jointly will be described.

First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not the connection to the Internet provider has been completed. If the determination is affirmative, a character list screen is displayed in step 302. If the ID number of the partner to be selected is known, the display of this screen may be canceled. When an opponent is selected on the character list screen or the like, an instruction (operation) for accessing the opponent is waited (step 304), and the Internet telephone screen 22 shown in FIG.
The display is switched to 8 (step 306).

On the Internet telephone screen 228, the selected ID number is input (step 308).
When the INET button 202 is operated (step 31)
0), and a call can be made (step 312).

When the communication is completed with each other through this call and the game is to be executed, the GAM is executed at step 314.
By operating the E button 230, the game title screen 232 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed (step 316).

Next, in step 318, by operating the START button (equipped in the controller 2) almost simultaneously with the other party (a slight deviation is permitted), the process proceeds to step 320 to instruct the start of the game. (Step 322). In this game screen, the player A is the screen A shown in FIG. 6A, and the player B is the screen B shown in FIG. 6B. That is, different screens are displayed, and the game proceeds on the same time axis.

The game described in the present embodiment is a player A
Is a character 218 existing in a maze 214, which is a cyberspace, as shown in a screen A of FIG. 6A, and is a so-called executor who actually goes to get an item (treasure) 216. As shown in a screen B of FIG. 6B, it is a so-called navigator that can objectively capture the maze 214 that is a cyberspace. By sending appropriate advice to the player A, the player B guides the player A and acquires the item (treasure) 216 in a short time. In addition,
Since the item (treasure) 216 has been acquired, the roles are changed and the game is advanced.

Here, in the present embodiment, the advice is given by voice. By sending the advice by voice, responsiveness is good, and appropriate advice can be sent without delay with respect to the movement of the player A. That is,
Conventionally, information transmission by text has been the mainstream (some by voice), but in this case, the time axis is temporarily stopped, and a text window (or conversation window) is opened.
It was unrealistic to get information. But,
In the present embodiment, the game proceeds while obtaining audio information in real time without stopping the time axis, so that it is possible to construct a game with a sense of realism (tension).

Also, since the Internet telephone is used, it is basically possible to make a confidential call between the player A and the player B, and another group or the like playing the game on the same time axis. It is also possible to transmit information that you do not want to know. In this regard, the conventional chat is difficult, but in the present embodiment, the use of the Internet telephone as described above can be easily realized.

Further, in the present embodiment, effects can be applied to voice. This effect has two forms, one of which is a so-called voice change.

This is in consideration of anonymity, and the player A and the player B proceed with the game jointly.
Basically, because they are people connected to the Internet, there are many people who want anonymity. Therefore, by changing the frequency of the voice according to the player's own intention, it is possible to make the voice of a man or a woman, the sound of an old man even a young man, or a voice suitable for a character. is there. This allows the game to proceed jointly while maintaining anonymity.

[0105] Another sound effect corresponds to a situation change according to the progress of the game, and controls the sound strength (sound pressure control).
It is. When the above simple maze game is complicated, the character 218 may move to the ground, underground, underwater, outer space, or the like while the game is in progress. Further, when a battle occurs in an encounter with an enemy, the volume of the sound effect may be increased. By making the sound difficult to hear or not at all according to such a situation, a sense of unity is produced between the game progress and the sound, and a game full of a sense of reality can be provided.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the communicability of the Internet game can be enhanced, and the Internet telephone can be given an added value that is not provided by other voice calls. In addition, information from another person, such as an RPG game, can be realized as a true conversation, not an unrealistic one, such as a conversation window. Furthermore, an additional effect can be obtained by realizing a sound effect in order to express it as a functional feature of the character 218.

In order to improve the above-mentioned communicability, a team in a cooperative system is formed, and the game is advanced by mutually transmitting different pieces of information.
The opponents are not necessarily limited to those who have a cooperative system, but may be opponents (competitors). In any case, as long as there is a situation where information obtained on different screens can be transmitted to each other Good. Further, the same time axis can provide a game with a sense of realism and tension in real time.

[0108]

As described above, in the network system according to the present invention, in cyberspace, information exchange by voice is performed between an operator who operates a desired character from among characters while operating the character with a terminal device. And has an excellent effect that responsiveness can be improved as compared with information transmission using characters.

Further, in addition to the above-described effects, there is an effect that the effect can be applied to the voice according to the progress of the game at the time of transmitting the information by voice, whereby the reality can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a game device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the game device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the game device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation screen for connecting an Internet telephone.

6 (A) is a game screen of player A, and FIG. 6 (B) is a game screen of player B.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram related to an audio effect.

FIG. 8 is a game title screen.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart showing a procedure for connecting an Internet telephone to a line.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device main body 2 Controller 3 Subunit 41 Microphone 123 Speaker 200 Character selection unit 202 INET button 204 Internet telephone line connection unit 206 Game start trigger unit 208 Image information output unit 210 Display image control unit 212 Display image driver 216 Goods (treasure) 218 Character 224 Voice conversion unit 230 GAME button 228 Internet telephone screen

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Mariko Nanba 1-2-1 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuyoshi Hara 1-2-2 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo No. F-term in Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd. (reference) 2C001 BA00 BA02 BA07 BC00 BC09 BC10 CB01 CB08 CC02 CC08 5B083 AA01 BB03 EE01 GG04 5B085 BA06 BG07 CE08 5K101 KK18 NN06 NN07 NN15 NN18 NN21 NN18 NN21 PP03 KZ54 LL03

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. In a network system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected via a communication network to form a common cyberspace, a plurality of characters are formed in the cyberspace, and the characters correspond to the corresponding terminal devices. Character control means operated by the user, and information exchange means enabling an operator of a specific terminal device to exchange information by voice between an operator operating a desired character from among the characters. Network system. 2. In a network system for a game terminal device in which a plurality of game terminal devices are connected to each other via a communication network and a server connected to the communication network, the plurality of game terminal devices have the same cyber space. A plurality of characters in the shared cyberspace, wherein the characters are controlled by a corresponding game terminal device; and a plurality of game terminal devices controlling the character A network system, wherein information exchange means by voice is provided in the network system. 3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the information exchange unit is a voice exchange unit between specific players using an Internet telephone. 4. A display control means for displaying different screens of a game of the same content proceeding on the same time axis on different game terminal devices, respectively, and a player trying to execute the game calls a specific player before starting the game. A selection means for selecting, a voice exchange realization means for realizing voice exchange between a specific player and a game execution player, and a game execution means for starting the game after realizing voice exchange. The network system according to claim 2 or claim 3. 5. The information control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control means displays a character operated by an operator to an information exchange partner when information is exchanged by the information exchange means.
The described network system. 6. The game terminal and the server have a game execution means for executing a game program of a game in which a plurality of players cooperate with each other, and the system communicates the players with each other. 5. The network system according to claim 4, which is executed by information exchange means. 7. The game executing means includes means for a plurality of players to advance a game jointly using each game terminal, and further includes a specific player having a specific game terminal. A processing unit for displaying the position information of the character, wherein the player can transmit the position information of the character to another player who jointly executes the game to the other players via the Internet telephone. The network system according to claim 5, wherein the network system comprises: 8. The game executing means includes means for a plurality of players to advance a game jointly while using each of the game terminals, and further comprising map information on a game terminal of the first player. Is displayed on the game terminal of the second player, and processing means for displaying the character in an enlarged manner or displaying the visual field of the character is provided. The position of the character on the map is transmitted to the second player via the Internet telephone, and the second player gives predetermined operation processing of the character to the game terminal based on the position information of the character, 6. The network system according to claim 5, wherein the position of the character as a result of the operation processing is reflected on the game terminal device of the first player. 9. The specific player according to claim 6, wherein the specific player can select an opponent character who proceeds with the game in a joint manner from among a plurality of characters. The described network system. 10. The network system according to claim 1, further comprising effect means for applying an effect to the voice when exchanging information by voice. 11. The network system according to claim 10, wherein said effect means is provided in each of the terminal devices on the receiving side. 12. A priority is set between a sound effect according to a game progress situation in the terminal device on the receiving side and a received voice, and at least a sound pressure of the voice is determined based on the set priority. 12. The network system according to claim 11, wherein sound quality including frequency is controlled. 13. A storage medium in which a program for causing a terminal device to execute the network system according to claim 1 is stored.