JP2010233752A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an image generation system, and the like which perform hit operation processing using a determination area set for a hit object. <P>SOLUTION: The image generation system includes: a character control unit; a hit operation processing unit; a determination area setting unit for setting a first determination area having a position of the hit object as a reference and a second determination area set outside the first determination area with respect to the hit object; and an image generation unit for generating images. The hit operation processing unit performs first hit operation processing when a character is located in the first determination area in hit determination timing and performs second hit operation processing different from the first hit operation processing when the character is located in the second determination area in hit determination timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, and the like.

  Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character imitating a sports player is placed and set Is known and is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a tennis game as an example, a player operates his / her character using an operation unit such as a controller and plays a ball shot by an opponent character operated by another player or a computer. Enjoy the game by hitting it back with a racket. As a conventional technique of an image generation system that can enjoy such a tennis game, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. In such an image generation game, it is necessary to perform a hit calculation process for hitting a ball shot by the opponent character with a racket.

  However, hitherto, only the racket side is provided with hit determination areas in conventional image generation systems to realize hit calculation processing. For this reason, it has been difficult to realize hit calculation processing according to information such as the ability and status of the opponent character and information such as the strength and speed of the ball.

JP 2008-307166 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, and the like that can realize hit calculation processing using a determination area set as a hit target.

  One aspect of the present invention provides a character control unit that performs character control processing, a hit object that is a possessed object possessed by the character or a part object that constitutes the character, and a hit calculation process performed on a hit object Determination that sets an arithmetic processing unit, a first determination area based on the position of the hit object, and a second determination area provided outside the first determination area for the hit object And an image generation unit that generates an image. The hit calculation processing unit performs a first hit calculation process when the character is located in the first determination area at a hit determination timing. If the character is located in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, the first hit calculation process is performed. Relating to image generation system for a different second hit calculation process with. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the first and second determination areas are set for the hit object, and hit calculation processing of the hit object and the hit object that are the possessed object or the part object of the character is performed. When the character is located in the first determination area set as the hit object at the hit determination timing, the first hit calculation process is performed. On the other hand, when it is located in the second determination area, the second hit calculation process is performed. Accordingly, the hit calculation process can be made different depending on whether the character is located in the first or second determination area at the hit determination timing, and the determination area set as the hit object is used. Hit calculation processing can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit performs a first control process on the hit object when the character is located in the first determination area at the hit determination timing. When the character is located in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, a second control process different from the first control process may be performed on the hit object.

  This makes it possible to vary the hit object control process depending on whether the character is positioned in the first or second determination area at the hit determination timing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the first and second control processes include the hit strength of the hit object by the hit object, the moving speed of the hit object after the hit, and the hit after the hit. It may be a process for controlling at least one of the moving directions of the object.

  In this way, it is possible to vary the hit strength, moving speed, and moving direction of the hit object according to whether the character is located in the first or second determination area at the hit determination timing. Become.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination area setting unit may change at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area according to information on an opponent character that has hit the hit target. May be.

  In this way, the opponent character information can be reflected in the hit calculation process with a simple process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination area setting unit may set at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area according to a state of the hit object hit by the hit body. May be changed.

  In this way, hit object information can be reflected in the hit calculation process with a simple process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the determination area setting unit may change the setting of at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area before and after the hit target object bounces. Good.

  In this way, hit calculation processing that reflects whether or not the hit object has bounced can be realized with simple processing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the determination area setting unit sets a third determination area provided outside the second determination area for the hit object, and the character control unit When the character is positioned in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, a character control process different from the case where the character is positioned in the first and second determination areas may be performed.

  In this way, it is possible to make the character control process different depending on whether the character is located in the first, second or third determination area at the hit determination timing.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the character control unit moves the character in a first motion when the character is located in the first and second determination areas at the hit determination timing, When the character is located in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, the character may be operated in a second motion different from the first motion.

  In this way, it is possible to vary the character motion depending on whether the character is located in the first determination area, the second determination area, or the third determination area at the hit determination timing.

  In the aspect of the invention, the character control unit may perform control to move the character to the predicted hit position of the hit object.

  In this way, the hit calculation process can be realized by moving the character to the predicted hit position.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the operation information acquisition unit includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires rotation angle information of the controller around a predetermined coordinate axis as operation information based on sensor information from a controller having a sensor. When the coordinate axis set along the major axis direction of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes, The third rotation angle information that is the rotation angle information at the time of the hit object is obtained based on the third rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis. It is also possible to set at least one of the moving direction and the rotating state.

  In this way, when the controller rotates around the third coordinate axis, which is the major axis direction, the movement direction and rotation state of the hit object change according to the third rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis. As a result, a hit calculation process of an unprecedented type can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may move the hit object after the hit based on the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing of the hit object by the hit object. You may set at least one of a direction and a rotation state.

  In this way, it is possible to reflect the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing in the moving direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may determine at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. It may be set.

  In this way, it is possible to realize a hit calculation process in which the third rotation angle information of the controller acquired in the hit determination period is reflected in the movement direction and rotation state of the hit object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the hit calculation processing unit is configured to determine a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on change information of the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. At least one of these may be set.

  In this way, the change in the third rotation angle information of the controller during the hit determination period can be reflected in the hit calculation process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may include the third rotation angle information at the first timing of the hit determination period and the third rotation angle at the second timing of the hit determination period. Based on the information, at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object may be set.

  In this way, the hit object moves based on the third rotation angle information at the first timing before the hit timing and the third rotation angle information at the second timing after the hit timing. The direction and rotation state are set, and more intelligent and accurate hit calculation processing can be realized.

1 is a configuration example of an image generation system according to the present embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation of the controller by a player. 3A and 3B are configuration examples of the controller. Explanatory drawing of the rotation angle information around each coordinate axis of a controller. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are explanatory diagrams of determination areas set as hit objects. Explanatory drawing of the hit calculation process of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the hit calculation process matched with each determination area, and a character control process. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of hit calculation processing and character control processing. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of a determination area setting method based on the information of the opponent character. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C are explanatory diagrams of a determination area setting method according to before and after the ball bounces. The flowchart of the detailed process example of this embodiment. 12A and 12B show examples of the character's swing motion. An example of the swing motion of the character. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are explanatory diagrams of hit calculation processing based on rotation angle information at the time of hit. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C are explanatory diagrams of hit calculation processing based on rotation angle information acquired in the hit determination section. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D are explanatory diagrams of the movement state and the operation state of the ball after the hit. Explanatory drawing of the detection method of a reference | standard position.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel display. It can be realized by.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof by an optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), and the like. realizable. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another image generation system, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC, a communication processor, or the like. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 101, a game calculation unit 102, an object space setting unit 104, a hit calculation processing unit 106, a reference position detection unit 108, a determination area setting unit 110, a character control unit 114, and a virtual camera control unit 118. , An image generator 120 and a sound generator 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  When the player performs various operations using the operation unit 160, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires the operation information. For example, it is assumed that a controller (see FIG. 2) having a sensor (for example, an angular velocity sensor or an acceleration sensor) is used as the operation unit 160. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 101 rotates around a predetermined coordinate axis (around at least one coordinate axis) based on sensor information from the controller (output signal of the sensor or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the output signal). Rotation angle information (rotation angle, parameter equivalent to the rotation angle) of the controller is acquired as operation information. For example, it is assumed that the coordinate axis set along the longitudinal direction (long axis direction) of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires third rotation angle information that is rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis. Or the 1st, 2nd rotation angle information which is the rotation angle information around the 1st, 2nd coordinate axis is acquired. For example, first, second, and third rotation angle information is acquired based on sensor information of an angular velocity sensor included in the controller. If the controller has an acceleration sensor, acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis is acquired, for example. Alternatively, acceleration information in directions along the first and second coordinate axes may be acquired.

  The game calculation unit 102 performs game calculation processing. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 104 is a display object such as a model object (human, robot, car, fighter, missile, bullet, etc.), map (terrain), building, course (road), tree, wall, etc. A process for arranging and setting various objects (objects configured by primitive surfaces such as a polygon, a free-form surface, or a subdivision surface) in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Place the object. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as object position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction and the like in association with the object number.

  The hit calculation processing unit 106 performs hit calculation processing for hit objects and hit objects. In this hit calculation process, for example, the movement state and operation state of the hit object after the hit are set.

  Here, the hit body is an object for hitting a hit target, and is, for example, a possessed object (gripped object) possessed (gripped) by a character or a part object constituting the character. As the possessed object of the character, for example, a racket such as tennis, table tennis, or badminton, a baseball bat, a golf club, a weapon such as a sword, an instrument such as a maraca, a drum stick, or the like can be assumed. As a part object of a character, parts such as a hand, a foot, a head, and a torso can be assumed. The hit object is hit by the hit body. Examples of the hit object include a ball, a weapon of another character, a fixed object such as a wall and a floor, a hand, a foot, a head, and a body of another character. Can be assumed.

  The movement state of the hit object after the hit is, for example, the movement direction, the movement speed, or the movement acceleration of the hit object after the hit. The operation state after the hit of the hit object is, for example, the rotation state or the motion state of the hit object after the hit. The rotation state is the rotation direction, rotation speed (angular velocity), or rotation acceleration (angular acceleration) of the hit object, and the motion state is various states when the hit object is operated by motion data or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the hit calculation processing unit 106 performs the first hit calculation processing when the character is located in the first determination area at the hit determination timing. On the other hand, when the character is located in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, a second hit calculation process different from the first hit calculation process is performed. That is, the contents of the hit calculation process are made different depending on whether the character is located in the first determination area or the second determination area set as the hit object. For example, the contents of the hit object control process and the character control process are varied. If the character is located in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, a third hit calculation process different from the first or second hit calculation process may be performed.

  For example, when the character is positioned in the first determination area at the hit determination timing, the hit calculation processing unit 106 performs the first control process on the hit object. On the other hand, when the character is positioned in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, a second control process different from the first control process is performed on the hit object. When the character is located in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, a control process different from the first and second control processes may be performed.

  Here, the first and second control processes for the hit object include the hit strength (hit power) of the hit object by the hit object, the movement speed (hit speed) of the hit object after the hit, and the after hit This is a process for controlling at least one of the movement directions (angles) of the hit object. The hit determination timing is a timing for determining whether or not the character is located in the determination area, and is specified based on, for example, user operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101. This hit determination timing is the hit timing of the hit body and hit object such as the possessed object or part object of the character, or a timing slightly before the hit timing. For example, it is a timing at which preparations for a hit operation are completed, such as a takeback timing in a tennis game.

  Further, it is assumed that the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires third rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis set along the long axis direction of the controller. In this case, the hit calculation processing unit 106 sets at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis. Specifically, based on the third rotation angle information at the hit timing of the hit object by the hit object, or the third rotation angle information in the hit determination period, the movement direction and the rotation state of the hit object after the hit are determined. Set at least one.

  The reference position detection unit 108 performs processing for detecting that the controller is set to the reference position. For example, when a player performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a button) notifying that the controller has been set to the reference position, the controller determines that the reference position has been set. For example, when the sensor built in the controller is an angular velocity sensor, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires rotation angle information set to an initial value (for example, 0 degrees) when the controller is set to the reference position. Here, the reference position is a position for setting, for example, rotation angle information about the first, second, or third coordinate axes of the controller to an initial value (reference value).

  The determination area setting unit 110 performs a process for setting a determination area for a hit object. The determination area setting data by the determination area setting unit 110 is stored in the area setting data storage unit 178.

  For example, the determination area setting unit 110 sets first and second determination areas for the hit object. Alternatively, a third determination area is set. Here, the first determination area is an area set with the position of the hit object as a reference (for example, the center). The second determination area is an area provided outside the first determination area, and the third determination area is an area provided outside the second determination area. These first to third determination areas are set based on the position of the hit object, so that the hit object moves following the move. The first to third determination areas are areas that do not overlap each other, may be a binary area, or may be a three-dimensional area. In addition, as in the fourth and fifth determination areas, four or more determination areas may be set for the hit object.

  The determination area setting unit 110 also performs setting change processing for the determination area. For example, the setting of at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area is changed according to the information of the opponent character who hit the hit object. Alternatively, the setting of the third determination area is changed. Here, the information on the opponent character is, for example, an ability parameter or a status parameter of the opponent character. The setting of the determination area is the size (area, volume) of the determination area and the contents of hit calculation processing and character control processing associated with the determination area.

  For example, when the ability parameter of the opponent character is high, or when the opponent character is in an excellent status, the determination area setting is advantageous for the opponent character (a disadvantageous setting for the player character operated by the player). ). For example, the size of the determination area is reduced to make it difficult to hit the hit object with the hit object. On the other hand, when the opponent character's ability parameter is low, or when the opponent character's status is not good, the determination area is set unfavorably to the opponent character (advantageous to the player character). To do. For example, the size of the determination area is increased so that the hit object can be easily hit by the hit object.

  Further, the determination area setting unit 110 changes the setting of at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area according to the state of the hit object. Alternatively, the setting of the third determination area is changed. Here, the state of the hit object is, for example, the hit strength, the moving speed, or the moving direction (angle) of the hit object. For example, if the hit object has a strong hit strength, the moving speed is fast, or the moving direction is excellent (such as a sharp direction), the judgment area setting is advantageous for the opponent character. To. For example, the size of the determination area is reduced to make it difficult to hit the hit object with the hit object. On the other hand, when the hit strength of the hit object is small, the movement speed is slow, or the movement direction is not good (shallow direction, etc.), the determination area setting is disadvantageous for the opponent character side. Set. For example, the size of the determination area is increased so that the hit object can be easily hit by the hit object.

  Further, the determination area setting unit 110 changes the setting of at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area before and after the hit target bounces. Alternatively, the setting of the third determination area is changed. For example, before the hit object bounces in a field such as a court, the determination area is set to indicate the state of the hit object before the bounce. For example, the size of the determination area is reduced to make it difficult to hit the hit object with the hit object. On the other hand, after the hit object bounces in the field, the setting of the determination area is set to indicate the state of the hit object after the bounce. For example, the size of the determination area is increased so that the hit object can be easily hit by the hit object.

  The character control unit 114 performs character control processing. The character is a moving body such as a person, robot, or animal appearing in the game. Specifically, the character control unit 114 performs a calculation for moving the character (model object). Alternatively, calculation for moving the character is performed. That is, based on the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the character is moved in the object space, or the character is moved (motion, Animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining character movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) for each frame (1/60 second). Do. A frame is a unit of time for performing movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  For example, the character control unit 114 performs character motion processing (motion generation, motion reproduction) based on the motion data stored in the motion storage unit 174. Specifically, motion data including the position or rotation angle (direction) of each part object (bone constituting the skeleton) constituting the character (skeleton) is read from the motion storage unit 174. Then, the character is moved by moving each part object (bone) of the character (by deforming the skeleton shape).

  In the present embodiment, the character control process is varied according to the determination area where the character is located at the hit determination timing. For example, when the character is positioned in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, the character control unit 114 performs character control processing different from that in the case where the character is positioned in the first and second determination areas. Specifically, when the character is positioned in the first and second determination areas at the hit determination timing, the character is moved in the first motion. On the other hand, when the character is positioned in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, the character is operated with a second motion different from the first motion.

  The character control unit 114 also performs control to move the character to the predicted hit position of the hit object. That is, even when the player does not perform an operation using the operation unit 160, the predicted hit position of the hit target is calculated, the character is automatically moved to the predicted hit position, and the character's possessed object or part object is hit. The hit processing of the object is performed.

  The virtual camera control unit 118 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometry processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is converted into image data in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 176 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. The drawing process may be realized by a vertex shader process or a pixel shader process.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

2. 2. Method of this Embodiment 2.1 Character Control Method An example of a character control method operated by the player will be described below with reference to FIGS. However, the character control method of the present embodiment is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. For example, even if the operation or movement of the character is controlled by operation of an operation button, an analog stick, or the like of a normal game controller. Good.

  For example, in FIG. 2, the player holds the controller 200 (game controller) with one hand and swings the controller 200 as if it were a tennis racket. A character CH operated by the player is displayed on the display unit 190 on which an image generated by the game apparatus 300 (image generation system) is displayed. When the player swings with the controller 200, the character CH on the screen also swings according to the player's swing. For example, when the player swings a flat shot, the character CH also swings a flat shot, and when the player swings a top spin shot or slice shot, the character CH also swings a top spin shot or slice shot. Then, when the character CH on the screen hits the ball BL hit by the opponent character CC, the player enjoys the tennis game.

  In the following, a case where the present embodiment is applied to a tennis game will be mainly described as an example. In this tennis game, the hit body becomes a racket, and the hit object becomes a ball. However, this embodiment can be applied to sports games other than tennis games (for example, table tennis, badminton, baseball, soccer, volleyball, etc.) and various games other than sports games (for example, fighting games, battle games, role playing games, etc.).

  3A and 3B show configuration examples of the controller 200. FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view of the controller 200 viewed from the front, and FIG. 3B is a right side view of the controller 200 viewed from the right side. The controller 200 has a rod-like shape with a chamfered substantially square cross section, and the player operates the controller 200 with one hand in the manner of gripping the rod.

  Various switches (input devices) such as a direction instruction key 210 and an A button 212 are provided on the front side (operation side) of the controller 200. A trigger button 214 is provided on the back side (back side) of the controller 200.

  The controller 200 includes an image sensor 220, a wireless communication module 222, an acceleration sensor 224, and an angular velocity sensor 230. The controller 200 also includes a controller control unit, a vibrator (vibration mechanism), a speaker, and the like (not shown). The controller control unit includes, for example, a control IC (CPU, ASIC) and a memory, and performs overall control of the controller 200 and various processes. The vibrator generates vibration in accordance with a vibration control signal from the controller control unit, and causes the player's hand holding the controller 200 to feel the vibration. The speaker outputs a sound corresponding to the sound signal output from the controller control unit.

  The image pickup element 220 is realized by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and picks up an image of the front side of the controller 200 in the longitudinal direction (long axis direction).

  The wireless communication module 222 is for performing wireless communication (proximity wireless communication) with the game apparatus 300 (game apparatus main body) of FIG. For example, operation information input by the direction instruction key 210, the A button 212, etc., imaging information obtained by the imaging element 220, sensor information (acceleration information, angular velocity information) obtained by the acceleration sensor 224 and the angular velocity sensor 230 are: Wireless communication with the game apparatus 300 is performed by the wireless communication module 222.

  The acceleration sensor 224 is a sensor that detects acceleration information when the user moves (shakes) the controller 200. For example, the acceleration sensor 224 detects each piece of acceleration information in the orthogonal three-axis directions. For example, in FIG. 4, the coordinate axis set along the long side direction of the controller 200 is the Z axis (third coordinate axis in a broad sense), the coordinate axis orthogonal to the Z axis is the X axis, and the Y axis (first in the broad sense is the first axis). , The second coordinate axis). In this case, the acceleration sensor 224 detects, for example, first acceleration information along the X-axis direction, second acceleration information along the Y-axis direction, and third acceleration information along the Z-axis direction, Output as sensor information.

  The angular velocity sensor 230 is a sensor that detects angular velocity information when the user moves (rotates) the controller 200. For example, the angular velocity sensor 230 is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about three orthogonal axes, and detects angular velocity information about the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis of the controller 200. Specifically, in FIG. 4, assuming that the rotation angle around the X axis is α, the rotation angle around the Y axis is β, and the rotation angle around the Z axis is γ, the angular velocities for these α, β, and γ are detected. . Note that the positive and negative directions of the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes and the rotation directions of α, β, and γ are not limited to those in FIG. 4 and can be set as appropriate. The angular velocity sensor 230 can be realized by, for example, a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope. Specifically, it can be realized by a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope having a MEMS structure.

  The angular velocity sensor 230 is provided in the extension unit 202 connected to the extension terminal of the main body of the controller 200, but may be provided in the main body of the controller 200. Further, in the following, in order to simplify the description, the controller main body and the expansion unit are illustrated as being integrally formed.

  The controller 200 can be held (gripped and attached) by the player, and preferably has a shape that can be rotated by a coordinate axis along the longitudinal direction, for example, but the shape of FIGS. 3A and 3B ( It is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (the cut surface along the longitudinal direction is a substantially rectangular shape). For example, various modifications may be made such that a part of the shape of FIGS. 3A and 3B is different, or a case in which the controller 200 is stored is provided.

2.2 Setting Determination Area In this embodiment, a determination area for hit calculation processing is set for a ball that is a hit object. That is, a determination area normally set for a racket that is a hit body is set for a ball, and hit calculation processing is performed using this determination area.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of setting the determination area. In FIG. 5A, the first determination area HA1 is set based on the ball BL (hit target in a broad sense). In addition, the second determination area HA2 is set outside the first determination area HA1, and the third determination area HA3 is set outside the second determination area HA2. In FIG. 5A, the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are semicircular (or hemispherical, hereinafter the same) areas. Specifically, it has a semicircular shape with respect to the traveling direction of the ball BL. The determination areas HA1 to HA3 are exclusive areas that do not overlap each other.

  Note that the shapes and forms of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are not limited to those shown in FIG. For example, it may be circular (spherical) as shown in FIG. 5B, or may be elliptical (elliptical spherical). Alternatively, the shape as shown in FIG. That is, the determination areas HA1 to HA3 only need to be areas that are set so as not to overlap at least the front of the ball BL (the area in the moving direction of the ball). However, it is desirable not to set the determination areas HA1 to HA3 behind the ball BL (region in the direction opposite to the traveling direction) as in the shapes of FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (C). That is, the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are set in an area excluding the rear area of the ball BL. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which hit calculation processing is performed even though the ball BL has passed the character.

  Moreover, the setting of the width of each determination area HA1-HA3 is also arbitrary. For example, the width of the determination area HA2 may be made wider or narrower than the width of the determination area HA1 (the width in the radial direction). In FIGS. 5A to 5C, the number of determination areas set is three, such as HA1, HA2, and HA3, but may be two, or four or more. Also good. The determination areas HA1 to HA3 may be a two-dimensional area or a three-dimensional area.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining hit calculation processing of the present embodiment using the determination areas HA1 to HA3. For example, when the opponent character CC hits the ball BL and hits it back as shown in FIG. 2, the character CH automatically moves to the predicted hit position PP of the ball BL as shown in FIG. That is, even if the player does not perform any operation using the controller 200 (operation unit), the predicted hit position PP of the ball BL is obtained, and the character CH automatically moves to the predicted hit position PP.

  For example, when the opponent character CC hits the ball BL, the trajectory of the ball BL is obtained on the basis of the movement state (movement direction, movement speed, etc.) and the movement state (rotation direction, rotation speed) of the ball BL after the hit. Then, the position that reaches the trajectory of the ball BL in the shortest time is obtained as the predicted hit position PP. For example, in FIG. 6, the number of frames until the ball BL reaches the predicted hit position PP and the number of frames until the character CH moving at a predetermined speed reaches the predicted hit position PP are the same as the number of frames. A predicted hit position PP is obtained. The character CH moves in the direction of the predicted hit position PP at a predetermined speed. When the character CH reaches the predicted hit position PP, for example, takeback or the like is performed so that the ball BL is ready for a hit operation. To.

  In the present embodiment, when the character CH reaches the predicted hit position PP and hit determination timing is reached, it is determined in which of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 the character CH is located. For example, when the character CH that has reached the predicted hit position PP performs a takeback operation or the like and is ready to hit the ball BL, the position of the character CH (representative position, position of possessed object or part object) is HA1. It is determined which of the determination areas HA3 to HA3 belongs to. When the character CH is positioned in the determination area HA1 at the hit determination timing, the first hit calculation process (for example, the first control process for the ball) is performed, and when the character CH is positioned in the determination area HA2, the first hit calculation process is performed. A second hit calculation process (for example, a second control process for the ball) different from the hit calculation process is performed. When the character CH is positioned in the determination area HA3 at the hit determination timing, a character control process (motion process) different from that in the determination areas HA1 and HA2 is performed.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of hit calculation processing (ball control processing) and character control processing performed in each determination area. As shown in FIG. 7, the determination area HA1 is set as a fine area, the determination area HA2 is set as a blur area, and the determination area HA3 is set as a side-by-side area.

  If it is determined that the character is positioned in the determination area HA1, which is the fine area, at the hit determination timing, the strength of the ball hit increases, the ball moving speed (hit speed) after the hit increases, and the post-hit The moving direction of the ball is set to be a sharp angle. Accordingly, when the character hits the ball in this setting state, the ball is hit strongly, and the ball after the hit moves at a high speed and moves at a sharp angle (angle shot). In addition, when located in determination area HA1, the motion (control process) of a character is set to a normal motion.

  In this way, when the character is positioned in the determination area HA1 at the hit determination timing (takeback operation or hit operation timing), a ball control process (hit calculation process in a broad sense) that is advantageous to the player side is performed. . For example, when the ball is strongly hit, it becomes difficult for the opponent character to strike back the ball well. In addition, when the ball flies at a high speed or a sharp angle, it becomes difficult for the opponent character to catch up with the ball. That is, when the character is positioned in the determination area HA1, which is the fine area, the takeback operation or the hit operation of the ball BL is performed, and the timing becomes the hit determination timing, so that the ball is strong, fast, and sharp. Since the game is shot with the game, the game will advance to the advantage for the player.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the character is located in the determination area HA2, which is a blur area at the hit determination timing, the strength of the ball hits is weakened, the moving speed of the ball after the hit becomes slow, and the ball moves after the hit The direction is set to a shallow angle. Therefore, when the character hits the ball with this setting, the ball is hit weakly, and the ball after the hit moves at a slow speed and moves at a shallow angle. At this time, the motion (control processing) of the character is set to a normal motion.

  As described above, when the character is positioned in the determination area HA2 at the hit determination timing, the ball control process which is disadvantageous to the player side is performed as compared with the case where the character is positioned in the determination area HA1. For example, when the ball is hit weakly, the opponent character can easily hit the ball back. Also, when the ball flies at a slow speed or a shallow angle, the opponent character can easily catch up with the ball.

  If it is determined that the character is positioned in the determination area HA3, which is a side-by-side area at the hit determination timing, the ball control process is the same as the determination area HA2. Alternatively, the setting may be more disadvantageous for the player character than the determination area HA2.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the character is located in the determination area HA3, the motion of the character is switched from the normal motion (first motion in a broad sense) to the side-by-side motion (second motion in a broad sense). In this side-by-side motion, it takes longer for the character to return to a normal posture after catching and hitting the ball. Therefore, if the opponent character hits the ball after that, it becomes difficult for the character after the sideward motion to hit the ball.

  Thus, when the character is positioned in the determination area HA3 at the hit determination timing, character control processing that is further disadvantageous to the player side is performed as compared with the case where the character is positioned in the determination area HA2.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the moving direction of the ball BL after the hit. When the character is positioned in the determination area HA1 at the hit determination timing, the ball flies at a sharp angle (angle shot) as shown in DR1, making it difficult for the opponent character to hit the ball. On the other hand, when the character is positioned in the determination area HA2 at the hit determination timing, the ball flies at a shallow angle as shown in DR2, and the opponent character can easily hit the ball.

  FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are diagrams for explaining the side-by-side motion of the character. When the character is positioned in the determination area HA3 at the hit determination timing, the character performs a side-by-side motion as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. Accordingly, it takes a long time for the character to return to the original posture after hitting the ball, and it becomes difficult to hit the ball that has been hit back by the opponent character thereafter.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the determination area for hit calculation processing that is normally set for hit bodies such as rackets is set for hit objects such as balls. Then, at the hit determination timing at which the player performs a hit motion preparation operation (takeback) or hit operation, the ball control processing (hit calculation processing) or the like depends on which of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 the character is positioned Character control processing is different. In this way, a suitable hit calculation process can be provided in a system in which a character automatically moves to a predicted hit position as shown in FIG. Further, as will be described later, it is possible to easily realize the hit calculation process reflecting the information of the opponent character who hit the ball and the state of the ball.

2.3 Determination Area Setting Change In the present embodiment, processing for changing the settings of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 is performed in accordance with the information of the opponent character and the state of the ball.

  For example, FIG. 9A shows a setting example of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 when the ability of the opponent character who hit the ball is low (when the status is bad). On the other hand, FIG. 9B is a setting example of determination areas HA1 to HA3 when the ability of the opponent character is high (when the status is good).

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the ability of the opponent character who hit the ball is low, the size (area, volume) of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 increases. For example, by increasing the determination area HA1, which is a fine area, the character can hit the ball with a strong, fast, and sharp angle, which is advantageous to the player. Further, since the determination area HA3 that is a side-by-side area is increased, the range in which the ball can be shot side-by-side is widened, which is advantageous for the player. Various modifications may be made such as increasing only one of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 or changing the increase rate of the size of the determination area between HA1 to HA3.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the ability of the opponent character who hit the ball is high, the sizes of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are small. For example, the determination area HA1, which is a fine area, becomes small, so that the ball shot by the character will fly at a weak, slow, and shallow angle, which is disadvantageous for the player. Further, since the determination area HA3 which is a side-by-side area becomes smaller, the range in which the ball can be shot side-by-side is narrowed, which is disadvantageous for the player. Various modifications such as reducing only one of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 or changing the reduction rate of the size of the determination area between HA1 to HA3 are possible.

  As described above, if the setting of the determination area is changed based on the information such as the ability of the opponent character, the advantageous and disadvantageous settings of the game can be easily realized. Also, when the opponent character with whom the player battles changes, the setting of the determination area is automatically changed based on the information of the opponent character. Accordingly, since the advantageous and disadvantageous settings of the game are automatically adjusted, the game adjustment relating to the advantageous and disadvantageous settings can be facilitated.

  In the present embodiment, the setting of the determination area may be changed according to the state of the ball (hit target). For example, the setting of the determination area is changed before and after the ball bounces as shown in FIG.

  For example, FIG. 10B shows a setting example of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 before the ball bounces. Before the ball bounces, for example, the sizes of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are reduced. Therefore, in a no-bound state before the ball bounces, it is difficult for the character to hit the ball.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10C shows a setting example of determination areas HA1 to HA3 after the ball bounces. After the ball bounces, for example, the sizes of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 increase. Therefore, after the ball bounces, it becomes easy for the character to hit the ball.

  In this way, hit processing that reflects whether or not the ball has bounced can be realized by a simple process of changing the size of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 before and after the ball bounce. It becomes like this.

  Note that the determination area setting changing process according to the state of the ball is not limited to FIGS. 10 (A) to 10 (C). For example, the setting of the determination area may be changed according to the state of the ball when the ball (hit target) is hit by the opponent character. For example, the setting of the determination area may be changed based on the hit strength of the ball when it is hit by the opponent character, the moving speed of the ball, or the moving direction of the ball.

  For example, when the opponent character hits the ball with a strong, fast, and sharp angle, the sizes of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 are reduced. This makes it possible to set a game where the opponent character is advantageous and the player is disadvantaged. On the other hand, when the opponent character hits the ball weakly, slowly, or at a shallow angle, the size of the determination areas HA1 to HA3 is increased. Thereby, the opponent character becomes disadvantageous, and a game setting that makes the player advantageous is possible.

  Further, the determination area setting changing process is not limited to changing the size of the determination area. For example, the contents of hit calculation processing (ball control processing) and character control processing set in each determination area as described in FIG. 7 may be changed.

2.4 Detailed Processing Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the opponent character hits the ball (step S21). When the opponent character hits the ball, as described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 10C, the opponent character information (ability, status, etc.) and the state of the ball (strength, speed, etc.) Based on the above, a determination area for the ball is set (step S22).

  Next, the trajectory of the ball is determined (step S23). Then, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the predicted hit position of the ball is obtained based on the trajectory of the ball, and the character is moved to the obtained predicted hit position (steps S24 and S25).

  Next, the hit determination timing is specified based on the operation information of the controller (step S26). For example, the timing at which the character takes back (or the timing at which the ball is hit) is specified. Then, the determination area where the character (representative position or the like) is located at the hit determination timing (takeback timing) is specified (step S27).

  Then, as described with reference to FIG. 7, when the character is located in the determination area HA1, a fine shot process is performed (step S28). That is, the ball hit strength is increased, the hit speed is increased, and the hit direction is set to a sharp angle. If it is located in the determination area HA2, blur shot processing is performed (step S29). That is, the hit strength of the ball is decreased, the hit speed is decreased, and the hit direction is set to a shallow angle. If it is located in the determination area HA3, a side-by-side shot process is performed (step S30). That is, the character motion is switched to the side-by-side motion. The ball hit strength is reduced, the hit speed is slowed, and the hit direction is set to a shallow angle.

  As described above, hit calculation processing using the determination area set for the ball is performed, and hit calculation processing unprecedented can be realized.

2.5 Hit calculation process based on rotation angle information of controller Next, a detailed example of the hit calculation process of this embodiment will be described. In addition, the hit calculation process of this embodiment is not limited to the process demonstrated below, Various deformation | transformation implementation is possible.

  FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 13 show the motion (reference) of the player character CH (hereinafter referred to as character CH as appropriate) operated by the controller 200 described with reference to FIGS. An example of motion) is shown. FIG. 12A shows an example of the motion (posture) of the character CH at the reference position. FIG. 12B shows an example of motion during takeback, and FIG. 13 shows an example of motion when a ball hits (impact). When the player holds the controller 200 as shown in FIG. 2 and swings by swinging the controller 200 like a tennis racket, the character CH on the screen also swings as shown in FIGS. Do. Here, the character CH performs a flat shot swing. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, at the moment of impact of the ball (hit object in a broad sense), the surface of the racket RK (hit body in a broad sense) is in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane (the ground surface). Since the ball hits at a right angle, the ball will fly in a flat shot trajectory without rotating.

  In real-world tennis, there are various shots such as top spin and slice other than the flat shot shown in FIG. For example, in the top spin shot, compared to the flat shot of FIG. 13, the direction of the racket surface is directed downward when the ball is impacted (the angle with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than 90 degrees), and the forward rotation with respect to the ball is performed. Take it. On the other hand, in the slice shot, compared to the flat shot in FIG. 13, the direction of the racket surface is upward when the ball is impacted (the angle with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 90 degrees), and the ball rotates in the opposite direction. .

  However, in conventional tennis games, it has been difficult to realize such various shots such as topspin and slice by an operation that does not make the player feel uncomfortable. For example, a method of performing top spin and slice classification by operating a direction instruction key or a button can be considered. Specifically, when the lower side is instructed by the direction instruction key, the top spin shot is selected, and when the upper side is instructed, the slice shot is selected. However, such an operation is different from the sense of tennis swing in the real world, and such an operation may give the player a virtual reality that the player is actually playing tennis. difficult.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, when the player swings the controller 200 like a tennis racket and the character CH on the screen swings and hits the ball BL, a shot using such a direction instruction key or the like is used. In this arrangement, the virtual reality of the player cannot be improved. That is, the operation of swinging the controller 200 is the same as in the real world tennis, but the top spin and slice allocation is different from the real world, meaning that the game operation as shown in FIG. 2 is realized. It will fade.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, rotation angle information about a predetermined coordinate axis of the controller 200, for example, rotation angle information about the Z axis (third coordinate axis) is acquired. Then, based on the obtained rotation angle information, the movement state and movement state (movement direction and rotation state) of the ball BL (hit object in a broad sense) hit by the racket RK (hit in the broad sense) are set. Perform hit calculation processing.

  For example, in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the movement state and operation state of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information of the controller 200 at the hit timing of the ball BL by the racket RK.

  Specifically, in FIG. 14A, the rotation angle γ about the Z axis of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is set to γ = 0 when the initial value at the reference position is set to 0 (degrees), for example. It has become. As described above, when the rotation angle around the Z-axis at the hit timing TH is γ = 0, it is determined that the surface of the racket RK is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the ball BL Set the movement direction and rotation state. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies on a flat shot trajectory at a relatively high speed with almost no rotation.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 14B, the rotation angle of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is γ = γA. Accordingly, the angle formed by the racket surface and the horizontal plane is smaller than 90 degrees, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is downward, and for example, the movement direction and the rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a top spin shot. Set. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies in the top spin shot orbit by forward rotation.

  In FIG. 14C, the rotation angle of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is γ = −γB. Therefore, the angle formed by the racket surface and the horizontal plane is larger than 90 degrees, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is upward, and for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to become a slice shot. To do. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies in the path of the slice shot with the rotation in the reverse direction.

  14A to 14C can be realized by determining the angle range to which the rotation angle γ belongs, for example. As an example, when -γ1 ≦ γ ≦ γ1, it is determined that the shot is a flat shot, and when γ1 <γ <γ2, it is determined that it is a top spin shot, and −γ2 <γ <−γ1. In some cases, a slice shot may be determined.

  In FIG. 15A to FIG. 15C, the movement state and the operation state after the hit of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information of the controller 200 in the hit determination period. Specifically, based on the change information of the rotation angle information in the hit determination period, the movement state and the operation state after the hit of the ball BL are set. For example, the movement state and the operation state of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information at the first timing and the rotation angle information at the second timing.

  For example, in FIG. 15A, the rotation angle around the Z axis at the first timing TM1 before the hit timing TH is γ = 0, and the racket surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. To be judged. Further, at the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is downward compared to the timing TM1. Further, at the second timing TM2 after the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = γB> γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is further downward compared to the hit timing TH. . As described above, when the direction of the racket surface changes downward before and after the hit timing, for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a top spin shot. When the change in the rotation angle before and after the hit timing is large, for example, the rotation speed (rotation amount) of the top spin may be increased.

  In FIG. 15B, the rotation angle about the Z axis at the first timing TM1 before the hit timing TH is γ = 0, and the racket surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. To be judged. Further, at the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = −γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is upward compared to the timing TM1. Further, at the second timing TM2 after the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = −γB <−γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is further upward than the hit timing TH. Is done. As described above, when the direction of the racket surface changes upward before and after the hit timing, for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a slice shot. When the change in the rotation angle before and after the hit timing is large, the slice rotation speed (rotation amount) may be increased.

  In FIG. 15C, it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is upward in the timings TM1, TH, and TM2. Further, for example, based on the rotation angle β around the Y axis, it is determined that the position of the racket RK is gradually moving upward. Therefore, in this case, the movement direction, rotation state, and the like of the ball BL are set so that the ball BL is a lob shot that flies upward.

  Thus, in FIGS. 14A to 14C, only the rotation angle at the hit timing TH is used, whereas in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the hit timing TH is used. The movement direction, rotation state, etc. of the ball BL are set by reflecting the rotation angles at the timings TM1, TM2 before and after. In this way, the trajectory of the ball BL after the hit can be brought closer to the trajectory of the real world, and the player's virtual reality can be further improved. In addition, not only the hit timing but also the rotation angle of the controller at the timing before and after it is reflected, so that it is possible to make a shot reflecting the angle of the racket surface in follow-through or takeback.

  FIGS. 16A to 16D show setting examples of the rotation direction and movement direction of each shot of flat, top spin, slice, and lob. As shown in the figure, in the flat or lob, the ball BL flies almost without rotation, the top spin rotates in the forward direction, and the slice spin rotates in the reverse direction. On the other hand, in the flat, the ball BL flies horizontally, whereas in the lob, it flies upward. The setting of the rotation direction and the movement direction of the ball BL is not limited to FIGS. 16A to 16D, and various modifications can be made. For example, a top spin lob that flies upward while rotating in the forward direction may be reproduced. Further, the trajectory of the shot of the ball BL after the hit may be obtained by performing a physical simulation process based on the movement state and the motion state set at the time of the hit, or is set at the time of hitting from a plurality of shot trajectories. Alternatively, it may be obtained by selecting a shot trajectory according to the moving state or the operating state.

  As described above, in this embodiment, hit calculation processing is executed using rotation angle information about the predetermined coordinate axis of the controller 200. In this way, for example, the control of the tennis racket surface can be realized by the rotation operation of the controller 200 around the predetermined coordinate axis. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an operation interface environment that is difficult to realize in a conventional sports game and the like, and the operation of the controller 200 matches the movement of the character, so that the virtual reality of the player can be improved.

  For example, conventionally, an acceleration sensor 224 provided in the controller 200 is used to detect that the player has shaken the controller 200. In such a method using only the acceleration sensor 224, it is difficult to accurately obtain an absolute rotation angle around each coordinate axis. Further, in the acceleration sensor 224, it is difficult to obtain the rotation angle around the Z axis along the longitudinal direction of the controller 200.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the angular velocity sensor 230 is used to obtain the rotation angle around each coordinate axis of the controller 200, and the hit calculation processing is realized using this rotation angle. Therefore, more intelligent and accurate hit calculation processing can be realized as compared with the conventional method using only the acceleration sensor 224. It should be noted that a sensor other than the angular velocity sensor 230 may be employed as a sensor for obtaining the rotation angle around each coordinate axis of the controller 200.

2.6 Reference Position When the angular velocity sensor 230 is used, information obtained from the sensor is an angular velocity. Therefore, when an absolute rotation angle is obtained, it is desirable to set an initial value of the rotation angle because an angular velocity integration process or the like is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference position detection unit 108 detects the reference position of the controller 200. This reference position is a position for setting initial values of the rotation angles α, β, γ around the X, Y, Z axes of the controller 200, for example.

  Various methods can be considered as the method for detecting the reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position is set when the player performs a predetermined operation notifying that the controller 200 has been set to the reference position. Judging. Specifically, in FIG. 17, the player holds the controller 200 corresponding to the racket on the front side of the body and takes the posture of the reference position similar to that of tennis. Then, by pressing the trigger button 214, the game apparatus 300 is informed that the controller 200 has been set to the reference position. Then, the rotation angles α, β, γ of the controller 200 are set to initial values (for example, 0 degrees). Thereafter, when the player swings with the controller 200 regarded as a racket, the rotation angles α, β, and γ are changed from the initial values based on the angular velocities detected by the angular velocity sensor 230, and the rotation from the reference position is performed. An angle is obtained. Then, the character CH swings as shown in FIGS. 12A to 13 to make a shot of the ball BL.

  In this way, the player repeats the action of pushing the trigger button 214 and swinging after holding the controller 200 corresponding to the racket on the front side of the body in the same manner as in actual tennis, so that the opponent character CC You can enjoy the rally. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the tennis game with an operation in which the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  The reference position detection method is not limited to the method shown in FIG. For example, the operation of a button other than the trigger button 214 may be used to notify the reference position. Alternatively, the reference position may be detected by detecting a light emitting element or the like attached to the display portion 190 by imaging with the imaging element 220 in FIG. For example, the reference position is detected when the player points the image sensor 220 toward the screen side of the display unit 190.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (racket, ball, etc.) described together with a different term (hit body, hit object, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning at least once in the specification or drawing is used anywhere in the specification or drawing. It can be replaced by that different term. Moreover, hit calculation processing, character control processing, and the like are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. The present invention also relates to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of player players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating game images, and a mobile phone. Applicable.

100 processing unit, 101 operation information acquisition unit, 102 game calculation unit,
104 object space setting unit, 106 hit calculation processing unit,
108 reference position detection unit, 110 determination area setting unit,
114 character control unit, 118 virtual camera control unit,
120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit,
172 Object data storage unit, 174 Motion storage unit,
176 drawing buffer, 178 parameter storage unit, 180 information storage medium,
190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
200 controller, 202 expansion unit, 210 direction instruction key,
212 A button, 214 Trigger button, 220 Image sensor,
222 wireless communication module, 224 acceleration sensor, 230 angular velocity sensor

Claims (16)

A character control unit for controlling the character;
A hit calculation processing unit that performs hit calculation processing of a hit object that is a possessed object possessed by the character or a part object that constitutes the character, and a hit target;
A determination area setting unit for setting a first determination area based on the position of the hit object and a second determination area provided outside the first determination area for the hit object;
As an image generator that generates images,
Make the computer work,
The hit calculation processing unit
When the character is positioned in the first determination area at the hit determination timing, a first hit calculation process is performed. When the character is positioned in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, A program for performing a second hit calculation process different from the first hit calculation process. In claim 1,
The hit calculation processing unit
When the character is located in the first determination area at the hit determination timing, a first control process is performed on the hit object, and the character is moved to the second determination area at the hit determination timing. A second control process different from the first control process is performed on the hit object. In claim 2,
The first and second control processes include at least one of a hit strength of the hit object by the hit object, a moving speed of the hit object after the hit, and a moving direction of the hit object after the hit. A program characterized by being a process for controlling one. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The determination area setting unit
A program for changing at least one setting of the first determination area and the second determination area according to information of an opponent character who hits the hit object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The determination area setting unit
A program for changing at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area in accordance with the state of the hit object hit by the hit body. In claim 5,
The determination area setting unit
A program for changing at least one of the first determination area and the second determination area before and after the hit object is bound. In any of claims 1 to 6,
The determination area setting unit
A third determination area provided outside the second determination area is set for the hit object,
The character control unit
When the character is positioned in the third determination area at the hit determination timing, a character control process different from that in the first and second determination areas is performed. In claim 7,
The character control unit
When the character is positioned in the first and second determination areas at the hit determination timing, the character is moved in the first motion, and the character is moved to the third determination area at the hit determination timing. A program that, when positioned, causes the character to move in a second motion different from the first motion. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The character control unit
A program for controlling the character to move to the predicted hit position of the hit object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
Based on sensor information from a controller having a sensor, as an operation information acquisition unit that acquires rotation angle information of the controller around a predetermined coordinate axis as operation information,
Make the computer work,
The operation information acquisition unit
When the coordinate axis set along the major axis direction of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes, the axis around the third coordinate axis Obtaining third rotation angle information which is rotation angle information;
The hit calculation processing unit
A program that sets at least one of a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis. In claim 10,
The hit calculation processing unit
Based on the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing of the hit object by the hit object, at least one of a moving direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object is set. program. In claim 10 or 11,
The hit calculation processing unit
A program that sets at least one of a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information of the controller in a hit determination period. In claim 12,
The hit calculation processing unit
A program that sets at least one of a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on change information of the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. In claim 13,
The hit calculation processing unit
Based on the third rotation angle information at the first timing of the hit determination period and the third rotation angle information at the second timing of the hit determination period, the hit object moves after the hit. A program that sets at least one of a direction and a rotation state.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is stored. A character control unit for controlling the character;
A hit calculation processing unit that performs hit calculation processing of a hit object that is a possessed object possessed by the character or a part object that constitutes the character, and a hit target;
A determination area setting unit for setting a first determination area based on the position of the hit object and a second determination area provided outside the first determination area for the hit object;
An image generation unit for generating an image,
The hit calculation processing unit
When the character is positioned in the first determination area at the hit determination timing, a first hit calculation process is performed. When the character is positioned in the second determination area at the hit determination timing, A second hit calculation process different from the first hit calculation process is performed.