JP4343234B2 - GAME DEVICE, CHARACTER CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, a character control method, and a program that can more naturally express conversation between characters while improving operability.

Conventionally, a communication technique for performing communication between terminals connected via a network such as the Internet has been widely used. For example, chat (character conversation or the like) in which a plurality of users using a personal computer (PC) can connect to a server via the Internet and exchange messages with each other is also popular.
In such a chat, for example, when a user sends a message using his / her personal computer, the message is displayed on the display of the personal computer of the chat partner.

On the other hand, such a chat can be performed in a game game or the like in a network game (online game) connected to a game server via the Internet. For example, the player freely moves his / her character (a character operated by the player) placed in the virtual space, chats with a nearby character (such as a character operated by another player), and stores information on game strategies, etc. Can be exchanged.
Chats in such a network game are displayed as if characters are having a conversation in the game field, for example. Therefore, the player can enjoy the game as if he / she was in the virtual space.

As a prior art of such a network game (game device), there is also disclosed a technique for improving the communication between users by performing a character or the like in relation to a character string or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
JP 2004-216033 A (pages 10-24, FIG. 7)

In the network game described above, for example, chatting can be performed if the distance between characters is within a certain distance, and there is no restriction on the direction of each character (the direction in which the character is facing). That is, chatting could be performed even if the player character and the opponent character were not facing each other.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), even if the player character Jc and the opponent character Ac face in directions that are not related to each other, the chat can be performed. Therefore, it is extremely unnatural, and not only the players who are chatting with each other, but also other players who are watching the situation feel uncomfortable.
In order to dispel such a sense of incongruity, each player operates his / her character so that his / her own character Jc and the opponent character Ac face each other as shown in FIG. .

  However, since a keyboard or the like is used for inputting a chat character string, and a game pad or a mouse is used for character operation, it is difficult for the player to perform both character input and character operation for chat. It was a big burden. Moreover, it is very complicated to perform character operations every time the chat partner (the destination to which the story is shaken) is changed.

In addition to such chats, there are many scenes in which the player character has a conversation with another character in RPG (role playing game) or the like. For example, in a case where a villager character listens to a story in order to obtain information in the village where it arrives.
In this case, the player makes his / her character approach (contacts) the villager character and instructs “speak”, but at this time, the front direction of the player character needs to face the villager character. there were. In other words, in order to listen to the story, the position and orientation of the player character must be appropriately operated, which is extremely complicated.

  Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique that can appropriately perform chat expression between characters while improving operability.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a game device, a character control method, and a program capable of more naturally expressing conversation between characters while improving operability. The purpose is to do.

  A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game device in which a plurality of characters including a player character operated by a player are arranged in a common virtual space and have a conversation between the characters, and a message acquisition unit, A posture update unit and an image generation unit are included.

  First, the message acquisition unit acquires a message (for example, a message to which a handle name or the like is added) accompanied by designation of a partner character to be a conversation partner. Further, the posture update unit updates the posture of the player character so as to face, for example, the direction of the partner character based on the specified positional relationship between the partner character and the player character. Then, the image generation unit generates a display image including the subject character whose posture has been updated and the acquired message.

That is, when a message with a handle name or the like for designating the opponent character is acquired, the posture of the own character is automatically updated so as to face the direction of the opponent character. For this reason, the player can appropriately control the posture of the player's character by operating the keyboard or the like and inputting characters without operating the game pad or the mouse.
As a result, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

  A game device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a game in which a player character operated by a player and a character operated by another player are arranged in a common virtual space, and conversation between the characters is performed by communication between the devices. The apparatus includes a message acquisition unit, a posture update unit, a transmission unit, and an image generation unit.

  First, the message acquisition unit acquires a message accompanied by designation of a partner character to be a conversation partner. Further, the posture update unit updates the posture of the player character so as to face, for example, the direction of the partner character based on the specified positional relationship between the partner character and the player character. The transmission unit transmits the position information of the subject character whose posture has been updated and the acquired message to another game device. Then, the image generation unit generates a display image including the self character and the message.

That is, when a message with a handle name or the like for designating the opponent character is acquired, the posture of the own character is automatically updated so as to face the direction of the opponent character. Then, the updated position information of the own character and the acquired message are transmitted to another game device. For this reason, the player can appropriately control the posture of the player's character by operating the keyboard or the like and inputting characters without operating the game pad or the mouse.
As a result, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

The above game device further includes a receiving unit that receives the position information and message of the opponent character transmitted from another game device, and the image generation unit includes an opponent character whose posture is updated according to the received position information, and A display image including the received message may be generated.
In this case, the updated position (orientation, etc.) of the opponent character can be appropriately displayed together with the message.

The posture update unit, based on the own character, an azimuth calculating unit that calculates the azimuth of the opponent character in the virtual space, a gaze direction moving unit that moves the gaze direction of the own character toward the calculated azimuth, May be provided.
In this case, for example, by moving only the neck and upper body, the gaze direction (gaze direction) of the player character can be moved to the direction of the opponent character, and the posture of the player character can be appropriately controlled.

When transmitting a message toward the other character in conversation with another character, the transmission unit may transmit only the updated position information of the own character first, and transmit the acquired message after the conversation ends. .
In this case, a message can be transmitted to the opponent character without interrupting the conversation.

The message acquisition unit acquires a message (for example, a message directed to all characters) with a plurality of designations of opponent characters, and the posture update unit determines the orientation of each opponent character in the virtual space with reference to the own character. May be provided, and a gaze direction moving unit that sequentially moves the gaze direction of the player character toward each of the calculated azimuths.
In this case, if a message specifying a plurality of opponent characters is acquired, the posture of the player character can be sequentially controlled so as to face the direction of each opponent character.

When the gaze direction moving unit sequentially moves the gaze direction toward the calculated respective azimuths, the gaze direction movement unit may attenuate the movement amount with time, for example.
In this case, the movement of the direction of the player character can be naturally stopped before a predetermined time elapses after the message is transmitted.

  A character control method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a character control method in a game apparatus in which a plurality of characters including a player character operated by a player are arranged in a common virtual space and conversation is performed between the characters. , A message acquisition step, a posture update step, and an image generation step.

  First, in the message acquisition step, a message (for example, a message to which a handle name or the like is added) accompanied with designation of a partner character to be a conversation partner is acquired. In the posture update step, the posture of the player character is updated so as to face, for example, the direction of the partner character based on the specified positional relationship between the partner character and the player character. In the image generation step, a display image including the own character whose posture has been updated and the acquired message is generated.

That is, when a message with a handle name or the like for designating the opponent character is acquired, the posture of the own character is automatically updated so as to face the direction of the opponent character. For this reason, the player can appropriately control the posture of the player's character by operating the keyboard or the like and inputting characters without operating the game pad or the mouse.
As a result, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

  A program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the above game device.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing devices such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. it can. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical game device in which the visual chat device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a keyboard 105, a controller 106, an external memory 107, and a DVD. A (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM drive 108, an image processing unit 109, an audio processing unit 110, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 111 are provided.

  Note that a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the game apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, and the visual chat apparatus of this embodiment is Realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the game apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire game apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication.

  A keyboard 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input when the player performs a chat. For example, the keyboard 105 receives input of a character string (message) or the like according to the operation of the player.

  The controller 106 connected via the interface 104 receives an instruction input performed by the player when the game is executed. For example, the controller 106 receives an instruction input such as a command directed to a character or the like according to the operation of the player.

  The external memory 107 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the progress of the game, chat communication log (record) data, and the like in a rewritable manner. The player can record these data in the external memory 107 as appropriate by issuing a storage instruction via the controller 106.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 109 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 109 and then records the processed data in a frame memory (not shown) included in the image processing unit 109. To do. The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 109. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.
In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendering image obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position is obtained. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

  Furthermore, by the cooperative operation of the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor, it is possible to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image on a frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. . The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  The NIC 111 is for connecting the game apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Therefore, analog modems for connecting to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, cables for connecting to the Internet using cable television lines A modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

In addition, the game apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so that it performs the same function as the ROM 102, RAM 103, external memory 107, DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. It may be configured.
Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a mouse or the like for accepting various position designations and selection inputs is connected.

  Further, instead of the game device 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general-purpose personal computer or the like) can be used as a visual chat device. For example, a general computer, like the game device 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and includes an image processing unit that has simpler functions than the game device 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard and a mouse are used as an input device instead of a controller. Then, after the game program is installed, when the program is executed, it functions as a visual chat device.

(Outline configuration of visual chat device)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the visual chat device according to the present embodiment. As an example, this visual chat device has its own character (a character operated by a player) and another character (such as a character operated by another player) arranged in a common virtual space, and communicates with other visual chat devices. This is a device for performing a conversation between the characters. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The visual chat device 200 includes a communication unit 210, an operation unit 220, a message acquisition unit 230, an object storage unit 240, a character position management unit 250, a posture update unit 260, and an image generation unit 270.

First, the communication unit 210 connects to a server (game server or the like) via a network such as the Internet, and transmits and receives various data.
For example, the communication unit 210 transmits the position information of the own character managed by the character position management unit 250, a message input by the player from the operation unit 220, and the like to the server.
The communication unit 210 also receives position information of other characters sent from the server, messages (chat data) from other characters (other players), and the like. Then, the received position information of other characters is supplied to the character position management unit 250, and the received message is supplied to the message acquisition unit 230.
The NIC 111 can function as such a communication unit 210.

The operation unit 220 accepts instructions issued to the player character, a partner character (another character serving as a talk destination), or the like as a chat partner in accordance with the player's operation. That is, a movement instruction or an operation instruction for the player character in the virtual space is accepted, and a message from the player to another player is accepted.
Note that the keyboard 105 and the controller 106 can function as such an operation unit 220.

The message acquisition unit 230 acquires a message from the data received by the communication unit 210. In other words, a message sent from another character (for example, a message directed from the opponent character to the player character) is acquired.
Note that the message acquisition unit 230 also acquires a message (for example, a message directed from the player character to the opponent character) input by the player. At that time, a message input from the operation unit 220 may be directly acquired, or a message echoed back from the server may be acquired.
The CPU 101 can function as such a message acquisition unit 230.

The object storage unit 240 stores information on characters arranged in the virtual space and other objects.
For example, the object storage unit 240 stores information on other objects such as character objects such as the own character and other characters, and fixed objects (terrain, buildings, walls, etc.) arranged in a field or the like.
Note that, for an object whose position does not change in the virtual space, such as a fixed object, position information in the virtual space is also managed in the object storage unit 240.
The RAM 103 can function as such an object storage unit 240.

The character position management unit 250 manages position information (current position, posture, etc.) of an object whose position changes in the virtual space, such as its own character or another character. For example, the character position management unit 250 manages the position information of the player character as shown in FIG. 3A and the position information of another character as shown in FIG.
In other words, the current character changes its current position and orientation (orientation, etc.) in the virtual space by specifying the movement instruction received by the operation unit 220 or designating the opponent character as the destination of the story, as will be described later. Therefore, the position information as shown in FIG.
Similarly, other characters also change their current position, posture, and the like in the virtual space according to operations of other players (more specifically, position information of other characters sent from the server). Is managed.
Note that “conversation availability” in FIG. 3B is information indicating whether or not a character located within a certain distance range with respect to the own character is a chat target. Further, this “conversation availability” may be managed not on the visual chat device 200 side but on the server side.
The RAM 103 and the CPU 101 can function as such a character position management unit 250.

The posture update unit 260 updates the posture of the own character as appropriate based on the positional relationship between the other character (the opponent character) designated as the talk destination and the own character.
For example, the posture update unit 260 includes an azimuth calculation unit 261 and a gaze direction movement unit 262, and a message transmitted from the own character to another character (an echoed message acquired by the message acquisition unit 230) is If the opponent character that is the destination of the story is designated, the posture of the player character is updated so as to face the opponent character.
Here, for example, the designation of the opponent character is performed by adding a handle name or the like to the end of the message. As an example, the message "Hello>Hanako", because the handle name is intended to shake the story to the character of Hanako, this Hanako is a partner character.
The designation of the opponent character is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the partner character may be specified using a number such as an ID.

  More specifically, in the case where the own character Jc (handle name: Taro) and the designated partner character Ac (handle name: Hanako) are arranged in the virtual space as shown in FIGS. Will be described as an example. In addition, although this virtual space has shown the three-dimensional space as an example, a two-dimensional space may be sufficient.

  The direction calculation unit 261 calculates the direction of the opponent character Ac based on the own character Jc in the case shown in FIG. That is, the azimuth calculation unit 261 reads the position information of the own character managed by the character position management unit 250 and the position information of the opponent character (handle name is Hanako), and uses the current position of the opponent character as a reference. Calculate the bearing.

Also, the gaze direction moving unit 262 updates the position information of the player character so as to face the azimuth calculated by the azimuth calculating unit 261. That is, the gaze direction moving unit 262 moves the gaze direction in the position information in FIG. 3A so as to follow the azimuth calculated by the azimuth calculation unit 261.
The gaze direction moving unit 262 moves the gaze direction, so that the direction of the own character Jc is directed to the opponent character Ac in the case shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B shows a case where the player character Jc changes the orientation of the entire body, but the orientation of the player character Jc may be changed by moving only the neck and upper body. Good.
The CPU 101 can function as such a posture update unit 260 (an orientation calculation unit 261, a gaze direction moving unit 262).

Returning to FIG. 2, the image generation unit 270 generates a game image based on information stored (managed) by the object storage unit 240 and the character position management unit 250. For example, the image generation unit 270 places an object such as a fixed object stored in the object storage unit 240 at a predetermined position in the virtual space, and an object such as a self character or another character stored in the object storage unit 240. Is placed at the current position managed by the character position management unit 250. Then, each object is perspective-transformed from a predetermined viewpoint position, hidden surface removal, texture mapping, and the like are performed to generate a display game image.
Note that the message acquired by the message acquisition unit 230 is also synthesized and displayed on the display game image.

As an example, when the opponent character Ac is specified from the player character Jc and a message is sent, the image generator 270 generates a game image including the message M from the player character Jc as shown in FIG. The game image of FIG. 5 shows a state after the posture (orientation) of the player character Jc is automatically updated. In other words, even before the message is sent, even if the player character Jc is facing a direction unrelated to the opponent character Ac, when the message specifying the opponent character Ac is sent, the player character Jc automatically changes the opponent character Ac. Will be suitable.
In addition, in FIG. 5, as an example, a case where a message is displayed by a balloon is shown, but a method for displaying a chat message is not limited to this and is arbitrary. For example, a dedicated display area for chat may be provided separately and a message may be displayed in that area.
The image processing unit 109 can function as such an image generation unit 270.

(Overview of the operation of the visual chat device)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of chat processing (transmission side chat processing and reception side chat processing) executed in the visual chat device 200 having the above-described configuration. Hereinafter, the operation of the visual chat device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, during the predetermined game in which the player character and other characters appear, this chat process becomes a transmission side when transmitting a message and becomes a reception side when receiving a message, and is repeatedly executed.

First, the visual chat device 200 on the transmission side transmits a message to the server, and acquires the echoed message (step S301).
That is, a message input by a player in a certain visual chat device 200 is transmitted to the visual chat device 200 on the reception side via the server, and an echoed message is acquired in the visual chat device 200 on the transmission side. Is done.

The visual chat device 200 on the transmission side determines whether or not the acquired message specifies the partner character (step S302).
For example, the visual chat device 200 determines whether or not the opponent character is designated based on whether a handle name or the like is added to the end of the message. Specifically, it is determined that such as "Hello>Hanako", when the handle name, etc. has been added, is obtained by specifying the opponent character.
If the visual chat device 200 determines that the opponent character is not designated (step S302; No), the process proceeds to step S307 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the opponent character is designated (step S302; Yes), the visual chat device 200 specifies the opponent character (step S303).
That is, the information that matches the handle name added to the message is specified from the information managed by the character position management unit 250. Specifically, when the message "Hello>Hanako" refers to the information of FIG. 3 (b), the handle name identifying the character as a counterpart character of Hanako.

The visual chat device 200 calculates the direction from the own character to the opponent character (step S304).
That is, the azimuth calculation unit 261 reads the position information of the own character and the position information of the opponent character managed by the character position management unit 250, and calculates the direction of the opponent character based on the current position of the own character.

The visual chat device 200 updates the posture of the player character toward the calculated azimuth (step S305).
That is, the gaze direction moving unit 262 moves the gaze direction in the position information in FIG. 3A so as to follow the azimuth calculated by the azimuth calculation unit 261. That is, the position information of the player character is updated so as to face the opponent character.

The visual chat device 200 transmits the position information of the updated character to the server (step S306).
That is, the position information of the own character that is automatically updated so as to face the opponent character is transmitted to another visual chat device 200 via the server.

The visual chat device 200 generates an image of the virtual space based on the position information or the like (step S307).
That is, the image generation unit 270 generates a game image based on information stored (managed) by the object storage unit 240 and the character position management unit 250.

Then, the visual chat device 200 displays a game screen in which messages are synthesized (step S308).
That is, a game screen in which a message is combined with an image in the virtual space is displayed.

  For example, before message transmission, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), even when the player character Jc is facing a direction unrelated to the opponent character Ac, transmission of a message designating the opponent character Ac results in FIG. ), A game screen in which the message M is combined with an image in which the own character Jc is automatically moved in the direction of the opponent character Ac is displayed.

Returning to FIG. 6, the visual chat device 200 on the receiving side in response to this acquires the transmitted message (step S401).
That is, in step S301 described above, a message transmitted from the visual chat device 200 on the transmission side is received.

The visual chat device 200 on the receiving side determines whether or not position information has also been received (step S402).
That is, in step S306 described above, it is determined whether there is position information that can be transmitted from the visual chat device 200 on the transmission side.
If visual chat device 200 determines that position information has not been received (step S402; No), the process proceeds to step S405 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the position information is received (step S402; Yes), the visual chat device 200 updates the posture of the transmission source character (step S403).
That is, based on the received position information, the position information of other characters in the character position management unit 250 (because the transmitting side's own character is another character on the receiving side) is updated.

The visual chat device 200 generates an image of the virtual space based on the position information or the like (step S404).
That is, a game image (reception-side game image) is generated based on information stored in the object storage unit 240 and the character position management unit 250.

Then, the visual chat device 200 displays a game screen in which the messages are combined (step S405).
That is, a game screen (reception-side game screen) in which a message is combined with an image in the virtual space is displayed.

  Thus, by both chat processes shown in FIG. 6, just by adding a handle name or the like to the message, the posture of the player character is automatically updated so as to face the opponent character. For this reason, the player can appropriately control the posture of the player's character by operating the keyboard or the like and inputting characters without operating the game pad or the mouse.

  As a result, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the updated position information of the own character and the message directed to the opponent character are transmitted at the same time has been described. However, the transmission of the message is appropriately delayed according to the situation of the opponent character. May be.
For example, when the other character is talking with another character (sending / receiving a message), only the updated position information of the own character is transmitted first, and the message is transmitted after the conversation ends. Also good.

Specifically, with reference to the transmitting side chat process shown in FIG. 6, the visual chat device 200 determines whether or not the partner character is in conversation with another character before transmitting the message in step S301. Is determined. At this time, if it is not in a conversation, it is transmitted as it is, but if it is in a conversation, the message is not transmitted here, and the process proceeds. That is, the updated position information is transmitted first in step S306.
Then, after the conversation of the opponent character is finished, the same processing as in step S301 is performed, and a message is transmitted to the opponent character.
In this case, a message can be transmitted to the opponent character without interrupting the conversation.

In the above embodiment, the case where one opponent character is specified has been described as an example. However, a plurality of opponent characters may be specified. For example, or a plurality of plural-entry the handle name, "Hello>ALL" and so on, is the case for designating all other characters chat becomes possible.
In such a case, the direction of the player character may be changed sequentially as if speaking to each opponent character.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), and three opposing character Ac1~Ac3 is located within the chat extent possible, if the message "Hello>ALL" is transmitted from the player character Jc, visual chatting As shown in FIGS. 8B to 8D, the device 200 may sequentially move the direction of the player character Jc toward the opponent characters Ac1 to Ac3. FIGS. 8B to 8D are diagrams illustrating a state in which each character in the virtual space is viewed from above.
At this time, if the visual chat device 200 is moved in the order of FIGS. 8B to 8D, it is moved in the reverse order of FIGS. 8D to 8B, and FIGS. You may make it repeat reciprocating movement for a predetermined time like moving in order of d).

  Specifically, the visual chat device 200 executes chat processing (transmission side chat processing and reception side chat processing) as shown in FIG. This chat process also becomes a transmission side when transmitting a message and a reception side when receiving a message during the game execution, and each of them is repeatedly executed.

  First, the visual chat device 200 on the transmission side transmits a message to the server, and acquires the echoed message (step S501). In other words, such as "Hello> ALL" message specifying a plurality of opponent characters is transmitted to the visual chat apparatus 200 on the receiving side via the server, also echo back messages visual chat the transmitting device 200.

The transmitting-side visual chat device 200 identifies all designated opponent characters, and calculates the respective orientations from the own character to each opponent character (step S502).
The visual chat device 200 sorts the calculated orientations to determine the order (step S503). For example, in the case shown in FIG. 8A, the order from the leftmost partner character Ac1 to the rightmost partner character Ac3 is determined as the normal order, and the reverse order is determined as the reverse order.

  The visual chat device 200 updates the posture of the player character toward the nth azimuth (step S504). For example, if it is the first time, the position information of the player character is updated so as to face the direction to the opponent character Ac1.

The visual chat device 200 transmits the updated position information of the own character to the server (step S505), and generates an image of the virtual space based on the updated position information and the like (step S506). That is, a game image facing the nth azimuth is generated.
Then, the visual chat device 200 displays a game screen in which the messages are combined (step S507).

  The visual chat device 200 changes the value of n (step S508). For example, the value of n is appropriately changed so that the process proceeds in the normal order of the first, second, and third, and after the third, the process proceeds in the reverse order of the second and first.

  The visual chat device 200 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the message was transmitted (step S509). That is, it is determined whether or not the time set as a requirement for stopping the update of the position information of the own character has elapsed. In addition to the passage of time, the update of the position information of the own character may be stopped due to other requirements. For example, when a message is sent from another visual chat device 200 before time elapses, the update of the position information of the own character may be stopped immediately.

If the visual chat device 200 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S509; No), the process returns to step S504, and the above-described steps S504 to S509 are repeatedly executed.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S509; Yes), the visual chat device 200 ends the transmission-side chat process.

In response, the visual chat device 200 on the receiving side acquires the transmitted message (step S601).
The visual chat device 200 determines whether position information has been received (step S602).
That is, in step S505 described above, it is determined whether there is position information that can be sequentially transmitted from the transmission-side visual chat device 200.

If the visual chat device 200 determines that the position information is received (step S602; Yes), the posture of the transmission source character is updated (step S603). Based on the updated position information and the like, An image is generated (step S604).
That is, a game image (reception-side game image) is generated based on information stored in the object storage unit 240 and the character position management unit 250.

  Then, the visual chat device 200 displays a game screen in which the messages are combined (step S605). That is, a game screen (reception-side game screen) in which a message is combined with an image in the virtual space is displayed.

  Thereafter, the visual chat device 200 returns the process to step S602 described above. And when it determines with not receiving position information (for example, position information was not received within a fixed time) (step S602; No), the visual chat apparatus 200 ends a receiving side chat process.

  In this way, even when a plurality of opponent characters are designated by both chat processes shown in FIG. 9, the posture of the player character is sequentially updated so as to face each opponent character. For this reason, the player can appropriately control the posture of the player's character by operating the keyboard or the like and inputting characters without operating the game pad or the mouse.

  As a result, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 described above, the case where the direction of the player character is changed toward each opponent character has been described. In this case, a state in which the player character quickly changes direction to each opponent character is displayed.
In addition to this, a method of sequentially changing the orientation of the player character may be applied to display the manner in which the player character changes the orientation.

For example, two opponent characters at both ends may be specified, and the player character may be controlled so as to change the direction between them (direction) at a constant speed.
As an example, first, as shown in FIG. 10A, the range R between the leftmost opponent character Ac1 and the rightmost opponent character Ac3 is specified. Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, each azimuth obtained by equally dividing the angle formed by the range R into a predetermined number is specified, and the position information is changed so that the player character sequentially changes the direction toward each azimuth. Update sequentially. In this case, the reciprocating movement within the range R is repeated.

Furthermore, the movement amount of the own character that goes back and forth may be displayed, for example, so that the movement in the direction of the own character is attenuated by decreasing the amount of movement as time elapses.
As an example, first, the range in which the player character Jc changes direction at a constant speed within the range R1 as shown in FIG. 11A and then the range shown in FIG. 11B is narrowed. The direction is changed within the range of R2. Further, the direction is changed within the range R3, which is narrower as shown in FIG. 11C, so that the movement of the direction of the player character is attenuated. Finally, the movement of the direction of the player character may be stopped.
In this case, the movement of the direction of the player character can be naturally stopped before a predetermined time elapses after the message is transmitted.

  In the above embodiment, a case where a message is sent to a character operated by another player has been described, but a case where a message is sent to an NPC (non-player character / non-playable character) autonomously moving in a virtual space, etc. The same applies.

  As described above, according to the present invention, conversation between characters can be expressed more naturally while improving operability.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the visual chat apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the information managed in a character position management part. (A), (b) is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the direction of a self-character is changed. It is a figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of chat. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the chat process (transmission side, reception side) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is a figure for demonstrating the game screen which changes direction of the own character. (A)-(d) is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the direction of the own character is changed in order when a several other party character is designated. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the chat process (transmission side, reception side) which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. (A) is a figure for demonstrating the range which changes direction, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a range is equally divided. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating a mode that a range is narrowed. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the subject in the conventional game device.

Explanation of symbols

100 game machine 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Keyboard 106 Controller 107 External Memory 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 Image Processing Unit 110 Audio Processing Unit 111 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Visual chat apparatus 210 Communication part 220 Operation part 230 Message acquisition part 240 Object memory | storage part 250 Character position management part 260 Posture update part 270 Image generation part

Claims (7)

A game device in which a player character operated by a player and a character operated by another player are arranged in a common virtual space, and conversation between the characters is performed by communication between the devices,
A storage unit for storing position information including postures of the own character and other characters in the virtual space;
An operation unit for receiving a message input from a player and accompanied by designation of a partner character to be a conversation partner;
A posture update unit that updates position information including the posture of the player character based on the positional relationship between the specified opponent character and the player character.
A transmitting unit that transmits the updated position information of the player character and the received message to another game device;
A receiving unit for receiving a message transmitted from another game device;
An image generation unit that generates a display image including the self-character and the message,
When the opponent character is in conversation according to the message received by the receiver, the transmitter transmits only the updated position information of the own character first, and transmits the received message after the conversation ends.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1,
The receiving unit further receives the position information of the opponent character transmitted from another game device,
The image generation unit generates a display image including the opponent character whose posture has been updated according to the position information received by the reception unit, and the received message.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The posture update unit
An azimuth calculating unit that calculates the azimuth of the opponent character in the virtual space based on the own character;
A gaze direction moving unit that moves the gaze direction of the player character toward the calculated direction,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The operation unit accepts a message with multiple designations of opponent characters,
The posture update unit
An azimuth calculating unit that calculates the azimuth of each opponent character in the virtual space with reference to the own character,
A gaze direction moving unit that sequentially moves the gaze direction of the player character toward each calculated direction.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 4,
When the gaze direction moving unit sequentially moves the gaze direction toward each calculated azimuth, the movement amount gradually decreases with time.
A game device characterized by that. A character player character and other player operates are disposed in a common virtual space operated by a player, a conversation between the character by communicating with other game devices in the character control method in the row Uge over beam device And
The game device includes a storage unit that stores position information including postures of the player character and the other character in a virtual space, an operation unit, a calculation unit, a communication unit, and an image processing unit. And
A receiving step in which the communication unit receives a message transmitted from the other game device;
The operation unit, the message with the designation of the opponent character to be a meeting talking about the other party, and the steps of: receiving from the player,
A message transmission step in which the communication unit transmits the received message to the other game device;
A posture updating step in which the arithmetic unit updates position information including the posture of the self-character stored in the storage unit based on a positional relationship with the opponent character serving as the conversation partner ;
The communication unit, a position information transmitting step transmits the position information of the player character that the update to the other game device,
Wherein the image processing unit, and an image generating step of generating a display image including a message which the said received with its own character,
In the message transmission step, it is determined according to the received message whether the counterpart character of the accepted message is in conversation with the other character, and when it is determined that the message is not in conversation, sends an accepted message, does not transmit if it is judged that a conversation is transmitted after a conversation ends,
A character control method characterized by the above . A program for causing a computer to perform a process in which a player character and a character operated by another player are arranged in a common virtual space and a conversation is performed between the characters through communication with another game device .
The computer includes a storage unit that position information including the position in the virtual space of the player character and other characters Ru stored,
The computer
An operation unit for receiving a message input from a player and accompanied by designation of a partner character to be a conversation partner;
A posture updating unit that updates position information including the posture of the player character based on the positional relationship between the specified opponent character and the player character.
A transmitting unit for transmitting the updated position information of the player character and the received message to another game device;
A receiving unit for receiving a message transmitted from another game device;
Function as an image generation unit that generates a display image including the self-character and the message,
When the opponent character is in conversation according to the message received by the receiver, the transmitter transmits only the updated position information of the own character first, and transmits the received message after the conversation ends.
A program characterized by functioning as follows.

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