JP5200158B1 - GAME DEVICE, CONTROL DEVICE, GAME CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game device capable of allowing a user to change a visual line direction of a viewpoint largely and relatively easily while ensuring intuitive operability.
A motion detection unit 16 detects a motion of a game apparatus 10. The first gaze direction control unit 52 updates the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 16. The second visual line direction control unit 54 sets the visual line direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation regarding the operation member is performed.
[Selection] Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a control device, a game control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art A portable game device having a sensor (for example, a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor) for detecting the movement of the game device is known. In a game executed on such a game device, the visual line direction of the viewpoint set in the virtual space may be changed based on the detection result of the sensor. For example, the tilt of the game device may be determined based on the detection result of the sensor, and the viewing direction of the viewpoint may be changed based on the tilt of the game device. In such a game, the user can change the viewing direction of the viewpoint by an intuitive operation of tilting the game device.

JP 2011-108256 A

  However, in the game as described above, when the user wants to greatly change the viewing direction of the viewpoint, the user has to tilt the game apparatus greatly, and the user thinks that the operation for greatly changing the viewing direction of the viewpoint is complicated. I could feel it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to enable the user to change the viewing direction of the viewpoint greatly in a relatively simple manner while ensuring intuitive operability. A game device, a control device, a game control method, and a program are provided.

  In order to solve the above problems, a game device according to the present invention includes an operation member and a display unit, and displays a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint on the display unit. When a predetermined operation relating to the operation member is performed, a motion detection unit that detects a motion, a first gaze direction control unit that updates a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit, and And second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction.

  In addition, the control device according to the present invention detects movement of the game device in the control device capable of communicating with the game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from the viewpoint. A predetermined operation related to the operation member; a first acquisition unit that obtains a detection result of the motion detection unit; a first gaze direction control unit that updates a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection unit; And a second visual line direction control means for setting the visual line direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction.

  In addition, the game control method according to the present invention provides a game for displaying the game screen on the display means of a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from the viewpoint. In the control method, a step of obtaining a detection result of a motion detection unit that detects a movement of the game device, and a first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection unit And a second gaze direction control step of setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed.

  The program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer including an operation member to function as a game device that causes a display unit to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint, and detects the movement of the game device. A predetermined operation relating to a means for obtaining a detection result of the motion detection means, a first gaze direction control means for updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means, and the operation member is performed. A program for causing the computer to function as second line-of-sight direction control means for setting the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to enable a user to change the gaze direction of a viewpoint largely comparatively easily, ensuring intuitive operability.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the game device executes a game in which an operation target of a user moves in the virtual space, and stores basic direction information indicating a basic direction in association with an area in the virtual space. The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from the basic direction indicated by the basic direction information associated with the area where the user's operation target is located is a predetermined angle. May be.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus includes means for storing information related to a plurality of basic line-of-sight directions, and the predetermined direction is the line of sight of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed among the plurality of basic line-of-sight directions. The basic line-of-sight direction may be the closest to the direction in which the angle difference between the directions is a predetermined angle.

  In the aspect of the invention, the predetermined direction may be a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the user operates an operation target selected from a plurality of operation target candidates, and the game device associates each of the plurality of operation target candidates with an angle indicating an angle. Means for storing information, and the predetermined angle may be an angle indicated by the angle information associated with an operation target candidate selected as an operation target of the user.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for storing angle information indicating an angle in association with a parameter condition related to a parameter to be operated by the user, wherein the predetermined angle satisfies the parameter to be operated by the user. An angle indicated by the angle information associated with the parameter condition may be used.

  In the aspect of the invention, the predetermined direction may be a fixed direction in the virtual space.

  In the aspect of the invention, the viewing angle of the viewpoint may be set to be larger than an angle difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint and the predetermined direction at the time when the predetermined operation is performed. .

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for determining whether or not a predetermined object is present in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction. When the predetermined object is not present in the visual field of the viewpoint when the visual line direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction, the visual line direction control unit is configured to detect the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed. Means for setting, as the visual line direction of the viewpoint, a direction in which the angular difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is larger than the angular difference with the predetermined direction. It may be included.

  In the aspect of the invention, the motion detection unit may include at least one of an acceleration detection unit that detects an acceleration generated in the game device and an angular velocity detection unit that detects an angular velocity generated in the game device. .

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the game device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the game device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the game device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of virtual space. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the relationship between a user character and a viewpoint. It is a figure which shows an example of a game screen. It is a figure for demonstrating operation for changing the front direction of a user character, and the gaze direction of a viewpoint. It is a figure for demonstrating operation for changing the front direction of a user character, and the gaze direction of a viewpoint. It is a figure for demonstrating operation for changing the front direction of a user character, and the gaze direction of a viewpoint greatly. It is a figure for demonstrating operation for changing the front direction of a user character, and the gaze direction of a viewpoint greatly. It is a functional block diagram of the game device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process performed with a game device. It is a figure for demonstrating a basic direction. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of basic direction data. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of control of a user character and a viewpoint in case a user character moves to the following area | region from a certain area | region. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of control of a user character and a viewpoint. It is a figure which shows an example of basic gaze direction data. It is a figure which shows an example of angle data. It is a figure which shows another example of angle data.

  Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by, for example, a portable game machine, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable information terminal, a tablet computer, or the like. Here, a case where the game device according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by a portable game machine will be described.

  [First Embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 and 2 are views showing an example of the appearance of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the game apparatus 10 is viewed from the front front. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 10 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 22. The first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are coupled via a hinge portion 24.

  The first housing 20 includes a first display unit 18 </ b> A and an audio output unit 19. On the other hand, the second housing 22 includes direction buttons 15C and buttons 15A, 15B, 15X, and 15Y. The direction button 15C is used for a direction instruction operation, for example. The buttons 15A, 15B, 15X, and 15Y are used for various operations. The second housing 22 includes a second display unit 18B and a touch panel 15T overlaid on the second display unit 18B. The touch panel 15T is used, for example, for designating a position in the screen displayed on the second display unit 18B.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the game apparatus 10 in a folded state (a state in which the surface of the first housing 20 and the surface of the second housing 22 are combined). As illustrated in FIG. 2, buttons 15 </ b> L and 15 </ b> R are provided on the left and right sides of the rear side surface of the second housing 22, respectively. In addition, a memory card slot portion 13 into which a game memory card as an information storage medium can be mounted is provided in the center of the rear side surface of the second housing 22.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the game device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the game apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a memory card slot unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, a motion detection unit 16, and an output unit 17.

  The control unit 11 includes, for example, one or a plurality of microprocessors. The control unit 11 executes processing according to an operating system or other program stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 includes a main memory and a nonvolatile memory. In the main memory, programs and data read from the nonvolatile memory and data necessary when the control unit 11 executes processing are written. A program executed by the control unit 11 is stored in the nonvolatile memory.

  The memory card slot 13 is for reading out programs and data stored in the game memory card. Programs and data read from the game memory card are stored in the storage unit 12. Note that the game apparatus 10 may include an optical disc drive unit. The optical disk drive unit is for reading programs and data recorded on an optical disk (information storage medium). The program and data read from the optical disc may be stored in the storage unit 12.

  The communication unit 14 executes data communication according to an instruction from the control unit 11. The program and data may be downloaded from the server device to the game device 10 via a communication network such as the Internet and stored in the storage unit 12.

  The operation unit 15 is used by a user to perform an operation, and the operation unit 15 includes a plurality of operation members. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 includes a direction button 15C, buttons 15A, 15B, 15X, and 15Y, and a touch panel 15T. The operation unit 15 may include other operation members such as a stick (lever).

  Information indicating the operation state of each operation member is supplied to the control unit 11 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 seconds). The control unit 11 determines the operation state of each operation member based on this information.

  The motion detection unit 16 includes one or a plurality of sensors for detecting the motion of the game apparatus 10. For example, the motion detection unit 16 includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

  The acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of the game apparatus 10. For example, an acceleration generated in the game apparatus 10 due to an operation of a user having the game apparatus 10 is detected by an acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor detects accelerations in three axial directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction) orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the second housing 22 of the game apparatus 10 has a substantially rectangular shape. For example, the X axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the second housing 22, and the Z axis is the second housing. This corresponds to 22 short directions. The Y axis corresponds to the normal direction of the second housing 22.

  The gyro sensor detects the angular velocity of the game apparatus 10. For example, an angular velocity generated in the game apparatus 10 due to an operation of a user having the game apparatus 10 is detected by a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor detects angular velocities of three axes (X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) orthogonal to each other. That is, the gyro sensor detects the amount of rotation per unit time when the game apparatus 10 rotates about the X axis as a rotation axis. Similarly, the gyro sensor detects the amount of rotation per unit time when the game apparatus 10 rotates about the Y axis as a rotation axis. Further, the gyro sensor detects a rotation amount per unit time when the game apparatus 10 rotates about the Z axis as a rotation axis.

  Information indicating the detection result of the acceleration sensor and / or gyro sensor is supplied to the control unit 11 every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 second). The control unit 11 determines the attitude (tilt) of the game apparatus 10 based on this information.

  For example, the control unit 11 determines the attitude (tilt) of the game apparatus 10 based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor. For example, the control unit 11 determines the attitude (tilt) of the game apparatus 10 based on how the gravitational acceleration is detected as acceleration in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

  Further, for example, the control unit 11 determines the attitude (tilt) of the game apparatus 10 based on the detection result of the gyro sensor. For example, the control unit 11 determines how much the game apparatus 10 has rotated about each axis as a rotation axis by integrating the angular velocity of each axis detected by the gyro sensor.

  The output unit 17 includes a display unit 18 and an audio output unit 19. The display unit 18 displays a screen according to instructions from the control unit 11. In the present embodiment, the display unit 18 includes a first display unit 18A and a second display unit 18B. The sound output unit 19 outputs sound according to an instruction from the control unit 11.

  Various games are executed on the game apparatus 10. For example, a game in which a user's operation target moves in a virtual space is executed. Below, the case where the game in which the user character which acts according to a user's operation defeats an enemy character is performed is demonstrated.

  In the game apparatus 10, a virtual space is constructed in the main memory in order to generate a game screen for the game as described above. FIG. 4 shows an example of the virtual space. A virtual space 30 shown in FIG. 4 is a virtual three-dimensional space in which three coordinate axes (Xw axis, Yw axis, and Zw axis) orthogonal to each other are set.

  In the virtual space 30 shown in FIG. 4, a floor object (hereinafter simply referred to as “floor”) 32A indicating a floor, a wall object (hereinafter simply referred to as “wall”) 32B indicating a wall, Is arranged. Furthermore, in the virtual space 30, a user character object (hereinafter simply referred to as “user character”) 34 indicating a user character and an enemy character object (hereinafter simply referred to as “enemy character”) indicating an enemy character are described. 36) are arranged. The user character 34 behaves according to the user's operation. For example, the user character 34 moves according to the user's movement instruction operation. Although omitted in FIG. 4, the user character 34 possesses a weapon (for example, a gun), and attacks the enemy character 36 in accordance with the user's attack instruction operation. The enemy character 36 acts autonomously according to a predetermined algorithm. The enemy character 36 may be operated by another user.

  A viewpoint (virtual camera) is set in the virtual space 30. For example, the viewpoint position 40 is set above and behind the user character 34. Further, the foot position of the user character 34 is set as the gaze position 44 of the viewpoint. That is, the direction from the viewpoint position 40 to the gaze position 44 (the foot position of the user character 34) is set as the viewpoint gaze direction 42.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the relationship between the user character 34 and the viewpoint. As shown in FIG. 5, the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 is set so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34 </ b> F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. The viewpoint moves according to the movement of the user character 34, and the user character 34 and the viewpoint always have a certain positional relationship. As a result, the whole body or a part (for example, the upper body) of the user character 34 is always included in the visual field of view.

  The viewpoint position 40 does not have to be set above the user character 34. For example, the viewpoint position 40 may be set to a position within the head of the user character 34 (for example, an intermediate position between the left eye and the right eye). In this case, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is substantially equal to the front direction of the head of the user character 34, and the visual field of the viewpoint is substantially equal to the visual field of the user character 34.

  A game screen representing the virtual space 30 viewed from the viewpoint is displayed on the display unit 18 (for example, the first display unit 18A). FIG. 6 shows an example of the game screen. As shown in FIG. 6, the visual field image of the viewpoint is displayed on the game screen. The visual field image of the viewpoint is generated using a general three-dimensional computer graphics technique. That is, it is generated by converting the coordinate value of the vertex of the object in the virtual space 30 from the world coordinate system (XwYwZw coordinate system: see FIG. 4) to the screen coordinate system (XsYs coordinate system). As shown in FIG. 6, the screen coordinate system is such that the upper left vertex of the game screen (viewpoint visual field image) is the origin O, the right direction is the Xs-axis positive direction, and the lower direction is the Ys-axis positive direction. Coordinate system.

  In the game apparatus 10, the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 are changed according to the user's operation. Hereinafter, an operation performed by the user to change the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint will be described.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining an example of an operation for changing the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34. FIG. In the game apparatus 10, the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 are changed by tilting the game apparatus 10.

  FIG. 7A shows the second housing 22 as viewed from above. FIG. 7A shows a case where the user pulls the right end of the second housing 22 forward as indicated by an arrow R. In other words, FIG. 7A shows that the user rotates the game apparatus 10 clockwise (clockwise) about the Y-axis direction (the normal direction of the second housing 22) as the rotation axis. Shown when tilted.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of changes in the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34 when the user tilts the game apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7A. FIG. 7B shows the virtual space 30 as viewed from above. Further, in FIG. 7B, the reference “34FA” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 before the change, and the reference “34FB” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 after the change. Reference numeral “40A” indicates the viewpoint position 40 before the change, and reference numeral “40B” indicates the viewpoint position 40 after the change. Similarly, the sign “42A” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint before the change, and the sign “42B” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint after the change.

  When the user tilts the game apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 7A, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes from the direction 34FA to the direction 34FB as shown in FIG. 7B. Here, the direction 34FB is a direction formed by rotating the direction 34FA clockwise (clockwise) by an angle θa. That is, in this case, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes clockwise (clockwise) by the angle θa. The angle θa changes according to the degree of inclination of the game apparatus 10. The angle θa increases as the degree of inclination of the game apparatus 10 increases.

  In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed in accordance with the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 after the change. That is, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed while maintaining the gaze position 44. That is, the viewpoint position 40 is changed to a position 40B obtained by rotating the position 40A clockwise (clockwise) by the angle θ with the gaze position 44 as the center. Further, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is set to the direction from the position 40B to the gaze position 44. In this case, the angle difference between the visual line direction 42 (direction 42A) of the viewpoint before change and the visual line direction 42 (direction 42B) of the viewpoint after change is the angle θa.

  Similar to FIG. 7A, FIG. 8A shows the second housing 22 as viewed from above. FIG. 8A shows a case where the user pulls the left end of the second housing 22 forward as indicated by the arrow L. In other words, FIG. 8A shows that the game device 10 is rotated by the user counterclockwise (counterclockwise) with the Y-axis direction (normal direction of the second housing 22) as the rotation axis. When tilted.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of changes in the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34 when the user tilts the game apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 8A. Similar to FIG. 7B, FIG. 8B shows a state in which the virtual space 30 is viewed from above. Reference sign “34FA” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 before the change, and reference sign “34FB” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 after the change. Reference numeral “40A” indicates the viewpoint position 40 before the change, and reference numeral “40B” indicates the viewpoint position 40 after the change. Similarly, the sign “42A” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint before the change, and the sign “42B” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint after the change.

  When the user tilts the game apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 8A, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes from the direction 34FA to the direction 34FB as shown in FIG. 8B. Here, the direction 34FB is a direction formed by rotating the direction 34FA counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by an angle θa. That is, in this case, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the angle θa. The angle θa changes according to the degree of inclination of the game apparatus 10. The angle θa increases as the degree of inclination of the game apparatus 10 increases.

  In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed in accordance with the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 after the change. That is, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed while maintaining the gaze position 44. That is, the viewpoint position 40 is changed to a position 40B obtained by rotating the position 40A counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the angle θa with the gaze position 44 as the center. Further, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is set to the direction from the position 40B to the gaze position 44. In this case, the angle difference between the visual line direction 42 (direction 42A) of the viewpoint before change and the visual line direction 42 (direction 42B) of the viewpoint after change is the angle θa.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 10, the user can change the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 by an intuitive operation of tilting the game apparatus 10. However, when it is desired to greatly change the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint, in order to increase the amount of change (the angle θa) of the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint, the user The game apparatus 10 must be tilted greatly. In this regard, in the game apparatus 10, the user can change the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint largely easily.

  Specifically, in the game apparatus 10, the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 can be largely changed by pressing the buttons 15 </ b> R and 15 </ b> L. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example of an operation for largely changing the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34. FIG.

  As in FIGS. 7 and 8B, FIGS. 9 and 10 show the virtual space 30 as viewed from above. Reference sign “34FA” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 before the change, and reference sign “34FB” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 after the change. Reference numeral “40A” indicates the viewpoint position 40 before the change, and reference numeral “40B” indicates the viewpoint position 40 after the change. Similarly, the sign “42A” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint before the change, and the sign “42B” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint after the change.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of changes in the front direction 34F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 when the button 15R is pressed. When the button 15R is pressed, as shown in FIG. 9, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes from the direction 34FA to the direction 34FB. Here, the direction 34FB is a direction formed by rotating the direction 34FA clockwise (clockwise) by an angle θb. That is, in this case, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes clockwise (clockwise) by the angle θb. The angle θb is a relatively large constant angle, for example, the angle θb is 90 degrees.

  In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed in accordance with the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 after the change. That is, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. The viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed while the gaze position 44 is maintained. Specifically, the viewpoint position 40 is changed to a position 40B obtained by rotating the position 40A clockwise (clockwise) by an angle θb (90 degrees) with the gaze position 44 as the center. Further, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is set to the direction from the position 40B to the gaze position 44. In this case, the angle difference between the line-of-sight direction 42 (direction 42A) of the viewpoint before the change and the line-of-sight direction 42 (direction 42B) of the viewpoint after the change is an angle θb (90 degrees).

  Note that when the user further presses the button 15R, the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34 change clockwise (clockwise) by an angle θb (90 degrees).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of changes in the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the user character 34 when the button 15L is pressed. When the button 15L is pressed, as shown in FIG. 10, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes from the direction 34FA to the direction 34FB. Here, the direction 34FB is a direction formed by rotating the direction 34FA counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by an angle θb. That is, in this case, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 changes counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the angle θb. As described above, the angle θb is a relatively large constant angle, for example, the angle θb is 90 degrees.

  In this case, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed in accordance with the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 after the change. That is, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. The viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed while the gaze position 44 is maintained. Specifically, the viewpoint position 40 is changed to a position 40B obtained by rotating the position 40A counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by an angle θb (90 degrees) with the gaze position 44 as the center. Further, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is set to the direction from the position 40B to the gaze position 44. In this case, the angle difference between the line-of-sight direction 42 (direction 42A) of the viewpoint before the change and the line-of-sight direction 42 (direction 42B) of the viewpoint after the change is an angle θb (90 degrees).

  Note that when the user further presses the button 15L, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint change further counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by an angle θb (90 degrees).

  According to the game device 10, by providing the above configuration, the user can relatively increase the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 by a relatively simple operation of pressing the buttons 15 </ b> R and 15 </ b> L. The angle θb (90 degrees) can be changed.

  By the way, the viewing angle of the viewpoint is set larger than the amount of change in the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed (the angle θb: 90 degrees). For example, the viewing angle of the viewpoint is set to 120 degrees. By setting the viewing angle of the viewpoint in this way, even when the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint changes significantly, a part of the viewing field before the change is included in the viewing field after the change. become. As a result, it becomes easier for the user to understand how the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint has changed (that is, how the visual field of the viewpoint has changed).

  Here, a configuration for realizing the functions described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the game apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the game apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 15, a motion detection unit 16, a game data storage unit 50, a first gaze direction control unit 52, a second gaze direction control unit 54, and a display control unit 56. including. The operation unit 15 and the motion detection unit 16 are the operation unit 15 and the motion detection unit 16 in FIG. The game data storage unit 50 is realized by, for example, the storage unit 12 and / or a game memory card, and the control unit 11 has a program for the first gaze direction control unit 52, the second gaze direction control unit 54, and the display control unit 56. It is realized by executing. That is, when the control unit 11 executes the program, the control unit 11 functions as the first gaze direction control unit 52, the second gaze direction control unit 54, and the display control unit 56.

  First, the game data storage unit 50 will be described. The game data storage unit 50 stores game data necessary for executing the game.

For example, game situation data indicating the current situation of the game is stored in the game data storage unit 50. Specifically, data as shown below is included in the game situation data.
-State data of the user character 34 (position, front direction, posture, etc.)
・ Status data of enemy character 36 (position, front direction, posture, etc.)
・ Viewpoint state data (position 40, line-of-sight direction 42, viewing angle, etc.)

  The 1st gaze direction control part 52 is demonstrated. The first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 updates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 16 (gyro sensor or / and acceleration sensor). The first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 corresponds to the control of the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint described with reference to FIGS.

  For example, the first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 determines the inclination of the game apparatus 10 based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 16. Then, the first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 updates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint based on the direction and degree of inclination of the game apparatus 10 (see FIGS. 7 and 8B).

  The 2nd gaze direction control part 54 is demonstrated. The second line-of-sight direction control unit 54 performs a viewpoint when a predetermined operation related to a predetermined operation member (that is, a predetermined operation member among the operation members included in the operation unit 15) provided in the game apparatus 10 is performed. Is set to a predetermined direction. The second gaze direction control unit 54 corresponds to the control of the gaze direction 42 of the viewpoint described with reference to FIGS.

  The “predetermined operation member” is, for example, a button, and the “predetermined operation” is, for example, a button pressing operation. In the present embodiment, the buttons 15R and 15L correspond to “predetermined operation members”, and the pressing operation of the buttons 15R and 15L corresponds to “predetermined operation”. The “predetermined operation member” may be an operation member other than a button. For example, the “predetermined operation member” may be a stick, and the “predetermined operation” may be a tilting operation of the stick.

  Further, the “predetermined direction” is a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint when a predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle. In the present embodiment, the angle θb (90 degrees) in FIGS. 9 and 10 corresponds to a “predetermined angle”, and the direction 42B corresponds to a “predetermined direction”.

  The display control unit 56 will be described. The display control unit 56 causes the display unit 18 to display a game screen representing the virtual space 30 viewed from the viewpoint. For example, the display control unit 56 generates a visual field image of the viewpoint on the VRAM. The visual field image generated on the VRAM is displayed on the display unit 18 as a game screen.

  Next, an example of processing executed by the game apparatus 10 in order to realize the above functional block will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart mainly showing processing related to the present invention among processing executed every predetermined time (for example, 1/60 second) in the game apparatus 10. When the control unit 11 executes the processing shown in FIG. 12 according to the program, the control unit 11 functions as the first gaze direction control unit 52, the second gaze direction control unit 54, and the display control unit 56.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 11 first determines whether or not a predetermined button has been pressed (S101). For example, the control unit 11 determines whether any of the buttons 15R and 15L is pressed. When it is determined that the predetermined button has not been pressed, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the game apparatus 10 is tilted based on the detection result of the motion detection unit 16 (S102).

  When it is determined that the game apparatus 10 is tilted, the control unit 11 updates the direction of the user character 34 (S103). For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8B, the control unit 11 changes the front direction 34F of the user character 34 from “the current front direction 34F to the direction corresponding to the direction of the inclination of the game apparatus 10”. The direction is updated to “a direction rotated by an angle θa corresponding to the degree of inclination of the apparatus 10”.

  Further, the control unit 11 updates the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 (S104). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8B, the control unit 11 updates the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 in accordance with the front direction 34F of the user character 34 updated in step S103.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the game apparatus 10 is not tilted, the control unit 11 performs the process of step S107 described later without performing the processes of steps S103 and S104.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the predetermined button has been pressed, the control unit 11 sets the direction of the user character 34 to a predetermined direction (S105). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the control unit 11 changes the front direction 34 </ b> F of the user character 34 to “the angle θb (90 degrees) from the current front direction 34 </ b> F to the direction corresponding to the predetermined button pressed. "Direction of rotation".

  In addition, the control unit 11 updates the viewpoint position 40 and sets the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 to a predetermined direction (S106). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the control unit 11 sets the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 according to the front direction 34 </ b> F of the user character 34 updated in step S <b> 105.

  After the process of step S104 or S106 is executed, the control unit 11 updates the state data of the game character (S107). For example, the control unit 11 updates the position of the user character 34 or updates the posture of the user character 34 so as to perform an attack action according to the user's movement instruction operation or attack instruction operation. In addition, the control unit 11 updates the position of the enemy character 36 or updates the posture of the enemy character 36 so as to perform an attacking action on the user character 34 according to a predetermined algorithm.

  After the process of step S107 is executed, the control unit 11 updates the game screen (S108). The control unit 11 generates an image representing the virtual space 30 viewed from the viewpoint on the VRAM. Then, the image generated on the VRAM is displayed on the display unit 18 as a game screen. This is the end of the description of the processing illustrated in FIG.

  In the game device 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the user can change the front direction 34F and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint of the user character 34 by an intuitive operation of tilting the game device 10. ing. Further, in the game apparatus 10, the user can change the front direction 34 </ b> F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 by a relatively simple operation of pressing the buttons 15 </ b> R and 15 </ b> L. According to the game apparatus 10, it is possible to allow the user to greatly change the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint relatively easily while ensuring intuitive operability.

  [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The external appearance and hardware configuration of the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 3). Also, in the game device 10 according to the second embodiment, the same game as that in the first embodiment is executed, and the same functional blocks as those in the first embodiment are realized (see FIG. 11).

  In the second embodiment, a basic direction is set for each region of the virtual space 30, and the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint are controlled based on the basic direction. In this respect, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the basic direction set for each region of the virtual space 30. In the example shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of areas 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E are set. A basic direction 62A is set in the area 60A. The basic direction 62A is a basic traveling direction of the user character 34 in the region 60A. Similarly, basic directions 62B, 62C, 62D, and 62E are set in the regions 60B, 60C, 60D, and 60E, respectively. Hereinafter, the regions 60A to 60E may be collectively referred to as “region 60”. Similarly, the basic directions 62A to 62E may be collectively referred to as “basic direction 62”.

  In the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, the basic direction data indicating the basic direction 62 as described above is stored in the storage unit 12. FIG. 14 shows an example of basic direction data. The basic direction data shown in FIG. 14 includes “area ID”, “area information”, and “basic direction information” fields. In the “area ID” field, identification information for uniquely identifying the area 60 is stored. The “region information” field stores information indicating the region 60, that is, information for specifying position coordinates included in the region 60. In the “basic direction information” field, information indicating the basic direction 62 (for example, vector information) is stored.

  In the game device 10 according to the second embodiment, when the user character 34 moves from one region 60 to the next region 60, the deviation between the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the basic direction 62 is maintained. It has become. Similarly, the deviation between the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint and the basic direction 62 is also maintained.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining control of the front direction 34F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 when the user character 34 moves from one area to the next area.

  Here, it is assumed that the user character 34 moves from the region 60B to the region 60C. Here, it is assumed that the front direction 34F of the user character 34 is shifted counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the angle Δθ from the basic direction 62B in the region 60B immediately before moving from the region 60B to the region 60C. As described above, the viewpoint gaze direction 42 is set so that the XwZw plane component of the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component of the viewpoint gaze direction 42 indicate the same direction. In this case, the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 is also deviated by an angle Δθ counterclockwise (counterclockwise) from the basic direction 62B.

  In this case, when the user character 34 moves from the region 60B to the region 60C, the front direction 34F of the user character 34 is shifted in a direction that is shifted counterclockwise (counterclockwise) by the angle Δθ from the basic direction 62C in the region 60C. Set automatically. Further, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is also set in accordance with the front direction 34F of the user character 34 after the change (see FIG. 5). As a result, when the user character 34 moves from the region 60B to the region 60C, the deviation between the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the basic direction 62B is maintained. Similarly, the deviation between the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint and the basic direction 62B is also maintained.

  Also in the game device 10 according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can change the front direction 34F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 by tilting the game device 10. (See FIGS. 7 and 8).

  Also in the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the user can relatively easily set the front direction 34F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 by pressing the buttons 15R and 15L. It can be changed greatly.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of changes in the front direction 34F and the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 when the button 15R is pressed. As in FIGS. 9 and 10, the symbol “34FA” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 before the change, and the symbol “34FB” indicates the front direction 34F of the user character 34 after the change. Reference numeral “40A” indicates the viewpoint position 40 before the change, and reference numeral “40B” indicates the viewpoint position 40 after the change. Similarly, the sign “42A” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint before the change, and the sign “42B” indicates the line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint after the change.

  In the game device 10 according to the second embodiment, a plurality of basic line-of-sight directions 70 </ b> A to 70 </ b> D are set for each region of the virtual space 30. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 16, the basic line-of-sight direction 70 </ b> A is a direction that matches the basic direction 62. The basic line-of-sight direction 70B is a direction obtained by rotating the basic direction 62 clockwise by 90 degrees (clockwise). The basic line-of-sight direction 70C is a direction obtained by rotating the basic direction 62 clockwise by 180 degrees (clockwise). The basic line-of-sight direction 70D is a direction obtained by rotating the basic direction 62 clockwise by 270 degrees. Hereinafter, the basic line-of-sight directions 70A to 70D may be collectively referred to as “basic line-of-sight direction 70”.

  In the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment, the basic visual line direction data indicating the basic visual line direction 70 as described above is stored in the storage unit 12. FIG. 17 shows an example of basic line-of-sight direction data. The basic line-of-sight direction data shown in FIG. 17 includes “area ID” and “basic line-of-sight direction information” fields. The “area ID” field is the same as in FIG. In the “basic gaze direction information” field, information indicating the basic gaze direction 70 (for example, vector information) is stored.

  In the case of the example shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of basic line-of-sight directions 70A to 70D are set based on the basic direction 62. Therefore, a plurality of basic line-of-sight directions 70A to 70D are based on the basic direction data shown in FIG. May be obtained. In this case, the basic gaze direction data shown in FIG. 17 may be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, when the button 15R is pressed, the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 is changed to one of a plurality of basic line-of-sight directions 70A to 70D. Specifically, a direction 34FC obtained by rotating the front direction 34F (direction 34FA) of the user character 34 clockwise (clockwise) by an angle θb (90 degrees) when the button 15R is pressed is acquired. Next, among the basic line-of-sight directions 70A to 70D, the basic line-of-sight direction 70 having the smallest angle difference from the direction 34FC is determined, and the basic line-of-sight direction 70 is set as the front direction 34F of the user character 34. . In the example shown in FIG. 16, since the basic visual line direction 70 having the smallest angle difference from the direction 34FC is the basic visual line direction 70B, the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 is changed to the basic visual line direction 70B. Is set.

  In addition, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are set in accordance with the front direction 34F (direction 34FB) of the user character 34 after the change. The camera position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are changed while maintaining the gaze position 44. Specifically, the viewpoint position 40 and the line-of-sight direction 42 are set so that the XwZw plane component in the front direction 34F of the user character 34 and the XwZw plane component in the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 indicate the same direction. As a result, the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 is set so that the XwZw plane component of the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 and the basic line-of-sight direction 70B indicate the same direction. In this case, the angle difference between the direction 40C from the position 40C obtained by rotating the position 40A clockwise (clockwise) by the angle θb (90 degrees) about the gaze position 44 and the direction 42C from the gaze position 44 is the basic gaze direction. The smallest basic visual line direction 70B among 70A to 70D is set as the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint.

  Although the case where the button 15R is pressed has been described with reference to FIG. 16, the front direction 34F, the viewpoint position 40, and the line-of-sight direction 42 of the user character 34 are set in the same manner when the button 15L is pressed. Become.

  In the game apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment described above, the direction suitable for the region 60 of the virtual space 30 in which the user character 34 is located as the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed. Will be set. For example, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed is set in consideration of the basic traveling direction of the user character 34 in the region 60 of the virtual space 30.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, four directions are set as the basic line-of-sight directions 70, but more than four directions or less than four directions are set as the basic line-of-sight directions 70. It may be set. For example, eight directions may be set as the basic viewing direction 70. That is, a different direction every 45 degrees may be set as the basic line-of-sight direction 70. For example, three directions may be set as the basic line-of-sight direction 70. That is, a different direction every 120 degrees may be set as the basic line-of-sight direction 70.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the basic line-of-sight direction 70 is set based on the basic direction 62, but the basic line-of-sight direction 70 may be set regardless of the basic direction 62. .

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the basic line-of-sight direction 70 has been described as being set for each area 60 of the virtual space 30, but the same basic line-of-sight direction 70 is set in any area 60 of the virtual space 30. You may do it. For example, a fixed direction in the virtual space 30 such as the Xw-axis positive direction, the Xw-axis negative direction, the Zw-axis positive direction, and the Zw-axis negative direction may be set as the basic line-of-sight direction 70.

  The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above.

  [1] In the first and second embodiments described above, the angle θb in FIGS. 9, 10, and 16 has been described as being constant (90 degrees), but the angle θb may not be constant. .

  [1-1] For example, when the user can select the user character 34 (operation target) from among a plurality of game characters (a plurality of operation target candidates), the user character 34 is selected. The angle θb may be different depending on the game character.

  In this case, for example, angle data as shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the storage unit 12. In the angle data shown in FIG. 18, the angle θb is associated with each of a plurality of game characters. In FIG. 18, “θ1”, “θ2”, and “θ3” each indicate a predetermined angle. According to the angle data shown in FIG. 18, for example, when the game character 1 is selected as the user character 34, the angle θb is set to the angle θ1.

  In this way, it is possible to change the way of changing the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint (that is, the way of changing the visual field of the viewpoint) depending on the game character selected as the user character 34.

  [1-2] Further, for example, the angle θb may be different depending on a parameter relating to the ability of the user character 34 (for example, a parameter indicating the width of the field of view).

  In this case, for example, angle data as shown in FIG. 19 is stored in the storage unit 12. In the angle data shown in FIG. 19, the angle θb is associated with the capability parameter range. In FIG. 19, “P1” and “P2” each indicate a predetermined value. Similarly to FIG. 18, “θ1”, “θ2”, and “θ3” each indicate a predetermined angle.

  In this case, an angle associated with the range to which the value (p) of the ability parameter of the user character 34 belongs is used as the angle θb. For example, when the ability parameter value (p) of the user character 34 satisfies “P1 ≦ p <P2”, the angle θb is set to the angle θ2.

  In this way, the way of changing the viewing direction 42 of the viewpoint (that is, the way of changing the visual field of the viewpoint) can be changed according to the parameter value of the user character 34.

  [2] When the viewpoint line-of-sight direction 42 is set to a predetermined direction by the second line-of-sight direction control unit 54, the viewpoint field of view includes only the floor 32A and the wall 32B and does not include the enemy character 36. Only the floor 32A and the wall 32B are displayed on the game screen. Such a state does not make much sense to the user. For this reason, you may make it demonstrate below.

  The game apparatus 10 determines whether or not a predetermined object exists in the visual field of the viewpoint when the visual line direction 42 of the visual point is set to the predetermined direction by the second visual line direction control unit 54. Here, the “predetermined object” is an object that is highly important for the user (in other words, an object that is highly necessary for the user to be displayed on the game screen). In the case of the virtual space 30 shown in FIG. 4, the enemy character 36 corresponds to a “predetermined object”.

  If the predetermined object does not exist in the visual field of the viewpoint when the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction, the second visual line direction control unit 54 determines the viewpoint at the time when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed. A direction in which the angle difference between the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed is larger than the angular difference between the visual line direction 42 and the predetermined direction is a visual line direction 42 of the visual point. Set as. For example, the second gaze direction control unit 54 increases the angle θb from the initial value (90 degrees) by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees or 90 degrees) until the enemy character 36 is included in the visual field of the viewpoint. I will do it. Then, the second line-of-sight direction control unit 54 sets the line-of-sight direction 42 when the enemy character 36 is included in the visual field of the viewpoint as the visual line-of-sight direction 42 of the viewpoint.

  In this way, it is ensured that the enemy character 36 is displayed on the game screen when the buttons 15R and 15L are pressed.

  [3] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the viewpoint is set above the back of the user character 34, but the viewpoint is a position in the head of the user character 34 ( For example, it may be set to an intermediate position between the left eye and the right eye. In this case, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint is substantially equal to the front direction 34F of the user character 34, and the visual field of the viewpoint is substantially equal to the visual field of the user character 34. For this reason, in FIG. 7B, FIG. 8B, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 16, the visual line direction 42 of the viewpoint changes in the same manner as the front direction 34F of the user character 34.

  [4] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an example in which the line-of-sight direction 42 is changed in the X-axis direction with respect to the virtual space 30 has been described, but the line-of-sight direction 42 is changed to the virtual space 30. On the other hand, you may make it change to a different axial direction (for example, Y-axis direction). That is, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the gaze direction control is performed such that the gaze direction 42 is changed to the left and right, but the gaze direction control is performed such that the gaze direction 42 is changed up and down. It may be made.

  [5] For example, the present invention can also be applied to a game system including a game device 10 and a control device (for example, a server device) that can communicate with the game device 10. For example, in this game system, operation information related to an operation performed by the user using the operation unit 15 and detection result information related to a detection result of the motion detection unit 16 are transmitted from the game device 10 to the control device. In the control device, data used for updating the game screen displayed on the display unit 18 of the game device 10 (for example, game screen data or game situation data) is received from the operation information received from the game device 10 and / or Alternatively, it is generated based on the detection result information, and the data is transmitted to the game apparatus 10. In the game apparatus 10, the game screen is displayed on the display unit 18 based on the above data received from the control apparatus.

  In this case, the first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 and the second line-of-sight direction control unit 54 may be realized in the control device. That is, the control unit of the control device (for example, the server device) may execute the program so that the control unit functions as the first gaze direction control unit 52 and the second gaze direction control unit 54. In this case, game screen data generated based on the gaze direction updated by the first gaze direction control unit 52 or the second gaze direction control unit 54 is transmitted from the control device to the game device 10. May be. Alternatively, data (game situation data) indicating the line-of-sight direction updated by the first line-of-sight direction control unit 52 or the second line-of-sight direction control unit 54 is transmitted from the control device to the game apparatus 10, and Based on this, a game screen may be generated in the game apparatus 10. In this case, the data necessary for the gaze direction control of the first gaze direction control unit 52 or the second gaze direction control unit 54 is stored in the storage unit of the control device or the storage device accessible from the control device. Just remember it.

  [6] Although the case where the present invention is applied to a game in which the user character 34 defeats the enemy character 36 has been mainly described above, the present invention can also be applied to a game other than such a game. The present invention can be applied to a game in which a game screen representing the virtual space 30 viewed from the viewpoint is displayed.

  10 game devices, 11 control unit, 12 storage unit, 13 memory card slot unit, 14 communication unit, 15 operation unit, 15C direction button, 15A, 15B, 15X, 15Y, 15L, 15R button, 15T touch panel, 16 motion detection unit , 17 output unit, 18 display unit, 18A first display unit, 18B second display unit, 19 audio output unit, 20 first housing, 22 second housing, 24 hinge, 30 virtual space, 32A floor object, 32B Wall object, 34 user character object, 36 enemy character object, 40 viewpoint position, 42 gaze direction, 44 gaze position, 50 game data storage unit, 52 first gaze direction control unit, 54 second gaze direction control unit, 56 Display control unit, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E area, 62A 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E basic direction, 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D basic viewing direction.

Claims (24)

And a manipulation member and a display means, a game screen representing the virtual space seen from the viewpoint is displayed on the display means, and, in the game device to run a game in which an operation target of the user moves in the virtual space,
Means for storing basic direction information indicating a basic direction in association with an area in the virtual space;
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Only including,
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from a basic direction indicated by the basic direction information associated with an area where the operation target of the user is located is a predetermined angle.
A game device characterized by that. In a game device that includes an operation member and display means, and causes the display means to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for storing information relating to a plurality of basic gaze directions ;
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a basic line-of-sight direction that is closest to a direction in which an angle difference from the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle among the plurality of basic line-of-sight directions. is there,
A game device characterized by that. In a game device that includes an operation member and display means, and causes the display means to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle .
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The user operates an operation target selected from a plurality of operation target candidates,
The game device includes means for storing angle information indicating an angle in association with each of the plurality of operation target candidates.
The predetermined angle is an angle indicated by the angle information associated with the operation target candidate selected as the operation target of the user.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Means for storing angle information indicating an angle in association with a parameter condition related to a parameter to be operated by the user;
The predetermined angle is an angle indicated by the angle information associated with a parameter condition that satisfies the parameter to be operated by the user.
A game device characterized by that. In a game device that includes an operation member and display means, and causes the display means to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The viewing angle of the viewpoint is set to be larger than an angle difference between the viewing direction of the viewpoint and the predetermined direction at the time when the predetermined operation is performed .
A game device characterized by that. In a game device that includes an operation member and display means, and causes the display means to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Movement detecting means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Means for determining whether or not a predetermined object exists in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction ;
Including
The second line-of-sight direction control means, when the predetermined object does not exist in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction, the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed A direction in which an angle difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is larger than an angular difference between the visual line direction of the visual point and the predetermined direction as the visual line direction of the visual point Including means for setting,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 6 or 7,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction is a fixed direction in the virtual space. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The motion detection means includes
Acceleration detecting means for detecting acceleration generated in the game device;
Including at least one of angular velocity detecting means for detecting angular velocity generated in the game device,
A game device characterized by that. A game device that includes an operation member and a display unit that displays a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint , and a game device that executes a game in which a user's operation target moves in the virtual space ; In a control device capable of communication,
Means for acquiring storage contents of means for storing basic direction information indicating a basic direction in association with an area in the virtual space;
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Only including,
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from a basic direction indicated by the basic direction information associated with an area where the operation target of the user is located is a predetermined angle.
A control device characterized by that. A game device including an operation member and display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint , and a game device that executes a game in which an operation target of a user moves in the virtual space In the game control method for displaying the game screen on the display means,
Associating with a region in the virtual space, acquiring storage content of a means for storing basic direction information indicating a basic direction;
Obtaining a detection result of a motion detection means for detecting a motion of the game device;
A first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit;
A second gaze direction control step for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Only including,
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from a basic direction indicated by the basic direction information associated with an area where the operation target of the user is located is a predetermined angle.
A game control method characterized by the above. A game apparatus is displayed on the display means a game screen representing the virtual space viewed from the view point, and as a game device for executing a game in which an operation target of the user moves in the virtual space, the computer including an operation member In the program to make
Means for acquiring storage contents of means for storing basic direction information indicating a basic direction in association with an area in the virtual space;
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means; and
A second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
It makes the computer function as,
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from a basic direction indicated by the basic direction information associated with an area where the operation target of the user is located is a predetermined angle.
A program characterized by that . In a control device capable of communicating with a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for acquiring stored contents of means for storing information on a plurality of basic gaze directions;
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a basic line-of-sight direction that is closest to a direction in which an angle difference from the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle among the plurality of basic line-of-sight directions. is there,
A control device characterized by that. In a game control method for displaying the game screen on the display means of a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Obtaining stored contents of means for storing information on a plurality of basic gaze directions;
Obtaining a detection result of a motion detection means for detecting a motion of the game device;
A first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit;
A second gaze direction control step for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a basic line-of-sight direction that is closest to a direction in which an angle difference from the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle among the plurality of basic line-of-sight directions. is there,
A game control method characterized by the above. In a program for causing a computer including an operation member to function as a game device that causes a display unit to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for acquiring stored contents of means for storing information relating to a plurality of basic gaze directions;
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means; and
A second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Function the computer as
The predetermined direction is a basic line-of-sight direction that is closest to a direction in which an angle difference from the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle among the plurality of basic line-of-sight directions. is there,
A program characterized by that. In a control device capable of communicating with a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle.
A control device characterized by that. In a game control method for displaying the game screen on the display means of a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Obtaining a detection result of a motion detection means for detecting a motion of the game device;
A first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit;
A second gaze direction control step for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle.
A game control method characterized by the above. In a program for causing a computer including an operation member to function as a game device that causes a display unit to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means; and
A second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Function the computer as
The predetermined direction is a direction in which an angle difference from the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is a predetermined angle.
A program characterized by that. In a control device capable of communicating with a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The viewing angle of the viewpoint is set to be larger than an angle difference between the viewing direction of the viewpoint and the predetermined direction at the time when the predetermined operation is performed.
A control device characterized by that. In a game control method for displaying the game screen on the display means of a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Obtaining a detection result of a motion detection means for detecting a motion of the game device;
A first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit;
A second gaze direction control step for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Including
The viewing angle of the viewpoint is set to be larger than an angle difference between the viewing direction of the viewpoint and the predetermined direction at the time when the predetermined operation is performed.
A game control method characterized by the above. In a program for causing a computer including an operation member to function as a game device that causes a display unit to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means; and
A second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Function the computer as
The viewing angle of the viewpoint is set to be larger than an angle difference between the viewing direction of the viewpoint and the predetermined direction at the time when the predetermined operation is performed.
A program characterized by that. In a control device capable of communicating with a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
Second gaze direction control means for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Means for determining whether or not a predetermined object exists in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction;
Including
The second line-of-sight direction control means, when the predetermined object does not exist in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction, the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed A direction in which an angle difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is larger than an angular difference between the visual line direction of the visual point and the predetermined direction as the visual line direction of the visual point Including means for setting,
A control device characterized by that. In a game control method for displaying the game screen on the display means of a game device including an operation member and a display means for displaying a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Obtaining a detection result of a motion detection means for detecting a motion of the game device;
A first gaze direction control step of updating a gaze direction of the viewpoint based on a detection result of the motion detection unit;
A second gaze direction control step for setting the gaze direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation related to the operation member is performed;
Determining whether a predetermined object exists in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction;
Including
In the second visual line direction control step, when the predetermined object does not exist in the visual field of the visual point when the visual line direction of the visual point is set to the predetermined direction, the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed A direction in which an angle difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is larger than an angular difference between the visual line direction of the visual point and the predetermined direction as the visual line direction of the visual point Including steps to set,
A game control method characterized by the above. In a program for causing a computer including an operation member to function as a game device that causes a display unit to display a game screen representing a virtual space viewed from a viewpoint,
Means for obtaining a detection result of a movement detection means for detecting movement of the game device;
First gaze direction control means for updating the gaze direction of the viewpoint based on the detection result of the motion detection means;
A second visual line direction control means for setting the visual line direction of the viewpoint to a predetermined direction when a predetermined operation relating to the operation member is performed; and
Means for determining whether or not a predetermined object exists in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction;
Function the computer as
The second line-of-sight direction control means, when the predetermined object does not exist in the visual field of the viewpoint when the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint is set to the predetermined direction, the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed A direction in which an angle difference between the visual line direction of the viewpoint at the time when the predetermined operation is performed is larger than an angular difference between the visual line direction of the visual point and the predetermined direction as the visual line direction of the visual point Including means for setting,
A program characterized by that.

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