JP2001265704A - Control method for virtual activity - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly perform the virtual activity of a relevant participant when a terminal computer is connected to a central computer again even after the virtual activity processes or stops in the central computer while the virtual activity is separately performed in the state of temporarily disconnecting the terminal computer from the central computer. SOLUTION: Among terminal computers 21, 22 and 23 connected through a communication network 11 to a central computer 10, the terminal computer 21 is temporarily disconnected from the communication network 11. In this case, a virtual space/virtual time concerning the virtual activity cooperatively performed before is applied to a storage device 21d and the terminal computer 21 performs the virtual activity separately from the central computer 10. The local condition of the virtual space provided as a result is integrated into the central condition of the virtual space on the side of the central computer 10 in the case of new connecting to the central computer and the virtual activity to be newly cooperated is continued.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a virtual activity in a virtual world in which a virtual space and a virtual time are set. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling virtual activities performed by connecting a terminal computer operated by a participant to a virtual world to a central computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a multiplayer game in which a plurality of participants play a virtual activity in a common virtual world, for example, a game. This virtual world is obtained by the central computer executing a predetermined program, and the participants connect each terminal computer, for example, a game machine or a personal computer to the central computer, and operate this terminal computer to operate the terminal computer. Perform virtual activities. For example, a server on a network functions as the central computer.

In such a multiplayer game, virtual time elapses in a virtual world, and in many cases, virtual activities of participants have a relationship (referred to as “cooperation” in this specification). I have.

For example, in a role playing game, a virtual space called a dungeon or a field is set in a virtual world, and one virtual character is operated by at least one participant. A plurality of virtual characters operated by a plurality of participants perform virtual activities such as interacting with each other, fighting, or collecting items according to the passage of virtual time. Then, the virtual character increases or decreases the experience value of the possessed item, the battle or the action by the virtual activity. In this specification, the situation of such a virtual character will be described as being treated as a virtual space.

[0005] In a simulation game accompanied by role playing, a virtual space simulating an actual situation, which is commonly called a field or a map in a virtual world, is set. Participants often command virtual reality (events) that simulate politics or combat as virtual time elapses, dressed as a person who is often thought to exist in reality, for example, a Sengoku daimyo. Perform virtual activities that issue various possible commands. The virtual activity simulates, for example, battle, expansion of territory, and the like. In the present specification, such a simulated battle or territory, that is, a situation regarding a virtual battle or a virtual territory is also treated and described as a virtual space.

In these multiplayer games, of course, each terminal computer is connected to a central computer on which a predetermined program for obtaining a virtual world is executed. Without action, the participant cannot control the virtual activity. Therefore, while the terminal computer operated by the user is not connected to the central computer, the participant may delegate the virtual character assigned to him or the virtual activity of the virtual daimyo to the central computer or stop the virtual activity. I was

[0007]

However, if at least one participant is performing a virtual activity, the virtual time elapses, and the virtual activity generated by a virtual event such as a virtual battle updates the virtual space. For example, in a role-playing game, after a first participant and a second participant collaborate on a virtual activity, at some point only the first participant disconnects his terminal computer from the central computer and is assigned to himself. It is assumed that the control of the virtual activity of the virtual character (hereinafter, “first virtual character”) is delegated to the central computer. In this case, the virtual activity of the first virtual character is not always optimally controlled by the central computer. If controlled optimally, the participant who has delegated control of the virtual character to the central computer will always win the game, significantly reducing the game's interest.

[0008] Therefore, the first virtual character may be defeated in the virtual battle by the virtual character assigned to the second participant (hereinafter, “second virtual character”). This is in light of the fact that the first participant has continued to connect his terminal computer to the central computer, increased his own experience in possession of the first virtual character, combat and actions, and exercised control to issue commands. However, this will also reduce the game.
This is the same when the virtual activity is stopped.

[0009] For this reason, the participant basically desires to always connect his terminal computer to the central computer at all times and to continue virtual activities as the virtual time elapses. However, such a permanent connection is not practical. Specifically, a burden is imposed both in terms of time and communication costs.

[0010] Such a problem can also occur in a training game. The virtual activity of the participant performed in the breeding-type game is to virtually breed a virtual character or a virtual pet imitating a pet that is considered to exist in reality. For example, when a plurality of participants cooperate in a virtual world to breed a common virtual pet virtually, a participant who wants to breed in a property intended by himself / herself needs time to connect his terminal computer to a central computer. Longer,
It is necessary to control virtual breeding as desired. Otherwise, it is considered that the virtual pet is likely to be virtually bred to the nature intended by the participant who operates the terminal computer connected to the central computer for a longer time.

Further, when virtual pets are allocated to each participant, and these are individually bred in a virtual manner, the elapse of the virtual time differs individually. Since a single virtual time elapses in a given program executed by the central computer, the virtual activities through these virtual pets cannot be coordinated and cooperated in the virtual world.

This problem also occurs in the field of education in addition to games. For example, a virtual world such as a virtual learning school is set, and all participants connect to the central computer for a certain period of time and perform a virtual activity of taking a virtual course. Although the virtual attendance itself is not performed separately by the participants, it is possible to prepare separately from the virtual learning school. For example, if the work of the entire curriculum has already been given in a data format to each participant's own terminal computer, each participant can solve the work separately from the virtual learning school. In this case, the work is also treated as a virtual activity as long as it is performed on the central computer or the terminal computer.

If this work is set based on a flow in which a virtual time is specified and the work is sequentially advanced,
This virtual time must be passed separately when the participants prepare. For example, in order to solve a work to be set after learning a certain unit, it is necessary to update the virtual time on the assumption that the unit has been learned. If the terminal computer is reconnected to the central computer after performing such an update, the virtual time in the virtual study school and the virtual time for each participant do not match, preventing the curriculum from proceeding smoothly. Will be.

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a participant to a certain virtual world disconnects the terminal computer from the central computer once and performs a virtual activity separately while the central computer is in operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique in which a participant can smoothly perform a virtual activity when the terminal computer is connected to the central computer again even if the virtual activity is progressing or stagnating.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems Claim 1 of the present invention
Is a method for controlling a virtual activity in a virtual world obtained by executing a predetermined program in which a virtual space and a virtual time are set. Then, the first participant performs the virtual activity by operating a first terminal computer that can be connected / disconnected to the central computer that executes the predetermined program, and (a) is connected to the central computer. (B) using said first terminal computer to input and output said predetermined program to be executed by said central computer, whereby said first participant performs said virtual activity at said central computer; After executing the step (a), the first terminal computer disconnected from the central computer, including the virtual time at the time of the disconnection, starting at a past time on the virtual time and starting the predetermined time. Executing a virtual activity separately from the central computer; and (c) executing the virtual activity separately from the central computer. And a reconnection is made between the first terminal computer and the first terminal computer after performing the step (b), including a central time point that is the virtual time in the central computer at the time of the reconnection. Determining a local time point that is a past time point in virtual time; and (d) using the central computer at the central time point to determine the local situation that is the virtual space at the first terminal computer at the local time point. Incorporating the virtual space into a central situation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention,
2. The method of controlling a virtual activity according to claim 1, wherein (c) using a second terminal computer connected to the central computer, inputting / outputting the predetermined program executed by the central computer, A second participant performing the virtual activity at the central computer, wherein the step (c) and the step (a) are performed.
Are performed in parallel, the first and second participants cooperate in the virtual activity.

According to a third aspect of the present invention,
3. The virtual activity control method according to claim 1, wherein in the step (b), the first terminal computer is connected to a third terminal computer, and the third terminal computer is connected to the third terminal computer.
A third participant operating the terminal computer of the
Perform the virtual activity in cooperation with each other.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
4. The method of controlling a virtual activity according to claim 1, wherein, in the step (d), the local time is shifted from the central time until the central situation and the local situation match with each other. 5. Set retroactively.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention,
4. The method of controlling a virtual activity according to claim 1, wherein in the step (d), the central situation is prioritized for a part where the central situation and the local situation collide, and The local situation is adopted for the part that does not.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, a description will be given of a simulation game accompanied with role playing in the embodiment by way of example, but it will be described later that the present invention is applicable to other aspects, for example, a virtual learning school.

First embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication connection to which the technology according to the present invention is applied. The first to third terminal computers 2 to the central computer 10
1 to 23 are connected via the communication network 11. Central computer 10, first, second and third terminal computers 2
1, 22, 23 are storage devices 10d, 21d, 2 respectively.
2d and 23d.

The central computer 10 stores a predetermined program in the storage device 10d, and by executing this program, a virtual world that virtually simulates the Sengoku era is obtained. In this imaginary Sengoku era, player 1, player 2, and player 3 are first, second, and third terminal computers 21, 22, 2, respectively.
Perform virtual activities by operating 3. For example, it issues a command for an event that simulates politics or battle. Such a command can be issued by causing the terminal computers 21 to 23 to perform an input function. On the other hand, the terminal computers 21 to 23 also perform an output function from a predetermined program, and give a question such as “Do you want to retreat” to a player in a battle, for example.
Prompt for command (input).

When the first to third terminal computers 21 to 23 are connected to the central computer 10 via the communication network 11, the players 1 to 3 cooperate with each other in their virtual activities in a virtual world. Do it. For example, the battle between the player 2 and the player 3 directly determines the virtual activities of both, and also indirectly affects the power relationship of the virtual activities between the player 1 and the player 2.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are conceptual diagrams showing virtual space and virtual time. The virtual time is described for each event, and the virtual space indicates whether the set event has been cleared (out) or not. Each event is provided with an event number, and the past event in virtual time has a smaller event number. Here, the event number # 1 is assigned to the event "Okezama" generated at the virtual time 1560 (year), and the event number # 1 is assigned to the event "Battle at Anagawa" generated at the virtual time 1570 (year).
2 is assigned an event number # 3 to the event “Honno-ji no Hen” that occurred at the virtual time 1582 (year).

FIGS. 5 to 8 are conceptual diagrams showing which virtual territories 31 to 34 belong to the Sengoku Daimyo, which is a virtual character to be played by the virtual territory 31 to 34 in the field 30 which is one of the virtual spaces. Symbols A1, A2, and A3 indicate belonging to the first to third Sengoku daimyo that each of Player 1, Player 2, and Player 3 are dressed, and a symbol N indicates that they do not belong to any of the Sengoku daimyo. ing.

FIG. 2 shows a virtual space in a state where all of the first to third terminal computers 21 to 23 are connected to the central computer 10 as shown in FIG. In this situation, the player 1, the player 2, and the player 3 are working together in a virtual activity. Virtual time 1560
For Event # 1 that occurred in (Year), it is assumed that all three have performed virtual activities in cooperation with each other, and all have cleared (passed). FIG. 5 shows the affiliation of the virtual territory at the end of event # 1, where the virtual territory 31 belongs to the first Sengoku daimyo, the virtual territories 32 and 33 belong to the third Sengoku daimyo, and the virtual territory 34. Does not belong to any Sengoku daimyo.

FIG. 3 shows the virtual space of each player in a state where the terminal computer 21 is disconnected from the communication network 11 before the event # 2 occurs, and thus the central computer 10 is disconnected. In this situation, the player 1 is separately and independently, and the players 2 and 3 cooperate to perform virtual activities. In order for the player 1 to perform a virtual activity separately, a predetermined program is executed separately from the central computer 10 in the terminal computer 21.
However, the parameters are taken over from the central computer 10 and executed. The data transfer required for this will be described later.

For event # 2, which occurred at virtual time 1570 (year), player 2 and player 3 cooperate to perform a virtual activity, and player 2 was cleared but player 3 was out. (Dropped). On the other hand, Player 1 is not only Event # 2,
Furthermore, the virtual activity is separately performed independently for the event # 3 that has occurred at the virtual time 1582 (year), and all the events have been cleared.

FIG. 6 shows the membership of the virtual territory in the virtual world in the central computer 10 at the end of the event # 2. Although the player 2 is cleared in the event # 2, the fact that the player 3 goes out indicates that the virtual territory 32 has changed its attribution from the third Sengoku daimyo to the second Sengoku daimyo. Meanwhile, virtual territories 31,
The assignments of 33 and 34 have not changed.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows the membership of the virtual territory in the virtual world in the terminal computer 21 at the end of the event # 3. Since the terminal computer 21 has independently passed the virtual time of the virtual world, the event that the player 3 has left the event # 2 in the central computer 10 has no effect. Then, it is assumed that the virtual territory 34 belongs to the first daimyo daimyo due to the event # 2 generated in the terminal computer 21, and that the virtual territory does not change depending on the event # 3.

As described above, the virtual space and the virtual time obtained by executing the predetermined program executed in the central computer 10 may not coincide with the virtual space and the virtual time of the terminal computer 21. And this has led to problems with the prior art. Specifically, the event # 3 has not yet occurred in the virtual time in the central computer 10, while it has already occurred in the terminal computer 21. In the virtual space of the central computer 10, the virtual territory 32 belongs to the second Sengoku daimyo, while the terminal computer 21 belongs to the third Sengoku daimyo. In such a situation, even if the player 1 rejoins the virtual world obtained based on the program executed in the central computer 10, inconsistency occurs between the virtual time and the virtual space.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the terminal computer 21 is reconnected to the communication network 11 and the player 1 again performs a virtual activity in cooperation with another player, the central computer 10 at the time of the reconnection is used. A virtual time (hereinafter, referred to as “central time point”) is set as a local time point. Here, the central time point is after the end of event # 2. If the central time point is 1575 (year), this is set as the local time point. In the terminal computer 21, the history of the virtual activity performed independently is stored in its storage device 21d, and the virtual space at the terminal computer 21 at the local time is obtained as a local situation. Then, this local situation is incorporated into a central situation which is a virtual space in the central computer 10 at the central time point.

According to the above example, the local time point is 15
Since it is 75 (years), the local situation does not reflect the virtual activity for event # 3. However, since the first Warring States daimyo performed a virtual activity to expand the virtual territory by Event # 2, the territory belonging to the virtual territory at the local time is as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the assignment of the virtual territory when the local situation is incorporated into the central situation. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 6 for the central situation and FIG. 7 for the local situation, there is no difference in the virtual territories 31, 33 in the communication network 11 or in the terminal computer 21. And regarding the virtual territory 32, since the first Sengoku Daimyo is not virtually obtained by the virtual activities separately performed by the player 1, the central situation is given priority and belongs to the second Sengoku Daimyo. . On the other hand, the virtual territory 34 is obtained virtually by the first Sengoku Daimyo by the virtual activities separately performed by the player 1 and does not collide with the virtual territories of other players. Prioritize.

As described above, the content acquired by the player 1 in the virtual space in the local situation is incorporated into the central situation, as long as it does not collide with the content acquired by another player in the virtual space in the central situation.

However, the local time may be a time earlier than the central time in the virtual time. Also in this case, the virtual space of the terminal computer 21 at the local time is stored in the storage device 21d.

It should be noted that the player 3 who could not clear the event # 2 can disconnect from the central computer 10 and perform virtual activities separately to achieve rewind. For example, in the virtual time at the time of disconnection from the central computer 10, or in a virtual time before that, for example, before the event # 2, the virtual activity is separately performed again based on the time, and the command is advantageously issued. Event # 2 may be revisited. Since such a correspondence between the virtual time and the virtual space is stored in the storage device 23d of the terminal computer 23, it is easy to independently and retroactively redo the virtual activity separately.

Second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a participant operating a terminal computer, which is once disconnected from the central computer 10 and reconnected, collides with the virtual space of another player. Hereinafter, a description will be given using the virtual world described in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, until the virtual time when the event # 2 occurs, all of the players 1, 2, and 3 are connected to the terminal computers 21, 22, 23, respectively. Is connected to the central computer 10 to cooperate in virtual activities. Then, it is assumed that the terminal computer 21 is disconnected from the central computer 10 in real time after the occurrence of the event # 2 and before the occurrence of the event # 3 in virtual time, and the players 1 individually perform virtual activities. Terminal computer 21
It is assumed that the relationship between the event and the virtual space at the time of disconnection from the central computer 10 is the content shown in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment, and the belonging relationship shown in FIG. 6 is set to the virtual territory. Suppose.

It is assumed that the player 1 has cleared the event # 3 as a result of the individual virtual activities performed by the player 1. This situation is consistent with that shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the affiliation of virtual territories, which is generated as a result of individual virtual activities by the player 1. The virtual territory 33 belongs to the third Sengoku daimyo, while the virtual territories 31, 32,
34 belongs to the first Sengoku daimyo.

FIG. 10 shows a case where the terminal computers 22 and 23 are connected to the central computer 10 and the players 2 and 3 are connected.
Cooperates with virtual activities without the player 1,
It is a conceptual diagram showing the situation after event # 3 occurred.
It is assumed that both the player 2 and the player 3 have cleared the event # 3, and the virtual territory remains in FIG.

When the terminal computer 21 is used for reconnection to the central computer 10 in such a situation, the territory of the virtual territory 32 collides between the first and second sengoku daimyo. . The former is a result of the virtual activities performed by the players 1 individually, and the latter is a result of the virtual activities performed by the players 2 and 3 in cooperation.

When a collision occurs in this way, it is not appropriate to use the central time point at which event # 3 has already ended in virtual time as the local time point. So the local time is before the central time, here event #
Set before occurrence of 3. As a result, the virtual territory belongs to the state shown in FIG. 6, and the virtual territory is compared between the result of the player 1 individually performing the virtual activity and the result of the player 2 and the player 3 performing the virtual activity in cooperation. Can be matched without causing any inconsistency in the virtual space of the membership relationship.
As described in the first embodiment, it is possible to set the local time point in the virtual time before the central time point and obtain a virtual space corresponding to the local time point.

However, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 9 and FIG. 6, with respect to the virtual territory 34, even if the central time point is adopted as the local time point, no collision occurs in the belonging relation of the virtual territory. Therefore, while the central time point is adopted as the local time point, priority may be given only to the central computer 10 for the belonging relation of the virtual territory 32 to avoid collision of the virtual territory belonging relation. In other words, the local situation can be incorporated into the central situation only in a range where no collision occurs in the central situation, and the inconsistency between the two can be avoided. In this case, the attribution of the new virtual territory is as shown in FIG.

Third Embodiment In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which there are a plurality of participants who operate the terminal computer which is once disconnected from the central computer 10 and reconnected. Hereinafter, a description will be given using the virtual world described in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, until the virtual time when the event # 2 occurs, all of the players 1, 2 and 3 are connected to the terminal computer 21 and the terminal computer 22 respectively. Assume that the terminal computer 23 is connected to the central computer 10 and cooperates in virtual activities. Then, in real time after the occurrence of event # 2 and before the occurrence of event # 3 in virtual time, the terminal computers 22 and 23 are disconnected from the central computer 10, and the players 2 and 3 are connected to the central computer 10. Suppose that they collaborated on virtual activities separately. Further, the relationship between the event and the virtual space at the time when the terminal computer 22 and the terminal computer 23 are disconnected from the central computer 10 has the contents shown in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment and is shown in FIG. Assume that the affiliation has been set to a virtual territory.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the terminal computer 22 and the terminal computer 23 are connected to the central computer 10 and the players 2 and 3 cooperate in virtual activities without the player 1 and after the event # 3 has occurred. It is a conceptual diagram showing a situation. It is assumed that player 2 and player 3 have cleared and exited event # 3, respectively. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an affiliation of virtual territories in a virtual world in which the terminal computers 22 and 23 cooperate and perform virtual activities. By virtual activity about event # 3,
The territory of the virtual territory 33 has been transferred from the third Sengoku Daimyo to the second Sengoku Daimyo.

On the other hand, the player 1 is a central computer 10
By operating the terminal computer 21 connected to the virtual territory, individual virtual activities are performed to clear the event # 3,
Suppose that 4 was assigned to the first Sengoku daimyo. This situation has the contents shown in FIGS.

In this state, it is assumed that the terminal computer 22 and the terminal computer 23 are newly connected to the central computer 10 and the virtual activities are cooperatively performed by three parties. By comparing FIG. 8 showing the results of the virtual activities performed by the player 1 individually and FIG. 12 showing the results of the virtual activities performed by the players 2 and 3 in cooperation, it can be seen that the virtual territories belong to each other. Are different from the virtual territories 33, 34.

However, the change in the membership of the virtual territory 33 is caused by the virtual activity of the cooperation between the players 2 and 3 in a so-called local connection disconnected from the central computer 10 and in the central situation. It does not collide with the virtual territories 31, 34 to which the first Sengoku daimyo belongs. On the other hand, the change in the belonging relationship of the virtual territory 34 is a result of the virtual activity performed by the player 1 in the central computer 10, and the virtual territories 32 and 33 to which the second or third Sengoku daimyo belong. Nor is it a collision.

Therefore, in this case, the local situation (FIG. 12)
Is embedded in the central situation (FIG. 8) to obtain a new virtual space, and the virtual activity in which the player 1, the player 2, and the player 3 cooperate again can be continued. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the attribution of the newly obtained virtual territory.

As described above, the result of the virtual activity in which the player 2 and the player 3 cooperate separately from the central computer 10 is also connected to the terminal computer 22 by connecting the terminal computer 22 to the central computer 10 thereafter. This can be reflected in a virtual activity cooperating with the player 2.

Fourth Embodiment In the present embodiment, a technique for realizing the first to third embodiments will be described. That is, the operator connects the terminal computer to the central computer 1.
The routine necessary to perform the virtual activity separately from the central computer 10 by cutting to 0 and then reconnecting the terminal computer to the central computer 10 to perform the cooperative virtual activity will be described. FIG. 14 shows the central computer 1
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process on the 0 side, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process on the terminal computer 21 side. Of course, FIG. 15 also applies to the processing on the terminal computers 22 and 23 side.

In FIG. 14, the central computer 10 first communicates with the terminal computer 21 in step 101. This is processing corresponding to step 202 in FIG. 15 described later. The central computer 10 determines in step 102 whether the communication content is a command input. If the command is input, the process proceeds to step 103, where the command is processed. For example, if the command is “retreat”, processing is performed to retreat in the virtual world of the Sengoku Daimyo, a virtual character.
The increase or decrease of the experience value or the change of the affiliation of the virtual territory due to these actions is performed by the storage device 2 of the terminal computer 21.
1d. The case where communication is output in step 101 will be described later. After the execution of Step 103, the process proceeds to Step 105, where the virtual time is advanced, and then Step 1 is performed.
Return to 01.

If it is determined in step 102 that the input communication content is not a command, the flow advances to step 104 to determine whether to disconnect the terminal computer 21 from the central computer 10. If the cutting is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step 105, and the above processing is performed. If the cutting is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 106, and the cutting process is performed.

In the disconnection processing, the result of the virtual activity already cooperated using the terminal computer 21 is transmitted from the central computer 10 to the terminal computer 2 via the communication network 11.
Transferred to 1. This is a parameter such as an experience value or a virtual territory attribution in virtual time at the time of real-time cutting. Further, a predetermined program for obtaining a virtual world in the terminal computer 21 is also transferred.
These data are transferred from the storage device 10d of the central computer 10 to the storage device 21d of the terminal computer 21 via the communication network 11.

After step 106 has been executed, it is determined in step 107 whether the terminal computers of all the participants have been disconnected from the central computer 10. If so, the central computer 10 no longer needs to independently elapse the virtual time, so the predetermined program is terminated or the virtual time is stopped.
If there is still a terminal computer connected to the central computer, the process returns to step 101.

In FIG. 15, first, in step 201, the terminal computer 21 determines whether or not to input a command. If a command is to be input, the process proceeds to step 202, where processing for transmitting the command to the central computer 10 via the communication network 11 is performed. Then, proceed to Step 203,
After the virtual time is advanced, the process returns to step 201. If the command is not transmitted, the process proceeds to step 204, and it is determined whether the terminal computer 21 is disconnected from the central computer 10. If the cutting is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step 203, and the above processing is performed. If the cutting is to be performed, the process proceeds to step 205 to perform the cutting process.

After the cutting process in step 205,
The parameters and the predetermined program are stored in the storage device 21d in accordance with the disconnection processing in step 106.
This allows the terminal computer 21 to perform a virtual activity separately from the central computer 10.

When the terminal computer 21 is to be reconnected, the terminal computer 21 transmits the connection and the request for obtaining the central point to the central computer 10 in step 202. The central computer 10 receives this in step 101, and in steps 102 and 103
, A central time point is obtained in step 105, and the process returns to step 101 again. Then, in step 101, the central point is transmitted to the terminal computer 21.

The terminal computer 21 that has obtained the central time point in step 202 determines the local time point in step 203, and in step 202 which proceeds via step 201 to return to, obtains the result of the separately performed virtual activity. The parameters are transferred to the central computer 10.
This is equivalent to passing a local situation. The central computer 10 receives this at step 101 and incorporates it into the central situation.

Modification. Note that there may be a participant who performs a virtual activity by operating the central computer 10. In this case, the central computer 10 can be understood as a terminal computer. And, among the virtual spaces set in the virtual world of the terminal computers connected to each other, the virtual space before the oldest one in virtual time is adopted, so that the virtual activities continue with consistency between any terminal computers. can do.

For example, after the player 1 and the player 2 cooperate in the virtual activity for the event numbers # 1 to # 3, the player 3
When the virtual activities for the first and second activities have been cooperated, the player 1 and the player 3 can collaborate in the virtual activity from the virtual time of the event number # 2. In other words, for the same virtual time in the same virtual world,
Even if different virtual spaces exist in parallel depending on the participants, as long as the above-mentioned virtual time is matched in the connected terminal computer, the virtual activities can cooperate without any trouble.

Alternatively, participants who have been performing virtual activities in different virtual worlds cooperate in virtual activities while creating a new virtual world by incorporating virtual spaces by matching virtual times. May be.

In other words, according to the present invention, a plurality of computers having a storage device that holds a virtual space of a certain virtual world together with virtual time aligns the virtual time, and the computers connect the virtual space within a range in which the virtual space does not conflict. It includes the technical idea of incorporating, and the virtual world in which virtual activities are performed using each of the computers need not necessarily be the same.

In addition, for example, in a virtual learning school that performs a curriculum that solves a work to be set based on a flow that sequentially proceeds by specifying a virtual time, similarly, the participant can set the virtual time separately from the virtual learning school. Can be passed. Even if the work is solved on the terminal computer prior to the curriculum of the virtual learning school, the local time point is set retroactively to the time point matching the central situation, so that the curriculum does not hinder smooth progress.

[0067]

According to the method for controlling a virtual activity according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first terminal computer is disconnected from the central computer, the first participant separately performs the virtual activity, and then the first terminal computer performs the virtual activity. If one participant connects to the central computer again, the local situation at the local time before virtual time in virtual time is incorporated into the central situation,
The first participant can continue the virtual activity again under the control of the central computer.

For example, in a virtual learning cram school in which a curriculum is performed in which a virtual time is specified and a question is solved based on a flow that is sequentially advanced, a participant passes virtual time separately from the virtual learning cram school, and Even if the work is solved on the terminal computer prior to the curriculum of the study cram school, the curriculum does not hinder smooth progress.

According to the virtual activity control method of the second aspect of the present invention, after the first and second participants cooperate in the virtual world to perform the virtual activity, the first terminal computer The first participant performs a virtual activity separately from the central computer and then the second participant has passed the virtual time of the central computer before the first participant connects to the central computer again. Can also continue the collaborative virtual activity of the first participant and the second participant.

According to the virtual activity control method of the present invention, the first terminal computer is thereafter connected to the central computer for the result of the virtual activity cooperated separately with the central computer. By doing
This can be reflected in a virtual activity in which the first participant and the second participant cooperate.

According to the virtual activity control method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention and the virtual activity control method according to the fifth aspect, the local situation is incorporated into the central situation, and the cooperative virtual situation after reconnection is established. Activities can be performed without inconsistency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication connection to which a technique according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an affiliation of a virtual territory.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the affiliation of a virtual territory.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an affiliation of a virtual territory.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an affiliation of a virtual territory.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the affiliation of a virtual territory.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a virtual space and a virtual time.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 central computer 21, 22, 23 terminal computer 10d, 21d, 22d, 23d storage device 30 field 31, 32, 33, 34 virtual territory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/60 514 G06F 17/60 514 F Term (Reference) 2C001 AA00 AA13 AA17 BB00 BB04 BB05 CB00 CB01 CB08 CC02 DA00 DA04 5B049 BB61 CC48 DD01 EE03 EE07 FF03 FF04 GG04 GG07 9A001 BB03 BB04 BB06 CC02 DD12 JJ76 KK45

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A method for controlling a virtual activity in a virtual world obtained by executing a predetermined program in which a virtual space and a virtual time are set, wherein a first participant executes the predetermined program. Performing the virtual activity by operating a first terminal computer connectable / disconnectable to a central computer; and (a) using the first terminal computer connected to the central computer, the central computer And (b) disconnecting from the central computer after performing the step (a) by inputting / outputting the predetermined program executed by the first participant and performing the virtual activity on the central computer. Said first terminal computer,
(C) performing the virtual program separately from the central computer by executing the predetermined program starting from a past point in time including the virtual time at the time of the disconnection and starting from a past time point; A reconnection is made between the central computer and the first terminal computer after performing step (b), including a central time point being the virtual time at the central computer at the time of the reconnection. Determining a local time point that is also a past time point in virtual time; and (d) determining the local situation that is the virtual space at the first terminal computer at the local time point with the central computer at the central time point. Incorporating said virtual space into a central situation in said virtual activity. (C) using a second terminal computer connected to the central computer, inputting / outputting the predetermined program executed by the central computer, and allowing a second participant to The step of performing the virtual activity in the step, wherein the step (c) and the step (a) are performed in parallel, the first and second participants cooperate in the virtual activity, The method for controlling a virtual activity according to claim 1. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein in the step (b), the first
The third terminal computer is connected to a third terminal computer, and a third participant operating the third terminal computer and the first participant perform the virtual activity in cooperation with each other. The method for controlling a virtual activity according to claim 2. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the step (d), the local time is set retroactively from the central time until a time when a central situation and a local situation match. How to control virtual activities. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the step (d), the central situation is prioritized for a portion where the central situation and the local situation collide, and the local situation is adopted for a portion where the central situation does not collide. The method for controlling a virtual activity according to any one of the first to third aspects.