JP2001321562A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a game system and an information storage medium that improve the fun of a game by changing a hit area according to a game situation. A hit area setting processing unit that changes at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of a hit area with respect to a target object in accordance with a game situation, and a hit area. A hit check processing unit that performs a hit check on the object using the hit check processing unit. The hit area can be changed according to the moving speed of the target object, the distance from the player, the elapse of the game time, and the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a shooting game for shooting a target in a virtual three-dimensional space using a shooting device has been known, and it is possible to virtually experience gun shooting. Popular as a thing.

[0003] In such a game system, the player is tired of merely shooting at a stationary target, so that a variety of situation settings and story-like scene settings are performed to provide a more interesting game to the player. providing.

For example, it is assumed that a shooting game is performed in a scene setting in which a virtual player in a game space performs a shooting battle with an enemy character moving in the game space so that the player can enjoy a sense of urgency in shooting.

Generally, in a gun shooting game, a hit area for performing a hit check on a target object is set, and if a bullet shot by a player enters the hit area, it is determined that a hit has occurred. This hit area is conventionally fixedly set for an object.

Accordingly, if the enemy character moves around at a high speed, the hit area of the enemy character also moves around at a high speed, and if the enemy character moves away from the virtual player, the hit area of the enemy character also moves far from the virtual player. For this reason, it is difficult to hit the enemy character when the enemy is moving or far away.

[0007] If the difficulty of the shooting itself increases as described above, a beginner or the like may end the game without being able to hit a bullet with an enemy character. In this case, the player cannot fully enjoy the fun of the game even if the situation setting and the scene setting with the story are changed with great effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to change the hit area according to the game situation, thereby improving the fun of the game. And an information storage medium.

[0009]

According to the present invention, when performing a hit check, the size, shape, precision, and relative position of a hit area used for a hit target object with respect to the hit target object are used. Means for changing at least one of them according to a game situation, and means for performing a hit check on the object using the hit area.

[0010] An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

Here, the game situation includes the position of the hit target object, the operation state, and the like.

The hit check may be, for example, a case where intersection determination, collision determination, hit determination, etc. are performed on the trajectory of the hit target object with a trajectory or the like, or intersection determination, collision determination, hit determination, etc., with the hit target object and other objects. May be performed.

The hit area is an area for detecting a hit to the object, and may be formed two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally.

The hit check may be performed in a three-dimensional space, or may be performed in a two-dimensional plane converted into a screen coordinate system.

According to the present invention, a hit check is performed by changing at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of a hit area used for performing a hit check with respect to an object to be hit according to a game situation. , The difficulty level can be adjusted according to the game situation.

Therefore, for example, by setting a hit area in which a difficulty is reduced in a difficult situation, an illusion that the skill of the player is excellent can be given, and the fun of the game can be improved.

On the other hand, by setting a hit area that increases the difficulty of the game, it is possible to provide a game that can be enjoyed forever by advanced players and players who have become a game.

As described above, according to the present invention, the size and shape of the hit area of the target which the player is trying to attack according to various game situations, the relative position with respect to the hit target object, and the like are changed so that the player is not noticed. The game can be supported.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention may be arranged such that the hit target object is moving or the hit target object is moving relative to the virtual player. In addition, at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area with respect to the hit target object is changed.

The case where the hit target object is moving relative to the virtual player is, for example, the case where the hit target object is stationary and the virtual player is moving, or the case where the hit target object is moving. This includes the case where the virtual player is moving at different speeds.

When the object to be hit is moving, the difficulty level in hitting, for example, in shooting or the like is improved.

According to the present invention, when an object to be hit is moving, for example, the size of the hit area is increased, the shape is roughened, or the precision is reduced so as to make it easier to hit. The relative position with respect to the hit target object can be changed to a position where it is easier to hit.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the difficulty of hitting the moving target and provide a game that can be enjoyed even by a beginner.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the hit area is increased in a direction opposite to a moving direction or a moving direction of an object to be hit.

Increasing the hit area with respect to the moving direction is, for example, a case where the hit area is extended in the front-back direction of the moving direction.

By making the hit area larger in the moving direction, hits can be made easier. This eases the difficulty of hitting moving objects,
A game that can be enjoyed even by beginners can be provided.

In general, the reflection of the player tends to be delayed with respect to the moving object. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively reduce the difficulty of hitting by increasing the hit area in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. .

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention change at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of a hit area with respect to an object to be hit as time passes. It is characterized by making it.

According to the present invention, for example, as the predetermined time elapses after the start of the game, or as the remaining time (limit time) of the game decreases, the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area with respect to the hit target object are reduced. Position changes.

For example, if the hit area is increased as the elapsed time elapses, the hit area becomes easier to hit as the time limit approaches, and a beginner who cannot play the game forever can be saved.

Further, for example, if the hit area is made smaller as time passes, the difficulty level increases when the player gets used to, so that the player can enjoy the game without getting tired until the end.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are provided with a size, a shape, a precision, and a hit target of a hit area according to a distance between a virtual player or a virtual camera and an object to be hit. At least one of the positions relative to the object is changed.

Here, the position of the virtual player represents, for example, the position of the player in the game space. Also, if the virtual player does not exist in the game space, the smaller the target is away from the virtual camera, the smaller the target becomes.Therefore, when the distance between the virtual player or the virtual camera and the object to be hit increases, the player must hit the object. Becomes difficult.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game that can be enjoyed even by a beginner or the like by alleviating the difficulty of hitting an object at a distance from the virtual player or the virtual camera.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention provide a hit area having a size, shape, precision,
It is characterized in that at least one of the positions relative to the hit target object is changed.

Here, the speed of the object to be hit includes not only the absolute speed but also the relative speed to the virtual player when the virtual player is moving.

When the speed of an object to be hit increases, it becomes difficult for the player to hit the object.

According to the present invention, as the speed increases, the size of the hit area of the object becomes larger, the shape becomes rougher, the precision becomes lower, and the relative position with respect to the object to be hit increases. It can be changed to a position where it is easy to hit, so that it is easy to hit.

As a result, it is possible to provide a game that can be enjoyed even by a beginner or the like by alleviating the difficulty of hitting an object moving at a high speed.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are such that a simple object given to an object to be hit is deformed in accordance with a game situation, and the deformed simple object is used as a hit area. It is characterized by.

Here, the deformation includes enlargement and reduction.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention provide at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position with respect to an object to be hit according to a player's game proficiency. It is characterized in that the degree of change when one is changed is determined.

According to the present invention, since the hit area can be set according to the level of the player, a game that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced players can be provided.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention perform a hit check on an object arranged in a three-dimensional space by setting the hit area based on the arrangement position of the object. It is characterized by.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention convert a hit area set in a three-dimensional space into a screen coordinate system and perform a hit check based on the hit area in the screen coordinate system. It is characterized by.

Performing a hit check calculation in two dimensions has a smaller calculation load, and is effective, for example, in performing a hit check with a trajectory in a gun shooting type game system. For example, the determination of the XY area may be performed in the screen coordinate system, and the Z value may be used when determining the depth in the near side.

If the data for conversion to the screen coordinate system for display can be used for the hit check calculation, the calculation for converting to the screen coordinate system can be omitted, so that the calculation load can be further reduced. .

[0048]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100, and the other blocks can be optional components.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction of instructions to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Processor (CPU, DSP)
Or an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
The information stored in 80 is a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, and instructions for the processing. The information includes at least one of information for performing processing according to.

The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment.
LCD or HMD (Head Mount Display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output section 192 outputs the sound generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores personal data (save data) of the player, and the like. As the portable information storage device 194, a memory card, a portable game device, or the like can be considered. it can.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for performing communication with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system), and has a function of various processors or an ASIC for communication. This can be realized by hardware, a program, or the like.

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 130, and a sound generation section 150.

Here, the game processing section 110 performs processing for accepting coins (price), processing for setting various modes, processing for proceeding with a game, processing for setting a selection screen, the position and rotation angle of an object (one or more primitive surfaces). Processing for calculating (the rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), processing for obtaining the position of the viewpoint (the position of the virtual camera) and the line of sight (the rotation angle of the virtual camera), the map object Processing for arranging objects such as objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for playing by a plurality of players in a common game space,
Or various game processing such as game over processing,
This is performed based on operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the portable information storage device 194, a game program, and the like.

The image generation unit 130 includes a game processing unit 110
Performs various image processing in accordance with an instruction from the camera, generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190. In addition, the sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing according to instructions from the game processing unit 110 and the like, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs the sounds to the sound output unit 192.

Note that the game processing unit 110 and the image generation unit 1
30, all of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The game processing section 110 includes a movement / motion calculation section 112, a hit area setting section 114, and a hit check processing section 116.

Here, the movement / motion calculation section 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data, rotation angle data of each part of the object) of an object such as a car. For example,
Based on operation data, a game program, and the like input by the player via the operation unit 160, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 112
Performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object, for example, for each frame (1/60 second). For example, (k-
1) The position of the object in the frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt.
And Then, the position PM of the object at the k frame
k and the speed VMk are obtained, for example, as in the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The hit area setting unit 114 performs a hit check on the object to be hit when performing a hit check. A process of changing at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area to be used for the hit object according to the game situation is performed.

For example, when the object to be hit is moving, or when the object to be hit is moving relative to the virtual player, the size, shape, precision, At least one of the relative positions to the object may be changed.

For example, the hit area may be increased in the direction opposite to the moving direction or the traveling direction of the hit target object.

For example, at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area with respect to the hit target object may be changed over time.

For example, at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area relative to the hit target is changed according to the distance between the virtual player or the virtual camera and the hit target. It may be.

For example, at least one of the size, shape, precision and relative position of the hit area relative to the hit object may be changed according to the speed of the hit object.

Further, for example, a simple object given to an object to be hit may be modified according to the game situation.

For example, the degree of change in changing at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area with respect to the hit target object is determined in accordance with the game proficiency of the player. It may be.

The hit check processing section 116 performs a hit check process on an object to be hit using the hit area.

For example, a hit check may be performed on an object placed in a three-dimensional space by setting the hit area based on the position of the object.

The hit area set in the three-dimensional space may be converted into the screen coordinate system, and the hit check may be performed based on the hit area in the screen coordinate system.

The image generation unit 130 includes the geometry processing unit 1
32 and a drawing unit 134.

Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, and light source calculation. Then, the object data (shape data such as vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) after the geometry processing (after the perspective transformation) is stored in the storage unit 17.
0 in the main memory 172.

The drawing section 134 performs processing for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174.

Note that the game system according to the present embodiment
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features of the present embodiment FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show conventional hit check determination objects (hereinafter referred to as target objects).
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between the hit area and a hit area.

FIG. 2 (A) shows a target object, and FIG. 2 (B) schematically shows a hit area set for the target object.

As shown in the figure, the hit area has substantially the same shape as the object to be hit in the default state. Note that a hit area having the same shape as the target object may be set to perform an accurate hit check, or a hit area having a simple shape may be used to reduce the computational load.

Conventionally, such a hit area is fixed for the target object, and the hit area is uniquely determined for the target object.

FIG. 2C schematically shows a conventional arrangement relationship between a target object and a hit area. When a hit area is set separately from the target object, conventionally, the corresponding points P1 and P2 are arranged so as to be at the same position, or the relative positional relationship between the two is fixed.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area used for performing a hit check on the target object with respect to the hit target object is determined. It can be changed according to the game situation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the target object and the size of the hit area according to the present embodiment.

Each of the hit areas 1 to 3 (220 to 240) is a simple object constructed based on the target object 210 and has different sizes (hit area 1 <
Hit area 2 <hit area 3).

The size here may be, for example, the size of the volume of the hit area when a three-dimensional hit area is set for the target object. When a flat hit area is set for the target object, the area may be large.

The hit areas 1 to 3 may be similar in shape but different in size, or may be different in shape as well as size.

Here, the hit area 2 is almost the same size as the target object, the hit area 1 is smaller than the target object, and the hit area 3 is larger than the target object.

Since the hit area 2 is almost the same size as the target object, a strict hit check can be performed by setting the hit area 2 for the target object 210.

Since the hit area 3 is larger than the target object, the hit area 3
Is set, it becomes easier to hit as compared with the case where the hit area 2 is set, and has an effect of lowering the difficulty level.

On the other hand, since the hit area 1 is smaller than the target object, when the hit area 3 is set for the target object 210, it becomes difficult to hit as compared with the case where the hit area 2 is set, and this has the effect of increasing the difficulty. .

If the only purpose is to take an accurate hit check, the hit area only needs to be the same size as the target object, so the hit area 2 should always be used for the target object.

However, in the present embodiment, different hit areas having different sizes are used for the same target object according to the game situation. This allows
The game offers games that players can enjoy by adjusting the shooting difficulty.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the precision of the target object and the accuracy of the hit area according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show simple objects used as hit areas when the target object is a racing car. FIG. 4A is a simple object used to set a hit area with high precision, and FIG. 4B is a simple object used to set a hit area with medium precision. 4C is a simple object used to set a hit area with low precision.

In order to take an accurate hit check, it is preferable that the hit area has the same shape as the target object. Therefore, it is preferable to employ the hit area with the highest degree of detail.

However, in this embodiment, hit areas having different levels of detail are used for the same target object in accordance with the game situation. For example, when the target object is far away, even if a hit area with a high degree of detail is set, an effect that the player can feel the effect cannot be obtained even though the calculation load increases. According to the present embodiment, in such a case, the calculation load can be reduced by setting a simple object with low detail as a hit area.

A specific example in which at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area with respect to the hit target object in the present embodiment is changed will be described.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a hit area in which the distance between the virtual player and the target object is set.

FIG. 5A shows a case where the distance between the virtual player and the target object is short (for example, when the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value). In such a case, in the present embodiment, the hit area 312 having substantially the same size as the target object 310
Is set. For example, in the case of FIG. 3, the hit area 2 is set.

However, when the distance between the virtual player and the target object is large (for example, when the distance is larger than a predetermined value) as shown in FIG.
A hit area 322 larger than 20 is set. For example, a hit area 3 larger than the target object is set as indicated by 240 in FIG.

In general, the longer the distance between the virtual player and the target object, the smaller the target object as viewed from the virtual player. Therefore, if the hit area is fixedly set for the target object, the hit area becomes smaller as the target object moves away from the virtual player, and it becomes difficult to make a hit.

However, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the target object is far from the virtual player, a larger hit area is set than the target object, as compared with the case where a hit area of the same size is set. ,
Slightly easier to hit. As a result, it is possible to alleviate the difficulty of hitting when the target object is far away.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the distance between the virtual player and the target object and the degree of difficulty.

The upper part of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the absolute sizes of the target object and the hit area when arranging in the three-dimensional space.

Here, 250 is a target object when the distance to the player is short, and 252 is a hit area set at this time. Reference numeral 260 denotes a target object when the distance from the player is medium,
2 is a hit area set at this time. 250 is a target object when the distance to the player is long,
Reference numeral 272 denotes a hit area set at this time. As described above, in the present embodiment, as the target player moves away from the virtual player, a large hit area is set as a model.

The lower part is a diagram showing the size of the target object and the hit area in the upper part when viewed from the virtual player.

When the target object moves away from the virtual player, it becomes smaller as 260 'and 270'. Therefore, if the target object and the hit area have the same size, it becomes extremely difficult to hit when the player is away from the virtual player.

However, when the hit area is set larger as the target object moves away from the virtual player as shown at 262 and 272, as shown at 262 'and 272', the hit area becomes larger than the target object viewed from the virtual player. Since the area is large, the difficulty level is reduced a little and it becomes easier to hit.

Further, as shown in FIG.
As 2 '>272', the hit area becomes smaller as the distance from the virtual player increases. As described above, the principle that the target object becomes harder as the target object moves away is maintained, and the difficulty level when the target object is moved too far is reduced, so that the game can be supported without being noticed by the player.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of a movement vector of a target object and a set hit area.

FIG. 7A shows a hit area 332 when the target object 330 is moving at the velocity vector v1.
Is shown. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, when the target object is moving, a hit area 332 having a shape obtained by extending the target object in the moving direction is set.

Generally, when the target object is moving, the hit area also moves along with the moving, so that it is difficult to hit. However, by setting the hit area 332 in a shape in which the target object 332 is extended in the movement direction as shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible to reduce the difficulty of hitting due to the movement of the target object.

FIG. 7B shows the hit area 342 when the target object 340 is moving at the velocity vector v2 (v2> v1). In this case, the shape is further elongated in the moving direction as compared with the hit area 332 in FIG. In this embodiment, the hit area is extended in the moving direction as the moving speed of the target object increases, so that the difficulty of hitting due to the increase in speed is reduced.

When the target object is moving, it is difficult to hit as the moving speed increases, but it is preferable to make it easier to hit than when a hit area having the same size as the target object is set. That is, as the moving speed increases, it becomes more difficult. However, it is preferable to set the hit area so that the difficulty is reduced a little.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining another example of the relationship between the movement vector of the target object and the set hit area.

FIG. 8A shows a hit area 352 when the target object 350 is moving at the velocity vector v3.
Is shown. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, when the target object is moving, a hit area 352 having a shape obtained by extending the target object in the direction opposite to the traveling direction is set.

In general, when the target object is moving, the reflection of the player tends to be delayed with respect to the moving object. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the reflection is stretched in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. Hit area 35
By setting 2, it is possible to more effectively reduce the difficulty of hitting.

FIG. 8B shows the hit area 362 when the target object 360 is moving at the speed vector v4 (v4> v3). In this case, compared to the hit area 352 in FIG. 8A, the shape is further elongated in the direction opposite to the traveling direction. In this embodiment, the hit region is extended in the direction opposite to the traveling direction as the moving speed of the target object increases, so that the difficulty of hitting due to the increase in speed is reduced. .

When the target object is moving, it becomes more difficult as the moving speed increases, but it is preferable to set the hit area so that the difficulty is reduced slightly.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the passage of time and the set hit area.

The horizontal axis t is a time axis representing the lapse of time from the start of the game (t0) to the end of the game (t4).
10, 420, and 430 are t1, t2, and t3 (t
The hit area at 0 <t1 <t2 <t3 <t4) is schematically shown.

As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the size of the hit area changes over time. This makes it easier to hit as the game time elapses. For this reason, a beginner who cannot play a game even when the time limit is approaching can be saved.

In some cases, the hit area can be reduced as the game time elapses. In this way, the shooting skill is grasped as the game time progresses, and the difficulty level increases when the player gets used to the game, so that the player can enjoy the game without getting tired until the end.

[0130] 3. When the hit check calculation is performed in three dimensions, the hit area deformed according to the game situation is set in a three-dimensional space, and the hit area set in the three-dimensional space is used as another hit area. Perform hit checks with objects and trajectories.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the deformation processing according to the game situation of the hit area set in the three-dimensional space. FIG. 11 shows a deformation amount calculation table referred to when the hit area is deformed.

First, a target object to be arranged in a three-dimensional space is generated based on the model information (step S10).

Then, based on the target object, a simple object serving as a reference for hit check is generated (step S20).

If the target object has not moved, the reference simple object is set as a hit area (steps S30 and S70).

If the target object is moving, the moving speed vector of the target vector is calculated, and the relative moving speed vector between the virtual player and the target object is calculated (steps S30, S40, S50).

The hit area deformation amount table (FIG. 11)
With reference to (see Reference), a deformation rate corresponding to the relative speed is obtained, and the hit area is generated by enlarging the reference simple object in a relative movement vector direction based on the deformation rate (step S60).

Here, as shown in FIG. 11, the deformation rate is set to increase as the relative speed between the virtual player and the target vector increases. Therefore, a larger hit area is set as the relative speed increases.

When the hit check calculation is performed in two dimensions, the hit area deformed according to the game situation is set to two.
A hit check is performed between a hit area set in the two-dimensional space and a trajectory, for example, in a two-dimensional space.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the deformation processing according to the game situation of the hit area set in the two-dimensional space.

First, a target object to be arranged in a three-dimensional space is generated based on the model information (step S11).
0).

Then, based on the target object, a simple object serving as a reference for hit check is generated (step S120).

If the target object has not moved, the reference simple object is set as a hit area (steps S130, S140).

If the target object is moving, a moving speed vector of the target vector is calculated (step S150).

Then, a relative moving speed vector between the virtual player and the target object is calculated (step S1).
60).

The hit area deformation amount table (FIG. 11)
With reference to (refer to step S170), a deformation rate corresponding to the relative speed is obtained (step S170).

The moving speed vector of the target object is X
Alternatively, in the case of having a Y-axis component, a hit area is generated by enlarging in the direction of the moving speed vector based on the deformation rate obtained for the reference simple object (Step S18)
0, S190).

The moving speed vector of the target object is X
Alternatively, if there is no Y-axis component, the aspect is fixed and enlarged as a whole to generate a hit area based on the deformation rate obtained for the reference simple object (steps S180 and S200).

Then, steps S200, S190, S1
The hit area in the three-dimensional space obtained in any one of Steps 40 is converted into a screen coordinate system (Step S210).

A hit check is performed using the hit area converted into the screen coordinate system.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 has a CD 982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit or a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 has a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and has a matrix computation (vector Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. Thus, a moving image compressed by a given image compression method can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 95.
0, stored in the CD 982, or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

[0157] Operation data from the game controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

The ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

[0160] The DMA controller 970 provides a DM between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

A CD drive 980 stores a program 98, image data, or sound data.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Also, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another game system and another game system becomes possible.

The means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware only, or executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary. Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 910,
930 etc., based on the instruction and the passed data,
Each means of the present invention will be executed.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 14C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. If the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 outputs the game image and the game sound.
A game program or the like for generating game sounds is transmitted to the terminal 1.
It is delivered to 304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

In the present embodiment, the case where the size of the hit area is mainly changed has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any method may be used as long as at least one of the shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area relative to the hit target object is changed.

In this embodiment, the distance between the target object and the virtual player, the moving speed of the target object,
The case where the hit area is deformed as the game time elapses has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, if there is a monster with an ax and there is a game setting in which the player cannot avoid danger unless he attacks the hand of the monster with the ax, a normal size hit check is performed. However, in such a case (it is difficult to hit the hand), the hit area of the hand may be increased immediately before the enemy swings the ax and hits the player. This makes it easier for the player's attack to hit immediately before the enemy monster shakes the ax and hits the player,
It is possible to provide the thrill that a poor player in shooting can manage to hit at a critical timing.

In the present embodiment, the case where the hit area is mainly enlarged has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a case where the hit area of a nearby enemy is reduced may be used. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the difficulty level from decreasing too much.

The present invention can be applied to hit checks of various games (fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention can be applied to various game systems such as arcade game systems, home game systems, large attraction systems in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, and system boards for generating game images. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams for explaining a conventional relationship between a target object and a hit area. FIG.

FIG. 3 is an image example of a sphere object in which a highlight effect image overlaps in the present embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the accuracy of a target object and the accuracy of a hit area according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of a hit area in which a distance between a virtual player and a target object is set. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between a distance between a virtual player and a target object and a degree of difficulty.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of a movement vector of a target object and a hit area set; FIG.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining another example of a relationship between a movement vector of a target object and a set hit area. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the passage of time and a set hit area.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a deformation process according to a game situation of a hit area set in a three-dimensional space.

FIG. 11 shows a deformation amount calculation table referred to when a hit area is deformed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a deformation process according to a game situation of a hit area set in a two-dimensional space.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied; FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 120 highlight effect processing unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 134 drawing unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main memory 174 frame buffer 180 information storage medium 190 display section 192 sound output section 194 portable information storage device 196 communication section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Rikaichi Kaku 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Namco Corporation (72) Inventor Toru Eguchi 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA06 BA01 BA05 BB00 BB10 BC00 BC03 BC05 CB01 CC02 CC08 5B050 BA07 BA08 BA09 CA07 FA02

Claims (20)

[Claims] When performing a hit check, at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of a hit area used for an object to be hit with respect to the object to be hit is determined according to a game situation. And a means for performing a hit check on the object using the hit area. 2. The size of a hit area according to claim 1, wherein the hit target object is moving, or the hit target object is moving relative to the virtual player.
A game device, wherein at least one of a shape, a precision, and a relative position with respect to an object to be hit is changed. 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the hit area is increased in a moving direction or a direction opposite to a moving direction of the hit target object. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position with respect to an object to be hit is changed according to a change in time. A unique game system. 5. The size and shape of a hit area according to any one of claims 1 to 4, according to a distance between a virtual player or a virtual camera and an object to be hit.
A game system wherein at least one of precision and a relative position to an object to be hit is changed. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position with respect to the hit target object is determined according to a speed of the hit target object. A game system characterized by changing. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a simple object given to the hit target object is deformed according to a game situation, and the deformed simple object is used as a hit area. Game system. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position of the hit area with respect to an object to be hit is changed according to a game skill of the player. A game system for determining a degree of change at the time of a game. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hit area is set based on the position of the object and a hit check is performed on the object arranged in a three-dimensional space. Game system. 10. The game system according to claim 9, wherein a hit area set in a three-dimensional space is converted into a screen coordinate system, and a hit check is performed based on the hit area in the screen coordinate system. 11. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein the size, shape, precision, and the size of a hit area used for an object to be hit when performing a hit check are determined. Means for changing at least one of the relative positions in accordance with a game situation; means for performing a hit check on the object using the hit area; and a program for executing: . 12. The size of the hit area according to claim 11, wherein the hit target object is moving, or the hit target object is moving relatively to the virtual player.
An information storage medium including a program for changing at least one of a shape, precision, and a relative position to an object to be hit. 13. The information storage according to claim 11, further comprising a program for increasing a hit area in a moving direction or a direction opposite to a moving direction of an object to be hit. Medium. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position with respect to an object to be hit of the hit area is changed over time. An information storage medium containing a program. 15. The size and shape of a hit area according to any one of claims 11 to 14, according to a distance between a virtual player or a virtual camera and an object to be hit.
An information storage medium including a program for changing at least one of precision and a relative position to an object to be hit. 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the size, shape, precision, and relative position of the hit area relative to the hit object is determined according to the speed of the hit object. An information storage medium including a program for changing the information. 17. A program according to claim 11, wherein a program for deforming a simple object given to an object to be hit according to a game situation and using the deformed simple object as a hit area is provided. An information storage medium characterized by including. 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one of a size, a shape, a precision, and a relative position of the hit area with respect to an object to be hit is changed according to a game skill of the player. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for determining a degree of change at the time of causing a change. 19. A program according to claim 11, wherein the hit area is set for an object arranged in a three-dimensional space based on the arrangement position of the object and a hit check is performed. An information storage medium characterized by including. 20. A program according to claim 19, further comprising a program for converting a hit area set in a three-dimensional space into a screen coordinate system and performing a hit check based on the hit area in the screen coordinate system. Information storage medium.