JP2012181616A - Program, information storage medium, game device and server system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like that can realize hit calculation processing using a motion sensor effectively.
A game device includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information, a hit calculation unit that performs hit calculation processing of a moving object, and a movement that performs movement calculation processing of the moving object based on the result of the hit calculation processing. A body calculation unit, a virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera, and an image generation unit that generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space. The operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information. Based on the motion detection information, the moving body calculation unit detects player movement information before the hit determination timing of the moving body, and based on the player movement information before the hit determination timing, Move calculation processing is performed.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices that can virtually play a ball game are known. Taking a tennis game as an example, the player enjoys the tennis game by operating his player character and hitting the ball hit by the opponent character with a racket. As a conventional technique of such a tennis game, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  However, in a conventional ball game such as a tennis game, the actual movement of the player cannot be reflected in the stroke motion of hitting the ball, and the virtual reality of the player cannot be improved.

  In addition, most of the conventional ball games are games that generate a game image from the third person viewpoint, and there are few games that generate a game image from the first person viewpoint. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to experience the realistic feeling of the field spreading around and the sport play by looking at various directions while performing a movement close to the actual sport.

JP 2008-29646 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, a game device, a server system, and the like that can realize hit calculation processing that effectively uses a motion sensor.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information, a hit calculation unit that performs a hit calculation process for a moving object, and a movement calculation process for the moving object based on a result of the hit calculation process A moving body calculation unit; a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera; and an image generation unit that generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in an object space. The operation information acquisition unit includes a motion from a motion sensor. Detection information is acquired as the operation information, and the moving body calculation unit detects movement information of a player before the hit determination timing of the moving body based on the motion detection information, and before the hit determination timing. The present invention relates to a game device that performs a movement calculation process of the moving body after a hit based on the movement information of the player. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected by the motion detection information from the motion sensor. Based on the detected movement information of the player, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed. In this way, the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing can be detected by the motion sensor and reflected in the movement calculation processing of the moving object after the hit. Arithmetic processing can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit may control the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information.

  In this way, the player's motion information detected by the motion detection information is reflected in the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit, and the visual line direction of the virtual camera is also changed according to the motion detection information. Is possible.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device, and the operation information acquisition unit uses the motion detection information obtained by moving the portable game device by the player. Acquired from the motion sensor, the virtual camera control unit may control the virtual camera so that the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device.

  In this way, when the player moves the portable game device, the movement is detected by the motion sensor, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device. The image shown on the display part also changes.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when the axis along the horizontal direction is the X axis and the axis along the vertical direction is the Y axis, the virtual camera control unit moves the portable game device around the Y axis. When the rotation operation is performed, control is performed to rotate the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis, and the hit calculation unit is the portable game device May be performed on the assumption that the player has performed an operation corresponding to the rotation around the Y axis.

  In this way, when an operation for rotating the portable game device about the Y axis is performed, it becomes possible to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera in conjunction with the operation and to rotate about the Y axis. It becomes possible to execute the hit calculation process of the operation corresponding to the operation.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit corresponds to a direction of a line of sight of the virtual camera corresponding to the X axis when an operation of rotating the portable game device around the X axis is performed. Control is performed to rotate about the XC axis of the camera coordinate system, and the hit calculation unit responds to rotation about the X axis when an operation is performed to rotate the portable game device about the X axis. Assuming that the player has performed an action, the hit calculation process may be performed.

  In this way, when an operation for rotating the portable game device around the X axis is performed, it becomes possible to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera in conjunction with the operation and to rotate around the X axis. It becomes possible to execute the hit calculation process of the operation corresponding to the operation.

  In the aspect of the invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires the first operation information and the second operation information input by the player as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit acquires the first operation information. The visual line direction of the virtual camera may be controlled based on the operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character may be controlled based on the second operation information.

  In this way, it becomes possible to control the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, and to control the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the direction instruction information from the direction indicating unit. Then, hit calculation processing or the like can be performed while changing the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. The first operation information may be direction instruction information, and the second operation information may be motion detection information. In this case, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the direction instruction information that is the first operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the player is based on the motion detection information that is the second operation information. The movement of the character is controlled.

  In the aspect of the invention, the virtual camera control unit may be configured to move the virtual camera from the virtual camera toward the moving body when the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected. You may perform control which orient | assigns the gaze direction of the said virtual camera to the 3rd direction between a direction and the 2nd direction which is a direction specified by the said motion detection information.

  In this way, even when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed according to the motion detection information, the image of the moving object is appropriately included in the player's visual field range, and the game operability and visibility of the player are improved. Improvement is possible.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the virtual camera control unit may perform control for directing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera toward the movement destination side of the moving body after the moving body is hit.

  In this way, the player can check the destination of the moving object while viewing the image displayed by the virtual camera.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation unit may include a determination reference plane for performing the hit determination process of the moving body when the motion information of the player is detected before the hit determination timing. , It may be moved in a direction approaching the virtual camera.

  In this way, if the player's movement information is detected before the hit determination timing, the determination reference plane moves in the direction approaching the virtual camera, so the player sets the timing for the hit operation. It becomes easy to match, and the operability of the player can be improved.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body computing unit may detect a stronger hit when the motion information of the player is detected before the hit determination timing than when the motion information is not detected. Based on the hit strength parameter set in the strength, the movement calculation processing of the moving body after the hit may be performed.

  In this way, if the player's motion information is detected before the hit determination timing, the moving object is moved with a hit strength stronger than when the motion information is not detected.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the moving body calculation unit sets a hit strength parameter that is set to a stronger hit strength as the amount of movement of the player represented by the motion information before the hit determination timing is larger. Based on this, the movement calculation process of the mobile object after the hit may be performed.

  In this way, the larger the amount of movement of the player is, the stronger the hit strength is, and the moving body moves, and the amount of movement of the player can be reflected in the movement calculation processing of the moving body. .

  In one aspect of the present invention, the hit calculation unit includes information on a hit body that hits the moving body, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. The hit strength parameter may be set based on at least one.

  If the hit strength parameter is set based on such various information, the hit strength when the moving object is hit changes according to the information, and a variety of hit calculation processing can be realized. .

  In one aspect of the present invention, the hit calculation unit determines whether or not the amount of movement of the player represented by the movement information before the hit determination timing exceeds a determination reference value, and the mobile object calculation The unit may perform movement calculation processing of the moving body after the hit based on the movement information before the hit determination timing when the amount of movement of the player exceeds a determination reference value.

  In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the amount of movement of the player is detected and the hit strength of the moving body changes when the amount of movement of the player is very small.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the hit calculation unit includes information on a hit body that hits the moving body, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. The determination reference value may be set based on at least one.

  If a criterion value is set based on such various information, the criterion value for detecting the amount of movement of the player will change according to this information, realizing a wider variety of hit calculation processing, etc. it can.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation unit may set a hit determination area that follows the movement of the virtual camera on the front side of the virtual camera, and the mobile calculation unit may determine the hit determination at a hit determination timing. Based on the positional relationship information between the area and the moving object, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit may be performed.

  In this way, the moving state (trajectory, speed, etc.) of the moving object after the hit changes according to the positional relationship between the moving object and the hit determination area that follows the movement of the virtual camera. It is possible to realize a suitable hit calculation process using a hit determination area following the above.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the moving object calculation unit may perform the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit based on the position information of the moving object in the hit determination area at the hit determination timing. Good.

  In this way, the moving state of the moving body after the hit changes according to the position information of the moving body in the hit determination area at the hit determination timing, and a suitable hit calculation process using the hit determination area. Can be realized.

  In one aspect of the present invention, information specifying at least one of the state of the moving object and the virtual camera at the hit determination timing is recorded in a storage unit as information for reproducing a motion of a player character at the time of a replay or a communication battle. A recording processing unit that performs the processing may be included (a computer may function as the recording processing unit).

  In this way, it is possible to display, for example, a player character with smooth motion playback at the time of replay or communication battle, and an image displayed at the time of replay or an image displayed on the opponent player or the like during the communication battle. Can improve quality.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information, a moving object calculation unit that performs movement calculation processing of a moving object, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera, and an object space An image generation unit that generates an image that is visible from the virtual camera, the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit includes the motion detection information in the motion detection information. A third direction between a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the object and a second direction that is specified by the motion detection information when motion information of the player is detected based on It is related with the game device which performs control which orient | assigns the gaze direction of the said virtual camera to this direction. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, when motion information of a player is detected from motion detection information from a motion sensor, the first direction in which the visual line direction of the virtual camera is a direction toward the object and motion detection information It is controlled so as to be directed to a third direction between the second directions which are directions specified by. Therefore, even when the visual line direction of the virtual camera is changed by the motion detection information, the image of the object is appropriately included in the visual field range of the player, and the game operability and visibility of the player can be improved. .

  In another aspect of the present invention, the object may be a moving body that is a hit target of a player character's part or belongings, or a character that is a play target of the player.

  In this way, even when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed by the motion detection information, an image of a moving object that is a hit target of the player character's part or belongings, or an image of a character that is a play target of the player However, it falls within the visual field range of the player, for example.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information, a hit calculation unit that performs a hit calculation process for a moving object, and a movement calculation process for the moving object based on a result of the hit calculation process. A moving body computing unit that performs control, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera, and an image generation data generation unit that generates image generation data for generating an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera in an object space. The operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, and the moving body calculation unit is a player before the hit determination timing of the moving body based on the motion detection information. Movement information of the moving body after the hit is detected based on the movement information of the player before the hit determination timing. Related to the server system to perform.

  In another aspect of the present invention, an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information, a moving object calculation unit that performs movement calculation processing of a moving object, a virtual camera control unit that controls a virtual camera, and an object space An image generation data generation unit that generates image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera, and the operation information acquisition unit acquires motion detection information from a motion sensor as the operation information, The virtual camera control unit, when motion information of a player is detected based on the motion detection information, a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the object and a direction specified by the motion detection information The present invention relates to a server system that performs control for directing the viewing direction of the virtual camera in a third direction between the second direction and the second direction.

The structural example of the game device of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system of this embodiment. 3A and 3B are configuration examples of a portable game device to which this embodiment is applied. 4 (A) to 4 (C) are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the visual line direction of a virtual camera using a motion sensor. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are explanatory diagrams of a virtual camera movement control method using a direction instruction unit. Explanatory drawing of the tennis game implement | achieved by this embodiment. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are also explanatory diagrams of the method of this embodiment. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of a virtual camera control method when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the Y axis. An example of a game image generated when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the Y axis. FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a virtual camera control method when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the X axis. An example of a game image generated when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the X axis. FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of a method for causing a virtual camera to follow a hit determination area. FIGS. 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of a technique for setting a hit strength parameter based on the X and Y coordinates of the ball in the hit determination area. Explanatory drawing of the method of setting a hit strength parameter based on the X, Y coordinate of the ball | bowl in a hit determination area. FIGS. 16A to 16C are explanatory views of a method for setting a hit direction parameter based on the Z coordinate of the ball in the hit determination area. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are examples of game images generated by this embodiment. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a method of directing the visual line direction of the virtual camera in a third direction between the first direction toward the ball and the second direction specified by the motion sensor. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are explanatory diagrams of a method of directing the visual line direction of the virtual camera to the movement destination side of the ball after a hit. FIGS. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of a technique for moving the determination reference plane of the hit determination process to the virtual camera side when the player's movement is detected before the hit determination. FIGS. 21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams of a hit strength parameter setting method based on the amount of movement of the player. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the determination reference value of motion amount. Explanatory drawing of the method of recording the information which specifies the state of a ball | bowl or a virtual camera in hit determination timing as information for motion reproduction at the time of a replay or a communication battle. FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B are diagrams for explaining an application example of this embodiment to another ball game. 25A and 25B are diagrams for explaining an application example of the present embodiment to a game other than a ball game. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the detailed process of this embodiment.

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

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a game apparatus (image generation system, game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the game device of the present embodiment is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each part) or adding other components are possible.

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

  The motion sensor of the operation unit 160 detects the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device, and the operation motion of the player can be detected by detecting the movement of such a device. This motion sensor can be realized by various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor (gyro sensor), and an image sensor of a camera. The acceleration sensor detects each piece of acceleration information in three orthogonal directions. Specifically, when the coordinate axes orthogonal to each other are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, the first acceleration information along the X axis direction, the second acceleration information along the Y axis direction, and the Z axis direction The third acceleration information along is detected and output as sensor detection information. This acceleration sensor can be realized by, for example, a piezoresistive or capacitive sensor having a MEMS structure. The angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about a predetermined rotation axis. Specifically, the angular velocity sensor is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about three orthogonal axes, and detects angular velocity information about the X, Y, and Z axes. For example, if the rotation angle around the X axis is α, the rotation angle around the Y axis is β, and the rotation angle around the Z axis is γ, the angular velocities for these α, β, and γ are detected and output as sensor detection information. To do. This angular velocity sensor can be realized by, for example, a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope having a MEMS structure. When an image sensor (CCD, CMOS sensor, etc.) is used as a motion sensor, the movement of a device such as a game controller or a portable game device can be detected based on pixel movement information of a captured image captured by the image sensor. That's fine.

  The motion sensor may be built in the game device or may be prepared as an optional external part of the game device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The processing unit 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 102, a game calculation unit 104, an object space setting unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, a hit calculation unit 110, a moving body calculation unit 112, a recording processing unit 114, an image generation unit 120, a sound A generation unit 130 is included. Various modifications may be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires operation information of the player. For example, when the player performs various operations using the operation unit 160, the operation information is acquired. For example, when a motion sensor is built in the portable game device, when the player moves the portable game device, the motion sensor built in the portable game device detects the movement. Alternatively, when the player moves the game controller that is the operation unit 160, motion detection information from a motion sensor built in the game controller may be acquired as operation information. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information. The acquired operation information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 170.

  The game calculation unit 104 performs a game calculation process. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 106 performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, various objects (polygon, free-form surface or sub) representing display objects such as characters (people, animals, robots, cars, ships, airplanes, etc.), balls, maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. The object is configured to place and set objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as division surfaces) in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the object (part object) in association with the object number. . The object space setting unit 106 performs a process of updating the object data for each frame, for example.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control processing of a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  The hit calculation unit 110 performs hit calculation processing. For example, hit determination processing, hit calculation parameter setting processing, hit effect processing, and the like are performed. Details of the hit calculation unit 110 will be described later.

  The moving object calculation unit 112 performs calculation processing for moving a moving object such as a character or a ball. Also, arithmetic processing for operating the moving body (moving body object) is performed. That is, based on operation information input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., a moving object (object, model object) is moved in the object space, Performs processing to move the moving body (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) of a moving body for each frame (1/60 second). I do. A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  The recording processing unit 114 performs recording processing of motion reproduction information. The motion reproduction information is stored in the motion reproduction information storage unit 174. Details of the recording processing unit 114 will be described later.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after perspective transformation (after geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 178 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that the rendering process can be realized by a vertex shader process, a pixel shader process, or the like.

  Note that the image generation unit 120 may generate a so-called stereoscopic image. In this case, the left-eye virtual camera (first viewpoint virtual camera) and the right-eye virtual camera (second viewpoint virtual camera) are determined using the position of the reference virtual camera and the inter-camera distance. Set the placement. The image generation unit 120 then displays a left-eye image (first viewpoint image) seen from the left-eye virtual camera in the object space, and a right-eye image (second viewpoint image) seen from the right-eye virtual camera in the object space. ) Is generated. Then, using these left-eye image and right-eye image, stereoscopic vision may be realized by an eye separation spectacle method, a naked eye method using a lenticular, or the like.

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

  In this embodiment, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the operation information of the player. The hit calculation unit 110 performs a hit calculation process for the moving object, and the moving object calculation unit 112 performs a move calculation process for the moving object based on the result of the hit calculation process. For example, the hit calculation unit 110 performs hit determination processing for determining whether or not the mobile object has been hit by a hit object (racquet, hand, bat, etc.), and the mobile object calculation unit 112 determines whether the mobile object has been hit by a hit determination process. Then, a movement calculation process for moving the hit moving body in the hit direction is performed. Then, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera, and the image generation unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space.

  Specifically, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information (acceleration information, angular velocity information, image information, etc.) from the motion sensor as operation information. Information obtained by operating the operation unit 160 by the player may be acquired as operation information. Based on the acquired motion detection information, the moving object calculation unit 112 detects player movement information before the hit determination timing of the moving object. That is, if the player performs a movement such as moving the portable game device before the hit determination timing, the movement information is detected based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor. Then, the moving object calculation unit 112 performs a movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit based on the player movement information before the hit determination timing. For example, a hit calculation parameter such as a hit strength parameter of a moving object is set based on the movement information of the player, and a movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed based on the set hit calculation parameter. In this movement calculation processing, for example, calculation processing for obtaining a trajectory (moving trajectory) of a moving body such as a ball based on a given algorithm or table data is performed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing (before the hit) of the moving object is detected, and after the hit based on the detected motion information. Movement calculation processing of the moving body is performed. For example, based on this movement information, the hit strength of the moving object is set, and the moving object after the hit moves. Accordingly, it is possible to realize hit calculation processing using the motion sensor effectively.

  Here, the moving body (play object) is, for example, a ball in a ball game. However, the moving body is not limited to the ball in the ball game. For example, if the object moves after a hit by hit calculation processing based on player movement information at the hit determination timing, various objects can be assumed as the moving body.

  The hit determination timing is a timing that serves as a reference for hit determination. For example, the hit determination timing is a timing at which the player operates the operation unit 160 (such as an operation button). Alternatively, when the player character (displayed or non-displayed player character) is operated by operating the operation unit 160 by the player, the hit determination timing is determined by the player character's possession (racquet, bat, etc.) or part ( It may be the timing at which it is assumed that a hand, a foot, etc.) hit a moving body such as a ball.

  The player motion information is information representing the amount of motion of the player before the hit determination timing. For example, if the amount of movement of the player before the hit determination timing exceeds a determination reference value (the amount of movement serving as a determination reference), it is determined that the player has moved before the hit determination timing, and the amount of movement at that time (such as a motion vector) Is acquired as the movement information of the player.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the acquired motion detection information. For example, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed according to the movement direction and amount of movement of the player detected by the motion detection information. For example, when the motion sensor detects the player's movement to the right side and the left side (movement of the portable game device), the line of sight of the virtual camera is changed to the right side and the left side, respectively. . If the motion sensor detects the player's movement in the upward direction or the downward direction (movement of the portable game device), the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed to the upward direction or the downward direction, respectively. .

  Further, for example, the motion sensor is a sensor provided in the portable game device, and the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires motion detection information obtained by the player moving the portable game device from the motion sensor. Note that the motion sensor may be a sensor provided in the game controller. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 102 acquires the motion detection information obtained by the player moving the game controller from the motion sensor. Further, when the portable game apparatus can freely attach and detach a game information storage medium such as a game cartridge, the motion sensor may be mounted on a game information storage medium such as a game cartridge.

  Then, the virtual camera control unit 108 controls the virtual camera so that the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes according to the movement of the portable game device. For example, when the player performs an operation of rolling the portable game device around the X axis that is an axis along the horizontal direction, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is changed in the vertical direction. When the portable game device is operated to roll around the Y axis that is an axis along the vertical direction, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed in the left-right direction.

  In addition, it is assumed that an axis along the horizontal direction is an X axis, and an axis along the vertical direction is a Y axis. Then, when an operation for rotating the portable game device around the Y axis is performed, the virtual camera control unit 108 rotates the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis. To control. When the operation for rotating the portable game device about the Y axis is performed, the hit calculation unit 110 performs hit calculation processing on the assumption that the player has performed an operation corresponding to the rotation about the Y axis. For example, assuming that the player has performed a preparatory operation such as a take-back operation corresponding to rotation about the Y axis, hit calculation processing is performed. Specifically, when such a preparatory operation such as a takeback operation is performed before the hit determination timing (before the hit), for example, the hit strength is increased compared to the case where the preparatory operation is not performed. And hit calculation processing such as changing the hit direction.

  Further, when an operation for rotating the portable game device about the X axis is performed, the virtual camera control unit 108 rotates the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera about the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis. Take control. When the operation for rotating the portable game device about the X axis is performed, the hit calculation unit 110 performs hit calculation processing on the assumption that the player has performed an operation corresponding to the rotation about the X axis. For example, if the player performs a preparatory operation such as a take-back operation corresponding to rotation around the X axis, for example, the hit strength is increased or the hit direction is made different from the case where the preparatory operation is not performed. The hit calculation process is performed.

  The operation information acquisition unit 102 also acquires first operation information and second operation information input by the player as operation information. For example, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and direction instruction information from a direction instruction unit (direction instruction key, analog tick) of the operation unit 160 is acquired as second operation information.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 controls the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information, and controls the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character based on the second operation information. . For example, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information, and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the player character is moved based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. To control. In this case, the control of the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the first operation information controls the direction (line-of-sight direction) that the player character faces based on the first operation information, and the virtual camera follows the direction that the player character faces. It may be a case where the viewing direction of the camera is controlled. Further, the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the second operation information is controlled by controlling the movement of the player character based on the second operation information and following the movement of the player character. It may be a case where movement is controlled. Conversely, the first operation information may be direction instruction information, and the second operation information may be motion detection information. In this case, the visual line direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the direction instruction information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the motion detection information.

  Also, assume that the direction from the virtual camera toward the moving body is the first direction, and the direction specified by the motion detection information is the second direction. Then, the virtual camera control unit 108 directs the viewing direction of the virtual camera in the third direction between the first direction and the second direction when the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected. Control may be performed. That is, when the motion of the player is detected by the motion sensor, the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera is not directed to the second direction specified by the motion detection information, but is the direction from the virtual camera toward the moving body. The third direction is set between the first direction and the second direction (intermediate). In this way, even when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed according to the motion detection information, the image of the moving body is appropriately included in the player's visual field range, and the game operability and visibility of the player are improved. Can be improved.

  Note that the first direction in this case is not limited to the direction from the virtual camera to the moving body such as a ball, and can be the direction from the virtual camera to the object. That is, the virtual camera control unit 108, when motion information of the player is detected based on the motion detection information, the first direction that is the direction from the virtual camera to the object and the second direction specified by the motion detection information. Control is performed to direct the viewing direction of the virtual camera in a third direction between the directions. As such an object, it is possible to assume a moving body that is a hit target of a player character's part or possession, a character that is a play target of the player, or the like.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 108 may perform control to direct the visual line direction of the virtual camera toward the moving destination side of the moving body after the moving body is hit. For example, control is performed to change the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera so as to follow the destination of the moving body. In addition, after performing the control for directing the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera to the moving destination side of the moving body in this way, when a given period has elapsed, the virtual body is directed so as to face the direction side specified by the motion detection information Control for returning the viewing direction of the camera may be performed.

  In addition, when the player motion information before the hit determination timing is detected, the hit calculation unit 110 performs control to move the determination reference plane for performing the hit determination process of the moving object in the direction approaching the virtual camera. You may go. For example, the determination reference plane indicating the position of the just timing is moved to the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. This makes it possible to appropriately execute the hit determination process of the moving object even when the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is directed to the direction specified by the motion detection information by a preparatory operation such as a take-back operation. .

  In addition, when the motion information of the player is detected before the hit determination timing, the moving body calculation unit 112 sets the hit strength parameter set to a stronger hit strength than when the motion information is not detected. Based on this, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed. For example, if no player motion information is detected before the hit determination timing, the hit strength parameter is set to the first hit strength. On the other hand, when the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected, the hit strength parameter is set to a second hit strength that is stronger than the first hit strength. Then, for example, the movement calculation process of the moving body is performed so that the moving body moves after the hit at a faster speed than when the movement information of the player is not detected.

  More specifically, the moving object calculation unit 112 determines the post-hit after hit based on the hit strength parameter that is set to a stronger hit strength as the player's motion amount represented by the motion information before the hit determination timing is larger. Performs movement calculation processing of the moving object. For example, if the player makes a large movement as a preparatory action such as a takeback action, set a stronger hit strength than a small movement, and move computation processing so that the moving object moves after a hit at a faster speed I do.

  In this case, the hit calculation unit 110 may determine whether or not the amount of motion of the player represented by the motion information before the hit determination timing exceeds the determination reference value. That is, it is determined whether or not the amount of movement of the player before the hit determination timing exceeds the amount of movement that is a determination criterion.

  Then, when the movement amount of the player exceeds the determination reference value, the moving body calculation unit 112 performs a movement calculation process of the moving body after the hit based on the movement information before the hit determination timing. For example, when the motion amount is equal to or less than the determination reference value, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit based on the motion information is not performed, and only when the motion amount exceeds the determination reference value, before the hit determination timing The movement calculation process of the moving body based on the movement information at is performed. By doing so, it is possible to suppress a situation in which hit calculation processing or the like is frequently performed with a slight movement of the player.

  Here, the determination reference value can be set based on various information. For example, the hit calculation unit 110 has information on hit bodies that hit the moving body (types of rackets and bats, etc.), environmental information on the games (environmental conditions such as game fields and weather), and game difficulty level setting information (difficulty Level information), player character information (abilities associated with the player character, various parameter information such as physical strength, etc.), and player game performance information (past game performance, etc.). The determination reference value may be set.

  The hit calculation unit 110 is based on at least one of hit body information hitting a moving body, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. A hit strength parameter may be set.

  Moreover, the hit calculation unit 110 sets a hit determination area that follows the movement of the virtual camera. For example, the hit determination area is set on the front side of the virtual camera. For example, when the virtual camera moves in the X, Y, and Z axis directions in the object space, the hit determination area also moves in the X, Y, and Z axis directions accordingly. Then, the moving object calculation unit 112 performs a movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit based on the positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving object at the hit determination timing. For example, hit calculation parameters such as a hit strength parameter and a hit direction parameter of the moving object are set based on the positional relationship information, and the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed based on the set hit calculation parameter. Done.

  Here, the hit calculation parameter is a parameter used for performing the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit, and is a parameter for setting the hit strength, the hit direction, and the like. The hit strength parameter is a parameter representing the hit degree (hit speed, hit acceleration) of the moving object, and the hit direction parameter is a parameter for setting the moving direction of the moving object after the hit.

  The hit determination area (hit determination volume) is an area for performing hit determination processing of a moving object, and is, for example, a three-dimensional area. In addition, as a hit determination area, the area of various shapes, such as a rectangular parallelepiped (a cube is included), a cylinder, a cone, can be assumed, for example. In some cases, the hit determination area can be a two-dimensional area.

  The moving object hit determination process is a process for determining whether or not a moving object such as a ball hits a hit object (such as a racket, bat, or player character). In this case, the hit body may be an actually displayed object or a non-displayed object.

  The hit determination area follows the movement of the virtual camera means that the hit determination area moves so as to follow the translational movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, for example. For example, when the virtual camera moves forward / backward / left / right, the hit determination area moves forward / backward / left / right in conjunction therewith. For example, the hit determination area is set on the front side of the virtual camera. Specifically, the hit determination area is set to be orthogonal to the visual axis along the visual line direction of the virtual camera. The hit determination area is set so that the right and left areas of the screen on which an image viewed from the virtual camera is displayed are areas where the moving object can hit. Note that the virtual camera may move so as to follow the player character operated by the player. The player character in this case may be a character in which all or a part of the player character is actually displayed in the game image, or may be a virtual character that is not displayed in the game image.

  The positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving body is, for example, relative position information or direction information between the hit determination area and the moving body. When a first-person viewpoint image is generated as an image seen from the virtual camera, hit bodies such as rackets, balls, hands, and feet may be displayed.

  In addition, the mobile object calculation unit 112 performs a mobile object movement calculation process after the hit (after the hit determination timing) based on the position information of the mobile object in the hit determination area at the hit determination timing. Here, the position information of the moving object in the hit determination area is, for example, position information in the local coordinate system of the hit determination area. However, it is possible to carry out a modification using the position information in the absolute coordinate system or the camera coordinate system.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the axis along the horizontal direction in the hit determination area is the X axis, and the axis along the vertical direction is the Y axis. Here, the X-axis and Y-axis can be the X-axis and Y-axis of the local coordinate system of the hit determination area, for example. In this case, the moving object calculation unit 112 is based on at least one of the X coordinate information (information that substantially represents the X coordinate) and the Y coordinate information (information that substantially represents the Y coordinate) of the moving object at the hit determination timing. Based on the set hit strength parameter, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed. For example, hit strength parameters having different hit strengths are set according to the X coordinates and Y coordinates represented by the X coordinate information and the Y coordinate information, and using the set hit strength parameters, the moving object after the hit is set. Move calculation processing is performed. Specifically, the moving object calculation unit 112 determines the moving object after the hit based on the hit strength parameter that is set to a strong hit strength as the distance from the virtual camera increases in the XY plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis. Move calculation processing is performed. For example, on the XY plane, the hit strength is the weakest at the front position (position on the visual axis, origin) of the virtual camera, and the stronger the distance from the front position (the farther away from the X axis or the Y axis), the stronger the hit strength is. Set the hit strength parameter so that it becomes stronger. By doing so, the hit strength becomes weak at the center of the screen, and the hit strength parameter can be set so that the hit strength becomes stronger as the left end, right end, upper end, etc. of the screen are approached. The hit strength parameter should be sufficient to set the speed and acceleration of the moving object after the hit. If the hit strength is set to a high value, the speed (acceleration) of the moving object will increase. When the hit strength is set to be weak, the speed (acceleration) of the moving body becomes slow.

  In addition, it is assumed that an axis along the horizontal direction at the hit determination timing is an X axis, an axis along the vertical direction is a Y axis, and an axis orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis is a Z axis. Here, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis can be, for example, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis in the local coordinate system of the hit determination area. In this case, the mobile object calculation unit 112 performs the post-hit (after the hit determination timing) based on the hit direction parameter set based on the Z coordinate information (information that substantially represents the Z coordinate) of the mobile object at the hit determination timing. ) The movement calculation process of the moving body is performed. That is, according to whether the Z coordinate represented by the Z coordinate information of the moving body at the hit determination timing is the back side or the near side on the Z axis, the hit direction of the moving body after the hit is different. Move calculation processing is performed.

  Specifically, when the moving object is located at the position of the determination reference plane at the hit determination timing, the moving object calculating unit 112 moves the moving object after the hit toward the first direction. Here, the first direction side is a front direction, for example, and is a direction along the visual axis of the virtual camera. In addition, when the moving object is located on the back side in the Z-axis with respect to the determination reference plane at the hit determination timing, the moving object calculation unit 112 is arranged on the left side and the right side with respect to the first direction. The hit moving body is moved to the second direction side which is either one side. For example, if a moving object is hit in the right area of the hit determination area (the right area of the screen) and the moving object is located on the back side of the determination reference plane on the Z axis (fast forward in the tennis forehand stroke) In the case), the moving body is moved, for example, to the left side with respect to the first direction which is the front direction. In addition, when the moving object is hit in the left area (left area of the screen) of the hit determination area and the moving object is located on the back side of the determination reference plane on the Z-axis (in the case of fast swinging with a backhand stroke) ), The moving body is moved, for example, to the right side with respect to the first direction.

  On the other hand, when the moving object is located on the near side in the Z axis with respect to the determination reference plane at the hit determination timing, the moving object calculation unit 112 is different from the one side with respect to the first direction. The moving body after the hit is moved to the third direction side. For example, when the moving object is hit in the right area of the hit determination area and the moving object is positioned on the near side of the determination reference plane surface on the Z axis (when the swing is delayed by the forehand stroke), For example, the moving body is moved to the right side with respect to a certain first direction. In addition, when the moving object is hit in the left area of the hit determination area and the moving object is positioned on the near side of the determination reference plane surface on the Z axis (when the swing is delayed by the backhand stroke), the first The moving body is moved, for example, to the left side with respect to the direction of.

  In addition, the moving object calculation unit 112 controls the possession of the player character operated by the player or the player character based on the positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving object at the hit determination timing. That is, when moving calculation processing of the moving object is performed based on the positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving object at the hit determination timing, the player character's belongings or player character operated by the player is controlled in conjunction with this. To do. For example, the player character's belongings (racquet, bat, etc.) are moved in the direction determined by the positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving object, or the player character is moved according to the positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the moving object. Operate with specified motion.

  In addition, the recording processing unit 114 performs processing for recording the information for reproducing the motion of the player character at the time of replay or communication battle in the storage unit 170 (motion storage information storage unit 174). Specifically, a process of recording information for specifying at least one of the state of the moving object and the virtual camera at the hit determination timing as motion reproduction information is performed. The moving body calculation unit 112 performs a known motion reproduction process based on the recorded motion reproduction information during replay in which the player's past play and the like are reproduced and displayed on the display unit 190. As a result, the replay image is displayed on the display unit 190. Further, during a communication battle, the other player's motion playback information is received via the communication unit 196, and the motion playback processing is performed based on the received other player's motion playback information, thereby supporting the other player. Move the character. Also, the motion playback information of the player character is transmitted to the game device (server system) of another player via the communication unit 196, and the image of the player character that operates based on the motion playback information Displayed on the game device of the player. The information for identifying the state of the moving object includes, for example, whether or not a hit event of the moving object has occurred, what kind of hit event has occurred, and what kind of hit strength the moving object has. This is information for specifying whether or not the hit was made in the hit direction. The information specifying the state of the virtual camera includes hit determination timing, information on the viewing direction and viewpoint position of the virtual camera before and after the hit determination timing.

  Note that the method of this embodiment may be realized by a server system. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in the case of being realized by a server system.

  Server system 500 is communicatively connected to terminal apparatuses TM1 to TMn via network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are clients. The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or a plurality of servers (authentication server, game server, communication server, billing server, etc.). The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal devices TM1 to TMn are realized by, for example, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, an arcade game device, or the like. The portable game device may be a dedicated game device or a general-purpose device capable of executing a game program such as a mobile phone or a portable information terminal.

  The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, a storage unit 670, an information storage medium 680, and a communication unit 696. The processing unit 600 includes an operation information acquisition unit 602, a game calculation unit 604, an object space setting unit 606, a virtual camera control unit 608, a hit calculation unit 610, a moving body calculation unit 612, a recording processing unit 614, and an image generation data generation unit. 620, and a sound generation data generation unit 630. The functions, operations, etc. of these units (blocks) are the same as those of the units (blocks) in FIG.

  For example, the operation information acquisition unit 602 of the server system 500 acquires operation information, the hit calculation unit 610 performs a hit calculation process for a mobile object, and the mobile object calculation unit 612 moves based on the result of the hit calculation process. Perform body movement calculation processing. The virtual camera control unit 608 controls the virtual camera, and the image generation data generation unit 620 generates image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space.

  The operation information acquisition unit 602 acquires motion detection information from the motion sensor as operation information. In addition, the moving object calculation unit 612 detects player movement information before the hit determination timing of the moving object based on the motion detection information, and moves after the hit based on the player movement information before the hit determination timing. Perform body movement calculation processing. The virtual camera control unit 608 controls the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. Further, the operation information acquisition unit 602 acquires the first operation information and the second operation information input by the player as the operation information, and the virtual camera control unit 608 determines the virtual camera based on the first operation information. The line-of-sight direction is controlled, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the second operation information. Further, the recording processing unit 614 records information for specifying the state of at least one of the moving object and the virtual camera at the hit determination timing as information for reproducing the motion of the player character at the time of replay or communication battle, for example, in the storage unit 670. Process.

  Note that the image generation data for generating the image is data for displaying the image generated by the method of the present embodiment on each of the terminal devices TM1 to TMn, and may be the image data itself. In addition, various data (object data, control result data, determination result data, display screen setting data, etc.) used by each terminal device to generate an image may be used. For example, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, generates images, and distributes them to the terminal devices TM1 to TMn (stream distribution) Etc.), the image generation data described above is the image data itself. On the other hand, the server system 500 acquires operation information from the operation unit of each terminal device, performs various control processes and various determination processes, and the terminal devices TM1 to TMn are based on the control results and determination results. When an image is generated, the above-described image generation data is control result data, determination result data, object data, or the like. The same applies to the sound generation data generated by the sound generation data generation unit 630.

  The operation information acquisition unit 602, game calculation unit 604, object space setting unit 606, virtual camera control unit 608, hit calculation unit 610, moving body calculation unit 612, recording processing unit 614, image generation data generation unit 620, sound generation Detailed functions and operations of the data generation unit 630, the storage unit 670, the information storage medium 680, the communication unit 696, and the like are the same as those described above with reference to FIG.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described in detail. Hereinafter, the case where the method of the present embodiment is applied to a tennis game will be mainly described. However, the game to which the method of the present embodiment is applied is not limited to a tennis game, and for example, volleyball, badminton, baseball, soccer, The present invention can also be applied to various ball games such as American football and various games other than the ball game (action game, role playing game, music game, mini game, etc.).

2.1 Hit calculation process based on movement information before hit determination timing In a conventional tennis game, a player character corresponding to a player is placed on the court, and the player uses a direction instruction key or an operation button of the operation unit to Operate the character and enjoy the tennis game.

  However, with such a conventional tennis game technique, the actual movement of the player cannot be reflected in the stroke motion of hitting the ball, and the virtual reality of the player cannot be improved. In addition, in most conventional tennis games, a third-person viewpoint image viewed from a virtual camera fixedly placed at a position behind the base line of the court is mostly generated. It was difficult for the player to experience a realistic sensation of running around and hitting the ball.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, motion detection information from the motion sensor is acquired as operation information, and based on this motion detection information, player motion information before the hit determination timing of the ball (moving body in a broad sense) is detected. . Based on the player's movement information before the hit determination timing, the ball movement calculation process after the hit is performed. For example, when the player motion information is detected before the hit determination timing, it is determined that a preparatory operation such as a takeback operation has been performed. Then, ball movement calculation processing is performed so that the ball is hit back with a stronger hit strength than when no motion information is detected. By doing so, it is possible to reflect the real movement of the player in the stroke action of hitting the ball, and the virtual reality of the player can be enhanced.

  In addition, for example, an image is generated from the viewpoint of a virtual camera that follows the viewpoint of an actual tennis player, instead of the viewpoint of a virtual camera fixedly arranged behind the base line of the court. As an example, a first-person viewpoint image from the viewpoint of a tennis player is generated. In this case, for example, a part such as a racket or a tennis player's arm may be displayed on the screen.

  And while generating an image from such a viewpoint, for example, if you hit the ball near the center of the screen and hit it, it will become a weak hit stroke, if you hit the ball at the right end of the screen, it will become a strong hit forehand stroke The process is as follows. In addition, if the ball is hit at the left end of the screen, processing is performed so that a strong winning backhand stroke is obtained. This makes it possible for the player to experience a realistic feeling as if he was running on the court and hitting the ball as if it were an actual tennis player, and the player's virtual reality compared to conventional tennis games. Can greatly improve.

  Next, the method of this embodiment will be described more specifically. In the following, a method using a motion sensor provided in a portable game device will be described as an example of a method for controlling the viewing direction of the virtual camera.

  FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show a configuration example of a portable game device to which the method of the present embodiment is applied. This portable game device has a main display portion 190M and a sub display portion 190S. The sub display unit 190S is realized by, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and is provided in the housing 10 of the game apparatus. The main display unit 190M is a display having, for example, a larger number of pixels than the sub display unit 190S, and is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The main display unit 190M is a display that can display, for example, a stereoscopic image with naked eyes, and the game image is displayed in stereoscopic view.

  A case 10 and a case 20 of the portable game device are provided so as to be freely rotatable, and the case 10 is provided with a direction instruction key 12, an analog stick (joystick) 14, and operation buttons 16. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, first and second cameras CM1 and CM2 are provided on the back side of the housing 20 (the side opposite to the main display portion 190M). By photographing the subject using the first and second cameras CM1 and CM2, it is possible to obtain a left-eye image and a right-eye image with parallax, and stereoscopic display is possible.

  Further, the portable game device has a built-in motion sensor (6-axis sensor) not shown. When the player moves the hand-held game device with his / her hand, using this motion sensor, the acceleration in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in FIG. Angular velocities around the Y axis and Z axis can be detected. This makes it possible to detect translational movement operations in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and rotation angles (roll operation, roll angle) around the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Note that the X axis (first coordinate axis in a broad sense) is an axis along the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of the screen of the display unit), and the Y axis (second coordinate axis in a broad sense) is the vertical direction (of the display unit). Z-axis (third coordinate axis in a broad sense) is a direction (depth direction) orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis.

  Next, control of the viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 (A) to 4 (C). In the present embodiment, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as first operation information, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the motion detection information that is the first operation information.

  For example, as shown by D1 and D2 in FIG. 4A, the player can perform an operation of rotating (rolling) the portable game device (game controller) around the X axis. In this case, the rotation operation (roll operation) around the X axis is detected by the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor.

  Then, as indicated by D1 in FIG. 4A, the portable game device is rotated (rolled) counterclockwise on the X axis (counterclockwise when viewed from the positive side of the rotating shaft, rotating in the negative direction). In this case, as indicated by E1 in FIG. 4B, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates counterclockwise on the XC axis of the camera coordinate system. As a result, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC can be set to a visual line direction suitable for smash (or serve) as described later, for example.

  On the other hand, as shown by D2 in FIG. 4A, when the portable game device is rotated clockwise in the X axis (clockwise as viewed from the positive side of the rotation axis, rotation in the positive direction), As indicated by E2 in FIG. 4B, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates clockwise around the XC axis of the camera coordinate system.

  Also, as indicated by D3 and D4 in FIG. 4A, when the player rotates the portable game device around the Y axis, the rotation operation around the Y axis is performed by the angular velocity sensor of the motion sensor. Detected.

  When the portable game device is rotated counterclockwise on the Y axis as indicated by D3 in FIG. 4A, the YC axis of the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E3 in FIG. The visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates counterclockwise. Thereby, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC can be set to a visual line direction suitable for, for example, a backhand stroke (in the case of right-handedness).

  On the other hand, when the portable game device is rotated clockwise on the Y axis as indicated by D4 in FIG. 4A, the YC axis of the camera coordinate system is indicated as indicated by E4 in FIG. The visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC rotates in the clockwise direction. As a result, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC can be set to a visual line direction suitable for, for example, a forehand stroke (in the case of right-handedness).

  Note that, as a motion sensor, an image sensor may be used instead of an angular velocity sensor or the like to detect a rotation operation of the portable game device and control the visual line direction or the like of the virtual camera. In other words, a rotation operation of the portable game device is detected using an image picked up by an image sensor of the camera, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is controlled. For example, the camera CM1 and CM2 as shown in FIG. 3B shoot a landscape around the portable game device, and perform image processing on the captured images of the obtained cameras CM1 and CM2 to obtain a captured image. A rotation operation of the portable game device is detected from the pixel movement information. In this way, the image sensor of the portable game device can be used as a motion sensor to detect the rotation operation of the portable game device and control the visual line direction of the virtual camera.

  Next, control of movement of the viewpoint position and the like of the virtual camera based on the direction instruction information will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 (A) to 5 (C). In the present embodiment, the direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit is acquired as the second operation information, and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera is moved (movement of the player character) based on the direction instruction information that is the second operation information. To control.

  For example, as shown in B1 to B4 of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a direction instruction operation in the up / down / left / right directions is performed using the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 (joystick) as a direction instruction unit. Suppose. In this case, the viewpoint position (player character position) of the virtual camera VC is moved in a direction corresponding to the instructed direction.

  Specifically, when a direction instruction as shown in B1 to B4 in FIG. 5A or 5B is given, the virtual camera VC is moved in the direction shown in C1 to C4 in FIG. Move.

  For example, when a direction instruction unit such as the direction instruction key 12 or the analog stick 14 gives a direction instruction in the vertical direction as shown in B1 and B2 of FIGS. 5A and 5B, FIG. As indicated by C1 and C2 in (C), the virtual camera VC is moved in the front-rear direction. On the other hand, when the left and right direction directions are given as shown in B3 and B4 in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the virtual camera is shown in C3 and C4 in FIG. The VC is moved in the left-right direction.

  As described above, by controlling the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information and controlling the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera based on the direction instruction information, it is possible to generate a first-person viewpoint image using a portable game device. A suitable virtual camera control method can be realized.

  For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a tennis game realized by this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a player has a portable game device and enjoys a tennis game while watching a game image displayed on the display unit. When the player moves the portable game device as indicated by D1 to D4 in FIG. 4A, this movement is detected by the motion sensor, and in conjunction with the movement of the portable game device, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4C, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes. Further, when the player operates a direction indicating unit such as the direction indicating key 12 or the analog stick 14 of the portable game device as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a virtual as shown in FIG. The viewpoint position of the camera VC moves.

  Therefore, the player can run on the court as if he became an actual tennis player by operating the direction indicating section. Further, it is possible to change the line-of-sight direction by moving the portable game device in the left-right direction or the up-down direction so that the ball hit by the opponent character falls within the visual field range and can be hit back. Thereby, compared with the conventional tennis game in which the virtual camera is fixedly arranged behind the base line of the court, the virtual reality of the player can be remarkably improved.

  In the present embodiment, the technique described below is adopted as a technique for calculating the movement of a ball after a hit when an image is generated by such a virtual camera control technique.

  First, in this embodiment, motion detection information from a motion sensor is acquired as operation information, and player motion information before hit determination timing is detected. Based on the detected movement information of the player, a movement calculation process of the ball BL after the hit is performed.

  Specifically, when the player moves the portable game device before the hit determination timing of the ball BL, the movement of the portable game device before the hit determination timing is detected based on the motion detection information. For example, as shown by H1 in FIG. 7A, when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the Y axis before the hit determination timing, the movement of the portable game device about the Y axis is moved. Is detected by the motion detection information.

  When the movement of the rotation of the portable game device about the Y axis is detected before the hit determination timing as described above, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is set as indicated by H2 in FIG. Rotate around the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis. Further, assuming that the player performs an operation corresponding to the rotation around the Y axis, hit calculation processing is performed. Taking a tennis game as an example, assuming that the player has performed a forehand stroke takeback operation, hit calculation processing is performed for hitting the ball BL with the racket RK with the forehand stroke. Specifically, if such a rotational movement around the Y axis is detected before the hit determination timing, it is determined that the player has performed a takeback operation (preparation operation in a broad sense) The ball BL is hit back with a forehand stroke having a stronger hit strength than when no movement is detected.

  Further, as indicated by H3 in FIG. 8A, when the player performs an operation of rotating the portable game device about the X axis before the hit determination timing, the movement of the portable game device about the X axis is moved. Is detected by the motion detection information.

  When the movement of the portable game device about the X-axis is detected before the hit determination timing in this way, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is set as indicated by H4 in FIG. Rotate around the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis. Further, assuming that the player performs an operation corresponding to the rotation around the X axis, hit calculation processing is performed. Taking a tennis game as an example, it is assumed that the player performs a smash takeback operation, and hit calculation processing is performed in which the ball BL is smashed by the racket RK. Specifically, if such a rotational movement around the X axis is detected before the hit determination timing, it is determined that the player has performed a takeback operation, and such a movement is not detected. The ball BL is hit back with a smash that has a stronger hit strength than.

  For example, in FIG. 9A, the player swings the portable game device to the right before hitting the ball. That is, the player performs a takeback operation by swinging the portable game device as if it were a racket. Then, the movement of the player's takeback operation is detected by a motion sensor built in the portable game device. Based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a game image generated when the player performs such a takeback operation. When the player swings the portable game device to the right side, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC changes to the right side as shown in FIG. Will be generated.

  Thus, before the hit of the ball BL, the player performs a take-back operation using the portable game device, and when it is determined that the ball BL is hit, the ball BL is hit back with a stronger hit strength. Become. That is, when the player performs a takeback operation, and it is determined that the ball BL is positioned near the right end of the hit determination area, for example, as will be described later in detail in the hit determination process described later, the takeback operation is performed. The ball is hit back with a stronger hit strength than if it were not, and the ball flies to the opponent's court at a faster speed.

  In this way, if the player performs a take-back operation before hitting and hits the ball BL at the right or left end of the screen, the player can hit the ball BL at a higher speed, which is the same as in actual tennis. It is possible to give the player a shot feeling. In FIG. 10, the player (right-handed) performs a take-back operation of swinging the portable game device to the right, and hits the ball BL at the right end of the screen, thereby hitting the ball BL with a strong forehand stroke. On the other hand, when the player performs a take-back operation of swinging the portable game device to the left side and hits the ball BL at the left end of the screen, the ball BL is hit back with a strong backhand stroke.

  In FIG. 11A, the player swings the portable game device upward before hitting the ball. That is, the player swings up the portable game device as if it is a racket and performs a smash takeback operation. Then, the movement of the player is detected by a motion sensor built in the portable game device. Based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC changes as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a game image generated when the player performs such a smash takeback operation. When the player swings the portable game device upward, the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is also directed upward as shown in FIG. 11B, so that a game image for viewing the upper side as shown in FIG. 12 is generated. Become.

  Thus, before the hit of the ball BL, the player performs a smash take-back operation using the portable game device, and if it is determined that the ball BL is hit, the ball BL strikes back with a smash of strong hit strength. It comes to be. That is, if the player performs a smash takeback operation and, at the subsequent hit determination timing, it is determined that the ball BL is located, for example, near the upper end of the hit determination area, the hit strength is stronger than when the smash takeback operation is not performed. The ball is hit back and the ball flies to the opponent's court at a faster speed.

  In this way, if the player performs a smash take-back operation before hitting and hits the ball BL back at the upper end of the screen, the ball BL is hit back at a higher speed smash. A similar shot feeling can be given to the player.

  Next, details of the hit determination process of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, a hit determination area HAR is set on the front side of the virtual camera VC, for example. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the hit determination area HAR is also moved so as to follow the movement of the virtual camera VC.

  For example, in FIG. 13A, the virtual camera VC is moving in the right direction based on the direction instruction information from the direction instructing unit as described in FIGS. 5A to 5C. In this case, the hit determination area HAR set on the front side of the virtual camera VC also moves in the right direction.

  In FIG. 13B, the virtual camera VC is moving in the upper right direction based on the direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit. In this case, the hit determination area HAR set on the front side of the virtual camera VC also moves in the upper right direction. Thus, the hit determination area HAR moves in conjunction with the movement of the virtual camera VC.

  By performing the movement control of the hit area HAR in this way, it becomes possible to realize a tennis game in which the player can hit back the ball flying in front of his / her own eyes.

  Specifically, in FIG. 14A, for example, when the ball BL (moving body in a broad sense) is located in the hit judgment area HAR at the hit judgment timing, the ball BL is a player's racket (in a broad sense). It is determined that the hit body has been hit. In this case, the hit determination timing is, for example, a timing at which the player performs a shot operation using the operation unit 160. Alternatively, it is assumed that the hit determination timing is such that a player character (display or non-display player character) performs a shot motion by performing such a shot operation, and the player character hits the ball in the shot motion. It may be timing.

  In this embodiment, the ball hit movement calculation process is performed based on the position information of the ball BL (moving body) in the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, an axis along the horizontal direction in the hit determination area HAR is an X axis, an axis along the vertical direction is a Y axis, and an axis orthogonal to the X axis and the Y axis is a Z axis. Suppose that. In this case, the hit strength of the ball BL is set based on the X coordinate information and Y coordinate information of the ball BL at the hit determination timing.

  For example, in FIG. 14A, the ball BL is positioned near the middle of the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing. That is, the ball BL is located in front of the virtual camera VC, and the ball BL is displayed near the center of the screen in the game image shown in FIG. For example, when the position corresponding to the front of the virtual camera VC is the origin of the X and Y axes, the X coordinate of the ball BL in FIG. 14A is close to the virtual camera VC (origin). In such a case, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the hit strength is weakened and the ball BL is hit back at a slow speed.

  In FIG. 14B, the ball BL is positioned near the right end of the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing. That is, the ball BL is positioned on the right side of the virtual camera VC at the hit determination timing, and the ball BL is displayed near the right end of the screen in the game image. That is, the X coordinate of the ball BL is far from the virtual camera VC in the positive direction. In such a case, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the hit strength is increased and the ball BL is hit back at a high speed. Specifically, in the case of a right-handed player, the ball BL is hit back with a strong forehand stroke.

  In FIG. 14C, the ball BL is positioned near the left end of the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing. That is, the ball BL is positioned on the left side of the virtual camera VC at the hit determination timing, and the ball BL is displayed near the left end of the screen in the game image. That is, the X coordinate of the ball BL is far from the virtual camera VC in the negative direction. In such a case, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the hit strength is increased and the ball BL is hit back at a high speed. Specifically, in the case of a right-handed player, the ball BL is hit back with a strong backhand stroke.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting the hit strength parameter PS based on the X coordinate XB and Y coordinate YB of the ball BL in the hit determination area. As shown in FIG. 15, the hit strength parameter PS is represented by a function F (XB, YB) of the coordinates XB, YB of the ball BL. Then, as the ball BL moves away from the origin of the XY plane, for example, the hit strength represented by the hit strength parameter PS increases. That is, the movement calculation process of the ball BL after the hit is performed based on the hit strength parameter that is set to a stronger hit strength as the distance from the virtual camera VC in the XY plane. For example, when the Y coordinate YB is large, it is assumed that smashing has been performed, and movement calculation processing is performed so that the ball BL is hit back with a strong smash shot. However, the hit strength parameter PS may be set based only on the X coordinate XB of the ball BL or based only on the Y coordinate YB.

  In the present embodiment, the movement calculation process of the moving object after the hit is performed based on the hit direction parameter set based on the Z coordinate information of the ball at the hit determination timing.

  For example, in FIG. 16A, the determination reference plane RS set in the hit determination area HAR is a plane representing the position of just timing, for example. When the ball BL is positioned at the position of the determination reference plane RS at the hit determination timing, the ball BL after the hit is placed on the first direction DR1 side which is the front direction as shown in FIG. Move. That is, it is determined that the hit determination timing is just timing, and the ball BL is hit back in the front direction.

  In FIG. 16B, the ball BL is positioned on the back side in the Z axis with respect to the determination reference surface RS at the hit determination timing. In this case, on the second direction DR2 side, which is the left direction side (in a broad sense, either the left direction side or the right direction side with respect to the first direction) with respect to the first direction DR1, The ball BL after the hit is moved. That is, it is determined that the hit determination timing is earlier than the just timing, and the ball BL is hit back to the left side. For example, in the case of a right-handed person, the ball BL is hit back with a fast forehand stroke.

  In FIG. 16C, the ball BL is positioned on the near side in the Z axis with respect to the determination reference surface RS at the hit determination timing. In this case, the ball BL after the hit is placed on the third direction DR3 side, which is the right side with respect to the first direction DR1 (the other side different from one side with respect to the first direction in a broad sense). Move. That is, it is determined that the hit determination timing is later than the just timing, and the ball BL is hit back to the right side. For example, in the case of a right-handed person, the ball BL is hit back with a delayed forehand stroke.

  As described above, the hit ball BL can be moved in the hit direction set based on the Z coordinate information of the ball at the hit determination timing.

  FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are examples of game images generated by this embodiment. FIG. 17A is an example of a game image when the ball BL is positioned near the middle of the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing as shown in FIG. 14A, and the ball BL is near the center of the screen. Is displayed. In this case, it is determined that the ball BL has been hit with a weak shot, and a game image in which the ball BL is hit back at a slow speed is generated.

  FIG. 17B is an example of a game image when the ball BL is positioned near the right end of the hit determination area HAR at the hit determination timing as shown in FIG. 14B, and the ball BL is near the right end of the screen. Is displayed. In this case, it is determined that the ball BL has been hit with a strong forehand shot, and a game image in which the ball BL is hit back at a high speed is generated.

  In FIGS. 17A and 17B, a racket RK is displayed at a position corresponding to the hit position of the ball BL. For example, in FIG. 17A, since the ball BL is hit near the center of the screen, the racket RK is displayed near the center of the screen. In FIG. 17B, the ball BL is hit near the right end of the screen. Therefore, the racket RK is displayed near the right end of the screen. By doing so, the player can easily grasp the position where the ball BL is hit even in the first-person viewpoint image as shown in FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B).

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the ball is hit back near the center of the screen, it becomes a weak shot, and when the ball is hit back near the right end or the left end of the screen corresponding to the position where the arm is extended. Become a strong shot. In other words, when the body shot catches the ball in front of the body, the shot is weak, and when the arm is extended and the ball is caught firmly on the right or left side of the body, the shot becomes strong. Accordingly, the player can hit a ball by hitting the ball that has come to the front and hitting it back and forth and hit it back, and can give the player a realistic shot feeling like real tennis.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the player can follow the ball on the court by moving the virtual camera using the direction instruction unit and changing the line-of-sight direction by moving the portable game device. The player can hit the ball at a high speed by moving the portable game device and performing a takeback operation. In addition, by catching and hitting the ball at the right end, left end, or upper end of the screen, it becomes possible to hit the ball back with a stroke corresponding to the hit position on the screen. Accordingly, it is possible to follow the ball and hit it back in various directions while performing a movement close to that of an actual sport. Thereby, the player can experience the realistic feeling of the field spreading around and the play of sports, and it is possible to provide a game that can realize an unprecedented virtual reality.

2.2 Control of Virtual Camera and Judgment Reference Surface Next, various control methods for the virtual camera and the judgment reference surface will be described. In this embodiment, when the player moves the portable game device as shown in FIG. 9A, the visual line direction of the virtual camera changes as shown in FIG. 9B, and the game image as shown in FIG. Generated.

  However, if the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera is changed based only on the motion detection information, the ball will be out of the player's visual field range, and when the ball is hit back, the ball may not appear in the game image. When such a situation occurs, it becomes difficult for the player to strike back the ball BL, and the game operability of the player deteriorates.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, it is desirable to set the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera by reflecting not only the motion detection information but also the direction to the ball that is a moving body.

  Specifically, in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the first direction DQ1 is a direction from the virtual camera VC toward the ball BL (moving body). For example, the first direction DQ1 is a direction connecting the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC and the position of the ball BL (center position, representative position).

  The second direction DQ2 is a direction specified by the motion detection information. For example, when it is detected from the motion detection information that the player has rotated the portable game device by θ degrees in FIG. 9A, the second direction DQ2 also rotates the front direction, which is the initial direction, by θ degrees. It will be in the direction you let. For example, when the player rotates the portable game device to the right or left by θ = 90 degrees from the front facing direction, the second direction DQ2 rotates the front direction, which is the initial direction, to the right or left by 90 degrees. It will be in the direction you let.

  The third direction DQ3 is a direction between the first direction DQ1 and the second direction DQ2. For example, the third direction DQ3 is set to an intermediate direction between the first direction DQ and the second direction DQ2. 18A and 18B, the line of sight of the virtual camera VC is such that the line-of-sight direction VL faces the third direction DQ3, which is the direction between the first and second directions DQ1, DQ2. The direction VL is controlled.

  In this way, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first direction DQ1 that is the direction toward the ball BL, rather than the second direction DQ2 specified based on the motion detection information. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the ball BL is out of the player's visual field range by changing the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC based only on the motion detection information. Accordingly, even when the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed based on the motion detection information, it is suppressed that it is difficult for the player to hit the ball BL, and the game operability of the player can be improved.

  In FIGS. 18A and 18B, the first direction DQ1 is in a direction from the virtual camera VC toward the ball BL (in a broad sense, the player character's part or a moving object that is a hit target of the belongings). It has become. However, as will be described later, in the case of application examples to other games, the first direction DQ1 may be a direction from the virtual camera VC toward the character to be played by the player.

  In FIGS. 19A and 19B, it is determined that the ball BL and the racket RK have been hit, and the ball BL is hit in the hit direction. When the ball BL is hit in this way, as shown in FIG. 19B, after the ball BL (moving body) is hit, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the movement destination side of the ball BL. Control may be performed. That is, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the ball BL so that the ball BL hit and flying does not deviate from the field of view.

  In this way, the player can confirm to which position / direction of the opponent's court the ball BL that he hit has been flying while watching the game image displayed on the display unit of the portable game device, for example. become.

  That is, when the player turns the portable game device to the right as shown in FIG. 9A and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC changes as shown in FIG. 9B, no processing is performed. Even after the ball BL is hit, the game image in the line-of-sight direction as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display unit of the portable game device.

  However, when the ball BL is hit, in the game image in the line-of-sight direction as shown in FIG. 10, the ball BL disappears from within the visual field range, and the player cannot check the movement destination of the ball BL.

  In this regard, as shown in FIG. 19B, if the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the ball BL that is hit and flies, the player can check the destination of the ball BL. The game operability can be improved.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed in the direction in which the ball BL flies, when the given period has elapsed, the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is changed to the original direction. It is desirable to return to the direction (for example, the direction of FIG. 19A). In this way, until the ball BL is hit and a given period elapses, the player moves the ball BL as the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the ball BL. You can check the situation. Then, after a given period of time, the line-of-sight direction VL returns to the original direction corresponding to the direction in which the player rotated the portable game device. It becomes possible to reset in the reflected direction.

  Further, in order to facilitate hit determination processing with an image in the line-of-sight direction as shown in FIG. 10, a method as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B may be employed.

  That is, in FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, when the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected, the determination reference plane RS for performing the hit determination processing of the ball BL (moving body) is It is moved in a direction approaching the virtual camera VC. The determination reference surface RS is a surface that serves as a reference for hit determination, and is a surface that represents the position of the just timing as described in FIGS. 16A to 16C, for example. Specifically, when the ball BL is positioned on the determination reference plane RS at the hit determination timing, it is determined that the hit timing of the ball BL is just timing, for example, the ball BL is a straight direction that is the front direction. To fly.

  Then, when a game image with a horizontal gaze direction as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed by rotating the portable game device, the hit determination process is performed by setting the determination reference plane RS as shown in FIG. If this is done, it will be difficult for the player to return the ball BL. That is, when the determination reference plane RS corresponding to the just timing is at a far position in front of the virtual camera VC as shown in FIG. 20A, the timing at which the player performs the shot operation of the ball BL while viewing the game image of FIG. Is difficult to match with the just timing of the determination reference plane RS.

  In this regard, in FIG. 20B, when the player movement information before the hit determination timing is detected, the determination reference plane RS moves in a direction approaching the virtual camera VC. That is, the determination reference plane RS moves to the near side as viewed from the virtual camera VC. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the distance LRC between the determination reference plane RS and the virtual camera VC is shortened. Therefore, in FIG. 10, the timing at which the ball BL is closer to the racket RK becomes the just timing, so that the player can easily match the timing of the shot operation with the just timing of the determination reference plane RS. Therefore, the game operation of the player can be facilitated, and the player can hit the ball BL with a shot feeling closer to the real world.

2.3 Setting the Hit Strength Parameter Next, a method for setting the hit strength parameter according to this embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, the hit strength parameter is set so that when the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected, the hit strength is stronger than when the motion information is not detected, A movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed. More specifically, the hit strength parameter is set so that the greater the amount of movement of the player before the hit determination timing, the stronger the hit strength.

  For example, FIG. 21A shows a setting example of the hit strength of the hit strength parameter with respect to the movement amount of the player. As shown in FIG. 21A, the greater the amount of movement of the player detected before the hit determination timing, the greater the hit strength of the ball BL.

  That is, in FIG. 9A, if the amount of rotation of the portable game device by the player is large, it is determined that a large takeback operation has been performed. Therefore, it is determined that the amount of movement of the player is large, and the hit strength is also increased as shown in FIG. By doing so, the ball BL flies to the opponent's court side at a high speed after the hit.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9A, when the amount of rotation of the portable game device by the player is small, it is determined that a small takeback operation has been performed. Therefore, it is determined that the amount of movement of the player is small, and the hit strength is also reduced as shown in FIG. By doing so, the ball BL flies to the opponent's court side at a slow speed after the hit.

  As described above, if the hit strength of the ball BL is changed according to the amount of movement of the player, the speed of the ball BL after the hit also changes according to the amount of movement of the takeback operation. A variety of realistic game images can be generated.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 21B, in the present embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the amount of movement of the player before the hit determination timing exceeds the determination reference value VTRF. When the movement amount of the player exceeds the determination reference value VTRF, the movement calculation process of the ball BL based on the movement information before the hit determination timing is performed. That is, when the amount of movement of the player does not exceed the determination reference value VTRF, the movement calculation process of the ball BL based on the movement information is not performed. Therefore, for example, when the player moves the portable game device slightly, it is possible to suppress a situation in which this movement is detected and the hit strength of the ball BL changes. That is, when the player's movement is small, the hit strength of the ball BL is not changed by the small movement, and when the player's movement is large, the hit strength of the ball BL is changed by the large movement. Become. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a situation in which an error or the like occurs in the hit strength setting process according to the player's movement due to noise or the like. Therefore, the stability and operability of the game can be greatly improved.

  In this case, various methods can be assumed as the determination reference value VTRF setting method. For example, the determination criterion is based on at least one of hit body information such as a racket RK that hits the ball BL, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. The value VTRF may be set.

  For example, FIG. 22 shows an example of a setting table for the determination reference value VTRF. In FIG. 22, the player's past results (game result information in a broad sense), racket performance (hit information in a broad sense), court surface and weather (game environment state information in a broad sense), difficulty level setting, character ability The determination reference value VTRF is set on the basis of (player character information in a broad sense).

  In this way, for example, the determination reference value VTRF in FIG. 21B changes according to the performance of the racket and the ability of the character. Therefore, for example, when the performance of the racket or the character is high, even if the movement of the portable game device is a small amount of rotation, it is determined that the movement is a takeback operation, and a shot with a strong hit strength is generated. The game will be hit and more diverse and realistic game expressions will be possible.

  Note that the value of the hit strength parameter (hit calculation parameter) may be set based on the information shown in FIG. 22 (game result information, hit body information, game environment state information, player character information). For example, an initial value of the hit strength parameter is set based on the information shown in FIG. For example, when the past results are high or the racket performance is high, the initial value of the hit strength parameter is set to a high value (strong hit value). Then, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 12 and the like, if the player performs a preparatory operation such as a takeback operation before the ball hits, a process for further increasing the initial value is performed, resulting in a stronger hit strength. Now the ball will be hit. If the hit strength parameter is set based on such various information, the speed when the ball is hit will change according to this information, enabling more diverse and realistic game expression become.

2.4 Information for Motion Playback Now, even when a first-person viewpoint game image is generated as shown in FIG. 6 or the like, for example, when replaying the player's own game play or during a communication battle with another player. It is desirable to generate and display an image of the player character corresponding to the player. For example, at the time of replay, by generating and displaying an image of the player character, it becomes possible for the player to look back on how the player character corresponding to him / her moves during the game play. A replay image can be generated. Also, during a communication battle, a player character image operated by a player is generated and displayed in an image of a screen viewed by another player, so that the player can feel that he is actually fighting the player character. , Can be given to other players.

  However, when the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC is controlled based on the motion detection information from the motion sensor as shown in FIGS. The operation may be awkward. In addition, when the player is playing alone with the first-person viewpoint image, it is not necessary to generate the motion of the player character, so there may be no motion of the player character.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, information for specifying the state of at least one of the ball BL (moving body) and the virtual camera VC at the hit determination timing (a predetermined period including the hit determination timing) is used during replay or communication. A process of recording in the motion reproduction information storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170 as the motion reproduction information of the player character at the time of the battle is performed. At the time of replay or communication battle, the player character motion reproduction process corresponding to the player is performed based on the recorded motion reproduction information.

  For example, when the ball BL is hit in the state of the virtual camera VC as shown in FIGS. 9B and 11B, information specifying this state is recorded as motion reproduction information. For example, information such as the line-of-sight direction and the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC in a period including the hit determination timing and the hit determination timing is recorded as motion reproduction information. Or, the take-back operation is performed and the ball BL is hit in a state where the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC is horizontal, or the ball BL is hit in the state where the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera VC is upward Is recorded as motion playback information.

  Further, when the ball BL is hit in a positional relationship between the ball BL and the hit determination area HAR as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and FIGS. 16A to 16C. The information specifying this state is recorded as motion reproduction information. For example, the position information of the ball BL in the hit determination area HAR is recorded as motion reproduction information. Alternatively, event information indicating that the ball BL has been hit on the right side of the hit determination area HAR or the ball BL has been hit on the left side of the hit determination area HAR is recorded as motion reproduction information. Alternatively, event information indicating whether the ball BL has come to the front and a weak stroke has been made, a strong forehand stroke has been made, a strong backhand stroke has been made, etc. is recorded as motion playback information. May be.

  At the time of motion playback in replay or communication battle, the player character motion playback processing is performed based on the recorded motion playback information. For example, when the state information as shown in FIG. 9B is recorded as the information for motion playback, the motion playback processing is executed to cause the player character to perform a take-back banged forehand stroke at the time of replay or communication battle. . When the state information as shown in FIG. 11B is recorded as the motion reproduction information, a motion reproduction process for causing the player character to smash at the time of replay or communication battle is executed. In addition, when the state information as shown in FIG. 14A is recorded as the information for motion playback, the motion playback processing for causing the player character to perform a weak stroke with the ball BL coming in front during replay or communication battle. Execute. When the state information as shown in FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C is recorded as the motion playback information, the strokes of the strong forehand and the strong backhand are respectively used at the time of replay and a communication battle. A motion reproduction process for causing the player character to perform is performed.

  In this way, by controlling the visual line direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information, even when the actual movement of the player character is awkward, etc., at the time of replay or communication battle, It is possible to display a player character with smooth motion playback. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the quality of the image displayed at the time of replay, the image displayed on the display unit of the opponent player in the communication battle, and the like.

  In addition, although the case where the method of this embodiment was applied to the tennis game was demonstrated above, the method of this embodiment is applicable to various ball game other than a tennis game.

  For example, FIGS. 24A and 24B are examples in which the method of the present embodiment is applied to a volleyball game. In FIG. 24A and FIG. 24B, the player catches the ball BL returned from the opponent's court in the screen and receives it. When spiked with the raised toss, the portable game device is directed upward as shown in FIG. 11A, and the ball BL flying in the sky is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. Capture the inside and perform the spike instruction operation. In this case, before the hit determination timing, the take-back of the jump is performed with the portable game device facing upward so that a more intense spike is returned to the opponent's court. For example, if the ball BL is captured and spiked at the right end of the screen, the ball BL is hit with a strong hit strength.

  Furthermore, the method of the present embodiment can be applied to various games such as table tennis, badminton, baseball, soccer, basketball, American football, etc. in addition to tennis and volleyball games. Further, the method of the present embodiment can be applied to games in various fields such as action games and music games other than the ball game.

  For example, FIG. 25A shows an example of a game image when the method of this embodiment is applied to a boxing game.

  For example, when the player rotates the portable game device to the right as shown in FIG. 9A before the hit determination timing when the player performs the punch operation, the right punch preparation operation is performed. When the player performs a punching operation to instruct punching, a strong punch by the right hand glove GRR hits the opponent character CHE in FIG. Similarly, if the player rotates the portable game device to the left before the hit determination timing at which the player performs a punch operation, a left punch preparation operation is performed. When the player performs a punching operation, a strong punch by the left hand glove GRL hits the opponent character CHE.

  The punching operation in the boxing game in FIG. 25A can be variously modified. For example, a jab punch is assigned to the L button of the portable game device, and a straight punch is assigned to the R button. When the player presses the L button and the R button without rotating the portable game device, jab and straight punches are fed out, respectively. On the other hand, if the player presses the L button after performing a preparatory operation for rotating the portable game device to the left, the left hook punch is paid out. When the player presses the R button after performing a preparatory operation for rotating the portable game device to the right side, the right hook is punched. Further, when a punching operation is performed with the L button or the R button after performing a preparatory operation for rotating the portable game device downward, the upper punch is paid out.

  In this way, in a first-person boxing game such as that shown in FIG. 25 (A), an unprecedented realistic punching operation becomes possible, and the virtual reality of the player can be improved.

  FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating a control method of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC in the game as illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 25B, a first direction DQ1 is a direction from the virtual camera VC toward the character CHE. For example, the first direction DQ1 is a direction connecting the viewpoint position of the virtual camera VC and the position (representative position) of the character CHE. On the other hand, the second direction DQ2 is a direction specified by the motion detection information.

  The third direction DQ3 is a direction between the first direction DQ1 and the second direction DQ2. In FIG. 25B, the third direction DQ3 is a direction between the first and second directions DQ1, DQ2. The line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is controlled such that the line-of-sight direction VL faces the certain third direction DQ3.

  In this way, the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC is directed toward the first direction DQ1 that is the direction of the character CHE rather than the second direction DQ2 specified based on the motion detection information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the character CHE is out of the player's visual field range by changing the line-of-sight direction VL of the virtual camera VC based only on the motion detection information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a control method of the visual line direction VL of the virtual camera VC suitable for the game as shown in FIG.

2.5 Detailed Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 26, 27, and 28.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining details of the virtual camera control processing of the present embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is the timing of frame update (for example, 1/60 seconds) (step S1). If the frame is to be updated, direction instruction information from the direction instruction unit and motion detection information from the motion sensor are acquired (steps S2 and S3).

  Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C, processing for moving the viewpoint position of the virtual camera is performed based on the acquired direction instruction information (step S4). Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a process of moving the hit determination area is performed following the movement of the virtual camera (step S5).

  Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, rotation angle information of the portable game device is acquired based on the acquired motion detection information (step S6). Then, based on the acquired rotation angle information, a process of rotating the visual line direction of the virtual camera around the YC axis and around the XC axis is performed (step S7).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the player motion information detection process before the hit determination timing.

  First, player movement information is acquired based on the motion detection information acquired by the motion sensor (step S11). Then, as described with reference to FIG. 21B, it is determined whether or not the movement amount of the player exceeds the determination reference value VTRF (step S12). If the amount of motion exceeds the determination reference value VTRF, a special operation flag is set (step S13).

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the hit calculation processing of this embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is hit determination timing (step S21). If it is determined that it is the hit determination timing, it is determined whether or not the ball is located in the hit determination area (step S22). It determines with having hit (step S23).

  Next, the position information of the ball in the hit determination area is acquired (step S24). Further, the initial value of the hit calculation parameter is set based on the racket performance, the court surface, the weather, the difficulty level setting, the character ability, and the like (step S25).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a special operation flag is set (step S26). For example, when the player moves the portable game device greatly and exceeds the determination reference value VTRF, the special action flag is set in step S13 of FIG. If it is determined that the special action flag is set, the X-coordinate XB and Y-coordinate YB of the ball in the hit determination area and the movement amount of the player acquired in step S11 of FIG. Based on this, a ball hit strength parameter is set (step S27). That is, since the special operation flag is set and it is determined that the player has performed a special operation such as a takeback operation, not only the X coordinate XB and Y coordinate YB of the ball in the hit determination area but also the amount of movement of the player is reflected. Let's set the ball hit strength parameter. For example, if the amount of movement of the player is large, a strong hit strength is set as shown in FIGS.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S26 that the special action flag is not set, the hit strength parameter of the ball is set based on the X coordinate XB and Y coordinate YB of the ball in the hit determination area ( Step S28). That is, in this case, since it is determined that the player is not performing a special action such as a takeback action, the ball hit strength parameter is based on only the X coordinate XB and Y coordinate YB of the ball in the hit determination area. Set.

  Next, a ball hit direction parameter is set based on the Z coordinate ZB of the ball in the hit determination area (step S29). Then, based on the hit calculation parameters such as the hit strength parameter and the hit direction parameter that have been set, the ball movement process after the hit is performed (step S30).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (ball, hit body, etc.) described together with a different term (moving body, racket, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning at least once in the specification or the drawing, Can be replaced with a different term. Also, the moving object hit calculation process, the moving object movement calculation process, the virtual camera control process, the hit determination area setting process, the hit determination process, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and are equivalent to these. Techniques and processing are also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention can be applied to various game apparatuses such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. . For example, the game device may be a mobile phone or a portable information terminal in which a game program is installed and executed.

VC virtual camera, VL line-of-sight direction, BL ball (moving body),
HAR hit determination area, RS determination reference plane, DR1 to DR3, first to third directions,
DQ1 to DQ3 1st to 3rd direction, CHP player character, RK racket,
10, 20 housing, 12 direction instruction keys, 14 analog sticks,
16 operation buttons, 100 processing unit, 102 operation information acquisition unit, 104 game calculation unit,
106 object space setting unit, 108 virtual camera control unit, 110 hit calculation unit,
112 moving body calculation unit, 114 recording processing unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit,
160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 172 object data storage unit,
174 Information storage unit for motion reproduction, 178 drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium,
190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, TM1-TMn terminal device,
600 processing unit, 602 operation information acquisition unit, 604 game calculation unit,
606 object space setting unit, 608 virtual camera control unit, 610 hit calculation unit,
612 moving body calculation unit, 614 recording processing unit,
620 Image generation data generation unit, 630 Sound generation data generation unit

Claims (24)

An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A hit calculation unit for performing a hit calculation process of a moving object;
Based on the result of the hit calculation process, a moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of the moving object,
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
Make the computer work,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Based on the motion detection information, motion information of the player before the hit determination timing of the mobile body is detected, and based on the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing, the mobile body after the hit is detected. A program characterized by performing movement calculation processing. In claim 1,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for controlling a viewing direction of the virtual camera based on the motion detection information. In claim 2,
The motion sensor is a sensor provided in a portable game device,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining the motion detection information obtained by moving the portable game device by the player from the motion sensor;
The virtual camera control unit
A program for controlling the virtual camera such that a line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera changes according to a movement of the portable game device. In claim 3,
When the axis along the horizontal direction is the X axis and the axis along the vertical direction is the Y axis,
The virtual camera control unit
When an operation for rotating the portable game device about the Y axis is performed, a control is performed to rotate the viewing direction of the virtual camera about the YC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the Y axis,
The hit calculation unit
When an operation for rotating the portable game device about the Y axis is performed, the hit calculation process is performed on the assumption that the player performs an operation corresponding to the rotation about the Y axis. Program to do. In claim 4,
The virtual camera control unit
When an operation to rotate the portable game device about the X axis is performed, control is performed to rotate the visual line direction of the virtual camera about the XC axis of the camera coordinate system corresponding to the X axis,
The hit calculation unit
The hit calculation process is performed when the player performs an operation corresponding to the rotation around the X axis when an operation for rotating the portable game device around the X axis is performed. program. In any of claims 2 to 5,
The operation information acquisition unit
As the operation information, first operation information and second operation information input by the player are acquired,
The virtual camera control unit
The visual direction of the virtual camera is controlled based on the first operation information, and the movement of the viewpoint position of the virtual camera or the movement of the player character is controlled based on the second operation information. Program to do. In any one of Claims 2 thru | or 6.
The virtual camera control unit
When the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected, a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the moving body and a direction that is specified by the motion detection information. A program for controlling the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera in a third direction between the two directions. In any of claims 2 to 7,
The virtual camera control unit
A program for performing control for directing the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera to a destination side of the moving body after the moving body is hit. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The hit calculation unit
When the movement information of the player before the hit determination timing is detected, a determination reference plane for performing hit determination processing of the moving body is moved in a direction approaching the virtual camera. Program to do. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The mobile object calculation unit is
When the motion information of the player is detected before the hit determination timing, the hit information is set based on the hit strength parameter set to a stronger hit strength than when the motion information is not detected. A program for performing a movement calculation process of the moving body later. In claim 10,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Based on a hit strength parameter that is set to a stronger hit strength as the amount of movement of the player represented by the motion information before the hit determination timing is larger, a movement calculation process of the moving body after the hit is performed. A program characterized by that. In claim 10 or 11,
The hit calculation unit
The hit strength parameter is set based on at least one of hit body information, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. The program characterized by doing. In any one of Claims 1 to 12,
The hit calculation unit
Determining whether or not the amount of motion of the player represented by the motion information before the hit determination timing exceeds a determination reference value;
The mobile object calculation unit is
When the amount of movement of the player exceeds a determination reference value, a program for performing movement calculation processing of the moving body after a hit based on the movement information before the hit determination timing. In claim 13,
The hit calculation unit
The determination reference value is set based on at least one of hit body information hitting the moving body, game environment state information, game difficulty level setting information, player character information, and player game performance information. A program characterized by that. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
The hit calculation unit
Set a hit determination area following the movement of the virtual camera on the front side of the virtual camera,
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing movement calculation processing of the mobile body after a hit based on positional relationship information between the hit determination area and the mobile body at a hit determination timing. In claim 15,
The mobile object calculation unit is
A program for performing movement calculation processing of the mobile body after a hit based on position information of the mobile body in the hit determination area at the hit determination timing. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 16.
As a recording processing unit for performing processing for recording information specifying at least one of the moving body and the virtual camera at the hit determination timing in the storage unit as information for reproducing the motion of the player character during replay or communication battle ,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
As an image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space,
Make the computer work,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
When motion information of the player is detected based on the motion detection information, a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the object, and a second direction that is a direction specified by the motion detection information A program for controlling the direction of the line of sight of the virtual camera in a third direction between the two. In claim 18,
The program is characterized in that the object is a moving object that is a hit target of a player character's part or belongings, or a character that is a play target of the player.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is stored. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A hit calculation unit for performing a hit calculation process of a moving object;
Based on the result of the hit calculation process, a moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of the moving object,
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
An image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Based on the motion detection information, motion information of the player before the hit determination timing of the mobile body is detected, and based on the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing, the mobile body after the hit is detected. A game apparatus characterized by performing a movement calculation process. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
An image generator that generates an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
When motion information of the player is detected based on the motion detection information, a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the object, and a second direction that is a direction specified by the motion detection information A game apparatus, wherein control is performed to direct the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera in a third direction therebetween. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A hit calculation unit for performing a hit calculation process of a moving object;
Based on the result of the hit calculation process, a moving object calculation unit that performs a movement calculation process of the moving object,
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The mobile object calculation unit is
Based on the motion detection information, motion information of the player before the hit determination timing of the mobile body is detected, and based on the motion information of the player before the hit determination timing, the mobile body after the hit is detected. A server system characterized by performing a movement calculation process. An operation information acquisition unit for acquiring operation information;
A mobile object calculation unit for performing a mobile object movement calculation process;
A virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera;
An image generation data generation unit for generating image generation data for generating an image visible from the virtual camera in the object space;
Including
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtain motion detection information from the motion sensor as the operation information,
The virtual camera control unit
When motion information of the player is detected based on the motion detection information, a first direction that is a direction from the virtual camera toward the object, and a second direction that is a direction specified by the motion detection information The server system characterized by performing control which orient | assigns the gaze direction of the said virtual camera to the 3rd direction between.

Images