JP5111951B2 - Program, information storage medium, game machine, and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a game machine, and a game system.

  Conventionally, an online game in which a plurality of players participate and play a game via a network is known. In such an online game, the game machine transmits / receives data to / from other game machines via the network, and advances the game in synchronization. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3, a technique for advancing a game in synchronization between game machines is disclosed.

  However, there may be a data delay due to a communication load problem, a game machine processing load problem, etc., and a problem that a long time is required until a player's operation input is reflected in the game occurs. In particular, in a game where the timing of the player's operation input is important, such as a fighting game, the poor response of the player's operation input will cause the player to feel uncomfortable.

In order to solve this problem, in Patent Document 4, the movement of another character operated by another player is predicted based on the communication delay time of data received from another game machine, and the player character and the other player There is disclosed a technique for realizing a game with quick response by achieving consistency with a character. However, in a game where operation timing techniques are important, such as a fighting game, a method for predicting the movement of other characters is not suitable. For example, in the case of a fighting game, each character is operated by sequentially performing game calculations when input information from each player according to the timing is complete. Therefore, it is difficult to adopt a method for predicting the motion of each character.
JP 2001-17735 A JP 2002-186785 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-6913 JP 2006-32502 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information storage medium, a game machine, and a program capable of realizing a network game in which player operations are immediately reflected. To provide a game system.

(1) The present invention
A game machine in which a plurality of game machines each transmit / receive game data including detection results obtained by detecting player input information for each frame to each other via a network in association with common identification information provided for each frame. Because
Communication control for performing processing of transmitting game data of the own device to other game devices via a network and processing of receiving game data of other game devices transmitted from another game device via the network And
Processing for inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of another game device into the second buffer, and identification corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer When the information matches the identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the second buffer, the earliest game data is output from the first buffer, and the earliest game data is A buffer control unit that performs processing to output from the second buffer;
A game calculation unit that performs a game calculation based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer;
The buffer control unit
The game data input to the first buffer is deleted according to the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the storage amount of the game data input to the second buffer. The present invention also relates to a game machine that deletes game data input to a second buffer.

  The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units and a computer-readable information storage medium that stores such a program.

  According to the present invention, the time from when the game data is input to the first and second buffers until the time when the game data is output corresponds to the time until the player's operation is reflected in the game. By limiting the input to the game data input to the first and second buffers according to the amount of game data input to the buffer, the time until the player's operation is reflected in the game is reduced. Even when a plurality of game machines connected to the network play a network game, it is possible to realize a game with a quick operation response.

(2) In the game machine, program and information storage medium of the present invention,
The communication control unit
The process of transmitting the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted to another game machine via the network, and the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the other game machine via the network Process to receive,
The buffer control unit
When the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from another game machine is received via the network, the game data corresponding to the identification information input to the first buffer is deleted. At the same time, the game data corresponding to the identification information input to the second buffer may be deleted.

  According to the present invention, the game data corresponding to the same identification information in the first buffer and the second buffer can be deleted in the game machine and the other game machines. Therefore, for example, game data deleted in the first buffer in the own device is also deleted in the second buffer in the other game devices, so that the game data to be deleted is synchronized between the own device and the other game devices. Can be achieved.

(3) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention,
The buffer control unit
When the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceeds a predetermined accumulation amount, the game data input to the first buffer is deleted, and the second buffer The input game data may be deleted.

  According to the present invention, when the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first and second buffers exceeds the predetermined accumulation amount, it is determined that the response of the player's operation is bad, and the first, The game data input to the second buffer can be deleted. Therefore, game data to the first and second buffers can be deleted at an appropriate time.

(4) Also, in the game machine, program and information storage medium of the present invention,
The buffer control unit
You may make it delete the game data of the amount smaller than the accumulation | storage amount of the game data already input into the 1st buffer and the 2nd buffer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to delete an appropriate amount of game data to the first and second buffers. That is, according to the present invention, even if the game data is deleted, the first and second buffers can maintain the state in which the game data is input, and therefore there is no game data to be output. It is possible to avoid a situation where the game calculation is delayed.

(5) Also, in the game machine, program and information storage medium of the present invention,
An input information control unit that invalidates input information from a player in a given period;
As a specific period detection unit for detecting a specific period for invalidating input information of the player, the computer is further functioned,
The buffer control unit
The game data input to the first buffer during the specific period may be deleted, and the game data input to the second buffer during the specific period may be deleted.

  According to the present invention, since the first and second game data can be deleted during a specific period, it is possible to realize a game with a quick response to an operation without feeling uncomfortable for the player.

(6) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention,
The communication control unit
When the accumulated amount of game data input to the first buffer is larger than the accumulated amount of game data input to the second buffer by a predetermined difference amount, a process for restricting transmission of game data is performed,
The buffer control unit
You may make it restrict | limit the input to the 1st buffer of the said game data which restricted transmission.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount of the game data input to the second buffer. The response of the operation can be improved.

  For example, when the accumulation amount of game data input to the first buffer is extremely large and the accumulation amount of game data input to the second buffer is extremely small, the player operating the player's own device The response of the operation input becomes worse. However, according to the present invention, the amount of game data input to the first buffer can be reduced. As a result, the response of the operation from the player can be improved.

(7) Also, in the game machine, program and information storage medium of the present invention,
The communication control unit
You may make it perform the process which restrict | limits transmission of game data until the accumulation | storage amount of the game data input into the 1st buffer and the 2nd buffer exceeds predetermined accumulation amount.

  According to the present invention, even when the accumulation amount of game data input to the first buffer is extremely large and the accumulation amount of game data input to the second buffer is extremely small, Since the transmission of the game data is limited until the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceeds the predetermined accumulation amount, as a result, the game to the first and second buffers Data input restrictions can be applied, and the response of operations from the player can be improved.

(8) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention,
An input information control unit that invalidates input information from a player in a given period;
As a specific period detection unit that detects a specific period for invalidating input information from the player, the computer is further functioned,
The communication control unit
Performing a process of restricting transmission of the game data during the specific period;
The buffer control unit
You may make it restrict | limit the input to the 1st buffer of the said game data which restricted transmission in the said specific period.

  According to the present invention, since transmission of game data is restricted and input to the first buffer is restricted during a specific period in which input information from the player is invalidated, the player can prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable. The response of the operation can be improved.

(9) Moreover, in the game machine, program and information storage medium of the present invention,
The game calculation unit is
Based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer, the first player character to be operated by the player using the player and another game device are used. Performing a game operation for operating the second player character to be operated by the player;
The input information control unit
Input information from each player during a period in which both the first player character and the second player character are moving may be invalidated.

  According to the present invention, the game data is deleted during the period in which both the first player character and the second player character are operating, so that the response of the operation is improved without giving the player a sense of incongruity. be able to.

(10) In the game machine, program, and information storage medium of the present invention,
The game calculation unit is
Based on at least one of the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer, a game operation for invoking a specific event is performed,
The input information control unit
The input information from each player during the period in which the specific event is activated may be invalidated.

  According to the present invention, since the game data is deleted during a period in which a specific event is activated, the response of the operation can be improved without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

(11) The present invention also provides:
Each of the first game machine and the second game machine associates game data including a detection result obtained by detecting player input information for each frame with common identification information given for each frame via a network. A game system that transmits and receives
The game machine is
Communication control for performing processing of transmitting game data of the own device to other game devices via a network and processing of receiving game data of other game devices transmitted from another game device via the network And
Processing for inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of another game device into the second buffer, and identification corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer When the information matches the identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the second buffer, the earliest game data is output from the first buffer, and the earliest game data is A buffer control unit that performs processing to output from the second buffer;
A game calculation unit that performs a game calculation based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer;
The buffer control unit of the first game machine;
The game data input to the first buffer is deleted according to the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the storage amount of the game data input to the second buffer. , Delete the game data entered in the second buffer,
The communication control unit of the first game machine;
Processing to send identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted to the second game machine via the network;
The communication control unit of the second game machine is
A process of receiving identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the first game machine via the network,
The buffer control unit of the second game machine;
When the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the first game machine is received via the network, the game data corresponding to the identification information input to the first buffer is deleted. In addition, the present invention relates to a game system that deletes game data corresponding to the identification information input to the second buffer.

  According to the present invention, the time from when the game data is input to the first and second buffers until the time when the game data is output corresponds to the time until the player's operation is reflected in the game. By limiting the input to the game data input to the first and second buffers according to the amount of game data input to the buffer, the time until the player's operation is reflected in the game is reduced. Even when a plurality of game machines connected to the network play a game, it is possible to realize a game with quick response to operation.

  Further, according to the present invention, the first game machine can identify the identification information to be deleted, and the first and second game machines can share the identification information to be deleted with each other. The game data common to both the second game machines can be deleted, and a game with a quick response to the operation can be realized on both game machines.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the game machine according to the present embodiment. In addition, the game machine of this embodiment is good also as a structure which abbreviate | omitted a part of component (each part) of FIG.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation information of a player character (including a player character operated by the player, a moving object, a player object, and a game character), and functions thereof are a lever, a button, a steering wheel, This can be realized by a microphone, a touch panel display, or a housing.

  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 (VRAM) or the like. In particular, the storage unit 170 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 172, a drawing buffer 174, a first buffer 176, and a second buffer 178.

  Note that game data is input to the first buffer 176 and the second buffer 178 of the present embodiment. The first buffer 176 is input with game data including a detection result obtained by detecting operation information in the own device. The second buffer 178 receives the received game data of another game machine.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) is used for inputting programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM), a memory card, or the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) input to the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, 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 communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other game machines, servers, and other game systems), and functions as hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs. It can be realized by hardware or a program.

  Note that a game machine may download a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment from a server via a network and store the program in the information storage medium 180. The output of the program input to such a server can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game calculation processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation information (operation data) from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. Here, as the game process, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result are calculated. There is a process or a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in 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, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110, a network setting unit 114, a communication control unit 115, a buffer control unit 116, a specific period detection unit 117, an input information control unit 118, a drawing unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The game calculation unit 110 of the present embodiment performs a game calculation for each frame based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 110 according to the present embodiment uses the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer as the first operation target of the player using the player. The game calculation for operating the player character and the second player character to be operated by a player using another game machine may be performed.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 110 according to the present embodiment performs a game calculation for invoking a specific event based on at least one of the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer. be able to.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 110 according to the present embodiment may perform a game calculation for each frame based on a plurality of game data output from the buffer. For example, when the pattern of the predetermined game data is constant, a motion / calculation that performs a special motion (for example, throwing technique) on the player character may be performed.

  The game calculation unit 110 according to the present embodiment includes an object space setting unit 111, a virtual camera control unit 112, and a movement / motion processing unit 113. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 111 is a primitive such as a player character, a moving body, a building, a stadium, a car, a tree, a pillar, a wall, a display object such as a map (terrain) (polygon, free-form surface, or subdivision surface). The object is configured to be placed 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.

  The virtual camera control unit 112 performs a virtual camera control process for generating an image that can be viewed from a given (arbitrary) virtual camera (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. Further, the angle of view may be controlled.

  For example, when an object (for example, a player character, a ball, or a car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. The direction). In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  The movement / motion processing unit 113 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of a model (character, car, train, airplane, etc.). That is, the model is moved in the object space or the object is moved (motion, animation) based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), or the like. ) Process. Specifically, object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part that constitutes the object) are sequentially transmitted every frame (1/60 seconds). Perform the required simulation process. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  In particular, the movement / motion processing unit 113 according to the present embodiment can perform processing for moving / moving a player character to be operated by the player based on operation information from the player. Further, the communication control unit 115 described above determines the second player character to be operated by the second player using the other game machine based on the game data of the other game machine included in the acquired packet. It is possible to perform a process of moving / moving in the same object space as the first player character to be operated by the player using the machine.

  In short, the movement / motion processing unit 113 of the present embodiment performs an operation for operating the first player character to be operated by the player who uses the player based on the game data output from the first buffer, Based on the game data output from the second buffer, it is possible to perform an operation for operating the second player character to be operated by a player using another game machine.

  Further, the movement / motion processing unit 113 of the present embodiment includes an input information control unit 113a.

  The input information control unit 113a of the present embodiment invalidates input information from the player in a given period. For example, the input information control unit 113a invalidates input information from each player during a period in which the first player character and the second player character are operating together.

  Further, the input information control unit 113a of this embodiment sets an input information flag for each player character and updates the value of the input information flag for each frame to control the validity / invalidity of the input information. More specifically, the value of the input information flag during the period when the player character is not operating is set to true (1), and the value of the input information flag during the period when the player character is operating is false (0). ). Then, the period in which the value of the input information flag for each player character is false is regarded as the period in which the first player character and the second player character are operating together, and the input information from each player is invalidated. .

  For example, the input information control unit 113a of the present embodiment sets the initial value of the input information flag to true. When it is determined that the first player character is to perform the “right punch” action based on the input information (game data) of “right punch” from the first player, the input corresponding to the first player character is performed. Set the information flag to false. Then, the input information flag is set to true after the end of the “right punch” operation period (period of 10 frames). Further, when the first player character and the second player character are hit and it is determined that the second player character performs “the action of receiving a right punch attack”, an input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set. Set to false. Then, after the period for performing the “right punch attack action” (for example, a period of 10 frames), the input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set to true.

  Note that the input information control unit 113a according to the present embodiment may determine in advance a period during which the player character moves according to the content of the input information from the player. For example, the operation period of “right punch” is determined as 10 frames, and the operation period of “operation subjected to right punch attack” is determined as a period of 10 frames. Further, when performing a “throw” operation based on input information of “throw technique” from the player, the “throw” operation period is determined as 60 frames, and the “throw” operation period is determined as 60 frames.

  Further, the input information control unit 113a may invalidate input information from each player during a period in which a specific event is triggered. For example, in the case of a fighting game, a period for performing a specific event by executing a specific program prepared in advance based on specific operation information from a player (for example, operation information for performing a “deadly technique”) is 300. If it is determined that the frame is necessary, the input from the player during the period of 300 frames is invalidated. For example, when the execution of a specific program is started, the input information flags corresponding to the first and second player characters are set to false, and when the execution of the specific program is ended, the first and second The input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set to true.

  It should be noted that the input information control unit 113a of the present embodiment sets a period during which one of the first and second player characters is not moving and sets both the first and second player characters to move together. The period of time may be set to false.

  The network setting unit 114 performs processing for acquiring and managing network information necessary for the game system. In particular, the network setting unit of the present embodiment includes game machine identification information (data individually assigned to identify game machines that can participate in an online game) and game machine identification information that are individually assigned to each game machine. The destination information specifying the transmission destination of the packet associated with is acquired and managed.

  Further, the destination information can be the IP address and port number of each game machine constituting the game system. The IP address may be a global IP address for specifying a specific game machine on the Internet or WAN, or may be a private IP address for specifying a specific game machine on the LAN.

  The communication control unit 115 generates a packet to be transmitted to another game machine (second game machine), processes to specify the IP address and port number of the packet transmission destination game machine, and data included in the received packet Are stored in the storage unit 170, received packets are analyzed, and other packet transmission / reception control processes are performed.

  A packet is a cluster that communicates via a network, and refers to data composed of a header including a transmission source IP address and a transmission destination IP address, and data written at the transmission source as a payload.

  Further, in order to realize application-level communication, a packet is generated by designating a port number that identifies the type of application corresponding to the TCP or UDP protocol to be used. For example, the TCP protocol has high data transmission / reception reliability, and uses, for example, an acknowledgment or retransmission. Further, the TCP protocol can perform retransmission processing of lost data, and can further secure a data transmission order and transmit a packet to a destination game machine. On the other hand, in the UDP protocol, even if data is lost in the middle of transmission, it may not be retransmitted and may be transmitted in a reversed order. However, since the UDP protocol has no overhead compared to the TCP protocol, it may be suitable for online games that transmit data in real time. When using the UDP protocol, the game data to be input to the buffer is input in the order of identification numbers (in ascending order). If the game data of the identification numbers to be input has not arrived, a request is made to another game machine. You may make it do. In this embodiment, any protocol can be supported. If the UDP protocol is used, the input order of game data to the buffer may be controlled to be input in ascending order of identification information (identification number).

  The communication control unit 115 according to the present embodiment performs a process of generating a packet according to a frame rate at which an image is drawn and transmitting the generated packet to the second game machine that is the connection destination. More specifically, for example, when the frame rate is 60 fps, the IP address of the second game machine is used for the transmission destination IP address and transmission destination port number of the packet header every 1/60 seconds. Specify the port number to be used, specify the IP address and source port number of the header in the header, specify the IP address of the first game machine and the port number to be used, and input data including game data into the payload of the packet The process of transmitting the generated packet to the second game machine is performed. The transmitted game data is input to the first buffer 176 under a given condition in the buffer control unit 116 described later.

  Here, the game data is data including a detection result obtained by detecting input information (including operation information) from a player who operates the game machine for each frame. For example, the game data may be data indicating the presence / absence of operation information or the content of operation information when operation information is present. For example, in the case of indicating the game actor by a numerical value, if there is no operation information, the game data is set to “0”. If the operation information is “1” and the content is “left” button input, the game data can be “2”.

  Here, the identification information is data common to a plurality of game machines (first and second game machines) given for each frame. In the present embodiment, it is possible to use the information given to each frame according to the elapsed time with reference to the time when the connection between the first game machine and the second game machine is established. For example, in a game machine, a sequential identification number (a positive integer starting from 0) associated with game data acquired according to the frame rate can be used.

  In the present embodiment, common identification information is used in each of the plurality of game machines (in each of the first game machine and the second game machine).

  For example, considering the case where the frame rate is 60 fps, identification information is associated with game data acquired every 1/60. For example, in each of the first game machine and the second game machine, the game data obtained when the connection is established is associated with the identification number “0” and obtained after 1/60 seconds from the establishment of the connection. The identification number “1” is associated with the game data, and the identification number “2” is associated with the game data acquired 2/60 seconds after the connection is established.

  In addition, the communication control unit 115 according to the present embodiment performs a process of receiving a packet transmitted from the second game machine. Then, the received packet is analyzed, and data including game data included in the payload of the packet is acquired. The received game data is input to the second buffer 178 in the buffer control unit 116 described later.

  In addition, the communication control unit 115 according to the present embodiment stores the game data until the connection is disconnected after the connection (connection between the first game machine and the second game machine) is established between the plurality of game machines. Processing to transmit and receive each other can be performed.

  In addition, when the own device functions as the parent device of the communication group, the communication control unit 115 of the present embodiment can transmit the identification information to be deleted to the child device of the communication group via the network. On the other hand, when the own device functions as a child device of the communication group, it is possible to perform a process of receiving the deletion target identification information transmitted from the parent device via the network.

  In addition, one game machine can be specified as a parent machine among a plurality of game machines belonging to a communication group participating in the game of the present embodiment. The parent machine may be a game machine that generates a game space, or may be a winner-side game machine in the case of a battle game between a winner and a challenger.

  In addition, the communication control unit 115 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the accumulated amount of game data input to the first buffer is larger by a predetermined difference amount than the accumulated amount of game data input to the second buffer. The transmission of game data may be restricted. Note that the transmission of game data is limited until the accumulation amount of game data input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount of game data input to the second buffer each exceed a predetermined accumulation amount. Also good. In addition, you may make it perform the process which restrict | limits transmission of game data in the specific period mentioned later.

  Here, restricting the transmission of game data includes temporarily and permanently stopping the process of transmitting game data to another game machine. Also, restricting the transmission of game data means that the player itself generates a packet that does not include “game data” (a packet that includes data other than game data) and transmits the generated packet to another game device. Including.

  In addition, the communication control unit 115 of the present embodiment has a larger accumulation amount of game data input to the first buffer than an accumulation amount of game data input to the second buffer. If the amount of difference between the accumulated amount of game data input to the game data and the accumulated amount of game data input to the second buffer is greater than or equal to a predetermined difference amount, the game input to the first buffer You may make it perform the process which restrict | limits transmission of game data until the difference amount of the accumulation amount of data and the accumulation amount of the game data input into the 2nd buffer reaches an appropriate difference amount.

  The buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment performs processing for inputting and outputting game data in the first buffer 176 and the second buffer 178.

  In addition, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment performs processing of inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of other game devices into the second buffer.

  In addition, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment corresponds to identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer and the earliest game data input to the second buffer. When the identification information matches, the first game data is output from the first buffer and the first game data is output from the second buffer. That is, in the buffer control unit 116 of this embodiment, the game data input (stored) in the first buffer 176 and the second buffer 178 is input to the first buffer 176 in order to perform synchronization processing. Are output in ascending order (smallest order) of the identification numbers on condition that the identification information of the game data and the identification information of the game data input to the second buffer 178 match.

  In particular, when the game machine is a parent machine of a communication group, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment inputs the amount of game data input to the first buffer 176 and the second buffer 178. It is determined whether or not the accumulated amount of game data exceeds a predetermined accumulated amount. If it is determined that the accumulated amount exceeds the predetermined accumulated amount, the first buffer 176 and the second buffer 178 A process of deleting the input game data is performed.

  Here, deleting the game data input to the first and second buffers means deleting (erasing and clearing) without outputting the game data stored in the first and second buffers. Say.

  More specifically, when the accumulated amount of game data input to the first buffer and the accumulated amount of game data input to the second buffer each exceed a predetermined accumulated amount, the first buffer The game data input to the second buffer is deleted, and the game data input to the second buffer is deleted. In such a case, the above-described communication control unit 115 performs processing for including the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted in the payload of the packet and transmitting the second game machine (child device).

  The accumulated amount of game data refers to the amount of game data input (stored) in the buffer when the game data to be input to and output from the buffer is taken as one unit.

  In addition, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment is input to the first buffer when the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceeds a predetermined storage amount. In addition to deleting the game data, the game data input to the second buffer can be deleted. Further, a smaller amount of game data than the accumulated amount of game data already input to the first buffer and the second buffer may be deleted.

  Further, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment deletes the game data input to the first and second buffers during the specific period detected by the specific period detection unit 117 and invalidates the input information from the player. May be.

  That is, the buffer control unit 116 according to the present embodiment starts the process of limiting the input to the first and second buffers when receiving a notification of the start frame of the specific period from the specific period detection unit 117 described later. Can do.

  Further, the buffer control unit 116 may limit the input to the first buffer for the game data whose transmission is limited in the communication control unit 110 described above. In such a case, as described above, the input of game data to the first buffer may be restricted during a specific period.

  Here, the process of inputting the game data to the first buffer means storing (registering) the game data in the storage area of the first buffer. The process of restricting the input of game data to the first buffer is a process of not storing (registering) game data in the first buffer. Further, the process of restricting the input of game data to the first buffer includes a process of deleting the game data without storing it in the first buffer, without storing the game data in the first buffer. In addition, storing in another storage area is also included.

The specific period detection unit 117 detects a specific period during which input information from the player is invalidated.
Here, invalidating the input information from the player means that the game calculation is not performed based on the input information from the player. In short, invalidating the input information from the player means that the input information from the player is not used for the game calculation.

  The specific period detection unit 117 according to the present embodiment detects a specific period based on the input information flag set for each player character in the input information control unit 113a. For example, the input information control unit 113a refers to an input information flag prepared for each player character.

  The specific period detection unit 117 of the present embodiment refers to the input information flag corresponding to each player character for each frame. The specific period detection unit 117 then sets the frames in which the input information flags of the first and second player characters are both false from the situation where at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters is true. Is notified to the buffer control unit 116 as a start frame of a specific period.

  Then, after at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters has changed to true, the specific period detection unit 117 again sets both the input information flags of the first and second player characters to false. The received frame is notified to the buffer control unit 116 as the start frame of the specific period.

  In the input information control unit 113a, the specific period detection unit 117 sets the input information flag to a true period during which one of the first and second player characters is not moving. Is set to false, the frame in which the input information flag has changed from false to true is notified to the buffer control unit 116 as the start frame of the specific period. Then, after the input information flag has changed from true to false, the buffer control unit 116 is notified again of the frame in which the input information flag has become false as the start frame of the specific period.

  The drawing unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. When generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, object data (model data) including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the object (model) ), And vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed based on vertex data included in the input object data (model data). When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary. In the vertex processing, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate conversion (world coordinate conversion, camera coordinate conversion), clipping processing, perspective processing, and other geometric processing are performed. On the basis of the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted). Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to the drawing buffer 174 (a buffer capable of storing image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

  The vertex processing and pixel processing are realized by hardware that enables polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of drawing processing is high, and expressive power is greatly improved compared to conventional hardware-based fixed drawing processing. Can do.

  The drawing unit 120 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing an object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the object data storage unit 176. Is done.

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the texture storage unit of the storage unit 170 to an object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the texture storage unit of the storage unit 170 using the texture coordinates set (given) to the vertex of the object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) to which a Z value (depth information) of a drawing pixel is input. . That is, when a drawing pixel corresponding to the primitive of the object is drawn, the Z value input to the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value).

  The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be output as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and 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.

2. FIG. 2 shows an example of a game system according to the present embodiment. In the game system of this embodiment, each game machine participating in an online game employs a peer-to-peer game system in which data can be shared by directly communicating with each other via the Internet. In addition, the present embodiment is a game system in which a player proceeds as an operation target player character participating in an online game in the same game space (object space).

  That is, in the present embodiment, a process of transmitting and receiving game data, which is a detection result of operation information (an example of input information) from a player who operates the game machine, between the first game machine and the second game machine. To perform game calculations.

  For example, the first game machine calculates movement / motion of the first player character (the player character to be operated by the player 1 who uses the first game machine) based on the game data of the first game machine. The game calculation is performed, and the game data of the first game machine is transmitted to the second game machine via the network. Then, the first game machine, based on the game data of the second game machine received via the network, the second player character (the player to be operated by the second player that outputs the second game machine) Perform game calculations such as character movement / motion calculations. In the second game machine, the game calculation process is performed in the same manner as in the first game machine.

2.1 Synchronization Processing In this embodiment, in order to perform synchronization processing, each of the first game machine and the second game machine associates game data with a common identification number assigned to each frame, The game progresses by transmitting and receiving each other.

  That is, in this embodiment, each of the first game machine and the second game machine transmits / receives game data by associating (assigning) a common identification number with game data acquired in the own machine. Based on the game data of the own machine and the game data of the other game machine, the game calculation is performed on the condition that the identification number of the game data of the own machine matches the identification number of the game data of the other game machine. I do.

  More specifically, first, in each game machine, game data is acquired at the same cycle as the frame rate for drawing an image. Then, an identification number is assigned to the acquired game data. That is, when the drawing frame rate is a frame rate of 60 fps, the game data acquired every 1/60 based on the point in time when the connection between the first game machine and the second game machine is established, .., “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”... Are sequentially associated with identification numbers composed of positive integers. Note that it is desirable to set the same drawing frame rate (for example, 60 fps) in both the first and second game machines in order to accurately perform the synchronization process using the game data acquired at the same timing. In the following description, both the first game machine and the second game machine are explained when the drawing frame rate is set to 60 fps.

  And the process which inputs the game data which matched the identification number to the 1st buffer of the own machine is performed, and the process which transmits the game data which matched the identification number to another game machine is performed.

  The “time when connection is established” refers to the time when the first game machine obtains a confirmation response to the connection request to the second game machine. This is when the confirmation response to the connection request to the game machine is obtained. There may be a slight error between the “time when connection is established” in the first game and the “time when connection is established” in the game machine 2 with respect to the absolute time axis.

  Next, the processing when the game data transmitted from another game machine is received will be described. The own machine stores the game data of the other game machine associated with the received identification number in the second buffer. Perform the input process. That is, the first game machine performs a process of inputting game data associated with the identification number transmitted from the second game machine to the second buffer, and the second game machine A process of inputting game data associated with the identification number transmitted from the game machine to the second buffer is performed.

  In the present embodiment, on the condition that the identification numbers match, the earliest game data input to the first buffer and the earliest game data input to the second buffer Process to output.

  Then, a game calculation such as a movement / motion calculation of the first player character is performed based on the game data output from the first buffer, and a movement of the second player character is performed based on the game data output from the second buffer. -Perform game calculations such as motion calculations.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the input / output processing of the game data in the first buffer and the second buffer of the first game machine will be specifically described as an example.

  First, the first game machine performs a process of associating an identification number “104” with the game data “left kick” of the own game machine and inputting it into the first buffer. And the process which inputs the game data "retreat" matched with the identification number "103" received from the 2nd game machine to a 2nd buffer is performed. Since the earliest identification number input to the first buffer is “101”, and the earliest identification number “101” input to the second buffer is a number that matches each other. The game data “right kick” corresponding to the identification number “101” is output from the first buffer, and the game data “no operation” corresponding to the identification number “101” is output from the second buffer. Process.

  In this embodiment, based on the output game data “right kick”, a calculation is performed to move and move the first player character, and based on the game data “no operation”, the second player character is Performs calculations to move and operate. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a calculation for causing the player character to perform a special action (for example, a throwing technique) based on a plurality of output game data.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the first and second buffers are performed by FIFO (First In, First Out) (first-in first-out). In short, the first input game data is output to the first and second buffers.

  Thus, in this embodiment, even when a plurality of game machines connected via a network play an online game, a player who operates the first game machine and a player who operates the second game machine However, based on the operation information operated at the same timing, the player character to be operated by each player can be moved and operated, and the game can be progressed in synchronization with the progress of the game without any trouble.

2.2 Method for Deleting Game Data Input to First and Second Buffers As described above, this embodiment uses the most of the first buffer and the second buffer for performing synchronization processing. The game data with the same small identification number is sequentially output. However, when the communication load or the processing load of the game machine increases, input / output of game data to the first and second buffers is delayed, and game data may be accumulated one after another. If the game data is accumulated, it takes a long time until the operation information operated by the player is reflected in the game. In other words, even if the player inputs operation information using the controller, the response to the operation in response to the operation is deteriorated. As a result, the player feels uncomfortable.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, game data associated with identification numbers 101 to 106 is input to the first buffer, and identification numbers 101 to 105 are associated with the second buffer. Game data has been entered. In such a case, when the player performs the “right punch” operation, the game data “right punch” is output after being input to the first buffer and reflected in the game. At least the processing time of the game data corresponding to the identification numbers 101 to 106 is required.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present embodiment, when the accumulation amount input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount input to the second buffer both exceed a predetermined accumulation amount. In addition, a method of deleting game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer is employed. This is because the operation from the player can be immediately reflected in the game.

  For example, in the present embodiment, when the predetermined accumulation amount is set to “4” and the accumulation amounts input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceed the predetermined accumulation amount “4”, the first The game data input to the second buffer is deleted. The reason why the predetermined accumulation amount is set to “4” depends on the player's feeling, but it feels uncomfortable when the time of 4 frames (4/60 seconds) is exceeded before the input operation is reflected in the game. Because there is a fear.

  In this embodiment, when both the accumulation amount input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount input to the second buffer exceed a predetermined accumulation amount, the first and second An identification number to be deleted from the game data input in both the buffers is determined.

  In the present embodiment, a process for determining an identification number from which game data is to be deleted is performed by the parent device, and the parent device transmits the determined identification number to the child device. For example, the case where the first game machine is a parent machine and the second game machine is a child machine will be specifically described.

  The parent machine decided to determine the identification number of the game data deletion target when the child machine also performed the process of determining the identification number of the game data deletion target in the parent machine and the child machine. This is because there is a possibility that different identification numbers may be determined, and if the game data to be deleted is different, the game progress may be hindered. For example, when the parent device determines 110 to 113 as the identification number to be deleted and the child device determines 111 to 114 as the identification number to be deleted, the parent device is transmitted from the child device. The game data corresponding to No. 114 continues to be received, and the progress of the game is stopped. Similarly, the child machine receives game data corresponding to 110 that is not transmitted from the parent machine. This is because the waiting state continues and the progress of the game stops.

  First, the first game machine refers to the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers according to the drawing frame rate (60 fps). Then, it is determined whether or not both of the accumulation amount input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount input to the second buffer have exceeded a predetermined accumulation amount. It is determined that the data needs to be deleted.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the accumulated amount input to the first buffer and the accumulated amount input to the second buffer both exceed the predetermined accumulated amount is determined by the drawing frame rate. Accordingly, it is performed immediately before the buffer input / output processing is performed. The determination may be performed immediately after the input / output of the buffer.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 4, the first game machine is in a state immediately before the game data associated with the identification number “107” is input, and in the first state immediately before the identification number “101” is output. , Shows the state of the second buffer. In this state, in the present embodiment, the accumulation amount of the first buffer of the first game machine is “6”, and the accumulation amount of the second buffer is “5”. Accordingly, since the accumulation amount input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount input to the second buffer exceed the predetermined accumulation amount “4”, it is necessary to delete the game data. to decide.

  When it is determined that the game data needs to be deleted, the identification number of the game data to be deleted is specifically determined.

  In this embodiment, the game data already input to the first and second buffers is deleted. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the game data corresponding to the identification numbers “101” to “106” already input to the first and second buffers are deleted.

  In the present embodiment, considering the time to notify the child device of game data to be deleted, among the game data input to the first and second buffers, the descending order of identification numbers (in descending order of number) It is desirable to determine game data to be deleted.

  Also, the reason for deleting the game data in both the first and second buffers is that if the game data is deleted only for one buffer, the game data is sequentially input to the other buffer, and the identification number The game data output is delayed due to the inconsistency. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to progress the game, game data having the same identification number is deleted from both the first and second buffers.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a smaller amount of game data than the accumulated amount of game data already input to the first buffer and the second buffer is deleted. For example, since it is determined that the accumulation amount of the first and second buffers exceeds the predetermined accumulation amount “4”, the amount of game data is surely smaller than the accumulation amount of the first and second buffers. The game data of the amount “4” is deleted. The reason is that if the input of the game data that is greater than the accumulated amount of the buffer that has already been input is restricted, the buffer input processing waiting state continues, and as a result, the game does not proceed.

  Next, the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” input to both the first and second buffers are determined as the identification numbers to be deleted. The situation of the game data in the first buffer and the second buffer in one game machine will be described along the time axis every 1/60.

  First, at time T1, the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” to be deleted are deleted in both the first and second buffers. Then, in the first buffer, game data corresponding to “107” is input, and game data corresponding to “101” is output. In the second buffer, game data corresponding to “106” is input, and game data corresponding to “107” is output.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by deleting the game data in the first and second buffers, the accumulation amounts in the first and second buffers can be reduced. As a result, the time until the game data input to the first and second buffers is reflected in the game can be shortened, and the response of the operation can be improved. That is, even in an online game, the player can play the game comfortably without feeling stress due to the slow response.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first game machine that is the parent machine transmits an identification number to be deleted of the game data to the second game machine that is the child machine. For example, the packet is periodically transmitted according to the frame rate to the first game machine, and the packet is included so that the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, “105” to be deleted are included in the payload. The generated packet is transmitted to the second game machine.

  Further, when the second game machine that is the child machine receives the identification number to be deleted from the first game machine, the game data (of the second game machine) corresponding to the identification number to be deleted is stored. A process of deleting from the first buffer and deleting the game data (of the first game machine) corresponding to the identification number to be deleted from the second buffer is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the game data corresponding to the identification number to be deleted may be deleted after mutually confirming the identification number to be deleted between the first and second game machines.

  For example, the first game machine transmits the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” to be deleted to the second game machine. When the second game machine determines that the game data corresponding to the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” can be deleted from the first and second buffers, A response packet authorizing the deletion is transmitted to the first game machine. When the first game machine receives a response packet authorizing deletion, the game data corresponding to the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” is received in the first game machine. The game data corresponding to the identification numbers “102”, “103”, “104”, and “105” may be deleted in the second game machine.

  In the present embodiment, a specific period is detected, an identification number corresponding to the game data input during the specific period is determined as an identification number to be deleted, and is input to the first and second buffers. The game data may be deleted. This is because the game data can be deleted without feeling uncomfortable for the player.

  Here, the specific period refers to a period during which operation input from the player is invalidated. In other words, the specific period refers to a period during which the input operation from the player is not reflected in the game.

  The specific period can be detected by referring to the input information flags set for the first and second player characters. The value of the input information flag is updated in units of frames with the period during which the player character is operating set to true and the period during which the player character is not operating as false.

  For example, the initial value of the input information flag is set to true. When it is determined that the first player character is to perform the “right punch” action based on the input information (game data) of “right punch” from the first player, the input corresponding to the first player character is performed. Set the information flag to false. Then, the input information flag is set to true after the end of the “right punch” operation period (period of 10 frames). Further, when the first player character and the second player character are hit and it is determined that the second player character performs “the action of receiving a right punch attack”, an input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set. Set to false. Then, after the period for performing the “right punch attack action” (for example, a period of 10 frames), the input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set to true.

  Then, the specific period is detected based on the input information flags set for the first and second player characters. For example, referring to the input information flag corresponding to each player character for each frame, from the situation where at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters is true, the first and second player characters A frame in which both input information flags are false is determined as a start frame of a specific period. Then, after at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters has changed to true, a frame in which the input information flags of the first and second player characters are both false is again displayed for a specific period. Determine as the start frame.

  In this embodiment, the number of frames to be moved is determined in advance in association with the action content of the player character (for example, “right punch”, “throw technique”). Therefore, when the start frame of a specific period is determined, the number of frames in the specific period can be grasped according to the operation content, and the identification number corresponding to the game data input during the specific period is identified as the object to be deleted. The number is determined and deleted from the first and second buffers.

  For example, the state of the first buffer when the “right punch” operation is performed over 10 frames based on the game data output from the first buffer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. .

  For example, game data corresponding to each of the identification numbers 101 to 108 output from the first buffer in a period of 8 frames (time T1 to T8) of the period in which the “right punch” operation is performed over 10 frames is The action of “right punch” is reflected in the game without being used for the game calculation. In short, when the identification number 101 game data is “right kick”, the content of “right kick” is not reflected in the game and is ignored. Further, the game data corresponding to the identification numbers 107 to 114 input to the first buffer at the time T1 to T8 is not used for game calculation when output from the first buffer.

  As described above, useless game data is input to and output from the first buffer in FIG. Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the motion period in which the “right punch” motion is performed on the first player character, the first player character hits the second player character, and “ A technique is adopted in which a specific period for invalidating the operation input from both players during the operation period in which the operation of “receiving a right punch attack” is performed, and the game data input during the specific period is deleted.

  With reference to FIG. 7B, the state of the first buffer will be described in detail with respect to a method of deleting game data during a specific period (time T1 to T8).

  In the present embodiment, among the game data input during the specific period, game data of an amount 4 (for 4 frames) that is smaller than the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers is deleted. Then, game data corresponding to each of the identification numbers 107 to 110 is deleted from the input game data.

  In this way, it is possible to suppress the amount of game data stored without giving the player a sense of incongruity while avoiding unnecessary input / output of game data corresponding to each of the identification numbers 107 to 110. That is, the response of the operation can be improved. Also in the second buffer, game data corresponding to the identification numbers 107 to 110 is deleted.

  In short, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, based on the game data output from the first buffer, the first player character performs a “right punch” action, When the player character and the second player character “right punch” are hit, it is determined that the second player character performs a “right punch attack” action. Is detected as the specific period, and the game data input during the specific period with an amount smaller than the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers is deleted.

In the present embodiment, when a specific event is triggered by a calculation result based on the game data output from the first buffer and the second buffer, the period for triggering the specific event is detected as the specific period. May be. For example, in the case of a fighting game, when a specific event is performed by executing a specific program prepared in advance based on specific operation information from a player (for example, operation information for performing a “killer move”). May detect a period from the start to the end of execution of a specific program as the specific period. For example, when the execution of a specific program such as displaying a moving image prepared in advance is started, the input information flag corresponding to the first and second player characters is set to false, and the execution of the specific program is performed. If completed, the input information flag corresponding to the first and second player characters is set to true. Then, from the situation where at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters is true, a frame in which both of the input information flags of the first and second player characters are false is designated as a start frame of a specific period. The identification number corresponding to the game data in the specific period is determined as the identification number to be deleted, and the game data input to the first and second buffers is deleted.

  In the case of a fighting game, the time until the battle between the first player character and the second player character starts may be detected as the specific period. For example, the period from the appearance scene of the player character to the battle start scene (immediately before the game) may be set as the specific period. This is because there is no problem even if the operation information from the player is not reflected because it is before the battle.

  For example, in the frame for generating the first image of the appearance scene of the player character, the input information flag corresponding to the first and second player characters is set to false, and in the frame for generating the battle start image, The input information flag corresponding to the second player character is set to true. Then, from the situation where at least one of the input information flags of the first and second player characters is true, a frame in which both of the input information flags of the first and second player characters are false is designated as a start frame of a specific period. The identification number corresponding to the game data in the specific period is determined as the identification number to be deleted, and the game data input to the first and second buffers is deleted.

2.3 Method for Stopping Transmission of Game Data and Limiting Input to First Buffer As described above, in the present embodiment, the accumulated amount input to the first buffer and the second buffer A technique is employed in which the game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer is deleted when both of the input storage amounts exceed a predetermined amount.

  However, in this embodiment, each game machine may cause a delay due to an increase in processing load and communication load. As a result, the game data input in the second buffer is delayed from the first buffer, and a difference in the amount of game data accumulated may occur between the first buffer and the second buffer. .

  As long as the accumulated amount of either the first or second buffer is equal to or less than the predetermined accumulated amount, the game data cannot be deleted. As a result, the response of the operation may not be improved. For example, when there are 12 accumulation amounts of the first buffer for inputting game data of the own device, and the accumulation amount of the second buffer for inputting game data of another game device is 2, It is not possible to immediately reflect the operation of the player using the. That is, since the accumulated amount of the second buffer does not exceed the predetermined accumulated amount, the game data input to the first and second buffers cannot be deleted.

  If the game data is to be deleted even though the accumulated amount of the second buffer does not exceed the predetermined accumulated amount, the state of waiting for input of game data to the second buffer continues and the game cannot be advanced. A problem will occur.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to solve the above-described problem, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is larger than the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer, and the first and second accumulation amounts. If the difference amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined difference amount, the game data of the player is transmitted to the second game machine until the accumulated amounts of both the first and second buffers exceed the predetermined accumulated amount. In addition to limiting, a method of limiting input to the first buffer is adopted. For example, in the present embodiment, the predetermined difference amount is set as “10”. The reason why the predetermined difference amount is set to “10” is that, generally, if the difference amount is 10 or more, there is a high possibility that the progress of the game is hindered.

  Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, in the first game machine which is the player's own machine, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is “12”, and the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer is If it is “2”, it is determined that the accumulated amount of game data in the first buffer is greater than the accumulated amount of game data in the second buffer by a predetermined difference amount “10” or more. The game data restricts transmission to the second game machine without associating an identification number, and restricts input to the first buffer. The reason why the identification number is not associated is that the same identification number is assigned between the first game machine and the second game machine when the first buffer has a predetermined difference amount larger than the second buffer. This is because there is a high possibility that the timing assigned to the game data is shifted. In other words, it is more likely that the player's own device associates the identification number with the game data earlier than the other game devices, so the game data can be input without associating the identification number with the game data of the own device. By limiting this, the timing for associating the identification numbers can be matched between the game machines.

  On the other hand, the first game machine inputs the game data of the second game machine associated with the identification number “103” received from the second game machine, which is another game machine, into the second buffer. Process. In this way, by inputting the game data received from the second game machine to the second buffer during the period when the input to the game data of the first buffer is limited, the game data of both buffers are stored. The difference in the accumulated amount is reduced.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10, the state of the first buffer and the second buffer until the accumulated amount of both the first and second buffers exceeds the predetermined accumulated amount “4” is set as the drawing frame rate. The state of changing based on the corresponding time axis will be specifically described.

  First, at time T1, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is “12”, the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer is “2”, both exceeding the predetermined accumulation amount “4”. Therefore, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification number “103” is received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  At time T2, the accumulated amount of game data in the first buffer is “11”, the accumulated amount of game data in the second buffer is “2”, both exceeding the predetermined accumulated amount “4”. Therefore, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification number “104” is received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  At time T3, the accumulated amount of game data in the first buffer is “10”, the accumulated amount of game data in the second buffer is “2”, both exceeding the predetermined accumulated amount “4”. Therefore, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification numbers “105”, “106”, and “107” has been received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  At time T4, the accumulated amount of game data in the first buffer is “9”, the accumulated amount of game data in the second buffer is “4”, both exceeding the predetermined accumulated amount “4”. Therefore, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification numbers “108” and “109” has been received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  At time T5, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is “8”, the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer is “5”, both exceeding the predetermined accumulation amount “4”. Therefore, the identification number “113” is associated with the game data of the own device, and the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification numbers “110” and “111” has been received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers both exceed the predetermined accumulated amount, as described above, the game input to the first and second buffers. Data can be deleted. For example, since the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers both exceed the predetermined accumulated amount at time T5, the game data corresponding to the identification number “113 to 117” is stored in the first and second buffers. May be deleted. The game data corresponding to the identification numbers “113 to 117” may be deleted. As a result, the operation input from the player can be improved at an early stage.

  In the present embodiment, the transmission of the game data of the own device to the second game device is restricted during the “specific period” described above, and the input to the first buffer is restricted. Also good. That is, in this embodiment, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is larger than the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer, and the difference amount between the accumulation amounts of game data in the first and second buffers is larger. If it is determined that the difference amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined difference amount, the game data of the own device is stored in the second game machine until the accumulation amount of both the first and second buffers exceeds the predetermined accumulation amount during the specific period. The transmission to the first buffer may be restricted and the input to the first buffer may be restricted. If the input of the game data is restricted during a period when the operation from the player is not reflected in the game, the transmission of the game data of the own device to the second game device is restricted so as not to give the player a sense of incongruity. This is because the input to the first buffer can be restricted.

  In this embodiment, the amount of game data stored in the first buffer is larger than the amount of game data stored in the second buffer, and the amount of difference between the amount of game data stored in the first and second buffers is larger. When the difference amount is equal to or larger than the predetermined difference amount, the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the accumulation amount of the game data input to the second buffer reaches the appropriate difference amount. Until the game data is not associated with the identification information, the transmission of the game data may be stopped and the input to the first buffer may be limited.

  As described above, the difference between the amount of game data accumulated between the first and second buffers means that the same identification number is assigned to the game data between the first game machine and the second game machine. This is because there is a high possibility that the timing is shifted, and it is necessary to adjust the accumulation amount of the game data in the first and second buffers. For example, when the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is “12” and the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer is “2”, until the player's operation is reflected in the game, This is because it takes time (for example, 12/60 seconds) corresponding to the accumulation amount “12” of the game data in the first buffer, and the response of the operation is poor.

  Next, an example in which the appropriate difference amount is set as “4” will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows the states of the first buffer and the second buffer until the accumulated amounts of both the first and second buffers reach the appropriate difference amount “4” on the time axis according to the drawing frame rate. It shows how it changes.

  First, at time T1, the accumulation amount of game data in the first buffer is “12”, the accumulation amount of game data in the second buffer is “2”, and the difference amount is “10”. Since the difference amount “4” has not been reached, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device. On the other hand, since game data corresponding to the identification number “103” is received from another game machine, the game data is input to the second buffer.

  Similarly, the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data in the first buffer and the accumulation amount of the game data in the second buffer does not reach the appropriate difference amount “4” at the time T2 to T6. Without associating the identification number “113” with the game data of the own device, the input of the game data to the first buffer is restricted, and the game data received from the other game device is input to the second buffer.

  At time T7, the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data in the first buffer and the accumulation amount of the game data in the second buffer reaches the appropriate difference amount “4”, and the game of the player's own game Game data is input to the first buffer with the identification number “113” associated with the data, and game data received from another game machine is input to the second buffer.

  As described above, the identification information is not associated with the game data until the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data in the first buffer and the accumulation amount of the game data in the second buffer reaches the appropriate difference amount. By stopping the transmission of the game data and restricting the input to the first buffer, the accumulation amount of the first buffer can be reduced, and as a result, the response of the operation from the player can be improved. .

  In the present embodiment, during the specific period, the transmission of the game data may be stopped without associating the identification information with the game data, and the input to the first buffer may be limited. In this way, input of game data can be restricted without being noticed by the player. That is, if it is determined that the amount of game data stored in the first buffer is equal to or greater than the amount of game data stored in the second buffer, the amount of data stored in the first buffer during the specific period. Until the difference amount between the accumulation amount of the game data and the accumulation amount of the game data in the second buffer reaches the appropriate difference amount, the transmission of the game data is stopped without associating the identification information with the game data. The input to one buffer may be limited.

  In the present embodiment, the technique for stopping the transmission of the game data and restricting the input to the first buffer is applied to all game machines regardless of the parent machine and the child machine. In this way, it is possible to efficiently advance the game by distributing the processing load without concentrating the processing load on one game machine.

3. Process Flow of this Embodiment (1) FIG. 12 shows an example of a timing chart of a technique for deleting game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer.

  First, in the first game machine that is the parent machine, it is determined that the accumulated amounts of the first and second buffers exceed a predetermined accumulated amount. If it is determined that it is the specific period, the identification number of the deletion target input during the specific period is determined. For example, the identification numbers 107 to 110 are determined as the identification numbers to be deleted. And the 1st game machine performs the process which transmits the identification number (107-110) of the determined deletion object to a 2nd game machine.

  Each of the first game machine and the second game machine deletes the game data corresponding to 107 to 110 input to the first buffer and 107 to 110 input to the second buffer. A process of deleting game data corresponding to is performed.

  (2) FIG. 13 shows a timing chart of a technique for stopping the transmission of game data and limiting the input to the first buffer in the first game machine.

  First, in the first game machine, it is determined that the amount of game data stored in the first buffer is larger by a predetermined difference amount than the amount stored in the second buffer. Then, the first game machine detects the specific period, and the first game machine stops the transmission of the game data to the second game machine with respect to the game data of the own machine and restricts the input of the game data to the first buffer. I do.

The functional block diagram of the game machine of this embodiment. The network diagram of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of a synchronous process. Explanatory drawing of the accumulation | storage amount of the game data of a 1st, 2nd buffer. Explanatory drawing of deletion of game data. Explanatory drawing which transmits the identification number of deletion object. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams for deleting the game data from the buffer. Explanatory drawing of a specific period. Explanatory drawing explaining the difference amount of game data. Explanatory drawing which performs input restriction | limiting of the game data to the 1st, 2nd buffer. Explanatory drawing which performs input restriction | limiting of the game data to the 1st, 2nd buffer. The timing chart which deletes the game data input into the 1st, 2nd buffer. The timing chart which performs input restriction of the game data to the 1st buffer, and stops transmission.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit, 110 game calculation unit, 111, object space setting unit,
112 virtual camera control unit, 113 movement / motion processing unit, 113a input information control unit,
114 network unit, 115 communication control unit,
116 buffer control unit, 117 specific period detection unit,
120 drawing units, 130 sound generation units,
160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 172 main storage unit, 174 drawing buffer,
176 first buffer, 178 second buffer,
180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 196 communication unit

Claims (13)

A game machine in which a plurality of game machines each transmit / receive game data including detection results obtained by detecting player input information for each frame to each other via a network in association with common identification information provided for each frame. A program for
Communication control for performing processing of transmitting game data of the own device to other game devices via a network and processing of receiving game data of other game devices transmitted from another game device via the network And
Processing for inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of another game device into the second buffer, and identification corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer When the information matches the identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the second buffer, the earliest game data is output from the first buffer, and the earliest game data is A buffer control unit that performs processing to output from the second buffer;
Based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer, the computer is caused to function as a game calculation unit that performs a game calculation for each frame,
The buffer control unit
The game data input to the first buffer is deleted according to the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the storage amount of the game data input to the second buffer. A program for deleting game data input to the second buffer. In claim 1,
The communication control unit
The process of transmitting the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted to another game machine via the network, and the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the other game machine via the network Process to receive,
The buffer control unit
When the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from another game machine is received via the network, the game data corresponding to the identification information input to the first buffer is deleted. A program that deletes game data corresponding to the identification information input to the second buffer. In claim 1 or 2,
The buffer control unit
When the accumulation amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceeds a predetermined accumulation amount, the game data input to the first buffer is deleted, and the second buffer A program that deletes input game data. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The buffer control unit
A program that deletes an amount of game data that is smaller than the accumulated amount of game data already input to the first buffer and the second buffer. In any one of Claims 1-4,
An input information control unit that invalidates input information from a player in a given period;
As a specific period detection unit for detecting a specific period for invalidating input information of the player, the computer is further functioned,
The buffer control unit
A program that deletes game data input to the first buffer during the specific period and deletes game data input to the second buffer during the specific period. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The communication control unit
When the accumulated amount of game data input to the first buffer is larger than the accumulated amount of game data input to the second buffer by a predetermined difference amount, a process for restricting transmission of game data is performed,
The buffer control unit
A program for restricting input of the game data whose transmission is restricted to the first buffer. In claim 6,
The communication control unit
A program for performing a process of restricting transmission of game data until the accumulation amount of game data input to the first buffer and the second buffer exceeds a predetermined accumulation amount. In claim 6 or 7,
An input information control unit that invalidates input information from a player in a given period;
As a specific period detection unit that detects a specific period for invalidating input information from the player, the computer is further functioned,
The communication control unit
Performing a process of restricting transmission of the game data during the specific period;
The buffer control unit
A program for restricting the input of the game data whose transmission is restricted to the first buffer during the specific period. In claim 5 or 8,
The game calculation unit is
Based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer, the first player character to be operated by the player using the player and another game device are used. Performing a game operation for operating the second player character to be operated by the player;
The input information control unit
A program for invalidating input information from each player during a period in which both the first player character and the second player character are operating. In claim 5 or 8,
The game calculation unit is
Based on at least one of the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer, a game operation for invoking a specific event is performed,
The input information control unit
A program for invalidating input information from each player during a period in which the specific event is activated.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is stored. A game machine in which a plurality of game machines each transmit / receive game data including detection results obtained by detecting player input information for each frame to each other via a network in association with common identification information provided for each frame. Because
Communication control for performing processing of transmitting game data of the own device to other game devices via a network and processing of receiving game data of other game devices transmitted from another game device via the network And
Processing for inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of another game device into the second buffer, and identification corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer When the information matches the identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the second buffer, the earliest game data is output from the first buffer, and the earliest game data is A buffer control unit that performs processing to output from the second buffer;
A game calculation unit that performs a game calculation for each frame based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer;
The buffer control unit
The game data input to the first buffer is deleted according to the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the storage amount of the game data input to the second buffer. A game machine, wherein game data input to the second buffer is deleted. Each of the first game machine and the second game machine associates game data including a detection result obtained by detecting player input information for each frame with common identification information given for each frame via a network. A game system that transmits and receives
The game machine is
Communication control for performing processing of transmitting game data of the own device to other game devices via a network and processing of receiving game data of other game devices transmitted from another game device via the network And
Processing for inputting game data of the own device into the first buffer and inputting game data of another game device into the second buffer, and identification corresponding to the earliest game data input to the first buffer When the information matches the identification information corresponding to the earliest game data input to the second buffer, the earliest game data is output from the first buffer, and the earliest game data is A buffer control unit that performs processing to output from the second buffer;
A game calculation unit that performs a game calculation for each frame based on the game data output from the first buffer and the game data output from the second buffer;
The buffer control unit of the first game machine;
The game data input to the first buffer is deleted according to the storage amount of the game data input to the first buffer and the storage amount of the game data input to the second buffer. , Delete the game data entered in the second buffer,
The communication control unit of the first game machine;
Processing to send identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted to the second game machine via the network;
The communication control unit of the second game machine is
A process of receiving identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the first game machine via the network,
The buffer control unit of the second game machine;
When the identification information corresponding to the game data to be deleted transmitted from the first game machine is received via the network, the game data corresponding to the identification information input to the first buffer is deleted. And a game system that deletes game data corresponding to the identification information input to the second buffer.

Images