JP5238764B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a game processing method, and a program suitable for guiding a player to move the body more smoothly in a game in which the player moves the body and inputs an instruction.

  By capturing the movement of the model in real space with one or more cameras, and measuring the distance to the model using the time of flight of the infrared rays irradiated to the surroundings and the phase difference of the reflected waves, There is technology to capture movement. Recently, it is applied to the field of games as in Patent Document 1, and a player is photographed to track a predetermined part of the player (for example, the head, the binocular part, etc.) Reflecting is also done.

Japanese Patent No. 4117682

  By the way, in a game that progresses as the player moves in the real space, such as a dance game, in order to make the player perform a predetermined movement, just show the sample video or model video, what kind of player is now Even if it is possible to grasp whether to pose, it is generally difficult to grasp what movement should be performed next, and it may be difficult for the player to make a continuous smooth movement. For example, simply presenting the player with a pose that bends both knees while standing is an inconvenience that it is not possible to know if it is a pose that stretches or is a preliminary movement for jumping. there were.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and in a game in which a player moves his / her body and inputs an instruction, a game apparatus suitable for guiding the player to move the body more smoothly, a game processing method, and The purpose is to provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

A game device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, a character image generation unit, an acquisition unit, a mark image generation unit, and a display unit.
In the storage unit, the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with the passage of time in the virtual space are stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game.
The character image generation unit generates a character image representing the character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present.
The acquisition unit is a position that is stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the current time. The position of a predetermined part of the character to be placed after the lapse is acquired.
The mark image generation unit generates a mark image representing the mark object placed at the acquired position.
The display unit displays the generated character image and the generated mark image on the screen.

  A game executed by the game device of the present invention is a game in which a player in a real space moves his body while referring to the movement of a character object (simply called “character”) placed in a virtual space, such as a dance game. It is a moving game. However, game content is not limited by the present invention. In the virtual space, in addition to the character, a mark object is arranged at a position of a predetermined portion of the character after the preceding time has elapsed from the present. For example, in a dance game, the character is in the form of a human-type instructor that presents the player with a dance model, and the predetermined part of the character is the character's “hand tip” or “foot tip”.

  In the game, a task (game task) to be cleared by the player at that time is prepared in advance in association with the time from the start of the game. On the screen, a character image representing a character whose position and posture change with the passage of time is displayed. The character's position and posture represent the game task that the player should accomplish now. The image displayed on the screen is an image obtained by projecting a virtual space including a character from the position of the virtual viewpoint in the direction of the virtual line of sight onto the virtual projection plane.

  Furthermore, a mark image is displayed on the screen at the position of a predetermined portion of the character after the preceding time has elapsed from the present. The mark image is an image obtained by projecting a state in which the mark object is viewed from the position of the virtual viewpoint in the direction of the virtual line of sight on the virtual projection plane. The shape of the mark object is arbitrary. For example, if the shape of the mark object is a sphere, the shape of the mark image obtained by projecting the mark object onto the virtual projection plane is a circle. As the character moves in the virtual space, not only the position and shape of the character image but also the position of the mark image on the screen changes. The position of the mark image serves as a hint for a game task to be achieved by the player after the previous time has elapsed since the present time.

  That is, the game device not only presents the game task to be achieved by the player, but also presents a part of the game task to be presented after the preceding time has elapsed from the present time. The player can grasp how the body should move now by looking at the position and posture of the character image, and if he sees the position of the mark image, the player will move a part of the body after the preceding time has elapsed It is possible to grasp what should be done. Players can move their bodies while keeping in mind how they will move in the future. Therefore, according to the present invention, the player can move the body more smoothly. The game device can guide the player to move the body more smoothly.

  There may be a plurality of mark images, and the preceding times corresponding to the respective mark images may be different from each other.

  In other words, the player is provided with a plurality of positions where the predetermined portion should exist when the preceding time has elapsed in the real space. On the screen, for example, a mark image indicating the position where the player's hand should be in X seconds and a position where the player's hand should be in Y seconds are displayed together with a character indicating the position and posture that the player should be at now. A mark image, a mark image representing a position where the player's hand should be, and the like after N seconds are displayed. Therefore, the player can know in more detail a game task to be cleared in the future. And the effect that a player can be guided so that a game device can move a body more smoothly increases.

  Each preceding time may be set at equal intervals.

  According to the present invention, for example, the preceding time is 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds later, 1 bar later, 2 bars later, 3 bars later, etc. Is set. Therefore, the player can know the game task to be cleared in the future in more detail and more clearly.

  The display unit may display a plurality of mark images on the screen in the order of shorter preceding times.

  That is, the mark images are displayed so as to overlap in time series. According to the present invention, the player can clearly grasp how to move his body over time.

  The mark image generation unit may change the size of the mark image according to the distance from the position of the virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space to the predetermined part of the character.

  For example, if the mark image is enlarged as it is closer to the position of the virtual viewpoint, the player can immediately know that if the mark image is large, a predetermined part of the body should be put forward. Players can easily get a sense of perspective. And the effect that a player can be guided so that a game device can move a body more smoothly increases.

  The mark image generation unit may change the size of the mark object in accordance with the distance from the position of the virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space to the predetermined part of the character.

  For example, if the mark object is enlarged as it is closer to the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space, the mark image obtained by projecting the mark object from the virtual viewpoint position in the direction of the virtual line of sight onto the virtual projection plane is When the object is close to the virtual viewpoint, the mark object is displayed larger than when the size of the mark object is constant. In general, the closer to the eye, the larger it looks, but in the present invention, the perspective is exaggerated by changing the size of the mark object itself. Players can easily capture the depth of the character. And the effect that a player can be guided so that a game device can move a body more smoothly increases.

  The mark image generator generates a mark image brightness, saturation, or hue according to the amount of change in the position of the predetermined portion of the character per unit time or the amount of change in the posture of the predetermined portion of the character per unit time. At least one of them may be changed.

  That is, the brightness and color of the mark image change according to the change amount of the position of the predetermined portion or the change amount of the posture of the predetermined portion. The player can easily grasp whether the mark object is approaching or moving away from the virtual viewpoint by looking at the degree of change in brightness and color of the mark image. According to the present invention, the effect that the player can be guided so that the game apparatus can move the body more smoothly is increased.

  The display unit is an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the position of the virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space in the direction of the virtual line of sight, and includes a generated character image and a generated mark image An image may be displayed on the screen.

  According to the present invention, the state in the virtual space can be expressed more three-dimensionally, and a more realistic image can be displayed.

There may be a plurality of mark images, and the preceding time corresponding to each of the mark images may be equal.
The display unit displays one mark image (hereinafter referred to as “first mark image”) and another one of the mark images (hereinafter referred to as “second mark image”) on the displayed screen. ), The position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight may be changed so that the first mark image and the second mark image do not overlap.

  For example, a plurality of parts of the character can be set as the predetermined part, such as a right hand and a left hand. At this time, a plurality of mark images are displayed on the screen corresponding to one preceding time. However, depending on the position and posture of the character, the position of the virtual viewpoint, and the direction of the virtual line of sight, the mark images may appear to overlap each other. Therefore, in the present invention, the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight are changed so that the mark images do not appear to overlap each other. According to the present invention, since the virtual viewpoint and the virtual line of sight change so that the mark image is easy to see, it is possible to prevent the player from making the mark image difficult to distinguish or difficult to see. The effect of guiding the player to move the body more smoothly increases.

A game processing method according to another aspect of the present invention is a game processing method that is executed by a game device including a storage unit, a character image generation unit, an acquisition unit, a mark image generation unit, and a display unit. A step, an acquisition step, a mark image generation step, and a display step.
In the storage unit, the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with the passage of time in the virtual space are stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game.
In the character image generation step, the character image generation unit generates a character image representing the character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time.
In the acquisition step, the acquisition unit is a position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the current time. The position of a predetermined portion of the character to be placed after the preceding time has elapsed is acquired.
In the mark image generation step, the mark image generation unit generates a mark image representing the mark object placed at the acquired position.
In the display step, the display unit displays the generated character image and the generated mark image on the screen.

  According to the present invention, the player can move the body more smoothly. The game device can guide the player to move the body more smoothly.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a storage unit, a character image generation unit, an acquisition unit, a mark image generation unit, and a display unit.
In the storage unit, the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with the passage of time in the virtual space are stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game.
The character image generation unit generates a character image representing the character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present.
The acquisition unit is a position that is stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the current time. The position of a predetermined part of the character to be placed after the lapse is acquired.
The mark image generation unit generates a mark image representing the mark object placed at the acquired position.
The display unit displays the generated character image and the generated mark image on the screen.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a game device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, a game processing method, and a program suitable for guiding a player so that the player can move the body more smoothly in a game in which the player moves the body and inputs an instruction. .

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the game device of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure showing typically the appearance of an information processor. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of a game device. It is a figure showing a character image. It is a figure showing a mark image. It is a figure showing the image formed by combining a character image and a mark image. It is a figure showing a character image and the mark image corresponding to each of several preceding time. It is a figure showing a character image and the mark image corresponding to each of several preceding time. It is a figure showing a character image and the mark image corresponding to each of several preceding time. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game process. In Embodiment 2, it is a figure showing the character and mark object which are arrange | positioned in virtual space. It is a figure showing the image formed by combining a character image and a mark image. It is a figure showing the image formed by combining a character image and a mark image. (A) In Embodiment 3, it is a figure for demonstrating the change of the position of the predetermined part of a character. (B) It is a figure for demonstrating the change of the attitude | position of the predetermined part of a character. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the moving speed of the predetermined part of a character, and the brightness of a mark image. In Embodiment 4, it is a figure showing the character image and the mark image drawn as a locus | trajectory corresponding to each of several preceding time. It is the figure which represented typically a mode that both the position of a virtual viewpoint and the direction of a virtual visual line were changed. It is a figure showing the character image after changing the position of a virtual viewpoint, and the direction of a virtual eyes | visual_axis, and the mark image drawn as a locus | trajectory corresponding to each of several preceding time. It is a figure showing the character image after the predetermined part moved as a mark image shows. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a game process.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing apparatus for games will be described. However, the following embodiment is for explanation, and the scope of the present invention There is no limit. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that fulfills the functions of the game apparatus of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a hard disk 104, an interface 105, an external memory 106, an input device 107, and the like. And a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only Memory) drive 108, an image processing unit 109, an audio processing unit 110, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 111.

  When a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on, the program is executed and the game apparatus of the present embodiment is realized. .

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. The CPU 101 uses an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) to perform arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of data stored in a high-speed accessible storage area called a register, logical sum, logical product, Logical operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. Further, the CPU 101 includes a coprocessor that can perform saturation calculation such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector calculation such as trigonometric function at high speed.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on. When the IPL is executed by the CPU 101, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read to the RAM 103, and the startup process by the CPU 101 is started.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds, for example, programs and data read from a DVD-ROM, and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The hard disk 104 stores an operating system (OS) program necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100, various game data, and the like. The CPU 101 can rewrite information stored in the hard disk 104 at any time.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 105 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating the progress of the game, and communication with other devices using the network. Log (record) data and the like are stored. The CPU 101 can rewrite information stored in the external memory 106 at any time. In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 can connect an additional hard disk via the interface 105.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the input device 107 is installed near a monitor 250 on which a game screen is displayed. The input device 107 includes a camera that captures a user's situation. The CPU 101 analyzes image data representing an image photographed by the camera, and determines a user part (for example, a user's hand, foot, face, etc.) included in the image. Image analysis methods include, for example, analysis by pattern recognition, analysis by extraction of feature points, analysis by calculation of spatial frequency, and the like. Shooting by the camera is continuously performed during the game.

  The input device 107 includes a depth sensor that measures the distance from the input device 107 to the user (or any part of the user). For example, the input device 107 irradiates the surroundings with infrared rays and detects the reflected waves of the infrared rays. Then, the input device 107 determines the irradiation wave from the irradiation wave emission port based on the phase difference between the irradiation wave and the reflected wave and the time (flight time) from when the infrared ray is emitted until the reflected light is detected. The distance (hereinafter also referred to as “depth”) to the object that reflects is obtained. Depth detection by the depth sensor is repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals in each of the directions in which infrared rays can be emitted.

  By providing the depth sensor, the information processing apparatus 100 can grasp in more detail the three-dimensional position and shape of the object arranged in the real space. Specifically, as a result of image analysis of the first image data acquired at the first time and the second image data acquired at the second time by the CPU 101, the first image data and the second image data Assume that it is determined that a part representing the user's head is included in both of the image data. The CPU 101 determines in which direction the user's head is up, down, left, or right as viewed from the camera based on the change in the position of the head in the first image data and the position of the head in the second image data. In addition to being able to determine whether it has moved to some extent, the head of the user as viewed from the camera from the change in the depth of the head in the first image data and the depth of the head in the second image data It is also possible to determine how far the camera has moved in either the forward or backward direction (how close or away from the camera).

  As described above, the CPU 101 uses the image captured by the camera included in the input device 107 and the distance (depth) measured by the depth sensor included in the input device 107 as in the case of so-called motion capture. The user's three-dimensional movement in the space can be digitized and grasped.

  For example, in a bowling game, when the player makes a motion of throwing a ball in front of the monitor 250 screen (that is, in front of the input device 107), the CPU 101 can recognize that the player has made a motion of throwing the ball. Then, the CPU 101 can proceed with the game according to the recognized motion. That is, the player can input a desired instruction by freely moving his / her body without having a touchpad controller or the like. The input device 107 serves as a so-called “controller” that receives an instruction input from a player.

  Digital image data representing a captured image is a set of a plurality of pixels. Typically, a value representing the intensity of the three primary colors (R, G, B) is associated with each pixel. The fact that the depth in each direction is measured by the image depth sensor means that, in effect, one pixel has a depth (D) in addition to red (R), green (G), and blue (B). It is expressed using one dimension.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores in advance a program for realizing a game, image data and sound data associated with the game, and the like. The DVD-ROM drive 108 reads programs and data recorded on the attached DVD-ROM under the control of the CPU 101. The CPU 101 temporarily stores the read program and data in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 109 processes data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 109, and then performs a frame memory (not shown) included in the image processing unit 109. Record). Image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and is output to the monitor 250 connected to the image processing unit 109.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed. Further, the image arithmetic processor renders polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various pieces of texture information by the Z buffer method, so that the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position is rendered. It is also possible to perform a high-speed execution of a calculation for obtaining a rendering image viewed from a predetermined line of sight.

  Furthermore, by the cooperative operation of the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor, it is possible to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image on a frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. .

  In addition, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor can write the image data stored in advance in the DVD-ROM into the frame memory, thereby displaying the state of the game on the screen. By repeatedly performing the process of writing and displaying the image data in the frame memory at a regular timing (typically the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt (VSYNC)), an animation can be displayed on the monitor 250.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs it from a speaker. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound data such as sound effects and music to be generated during the progress of the game is generated, and various sound is output from the speaker by decoding the generated sound data.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio processing unit 110 and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. In addition, when the audio processing unit 110 is audio data compressed in an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) format, an Ogg Vorbis format, or the like, the audio processing unit 110 converts the compressed audio data into PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  The NIC 111 connects the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network such as the Internet. The NIC 111 is based on, for example, a 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network), an analog modem for connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, ISDN (Integrated Services). A digital network (ADSL) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a cable modem for connecting to the Internet using a cable television line, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 Composed.

  Next, a functional configuration and the like of the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment realized by the information processing apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  The game executed in the game device 300 of the present embodiment is a dance game. When starting the game, the CPU 101 reproduces dance music and presents the game tasks to be achieved by the player in order to the player. A game task is defined by associating in-game time with data representing the position that the player should be in the real space and the posture to be taken. The CPU 101 displays on the monitor 250 a character object reflecting the content of the game task (hereinafter simply referred to as “character”. In this embodiment, it is a dance instructor). The CPU 101 presents a game task to the player by changing the position and posture of the character.

  The player moves his / her body while referring to the movement of the character displayed on the monitor 250 as a moving image. The movement of the player's body is detected by the input device 107. For example, the CPU 101 identifies the position and orientation of both hands of the player, the position and orientation of both feet of the player, the position and orientation of the player's head, and the like. Then, based on the identification result, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the player has moved his hand, foot, head, or the like according to a preset game task, that is, the player's score. Players can experience the sensation of dancing to the music by moving their bodies with reference to the movement of the character.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. The game apparatus 300 includes a storage unit 301, a character image generation unit 302, an acquisition unit 303, a mark image generation unit 304, and a display unit 305.

  The storage unit 301 stores the position and posture of the character whose position and posture change with time in the virtual space in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game. The hard disk 104 functions as the storage unit 301.

  The position of the character is represented by coordinate values using a global coordinate system defined in advance in the virtual space. As the character position, the coordinate value of the representative point of the character is used. The representative point is, for example, the center of gravity of the character. The character's posture is represented by a vector in the global coordinate system or a combination of coordinate values of a plurality of points constituting the character.

  In the hard disk 104, data defining the character position and posture at the game start time T0, data defining the character position and posture at the time T1 (= T0 + ΔT) after a predetermined time ΔT from the start time, from the time T1. Furthermore, data defining the position and posture of the character at time T2 (= T1 + ΔT) after a predetermined time ΔT has been stored. The character moves under the control of the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 109 based on data defining the position and posture stored in advance in the hard disk 104.

  The length of the predetermined time ΔT is typically a time length corresponding to a vertical synchronization interrupt (VSYNC). If the CPU 101 sequentially changes the position and orientation of the character based on the data defining the position and orientation at each time, an animation image of the character is displayed on the monitor 250.

  In the present embodiment, the time intervals of the data defining the character position and posture are defined to be equal. However, these time intervals are not necessarily equal. For example, in a scene where the character moves fast or in the “determined pose”, the time interval is narrowed and detailed, while in a scene where the character moves slowly or a scene where the character moves for a while, the time interval is widened and simplified. May be. In this way, the amount of data to be stored in advance in the hard disk 104 can be reduced. In addition, the viewing player can also see a clear and easy-to-understand image for each scene.

  The character image generation unit 302 generates an image representing a character (hereinafter referred to as “character image”) based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit 301 in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present. . The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 109 cooperate to function as the character image generation unit 302.

  That is, the CPU 101 measures time with a real-time clock (RTC), and calculates the difference between the game start time and the current time (that is, the elapsed time since the game start). The CPU 101 reads from the hard disk 104 data defining the position and orientation stored in association with the calculated elapsed time. Then, the CPU 101 generates an image in which characters are arranged at the read position in the read posture. The generated image is displayed on the monitor 250.

  In this embodiment, the character 410 moves so as to be a mirror of itself as seen from the player. In other words, when the right foot of the character 410 (the foot seen on the left side when viewed from the player) comes out forward, the player may put out his left foot forward.

  The acquisition unit 303 is a position stored in the storage unit 301 in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time. The position of a predetermined portion of the character to be placed after the preceding time has elapsed is acquired. The CPU 101 and the hard disk 104 cooperate to function as the acquisition unit 303.

  Here, the “predetermined portion” of the character is, for example, the tip of the character (tip of a finger) or the tip of the foot (toe) when the shape of the character is a human type. However, the shape of the character is not limited to the human type and is arbitrary. The predetermined portion is preferably a part of the character that is expected to have a relatively large change in position or change in posture. Further, it is preferable to set a “predetermined portion” for a portion that the game creator wants the player to pay particular attention to.

  Further, the length of the preceding time is a predetermined value, for example, a time when X seconds have passed (future) after the current time, or an interrupt X times after the current interrupt (VSYNC). is there.

  The surface of a character is typically represented by a polygon formed by connecting a plurality of primitives having a triangular or quadrangular shape in a mesh shape. In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 acquires the position coordinates of a polygon corresponding to the tip portion of both hands arranged in the future for the preceding time from the present among the polygons representing the surface of the character.

  The mark image generation unit 304 generates a mark image representing a mark object placed at the position acquired by the acquisition unit 303. A mark object is an image representing a state in which a mark object is arranged in the virtual space, and the arranged mark object is viewed in the direction of the virtual line of sight from the position of the virtual viewpoint in the virtual space. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 109 work together to function as the mark image generation unit 304.

  In the present embodiment, the mark object is a “light sphere” that shines brighter than the surroundings. The brightness of the mark object is set to be relatively higher than the brightness of other objects, and the mark image representing the mark object is conspicuous when viewed from the player.

  The display unit 305 displays an image obtained by combining the character image generated by the character image generation unit 302 and the mark image generated by the mark image generation unit 304 on the monitor 250. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 109 cooperate to function as the display unit 305.

  Here, a process of generating an image displayed on the monitor 250 will be described in order with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a character image 410 generated by the character image generation unit 302. The character image 410 represents the position where the player should be present and the posture to be currently taken. In the case of this figure, the CPU 101 poses that the player slightly spreads both legs and lowers both arms as shown in the character image 410 based on the detection result of the position and posture of the player obtained by the input device 107 in the real space. If it is determined that the player's performance is good, it is determined that the player's performance is excellent, and the value indicated by the gauge 450 is increased. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the player is in a position different from the character image 410 or in a different posture, the CPU 101 determines that the player's performance is inferior, and reduces the value indicated by the gauge 450. Note that the CPU 101 ends the game when the value indicated by the gauge 450 becomes a predetermined value (typically zero) or less.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing mark images 431 (two in the figure, 431A and 431B) generated by the mark image generating unit 304. There may be only one mark image 431, or two or more mark images 431 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 displays a mark image 431A representing a mark object corresponding to the position ahead of the character's right hand (left hand from the player) after the previous time has elapsed, and the character's left hand ( A mark image 431B representing a mark object corresponding to the position ahead of the player (right hand) is generated.

  The mark images 431A and 431B are displayed at positions on the screen where the tips of both hands of the character are to be placed in the future after a predetermined preceding time (after X seconds) from the current time. FIG. 5 shows a character image 420 after the preceding time, which is described for the sake of clarity of the present invention, and the character image 420 after the preceding time is not displayed on the monitor 250.

  FIG. 6 shows an image obtained by superimposing the mark images 431A and 431B shown in FIG. 5 on the character image 410 shown in FIG. The mark image 431A is arranged slightly above the position 601A indicated by the tip of the character's right hand (the position where the player should currently place the left arm), and the mark image 431B is indicated by the position 601B indicated by the tip of the character's left hand (the player The position where the right arm should be placed is currently slightly above the position. If the player sees the character image 410 and the mark images 431A and 431B, the character can “foresee” at a glance that the character will now move both arms up. That is, the player can easily grasp that he / she currently lowers his arms but will raise his / her arms. If the player looks at the character image 410 and the mark images 431A and 431B, the player can easily move continuously based on future movements.

  5 and 6, mark images 431A and 431B corresponding to only one preceding time are shown, but mark images corresponding to a plurality of preceding times may be included. That is, the CPU 101 determines the position of the predetermined portion of the character stored in association with the time (= T + ΔT1) obtained by adding the first preceding time ΔT1 to the elapsed time T from the start of the game to the present, and from the start of the game to the present And the position of a predetermined portion of the character stored in association with the time (= T + Δ2) obtained by adding the second preceding time ΔT2 (≠ ΔT1) to the elapsed time T of the mark object, and the mark object corresponding to each time May be arranged in a virtual space, and a mark image representing the mark object may be separately generated and displayed.

  For example, FIG. 7 includes three types of mark images 431A, 431B, 432A, 432B, 433A, and 433B corresponding to three preceding times ΔT1, ΔT2, and ΔT3. The CPU 101 performs mark images 431A and 431B corresponding to the first preceding time ΔT1, mark images 432A and 432B corresponding to the second preceding time ΔT2, and mark images 433A and 433B corresponding to the third preceding time ΔT3. And generate. However, ΔT1 <ΔT2 <ΔT3. In other words, the player can easily grasp that the character will take a pose that gradually raises both arms to the head.

  By providing more preceding times and displaying a mark image corresponding to each preceding time, it is possible to enhance the effect of making it easier for the player to take continuous movements. When many mark images are displayed simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 8, the mark images 440 </ b> A and 440 </ b> B can be continuously viewed from the player so as to draw a locus. Since the player only has to move his / her body along the lines represented by the mark images 440A and 440B, the effect of facilitating continuous movement increases.

  FIG. 9 shows an image generated at a time after the image shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. At the timing when this image is displayed, the player should pose to extend both hands horizontally from side to side. In addition, since the lines drawn by the mark images 440A and 440B are directed above the character's head, the player should extend both hands horizontally and then turn both hands to draw a ring above the head. The problem can be grasped intuitively.

  When providing a plurality of preceding times, the CPU 101 may set the preceding times at equal intervals. For example, a first mark image representing the position of the hand after 1 second, a second mark image representing the position of the hand after 2 seconds, and an Nth mark image representing the pose after N seconds (N is 2 or more) (Integer) is displayed on the monitor 250 together, the player can grasp the action to be performed in more detail with the passage of time. The interval between the preceding times can be arbitrarily set.

  Note that the CPU 101 arranges and displays a plurality of mark images on the monitor 250 in ascending order of the preceding time. That is, it is assumed that the CPU 101 arranges a plurality of mark objects in the virtual space in order of time series and displays mark images representing the respective mark objects.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when two mark images 431A and 431B are generated per one preceding time, the CPU 101 makes the mark image 431A different from each other in order to clearly notify the player of the difference between them. , 431B may be generated. For example, the CPU 101 may draw the mark images 431A and 431B with different colors (a combination of brightness, saturation, and hue). For example, the mark image 431A corresponding to the character's right hand (left hand as viewed from the player) has a predetermined first color (eg, “red”) and corresponds to the character's left hand (right hand as viewed from the player). The mark image 431B may have a predetermined second color (for example, “blue”). Thereby, since the player can easily distinguish the mark image by distinguishing the colors, it is possible to avoid as much as possible the problem that it is difficult to grasp which mark image corresponds to which part of the body. Of course, even when there are three or more mark images, the CPU 101 may set different modes (different colors).

  Next, game processing executed by each of the above-described units of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 101 starts the game and starts to reproduce the music data representing the dance subject music. The CPU 101 measures the elapsed time since the game was started.

  First, the CPU 101 reads out and obtains data indicating the position and posture of the character stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present from the hard disk 104 (step S1001).

  The CPU 101 generates a character image 410 based on the position and orientation read in step S1001 (step S1002). The CPU 101 generates a character image 410 by arranging a character in the acquired position with the acquired posture in the virtual space.

  The CPU 101 reads out and obtains data indicating the character position stored in association with the time obtained by adding the preceding time to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time from the hard disk 104 (step S1003). When providing a plurality of preceding times, the CPU 101 acquires the character positions stored in association with the preceding times.

  The CPU 101 generates mark images 431A and 431B based on the character positions acquired in step S1003 (step S1004). The CPU 101 generates mark images 431A and 431B by generating an image representing a state in which the mark object is arranged at the acquired position in the virtual space.

  The CPU 101 combines the character image 410 generated in step S1002 and the mark images 431A and 431B generated in step S1004 and displays them on the monitor 250 (step S1005).

  The CPU 101, based on the character position and posture in the virtual space stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the player position and posture in the real space detected by the input device 107, The player's grade is determined (step S1006).

  That is, the CPU 101 calculates the similarity between the detected position and posture of the player and the position and posture of the character, and if the similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the player has achieved the game task ( And the value indicated by the gauge 450 is increased. On the other hand, if the calculated similarity is less than the predetermined value, the CPU 101 determines that the player has not achieved the game task (the player's performance is inferior) and decreases the value indicated by the gauge 450. As the calculated similarity is higher, the player's pose in the real space is more similar to the character's pose in the virtual space, and it is determined that the player has taken a pose close to the game task.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the game (step S1007). For example, the CPU 101 determines that the game is to be ended when the pointer indicating the position in the music data to be played reaches the end of the music (when the music has been played). Alternatively, it is determined that the game is to be ended when the value of the gauge 430 indicating the player's game performance is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (typically zero).

  When it is determined that the game is not finished (step S1007; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the processes of steps S1001 to S1006. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is to be ended (step S1007; YES), the CPU 101 stops the reproduction of the music and ends the game.

  For example, the CPU 101 executes a series of processes of steps S1001 to S1107 once for one VSYNC. That is, the process of drawing and displaying the character image 410 and the mark images 431A and 431B is repeatedly executed at the timing of VSYNC. Therefore, the character image 410 and the mark images 431A and 431B are animated on the monitor 250.

  According to the present embodiment, the player is provided with information about a game task to be achieved, as well as information that will be a hint for the game task to be given later. For example, in a game of dancing by moving hands, how to move hands now is given by the position and posture of the character image 410, and then (how many seconds later) how to move the hands Whether it is good or not is given by the position of the mark image 431. The player can easily understand the game task currently given by looking at the character image 410, and can get an approximate idea of the content of the expected game task to be given later by looking at the mark image 431. You can turn it on. Therefore, the player can take the pose to be taken while keeping the next pose in mind. The game apparatus 300 can guide the player to move the body more smoothly.

  Also, by making the size of the mark image 431 relatively smaller than the size of the character image 410, the mark image 431 is as obstructive as possible when the player views the character image 410 representing the game task currently given. It can be avoided.

  Further, by placing the mark image 431 (mark object) in a portion of the entire character where the position change is relatively large, it is possible to present to the player which portion of the character should be particularly noted.

  The “predetermined portion” as the position of the mark image 431 is not limited to the tip of the hand, but can be set at an arbitrary place such as a foot, a torso, or a head. Further, the CPU 101 may replace this predetermined portion according to the content of the game. For example, the CPU 101 sets a predetermined portion as “tip of hand” or “tip of finger” in a scene where the hand is frequently moved, and sets the predetermined portion as “tip of foot” or “knee” in a scene where the foot is frequently moved. You may set it.

  The CPU 101 may replace this predetermined portion as the game progresses. The CPU 101 may determine the player's score based on the presented game task and the identification result by the input device 107, and may change the predetermined portion according to the determined player's score. For example, the game tasks presented within a predetermined period of the game (for example, the first half of the game) relate to the positions and postures of “foot”, “hand”, and “head”, and among these, the position and posture of “foot” If the achievement level of the game task relating to the position and orientation of the “foot” is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the CPU 101 determines (for example, after the predetermined period has passed) In the second half of the game, the predetermined part is set to “foot”, the mark object is arranged in the virtual space, and the mark image 431 is displayed. Thereby, the game apparatus 300 can point out a weak point to the player and present a hint for strengthening the weak point. Players can practice efficiently to move their bodies more smoothly.

  The player may be able to select a predetermined portion. For example, before starting the game, the CPU 101 receives an instruction input for designating a body part where the mark image 431 (or mark object) is to be placed from the player. The player inputs an instruction for designating an arbitrary part using the input device 107 or the like. The CPU 101 sets this predetermined portion in response to the received instruction input. Therefore, a player who is worried about how to move the hand designates the predetermined part as “the tip of the hand”, or a player who is uneasy about how to move the foot designates the predetermined part as “the tip of the foot”. As described above, the CPU 101 can determine the part where the mark image 431 (or mark object) is to be arranged in accordance with the convenience of the player.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the size of the mark image 431 displayed on the monitor 250 changes according to the distance from the virtual viewpoint to a predetermined part of the character.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a three-dimensional virtual space in which the character 1110 and the mark object 1120 are arranged. The position of the mark object 1120 moves to 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D in time series order. A virtual viewpoint 1150 is arranged in the virtual space. In other words, the virtual viewpoint 1150 is a virtual camera that captures the state of the virtual space. The CPU 101 displays on the monitor 250 a state of viewing this virtual space from the position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 in the direction of the virtual line of sight 1160. The position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 and the direction 1160 of the virtual line of sight 1160 are variable.

  The CPU 101 can move the position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 based on an instruction received from the player by the input device 107 or based on a predetermined algorithm incorporated in the program. Similarly, the CPU 101 can move the direction of the virtual visual line 1160 based on an instruction received from the player by the input device 107 or based on a predetermined algorithm incorporated in the program. The details of the process in which the CPU 101 changes the virtual viewpoint 1150 and the virtual line of sight 1160 will be described later.

  As described above, the CPU 101 acquires information indicating the position and posture of the character 1110 stored in the hard disk 104 in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time. Then, the CPU 101 arranges the character 1110 at the acquired position with the acquired posture.

  Further, the CPU 101 acquires the position of a predetermined portion of the character 1110 stored in the hard disk 104 in association with a time obtained by adding a predetermined preceding time to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time. In the present embodiment, the predetermined portion is a “right hand tip” portion of the human-type character 1110. Then, the CPU 101 places the mark object 1120 at the acquired position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 101 generates an image including a character image 1210 representing the character 1110 and mark images 1231A, 1231B, 1231C, and 1231D representing the mark objects 1120A, 1120B, 1120C, and 1120D. Displayed on the monitor 250.

  Here, the CPU 101 changes the size of the mark image 1120 according to the distance from the position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 arranged in the virtual space to the position of the predetermined portion of the character 1110.

  Specifically, the CPU 101 determines the distance from the current position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 to the position of the predetermined portion of the character 1110 in the future time ahead of the present time, in other words, from the position of the current virtual viewpoint 1150 to the mark object. The distance to the position of 1120A is calculated. Then, the CPU 101 displays the mark images 1231A, 1231B, 1231C, and 1231D on the monitor 250 so that the calculated distance becomes shorter as the calculated distance becomes shorter. In the case of FIG. 11, the length of the distance is LD <LC <LB <LA in ascending order. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the mark image 1231D is the largest, and then the largest in the order of 1231C, 1231B, and 1231A.

  That is, to the player, the closer the mark object 1120 is to the virtual viewpoint 1150, the larger the mark image 1231 appears, and the farther the mark object 1120 is from the virtual viewpoint 1150, the smaller the mark image 1231 looks. The game apparatus 300 can provide the player with an image that is easy to obtain perspective.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the mark image 1231 changes so as to gradually increase with time, the mark object 1120 approaches the virtual viewpoint 1150 with time, so that the player It is possible to obtain a game hint that the part corresponding to the image 1231 should be moved closer to the input device 107 (the left hand should be put forward). Alternatively, when the mark image 1231 changes so as to gradually become smaller with the passage of time, the mark object 1120 has moved away from the virtual viewpoint 1150 with the passage of time, so that the player corresponds to the mark image 1231. It is possible to obtain a game hint that the user should move away from the input device 107 (the left hand should be behind).

  FIG. 13 shows an image displayed after a further time has elapsed from the time when the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the monitor 250. In FIG. 13, the position of the current character 1110's right hand (left hand as viewed from the player) and the position of the mark image 1231A substantially match. Therefore, the player can obtain a game hint that the character image 1210 represents the pose for putting the left hand ahead of the right hand as it is.

  The CPU 101 may calculate the distance from the position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 to the position of the mark object 1120, and the mark object 1120 itself may be enlarged as the calculated distance is shorter. For example, the mark object 1120 may be a sphere, and the radius of the sphere may be increased as the calculated distance is shorter, and the radius of the sphere may be decreased as the calculated distance is longer. Thereby, the sense of depth of the mark image 1231 is further emphasized, and in particular, the effect of being able to guide the player to move the body more smoothly with respect to forward and backward movements is increased.

  When applied to a general natural phenomenon, if the calculated distance is relatively large and small, if the displacement of the position of the predetermined portion of the character 1110 is the same, the distance is relatively small (close) ) When the position displacement is felt larger, and when the distance is relatively large (far), the position displacement tends to be felt smaller. That is, in the scene where the virtual camera is being pulled, it is difficult to understand the change in the size of the mark image 1231, and there is a risk that the sense of perspective is impaired. Therefore, when the distance from the position of the virtual viewpoint 1150 to the position of the mark object 1120 is larger than the predetermined threshold, the CPU 101 enlarges the mark object 1120 itself as the calculated distance is shorter (closer), The longer the calculated distance (the farther it is), the smaller the mark object 1120 itself, the exaggerated representation of the positional relationship between the front and rear. Accordingly, the game apparatus 300 provides the player with an image with an enhanced depth, and the player can more easily understand the perspective of the image and the movement of the character 1110 back and forth.

  According to the present embodiment, the player can move the body part corresponding to the mark image 1231 to the top, bottom, left, or right by comparing the position where the character image 1210 is displayed with the position where the mark image 1231 is displayed. In addition to grasping the change in the size of the mark image 1231, it is possible to easily grasp which body part corresponding to the mark image 1231 should be moved forward or backward. Therefore, the effect that the game apparatus 300 can be guided to move the body more smoothly by the player is further increased.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the brightness and color of the mark image change according to the amount of movement per unit time of a predetermined portion of the character corresponding to the mark image. Here, the shape of the character is assumed to be a human type, and the predetermined part of the character is “the tip of the hand”.

  FIG. 14A shows a position P1 of the hand of the character 1410 at a certain time T1 and a position P2 of the hand of the character 1410 at a time T2 after the time T1. The CPU 101 determines the time T1 from the position coordinates (Cx1, Cy1, Cz1) of the hand of the character 1410 at time T1 and the position coordinates (Cx2, Cy2, Cz2) of the hand of the character 1410 at time T2. The distance D from which the hand moved between time T2 and time T2 is calculated.

  For example, if the time difference between the time T1 and the time T2 is one VSYNC, the calculated distance D is the displacement that the predetermined part of the character 1410 moves per VSYNC, that is, the moving speed of the predetermined part with VSYNC as a time unit. It is.

  Then, the CPU 101 increases the brightness of the mark image as the calculated distance D is shorter. That is, the smaller the moving speed of the predetermined portion of the character 1410, the brighter the mark image is displayed. The player can grasp how fast the predetermined portion moves by looking at the brightness of the mark image. The player not only knows where the body should move next, but also easily knows how fast the body should move.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the moving speed V and the lightness B. The function B (V) representing the brightness of the mark image has a shape in which the brightness B decreases as the moving speed V increases. The maximum brightness value BMAX is a predetermined value of 100% or less. The function B (V) converges to a minimum value BMIN that is not zero. FIG. 15 is merely an example, and an arbitrary function can be used as the function B (V). However, it is assumed that the movement speed V increases monotonously.

  The CPU 101 may change the saturation and hue of the mark image instead of the brightness of the mark image. The CPU 101 may change at least one of the hue, saturation, and brightness of the mark image.

  For example, the CPU 101 may change the color of the mark image such that the higher the moving speed, the closer to red, and the lower the moving speed, the closer to blue. The CPU 101 may apply a filter of a predetermined color to a mark image drawn using predetermined brightness, saturation, and hue, and switch the filter according to the moving speed.

  Of course, the CPU 101 may change the color of the mark image using an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) model or the like instead of an HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) model.

  Further, the CPU 101 changes the brightness of the mark image in accordance with the amount of change in the posture of the predetermined portion of the character 1410 per unit time instead of the amount of change in the position of the predetermined portion of the character per unit time. Also good.

  FIG. 14B shows a vector V1 indicating the orientation of the character 1410's hand at time T1 and a vector V2 indicating the orientation of the character's hand at time T2 after time T1. The CPU 101 calculates an angle θ formed by the vector V1 and the vector V2. Then, the CPU 101 increases the brightness of the character image as the angle θ decreases. That is, the smaller the amount of change in the direction of the predetermined portion of the character 1410, the brighter the mark image is displayed. The player can grasp how much the predetermined portion moves by looking at the brightness of the mark image.

  The CPU 101 may use the inner product of the vectors V1 and V2 instead of the angle θ as the change amount of the character posture.

  More specifically, the CPU 101 uses the vector V1 or V2 as a vector connecting from the base of the character's hand to the tip of the character's hand, and uses the inner product of the vectors V1 and V2 as the amount of change in the character's posture. It may be used. That is, the CPU 101 may use a vector connecting two end points in a solid corresponding to a predetermined portion of a character represented by a polyhedron (polygon) as a parameter representing the posture of the predetermined portion of the character. In this case, the larger the predetermined portion (for example, the longer the hand or the thicker the hand), the larger the inner product value representing the amount of change. Therefore, the larger the object whose posture changes, the brighter the mark image is displayed.

  According to this embodiment, the game apparatus 300 can guide the player so that the body can move smoothly. For example, to accomplish a game task, a player moves his body with a relatively slow motion when the mark image is displayed brightly, and a relatively quick motion when the mark image is displayed darkly. You can get a hint of the game that you just need to move your body.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the position of the virtual viewpoint and / or the direction of the virtual line of sight changes according to the shape of the trajectory of the mark image displayed on the monitor 250.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a character image 1610 and mark images 1631A and 1631B. The mark image 1631A is also called a first mark image, and the mark image 1631B is also called a second mark image.

  When only one preceding time is provided, for example, as shown in mark images 431A and 431B in FIG. 6, the mark image has a shape obtained by projecting a mark object onto a virtual projection plane. If the mark object is a sphere, the mark image is always a circle. On the other hand, when a plurality of preceding times are provided, for example, as shown in mark images 431A to 433A and 431B to 433B in FIG. 7, the mark images are arranged at intervals like frame advance. When the preceding time is further increased, the mark image becomes a line shape that draws a continuous trajectory as shown by mark images 1631A and 1631B in FIG.

  When a plurality of mark images (two mark images 1631A and 1631B in FIG. 16) are drawn for one preceding time, the longer this trajectory, the more likely it is to cross each other and make it difficult to distinguish. In FIG. 16, the movements of both hands until the character with both hands lowered takes a punching pose in boxing are displayed as two mark images 1631A and 1631B. The position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight remain fixed. Then, the two mark images 1631A and 1631B overlap as shown in FIG. 16, and it becomes difficult to distinguish each other, and the positions and shapes of the mark images 1631A and 1631B are difficult to understand. In the case of FIG. 16, the mark image 1631B showing the movement of the left hand of the character is hidden behind the mark image 1631A showing the movement of the right hand of the character and cannot be seen, resulting in inconvenience. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the CPU 101 changes the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight so that the mark images 1631A and 1631B do not overlap each other as much as possible.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing how both the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight are changed. The CPU 101 moves smoothly and gradually from the position of the virtual viewpoint 1750 before the movement to the position of the virtual viewpoint 1770 after the movement as if scrolling the screen. Similarly, the CPU 101 smoothly and gradually moves from the direction of the virtual visual line 1760 before the movement to the direction of the virtual visual line 1780 after the movement. Rather than moving the virtual viewpoint and the virtual line of sight discontinuously, it is easier for the player to understand the transition between the virtual viewpoint and the virtual viewpoint, making it easier to see the transition between the virtual viewpoint and the virtual viewpoint. It is estimated that Of course, the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight may be discontinuously changed as if the photographing camera is instantaneously switched between a plurality of fixed cameras in an actual television relay.

  FIG. 18 is an image representing the character image 1610 and the mark images 1631A and 1631B after changing the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight in FIG. In FIG. 18, the mark images 1631A and 1631B do not intersect. Also, it can be clearly seen from the shape of the mark image 1631A that the character will now put out his right hand. By changing the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight, it becomes easier for the player to understand how the character (predetermined part) will move from now on.

  FIG. 19 shows a character image 1610 when a predetermined portion (both hands) moves as indicated by the mark images 1631A and 1631B after the character image 1610 and the mark images 1631A and 1631B are displayed as shown in FIG. It is. For example, when a predetermined part (hand) moves close to the virtual viewpoint, such as a pose where the character punches forward, the CPU 101 makes it easier for the player to grasp the sense of depth. It is desirable to change the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight.

  Next, game processing executed by each unit of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of preceding times having different lengths are set.

  First, the CPU 101 reads out and obtains data indicating the position and posture of the character stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present from the hard disk 104 (step S2001).

  The CPU 101 arranges characters based on the position and posture read in step S2001 (step S2002).

  The CPU 101 reads out and obtains data indicating the position of the character stored from the hard disk 104 in association with a time obtained by adding one of the plurality of preceding times to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time. (Step S2003).

  The CPU 101 arranges a mark object in the virtual space based on the character position acquired in step S2003 (step S2004).

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not mark objects corresponding to all preceding times have been arranged (step S2005).

  When the mark objects corresponding to all the preceding times have not yet been arranged (step S2005; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the processes of steps S2003 to 2005 until the mark objects corresponding to all the preceding times are arranged.

  When mark objects corresponding to all preceding times are arranged (step S2005; YES), the CPU 101 generates an image representing a state in which the character and the mark object are viewed from the position of the virtual viewpoint toward the direction of the virtual line of sight (step). S2006). The generated images include a character image 1610 and mark images 1631A and 1631B.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B overlap in the screen displayed on the monitor 250 (step S2007).

  If it is determined that the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B do not overlap (step S2007; NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process of step S2009. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B overlap (step S2007; YES), the CPU 101 determines the position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight so that the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B do not overlap. Is changed (step S2008). In other words, the CPU 101 moves the position and orientation of the virtual camera so that the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B do not overlap on the screen. The CPU 101 repeats the processes in steps S2006 to 2008 until the mark image 1631A and the mark image 1631B do not overlap each other.

  The CPU 101 displays the character image 1610 and the mark images 1631A and 1631B on the monitor 250 (step S2009).

  The CPU 101, based on the character position and posture in the virtual space stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the player position and posture in the real space detected by the input device 107, The player's score is determined (step S2010).

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not to end the game (step S2011). For example, the CPU 101 determines that the game is to be ended when the pointer indicating the position in the music data to be played reaches the end of the music (when the music has been played). Alternatively, it is determined that the game is to be ended when the value of the gauge representing the player's game performance falls below a predetermined value (typically zero).

  When it is determined that the game is not finished (step S2011; NO), the CPU 101 repeats the processes of steps S2001 to S2011. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is to be ended (step S2011; YES), the CPU 101 stops the reproduction of the music and ends the game.

  According to the present embodiment, since the position and orientation of the virtual camera change so that the mark images associated with the same preceding time do not overlap each other, it becomes easy for the player to see the mark image, and the game apparatus 300 can smoothly recognize the player. The effect that it can be guided to move is increased.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the game apparatus 300 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk) and distributed. This may be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a game in which a player moves his / her body and inputs an instruction, a game device, a game processing method, and a program suitable for guiding the player to move the body more smoothly Can be provided.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Hard disk 105 Interface 106 External memory 107 Input device 108 DVD-ROM drive 109 Image processing unit 110 Audio processing unit 111 NIC
250 Monitor 300 Game device 301 Storage unit 302 Character image generation unit 303 Acquisition unit 304 Mark image generation unit 305 Display unit 410, 420 Character image 431, 431A, 431B, 432A, 432B, 433A, 433B Mark image 440A, 440B Mark image 1110 Character object (character)
1120A, 1120B, 1120C, 1120D Mark object 1150 Virtual viewpoint 1160 Virtual line of sight 1210 Character image 1231, 1231A, 1231B, 1231C, 1231D Mark image 1410 Character 1610 Character image 1631A, 1631B Mark image 1710 Character 1720A, 1720B Mark object 1750, 1770 Virtual Viewpoint 1760, 1780 Virtual line of sight

Claims (14)

A storage unit that stores the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with time in the virtual space in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game;
A character image generation unit that generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
A position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the preceding time has elapsed from the present An acquisition unit for acquiring a position of a predetermined part of the character to be placed later;
A mark image generation unit that generates a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display unit for displaying the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A detection unit for detecting the position and posture of the player in the real space;
A score determination unit that determines the score of the player based on the detected position and posture of the player in the real space and the position and posture of the character in the stored virtual space;
With
The acquisition unit sets the predetermined part in any part of the plurality of parts of the character based on the determined result.
A game device characterized by that. A storage unit that stores the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with time in the virtual space in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game;
A character image generation unit that generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
A position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the preceding time has elapsed from the present An acquisition unit for acquiring a position of a predetermined part of the character to be placed later;
A mark image generation unit that generates a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display unit for displaying the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A receiving unit for receiving an instruction input for designating a predetermined portion of the character from a player;
With
The acquisition unit sets the predetermined part in any part of the plurality of parts of the character in response to the received instruction input.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The mark images are plural, and the preceding times corresponding to the mark images are different from each other,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 3,
Each preceding time is set at equal intervals,
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 4,
The display unit arranges and displays the plurality of mark images in order from the shortest preceding time,
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The mark image generation unit changes the size of the mark image according to a distance from a position of a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space to a predetermined portion of the character.
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The mark image generation unit changes the size of the mark object according to a distance from a position of a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space to a predetermined portion of the character.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The mark image generation unit may change the brightness or saturation of the mark image according to the amount of change per unit time of the position of the predetermined portion of the character or the amount of change per unit time of the posture of the predetermined portion of the character. , Changing at least one of the hues,
A game device characterized by that. A game device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The display unit is an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from a position of a virtual viewpoint arranged in the virtual space in a direction of a virtual line of sight, the generated character image, and the generated mark And an image including the image is displayed on the screen.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 9,
The mark image is plural, and the preceding time corresponding to each of the mark images is equal,
In the displayed screen, the display unit displays one mark image (hereinafter referred to as “first mark image”) and the other one of the plurality of mark images (hereinafter referred to as “second mark image”). .)), The position of the virtual viewpoint and the direction of the virtual line of sight are changed so that the first mark image and the second mark image do not overlap.
A game device characterized by that. A game processing method executed on a game device including a storage unit, a character image generation unit, an acquisition unit, a mark image generation unit, a display unit, a detection unit, and a score determination unit,
In the storage unit, the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with the passage of time in the virtual space are stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game,
A character image generation step in which the character image generation unit generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
The acquisition unit is a position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, An acquisition step of acquiring a position of a predetermined portion of the character to be placed after the preceding time has elapsed;
A mark image generation step in which the mark image generation unit generates a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display step in which the display unit displays the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A detection step in which the detection unit detects the position and orientation of the player in real space;
A result for the player to determine the player's score based on the detected position and posture of the player in the real space and the position and posture of the character in the stored virtual space. A determination step;
With
In the obtaining step, the obtaining unit sets the predetermined portion in any part of the plurality of parts of the character according to the determined result.
The game processing method characterized by the above-mentioned. A game processing method executed by a game device including a storage unit, a character image generation unit, an acquisition unit, a mark image generation unit, a display unit, a detection unit, and a reception unit ,
In the storage unit, the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with the passage of time in the virtual space are stored in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game,
A character image generation step in which the character image generation unit generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
The acquisition unit is a position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, An acquisition step of acquiring a position of a predetermined portion of the character to be placed after the preceding time has elapsed;
A mark image generation step in which the mark image generation unit generates a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display step in which the display unit displays the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A receiving step in which the receiving unit receives an instruction input for designating a predetermined portion of the character from a player;
With
In the obtaining step, the obtaining unit sets the predetermined portion in any part of the plurality of parts of the character in response to the received instruction input.
The game processing method characterized by the above-mentioned. Computer
A storage unit that stores the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with time in the virtual space in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game,
A character image generation unit that generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
A position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the preceding time has elapsed from the present An acquisition unit for acquiring a position of a predetermined part of the character to be arranged later;
A mark image generation unit for generating a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display unit for displaying the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A detector that detects the position and orientation of the player in real space,
A score determination unit that determines the score of the player based on the detected position and posture of the player in the real space and the position and posture of the character in the stored virtual space;
Function as
The acquisition unit sets the predetermined part in any part of the plurality of parts of the character according to the determined result,
A program characterized by that. Computer
A storage unit that stores the position and the posture of the character that changes the position and the posture with time in the virtual space in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game,
A character image generation unit that generates a character image representing a character based on the position and posture stored in the storage unit in association with the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present time;
A position stored in the storage unit in association with a time obtained by adding a positive time (hereinafter referred to as “preceding time”) to the elapsed time from the start of the game to the present, and the preceding time has elapsed from the present An acquisition unit for acquiring a position of a predetermined part of the character to be arranged later;
A mark image generation unit for generating a mark image representing a mark object placed at the acquired position;
A display unit for displaying the generated character image and the generated mark image on a screen;
A receiving unit for receiving an instruction input for designating a predetermined portion of the character from a player;
Function as
The acquisition unit sets the predetermined part in any part of the plurality of parts of the character in response to the received instruction input.
A program characterized by that.

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