U.S. Pat. No. 7,402,104

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the case where a “big ball rolling” game for competing how to enlarge a ball object, which is the object to be controlled, by sticking other object thereto by the snowball effect is executed will be described as an example. Incidentally, the application of the present invention is not limited to this game. As long as the motif of a game is, for example, to roll an object, the present invention can be applied to such game, regardless of the setting of characters or game stories.

[Description of Configuration]

First, the configuration of the present embodiment will be described.FIG. 1is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a home game unit to which the present invention is applied. As shown inFIG. 1, the home game unit1200has a game controller1202, a main unit1210and a display1220equipped with a speaker1222. The game controller1202is connected to the main unit1210, and the display1220is connected to the main unit1210with a cable1201capable of transferring an image signal, an audio signal and the like.

The game controller1202comprises a direction key1204and button switches1206for a player to input game operations, and the game controller1202outputs an operation input signal to the main unit1210.

The main unit1210comprises a control unit such1211on which a CPU, an IC memory and the like are mounted, and a reader for the information storage medium such as CD-ROM1212or the like. The main unit1210executes various types of game processing based on the program or data read from the CD-ROM1212or the like and an operation signal inputted from the game controller1202, and generates the image signal of a game image and the audio signal of a game sound.

The main unit1210outputs the generated image signal and the generated audio signal to the display1220, displays a game image on the display1220, and outputs the game sound from the speaker1222. A player can enjoy a “big ball rolling” game by controlling the game controller1202, while watching the game screen displayed on the display1220.

The game information comprising a program, data and the like necessary for the main unit1210to execute the game processing, is stored in, for example, the CD-ROM1212, an IC memory1214, a memory card1216and the like, which are information storage media capable of being freely attached to and detached from the main unit1210. Alternatively, the game information may be obtained from an external device by the connection of the main unit1210with a communication line2through a communication device1218installed in the main unit1210.

Incidentally, “the communication line” hereupon indicates a communication path capable of transferring data. That is, the communication line2includes communication networks such as telephone communication networks, cable networks and the Internet as well as LANs such as private lines (private cables) for direct connection and Ethernet (registered trademark). Moreover, it does not care whether the way of communication is of a wired system or a radio system.

[Description of Game Contents]

FIG. 2Ais a diagram showing an example of a game screen in the present embodiment. The game screen is displayed as, for example, a 3DCG image made by polygons, which is a 3D virtual space in which objects are arranged and which is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint (a virtual camera).

In the present embodiment, The setting is that the player becomes a character C and the character C walks in a game while rolling a magical ball B, the surface of which objects being come in contact therewith are stuck to. Although the character C pushes the ball B artificially, the ball B corresponds to the operation object the movement of which is controlled by the player. The direction for rolling the ball B is controlled by the direction key1204of the game controller1202, and an accelerator and a break are controlled by the button switches1206.

The player makes the ball effectively collide a various types of placement objects E arranged in a town, and enlarges the ball B by the snowball effect by sticking the placement objects E which are collided (refer toFIG. 2B). The ball B can stick the object the size of which is not larger than a predetermined size, according to the size of the ball B. However, the ball B cannot stick the object the size of which is larger than the predetermined size. For example, in the case ofFIG. 2A, the ball B can stick an apple (E1) and an empty can33(E2). However, the ball B cannot stick a cardboard box (E3), walls (E4, E5and E8), an utility pole (E6), a truck (E7), a house (E12), and the like, because the sizes of these objects are lager than the size of the ball B. Therefore, the player has to enlarge the ball B while effectively determining and avoiding the objects E the sizes of which does not seem to be stuck.

FIG. 3is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game stage. In the present embodiment, the game stage comprises stages ST1to ST4. The sizes of the placement objects E become larger for every advance of the stage. For example, in the stage ST1, the placement objects E of the size of an empty can, a baseball, a tennis racket, a TV and the like are arranged. Then, in the stage ST2, the placement objects E of the sizes of a bench, a refrigerator, a post box, a car, a taxi and the like are arranged. Further, in the stage ST3, the placement objects E of the sizes of a truck, a bus, a train, a house or and the like are arranged. In this manner, for every advance of the stage, the objects the sizes of which are larger than those of the previous stage are set as the placement objects E. Of course, the placement objects the sizes of which are not suitable for being stuck in each stage are also set arbitrarily, in order to increase the attraction of the game.

The stages ST1to ST3are separated by slopes SL respectively. If the ball B completely goes up the slope SL, the ball B can advance to the next stage. Because the maximum velocity and the acceleration of the ball B are increased according to the size of the ball B, the maximum velocity and the acceleration are increased by enlarging the ball B by sticking the placement objects E to the ball B efficiently. Therefore, the ball B goes up the slope SL with great force and advances to the next stage.

The ball B firstly sticks the placement objects E of the sizes of a cigarette butt, an empty can or the like. Along with the enlarging, the ball B sticks a bicycle, a post box, a bus or the like. Finally, the ball B sticks objects of the sizes of a house, an utility pole or the like, and grows larger while destroying the town. Then, at last, the player puts the enlarged ball B into the volcanic vent ST4of Mt. Fuji, and prevents the eruption to clear the game. Incidentally, if the player does not clear each of the stages ST1to ST4in each predetermined time, the game is over.

The player can obtain unconventional enjoyment such as feelings for the destruction, which is provided in unordinary cases and is filled with jokes as well as enjoyment for running in the stage while avoiding obstructions as conventional action adventure games.

[Description of Principle]

Next, the principle of the control in the present embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 4A to 4Care diagrams for describing the concept of a model configuration of the ball B in the present embodiment. As described above, the present embodiment is the game in which the placement objects E are stuck to the ball B by the snowball effect. Therefore, a lot of placement objects E are stuck to the ball B with an irregular position depending on the situation. However, it requires a lot of processing loads to determine the collision and strictly calculate the rolling by using the model of ball B to which a lot of placement objects E are stuck.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a ball display model Mpg (refer toFIG. 4A) which is actually arranged in the 3D virtual space for the display on the screen, a ball collision determination model Mh (refer toFIG. 4B) which simply represents the state where the placement objects E are stuck to the ball B, and a ball rolling model Mr (refer toFIG. 4C) which also simply represents the state where the placement objects E are stuck to the ball B and is provided for calculation of the rolling, are used.

That is, the collision is determined by the ball collision determination model Mh, the irregular ragged rolling is calculated by the ball rolling model Mr, and the game screen is displayed by executing the movement control of the ball display model Mp on the basis of the result of the calculation. Consequently, the processing load for the movement control of the ball B the shape of which is intricate and irregular is decreased.

The ball display model Mp is realized by setting parent-child relationship where a display model of the ball B to which no objects are stuck is a “parent” and a display model of the stuck placement object E is a “child”.

As shown inFIG. 4B, the ball collision determination model Mh is a boundary box (also referred as to a “bounding volume”) being a rectangular solid which a sphere the volume of which is the same as the sum of the volumes of the ball B and the stuck placement objects E touches internally.

As shown in a section view ofFIG. 4C, the ball rolling model Mr comprises a plurality of fixed spicular arms Af capable of displacing by extending and contracting only in predetermined radius directions (radial directions) respectively, while setting a center point Ob of the ball B as a reference point. Further, the ball rolling model Mr comprises a plurality of optional spicular arms Am capable of displaying by extending and contracting in optional radius directions from the center point Ob respectively. The optional spicular arms Am is fewer than the fixed spicular arms Af. In the present embodiment, the number of the fixed spicular arms Af is “16”, and the number or the optional spicular arms is “4”. Then, the ball rolling model Mr rolls in the state that a displacement point Tf which is the end of the fixed spicular arm Af and a displacement point Tm which is the end of the optional spicular arm Am are ground points.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare section views for describing the setting of the fixed spicular arm Af and the optional spicular arm Am of the ball rolling model Mr. Incidentally, for the description, only the necessary fixed spicular arms Af and the necessary optional spicular arms Am are shown as Af1, Af2, Af3, Af4, Am4and the like.

As shown inFIG. 5A, a center point Oe is set in the placement object E. When the placement object E is stuck to the ball B, the fixed spicular arm Af located within a predetermined range θj by reference to a polar coordinate θe of the center point Oe the origin of which is the center point Ob of the ball B. The displacement point Tf of the selected fixed spicular arm Af is displaced by displacement magnitude Δr (inFIG. 5A, shown as Δr1 and Δr2, as an example) corresponding to the distance from the fixed spicular arm Af to the center point Oe of the placement object E, by the Mathematical Formula 1.
displacement magnitude Δr=(distanceObOe−current displacement point radiusr) cos θ  [Mathematical Formula 1]

A relative angle θ (inFIG. 5A, shown as θ1 and θ2, as an example) is the angular difference between the polar coordinate of the fixed spicular arm Af to be displaced and the polar coordinate θe of the center point Oe. The current displacement point radius r is the current length of a fixed spicular arm Af, and is the distance from the center point Ob to the displacement point Tf.

Therefore, regarding the fixed spicular arm Af located within the predetermined range θj from the sticking position, the closer to the sticking position of the placement object E the fixed spicular arm Af is, the larger the displacement magnitude Δr of the outward extension of the fixed spicular arm Af is. Then, the fixed spicular arm Af far from the sticking position hardly extends, because the displacement magnitude Δr is small. That is, among the displacement points Tf within the predetermined range θj, the displacement point Tf which is closer to the sticking position is set in the position which is farther from the center point Ob of the ball B, and the displace point Tf which is farther from the sticking position is set in the position which is closer to the center point Ob. Therefore, by calculating the rolling of the ball B as a polyhedron the ground point of which is a displacement point Tf, it is possible to obtain the irregular rolling movement of the mass comprising convex portion in the position adjacent to the sticking position of the stuck placement object E.

In the case ofFIG. 5A, the fixed spicular arms Af1and Af2are located within the predetermined range θj. Further, the angle between the line segment ObOe and the fixed spicular arm Af1, and the angle between the line segment ObOe and the fixed spicular arm Af2are relative angles θ1 and θ2 respectively. Because the fixed spicular arm Af1is closer to the line segment ObOe, the angle θ1 is smaller than the angle θ2 (θ1Δr2). Therefore, the fixed spicular arm Af1extends more.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5B, outer edge representative points Q for representing the convex portion of the outer edge shape of the placement object E are set. When the placement object E is stuck to the ball B, the predetermined number of the outer edge representative points Q are selected among the outer edge representative points Q of the placement objects E which have already been stuck to the ball B, in descending order of the distances from the center point Ob (or, in descending order of the farness from the center point Ob), and the optional spicular arms Am are arranged in the position of the selected outer edge representative points Q. That is, each of the predetermined number of the displacement points Tm which are the end of the optional spicular arms Am is arranged in the most convex position depending on the situation. However, the plurality of optional spicular arms Am are not arranged to one placement object E.

In the case of theFIG. 5B, the outer edge representative points Q1and Q2are set on both ends of the stuck placement object E (a horsetail). If the outer edge representative points Q1and Q2are the first and the second farthest from the center point Ob respectively, one optional spicular arm Am is set in the position of the outer edge representative point Q1and another optional spicular arm Am is set to outer edge representative points Q of other placement objects E, because the plurality of optional spicular arms Am are not set to one placement object E.

The ball rolling model Mr formed as above may be also considered as a polyhedron shown in a conceptual diagram ofFIG. 6. The ball rolling model Mr is formed in a convexo-concave shape which continues smoothly as a whole and is suitable for a certain level of smooth rolling, by the displacement points Tf on the ends of the fixed spicular arms Af. Further, the displacement points Tm on the ends of the optional spicular arms Am are provided in the state of protruding from the smoothly continuing convexo-concave shape, and embody the shapes of the characteristic convex portions of the stuck placement objects E. By calculating the rolling of the ball B on the basis of the above ball rolling model Mr, it is possible to obtain the irregular rolling movement such as the distorted rolling movement to which the irregular ragged movement element is added.

[Description of Functional Blocks]

FIG. 7is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the home game unit1200in the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, the home game unit1200comprises an operation input unit10for inputting operations of a player, a processor20for executing various arithmetic processing on the control of the home game unit1200and games, an image display unit30for performing the display output of a game screen, a sound output unit40for performing the sound output of game sounds, a communication unit42for embodying the data communication with an external device44via a communication line2, and a memory unit50for storing various programs and data.

The operation input unit10is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors. The operation input unit10outputs operation inputs by the player into the processor20. In the present embodiment, the game controller1202shown inFIG. 1corresponds to the operation input unit10.

The processor20performs various kinds of arithmetic processing such as the whole control of the home game unit1200and game arithmetic. The functions of the processor20are realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type or RISC type) and ASIC (such as a gate array), related control programs such as an IC memory, and the like. InFIG. 1, the control unit1211installed in the main unit1210corresponds to the processor20.

Moreover, the processor20comprises a game operation unit22for performing arithmetic processing on games chiefly, an image generation unit24for generating image signals for generating an image in a virtual space in which a viewpoint is a virtual camera and for displaying a game screens from various kinds of data obtained by the processing of the game operation unit22, a sound generation unit26for generating sound signals for outputting game sounds such as effective sounds and BGM, and a communication control unit28for performing the control on the data communication.

The game operation unit22executes various kinds of game processing for executing a game of the present embodiment, on the basis of the operation input signals inputted from the operation input unit10and the programs and data read from the memory unit50. As the game processing, for example, the arithmetic processing for obtaining position coordinates and speeds associated with the movement of objects, collision determination (contact determination) of objects, processing for arranging objects in an object space, selection processing of mapping information for objects, processing for obtaining game results (scores), and the like can be recited. Further, the game operation unit22comprises a rolling control unit221, a sticking control unit222and a viewpoint setting unit225.

The rolling control unit221calculates the rolling of the ball B corresponding to the operation by the player, and performs the control as if the ball B moves while rolling. Concretely, the rolling control unit221calculates the rolling for rolling the ball B in the direction inputted with the direction key1204, on the basis of the ball rolling model Mr. Further, the rolling control unit221calculates the amount of movement of the center point Ob of the ball B and the amount of rolling the origin of which is the center point Ob. Then, the rolling control unit221performs the movement control of the ball display model Mp according to the calculation result.

The sticking control unit222executes the processing on the sticking of the ball B and the placement objects E. Concretely, the sticking control unit222comprises a sticking management unit222afor managing the sticking of the placement objects E and the ball B, a ball rolling model deformation unit222cfor deforming the ball rolling model Mr, a ball collision determination model deformation unit222dfor deforming the ball collision determination model Mh, and a traveling performance setting unit222efor setting the traveling performance of the ball B.

The sticking management unit222acalculates the ratio of the parameter value regarding the sizes of the ball B and the placement object E, when it is determined that the ball B has collided with the placement object E. Then, the sticking management unit222astick the placement objects E to the ball B, in the case where the calculated ratio is less than a predetermined sticking reference value.

Concretely, in the case where the ratio of a volume setting value De of the collided placement object E to a current volume Db of the ball B is less than the sticking reference value 10%, the placement object E is stuck to the ball B. When the sticking is performed, first, a contact position is calculated. Then, the sticking is realized by setting the parent-child relationship (the hierarchy relationship) in which the ball display model Mp is a “parent” and the placement object display model of the placement object E is a “child”, so as to stick the placement object E to the ball B in the contact position or the vicinity of the contact position.

The ball rolling model deformation unit222cdeforms the ball rolling model Mr corresponding to the sticking of the placement objects E. Concretely, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cselects the fixed spicular arm Af located within the predetermined range θj by reference to the polar coordinate θe of the center point Oe, while setting the center point Ob of the ball B to the origin. Then the ball rolling model deformation unit222cdisplaces the fixed spicular arm Af by the displacement magnitude Δr which corresponds to the distance to the center point Oe of the placement object E. Moreover, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cselects a predetermined number of the outer edge representative points Q among those of the stuck placement objects E, in descending order of the distance from the center point Ob, and arranges the optional spicular arms Am in the position of the selected outer edge representative points Q (refer toFIGS. 5A and 5B).

The ball collision determination model deformation unit222denlarges the ball collision determination model Mh of the ball B. For example, the ball collision determination model deformation unit222dcalculates the sum of the volume Db of the ball B at the time of collision and the volume setting value De of the placement object E which has been newly stuck, and updates the current volume Db of the ball B. Then, according to the updated volume Db, the ball collision determination model deformation unit222denlarges the ball collision determination model Mh.

The traveling performance setting unit222echanges the values of the traveling performance parameters of the ball B, according to the current volume Db of the ball B. The traveling parameters are, for example, a maximum velocity, an acceleration, and the like. In addition, inertia or the like may be included in the traveling parameters. The amount of change of the parameter value in the present embodiment is set so that the relationship between the amount of the control by the game controller1202and the amount of the movement of the ball B on the game screen is almost constant. Consequently, the game play with no stress, which is provided by always-stable operational feeling, is realized, regardless of the size or the weight of the ball B.

The viewpoint setting unit225changes the setting of the viewpoint according to the size of the ball B. In addition to that, the viewpoint setting unit225sets the switching of display/non-display of the objects which are displayed extremely small on the game screen. In the present embodiment, when the size of the ball B becomes a predetermined size, the setting of the viewpoint is switched stepwise to a predetermined setting of the viewpoint. The setting of the viewpoint (a pitch angle, an angle of field or the like) is set so that the proportion of the ball B to the game screen is almost the same between the game screens before and just after the switching.

FIGS. 11A to 11Eare drawings for describing the concepts of the viewpoint switching in the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 11A, the viewpoint (the virtual camera) CM is placed behind the character C which pushes the ball B. The position where the viewpoint is placed is changed and the viewpoint is switched (CM1→CM2→ . . . ) according to the size change of the ball B (B1→B2→B3. . . ).

More concretely, For example, Each ofFIGS. 11B to 11Eshows an example of game screen.FIGS. 11B and 11Care the game screens based on the viewpoint CM1. Along with the progression of the game, the ball B grows larger from B1to B2. InFIG. 11C, the proportion of the ball B to the game screen is increased, and it is hard for the player to look ahead of the game screen. Consequently, the viewpoint is switched from CM1to CM2.FIGS. 11D and 11Eare the game screens based on the viewpoint CM2. InFIG. 11Dcorresponding to the screen just after the viewpoint has been switched to CM2, the ball B is displayed on the screen with almost the same size as in the case ofFIG. 11B.

The image generation unit24is realized by, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU and a DSP, the control program of the arithmetic unit, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, and the like. The image generation unit24executes geometrical conversion processes or shading process on the operation results based on the operation results of the game operation unit22to generate 3DCG images for displaying game screens, and outputs the image signals for of the generated images to the image display unit30.

The image display unit30displays the game screen while redrawing one frame of a screen, for example, at every 1/60 second, on the basis of the image signals from the image generation unit24. The image display unit30can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, a LCD, an ELD, a PDP, a HMD and the like. In the example ofFIG. 1, the display1220corresponds to the image display unit30.

The sound generation unit26is realized by an arithmetic unit such as a CPU and a DSP, and the control program of the arithmetic unit. The sound generation unit26generates sounds such as effective sounds and BGM which are used in games, and outputs the generated sound signals to the sound output unit40.

The sound output unit40is a device for performing the sound output of effective sounds, BGM and the like on the basis of the sound signals from the sound generation unit26. In the example ofFIG. 1, the speaker1222corresponds to the sound output unit40.

The communication unit42is connected to a communication line2for performing data communication with the external device44. The communication unit42is realized by, for example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark), a module such as an IrDA, a modem, a TA, a jack of a communication cable for wired communication, a control circuit, and the like. The communication device1218shown inFIG. 1corresponds to the communication unit42. Incidentally, the information pertaining to the protocols and the like supplied by the communication unit42at the time of communication is stored in, for example, the memory unit50, and the stored information is suitably read to be used.

The memory unit50stores a system program (not shown) for realizing the functions for making the processing unit20control the home game unit1200in an integrated manner, game information52storing programs and data necessary for the execution of games, and the like. Further, the memory unit50temporary stores various programs and data necessary for the arithmetic processing by the processor20. The memory unit50can be realized by information storage medium such as various an IC memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a MO, a DVD and the like. In the example ofFIG. 1, the CD-ROM1212, the IC memory1214and the memory card1216correspond to the memory unit50.

The game information52includes programs and data for making the processor20function as the game operating unit22. In the present embodiment, the programs especially include a rolling control program521for making the processor20function as the rolling control unit221, a sticking control program522for making the processor20function as the sticking control unit222, and a viewpoint setting program525for making the processor20function as the viewpoint setting unit225.

Further, as data, the game information52includes viewpoint information53, stage information54, ball data56and placement object data57for storing information necessary for the display and the collision determination of each of the ball B and the placement object E respectively.

The viewpoint information53stores a viewpoint setting531for storing, for example, a position coordinate of the current viewpoint (virtual camera), a line of sight direction, an angle of view and a focus distance, and a viewpoint setting TBL (table)532.

The viewpoint setting TBL532stores the size of the ball B and the setting of the viewpoint while connecting with each other. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the viewpoint setting TBL stores the condition532aon the current volume of the ball B, a viewpoint setting value532bfor storing the position of the viewpoint, the angle of view and the like, a display level532c. The viewpoint setting unit225obtains the viewpoint setting value532band the display level532cto control the virtual camera CM according to the current size of the ball B by reference to the viewpoint information53.

The stage information54stores, for example, information for prescribing the space of the game stage, types and position information of the placement objects E to be placed in each stage, the conditions for completing the stages, and the like. In the present embodiment, the stages ST1to ST3are separated by the slopes SL having a predetermined gradient respectively (refer toFIG. 3). In the present embodiment, the condition for completing the game is that the ball B completely goes up the slope. However, the condition for completing the game may be set arbitrarily to the number of sticking of the particular item placed in each stage (for example, the five hundred of empty cans) or the like.

The ball data56includes ball display model information561, ball collision determination model information562, ball rolling model information563, ball initial setting information564, a ball parameter565and sticking list information567.

The ball display model information561stores modeling data, texture data and the like of the ball display model Mp in the initial state where no objects are stuck to the ball B.

The ball collision determination model information562stores the information of the boundary box corresponding to the volume sum of the ball B and the stuck placement objects E.

The ball rolling model information563stores the information of the ball rolling model Mr. Concretely, the ball rolling model information563stores the world coordinate value of the center point Ob of the ball B, the position coordinate (the displacement point position coordinate) of each end of the fixed spicular arm Af and the optional spicular arm Am, which is the polar coordinate the origin of which is the center point Ob.

The ball initial setting information564stores the volume setting value Db0, the maximum velocity setting value, the weight setting value, of the ball B in the initial state where no objects are stuck to the ball B.

The ball parameter565stores the current parameter values of the ball B to which the placement object E is stuck. For example, the ball parameter565stores the current volume Db of the ball B, which is the total sum of the volume setting value Db0of the ball B in the initial state and the volume setting value De of the stuck placement objects E, the current maximum velocity Vmax which is set according to the volume Db, the total weight of the volume setting value of the ball B in the initial state and the volumes of the stuck placement objects E, a velocity, an acceleration, a rotation angle, a minimum turning radius, and a radius.

The sticking list information567stores the information of the hierarchy structure in which the ball display model Mp of the ball B is a parent node (element) and the stuck placement objects E are child nodes in the order of the sticking to the ball B, and stores the parameter values of the stuck placement objects E.

For example, as shown inFIG. 9, the sticking list information567stores a sticking order567a(the larger number means newer sticking), a placement object ID567bwhich is the identification information of the placement objects E, sticking position information567cfor storing information showing the position and the posture of the sticking of the placement object E (for example, the position and the posture of the local origin of the placement object E), and a volume setting value567d. The ball B displayed on the game screen is displayed as the ball display model Mp of the ball B to which the placement object E registered in the sticking list information567is attached in an integrated manner, and is controlled by the player.

The placement object data57stores information relating to the display and the collision for every placement objects E which are placed in the game space in addition to the ball B. For example, the placement object data57includes placement object display model information571, placement collision determination model information572, placement object initial setting information573, a placement object parameter574, placement object hierarchy information575, and a display determination TBL576. The placement object data57also includes data relating to the display form and the blending such as a value of the placement object and the texture.

The placement object display model information571stores the modeling data, texture data and the like of the placement object E.

The placement object collision determination model information572stores the modeling information of the ball collision determination model Mh of the node composing the placement object E. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, although the ball collision determination model Mh is the so-called boundary box, it may be set arbitrarily.

The placement object initial setting information573stores a volume setting value De and a weight setting value of the placement object E. In the case where the placement object E is the object having a moving characteristic such as an insect, the placement object initial setting information573stores motion data or information of the moving pattern.

The placement parameter574stores current various parameter values of the placement object E. For example, the placement object parameter574includes information such as a velocity, an acceleration, a position coordinate, a rotation angle, a representative scale and a volume setting value. In addition to that, of course, the placement object parameter574may include information such as a weight, a temperature, an attribute, arbitrarily.

The placement object hierarchy information575stores the hierarchy information of the model of the placement objects E. For example, in the case where a shovel on which a plurality of octopus dumplings are placed is appeared in a game, the shovel is set to the parent node and each of the octopus dumplings is set to the child node. Therefore, the placement object hierarchy information575for the octopus dumpling stores the hierarchy information in which the shovel is the parent node. When the octopus dumpling is stuck to the ball B, the placement object hierarchy information575for the octopus dumpling stores the hierarchy information in which the ball display model Mp of the ball B is the parent node.

The display determination TBL576stores, for example as shown inFIG. 10, a maximum display level576afor showing until which level of the display level532cof the viewpoint information53the placement object E is displayed, and a display flag576bfor specifying the execution/non-execution of the display and collision determination of the placement object E. According to the display determination TBL576, by comparing the maximum display level576awith the currently applied display level532cfor every switching of the virtual camera CM by the viewpoint setting unit225, it is possible to determine whether or not the placement object E is displayed. In the case ofFIG. 10, when the currently applied display level is equal to or more than “3”, it is determined that the placement object E is not displayed, and the display flag576bstores “0”. Then, in the case where the display flag576bis “0”, the game operation unit22determines that the placement object E is too small to be seen, and does not place the placement object E in the virtual space. That is, the collision determination and the sticking determination of the placement object E are not performed as well.

Therefore, for example, in the case where the range displayed on the game screen is at the same level as the human visual range, the placement object E of the size of an empty can is set to be displayed. However, when the range displayed on the game screen becomes wider, the placement object of the size of an empty can is set not to be displayed. By doing as above, it is possible to maintain the viewability of the game screen and decrease processing loads.

[Description of Process Flow]

Next, the process flow in the present embodiment will be described. The process flow described hereinbelow is realized by the processor20by reading the rolling control program521, the sticking control program522and the viewpoint setting program525to execute them.

FIG. 12is a flow chart for describing the flow of the whole process of the game in the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 12, When the game is started and the operation of the ball B is inputted by the player (Step S2), the rolling control unit221of the game operation unit22calculates the rolling of the ball B on the basis of the ball rolling model Mr, and executes display control so as to roll the ball display model Mp on the basis of the calculation result (Step S4). Further, the game operation unit22calculates the movement of the placement objects having a moving characteristic such as an insect, a human and a ball rolling a slope, and executes movement control of them (Step S6).

Next, the game operation unit22determines whether the ball B which is rolled and moved by the operation of the player has collided with the placement object E, by using the collision determination models of them (Step S8).

When it is determined that the ball has collided with the placement object E (Step S8; Yes), the game operation unit22calculates the ratio (=De/Db) of the volume setting value De of the placement object E of which the collision has been determined to the current volume Db of the ball B. In the case where the ratio is less than 10% (Step S10; Yes), the sticking control unit222executes the placement object sticking process (Step S12).

FIG. 13is a flow chart for describing the flow of the placement object sticking process in the present embodiment. First, the sticking control unit222sticks the placement object E which has collided with the ball B, to the ball B (Step S50). Concretely, the sticking control unit222obtains the position where the ball B and the placement object E have collided with each other and the posture of the placement object E at the time of the collision, and registers them in the sticking list information567. Further, the sticking control unit222sets the parent-child relationship in which the ball display model of the ball B in the initial state where no objects are stuck is the “parent” and the placement object E is the “child”, and registers it in the sticking list information567.

Next, the sticking control unit222adds the volume setting value De of the collided placement object E to the current volume Db of the ball B to update the volume Db (Step S52). Further, the sticking control unit222enlarges the ball collision determination model Mh, corresponding to the volume Db after the update (Step S54). For example, the sticking control unit222enlarges the ball collision determination model Mh with the ratio corresponding to the increases of the volume. Further, the sticking control unit222recalculates and updates the traveling performance of the ball B according to the volume Db after the update (Step S56). For example, the sticking control unit222increases the maximum velocity Vmax, as the volume Db is increased.

Next, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cof the sticking control unit222executes the ball rolling model deformation process to change and deform the ball rolling model Mr according to the stuck placement object E (Step S58).

FIG. 14is a flow chart for describing the flow of the ball rolling model deformation process in the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cexecutes the process of the loop2for each of the placement objects E to be stuck (Steps S60to S72).

In the loop2, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cselects the fixed spicular arm Af located within the predetermined range θj by reference to the sticking position (in the present case, the polar coordinate θe of the center point Oe) of the placement object E intended for the process (Step S62). Further, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cexecutes the process of the loop3for each of the selected fixed spicular arms Af (Steps S64to S70).

In the loop3, the ball rolling model deformation unit222ccalculates the deformation magnitude Δr of the fixed spicular arm Af intended for the process, by the above-described Mathematical Formula 1 (Step S66), and extends the fixed spicular arm Af by the calculated deformation magnitude Δr. That is, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cadds the deformation magnitude Δr to the polar coordinate radius of the displacement point Tf (Step S68). Then, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cends the loop3.

After the execution of the loop2, the ball rolling model deformation unit222csorts the outer edge representative points Q of the stuck placement objects E in descending order of the polar coordinate radius r the origin of which is the center point Ob of the ball B (Step S74). Then, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cexecutes the process of the loop4for each of the predetermined number of the outer edge representative points Q in descending order of the polar coordinate radius r (Steps S76to S82).

In the loop4, first, the ball rolling model deformation unit222ccompares the polar coordinate radius of the deformation point Tf adjacent to the outer edge representative point Q intended for the process, with the polar coordinate radius r of the outer edge representative point Q. In the case where the polar coordinate radius r of the outer edge representative point Q is larger than the polar coordinate radius of the adjacent deformation point Tf (Step S78; Yes), the ball rolling model deformation unit222csets the optional spicular arm Am so that the end of the optional spicular arm Am is the outer edge representative point Q (Step S80). Incidentally, if an optional spicular arm Am has been already set to another outer edge representative point of the placement object E comprising the outer edge representative point Q, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cdoes not further set the optional spicular arm Am.

After the execution of the loop4for the predetermined number of the outer edge representative points Q, the ball rolling model deformation unit222cends the ball rolling model deformation process.

Next, inFIG. 12, in the case where the ratio of the volume setting value De of the placement object E of which the collision has been determined to the volume Db is equal to or more than 10% (Step S10; No), it is determined that the placement object E is not capable of being stuck, and the placement object E is not stuck to the ball B.

Next, the viewpoint setting unit225refers the viewpoint setting TBL532to select the viewpoint setting value532bcorresponding to the current volume Db of the ball B (Step S20).

Next, the game operation unit22determines the availability of the display for every placement objects E, based on the display level corresponding to the selected viewpoint setting value532b(Step S22). Concretely, the game operation unit22refers the display determination TBL576of each of the placement objects E. Then, in the case where the maximum display Level576ais equal to or more than the display level532ccorresponding to the selected viewpoint setting value532b, the game operation unit22determines to display the placement object E, and sets the display flag576bat “1”.

In the case where the maximum display level576ais less than the display level532ccorresponding to the selected viewpoint setting value532b, the placement object E is relatively small in comparison with the ball B. Accordingly, the game operation unit22determines that the placement object E is not necessary for the display, and sets the display flag576bat “0”. Further, the game operation unit22cancels the display of the placement object E the flag of which is set at “0”, and does not display the placement object E (Step S24).

Next, the image generation unit24generates a game screen, and displays the game screen on the image display unit30(Step S26). Incidentally, when the game sounds such as effective sounds are outputted, of course, the sound generation unit26generates the game sounds and the sound output unit40outputs them.

After the game screen has been displayed, the game operation unit22determines whether or not the ball B has gone up the slope placed between the stages (Step S28). A predetermined velocity is necessary for the ball B to go up each of the slopes SL. By enlarging the ball B to increase the parameter value of the maximum velocity, it becomes possible for the ball B to go up the slope.

In the case where the ball B has not gone up the slope SL yet (Step S28; No), the game operation unit22counts up the game play time by a predetermined time (Step S30). As the result of the count up, if the game play time exceeds an ending time (Step S32; Yes), the game is over.

On the other hand, in the case where the ball has been gone up the slope (Step S28; Yes), the game play time is reset (Step S34), and the game is advanced to the next stage (Step S36).

According to the above process, By rolling the ball B to collide with the relatively small objects E, it is possible to enlarge the ball B by the snowball effect by sticking the placement objects E thereto. By setting the game stage in a town, the player can enjoy the game filled with jokes such as enlarging the ball B while destroying the town.

[Hardware Configuration]

Next, a hardware configuration which can realize the home game unit1200will be described.FIG. 15is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration in the present embodiment. The home game unit1200comprises a CPU1000, a ROM1002, a RAM1004, a data storage medium1006, a sound generation IC1008, an image generation IC1010, and I/O ports1012and1014. They are connected to each other via a system bus1016so as to input/output data.

The CPU1000corresponds to the processing unit20inFIG. 7, and performs total control of the home game unit1200and various data processing, according to a program stored in the data storage medium1006, a system program stored in the ROM1002, the operation input signals inputted through the control device1022or the like.

The ROM1002, the RAM1004and the data storage medium1006correspond to the memory unit50inFIG. 7. The ROM1002corresponds to the IC memory implemented in the control unit1211of the main unit1210inFIG. 1, and stores programs and data such as the system program or the like related to the control of the main unit1210.

The RAM1004is a memory unit used as a work area of the CPU1000. The RAM1004stores given contents in the ROM1002or the data storage medium1006, results computed by the CPU1000or the like.

The data storage medium1006corresponds to the CD-ROM1212, the IC memory1214and the memory card1216inFIG. 1, and stores the game information72inFIG. 7. The data storage medium1006is realized by an IC memory card, a removable hard disc unit, MO, DVD-ROM or the like. The data storage medium1006stores data stored in the ROM1002, and loads the data to use, as needed.

The sound generation IC1008is an integrated circuit for generating game sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on the data stored in the data storage medium1006or the ROM1002. The generated game sounds are output from a speaker1020. The speaker1020corresponds to the sound output unit40inFIG. 7and the speaker1222inFIG. 1.

The image generation IC1010is an integrated circuit for generating pixel information for outputting images to a display1018. The image generation IC1010corresponds to the image generation unit24inFIG. 7. The display1018corresponds to the image display unit30inFIG. 7and the display1220inFIG. 1.

A control device1022is connected to the I/O port1012. A communication device1024is connected to the I/O port1014. The control device1022corresponds to the operation input unit10inFIG. 7and the game controller1202inFIG. 1. The control device1022is a device for permitting a player to input various game operation.

The communication device1024is designed to input/output various information to be used in the game unit to/from an external device. The communication device1024is connected to another game device, and used for transmitting/receiving predetermined information corresponding to the game program. The communication device1024is also used for transmitting/receiving the information on the game program or the like via a communication line. The communication device1024corresponds to the communication unit42inFIG. 7and the communication device1218inFIG. 1.

Incidentally, the processes executed by the image generation IC1010, the sound generation IC1008and the like may be executed software-wise by the CPU1000, a general-purpose DSP or the like.

The present invention applies not only to the home game unit1200shown inFIG. 1, but also to various devices including an arcade game device, a mobile game device, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, a large-sized attraction device in which many players can participate, or the like.

FIG. 16shows an example of the exterior of an arcade game apparatus1300to which the present invention is applied, for example. As shown inFIG. 13, the arcade game apparatus1300comprises a display1302for displaying game screens, speakers1304for outputting sound effects and BGM in the game, a joystick1306for inputting vertical and horizontal operations, push buttons1308, and a control unit1320for integrally controlling the arcade game apparatus1300by computer processing to execute a given game.

The control unit1320comprises an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and a ROM1322in which game programs and data are stored that are required to control the arcade game apparatus1300and to execute the game. The CPU mounted on the control unit1320reads from the ROM1322as appropriate and computes the programs and data to execute a variety of processes. The player inputs the game operation with the joystick1306and push buttons1308while watching the game screens displayed on the display1302to enjoy playing the game.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the games to be executed by a stand-alone device, and may be applied to the games called network games. Examples of the system configuration for realizing a network game are as follows: (1) configuration having a home PC or home game system as a game terminal to be connected to a server via a wired/wireless communication line such as the Internet or a dedicated line network; (2) configuration connecting a plurality of game terminals to each other via a communication line without a server; (3) configuration connecting a plurality of game terminals via a communication line, one of which functions as a server; and (4) configuration physically linking a plurality of game terminals with each other to serve as a single system (for example, arcade game system).

DESCRIPTIONS OF MODIFICATION EXAMPLES

As above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The constituent elements may be arbitrarily added, omitted, or changed, as long as the similar operation and effect can be obtained without departing from the essence of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, for example, in order to determine whether or not the ball B and the contacted placement object E are stuck to each other, the volumes of the ball B and the placement object E are compared to each other as the information on the sizes. However, not limited to the volumes, for example, weights, temperatures, classifications of material, or colors may be compared to each other. For example, in the case where the weights are compared to each other, initial setting values of the weights are defined beforehand in each of the initial information of the ball B and the placement object E respectively. Further, the sticking list information567stores not the volume setting value567dbut a weight setting value.

Further, in the above embodiment, the representative point of each of the placement objects E is set to the center point Oe. However, the representative point does not always mean the center of the shape, and for example, the position corresponding to the center of gravity or the center of moment may be set as the representative point. For example, in the case where the placement object E is a leafy pineapple (fruit), it is more preferable that the leaf portion is not considered daringly and the position corresponding to the center of gravity of the berry portion is set to the representative point, because the leaf portion which is soft and easily deformable can be made not to affect rolling.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Tokugan 2003-333580 filed on Sep. 25, 2003 including specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.