U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,202

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of a video game processing apparatus, a method and a computer program product for processing a video game according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appending drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram that illustrates a configuration of a video game apparatus100to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other devices may be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, a video game apparatus100of this embodiment includes a video game apparatus main body10, a display device50, and a sound output device60. The video game apparatus main body10is constituted from a video game system that is put on the market, for example. Further, the display device50is constituted from, for example, a television apparatus, a liquid crystal display device, a micro-mirror device, a holographic display device, or any combination thereof. The display device50is provided with an image display screen51. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that any device capable of generating or reproducing an image may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

The video game apparatus main body10includes a control section11, a RAM (Random Access Memory)12, a HDD (hard disk drive)13, a sound processor14, a graphics processor15, a DVD/CD-ROM drive16, a communications interface17, an interface section18, a frame memory19, a memory card slot20, and an input interface section21.

Each of the control section11, the RAM (Random Access Memory)12, the HDD (Hard Disc Drive)13, the sound processor14, the graphics processor15, the DVD/CD-ROM drive16, the communications interface17and the interface section18is connected to an internal bus22.

The control section11includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory) and the like, and carries out control of the whole video game apparatus100in accordance with control programs stored in the HDD13and/or a storage medium70. The control section11has an internal timer used to generate timer interruption. The RAM12is used as a work area for the control section11. The HDD13is a storage region for storing the control programs and various data.

The sound processor14is connected to the sound output device60, which includes a speaker, for example, but may include any other device capable of generating or reproducing an audible signal. The sound processor14outputs a sound signal to the sound output device60in accordance with a sound outputting command from the control section11that carries out a process according to the control programs. In this regard, the sound output device60may be embedded in the display device50or the video game apparatus main body10, or may be affixed to a vibrating surface that may be caused to generate the audible signal.

The graphics processor15is connected to the display device50including the image display screen51on which an image is displayed. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the graphics processor may be coupled to other known types of display devices, such as a head-mounted display, a holographic three-dimensional display or the like, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The graphics processor15develops an image on the frame memory19in accordance with a drawing or graphics from the control section11, and outputs video signals for displaying the image on the image display screen51to the display device50. A switching time for images to be displayed according to the video signals is set to 1/30 seconds per frame (for NTSC type displays), for example. However, the switching time may be any other frame rate (for example, 1/25 second per frame (for PAL type displays)) as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

A storage medium70such as a DVD-ROM medium or a CD-ROM medium, or equivalent, in which control programs for a game are stored is mounted in the DVD/CD-ROM drive16. The DVD/CD-ROM drive16carries out a process for reading out various data such as control programs from the storage medium70.

The communications interface17is connected to a communication network80such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the like, in a wireless or wired manner. The video game apparatus main body10carries out communication with, for example, another computer via the communication network80using a communication function of the communications interface17.

Each of the input section21and the memory card slot20is connected to the interface section18. The interface section18causes the RAM12to store instruction data from the input section21on the basis of operation(s) of the input section21by a player of the video game apparatus100. In response to the instruction data stored in the RAM12, the control section11carries out various arithmetic processing.

The video game apparatus main body10is connected to a controller device such as a keypad30as an operation input section (controller) via the input interface section21. However, other types of controllers may be used without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, for example, a cross key31, a group of buttons32, a left joystick38and a right joystick39are arranged on the upper surface of the keypad30. The cross key31includes an upper key31a, a lower key31b, a right key31cand a left key31d, and the group of buttons32includes a circle button32a, an X key32b, a triangle key32cand a square key32d. Further, a select button35is arranged at a connecting portion between a base on which the cross key31is arranged and a base on which the group of buttons32are arranged. In addition, multiple buttons such as an R1 button36and an L1 button33are arranged at the side surface of the keypad30.

The keypad30is provided with multiple switches respectively connected to the cross key31, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32c, the square button32d, the select button35, the R1 button36and the L1 button33. When pressing force is applied to any button, the corresponding switch is turned on. A detecting signal in accordance with on/off of the switch is generated in the keypad30, and detecting signals are generated, respectively, corresponding to inclined directions of the left joystick38and the right joystick39in the keypad30.

The two types of detecting signals generated in the keypad30are output to the control section11via the input interface section21(through wired or wireless connection), by which detecting information indicating that button on the keypad30is pressed and detecting information indicating the state of each of the left joystick38and the right joystick39are generated. In this way, operation instruction(s) by a user (player) using the keypad30, for example, is supplied to the video game apparatus main body10(control section11).

Further, the interface section18carries out, according to the command(s) from the control section11, a process to store data indicative of the progress of the game stored in the RAM12into the memory card90installed in the memory card slot20. The interface section18also carries out a process to read out data on the game stored in the memory card90at the time of suspending the game and to transfer such data to the RAM12, or the like.

Various data such as control program data for performing the game with the video game apparatus100are stored in, for example, the storage medium70. The various data such as the control program data stored in the storage medium70are read out by the DVD/CD-ROM drive16in which the storage medium70is installed, and the data thus read out are loaded onto the RAM12. The control section11carries out, in accordance with the control program loaded on the RAM12various processes such as a process to output the drawing or graphics to the graphics processor15, and a process to output the sound outputting command to the sound processor14. In this regard, the interim data generated in response to the progress of the game (for example, data indicative of scoring of the game, the state of a player character and the like) are stored in the RAM12used as a work memory while the control section11carries out processing.

It is assumed that the three-dimensional video game according to the present embodiment is a game wherein multiple characters, including a player character (that is, a character that moves in accordance with the operation of the input section21by the player), move on a field provided in a virtual three-dimensional space, by which the game proceeds. In this regard, it is assumed that the virtual three-dimensional space in which the field is formed is indicated by coordinates of the world coordinate system. The field is defined by multiple surfaces, and coordinates of vertexes of the respective constituent surfaces are shown as characteristic points.

Next, an operation of the video game apparatus100according to the present embodiment will now be described.

Here, in order to simplify the explanation of the operation of the video game apparatus100, it is assumed that only a single player character and multiple non-player characters (which are moved in accordance with control of the video game apparatus100(more specifically, control of the control section11), and hereinafter, referred to simply as “NPC”) exist as objects that are movable in the virtual three-dimensional space. However, the explanation for any process other than the processes relating to the present invention is omitted, in particular. In this regard, in the present embodiment, video game control for a RPG is carried out, but those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that changes to the invention can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

FIG. 2is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a main process of the video game apparatus100according to the present embodiment. The main process is a process for generating an image for one frame and a process required for the control of the video game. The process is carried out in accordance with timer interruption at every 1/30 second. However, it is to be noted that timing of “at every 1/30 second” is only one example. Instead, for example, the main process may be carried out in accordance with timer interruption at every single field period (every 1/60 second) or at every two frame periods (every 1/15 second), or any other appropriate field rate that may be recognized by those skilled in the art to be appropriate without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In the present embodiment, a game (that is, a RPG game) proceeds in a common field (that is, a single field where a battle field and a movement field are not distinguished from each other) in which various actions (such as a battle action and/or a movement action) including the movement of the player character and a battle by the player character are allowed. In the case where a predetermined object in the field is accomplished, one stage may be terminated and the processing may proceed to another stage carried out in a next field. Further, in the present embodiment, a same time base is applied to the respective characters existing in such a field. Once a NPC enters the stage in the field, the NPC moves on the field or stands still on the field in accordance with the same time base until a hit point (which is a value indicating life force, and hereinafter, referred to simply as “HP”) thereof becomes zero. In this case, a portion displayed on the image display screen51as a character image is a portion that exists within the field of view of a virtual camera in the field.

In the main process, the control section11determines whether an instruction to start a game is generated through an operation of the input section21, via manipulation of the controller30by the player or not in the case where the state is still before the game start. Alternatively, once the game has started or ins in progress, the control section11determines whether a timing state is reached to change the scene (for example, change the field) or not in the case where the state is during execution of the game (Step S101). The timing state to change the scene is, for example, the time at which a virtual three-dimensional space illustrating a new scene is displayed on the image display screen51in order to finish the scene that has been displayed on the image display screen51until that point (for example, a scene displayed by a virtual three-dimensional space, and a scene displayed by a directorial moving image) and to switch the displayed scene to the new scene.

In the case where it is determined that an instruction to start a game is generated or that the timing state reaches a state to change the scene (“Yes” at Step S101), the control section11determines an initial screen (an initial screen shown at the time of start of the game, or an initial screen shown at the time of change in the scene) in accordance with the control program (Step S102). In this case, various data such as image data used for the game and characters are stored in the storage medium70. At Step S102, an initial display position of the player character in an initial screen or a scene after a scene change (for example, a new stage in the RPG), a non-player character or non-player characters to be displayed, an initial display position of each of the non-player characters to be displayed and the like are determined in accordance with the control program.

Subsequently, the control section11determines a viewpoint position of a virtual camera, a direction of a visual axis, and a size of a visual angle in accordance with the control program. The control section11then carries out an initial setup for the virtual camera to execute a perspective transformation (Step S103). Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S118.

On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the game is executed, and it is not time to change the scene (“No” at Step S101), the control section11receives instruction data in accordance with the operation of the keypad30by the player (Step S104). Namely, the control section11determines whether instruction data for executing movement of the player character or the like is inputted from the keypad30via the input interface section21. In the case where effective instruction data (that is, it means that such effective instruction data is instruction data that is allowed to be received by the control section11) is inputted, the control section11receives the effective instruction data.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing an action of the player character relating to the movement of the player character (that is, movement instruction data: movement instruction by a movement command or the cross key (directional instruction key)) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30regarding the movement of the player character (movement operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S105), the control section11executes a movement process in accordance with the movement instruction data thus received (Step S106). In the movement process, the control section11moves the position of the player character in a virtual space (on the present field) in accordance with the received movement instruction data. In this regard, such a movement command may include a dash instruction command, for example. The dash instruction command is a command to move the player character quickly, and a command for supplying an instruction that the player character goes away (or runs away) from a battle area quickly if the player character is in a melee, for example.

Subsequently, the control section11generates movement information on the basis of the position information of the player character derived along with the movement process (Step S107). Namely, in accordance with the movement of the position of the player character by means of the movement process, the control section11updates necessary data among data on the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, data on the direction of a visual axis, and data on the size of a visual angle, and changes the setting content of the virtual camera. The movement information includes various kinds of information on the movement such as the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the direction of the visual axis, and the size of the visual angle changed along with the position of the player character after the movement and the movement of the player character. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S116.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing a normally selectable action for the player character (that is, a normal action specifying command: a normal command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30by the player for instructing the normally selectable action of the player character (a normal action specifying command selecting operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S108), the control section11executes an action process (a normal action process) of the player character in accordance with the received normal action specifying command (Step S109). In the normal action process, in the case where a battle is executed in accordance with the normal action specifying command for specifying a normal action (such as “battle” and “magic”), the control section11executes, for example, a process to determine a battle result and/or battle development between an enemy character to be a non-player character to battle against and the player character and the like.

Subsequently, the control section11generates normal action information on the basis of the action result and/or action development determined by means of the normal action process (Step S110). Namely, in accordance with the action result and/or the action development, for example, a battle result and/or battle development by the normal action process, the control section11updates and sets necessary information. The set information may include, for example, the name of the player character who battles an enemy character in the battle process, the name of the enemy character, battle development information, battle result information, a parameter (or parameters) that defines the ability (or abilities) of the player character, and the like. The normal action information includes various kinds of information on the normal action such as the name of the player character who battles an enemy character, for example, by the normal action, the name of the enemy character, battle development, battle result thereof, and a parameter that defines the ability of the player character. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S116.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for instructing a locally selectable action (local action) of the player character (that is, a local action specifying command: a reaction command) at Step S111in accordance with an operation of the keypad30by the player for instructing the locally selectable action of the player character (a local action specifying command selecting operation) at Step S104(“Yes” at Step S111), the control section11executes an action process (a local action process) of the player character in accordance with the received local action specifying command (Step S112). In the local action process, a process to determine a result and/or development of the action (for example, a conversation between characters, a jumping action, a purchase action, a pick up action, and the like) that is executed in accordance with the local action specifying command for specifying a local action such as “talk” and “jump”, for example, is executed.

Subsequently, the control section11generates local action information on the basis of the action result and/or action development determined by means of the local action process (Step S113). Namely, in accordance with the action result and/or the action development, for example, a battle result and/or battle development by the normal action process, the control section11updates and sets necessary information for the action result and/or the action development at the local action process. The set information includes, for example, the name of the character whom the player character talks with, the conversation development, a conversation result, a parameter that defines the ability of the player character, and the like. The local action information includes various kinds of information on the local action such as the name of the character whom the player character talks with by the local action, the conversation development, the conversation result, and a parameter that defines the ability of the player character. Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S116.

In the case where the control section11receives instruction data for other instructions (that is, other instruction data other than local or normal action instruction data, an other command) in accordance with the operation of the keypad30for executing other instruction (other operation) at Step S104(“No” at Step S105. “No” at Step S108, “No” at Step Sill and “Yes” at Step S114), the control section11executes a process in accordance with the other instruction data thus received (Step S115). The other information corresponding to the process result at Step S115is then generated, and the processing flow proceeds to Step S116.

The control section11updates the current position of the player character by storing the movement information generated at Step S107in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S116. Further, the control section11memorizes and stores various action histories of the player character by storing the normal action information generated at Step S110, the local action information generated at Step S113and the other information generated after Step S115in a predetermined data area of the RAM12at Step S116.

Subsequently, the control section11executes an action estimate process on the basis of information indicating the action histories of the player character once stored in the RAM12(Step S117). More specifically, information required to be digitized is digitized using conversion tables prepared in advance, and with respect to information required to be weighted, a score is calculated by multiplying predetermined numerical values and summing these multiplied numerical values. The calculated score is added to a previous score stored in a predetermined data area of the RAM12, and the added score is again stored in the predetermined data area, by which the score is updated as estimate information.

Subsequently, the control section11determines the content of local action related information regarding the local action, for example, whether the local action specifying command is displayed or not, which local action specifying command is displayed among the multiple prepared local action specifying commands, and what is an action target (a reaction target) executed in accordance with designation (specification) of the local action specifying command to be displayed (Step S118).

Then, the control section11perspectively transforms the virtual three-dimensional space including the player character P and the non-player characters to be displayed from the virtual camera onto the virtual screen in accordance with setting content of the virtual camera. The control section11then carries out a display process to generate a two-dimensional image to be displayed on the image display screen51(Step S119). At Step S119, in accordance with the content determined at Step S118, the control section11and the graphics controller15carry out a display process so that a display of the local action specifying command, a display of identification of the action target to be able to distinguish the reaction target, and the like are included in the two-dimensional image to be displayed on the image display screen51. When the display process is terminated, this main process is also terminated. Then, when a timer interruption is generated at the start of a next frame period, a next main process is carried out repeatedly. By repeatedly carrying out the main process, a character image is switched every frame period, and a moving image (animation) is resultantly displayed on the image display screen51.

Now, the display process at Step S119will be simply described. At Step S119, the control section11first transforms at least the coordinates of the vertexes of respective polygons included within a range to be perspectively transformed on the virtual screen among the coordinates of the vertexes of polygons constituting the virtual three-dimensional space in which the player character P and the three-dimensional non-player characters are included from the coordinates of the world coordinate system to the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system. Subsequently, the control section11transmits the coordinates of the vertexes of polygons of the player character P and the non-player characters in the viewpoint coordinate system to the graphics processor15, thereby outputting a drawing or graphics to the graphics processor15.

When the drawing or graphics is input to the graphics processor15, the graphics processor is updates, on the basis of the coordinates of the viewpoint coordinate system, the content of the Z buffer so that data on the points that reside at the front side are retained with respect to points constituting each surface. When the content of the Z buffer is updated, the graphics processor15develops image data on the points that reside at the front side on the frame memory19. Moreover, the graphics processor15carries out some processes such as a shading process and a texture mapping process with respect to the developed image data.

Then, the graphics processor15in turn reads out the image data developed on the frame memory19, and generates video signals by adding a sync signal to the image data to output the video signals to the display device50. The display device50displays an image corresponding to the video signals output from the graphics processor15on the image display screen51. By switching images displayed on the image display screen51every single frame period, the player can see images including the state in which the player character and/or the non-player characters are moved on the field.

Next, a local action specifying command process executed by the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment will be described.FIG. 3is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a command control process executed by the video game apparatus100of the present embodiment.

Here, the “normal action specifying command” and the “local action specifying command” will be explained. The “normal action specifying command” is an action specifying command for specifying a normal action that the player character can normally carry out. Namely, the “normal action specifying command” is an action specifying command that is normally selectable in the field where the player character is positioned. More specifically, it is a command for specifying an action such as “battle”, “magic” and “item” that the player character can always carry out. In this regard, for example, in the case where the “battle” is selected, a concrete battle method (for example, “attack with a sword”, and “attack with whip”) can be selected. Such a command (that is, a command for the specific battle method) is also a “normal action specifying command”. This is the same point as the “magic” and “item”.

The “local action specifying command” is an action specifying command for specifying a local action that the player character can locally carry out in accordance with the state of the player character. Namely, the “local action specifying command” is an action specifying command that is selectable when the local action can be carried out in accordance with the state of the player character. More specifically, it is a command for specifying an action such as “talk”, “examine”, “save”, “special technique” and “summon” that the player character can locally carry out.

In the command control process, the control section11first displays at least one normal action specifying command (Step S121). Subsequently, the control section11confirms the current state of the player character, and determines whether there is any local action specifying command that meets predetermined display allowable conditions or not (Step S122). The display allowable conditions are preset for each of multiple local action specifying commands so that one suitable for a scene and/or a state on the video game becomes to be selectable.

FIG. 4is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of a display allowable conditions setting table. The display allowable conditions includes “a non-player character that is an action target is positioned within a predetermined distance from the player character”, and “the player character becomes a predetermined state”.

At Step S122, the control section11determines whether there is any local action specifying command that meets the display allowable conditions or not using the display allowable conditions setting table. For example, in the case where a signboard or the like that is an action target exists within a distance B from the position of the player character, it is determined that a command2for specifying an action to read the signboard or the like is a local action specifying command that meets the display allowable conditions.

In the case where there is no local action specifying command that meets the display allowable conditions, the control section11terminates the display of the local action specifying command when the local action specifying command is being currently displayed (Step S123). Then, the processing flow proceeds to Step S130.

On the other hand, in the case where there is any local action specifying command that meets the display allowable conditions, the control section11determines whether there are multiple local action specifying commands that meet the display allowable conditions or not (Step S124). In the case where it is determined that there are multiple local action specifying commands, the control section11selects one local action specifying command on the basis of the predetermined degrees of priority (display priority) or the like (Step S125).

FIG. 5is an explanatory drawing that shows an example of a priority setting table in which the degrees of priority for selecting any of the local action specifying commands are set. As shown inFIG. 5, the priority setting table is a table in which each of the local action specifying commands are divided (or assigned) to any one of multiple levels of the degree of priority. At Step S125, the local action specifying command having the highest degree of priority is selected using the priority setting table. In the case where two or more local action specifying commands have the same degree of priority, one local action specifying command may be selected in accordance with predetermined rules that, for example, the local action specifying command that first meets the display allowable conditions is selected. The degree of priority is set, for example, so that the higher frequency in use a local action specifying command has, the higher degree of priority the local action specifying command has. In this regard, the method of determining the degree of priority is not limited thereto, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, and it may be any other method that performs the same function without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Further, at Step S125, in the case where a character (reaction target) to be a target of the local action carried out by means of specification (designation) of the local action specifying command is the same as a character (lock-on character) to be a target of the normal action carried out by means of specification (designation) of the normal action specifying command, the local action specifying command may be selected in priority to the other local action specifying commands. By selecting the local action specifying command having the same target as the normal action specifying command in priority to the other local action specifying commands in this manner, it is possible to selectably display the local action specifying command to specify the action against the target in priority to the other local action specifying commands, for example, in the case where the player character battles the target (target character). Thus, it is possible to make the player specify an appropriate local action specifying command.

In the case where there is only one local action specifying command that meets the display allowable conditions, the control section11displays the local action specifying command in a predetermined display region (Step S126). Alternatively, in the case where there are some local action specifying commands that meet the display allowable conditions, the control section11displays the one local action specifying command selected at Step S124in a predetermined display region (Step S126).

Further, the control section11displays identification of an action target (so as to distinguish the action target) when the local action specifying command displayed at Step S126is specified (Step S127).

In response to operation of the keypad30for specifying the local action specifying command (that is, local action specifying command selecting operation) (Step S128), the control section11controls the video game apparatus main body10so that the player character carries out the local action in accordance with the local action specifying command thus specified (Step S129).

Further, when operation of the keypad30for changing the normal action specifying commands to be selected (cursor movement operation) is carried out (Step S130), the control section11executes control to move the cursor in response to the operation (Step S131).

Moreover, in response to operation of the keypad30for specifying any one normal action specifying command (that is, normal action specifying command selecting operation) (Step S132), the control section11controls the video game apparatus main body10so that the player character carries out the normal action in accordance with the normal action specifying command thus specified (Step S133).

By controlling the video game apparatus main body10as described above, it is possible to display a selectable local action specifying command at an appropriate scene during progress of the video game, and this makes the local action specifying command receivable (or acceptable). Further, it is possible to make the local action specifying command receivable in a state that selection of any normal action specifying command can be received.

Next, one concrete example of a display state of the local action specifying command will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 8.

FIG. 6is an explanatory drawing that illustrates an example of an image in which only normal action specifying commands are displayed without displaying a local action specifying command.FIGS. 7 and 8are explanatory drawings, each of which illustrates an example of an image in which both normal action specifying commands and a local action specifying command are displayed.

A player character P, a non-player character N, a box B and multiple selectable normal action specifying commands OC are displayed inFIG. 6. Further, a lock-on display Y indicating that the non-player character N is locked as an action target of a predetermined normal action specifying command (for example, a normal action specifying command regarding battle) is also displayed inFIG. 6.

In a display state shown inFIG. 6, when the player character P approaches the box B on the basis of operation of the keypad30by the player and the display allowable conditions (for example, the distance between the player character P and the box B is within a predetermined distance) are met (see “Yes” at Step S122), as shown inFIG. 7, a local action specifying command SC for specifying “lift” that corresponds to the met display allowable conditions is displayed (seeFIG. 126). Further, at this time, an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the box B as an action target when the local action specifying command SC is to be specified is displayed (see Step S127). The action target identifying display X is displayed at the position (display position) where the box B as the action target is displayed or in the vicinity of the display position.

In the case where the player operates or manipulates, for example, the controller, to press the triangle button32cof the keypad30when the local action specifying command SC is displayed as shown inFIG. 7, selection of the local action specifying command SC is received, and as shown inFIG. 8, the player character P carries out an action “lift” that the local action specifying command SC indicates. In the present embodiment, when the player character P carries out the action “lift” that the local action specifying command SC indicates, another display allowable conditions (for example, the player character P lift anything) are met (see “Yes” at Step S122). Then, as shown inFIG. 8, another local action specifying command SC for specifying “throw” that corresponds to the met display allowable conditions is displayed (seeFIG. 126). Further, at this time, an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the box B as an action target when the local action specifying command SC is to be specified is displayed (see Step S127).

In this regard, in this example, the action target when the local action specifying command SC is specified is changed to the non-player character N that is locked as an action target of a predetermined normal action specifying command, and an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the non-player character N as the action target may be displayed (see Step S127). Namely, an action target (reaction target) when a local action specifying command SC is specified may be changed to a non-player character (lock-on target) that is locked by the local action specifying command SC. Whether such a change process is carried out or not may be determined on the basis of, for example, whether the local action specifying command SC is a process that can be carried out against a non-player character N that is locked by the local action specifying command SC such as “throw” and “special attack” or not.

In the case where the player operates or manipulates, for example, the controller, to press the triangle button32cof the keypad30when the local action specifying command SC is displayed as shown inFIG. 8, selection of the local action specifying command SC is received, and the player character P carries out an action “throw” that the local action specifying command SC indicates. This action “throw” is an action to throw the box B. In the case where the action target is set to the non-player character N, the player character P carries out the action to throw the box B toward the non-player character N.

Next, another concrete example of a display state of the local action specifying command will be described with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9is an explanatory drawing that illustrates another example of an image in which only normal action specifying commands are displayed without displaying a local action specifying command.FIG. 10is an explanatory drawing that illustrates another example of an image in which both normal action specifying commands and another local action specifying command are displayed.

A player character P, a signboard K, and multiple selectable normal action specifying commands OC are displayed inFIG. 9. In a display state shown inFIG. 9, when the player character P approaches the signboard K on the basis of operation of the keypad30by the player and the display allowable conditions (for example, the distance between the player character P and the signboard K is within a predetermined distance) are met (see “Yes” at Step S122), as shown inFIG. 10, a local action specifying command SC for specifying “read” that corresponds to the met display allowable conditions is displayed (seeFIG. 126). Further, at this time, an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the signboard K as an action target when the local action specifying command SC is to be specified is displayed (see Step S127). The action target identifying display X is displayed at the position (display position) where the signboard K as the action target is displayed or in the vicinity of the display position.

In the case where the player operates or manipulates, for example, the controller, to press the triangle button32cof the keypad30when the local action specifying command SC is displayed as shown inFIG. 10, selection of the local action specifying command SC is received, and the player character P carries out an action “read” that the local action specifying command SC indicates. Namely, the player character P carries out an action to read letters posted on the signboard K that is the action target.

Next, still another concrete example of a display state of the local action specifying command will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11is an explanatory drawing that illustrates still another example of an image in which only normal action specifying commands are displayed without displaying a local action specifying command.FIG. 12is an explanatory drawing that illustrates still another example of an image in which both normal action specifying commands and still another local action specifying command are displayed.

A player character P, a non-player character N and multiple selectable normal action specifying commands OC are displayed inFIG. 11. In a display state shown inFIG. 11, when the player character P approaches the non-player character N on the basis of operation of the keypad30by the player and the display allowable conditions (for example, the distance between the player character P and the non-player character N is within a predetermined distance) are met (see “Yes” at Step S122), as shown inFIG. 12, a local action specifying command SC for specifying “talk” that corresponds to the met display allowable conditions is displayed (seeFIG. 126). Further, at this time, an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the non-player character N as an action target when the local action specifying command SC is to be specified is displayed (see Step S127). The action target identifying display X is displayed at the position (display position) where the non-player character N as the action target is displayed or in the vicinity of the display position.

In the case where the player operates to press the triangle button32cof the keypad30when the local action specifying command SC is displayed as shown inFIG. 12, selection of the local action specifying command SC is received, and the player character P carries out an action “talk” that the local action specifying command SC indicates.

Next, yet still another concrete example of a display state of the local action specifying command will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13is an explanatory drawing that illustrates yet still another example of an image in which only normal action specifying commands are displayed without displaying a local action specifying command.FIG. 14is an explanatory drawing that illustrates yet still another example of an image in which both normal action specifying commands and a still another local action specifying command are displayed.

A player character P, a non-player character N, a signboard K, and multiple selectable normal action specifying commands OC are displayed inFIG. 13. In a display state shown inFIG. 13, when the player character P approaches the non-player character N and the signboard K on the basis of operation of the keypad30by the player and the two kinds of display allowable conditions (for example, the distance between the player character P and the non-player character N is within a predetermined distance, and the distance between the player character P and the signboard K is within a predetermined distance) are met (see “Yes” at Step S122and “Yes” at Step S124), it is determined to give priority to one of “talk” and “read” in accordance with the degrees of priority and the like (see Step S125). As shown inFIG. 14, for example, a local action specifying command SC for specifying “talk” is determined to be given priority and is displayed (see Step S126). Further, at this time, an action target identifying display X to be able to distinguish the non-player character N as an action target when the local action specifying command SC is to be specified is displayed (see Step S127). The action target identifying display X is displayed at the position (display position) where the non-player character N as the action target is displayed or in the vicinity of the display position.

In the case where the player operates to press the triangle button32cof the keypad30when the local action specifying command SC is displayed as shown inFIG. 14, selection of the local action specifying command SC is received, and the player character P carries out an action “talk” that the local action specifying command SC indicates.

As explained above, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus is constructed so that a local action specifying command corresponds to the state of the player character (for example, the state that the display allowable conditions indicates) and the local action specifying command is selectably displayed when the player character becomes the corresponding state. Thus, it is possible to display the local action specifying command for specifying an action (local action) when the action that can locally be carried out becomes practicable (or executable). This makes it possible to easily select, through a simple operation by a player, a normal action specifying command that is normally selectable or a local action specifying command for specifying an appropriate action in accordance with the state of the player character.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus is constructed so that the states of the player character respectively correspond to multiple categories of local action specifying commands and the local action specifying command that corresponds to the current state of the player character is selectably displayed among the multiple categories of local action specifying commands. Thus, it is possible to easily select a local action specifying command for specifying an appropriate action in accordance with the state of the player character.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus is constructed so that a degree of priority is set to each of the multiple categories of local action specifying commands and the local action specifying command having the highest degree of priority is selectably displayed in the case where there are multiple local action specifying commands that corresponds to the current state of the player character. Thus, it is possible to easily select a local action specifying command for specifying an appropriate action in accordance with the state of the player character.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus is constructed so that identification of the action target is displayed in order to be able to identify a target character that is a target of an action of the player character in the case where the local action specifying command to be selectably displayed is selected. Thus, it is possible to easily identify the target character that is the target of the action of the player character.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus is constructed so that selection of a normal action specifying command is received in accordance with an output of a first operation signal from the keypad30(for example, an operation signal in response to press of the circle button by a player) and selection of a local action specifying command is received in response to an output of a second operation signal that is different from the first operation signal from the keypad30(for example, an operation signal in response to press of the triangle button by a player). Thus, it is possible to carry out, through a simple operation by a player, selection of the normal action specifying command that is normally selectable and selection of the local action specifying command for specifying an appropriate action in accordance with the current state of the player character.

In this regard, although it is not particularly referred to in the embodiment described above, for example, a local action specifying command may be controlled as follows. Namely, in the case where the player character becomes (enters) a battle state, while a local action specifying command unrelated to the battle is displayed, the local action specifying command is, for example, highlighted, and may be controlled so as to become impossible to select.

Moreover, although the video game apparatus main body10and the display device50are constructed from separate components in the embodiment described above, the display device50may be incorporated in the video game apparatus main body10, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the invention.

Furthermore, although the game control for the RPG has been explained in the embodiment described above, the technique of the present invention can be applied to other kinds of video games appropriately, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of spirit of the invention.

Further, although it has been explained with the video game apparatus100as an example in the embodiment described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various apparatuses such as a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus and the like as long as such an apparatus has an image generating function. In this regard, in the case where the present invention is applied to a portable game apparatus or the like, a small-sized storage medium such as a semiconductor memory card may be used as the storage medium70described above in place of a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or any other type of storage medium as those skilled in the art will appreciate without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Moreover, in the embodiment described above, although it has been described that game data for causing the video game apparatus main body10(video game apparatus100) to carry out various processes described above (that is, various data such as control program data used for the game) are stored in the storage medium70, the game data may be delivered by a server apparatus such as a network server (WWW server), or other computer device connected (either wired or wireless) to a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or the like, or any combination thereof. In this case, the video game apparatus main body10may obtain the game data delivered by the server apparatus via the communication network80, and store the game data in the HDD13. The game data may be used by being loaded on the RAM12from the HDD13. In this regard, although the game data are explained in the above example, such data may include at least control program data for causing a computer to carry out the image generating process in the embodiment as described above.

The present invention can be applied to a video game machine, a personal computer, a cellular phone terminal, a portable game apparatus or the like, or any combination thereof that causes an image display apparatus to display a player character on an image display screen, and controls progress of a video game by controlling an action of the player character displayed on the image display screen in response to an operation by a player. Therefore, the present invention is useful.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatuses and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described, it is understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the description refers to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed, but rather extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.