U.S. Pat. No. 9,884,246

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an example of one embodiment according to the present invention will be described 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. As shown inFIG. 1, a video game apparatus100of the present embodiment includes a video game apparatus main body10, an image 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 image 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 image display device50is provided with an image display screen51.

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 Disk 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. The control section11executes control processes of the whole video game apparatus100in accordance with control programs (including a video game processing program) stored in the HDD13and/or a storage medium70. The control section11includes an internal timer used to generate a timer interruption. The RAM12is used as a work area for the control section11. The HDD13is a storage area for storing the control programs and various data.

The sound processor14is connected to a sound output device60, which is configured by a speaker, for example. The sound processor14outputs a sound signal to the sound output device60in accordance with a sound outputting command from the control section11that executes a process according to the control programs. In this regard, the sound output device60may be embedded in the image display device50or the video game apparatus main body10.

The graphics processor15is connected to the image display device50including the image display screen51on which an image is displayed. The graphics processor15develops an image on the frame memory19in accordance with a drawing or graphics command from the control section11, and outputs video signals for displaying the image on the image display screen51to the image 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.

A storage medium70such as a DVD-ROM medium or a CD-ROM medium, or equivalent, in which control programs for a video game are stored, is mounted in the DVD/CD-ROM drive16. The DVD/CD-ROM drive16executes a process for reading out various data such as the 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 body carries out communication with, for example, another computer via the communication network80using a communication function of the communications interface17.

Each of the input interface section21and the memory card slot20is connected to the interface section18. The interface section18causes instruction data from the input interface section21to be stored in the RAM12on the basis of operation (s) of a keypad30by a player of the video game apparatus100. In response to the instruction data stored in the RAM12, the control section11then executes various arithmetic processing.

The video game apparatus main body10is connected to the keypad30as an operational input section (controller) via the input interface section21.

As shown inFIG. 1, 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. The group of buttons32includes a circle button32a, an X button32b, a triangle button32cand a square button32d. 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 buttons32is arranged. In this regard, a plurality of 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 start button37, the R1 button36and the L1 button33. When a pressing force is applied to any button (that is, when any button is operated), the corresponding switch is turned on. A detected signal in accordance with on/off of the switch is generated in the keypad30, and detected signals are generated, respectively, corresponding to inclined directions of the left joystick38and the right joystick39in the keypad30.

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

Further, the interface section18carries out, in accordance with the command(s) from the control section11, a process to store data indicative of a progress status of the video 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 video game stored in the memory card90at the time of suspending the video game and a process to transfer such data to the RAM12, and the like.

Various data, such as the control programs for carrying out the video game in the video game apparatus100, are stored in the storage medium70, for example. The various data, such as the control programs stored in the storage medium70, are read out by the DVD/CD-ROM drive16in which the storage medium70is installed. The data thus read out are loaded onto the RAM12. The control section11executes, in accordance with the control program loaded on the RAM12, various processes such as a process to output the drawing or graphics command to the graphics processor15and a process to output the sound outputting command to the sound processor14. In this regard, the interim data intermediately generated in response to the progress status of the video game (for example, data indicative of scoring of the video game, the state of a player character and the like) are stored in the RAM12used as a work memory while the control section11executes the processing.

In the present embodiment, operational function correspondence information and operational function setup information are contained in the data recorded in the storage medium70and loaded onto the RAM12.FIG. 2is an explanatory drawing showing an example of a storage state of the operational function correspondence information.FIG. 3is an explanatory drawing showing an example of a storage state of the operational function setup information.

The operational function correspondence information is information in which a button name of each button of the cross key31and the group of buttons32arranged on the keypad30is associated with an operational function of the corresponding button, for example, as shown inFIG. 2. In the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, there are two kinds of functions according to setup as the operational function of each button. The two kinds of functions includes a function exerted at left setting and a function exerted at right setting. Plural kinds of operational function correspondence information are prepared in the present embodiment, and are switched and used in accordance with scenes in the video game. Further, an image (that is, an operating section image; which will be described later) according to each operational function is defined in the present embodiment. In the operational function correspondence information, image information indicating an operating section image is stored so as to correspond to each operational function.

The operational function setup information contains: a name of the operational function correspondence information: a usage flag indicating whether the corresponding operational function correspondence information is effective or not; and a setup flag indicating which operational function is set up, for example, as shown inFIG. 3. The operational function correspondence information whose usage flag is turned on (in the present embodiment, set up to “1”) is operational function correspondence information that is effective (or used) in the video game. Further, the operational function indicated by the setup flag in the operational function correspondence information whose usage flag is turned on indicates currently effective. More specifically, when the setup flag is set to “0”, the operational function at left setting indicates effective. On the other hand, when the setup flag is set to “1”, the operational function at right setting indicates effective.

Next, an operation of the video game apparatus100according to the present embodiment will be described. In this regard, the content and processing with no relationship to the present invention may be omitted.

FIG. 4is a flowchart showing an example of operation related processing carried out by the video game apparatus100. In the operation related processing, various kinds of processes in response to operations of the keypad30by a player X are carried out.

The operation related processing is started when the video game is started or a stage or scene in the video game is changed, for example. Here, the operation related processing is started in a case where the scene is changed into a battle scene in the present embodiment.

In the operation related processing, the video game apparatus100first specifies operational function correspondence information to be used in accordance with a current progress status of the video game, a current scene and the like; and causes the display device50to display a group of operating section images (that is, an operating section image group) indicated by the specified operational function correspondence information on the image display screen51(Step S101). The operational function correspondence information used for each progress status or each scene is defined in advance. At Step S101, the video game apparatus100refers to the operational function setup information, and turns on the usage flag of the specified operational function correspondence information on. The video game apparatus100then refers to the operational function correspondence information to be used, and causes the image display device50to display the operating section image group. Here, the video game apparatus100specifies an operating section image group whose operational function is set to effective by the setup flag of the operational function setup information (in this regard, an initial setup is zero), and distinguishably display the specified operating section image group as the effective operating section image group.

FIG. 5is an explanatory drawing showing an example of a game screen on which an operating section image group is displayed. In the present embodiment, an enemy character NPC; a first operating section image group GG1; a second operating section image group GG2; an effective group identifying frame200for identifying which operating section image group is effective; are displayed on the game screen, for example, as shown inFIG. 5. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the first operating section image group GG1 and the second operating section image group GG2 are displayed in an operating section image display area provided at a lower area of the game screen, and the first operating section image group GG1 enclosed by the effective group identifying frame200becomes an effective state.

The “operating section image” is an image corresponding to each of the plurality of operating sections (in the present embodiment, the upper key31a, the lower key31b, the right key31c, the left key31d, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32cand the square button32d) arranged on the keypad30, and means an image in which identification display allowing the player X to identify an operational function associated with the corresponding operating section is made. A figure (or a mark) by which the player X is allowed to identify the corresponding operational function is displayed in each of the operating section images. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the video game apparatus100is configured so that the player X can directly or indirectly identify an operational function by means of its figure. However, it is not limited to the figure. The video game apparatus100may be configured so that the player X can directly or indirectly identify the operational function by means of characters or symbols, for example.

Further, the “group of operating section images (or the operating section image group)” means an image in which the respective operating section images are displayed in an arrangement pattern corresponding to arrangement positions of the corresponding operating sections (in the present embodiment, the upper key31a, the lower key31b, the right key31c, the left key31d, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32cand the square button32d).

In the example shown inFIG. 5, the first operating section image group GG1 and the second operating section image group GG2 are displayed. The first operating section image group GG1 is configured by: an operating section image G1 corresponding to the upper key31a; an operating section image G3 corresponding to the lower key31b; an operating section image G4 corresponding to the right key31c; an operating section image G2 corresponding to the left key31d; an operating section image G8 corresponding to the circle button32a; an operating section image G7 corresponding to the X button32b; an operating section image G5 corresponding to the triangle button32c; and an operating section image G6 corresponding to the square button32d. Further, the second operating section image group GG2 is configured by: an operating section image G9 corresponding to the upper key31a; an operating section image G11 corresponding to the lower key31b; an operating section image G12 corresponding to the right key31c; an operating section image G10 corresponding to the left key31d; an operating section image G16 corresponding to the circle button32a; an operating section image G15 corresponding to the X button32b; an operating section image G13 corresponding to the triangle button32c; and an operating section image G14 corresponding to the square button32d.

In the present embodiment, the video game apparatus100carries out processing to distinguishably display which operating section image group of two types of operating section image groups including the first operating section image group GG1 and the second operating section image group GG2 is effective at Step S101as shown inFIG. 5.

Next, the video game apparatus100confirms whether it is timing to switch the operational function correspondence information or not (Step S102). Ina case where it is confirmed that it is the timing to switch, the video game apparatus100carries out processing to switch the operational function correspondence information to be used (that is, processing to switch a usage flag of the corresponding operational function correspondence information) (Step S103), and carries out processing to switch to a display of the group of operating section images (the operating section image group) indicated by the switched operational function correspondence information (Step S104). In this regard, the timing to switch the operational function correspondence information and operational function correspondence information newly used due to the switching are defined in advance.

Next, the video game apparatus100confirms whether a setup switching operation for the operational function by the player X is received or not (Step S105). The setup switching operation for the operational function is carried out by an operation of the L1 button33and the R1 button36arranged on the keypad30in the present embodiment. More specifically, an operation of the L1 button33causes the video game to switch into the operational function indicated by the operating section image group GG1 that is displayed at the left side of the game screen. On the other hand, an operation of the R1 button36causes the video game to switch into the operational function indicated by the operating section image group GG2 that is displayed at the left side of the game screen.

In a case where it is confirmed that the setup switching operation for the operational function is received, the video game apparatus100switches setups of the operational function by switching the setup flag of the corresponding operational function correspondence information in the operational function setup information (Step S106). In order to inform the player X that the operational function specified by the setup flag of the operational function correspondence information, the video game apparatus100switches an effective operating section image group by switching a display position of the effective group identifying frame200(Step S107). More specifically, in a case where the R1 button36is pressed from the state shown inFIG. 5, for example, the video game apparatus100causes the image display device50to display the effective group identifying frame200, which has been displayed at a position so as to enclose the first operating section image group GG1 as shown inFIG. 5, at a position so as to enclose the second operating section image group GG2 as shown inFIG. 6. Thus, the video game apparatus100informs the player X that the effective operating section image group is switched from the first operating section image group GG1 to the second operating section image group GG2.

Next, the video game apparatus100confirms whether an operation other than the setup switching operation for the operational function by the player X is received or not (Step S108). In the present embodiment, the video game apparatus100confirms whether an operation of the operating section other than the L1 button33and the R1 button36of the operating section arranged on the keypad30is received or not.

In a case where an operation other than the setup switching operation for the operational function is received and the operation is an operation for the operating section whose corresponding operating section image is displayed, the video game apparatus100highlights the corresponding operating section image (for example, reversing display, display in which color is changed, enlarged display, and the like) (Step S109), and carries out processing according to the operation set up in the operational function correspondence information (operation correspondence processing) (Step S110).FIG. 7is an explanatory drawing showing an example of the game screen of the case where an operation of the circle button32ais received when the second operating section image group GG2 is effective and the corresponding the operating section image G16 is highlighted.

By configuring the video game apparatus100as described above, the player X is allowed to readily and accurately recognize the operational function of each operating section by means of its operating section image of the operating section image group, whereby the player X can operate an appropriate operating section. Further, the player X can select one operating section image group to be effective from the among a plurality of operating section image groups each of whose operational function associated with the corresponding operating section is different from each other by switching operating section image groups to be effective among the plurality of operating section image groups by means of the setup switching operation for the operational function. For that reason, the player X can readily and accurately carry out each operation to exert many operational functions more than the number of operating sections by means of the operating sections arranged on the keypad30.

In this regard, the video game apparatus100is configured so as to specify an effective operating section image group by switching the two types of operating section image groups in the embodiment described above. However, as shown inFIG. 8, the video game100may be configured so as to use one operating section image group. Further, as shown inFIG. 9, the video game100may be configured so as to specify an effective operating section image by switching three types of operating section image groups using the similar processing. Moreover, the video game100may be configured so as to specify an effective operating section image by switching four types or more of operating section image groups using the similar processing.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus100is configured so as to: display the two types of operating section image groups; and allow the player to specify an effective operating section image group by means of a display position of the effective group identifying frame200. However, the video game apparatus100may be configured so as to display only the effective operating section image group. In this case, the video game apparatus100may switch an operating section image group to be displayed in response to the setup switching operation of the operational function by the player.

As explained above, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus (the video game apparatus100and the video game apparatus main body10) for controlling progress of a video game in response to an operation of the player is configured so as to: include the RAM12for storing operational function correspondence information (seeFIG. 2), a plurality of operating sections (that is, the upper key31a, the lower key31b, the right key31c, the left key31d, the circle button32a, the X button32b, the triangle button32cand the square button32d) arranged in an operational input section (for example, the keypad30) being respectively associated with operational functions in the operational function correspondence information, each of the operational functions indicating a function of the corresponding operating section; cause the image display device50to display a group of operating section images in an operating section image display area on the display screen51of the image display device50in an arrangement pattern corresponding to arrangement positions of the respective operating sections, the group of operating section images being a plurality of operating section images respectively corresponding to the plurality of operating sections arranged in the operational input section, identification display being made for each of the group of operating section images, the identification display allowing the player to identify the operational function associated with the corresponding operating section; receive an operational input in response to an operation of any of the plurality of operating sections by the player; and carry out operation correspondence processing in accordance with the operational input received by the operational input receiver, the operation correspondence processing indicating processing to exert an operational function associated with the operating section operated by the player. Therefore, it is possible to allow the player to carry out an operation of the player in the video game readily and smoothly.

Namely, in the embodiment described above, the group of operating section images for which identification display is made for allowing the player to identify the corresponding operational function are displayed in the arrangement pattern corresponding to arrangement positions of the respective operating sections. Therefore, the player, even a beginner of the video game, can carry out an operation of the operating section readily and accurately while watching the group of operating section images. For this reason, the player can carry out his or her operation in the video game readily and smoothly.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus (the video game apparatus100and the video game apparatus main body10) is configured so that the operational function correspondence information is information in which plural kinds of operational functions are associated with each of the plurality of operating sections; and so as to receive a request to switch operational functions from the player; switch setups of the operational function corresponding to each of the plurality of operating sections in response to the request to switch operational functions; and, in a case where the setups of the operational function are switched, switch the effective group of operating section images to be displayed in the operating section image display area into a group of operating section images for which identification display is made so as to allow the player to identify an operational function after switching. Therefore, the player is allowed to select one operating section image group to be effective from among the plurality of operating section image groups each of whose operational function associated with the corresponding operating section is different from each other. For that reason, the player X can readily and accurately carry out each operation to exert many operational functions more than the number of operating sections by means of the operating sections arranged on the operational input section.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus (the video game apparatus100and the video game apparatus main body10) is configured so as to carry out the operation correspondence processing in response to the received operational input, the operation correspondence processing indicating processing to exert any one operational function of plural kinds of operational functions associated with the operating section operated by the player. Therefore, it is possible to readily and accurately carry out each operation to exert many operational functions more than the number of operating sections by means of the operating sections arranged on the operational input section.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the video game apparatus (the video game apparatus100and the video game apparatus main body10) is configured so that the operational function correspondence information is information in which a first operational function and a second operational function are associated with each of the plurality of operating sections. The video game processing apparatus is also configured so as to: causes the image display device to display a first group of operating section images and a second group of operating section images in the operating section image display area together with effective group identification display (for example, the effective group identifying frame200), identification display that allows the player to identify the first operational function being made for the first group of operating section images, identification display that allows the player to identify the second operational function being made for the second group of operating section images, the effective group identification display allowing the player to identify which of the first and second groups of operating section images is effective; and switch display modes of the effective group identification display (for example, switch display positions of the effective group identifying frame200) so that the player is allowed to identify the group of operating section images effective after switching in a case where the operational function switcher switches the setups of the operational function. Therefore, the player can readily and accurately carry out the operation to exert many types of operational functions while watching the two types of operating section image groups displayed in the operating section image display area and switching the two types of operating section image groups.

In this regard, the video game apparatus100is configured so as to be provided with the display device50, the keypad30and the like at the outside of the video game apparatus100in the embodiment described above. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a video game apparatus including a display device and a controller at the inside thereof.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful to allow a player to carry out an operation of the player in a video game readily and smoothly.