Program, information processing method, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a system capable of easily and naturally performing an operation in a virtual space.SOLUTION: Input operation reception means 62 receives input operation on a game. Virtual space management means 64 manages the virtual space of the game as a unit of a predetermined two-dimensional or three-dimensional size. Character determination means 66 determines whether an operation character is adjacent to the step in the virtual space. Slope installation means 68 installs a slope on a target step when the character determination means 66 determines that the operation character is adjacent to the step. Position adjusting means 70 adjusts the position of the operation character by lifting the position of the operation character upward when the slope installed by the slope installation means 68 and the operation character are in contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in games using virtual space, terrain with height differences, such as steps, has been adopted in the virtual space. Methods have been proposed for allowing objects to move freely in a natural way even on such terrain. Specifically, for example, one example of a method for realizing natural animation for terrain such as steps in a virtual space has been proposed (see Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Foot IK for natural animation even on uneven terrain - Basics", [online], [searched on September 26, 2023], Internet<https: / / historia.co.jp / archives / 3421 / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, most of the conventional techniques, including the above-mentioned Non-Patent Document 1, require a large number of complex calculation processes to generate game images with natural behavior.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a system that can easily and naturally produce actions in a virtual space.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides: Computer, a determination means for determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; an installation means for installing a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment means for adjusting a position of the first object in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; It is a program that functions as a

[0007] In addition, in the first aspect, the installation means may determine whether or not the second object can be installed, and install the second object if the second object can be installed.

[0008] In addition, in the first aspect, the installation means may determine whether or not the second object can be installed on the terrain based on whether or not another second object has already been installed in an area in which the second object is planned to be installed.

[0009] In addition, in the first aspect, the installation means may install the second object which is a slope.

[0010] In addition, in the first aspect, the setting means may set the second object having a circular or elliptical shape, or a combination of plate shapes.

[0011] In addition, in the first aspect, the installation means may install the second object so that the second object is invisible.

[0012] In addition, in the first aspect, the placing means may place the second objects associated with each of the first objects.

[0013] Also, in the first aspect, the adjustment means may adjust the position of the first object by lifting the first object upward in an area where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other.

[0014] In addition, in a first aspect, the terrain may be a step, the installation means may install the second object which is a slope corresponding to the height of the step, and the adjustment means may adjust the position of the first object by lifting the first object upward in an area where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other.

[0015] The second aspect of the present disclosure is 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a determination step of determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; a setting step of setting a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when it is determined that the first object is close to the terrain by the determination step; an adjustment step of adjusting a position of the first object in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; The present invention relates to an information processing method.

[0016] Moreover, a third aspect of the present disclosure is a determination means for determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; an installation means for installing a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment means for adjusting a position of the first object in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; The information processing device includes:

[0017] An information processing method and an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are also provided as an information processing method or an information processing device corresponding to a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, a system can be provided that can easily and naturally produce actions in a virtual space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a game device and a server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game image displayed on a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an example different from the example of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image when placing an object in a game to which an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] [Embodiment] First, prior to explaining an embodiment of the present disclosure, a brief overview of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "the system") and a game to which the system is applicable (hereinafter referred to as "the game") will be provided. This game is, for example, a type of game called an action RPG (Role Playing Game). The player freely controls a character (hereinafter referred to as the "operable character") that can move in response to the player's operation in the virtual space of the game, and aims to clear the game while participating in events set in the game and fighting enemy NPCs (Non Player Characters). In this game, the playable character can move through the virtual space while riding on a specific object (such as a vehicle or monster) set in the game. In the following description, the playable character may include the object on which the playable character rides.

[0021] <Summary> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a game device 1 and a server 2. The game device 1 and the server 2 are connected to each other via a predetermined network N such as the Internet. However, the network N is not a required component, and for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LAN (Local Area Network), etc. may be used. Note that hereinafter, when simply referring to "images", this includes images of any format such as "moving images" and "still images".

[0023] The game device 1 is used by a player who wishes to play the game. The game device 1 is composed of a general-purpose home game console, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet, etc. The game device 1 executes various processes required for the progress of the game.

[0024] The server 2 is managed by an administrator of the system, etc. The server 2 is composed of a general-purpose PC, etc. While communicating with the game device 1, etc., the server 2 stores and manages various information required for the progress of the game.

[0025] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the game device 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0027] The control unit 11 is configured with a microcomputer including a CPU, a GPU, a semiconductor memory, etc. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in a ROM 12 or a program loaded from a storage unit 18 to a RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0028] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0029] The output unit 16 outputs image information, audio information, etc. to a display, a speaker, etc. The image information and audio information output by the output unit 16 are output from the display, the speaker, etc. in a state that can be recognized by a person as an image or audio.

[0030] The input unit 17 is, for example, a game controller equipped with a sensor function and the like, and inputs various information in response to input operations by the player.

[0031] The storage unit 18 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various information. For example, the storage unit 18 stores various game programs, save data, account information, etc., that are necessary for the progress of the game.

[0032] The communication unit 19 controls mutual communications with other hardware and the like via a network N including the Internet.

[0033] The drive 20 is provided as necessary. Removable media 31, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Various programs for executing a game are stored in the removable media 31. The programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Further, the removable medium 31 can store various information stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18 .

[0034] Here, the hardware configuration of the server 2 is not described because it can be basically the same as the hardware configuration of the game device 1. The game device 1 and the server 2 can execute various processes by cooperation of various hardware and software.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a game device and a server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 of the game device 1 functions as a game processing execution means 60, an input operation receiving means 62, a virtual space management means 64, a character determination means 66, a slope installation means 68, a position adjustment means 70, and an output control means 72 by executing various programs and the like.

[0037] The game process execution means 60 executes various processes relating to the game. Specifically, the game processing execution means 60 executes a game program by reading out virtual game space objects and textures included in game information from a storage unit (not shown) in accordance with various input operations by the player, etc., and generates two-dimensional or three-dimensional images and sounds related to the game. In other words, the game processing execution means 60 controls the progress of the game by generating and managing the results of operational instructions by the player. Furthermore, the game processing execution means 60 transmits various pieces of information relating to the game to the server 2 as appropriate.

[0038] The input operation receiving means 62 receives input operations related to the game. The input operations received by the input operation receiving means 62 include, for example, the type of button or analog stick on which the input operation was performed, the number of times various input operations were performed, and information regarding the time when various input operations were performed.

[0039] The virtual space management means 64 manages the virtual space of this game as two-dimensional or three-dimensional units of a predetermined size (hereinafter referred to as "voxels").

[0040] The character determination means 66 determines whether or not a first object in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space. Specifically, the character determination means 66 determines whether or not there is a step in the terrain in the voxels surrounding the voxel in which the playable character is present. Note that a step broadly includes terrain that may affect the movement of the playable character, such as a cliff, a river, a staircase, or terrain simply having a difference in elevation.

[0041] A slope installation means 68 installs a second object of a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain. Specifically, when the character determination means 66 determines that the operated character is close to a step, the slope installation means 68 installs a transparent (or non-display) slope-shaped object (hereinafter referred to as a "slope") on the step. The slope installation means 68 can adjust the installation position of the slope in units of voxels managed by the virtual space management means 64.

[0042] A position adjustment means 70 adjusts the position of the first object in an area where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other. Specifically, when the playable character comes into contact with a slope installed by the slope installation means 68, the position adjustment means 70 adjusts the position of the playable character by lifting the position of the playable character upward. Details of the position adjustment method will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. The determination of whether the slope and the playable character come into contact may be made, for example, by a general hit determination in a game.

[0043] The output control means 72 executes control for outputting various images (game images, etc.), sounds, etc. to the output unit 16, etc.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 of the server 2 executes various programs and the like, thereby causing a game information management means 120 to function.

[0045] The game information management means 120 of the server 2 manages various information required for the progress of the game by the game device 1, and executes various processes. Specifically, for example, the game information management means 120 executes authentication of the account information transmitted from the game device 1, delivery of game information in response to a download request of various game information from the game device 1, and the like.

[0046] Next, a specific example of the position function in this game will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The example in Fig. 4 shows a terrain in a virtual space that includes a step, and characters C1 and M1 that exist in the vicinity of the step. Note that in the example in Fig. 4, character C1 is standing on character M1 and is about to move over the step. When trying to recreate such a situation in a virtual space, if you generate game images by simply moving between low and high step areas, the result will be unnatural moving images, as if you were moving across a terrain with a sudden difference in elevation. In contrast, in the example of Fig. 5, an object L1 (slope) is displayed in addition to the characters C1 and M1. In the example of Fig. 5, the object L1 is installed near the step (the area between the characters C1 and M1), so it serves as a foothold when the characters C1 and M1 move across the step, and more natural movement can be easily achieved. One of the features of this game is that such a slope can be installed in the virtual space as appropriate in the game in a necessary situation, thereby making it possible to realize more natural movement of the characters.

[0047] Furthermore, a more specific image of a case where a slope is installed will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image of an object being installed in a game to which an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows an image that expresses the virtual space of the game situation of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 as a vertical cross section. Here, FIG. 6(A) shows a character M1 close to a step and an object L1 (slope) placed on the step, and a part of the character M1 and a part of the object L1 (slope) overlap and are displayed overlapping. Next, FIG. 6(B) shows that the position of the character M1 is displayed so as not to overlap the upper side of the placed object L1 (slope). In this way, in this game, for example, the character is lifted upward and the position is adjusted so that the character close to the slope does not interfere with each other, thereby enabling the character to move naturally. Note that in the examples of FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, as an example, the size of the slope is adjusted according to the height of the step, and the slope is designed so that the apex of the slope coincides with the corner of the step.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of processing executed by a game device constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] In step S1, the input operation receiving means 62 receives an input operation related to the movement of a playable character.

[0051] In step S2, the character determination means 66 determines whether or not the operated character is close to a step in the virtual space. If a step exists near the operated character, step S2 is determined as YES and the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if there is no step near the operated character, step S2 is determined as NO and the process returns to step S1.

[0052] In step S3, when the character determination means 66 determines that the operated character is close to a step, the slope installation means 68 installs a slope at the step.

[0053] In step S4, the position adjustment means 70 adjusts the position of the playable character by lifting the position of the playable character upward when the playable character is in contact with the slope installed by the slope installation means 68. This ends the slope installation process.

[0054] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope that can achieve the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0055] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the object installed by the system is described as having a slope shape, but this is not limited to this. The system may install an object of any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a plate shape (or a combination of plate shapes), on the step.

[0056] Although not described in the above embodiment, the system may have a function for determining whether a slope can be installed when installing a slope on a step. The system may have a function for determining whether a slope has already been installed on a target terrain, and installing a new slope only if a slope has not been installed.

[0057] Although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may manage the slopes to be installed in association with each of the playable characters. For example, the slope installation means 68 of the present system may have a function of discarding an old slope and generating a new slope when the slope associated with the playable character exceeds an upper limit. Also, the present system may prevent the influence of the slope associated with the playable character from being given to other characters or NPCs, for example by deleting the slope when another character moves over a step.

[0058] Although the description has been omitted in the above embodiment, the present system has been described assuming that the slope is a transparent (or non-visible) object, but is not limited thereto. The present system may install the slope as a normal visible object.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the system has been described as adjusting the position of the playable character by lifting the playable character upward, but this is not limited thereto. For example, when there is an obstacle above the playable character, the system may adjust the position of the playable character in any direction, such as diagonally upward, to avoid the obstacle.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the present system has been described as managing the virtual space based on a unit called a voxel, but this is not limited thereto. The present system may manage the virtual space based on any other arbitrary standard, and the virtual space does not have to be managed for each predetermined unit area.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the character that is the target of the slope installation is the playable character, but this is not limited to this. The system may set any object, such as a playable character of another player or an NPC, as the target of the slope installation.

[0062] Also, although not described in the above embodiment, the game may be executed by any hardware, such as a home gaming console such as a PlayStation (registered trademark), a portable gaming console such as a Nintendo Switch (registered trademark), various gaming consoles designed for commercial use, or electronic devices such as a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet.

[0063] Although the description has been omitted in the above embodiment, the content of the game related to this system is not limited. This system may be applied to any game, such as FPS (First Person Shooter), TPS (Third Person Shooter), RPG (Role Playing Game), action game (including so-called open world), simulation game, sports game, card game, battle royale (symmetric type, asymmetric type), MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena), music game, fighting game, quiz game, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configurations in FIG. 3 and the like are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the example in Fig. 3, etc. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the example in Fig. 3, etc., and may be arbitrary. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, may be configured as a single piece of software, or may be configured as a combination of both.

[0065] Furthermore, the number of different hardware components constituting this system and the number of users are optional, and the system may also include other hardware components.

[0066] Furthermore, when the series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.

[0067] The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware, or a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs. That is, for example, the various hardware in the above-described embodiment may be freely adopted as any computer, any mobile terminal such as a smartphone, any game machine, etc. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input units and various output units may be adopted.

[0068] Furthermore, the recording medium containing such a program may not only be constituted by a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to a player, etc., but may also be constituted by a recording medium provided to the player in a state in which it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0069] In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is composed of a plurality of devices or a plurality of means.

[0070] Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of the present embodiment are exhibited. In addition, the present embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0071] To summarize the above, the information processing system to which the present disclosure is applied can take various embodiments having the following configurations. Computer, A determination means (e.g., a character determination means 66) for determining whether or not a first object in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; a setting means (e.g., a slope setting means 68) for setting a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment means (e.g., a position adjustment means 70) for adjusting a position of the first object in an area where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; Any program that functions as such will suffice.

[0072] That is, the character determination means 66 functions as a determination means. The slope installation means 68 functions as an installation means. The position adjustment means 70 functions as an adjustment means.

[0073] <Effects> This allows the player to enjoy a more immersive game with a more natural feel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Game device 11 Control section 60 Game processing execution means 62 Input operation acceptance means 64 Virtual space management means 66 Character Determination Method 68 Slope installation method 70 Position adjustment means 72 Output control means 2 Server 100 Control section 120 Game information management means

Claims

1. Computer, a determination means for determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; an installation means for installing a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment means for adjusting a position of the first object in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; A program that functions as a

2. the placing means determines whether or not the second object can be placed, and places the second object if the second object can be placed; The program according to claim 1.

3. the placing means determines whether or not the second object can be placed on the terrain based on whether or not another second object has already been placed in an area in which the second object is to be placed. The program according to claim 2.

4. the setting means sets up the second object which is a slope. The program according to claim 1.

5. the placing means places the second object having a circular or elliptical shape, or a combination of plate shapes; The program according to claim 4.

6. the placing means places the second object that is invisible; The program according to claim 4.

7. the placing means places the second objects associated with each of the first objects; The program according to claim 1.

8. the adjustment means adjusts the position of the first object by lifting the first object upward in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other. The program according to claim 1.

9. The terrain is a step, the setting means sets up the second object, which is a slope corresponding to a height of the step; the adjustment means adjusts the position of the first object by lifting the first object upward in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other. The program according to claim 1.

10. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: a determination step of determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; a setting step of setting a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when it is determined in the determining step that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment step of adjusting a position of the first object in a region where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; An information processing method comprising:

11. a determination means for determining whether or not a first object movable in a virtual space is close to a predetermined topography in the virtual space; an installation means for installing a second object having a predetermined shape on the terrain when the determination means determines that the first object is close to the terrain; an adjustment means for adjusting a position of the first object in an area where the first object and the second object may interfere with each other; An information processing device comprising:

Images