Game device, display method, and program

Abstract

To improve the rendering accuracy of cutscenes in games that use flying devices. [Solution] A display method for causing one or more computers to display a video on a display device showing an aerial device flying along a flight path, comprising: a step of calculating a first flight path toward a first target position based on a first detection position detected by a detection unit for detecting the target position of the aerial device at a first time point; a step of displaying a first video on a display device showing the aerial device flying along at least a portion of the first flight path; a step of calculating a second flight path toward a second target position based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point; and a step of replacing the first video with a second video showing the aerial device flying along at least a portion of the second flight path and displaying it on the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device, a display method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a game device using a flying instrument (flying device), it has been practiced to output a production video reproducing a scene where the flying device hits a target. For example, in Patent Document 1, in response to a dart flying by being thrown hitting a target, a CG image reproducing a scene where the dart pierces the target is displayed, and subsequently, a CG image where the dart is pierced at the hit position of the dart is displayed. A dart game device is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From the perspective of user experience, it is desirable to start playing the production video without much delay after the flying device hits the target. However, immediately after the flying device hits the target, the detection accuracy of the hit position is often relatively low due to the influence of the impact of the hit, so the hit position and flight trajectory of the flying device drawn in the production video may differ from the actual hit position and flight trajectory.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of drawing a production video in a game using a flying device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A display method according to one aspect of the present invention is a display method in which one or more computers cause a display device to display a video showing an aerial device flying along a flight path, and includes the steps of: calculating a first flight path toward a first target position based on a first detection position detected by a detection unit for detecting the target position of the aerial device at a first time point; displaying a first video on a display device showing the aerial device flying along at least a portion of the first flight path; calculating a second flight path toward a second target position based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point; and replacing the first video with a second video showing the aerial device flying along at least a portion of the second flight path and displaying it on the display device.

[0007] According to this embodiment, first, based on a first detection position detected by the detection unit at a first time point, a first flight path toward a first target position based on the first detection position is calculated, and then a first video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the first flight path is displayed on the display device. Then, based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point, where improved accuracy compared to the first detection position is expected, a second flight path toward a second target position based on the second detection position is calculated, and then a second video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the second flight path is displayed on the display device, replacing the first video. As a result, the accuracy of rendering the animation video can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of rendering animations in games that use flying devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a dart game device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the dartboard 12. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a dart game device 10. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 32. [Figure 5] This is an example of an operation flow showing the process of detecting the hit position of a dart by the dart game device 10. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the change over time in the detection position of the dart by the first detection unit 321. [Figure 7] This is an example of an operation flow showing the display process of a darts animation video by the darts game device 10. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically illustrates the relationships between various parameters related to the production video. [Figure 9] This is an example of an operation flow showing the display process of a darts animation video by a modified darts game device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.

[0011] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a darts game device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the darts game device 10 (an example of a game device using flying equipment) is formed in the shape of a vertical rectangular parallelepiped, for example. The darts game device 10 is a device for playing the darts game, a sport in which players throw darts (an example of flying equipment) at a target.

[0013] The dart game device 10 includes a dart board 12 and a display device 14 provided above the dart board 12. The dart board 12 is arranged at a substantially line-of-sight position in a standing posture of the player in the front of the dart game device 10. The display device 14 displays videos and images related to the dart game. In particular, the display device 14 may display, for example, a video for effect (effect video) related to the dart game. The effect video may include, for example, a video showing the state where a dart flies along at least a part of the flight trajectory. Note that the position and number of the display devices 14 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the dart game device 10 is not limited to the display device 14 shown in FIG. 1, and may include any number of display devices provided at any other installation location (for example, below the dart board 12).

[0014] The dart game device 10 may be provided with a coin insertion slot, a mode selection switch, etc. not shown in the figure. The player may insert a coin into the coin insertion slot, press the mode selection switch to select a game mode, and play the dart game. In the dart game, the player stands at a predetermined position in front of the dart game device 10 and throws a dart aiming at the target 20 of the dart board 12. The dart that reaches the dart board 12 is determined by the segment of the target 20 where the tip of the dart pierces, and the score is determined by the segment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dart board 12 shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the dart board 12 is configured as a board having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. On the board surface of the dart board 12, a target 20 of a circular area where the player can score when a dart pierces is formed. The target 20 is divided into a plurality of areas (segments 20B) by a partition wall 20A. Each segment 20B is radially divided according to the score that the player can obtain and has a plurality of holes not shown in the figure configured to allow the tip of the dart to pierce. Each segment 20B is configured to be displaceable in the back surface direction when a dart pierces.

[0017] A plurality of light sources L are arranged on the left and lower sides of the dart board 12, and a plurality of light sensors S are arranged on the right and upper sides of the dart board 12, respectively. Each of the plurality of light sources L emits light along the board surface of the dart board 12. Each of the plurality of light sensors S receives light emitted from at least one light source L such as the light source L facing the light sensor S, and converts it into an electrical signal according to the amount of received light. Thereby, each light sensor S generates a detection signal corresponding to the position on the target 20 where the dart hits, and supplies it to the control device 32. In the dart game device 10 according to the present embodiment, a two-axis scanning method in which the light source L and the light sensor S correspond one-to-one may be adopted, or a multi-axis scanning method in which one light source L is detected by a plurality of light sensors S may be adopted. Note that the light sensor S may be configured to detect the light intensity of the light from the light source L. In addition, the arrangement of the plurality of light sources L and the plurality of light sensors S shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and these light sources L and light sensors S may be arbitrarily arranged. For example, as long as the light source L and the light sensor S have a positional relationship that allows light to be emitted and received, the plurality of light sources L and the plurality of light sensors S may be arranged at any symmetric or asymmetric positions.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the dart game device 10.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the dart game device 10 includes a hitting sensor 30 and a control device 32 in addition to the display device 14, the light source L, and the light sensor S described above.

[0020] The hitting sensor 30 is disposed on the back side of the target 20, and is a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects that the dart has hit the target 20 based on the displacement of the target 20 in the back direction due to the impact of the dart being stabbed. The hitting sensor 30 is not particularly limited, but may be configured as a membrane switch, for example. Note that the hitting sensor 30 may be configured to be able to detect not only that the dart has hit the target 20 but also which segment 20B of the target 20 the dart has hit.

[0021] The control device 32 is connected to the display device 14, the light source L, the light sensor S, and the target sensor 30. The control device 32 includes a CPU 34 that controls the destination of the control device 32, and a memory 36 that stores the game program and data. The CPU 34, for example, reads the game program from the memory 36 and functions as a functional unit related to the progress and presentation of the darts game according to the read game program.

[0022] <Functional Block Configuration> Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control device 32. Each functional unit is realized, for example, by the CPU 34 of the control device 32 reading a program stored in the memory 36. The control device 32 includes, for example, a first detection unit 321, a second detection unit 322, a performance video processing unit 323, and a game progress unit 324 as functional units.

[0023] The first detection unit 321 continuously detects the hit position of the dart on the target 20 of the dartboard 12 at predetermined periodic or aperiodic timings. Based on detection signals corresponding to the hit position of the dart supplied from each of the multiple optical sensors S, the first detection unit 321 sequentially generates detection positions indicating the hit position of the dart on the target 20 of the dartboard 12 using a multi-axis scanning method. The first detection unit 321 may generate detection positions using a two-axis scanning method, or it may generate detection positions using the principle of triangulation depending on the configuration of the light source L and optical sensors S. As will be described later, the detection positions generated by the first detection unit 321 may be affected by the impact of the hit.

[0024] The second detection unit 322 is a functional unit that detects whether the dart has hit the target 20 based on the detection signal from the target sensor 30. Depending on the configuration of the target sensor 30, the second detection unit 322 may detect whether the dart has hit the target 20, or it may further detect which segment 20B of the target 20 the dart has hit.

[0025] The animation processing unit 323 includes, for example, a target position setting unit 323a, a flight path calculation unit 323b, a dart position calculation unit 323c, a frame generation unit 323d, a determination unit 323e, and a display control unit 323f.

[0026] The target position setting unit 323a, for example, acquires the detection position generated by the first detection unit 321 and converts the detection position into a position on the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space. The target position setting unit 323a then sets this position in the 3D virtual space as the position the dart will head to along the flight path in the 3D virtual space. The acquired detection position may be the detection position at at least one relatively recent point in time (for example, the most recent point in time) among the detection positions generated by the first detection unit 321. The target position setting unit 323a may, for example, perform target position setting according to the determination result of the target position setting conditions described later.

[0027] The flight path calculation unit 323b calculates, for example, the flight path of the dart. The flight path calculation unit 323b calculates the flight path in the three-dimensional virtual space based at least on the target position set by the target position setting unit 323a. The flight path may, for example, be directed toward the target position (with the target position as the endpoint). Alternatively, the flight path may start from the current dart position or a default predetermined position in the three-dimensional virtual space. In addition to the target position, the flight path calculation unit 323b may also calculate the flight path based on various parameters and models set in, for example, step S201.

[0028] The dart position calculation unit 323c calculates, for example, the position of the dart in a three-dimensional virtual space (dart position). In particular, the dart position calculation unit 323c calculates, for example, the dart position in the three-dimensional virtual space that will be the basis for the next frame among the multiple frames that make up the animation video. The dart position calculation unit 323c calculates the dart position based, for example, on the flight path calculated by the flight path calculation unit 323b. In this calculation process, a certain amount of movement along the flight path from the current dart position may be considered to generate the dart position in the three-dimensional virtual space that will be the basis for the next frame. This amount of movement may be determined by various parameters and models related to the dart game.

[0029] The frame generation unit 323d generates, for example, frames for the animation video. The frame generation unit 323d generates, for example, frames for the animation video by converting a three-dimensional virtual space that serves as the basis for the frames (images) of the animation video into a two-dimensional image using a predetermined conversion method. In the three-dimensional virtual space that serves as the basis for the frames (images) of the animation video, for example, an object representing a dart may be placed at the dart position calculated by the dart position calculation unit 323c.

[0030] The determination unit 323e performs various determinations, for example. The determination unit 323e determines, for example, whether the dart position in the 3D virtual space calculated by the dart position calculation unit 323c has reached the target object 20 in the 3D virtual space. The determination unit 323e also determines whether the target position setting conditions, which will be described later, are met.

[0031] The display control unit 323f controls the display of various videos and images on a display device, such as the display device 14. The display control unit 323f executes a process to display the frames generated by the frame generation unit 323d on the display device 14. The display control unit 323f displays the generated frames on the display device 14 at a predetermined timing.

[0032] The game progress unit 324 performs, for example, processing related to the progress of the darts game. The game progress unit 324 accepts, for example, actions from the player related to the progress of the darts game. The game progress unit 324 determines, for example, the points to be awarded to the player based on the hit location of the darts and stores them in the memory 36. The game progress unit 324 determines the winner or loser of the player, for example, based on the points stored in the memory 36.

[0033] <Detection process of current location> Referring to Figure 5, the process of detecting the hit position of the dart by the dart game device 10 will be explained.

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of an operation flow illustrating the process of detecting the hit position of a dart by the dart game device 10. The operation flow shown in Figure 5 may be started, for example, when a predetermined start condition is met. This start condition may be determined, for example, by the game progress unit 324. This start condition may include the second detection unit 322 detecting a hit.

[0035] (S101) First, the first detection unit 321 detects the target position and generates a detected position based on detection signals (electrical signals) supplied from each of the multiple optical sensors S, which indicate the light intensity of the light from the light source L corresponding to the target position of the dart, using the principle of triangulation. The generated detected position may be stored in a storage unit such as memory 36, for example, in association with information indicating the time of detection. The information indicating the time of detection may be generated by a clock provided in the control device 32, for example, or may be obtained from outside the dart game device 10 via a communication network.

[0036] (S102) Next, the first detection unit 321 determines whether a predetermined termination condition is met. The termination condition is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start condition was met, or that the setting limit condition described later is met.

[0037] If it is determined in step S102 that the termination condition is not met (S102; No), the process returns to step S101, and the first detection unit 321 again detects the target position and generates a detected position. The generated detected position may be stored in a storage unit such as memory 36, for example, in association with time information indicating the time of detection. By repeating steps S101 to S102, the target position of the dart is detected at multiple points in time, and each detected position is generated. The period in which steps S101 to S102 are repeated is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a predetermined time interval, or it may be each time a predetermined number of frames (images) included in the animation video are generated and displayed.

[0038] If it is determined in step S102 that the termination condition is met (S102; Yes), the process terminates.

[0039] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the change over time in the detection position of the dart by the first detection unit 321. In Figure 6, the vertical axis shows the detection position of the dart by the first detection unit 321, and the horizontal axis shows the elapsed time since the detection of the dart by the first detection unit 321 began. Note that, for the sake of explanation, the vertical axis is a schematic coordinate axis obtained by converting the position on the target 20 as a two-dimensional coordinate system to a one-dimensional system, and its scale may not be accurate.

[0040] Figure 6 shows graph K, which represents the time progression of the detection position of a dart by the first detection unit 321, resulting from a single dart throw. For example, in the example of graph K shown in Figure 6, it is shown that detection positions such as k1, k2, k3, and k4 are generated at detection points such as t1 (start of hitting the target), t2, t3, and t4. As shown in graph K, when a dart hits the target 20, the dart and target 20 vibrate due to the impact, so the less time elapsed, the greater the fluctuation in the detection position. As time progresses, the vibration of the dart and target 20 gradually subsides, and the fluctuation in the detection position decreases. Eventually, the detection position converges to a position corresponding to the actual hit position of the dart.

[0041] <Display processing for the promotional video> Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the display process of the animation video by the dart game device 10 will be explained.

[0042] Figure 7 is an example of an operation flow showing the display process of a darts animation video by the darts game device 10. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the relationships between various parameters related to the animation video.

[0043] The control device 32 may start the display processing of the animation video such that the elapsed time from the detection of the dart hitting the target 20 until the start of the animation video is less than a predetermined threshold. In particular, the control device 32 may perform processing such that the time interval from the detection of the hit until the first frame of the animation video is displayed on the display device 14 by the display processing in step S207 described later is less than a predetermined threshold. This allows the animation to be presented to the player without delay, improving the enjoyment and user experience of the dart game. The predetermined threshold is not particularly limited, but may be set to, for example, 100ms, 50ms, 25ms, 10ms, 1ms, etc.

[0044] (S201) When the processing of displaying the animation video begins, the animation video processing unit 323 first performs a predetermined initialization process. In the initialization process, for example, various parameters and models related to the darts game may be set. The targets of such settings are not particularly limited, but may include, for example, the model of the target 20 (including the position of the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space), various configurations of the darts game device 10 (including the optical sensor S, light source L, and hit sensor 30, etc.), the model of the darts (including information such as the weight and shape of the darts), information related to throwing such as the throwing position and method, information related to the player (level, score, etc.), and information related to the 3D virtual space that forms the basis of the initial frame (initial target position, initial dart position, initial flight trajectory, etc.). The initial target position in the 3D virtual space may be, for example, a predetermined position, or it may be a position obtained by converting the detection position generated by the first detection unit 321 in step S101 onto the 3D virtual space.

[0045] (S202) Next, the target position setting unit 323a acquires the detected position at the latest time generated in step S101 and converts it into a position on the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space. Then, the target position setting unit 323a sets this position in the 3D virtual space as the target position (the position the dart will head to along the flight path in the 3D virtual space) as information for generating the animation video. In this way, the target position is set based on the detected position at the latest time.

[0046] (S203) Next, the flight path calculation unit 323b calculates a flight path toward the target position in the 3D virtual space (with the target position as the endpoint), based at least on the target position set in step S202. This flight path may start from, for example, the current dart position or a default predetermined position in the 3D virtual space. In addition to the target position, the flight path calculation unit 323b may also calculate the flight path based on, for example, various parameters and models set in step S201 or the like.

[0047] (S204) Next, the dart position calculation unit 323c calculates the dart position in the three-dimensional virtual space that will form the basis of the next frame, based on the flight path calculated in step S203. The dart position calculation unit 323c may, for example, calculate the dart position as a position located at a predetermined distance along the flight path from the current dart position. In addition to the flight path calculated in step S203, the dart position calculation unit 323c may also calculate the dart position based on various parameters and models set in, for example, step S201.

[0048] (S205) Next, the determination unit 323e determines whether the dart position in the 3D virtual space that forms the basis of the next frame, calculated in step S204, has reached the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space. This determination process may be performed, for example, based on various parameters and models set in step S201, etc., information regarding the position of the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space set in step S201, etc., and information regarding the dart position in the 3D virtual space calculated in step S204.

[0049] (S206) If it is determined that the dart's position in the 3D virtual space that forms the basis of the next frame has reached the target 20 object in the 3D virtual space (S205; Yes), the animation processing unit 323 executes the arrival animation process. The animation processing unit 323 may, for example, display any video or image on the display device 14 as the arrival animation process. The content of the video or image is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, information about the dart's hit position or the segment 20B that the dart hit, information about the score obtained by the hit, any information about the progress of the dart game, or any information unrelated to the progress of the dart game. The animation processing unit 323 may also, for example, stop displaying the video or image on the display device 14 as the arrival animation process.

[0050] (S207) If it is determined that the dart position in the 3D virtual space that forms the basis of the next frame has not reached the target object 20 in the 3D virtual space (S205; No), the animation processing unit 323 executes processing to generate and display the animation video. Specifically, the frame generation unit 323d generates a frame of the animation video by converting the 3D virtual space in which an object representing the dart is placed at the dart position calculated in step S205 into a 2D image using a predetermined conversion method. The display control unit 323f then executes processing to display the next frame on the display device 14. The display control unit 323f displays the generated frame on the display device 14 at a predetermined timing.

[0051] (S208) Next, the determination unit 323e determines whether or not the target position setting conditions are met. The target position setting conditions may be conditions for setting the detected position (the position the dart is heading towards along the flight path in a 3D virtual space) as information for generating the animation video.

[0052] The target position setting conditions will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Here, the target position in the 3D virtual space is modified (set) from the target position corresponding to the first detection position k1 at the first time point t1 (first target position) to the target position corresponding to the second detection position k2 at the second time point t2 (second target position). In this case, the at least one time point (condition determination time point) which is the detection time of at least one detection position (condition determination detection position) for determining the target position setting conditions may be at least one time point that is after the first time point t1 and before the second time point t2. In particular, the condition determination time point may include the second time point t2 (in this case, the second detection position as the condition determination detection position will also serve as the detection position corresponding to the target position in the 3D virtual space). Figure 6 shows, as examples of condition determination time points, the third time point t3 and the fourth time point t4, which are after the first time point t1 and before the second time point t2. Furthermore, the time points for determining the conditions are not limited to these, and may include any number of any time points that are after the first time point t1 and before the second time point t2.

[0053] The target position setting conditions may be determined based on at least one detection position (condition determination detection position) detected by the first detection unit 321 at the time of condition determination.

[0054] The target position setting conditions may be defined, for example, based on detection positions (condition determination detection positions) detected at multiple condition determination points. Specifically, the target position setting conditions may include the condition that the difference between the condition determination detection position (third detection position) detected by the detection unit at a third condition determination point (a condition determination point) and the condition determination detection position (fourth detection position) detected by the detection unit at a fourth condition determination point (a condition determination point later than the third) is less than a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, the "difference" between detection positions may be a distance defined by at least one coordinate axis that defines the position on the target 20. Specifically, the "difference" may be a distance defined based on at least one of the following: a horizontal axis (perpendicular to the direction of gravity), a vertical axis (parallel to the direction of gravity), a lateral axis on the target 20, a vertical axis on the target 20, a radial axis on the target 20, and a circumferential axis on the target 20. In particular, the "difference" may be a distance on a two-dimensional plane on the target 20. The threshold used to compare the "difference" can be set arbitrarily.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 6, when time point t3 is the third time point, time point t4 is the fourth time point, detection position k3 is the third detection position, and detection position k4 is the fourth detection position, the target position setting condition may include the condition that the difference between detection position k3 and detection position k4 is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is not particularly limited and may be set as any distance, such as 2 mm. Furthermore, the fourth time point may be set as a time point that is a predetermined period later than the third time point. This predetermined period may be a length defined by time (such as the number of clocks acquired by the control device 32) (seconds, milliseconds, etc.), or a length defined by the number of frames in the animated video. For example, the fourth time point may be a time point where the frame containing the fourth time point is a frame after the frame containing the third time point (at least one next frame) (for example, a frame three frames later).

[0056] The target position setting conditions may be determined, for example, based on an index for evaluating the variability of multiple detection positions used for condition determination. The index may be a statistical value such as the variance of multiple detection positions used for condition determination, in which case the target position setting conditions may include the fact that the statistical value (variance, etc.) falls below a predetermined threshold.

[0057] The target position setting conditions may include the elapsed time of a predetermined period. This predetermined period may be a length defined by time (such as the number of clock cycles acquired by the control device 32) (seconds, milliseconds, etc.), or a length defined by the number of frames in the animation video. The length of this predetermined period may be arbitrarily set and may be, for example, a predetermined value associated with a predetermined game mode, or a predetermined value associated with information indicating the game situation (for example, the number of throws, the number of rounds, the score, etc.). The start of the predetermined period may be the time when the dart hits the target. This start time may be any timing defined based on the dart hitting the target and may be, for example, the time when the dart hitting the target is detected, or the time or frame when the generation and display of the animation video begins. The time when the dart hitting the target is detected may be the time when the first detection unit 321 detects the detection position, or the time when the second detection unit 322 or another detection unit detects the dart hitting the target.

[0058] The target position setting conditions may include, for example, a condition (setting limit condition) that the playback of the animation video has not progressed to a predetermined level. As a result, if it is determined that the playback of the animation video has progressed to a predetermined level, the detection position will not be corrected (set), thus reducing excessive corrections in the animation video.

[0059] The setting limit conditions may include, for example, the elapsed of a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period may be a length defined by time (such as the number of clock cycles acquired by the control device 32) (seconds, milliseconds, etc.), or a length defined by the number of frames in the animation video. The length of this predetermined period may be arbitrarily set and may be, for example, a predetermined value associated with a predetermined game mode, or a predetermined value associated with information indicating the game status (for example, the number of throws, the number of rounds, the score, etc.). The start of the predetermined period may be the time when the dart hits the target. This start time may be any timing defined based on the dart hitting the target and may be, for example, the time when the dart hitting the target is detected, or the time or frame when the generation and display of the animation video begins.

[0060] The setting limit conditions may be defined, for example, based on information related to the animation video. The setting limit conditions may include, for example, that the distance from the dart position in the 3D virtual space that forms the basis of the current frame of the animation video to the target 20 object is less than a predetermined threshold. This threshold can be set arbitrarily and may be, for example, a predetermined value associated with a predetermined game mode, or a predetermined value associated with information indicating the game situation (which may include, for example, the number of throws, the number of rounds, the score, etc.).

[0061] Figure 8 schematically shows the relationships between various parameters related to the animation video. Referring to Figure 8, the correction of the target position according to the determination result of the target position setting conditions in step S208, and the replacement of the animation video as a result, will be explained.

[0062] For example, as shown in Figure 8, a first target position h1 corresponding to the first detection position is set as the target position in the 3D virtual space (S202), and the first flight path T(h1) and dart position D are determined based on the first target position h1. n (h1) is calculated (S203 and S204), and a frame is generated and displayed based on these (S207).

[0063] In this case, if it is determined that the target position setting conditions are not met (S208; No), a video (first video) is generated and displayed showing the dart flying along at least a portion of the flight path (first flight path) toward the already set target position (first target position), as follows. That is, if it is determined that the target position setting conditions are not met (S208; No), the process returns to step S204. In this case, the resetting (correction) of the target position (S202) and the calculation of the flight path (S203) are not performed. Then, based on the first flight path T(h1) which was already calculated in the previous step S203 based on the first target position h1, the next frame F is generated under predetermined conditions. n+1 The dart position D in the underlying 3D virtual space. n+1 Calculation of (h1) (S204), and the dart position D n+1 The generation and display (S207) of a frame (first video) based on (h1) are performed. As a result, the animation video (first video) generated based on the already set target position is displayed.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that the target position setting conditions are met (S208; Yes), the target position is reset (modified) as follows, and a video (second video) is generated showing the dart flying along at least a portion of the flight path (second flight path) toward the second target position (second target position) based on the modified target position (second target position), and this video is displayed in place of the first video. In other words, if it is determined that the target position setting conditions are met (S208; Yes), the process returns to step S202. The target position setting unit 323a resets the target position by, for example, converting the detected position at the latest time generated in step S101 into a position on the object of the target 20 in the 3D virtual space, and then setting that position as the target position (S202). Here, for example, let's assume that the target position is set to the second target position h2 shown in Figure 8. Then, from step S202 onward, the second flight path T(h2) is calculated based on the second target position h2 (S203), and based on the second flight path T(h2), the next frame F is calculated under predetermined conditions.n+1 Dart position D n+1 The calculation of (h2) (S204), and the dart position D n+1 The generation and display (S207) of a frame (second video) based on (h2) is performed. As a result, a performance video (second video) generated based on the corrected target position is generated and displayed, replacing the first video. In this embodiment, "replacement" of the first video with the second video may include the display of at least one frame constituting the second video after at least one frame constituting the first video has been displayed. In this case, the first video and the second video may represent the flight of the same dart in a single motion.

[0065] In this way, a video is generated and displayed (played) showing the dart flying along its trajectory. The position of the dart and its trajectory shown in the video are recalculated based on the target position, which is set (modified) each time the target position setting conditions are met. As a result, the position of the dart and its trajectory shown in the video reflect the detection position at a more recent and accurate point in time, thus improving the accuracy of the video rendering. In particular, according to the method of this embodiment, the target position is set (modified) and the parameters (flight trajectory and dart position) based on the target position are recalculated during the playback of the video. This makes it possible to improve the user experience by starting the playback of the video as soon as possible after the dart hits the target, and to improve the accuracy of the video rendering by setting (modifying) the rendering of the video during playback.

[0066] <Variation> Figure 9 is an example of an operation flow showing the display process of a dart animation video by the modified dart game device 10. Unlike the operation flow shown in Figure 5, the operation flow shown in Figure 9 does not have step S208, and after step S207, the process proceeds to step S202. That is, in the embodiment described above, the target position setting (S202) was performed on the condition that the target position setting condition (S208) was met. However, the modified dart game device 10 may not perform the determination of the target position setting condition (S208), but instead set the target position based on the detected position each time it acquires a detected position sequentially generated by the first detection unit 321, and then perform the calculation of parameters (flight trajectory and dart position) based on the target position and the display of the animation video. This makes it possible to continuously set the animation video in response to the detection of the target position by the first detection unit 321, and further enhances the effect of improving the accuracy of the animation video rendering.

[0067] In the animated sequence according to this embodiment, camera movements (pan, tilt, and zoom, etc.) may be added as long as the dart is depicted as being placed at the dart position calculated by the dart position calculation unit 323c, and any other objects (such as the target 20 object, the dart object, and the player object) may be further depicted. In addition, other arbitrary videos or images (not limited to those showing the flight of the dart) may be inserted in the middle of the animated sequence.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and any combination thereof is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the features of the present invention.

[0069] In the above embodiments, "part" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of that "part" are realized by software. Furthermore, even if the functions of one "part" or device are realized by two or more physical means or devices, the functions of two or more "parts" or devices may be realized by one physical means or device.

[0070] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements, arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to partially substitute or combine the configurations shown in different embodiments.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to darts games, but can be applied to any other game or competition that uses throwing equipment, such as archery. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to games or competitions in which flying equipment is thrown, but can be applied to any game or competition in which flying equipment is flown, for example, games or competitions in which flying equipment is made to fly by striking it with bare hands or tools. Such games or competitions may include, for example, games or competitions in which a golf ball (an example of a flying equipment) is made to fly by striking it with a golf club and hit a predetermined target, or games or competitions in which a baseball (an example of a flying equipment) is made to fly by striking it with a baseball bat and hit a predetermined target. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 10...Dart game device, 12...Dartboard, 14...Display device, 20...Target, 20A...Bulkhead, 20B...Segment, 30...Target sensor, 32...Control device, 321...First detection unit, 322...Second detection unit, 323...Video processing unit, 323a...Target position setting unit, 323b...Flight trajectory calculation unit, 323c...Dart position calculation unit, 323d...Frame generation unit, 323e...Determination unit, 323f...Display control unit, 324...Game progress unit, 34...CPU, 36...Memory, L...Light source, S...Optical sensor

Claims

1. A display method in which one or more computers cause a display device to show a video of an aircraft flying along its flight path, A step of calculating a first flight path toward a first target position based on a first detection position detected at a first time point by a detection unit for detecting the target position of the aircraft, The steps include: causing the display device to show a first video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the first flight path; The steps include: calculating a second flight path toward a second target position based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point; A display method comprising the step of replacing the first video with a second video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the second flight path and displaying it on the display device.

2. The display method according to claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the second flight path is performed when predetermined conditions are met.

3. The display method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined conditions are determined based on a detection position detected by the detection unit at at least one time point that is after the first time point and before the second time point.

4. The display method according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition includes the difference between a third detection position detected by the detection unit at a third time point among the at least one time points and a fourth detection position detected by the detection unit at a fourth time point later than the third time point among the at least one time points, which is less than a predetermined threshold.

5. The display method according to claim 4, wherein, under the predetermined conditions, the difference between the third time point and the fourth time point is set to a predetermined time interval.

6. The method of display according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined conditions include the elapsed period of time from the time the aircraft hit its target.

7. The steps include: the detection unit or another detection unit detecting the target of the aircraft; A display method comprising the step of starting the display processing of the video on the display device by the method of at least one of claims 1 to 6, before a predetermined time has elapsed since the step of detecting the target has been performed.

8. A game device comprising a detection unit for detecting the current position of an aerial device, and a display device that displays a video showing the aerial device flying along its flight path, A first flight path calculation unit calculates a first flight path toward a first target position based on a first detection position detected by the detection unit at a first time point, A first display control unit causes the display device to display a first video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the first flight path, A second flight path calculation unit calculates a second flight path toward a second target position based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point, A game device comprising: a second display control unit that replaces the first video with a second video showing the flying instrument flying along at least a portion of the second flight path and displays it on the display device.

9. A program that causes one or more computers to execute a display method that displays a video showing an aircraft flying along its flight path on a display device, wherein the display method is: A step of calculating a first flight path toward a first target position based on a first detection position detected at a first time point by a detection unit for detecting the target position of the aircraft, The steps include: causing the display device to show a first video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the first flight path; The steps include: calculating a second flight path toward a second target position based on a second detection position detected by the detection unit at a second time point later than the first time point; A program comprising the step of replacing the first video with a second video showing the aircraft flying along at least a portion of the second flight path and displaying it on the display device.

Images