Network system and storage medium

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a network system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected via a communication network to form a common cyberspace, and a storage medium in which a program for causing the terminal device to execute the network system is stored. is there.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, this type of network game system includes a video game device and a server machine, which are terminal devices, and each video game machine and the server machine are directly connected by a telephone line or connected by an Internet network via a provider. Has been done. Each terminal device is controlled by a game application program common to the server machine, and a common game space (cyber space) such as a battle game is constructed between the terminal devices, and the player plays a game in this space. be able to.

【0003】

In recent years, many network game systems of this type have been constructed, and the number of players trying to participate in them has also increased dramatically. In such a game system, any player who satisfies a specific requirement can access the network game system.

【0004】

In a network game system, the only information exchanged between players is the game screen, even though unfamiliar players may play against each other or jointly play a game that achieves one purpose. Also, in this game screen, almost the same screen is the mainstream.

【0005】

Here, in a game form in which one purpose is jointly achieved, there is a game in which a plurality of (for example, two people) share roles and execute different screens suitable for each role on the same time axis. In this type of game, one acts as a navigator who gives advice while grasping the entire game screen, and the other acts as a character who appears on the game screen and advances the game based on the operation of the player. And achieve one purpose. Specific games include airplanes, spacecraft and ground controllers, explorers and logistical support units, frontline soldiers and strategic bases, American football players and directors, singers and producers, conductors and orchestras, etc. I can think of what I did.

【0006】

In this case, as a means of transmitting information from the navigator role to the executor role, an interactive format using characters, which applies chat technology, can be considered.

【0007】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the transmission of information using such characters, it is complicated to input characters while executing a game (that is, while operating a character or the like), and the responsiveness is poor, so that the information is timely. There is a problem that it cannot be transmitted.

【0008】

In addition, if the chat technology is applied, there will be a problem in terms of confidentiality, and it will be difficult to convey information only to the other party.

【0009】

Furthermore, in the transmission of information by characters, a character window is displayed on a part of the screen, and while this character window is displayed, the time is often stopped, the reality fades, and the taste of the game is changed. It is a cause of damage.

【0010】

In consideration of the above facts, the present invention enables voice information exchange with an operator who operates a desired character from among the characters while operating the character by a terminal device in cyberspace, and information transmission by characters. The purpose is to obtain a network system that can improve responsiveness.

【0011】

In addition to the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to obtain a network system capable of enhancing the reality by applying an effect to the voice according to the progress of the game at the time of information transmission by the voice.

【0012】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is to form a plurality of characters in the cyber space in a network system in which a plurality of terminal devices are connected via a communication network to form a common cyber space. , This character enables voice information exchange between a character control means operated by the corresponding terminal device and an operator of a specific terminal device who operates a desired character from among the characters. It is characterized by being equipped with a means for exchanging information.

【0013】

According to the first invention, a plurality of terminal devices share a common cyberspace via a communication network. In cyberspace, a plurality of characters corresponding to the operator who operates each terminal device are formed, and the characters are operated based on the operation of the operator.

【0014】

Here, when an operator of a specific terminal device selects, for example, one of a plurality of characters, between the selected character and (that is, another operator operating the character). Information can be exchanged by voice.

【0015】

This makes it possible to exchange information in real time with respect to the movement of characters in the shared cyberspace.

【0016】

Further, the second invention is the same for a plurality of game terminal devices in a network system for a game terminal device in which a plurality of game terminal devices are connected to each other via a communication network and a server connected to the communication network. A cyber space sharing means for sharing a cyber space, a character control means for forming a plurality of characters in the shared cyber space, and the character control means operated by a corresponding game terminal device, and a plurality of games for operating the character. It is characterized by providing a means for exchanging information by voice between terminal devices.

【0017】

According to the second invention, the cyberspace and the character in the first invention are constructed based on a specific game, and it is possible to transmit information between players in real time with respect to the progress of this game. Become.

【0018】

In the first invention and the second invention, the information exchange means is a voice exchange means between specific players using an Internet telephone.

【0019】

That is, by using an Internet telephone, not only confidentiality can be maintained, but also it can be used as a means of character selection. That is, by inputting the identification code (address, etc.) of the other party to be selected and opening the Internet telephone, the intention of selection can be made. Therefore, the side receiving the Internet call can recognize that the selection has been made by receiving the Internet call.

【0020】

In the second invention described above, a display control means for displaying different screens of the same game progressing on the same time axis on different game terminal devices, and a specific game before the start of the game by a player who intends to execute the game. It is provided with a selection means for selecting a person, a voice exchange realization means for realizing a voice exchange between a specific player and a game execution player, and a game execution means for starting the game after the voice exchange is realized. It is a feature.

【0021】

For example, when two players are paired, the games of these two players proceed on the same time axis in their respective game terminal devices. On the other hand, the displayed image is different. In other words, two people do not stand in the same field of view, but from different perspectives, for example, one is a game executor who moves in cyberspace, and the other is a navigator who sees cyberspace as a third party. By obtaining the information of, it is possible to increase the amount of information to jointly achieve one purpose.

【0022】

Further, the display control means is characterized in that when information is exchanged by the information exchange means, a character operated by the operator is displayed on the information exchange partner side.

【0023】

Many people want to be anonymous when making Internet phone calls. Therefore, by displaying the character corresponding to the player on the information exchange partner side instead of the player, the characters selected by each other can be recognized.

【0024】

Further, the game terminal and the server have a game execution means for executing a game program of a game in which a plurality of players jointly proceed with each other, and the system communicates with the players by the information exchange means. It is characterized by being executed by.

【0025】

In this game program, communication between players is required as an indispensable requirement for advancing the game, and this communication can be performed by means of information exchange by voice.

【0026】

Further, the game execution means includes means for a plurality of players to jointly advance a game while using their respective game terminals, and further, a specific character's position is provided on the game terminal of a specific player. The player is provided with a processing means for displaying the information, and the player is configured to be able to transmit the position information of the character to the other players who jointly execute the game to the other players via the Internet telephone. It is characterized by that.

【0027】

Here, we have shown a superordinate concept that includes an example of the character's role described above (one is a game executor who moves in cyberspace, and the other is a navigator who sees cyberspace from a third party). It is a thing, and the position information of a specific character is displayed on the game terminal of a specific player. Further, the specific player transmits the position information of the character to the other player via the Internet telephone.

【0028】

Further, the game executing means is provided with means for a plurality of players to jointly advance the game while using their respective game terminals, and further, map information is displayed on the game terminal of the first player. , The game terminal of the second player is provided with a processing means for enlarging and displaying this character or displaying the field of view of the character, and the first player tells the second player on the map. The position of the character is transmitted to the second player via the Internet telephone, and the second player gives a predetermined motion process of the character to the game terminal based on the position information of the character, and this motion process is performed. It is characterized in that the position of the character as a result of the above is reflected in the game terminal device of the first player.

【0029】

That is, during the execution of the game, the map information is displayed on the game terminal of the first player, and this character is enlarged and displayed on the game terminal of the second player, or the field of view of the character is displayed. ..

【0030】

As a result, the first player can convey the position of the character on the map to the second player via the Internet telephone, and the second player can convey the position of the character on the map to the second player. A predetermined operation process of the character can be given to the game terminal based on the position information.

【0031】

Since the result of the motion processing, that is, the position of the character is reflected in the game terminal device of the first player, the first player can transmit more accurate information to the second player. If the cooperation between the two is excellent, one purpose can be achieved quickly.

【0032】

The first invention and the second invention are characterized in that the specific player can select an opponent character for jointly advancing a game from a plurality of characters.

【0033】

That is, it is limited that the selected opponents are so-called allies who jointly advance the game. In the first invention and the second invention described above, it has been described that the game is played jointly for the sake of explanation, but if there is no limitation here, the selected opponent may be an opponent. In the case of opponents, voice communication can be one of the psychological strategies.

【0034】

Further, in the first invention and the second invention, the effect means for applying an effect to the voice at the time of exchanging information by the voice is further provided.

【0035】

Further, the effect means is characterized in that the terminal device on the receiving side is equipped with the effect means.

【0036】

Further, a priority is set between the sound effect according to the progress of the game in the terminal device on the receiving side and the received voice, and at least the sound pressure and frequency of the voice are set based on the set priority. The feature is that the sound quality including is controlled.

【0037】

By applying effects to the sound, two purposes can be achieved.

【0038】

One is to give anonymity by changing it to actual voice. For example, although it is a male player, by changing the voice to a female-like voice or from a young voice to an old man's voice, it is possible to obtain a voice that matches the content of the game while maintaining anonymity.

【0039】

Another purpose is to create a sense of presence by making it difficult for the sound to reach or not reaching it at all, depending on the progress of the game. In other words, in the case of games with the motif of war, the situation is such that it is difficult to hear the sound due to the shooting sound and the explosion sound during the battle, and when you are in the subway etc., the radio wave does not reach and you can not hear it at all. Voice transmission can also be adjusted to the progress of the game. In this way, by setting the priority between the sound effect of the game progress status and the received voice, it is possible to increase the sense of presence and improve the taste of the game.

【0040】

Here, particularly when the second purpose is achieved, since the receiving side recognizes the progress of the game in real time, it is preferable that the effect effect is performed on the receiving side.

【0041】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

【0042】

(System Configuration) Here, a system configuration for accessing a specific game device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

【0043】

In this case, first, the specific game device 1 needs to be initially registered. In addition, after the initial registration, it is necessary to determine whether access is permitted or not based on whether or not there is a history of malicious acts performed on the game server 77 connected to the network system.

【0044】

As shown in FIG. 1, a game device 1 is connected to the network 3, and the game device 1 accesses a predetermined game server 77 connected to the network 3 to execute a network game. Is possible. Although the game server 77 is a single game server 77, it is possible to add a game server 77 to the network 3. Of course, the number of game devices 1 is not limited to the number shown in the figure, and more game devices 1 can be connected.

【0045】

The authentication server 90 is connected to the network 3. The authentication server 90 is a common authentication server 90 in the plurality of game servers 77. That is, each game server 77 does not have an individual authentication server. In the database 92 of the authentication server 90, information on the game device 1 based on the execution of each game application program is registered from the plurality of game servers 77. Of this information, the most important information is information for determining whether or not future access is permitted due to a malicious act of the game device 1.

【0046】

This determination varies depending on each game server 77, and may be automatically determined and transmitted, or may be determined and input and transmitted by the administrator of the game server 77. (Configuration of Game Device) FIG. 2 shows a conceptual diagram of connection of the game device according to the present embodiment. This game device is configured by connecting a game device main body 1, a controller 2, and a subunit (subset) 3 to each other.

【0047】

The game device main body 1 is a control device main body that controls the progress of the game. The game device main body 1 is capable of connecting a plurality of controllers 2, and is provided with connectors 141 and 142 and a communication line modular jack 131 for that purpose.

【0048】

Further, the game device main body 1 is provided with a CD holder 105 so that a recording medium such as a CD can be detachably attached.

【0049】

The controller 2 has a configuration as an operation unit operated by each player, includes a backup memory 21, an operation button group 22, a cross key 23, an analog key 24, etc., and includes a game machine main body 1 and a subunit 3. It has a connector to connect.

【0050】

The subunit 3 is a unit for displaying a sub-image display or for a player to play a sub-game, and is provided with a sub monitor 39, an operation button group 40, etc., and a connector for connecting to the controller 2. .. The subunit 3 is equipped with a microphone 41. In a preferred form, the microphone is integrally provided with the game console body or subunit. Alternatively, the microphone is provided with a mechanism that can be retrofitted to the game body or subunit.

【0051】

The connection cable 150 has connectors 151 and 152 so as to connect the game machine main body 1 and the controller 2 to each other. The connection cable 160 has connectors 161 and 162 to connect the controller 2 and the subunit 3 to each other.

【0052】

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of this game device. As shown in FIG. 3, the game device main body 1 includes a CPU block 10, a video block 11, a sound block 12, and the like.

【0053】

The CPU block 10 includes a bus aviator 100, a CPU 101, a main memory 102, a boot ROM 103, and a CD-ROM drive 1104. The bus aviator 100 is configured to be able to control the transmission and reception of data by allocating bus occupancy time to devices connected to each other via the bus. The CPU 101 is configured so that the backup memory 21 and the subunit 3 can be accessed via the main memory 102, the boot ROM 103, the CD drive 104, the video block 11 and the sound block 12, and the controller 2.

【0054】

The CPU 101 executes the initialization program (initial execution program) stored in the boot ROM 103 when the power is turned on, initializes the entire device, and when it detects that a CD200 or the like is installed in the CD drive 104, it is stored in the CD200. The program data for the operating system is transferred to the main memory 102.

【0055】

After that, the CPU 101 operates according to the operating system, and continues to transfer the program of the game processing method of the present invention stored in the CD200 to the main memory 102 and execute it.

【0056】

Further, the CPU 101 can transfer image data for game processing to the graphic memory 111 via the VDP 110, and transfer audio data to the sound memory 121 via the sound processor 120. The processing by the program executed by the CPU 101 is the input of the operation signal from the controller 2 and the communication data from the communication device, the command output to the subunit 3 based on them, the control of the image output to be performed by the video block 11, and the sound block 12 It is the control of the audio output to be performed by.

【0057】

The main memory 102 can mainly store the above-mentioned program data and programs for the operating system, and can also provide a work area for storing static variables, dynamic variables, and the like. The boot ROM 103 is a storage area for the initial program loader.

【0058】

The CD drive 104 has a removable CD200, and when the CD200 is attached, it outputs data to that effect to the CPU 101 and can transfer data under the control of the CPU 101.

【0059】

The CD200 stores a program for causing the game device to execute a game process, image data for displaying an image, audio data for audio output, and the like. The recording medium is not limited to the CD200, and various other recording media may be readable. A group of data stored in the CD 200 may be transferred to each memory via the communication device 130. With this setting, data can be transferred from a fixed disk or the like of a remote server.

【0060】

The video block 11 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) 110, a graphic memory 111, and a video encoder 112. The graphic memory 111 stores the image data read from the CD200 as described above.

【0061】

The VDP110 reads the image data necessary for image display among the image data stored in the graphic memory 111, and the information necessary for image display supplied from the CPU 101, that is, command data, viewpoint position data, and light source position data. Coordinate conversion (geometry calculation), texture mapping processing, display priority processing, shading processing, etc. can be executed according to object specification data, object position data, texture specification data, texture density data, field conversion matrix data, and the like. The processing such as the coordinate conversion may be configured to be performed by the CPU 101. That is, it is sufficient to allocate which process is to be executed by which device in consideration of the computing power of each device. The video encoder 112 is configured to convert the image data generated by the VDP 110 into a predetermined television signal such as the NTSC system and output it to the main monitor 113 connected to the outside.

【0062】

The sound block 12 includes a sound processor 120, a sound memory 112, and a D / A converter 122. The sound memory 121 stores the voice data read from the CD 200 as described above.

【0063】

The sound processor 12 reads audio data such as waveform data stored in the sound memory 12 based on the command data supplied from the CPU 101, performs various effect processing based on the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) function, and changes digital / analog. It is designed to perform processing and the like. The D / A converter 122 is configured to convert the audio data generated by the sound processor 120 into an analog signal and output it to the speaker 123 connected to the outside.

【0064】

The communication device 130 is, for example, a modem or a terminal adapter, and is configured to be connectable to the game device 1, and can function as an adapter for connecting the game device main body 1 and an external line.

【0065】

Then, the communication device 130 receives the data transmitted from the game supply server connected to the public network and can supply the data to the bus of the CPU block 10. The public line network may be a subscriber line, a leased line, or a wired radio.

【0066】

The controller 2 can periodically convert the operation status of the operation buttons group 22 and the cross key 23 into a code and send it to the game machine main body 1. The operation signal from each controller 2 is used to move each of the two characters displayed in the game. Further, when a command for subunit 3 is transmitted from the game machine main body 1, the controller 2 transfers this command to subunit 3. Further, the controller 2 can send and receive parameters for specifying the game processing status, character setting data, and the like to and from the game machine main body 1, and can read and write the data from the backup memory 21. The backup memory 21 can be detachably connected to the controller 2 and can be accessed from the CPU 101. It is a storage area for setting data that is transferred from the CPU 101 and includes settings such as the progress of the game, the results of the game, and the operation method that occur during the game.

【0067】

These setting data function as backup data for restarting the game from the state immediately before the power is turned off when the power is turned off, and also to reflect the operating state of another game device as it is on the game device by exchanging the backup memory. It can also be the data of.

【0068】

The subunit 3 functions as a sub-monitor device that displays a sub-image in response to a command transferred from the game machine main body 1 via the controller 2, and also functions as a portable game device that can operate independently. Has been done.

【0069】

Specifically, the sub-unit 3 includes a CPU 30, an interface circuit 31, a RAM 32, a ROM 33, an oscillation circuit 34, a speaker 35, a piezo drive circuit 36, a piezo element 37, a liquid crystal driver 38, a sub monitor 39, an operation button group 40, and a microphone 41. It has.

【0070】

The interface circuit 31 can send and receive data to and from the controller 2.

【0071】

RAM32 is the operating area of CPU30. The ROM 33 stores a program for operating the subunit 3 as a portable game device, and also stores sub-image data for operating the subunit 3 as a sub-monitor device. This sub-image data is an image corresponding to the image generated by the game machine main body 1.

【0072】

The oscillation circuit 34 generates an acoustic signal of a constant frequency under the control of the CPU 30, and the speaker 35 can convert this acoustic signal into an acoustic signal. These (34, 35) are sound generation mechanisms, and if they can generate sound of a predetermined frequency (about 1 kHz) so that the player can recognize it, such as the sound called "pip pip" used in mobile phones. Other configurations such as a buzzer may be used.

【0073】

The piezo drive circuit 36 generates a drive signal having a constant frequency under the control of the CPU 30, and the piezo element 37 inputs this signal and performs electromechanical conversion to convert it into vibration having a constant amplitude. These (36, 37) are vibration generating mechanisms, and other configurations such as an eccentric motor may be used as long as a predetermined vibration can be recognizable to the player, such as vibration used in a mobile phone. ..

【0074】

The liquid crystal driver 38 is provided with a video memory and is configured to be able to update the drawing data of the video memory under the control of the CPU 30, and the sub monitor 39 is configured to be able to display the drawing data stored in the video memory as an image.

【0075】

These (38, 39) may be configured so that the player can recognize characters and images like an LCD in a portable information terminal.

【0076】

The CPU 30 causes the sub monitor 39 to display a sub-image corresponding to the game processing in the game machine main body 1 based on the program stored in the ROM 33. Then, when a command is transmitted from the game machine main body 1 via the interface circuit 31, new sub-image data is read from ROM 33 in response to the command, and the sub-image displayed on the sub monitor 39 is updated. There is. Further, when the content of the command indicates the sound generation, the CPU 30 operates the oscillation circuit 34 to generate the sound and stimulates the player's hearing. Further, when the content of the command indicates the generation of vibration, the CPU drives the piezo drive circuit 36 to conduct the vibration to the player holding the subunit and stimulate the player's tactile sensation. ing.

【0077】

In the above configuration, the subunit is connected to the controller 2 via the connection cable 160 as shown in FIG. 2, but the subunit 3 is accommodated in a predetermined position of the controller 2 and connected by being integrated. You may do so. (Outline of Game Content) FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of a game to which the present invention can be applied. In this case, it is assumed that each game device 1 is already connected to the Internet provider.

【0078】

In the character selection unit 200, for example, a list of characters corresponding to the game device 1 connected to the Internet provider is displayed on the screen, and a specific character is displayed by displaying a screen to which an ID number is attached to each. You can choose. After that, the ID number of the player corresponding to the selected character is input. The screen at this time is the connection screen as shown in FIG.

【0079】

When the character is selected, that is, the ID is input on the connection screen shown in FIG. 5, the Internet telephone line connection control unit 204 executes the line connection by operating the INET button 202. The Internet telephone line connection control unit 204 enables a call with a player corresponding to the selected character, and can provide a voice consultation as to whether or not to jointly play a game. The sound quality of the voice at this time can be changed by changing the frequency at the will of the person himself / herself. In addition, characters may be used together as in chat.

【0080】

As a result of the consultation, when the collaboration is completed, a signal is sent from the game start trigger unit 206 to the image information output unit 208 based on each other's predetermined actions (for example, operating the start button almost at the same time). In the image information output unit 208, information for displaying a display screen according to the role in charge of each is sent to the display screen control unit 210. As a result, the display screen driver 212 displays different screens on the monitor screen 113 of the game device 1. Further, an operation signal from the controller 2 is input to the display image control unit 210, and the display image is controlled based on the operation signal.

【0081】

Figure 6 shows a screen in which the game progresses jointly by two people, and as a whole, it is a game in which the character 218 picks up the item (treasure) 216 in any of the maze 214. ..

【0082】

FIG. 6A is an enlarged screen of the character 218, and the road surface on which the character 218 moves is a screen in which only a part of the road surface can be seen (hereinafter referred to as screen A). On the other hand, FIG. 6B is a screen in which the road surface on which the character 218 moves is displayed in a wide area and the position of the character 218 can be recognized (hereinafter referred to as screen B). The screen A may be the field of view of the character 218.

【0083】

Such different screens are displayed, and the game progresses on the same time axis, and the players jointly go to get the item (treasure) 216 somewhere on the road surface while avoiding the obstacle 220. become.

【0084】

Here, in the present embodiment, since the Internet telephone is open between the two, information can be exchanged by voice. That is, for the player who operates the character 218 while looking at the screen A (hereinafter referred to as the player A), it is completely unknown where the item (treasure) 216 is, while looking at the screen B. The current player (hereinafter referred to as player B) can recognize the relative positional relationship between the character 28 and the item (treasure) 216. Therefore, by teaching appropriate advice (direction to go, etc.) from the player B by voice, the player A can perform an appropriate character operation.

【0085】

Basically, the above games progress, but originally it is not such a simple game, but it is a taste in a complicated cyber space such as an existing RPG (role playing game) or action game. A high game will progress.

【0086】

Here, the means for complicating the game related to the present invention are listed. Obstacle 220 visible on screen A is symbolized and displayed on screen B.

【0087】

In such a case, it is possible that an obstacle 220 is standing against or is about to be in the character 218 following the guidance of the player B. In this case, in the information transmission by voice, the player A can quickly convey to the player B that there is an obstacle. Make the conversation (character window) with other characters that progresses only on screen A inaudible (invisible) on screen B.

【0088】

I got some new information hints from the advice from other characters, but by telling this to the player who is watching the screen B by voice from the player A, the information can be deciphered jointly. Change Voice (Voice Changer)-Part1 Since players select from an unspecified number of players, it is not uncommon for players to wish to remain anonymous. Therefore, by setting the voice change frequency in advance, it is possible to change the voice of a man to the voice of a woman and the voice of a young man to the voice of an old man and send it without letting the other party hear the actual voice. You can maintain a community. Change the voice-Part2 Depending on the progress of the game, there are situations where it feels strange that the sound can be delivered reliably. For example, a warrior in battle feels uncomfortable to hear the sound clearly when the shooting sound or the explosion sound of a bomb is output as a sound effect. Therefore, in such a situation, it is possible to exchange information by voice integrated with the progress of the game by making the voice quiet or choppy to give a feeling of being on the battlefield.

【0089】

As another specific example, the sound of an airplane exploding, the cheers of a stadium, the echoes of a subway, the noise of a construction site, the music of a concert venue, etc. can be factors that drown out the sound. In addition, radio interference in the basement, underwater, and outer space of buildings can be a factor that prevents voice from reaching.

【0090】

That is, by setting a priority between the sound effect of the progress of the game and the voice, it is possible to output the voice according to the progress of the game. The target of the priority determination is not limited to the player's real voice, but may be a sound effect in the game.

【0091】

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of audio conversion (particularly audio effects in).

【0092】

The voice of the sender (player) 225 input from the microphone 41 of the transmitting game device 222 is output from the speaker 123 of the receiving game device 223 via the network telephone. Here, a voice conversion unit 224 is provided between the reception game device 223 and the speaker 123, and the voice conversion unit 224 changes the frequency and sound pressure of the voice, so that the receiver (player) The 226 is designed to hear a modified voice.

【0093】

Although the game devices 222 and 223 are classified into a transmitting side and a receiving side in FIG. 7 above, each of them has a microphone 41 and a speaker 123 (and a voice conversion unit 224), and they are mutually connected to the transmitting side and the receiving side. It goes without saying that it can be. That is, the game devices 222 and 223 correspond to the game device 1 of FIG. 2, and the voice conversion unit 224 corresponds to the sound processor 120 shown in FIG.

【0094】

The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

【0095】

First, the procedure for selecting an opponent to jointly advance the game will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

【0096】

First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not the connection to the Internet provider is completed, and if affirmative determination is made, the character list screen is displayed in step 302. If you know the ID number of the person you want to select, you may cancel the display on this screen. When a partner is selected on the character list screen or the like, the display is switched to the Internet telephone screen 228 shown in FIG. 5 after waiting for an instruction (operation) to access the partner (step 304).

【0097】

When the selected ID number is input on the Internet telephone screen 228 (step 308) and the INET button 202 is operated (step 310), a call is possible (step 312).

【0098】

When communication with each other is completed by this call and the game is to be executed, the game title screen 232 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed by operating the GAME button 230 in step 314 (step 316).

【0099】

Next, by operating the START button (equipped on the controller 2) almost at the same time as the other party in step 318 (allowing some deviation), the process proceeds to step 320 to instruct the start of the game, and then the screen is switched to (the game screen). Step 322). In this game screen, the player A is the screen A shown in FIG. 6 (A), and the player B is the screen B shown in FIG. 6 (B). That is, different screens are displayed and the game progresses on the same time axis.

【0100】

In the game given in this embodiment, the player A becomes the character 218 existing in the maze 214, which is a cyber space, as shown in the screen A of FIG. 6 (A), and actually displays the item (treasure) 216. It is a so-called executor who goes to get it, and as shown on the screen B of FIG. 6 (B), it is a so-called navigator who can objectively grasp the maze 214 which is a cyber space. Gamer B guides Gamer A by sending appropriate advice to Gamer A, and acquires goods (treasure) 216 in a short time. In addition, after acquiring the item (treasure) 216, each role will be changed and the game will proceed.

【0101】

Here, in the present embodiment, the above advice is given by voice. By sending advice by voice, it is possible to send appropriate advice without delay to the movement of player A with good responsiveness. That is, in the past, information transmission by characters was the mainstream (some were by voice), but in this case, the time axis is temporarily stopped, the character window (or conversation window) is opened, and information is obtained. It was unrealistic ,. However, in the present embodiment, since the game progresses while obtaining voice information in real time without stopping the time axis, it is possible to construct a game property full of presence (tension).

【0102】

In addition, since it uses an internet telephone, it is basically possible to make a secret talk between player A and player B, and it is known to other groups who are proceeding with the game on the same time axis. It is also possible to convey information that you do not want. In this respect, although it was difficult with the conventional chat, in the present embodiment, it can be easily realized by using the Internet telephone as described above.

【0103】

Further, in the present embodiment, an effect can be applied to the sound. There are two forms of this effect, one of which is the so-called voice change.

【0104】

This is in consideration of anonymity, and player A and player B jointly proceed with the game, but basically they are other people connected to the Internet, so they want to be anonymous. Not a few. Therefore, by changing the frequency of the voice according to the intention of the player himself, it is possible to make the voice of a woman even if it is a man, the voice of an old man even if it is a young man, or a voice that suits a character. is there. As a result, it is possible to jointly proceed with the game while maintaining anonymity.

【0105】

Another voice effect is the strength and weakness of the voice (sound pressure control) in response to changes in the situation as the game progresses. When the simple maze game as described above is complicated, the character 218 may move to the ground, underground, underwater, outer space, etc. while the game is in progress. Also, if there is a battle due to an encounter with an enemy, the volume of the sound effect may become louder. By making it difficult to hear the sound or making it completely inaudible according to such a situation, it is possible to create a sense of unity between the game progress and the sound, and to make the game full of realism.

【0106】

As described above, in the present embodiment, the communicability of the Internet game can be enhanced, and the Internet telephone can be given added value not found in other voice calls. In addition, information from other people such as RPG games can be established as a real conversation rather than an unrealistic one such as a conversation window. Further, by realizing a voice effect in order to express it as a functional feature of the character 218, an additional effect can be obtained.

【0107】

In addition, in order to improve the above communication, teams in a cooperative system were formed and the game was advanced by mutual communication of different information, but the opponents selected are not necessarily those with a cooperative system, but hostile. (Competing) people may be selected, and in any case, it is only necessary to create a situation in which the information obtained on different screens can be transmitted to each other. In addition, having the same time axis makes it possible to create a game with a sense of presence and tension in real time.

【0108】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, in the network system according to the present invention, in cyberspace, while operating a character by a terminal device, it is possible to exchange information by voice with an operator who operates a desired character from among the characters. It has an excellent effect that the responsiveness can be improved as compared with the information transmission by.

【0109】

Further, in addition to the above effects, there is an effect that the reality can be enhanced by applying an effect to the voice according to the progress of the game at the time of information transmission by the voice.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the system which concerns on this Embodiment.

[Figure 2]

It is an external view of the game apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a control block diagram of the game apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a functional block diagram of the game apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

This is an operation screen for connecting an Internet telephone.

[Fig. 6]

(A) is the game screen of player A, and (B) is the game screen of player B.

[Fig. 7]

It is a block diagram about an audio effect.

[Fig. 8]

This is the game title screen.

[Fig. 9]

It is a control flowchart which shows the procedure for connecting an Internet telephone line.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Game device body 2 controller 3 subunits 41 Mike 123 speaker 200 character selection section 202 INET button 204 Internet telephone line connection 206 Game start trigger section 208 Image information output unit 210 Display image control unit 212 Display image driver 216 Goods (treasure) 218 characters 224 Audio converter 230 GAME button 228 Internet phone screen