Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a race game
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-16
2001-03-20
O'Neill, Michael (Department: 3713)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a race game
C463S006000, C463S007000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203426
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a competition video game machine using, for example, a cassette-type recording medium, such as an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory, on which program data is recorded. The invention is also concerned with a character movement control method for use in a competition video game, and to a recording medium on which a character movement control program is recorded.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hitherto, many kinds of game systems have been proposed. For example, one type of game system is formed of a home-use game machine and a television monitor. Another type of game system consists of a commercial-use game machine, a personal computer or a workstation, a display unit, and a sound output device.
Each of the above systems includes a controller operated by a game player, a recording medium on which game program data is recorded, a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the elements of the system to produce sound and images based on the game program data, a processor for creating images, a processor for producing sound, a cathode ray tube (CRT) for displaying images, and a speaker for outputting sound. As the above-described recording medium, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a semiconductor memory, and a cassette that integrates a semiconductor memory are primarily used.
As one kind of the above game systems, the following speed-competition video game has become widely available. A character, such as a human figure model, displayed on a display unit is moved in a game space by a game player operating an operation unit to compete against the clock. In this type of competition video game, the preset speed for the character may desirably be varied in accordance with the player's level of skill, thereby making the game more enjoyable and entertaining.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, in view of the above background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a competition video game in which the preset speed for a character is varied according to whether an operation unit is operated at a correct timing or an incorrect timing, and also to provide a character movement control method for use in a competition video game, and a recording medium on which a character movement control program is recorded.
In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a competition video game machine including display means for displaying a character which is moved in a game space to compete against a clock. Operation control means causes the character to sequentially perform a set of operations that consist of an acceleration warm-up operation performed in a first period, an accelerating operation performed in a second period, and a decelerating operation. Operation means provides an instruction to move the character. The operation control means causes the operation of the character to return to a start point of the first period when the operation means is operated.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character movement control method for use in a competition video game in which a character displayed on display means is moved in a game space by operating operation means to compete against a clock. The character movement control method includes the steps of: causing the character to sequentially perform a set of operations that consists of an acceleration warm-up operation performed in a first period, an accelerating operation performed in a second period, and a decelerating operation; and causing the operation of the character to return to a start point of the first period when the operation means is operated.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium for recording a character movement control program for use in a competition video game in which a character displayed on display means is moved in a game space by operating operation means to compete against a clock. The character movement control program includes an operation control step of causing the character to sequentially perform a set of operations that consists of an acceleration warm-up operation performed in a first period, an accelerating operation performed in a second period, and a decelerating operation; and a starting control step of causing the operation of the character to return to a start point of the first period when the operation means is operated.
With this arrangement, if the operation unit is operated to move the character, the character's operation is returned to the start point of the first period. Accordingly, if the operation unit is operated at a correct timing, the acceleration warm-up operation and the accelerating operation can be conducted without shifting to the decelerating operation. As a result, the speed for the character is variable according to whether the operation unit is operated at a correct timing or an incorrect timing, thereby making the competition video game more enjoyable and entertaining.
In the aforementioned competition video game machine, the operation control means may cause the character to perform the decelerating operation in a third period followed by the second period, and may also cause the character to repeat a cycle consisting of the first period, the second period, and the third period. With this arrangement, the character's movement is periodically repeated.
The aforementioned competition video game machine may further include storage means for storing frame images representing character's postures consisting of a predetermined number of frames that are preset in correspondence with the first period, the second period, and the third period. The operation control means may cause the display means to display the frame images in accordance with a lapse of each of the first, second, and third periods. Accordingly, the lapse of each period can be estimated by observing the displayed frame image.
In the aforementioned competition video game machine, the operation control means may cause the remaining frame images of the operation cycle to be fast-forwarded when the operation means is operated, and the operation control means may then return the operation to the first period. If the operation unit is operated to fast-forward the remaining periods of the cycle, the frame images are fed rapidly, and the character's posture changes quickly. This makes it possible to accurately express the idling state of the character's operation.
The aforementioned competition video game machine may further include display control means for displaying at least an end point of the second period on the display means. With this arrangement, if the operation unit is operated at a timing when the end point of the second period is indicated, the acceleration warm-up operation and the accelerating operation are performed without shifting to the decelerating operation. The game player is thus able to operate the operation unit at a suitable timing.
In the aforementioned competition video game machine, the character may include a first driving portion and a second driving portion for movement. The operation control means may cause the first driving portion and the second driving portion alternately to perform the above set of operations. The operation means may include a first operation unit which provides an instruction to move the first driving portion and a second operation unit which provides an instruction to move the second driving portion. With this arrangement, the first operation unit and the second operation unit can be operated in correspondence with the first driving portion and the second driving portion, respectively, thereby enhancing the competitive atmosphere of the game.
In the aforementioned competition video game machine, the game space may be a simulated skating rink, the character may be a simulated skater skating on the skating rink, and the first driving portion and the second driving portio
Fujiwara Hideyuki
Matsui Masanori
Jordan and Hamburg LLP
Kasick Julie
Konami Co. Ltd.
O'Neill Michael
LandOfFree
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