JP2001113039A - Game machine and data processing method for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of presenting a game image more effectively and to provide a data processing method for the game machine. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a window register 100 optionally storing the window set data setting a game screen region and a mask screen region in the screen of a display 10 in one line or in a group of multiple lines and a mask data formation section 7 forming the line data applied with a mask process to the data of the game image read in each line based on the window set data read from the window register 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technology for effectively displaying a game image by performing a mask process when displaying the game image on a home game machine, a portable game machine, or the like. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a general game machine, when a game image is displayed on a display, a game image of a character or the like is displayed on the entire display area of the display. That is, usually, the display area of the display is used as it is as the area of the game screen. But,
The game image may be intentionally made invisible or the size of the game screen may be changed depending on each scene of the game.

[0003] More specifically, a game image is covered with a black image so as not to be deliberately seen to create a night atmosphere, or a black frame is provided around the game screen to make the game screen smaller than a normal size. There is a case where the character is displayed indoors or underground by displaying it in a small size. By such an effect, a scene different from a normal game scene can be produced.

Here, such an effect has been conventionally performed by designating the coordinates of a start point and an end point in an area of a game screen. For example, the end point of the game screen is fixed at the lower right of the screen, and the start point is set so as to gradually shift rightward from the upper left of the screen. With this setting, the game screen is gradually reduced on the display, and finally the entire screen is displayed as being completely black. Therefore, the effect of giving the effect of giving the impression that the game screen disappears as if closing the curtain to the person operating the game.

[0005]

However, in the above technique, although only the start point can be variably set as the area of the game screen, the end point is fixed at a fixed place, so that the effect using the surrounding black frame cannot be achieved. There has been a problem that the game player has to be somewhat simple in shape and tires the game player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a game machine capable of producing a game image more effectively, and a data processing method in the game machine. Aim.

[0007]

According to the present invention, a mask screen is applied as part of forming a game display image created for each line, and a game screen is displayed at an arbitrary position in an arbitrary shape. It is characterized by enhancing the effect of the production. That is, the game screen can be formed into an arbitrary shape by masking the game image data for each line. Thereby, for example, if an elliptical or hook-shaped game screen is displayed, it is possible to add an interest different from that of a normal square game screen according to the content of the game.

Further, the game screen can be displayed at an arbitrary position on the display by masking the game image data for each line. As a result, for example, it is possible to produce an effect in which a searchlight is applied to the characters, and it is possible to bring surprising things to the viewer. Therefore, by displaying the game screen in an arbitrary shape and at an arbitrary place at the same time, it is possible to provide a game machine that the game player does not get tired of looking at the screen.

[0009] More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(1) A game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display, wherein the display includes a game screen area for displaying a game image and a game screen. A screen including an area of a mask screen that does not display an image is displayed, and window setting data for setting an area of the game screen and an area of the mask screen in the display screen is represented by one line or a plurality of line groups. A window register for arbitrarily storing, and a mask data creating unit for creating line data obtained by performing a mask process on the data of the game image read for each line based on the window setting data read from the window register. That a game screen of a desired size and shape can be displayed according to the settings. Game machine characterized. As described above, since the game image data is masked for each line based on the data of the window register set for each line, the game screen can be displayed in an arbitrary shape and at an arbitrary place. Become like

(2) The game machine according to (1) above,
A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the data of the game image read for each line is data to be displayed in an area of a mask screen specified by the window setting data; A converter that performs data conversion according to the result, and when the determiner determines that the game image data belongs to the mask screen area, the game image data is converted to the mask screen area. And a converter for converting the data into mask data to be displayed.

(3) The game machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the window register stores data of a start point and an end point as the window setting data. As described above, since the start point and the end point are set for each line, it is possible to easily display the game screen in an arbitrary shape and at an arbitrary place.

(4) In the game machine according to (1) or (2), the window register stores, as the window setting data, origin data relating to an origin and size data designating a distance from the origin. A game machine characterized by: As described above, since the origin data and the size data are set for each line, the screen scroll processing can be easily performed.

(5) The game machine according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a background color setting register for storing background color setting data for setting a background color in an area of the mask screen. Game machine characterized. in this way,
Since the background color is set in the area of the mask screen, by setting the background color according to the game situation,
Combination with an arbitrary shape of the game screen enables more effective production.

(6) A data processing method for a game machine in which a plurality of line data for forming a game image is sent to a display to form the game image, wherein a line of a game screen for displaying a game image is displayed on the display. By creating the line data for each line based on window setting data for setting an area and a mask screen area where a game image is not displayed, the game screen area and the mask screen area can be freely set. Characteristic data processing method for game machines. According to this method, since the area of the game screen and the area of the mask screen can be set freely, it is possible to provide a game machine that the game player does not get tired of watching due to the visual effect. Will be possible.

(7) A game machine which reads out image data and window setting data for each line and creates line data from the image data based on the window setting data to thereby make the area of the game screen an arbitrary shape. Data processing method.

(8) The data processing method for a game machine according to (7), wherein the arbitrary shape is substantially circular. In this way, by making the area of the game screen substantially circular, it is possible to obtain an effect such as putting a spotlight on the characters.

(9) The data processing method for a game machine according to (7), wherein the game screen has a plurality of areas. By displaying a plurality of areas on the game screen in this way, it is possible to produce an effect in which spots are scattered around the display, and it is possible to bring surprise to the viewer.

(10) A data processing method of a game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the mask image data is freely converted to appear on the display by converting the game image data belonging to a predetermined area on the display into mask screen data line by line. Data processing method.

(11) A game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display, wherein a game screen area for displaying a game image on the display and a game image The display is provided with window setting data for setting an area of a mask screen that does not display a line, based on the data of the game image read line by line and the window setting data. A game machine wherein an area of a game screen to be played has an arbitrary shape.

(12) A game machine wherein a region of a game screen displayed by a display has an arbitrary shape.

(13) The game machine according to (12), wherein a background color is set in an area other than the area of the game screen displayed by the display.

(14) The game machine according to the above (12), wherein there are a plurality of areas of the game screen displayed by the display.

(15) A computer-readable recording medium storing the method according to (6) to (10) as a program.

According to the present invention, as described above, when expressing a game image, it is considered whether or not a more effective effect corresponding to each scene of the game can be made, and in order to realize this, the area of the game screen is arbitrarily set. I decided to set it. That is,
A window register capable of storing window setting data for setting a region for displaying a game image and a region for not displaying a game image is provided, and data relating to a start point and an end point can be arbitrarily stored. further,
This data can be set for each line.

As shown in FIG. 6, even if the data of the game image is the same, the atmosphere of the game is different if the shape of the game screen displayed on the display is different. According to the present invention, since the area for displaying the game image is formed as an arbitrary shape in the window display area according to the contents of the window register, it is possible to produce various effect effects. Was. Specifically, since window setting data can be set for each line, it is also possible to set a region having a substantially elliptical or heart-like shape.

[Definition of Terms, etc.] <Images and Data> In this specification, a "game image" refers to an image (video) corresponding to the game content, and the number of game images for one display is n. (Where n is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more) is divided into line data ("line data" refers to data for one horizontal line in the one-plane game image). It is sent to the display and formed.

"Game image data" means data that is the basis for forming a game image, and is defined by image data (for example, "scroll data", "sprite data", "character data", etc.). This refers to the created first line data. The “image data” may be data stored in advance in the game machine according to the present invention, or may be data fetched from outside (a game cassette or the like).

Further, "window setting data"
This is data for setting an area of a game screen for displaying the data of the game image on the display and an area of a mask screen for not displaying the game image. Specifically, the area of the game screen occupied on the display is set by coordinate data or the like. The coordinate data includes data of a start point and an end point, origin data relating to the origin, and size data for specifying a distance from the origin. Each of these data may be set one per line,
Two or more may be set. For example, when two start points and corresponding end points are set in one line, two game screen areas can be set in one line (see FIG. 6).

The window setting data can be set for each line. When the origin data and the size data for specifying the distance from the origin are specified as the window setting data, the start point and the end point are calculated by the calculation. In this case, the screen scroll processing is performed. Can be performed efficiently.

The "mask data" refers to data (second line data) obtained by performing mask processing on game image data (first line data). "Mask processing"
The term “processing” refers to a process of replacing data of a game image with other data in order to create data to be displayed in an area of a mask screen where data of the game image is not displayed. By converting the game image data into mask data, mask data set in black or gray, for example, is displayed on the display, and the area of the game screen is distinguished from the area of the non-game screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen on which mask processing has not been performed and a screen on which mask processing has been performed. As described above, when the mask processing is performed, the game image is displayed only in the area of the game screen set by the window setting data. In the game machine according to the present invention, the mask processing is performed on the game image data, which is the first line data, based on the window setting data of the window register.
Line data.

On the other hand, "background color setting data" refers to data for setting a background color not in a background in a game screen but in mask data to be displayed in a mask screen area.
This is because the data of the game image is not displayed in the area of the mask screen, and it is necessary to display substitute data. In the background color setting data, a predetermined color (for example, black or red) for effectively producing a game screen can be set.

<Hardware Configuration>"Display"
Displays the game image and means a liquid crystal display or a CRT display. Further, in the game machine according to the present invention, a screen including a region of a game screen for displaying a game image and a region of a mask screen for not displaying a game image is displayed.

The "window register" stores window setting data for setting the area of the game screen and the area of the mask screen in the display screen.
The contents of the window register are rewritten by the CPU and read directly by the mask data creation unit.

The "mask data creation section" is connected to the window register and creates mask data from the game image data, and determines whether the game image is to be displayed in a mask area. And a converter for converting the data of the game image into mask data in accordance with the result of the determination.

The "background color setting register" stores background color setting data for setting a background color of mask data displayed in the area of the mask screen. This background color setting register stores a color code corresponding to the following palette memory.

The "palette memory" stores data relating to final colors displayed on the display.
The color data of the mask data to be displayed in the mask area is stored together with the color data relating to the game image data.

<Data processing> [Line data subjected to mask processing] "Performed mask processing" means that image data read from, for example, a line buffer is converted into mask data based on window setting data. I do. That is, if the read image data is data for displaying a mask area, the image data is converted into mask data.
The mask data is data that overwrites image data with predetermined data so that the image data is not displayed.

[0040]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of a game machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Hardware Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The game machine shown in FIG. 1 is a portable game machine used personally at home or the like (the game machine of the present invention handles color image game software) and has a CPU (9).
00 / H CPU) 1, control logic 3, 4,
Memory (VRAM) 5, line buffer 6, mask data creation unit 7, color palette memory (color palette R
AM) 8, LCD interface (LCD I / F)
9, an LCD panel (LCD screen, display) 10 is provided. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a game cassette (cassette ROM). Also,
Symbol P indicates a data bus, and symbol Q indicates a signal line.

The control logic 3 reads out image data from the memory 5 and creates first line data. Further, the generated first line data is transmitted to the line buffer 6. Control logic 4
Is a mask data generator 7, a palette memory 8, an LCD
The operation of the interface 9 is controlled.

The mask data generator 7 performs a mask process on the line data sent from the line buffer 6 based on the data read from the window register 100 to generate second line data. . The pallet memory 8 is for sending the second line data sent from the mask data creating section 7 to the LCD interface 9 as colored line data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mask data creation section 7 of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mask data generator 7 is connected to the line buffer 6, the window register 100, and the background color setting register 203, and includes a determiner 201 and a converter 202. The determiner 201 determines whether or not the game image data sent from the line buffer 6 is data to be displayed in the area of the mask screen based on the window setting data sent from the window register 100. . The converter 202 converts the game image data into mask data with reference to the background color setting register 203 based on the determination result sent from the determiner 201. After that, the image is transmitted to the color palette 8.

[Data Structure] <Window Register> FIG. 3 shows the contents of the window register of the game machine according to the present invention. The area of the game screen and the area of the mask screen are set in the window register. Specifically, the above-mentioned window setting data (origin and size) is allocated to the window register in a form as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, "WBA.H" is the origin coordinate in the horizontal direction, "WBA.V" is the origin coordinate in the vertical direction,
"WSI.H" is the size of the area of the game screen in the horizontal direction (indicating the distance from the origin in the horizontal direction), "WSI.V"
Indicates the size of the region of the game screen in the vertical direction (indicating the distance from the origin in the vertical direction).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the data in the window register and the game screen displayed on the display. As shown in FIG. 4, the end point of the display area of the game screen can be calculated by calculating “WBA.H + WSI.H” in the horizontal direction and “WBA.V + WSI.V” in the vertical direction. When the start point and the end point are stored in advance as window setting data, such calculation is unnecessary.

<Background color setting register> FIG. 5 shows the contents of the background color setting register of the game machine according to the present invention. In the background color setting register, a background color to be displayed in the mask area is set. “BGON” means data for specifying whether or not to set the background color to color, and “BGC” means data for setting the color code of the background color. In addition,
This color code (palette code) corresponds to the color data of the palette memory 8, and the set value here is used for selecting the palette memory 8.

[Operation] The operation of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Overall Processing> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Before starting processing of each line, the CPU 1 sets window setting data of the corresponding line in the window register 100 (step C1). Subsequently, the control logic 3 creates game image data as first line data from the image data (for example, sprite data, scroll data, character data, etc.) stored in the memory 5 (step C2).

Next, under the control of the control logic 4, a mask process (step C3) is performed by the mask data creating section 7. The second line data that has undergone the mask processing is subjected to final color conversion (step C4) by palette memory processing by the palette memory 8. And
The second line data having undergone the color conversion is sent to the LCD display 10 (step C5).

<Mask Processing> Under the control of the control logic 4, the mask processing by the mask data creation section 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

The mask data creation unit 7 sends the window setting data (WBA.H, W
SI. H, WBA. V, WSI. V) is read (step C301). Next, game image data is read from the line buffer 6 (step C302). here,
Reading is performed in units of 8 dots.
Processing is performed in dot units. The read game image data includes data indicating coordinates at which the image data is displayed on the display 10.

Next, the decision unit 201 incorporated in the mask data creation unit 7 determines whether or not the game image data corresponds to the data displayed in the area of the mask screen set by the window setting data (YES). (NO) is determined (Step C303).

For example, if the origin of the window setting data is (30, 30) and the size is (100, 70), the area of the game screen is (30, 30) × (130, 1).
00), and the other areas are areas of the mask screen. Therefore, the coordinates of the game image data are (40, 8).
0), the determination result is NO because the coordinates are within the area of the game screen (step 303: N
O).

On the other hand, when the coordinates of the data of the game image are (20, 20), since the coordinates are within the area of the mask screen, the determination result is YES (step C303: YES).

If the result of the determination by the determiner 201 is YES, the converter 202 converts the game image data into mask data (step C304). Specifically, background color data to be displayed in the mask area is read from the background color setting register 203, and a conversion process is performed (step C303). The background color data means a pallet code corresponding to the pallet memory 8. Then, the data converted into the background color data is transmitted to the pallet memory 8 as the second line data.

On the other hand, if the decision result by decision unit 201 is NO
In this case, the converter 202 transmits the data of the game image as it is to the palette memory 8 (step C30).
3: NO).

Since the mask processing is performed in units of one dot as described above, the processing (steps C301 to C304) is repeated until the processing for one line is completed. Updates the contents of the window register 100 for the next line processing. The mask data generator 7 includes a window register 10
After the content of 0 is updated, the mask processing of the next line (steps C301 to C304) is repeatedly performed.

<Palette Memory Processing> Next, the processing of the palette memory 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The pallet memory 8 performs a process of converting the second line data into color data finally sent to the LCD display 10. First, the second line data sent from the mask data creation unit 7 in dot units is received (step C401). Then, the pallet memory 8 is referred to based on the pallet code of the second line data (step C402).

Since the pallet memory 8 stores color data corresponding to the pallet code, the contents of the second line data are converted into color data corresponding to the code (step C403). The converted data is
LCD display 1 via LCD interface 9
It is sent to 0.

[0063]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
Since the mask processing is performed as part of the formation of the game display image created for each line, the game screen can be displayed in an arbitrary shape and at an arbitrary place. Also, by changing the setting value of the game screen for each line, the area of the game screen can be made substantially circular or heart-shaped, and a plurality of game screens can be displayed, so that it is interesting and unexpected. It is possible to produce a game. Further, since the background color can be set in the area of the mask screen, the background color can be changed according to each game scene.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing various data relating to a window register.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mask process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing various data relating to a background color setting register.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a mask process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 CPU (900 / H CPU) 3, 4 Control logic 5 Memory (VRAM) 6 Line buffer 7 Window compositing unit 8 Color palette memory (Color palette RAM) 9 LCD interface (LCD I / F) 10 LCD panel (LCD screen, Display) 11 Game cassette (cassette ROM) P Data bus Q Signal line 100 Window register 201 Judge 202 Converter 203 Background color setting register

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 BC00 5B080 AA03 AA04 AA13 GA25 GA27 9A001 HH25 HH28 JJ76

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display, wherein the display has a game screen area for displaying a game image and a game image And a screen setting area for setting the area of the game screen and the area of the mask screen in the display screen in one or more line groups. And a mask data creating unit that creates line data obtained by performing a mask process on the data of the game image read for each line based on the window setting data read from the window register. That the game screen of the desired size and shape can be displayed according to the settings. Game machine to be. A determination unit configured to determine whether or not the data of the game image read for each line is data to be displayed in an area of a mask screen specified by the window setting data; A converter that converts data according to the determination result of the determiner, and converts the data of the game image when the determiner determines that the data is data of a game image belonging to the area of the mask screen. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a converter for converting a mask screen area into mask data to be displayed. 3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the window register stores data of a start point and an end point as the window setting data. 4. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein said window register stores, as said window setting data, origin data relating to an origin and size data designating a distance from said origin. . 5. The game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a background color setting register for storing background color setting data for setting a background color in an area of the mask screen. 6. A data processing method of a game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display, the game screen displaying a game image on the display. By creating the line data for each line based on window setting data for setting a mask screen area where a game image is not displayed and a mask image area, a game screen area and a mask screen area can be freely set. A data processing method for a game machine. 7. A game machine which reads out image data and window setting data for each line, and creates line data from the image data based on the window setting data, so that a game screen area has an arbitrary shape. Data processing method. 8. The data creation method for a game machine according to claim 7, wherein said arbitrary shape is substantially circular. 9. The data processing method for a game machine according to claim 7, wherein the game screen has a plurality of regions. 10. A data processing method for a game machine in which a plurality of line data for forming a game image is sent to a display to form the game image, wherein a line of the game image belonging to a predetermined area on the display is displayed. A data processing method for a game machine, characterized by converting data into mask screen data line by line so that a mask screen area appears freely on the display. 11. A game machine for forming a game image by sending a plurality of line data for forming a game image to a display, wherein a game screen area for displaying a game image and a game image are displayed on the display. The display includes window setting data for setting an area of a mask screen not to be displayed, by creating the line data based on the game image data read for each line and the window setting data. A game machine characterized in that an area of a game screen has an arbitrary shape. 12. A game machine wherein an area of a game screen displayed by a display has an arbitrary shape. 13. The game machine according to claim 12, wherein a background color is set in an area other than the area of the game screen displayed by the display. 14. The game machine according to claim 12, wherein there are a plurality of game screen regions displayed by the display. 15. A computer-readable recording medium storing the method according to claim 6 as a program.