JP2004329629A - Game apparatus designed to acquire item based on image data and game program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game apparatus which enables the acquiring of items depending on the features of image data captured by an image pickup unit. <P>SOLUTION: A player shoots an object (51) watching the image shown on a display means (12) using the image pickup unit (22). The feature data are extracted from the image data (43) loaded from the image pickup unit (22). The feature data are compared with item acquisition conditions (45), and when both coincide, the image of the item designated by item input conditions is shown on the display means (12). The shooting actions are linked to the acquisition of the items, thereby providing the game apparatus including an item acquisition method with a higher attractiveness. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game device and a game program for obtaining an item based on imaging data, and in particular, for example, when a player takes a variety of images in real time using a portable game device equipped with a digital camera. The present invention relates to a game device and a game program for obtaining an item based on imaging data so that an item corresponding to the feature is obtained when the image data includes a predetermined feature.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As the player progresses through the game, there is known a game that obtains a predetermined privilege called an item, such as a role playing game or an adventure game. At this time, the player can advantageously advance the game by obtaining items, or can advance the game scenario by collecting specific items.
On the other hand, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 2928829) discloses a game device that plays based on image data. That is, a game device is disclosed in which after shooting two image data, the image data is compared, and the images are compared to give a superiority or inferiority to determine which image is stronger, in order to decide the victory or defeat.
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2928829
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in general role-playing games, adventure games, and the like, in order for a player to obtain an item, for example, information is obtained from a non-player character or the like in a virtual game space being played, and in a virtual game space. It was common to find out. For this reason, no matter which role-playing game or adventure game is played, the conditions for satisfying a predetermined condition are the same, and the player is bored with the role-playing game or the adventure game itself. There was a need to propose a game.
On the other hand, since the game device described in Patent Document 1 only obtains image data and decides the winning or losing of the image data, even if it is image data that has been obtained with difficulty, it loses depending on the conditions for deciding the winning or losing. In some cases, the interest in obtaining image data for game play tends to fade.
[0004]
Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus incorporating a new item acquisition method in game play.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device that enhances the interest of the player for item acquisition by reflecting the shooting of the subject by the player in the item acquisition.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device including a method for obtaining an item that is more interesting by providing a possibility that an unexpected item can be obtained as a result of the imaging operation of the player. is there.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first invention (the invention according to claim 1 if the correspondence with the claims is shown), the game device according to the present invention at least captures the image of the subject as an electronic device. Imaging means (22) capable of taking an image, imaging data storage means (43) for temporarily storing an image taken by the imaging means, and display means (12) for displaying an image temporarily stored in the imaging data storage means Real-time image display control means (31, 32, 33), item data storage means (44), item acquisition condition storage means (45), feature extraction means (31, 32, 41b), and feature data storage Means (46) and comparison means (31, 32, 41c) are provided.
[0006]
The real-time image display control means displays the image picked up by the image pickup means on the display means in real time. The item data storage means stores item data including at least one item to be collected by the player during the game play and including data specifying at least an image of the item. The item acquisition condition storage means stores an item acquisition condition set for each item. The feature extraction unit extracts predetermined feature data from the image data temporarily stored in the imaging data storage unit. The feature data storage means temporarily stores the data extracted by the feature extraction means. The comparison unit compares the item acquisition condition stored in the item acquisition condition storage unit with the feature data stored in the feature data storage unit. The real-time image display control means uses the item image specified by the item data specified by the item acquisition condition as the image data display means when the comparison means detects that the item acquisition condition matches. Display.
[0007]
According to another embodiment of the present invention (the invention described in claim 2), the real-time image display control means displays a feature extraction range display means (showing a range of images from which feature data is extracted) on the image data display means. 31, 32, 41f)
[0008]
According to a further embodiment of the present invention (the invention described in claim 3), the feature extraction means extracts at least one color data included in the image stored in the imaging data storage means.
[0009]
According to another embodiment of the present invention (the invention according to claim 4), the feature extraction means extracts a plurality of images extracted corresponding to the passage of time for each of a plurality of images taken in real time by the imaging means. Between the feature data buffer (46) for temporarily storing the feature data and at least the most recently extracted feature data among the plurality of feature data stored in the feature data buffer and the feature data extracted before that Includes means (31, 32, 41b) for determining the amount of change in. Then, the comparison means compares the item acquisition conditions stored in the item acquisition condition storage means with the amount of change.
[0010]
According to another embodiment of the present invention (the invention described in claim 5), the game apparatus includes a sound data storage means storing a plurality of sound data, a sound output means (35, 15), and an operation by a player. And an operation means (13) for performing input. On the other hand, the feature extraction unit reads the first sound from the sound data storage unit at a predetermined interval, outputs the first sound from the sound output unit, and extracts the second sound when the item data acquisition condition satisfying the predetermined relationship is extracted. Read from the sound data storage means and output from the sound output means. Then, the feature extraction means displays the image of the item specified by the item data in response to a predetermined operation input from the operation means within a predetermined time after reading the second sound. Display on means.
[0011]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, while the image being photographed is displayed on the display screen in real time, the feature of the image matches the item acquisition condition, and the corresponding item is displayed. Therefore, a new item acquisition method can be provided, and the player can acquire items while having fun.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when a display is made on the display screen for guiding which part of the screen is used for feature extraction, the player can try to obtain the item by, for example, placing the guide on the subject. , Making it possible to provide more interesting methods.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since color data is used for feature extraction, a predetermined relationship can be created between the color data and the obtained item depending on how to create a game program, which further enhances interest. A game device using the item obtaining method can be provided.
[0012]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image change is used for feature extraction. For example, by using the color change for feature extraction, it is possible to prompt the player to shoot various images. This allows the player to play the game using a more interesting item acquisition method.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in real-time image shooting, for example, the player is prompted to shoot various subjects while outputting a sound such as sonar, and features matching the item acquisition conditions are extracted from the image. Sometimes it outputs a sonar reflection. At that time, by displaying the corresponding item on the display screen when a predetermined operation, such as pressing an operation switch, is performed, it is possible to produce an effect as if the item was captured from the subject being shot. A game device having an item obtaining method can be provided.
[0013]
【Example】
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external view of a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game device includes a game device body 10 and a camera cartridge 20. The game apparatus body 10 is a portable game machine of a size that can be grasped by both hands, and various types can be obtained by replacing a cartridge such as a removable external storage medium (the camera cartridge 20 having an imaging function in the present invention). You can enjoy the game. The game apparatus 10 includes a horizontally long housing 11. On one main surface (front surface) of the housing 11, a liquid crystal display 12 as an example of a display unit is provided at substantially the center thereof, and operation switches 13 are provided as operation units on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 12.
The camera cartridge 20 includes a housing 21 that can be attached to and detached from the game apparatus main body 10 via a connector 14 provided on the back surface of the housing 11, and an imaging unit 22. Then, the camera cartridge 20 is inserted into the game apparatus main body 10 and connected via the connector 14, thereby causing the game apparatus main body 10 to function as a game apparatus having an imaging function.
[0014]
The operation switch 13a of the game apparatus body 10 includes, for example, a direction switch 13a, an operation switch 13b, a start / select button 13c, an L button 13d provided at the left corner of the housing, and an R button 13e provided at the right corner of the housing. Including. The direction switch 13a is used for instructing the moving direction of the character, for example, when operating a character (not shown) in the game. The action switch 13b is used, for example, for instructing the action of the character (for example, jumping, etc.). The L button 13d is used as a shutter button of the camera. The R button 13e is used for other shooting operations (shooting cancellation, etc.). The start / select button 13c is used to start a game play or interrupt a game operation. The game content processed by the game apparatus 10 and the image data taken by the camera are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 12, and the player operates the various operation switches 13 as described above to display them on the liquid crystal screen 12. You can enjoy game images and captured images taken with a camera.
Further, the game apparatus main body 10 is provided with a connector 16 on the upper side as necessary, and a speaker 15 is built in the sound release hole. The connector 16 is connected to another game apparatus main body 10 ′ to enjoy a communication game, or data stored in the game apparatus main body 10 processed by the game apparatus 10 or data photographed by a camera is stored in the other game apparatus main body 10 ′. Used to send and receive.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the game apparatus in a state where the game apparatus main body 10 and the camera cartridge 20 are connected. The game apparatus body 10 incorporates a CPU 31. The CPU 31 performs game processing and shooting processing according to the program stored in the program ROM 23 built in the camera cartridge 20. A working RAM (hereinafter abbreviated as “WRAM”) 32, an image processing unit 33, a sound unit 35, and an input / output interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / O”) 36 are connected to the CPU 31.
[0016]
The WRAM 32 loads data required by the CPU 31 for game processing, and stores data generated during the game processing in an update manner. A display RAM (hereinafter abbreviated as “VRAM”) 34 is connected to the image processing unit 33. The VRAM 34 temporarily stores image data used for display. Data stored in the VRAM 34 is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “LCD”) 12 via an LCD driver 37. The sound unit 35 converts sound data generated in connection with the game processing of the CPU 31 into an analog signal and outputs it from the speaker 15 as game music or sound effects.
[0017]
The I / O 36 connects the operation switch 13, the camera cartridge 20, another game apparatus 10 ′ and the CPU 31. The CPU 31 receives data from the operation switch 13 via the I / O 36 and uses it for program processing. Further, the CPU 31 controls the camera cartridge 20 via the I / O 36. Further, the CPU 31 transmits / receives data to / from another game apparatus 10 ′ via the connector 16 connected to the I / O 36.
[0018]
The camera cartridge 20 includes an imaging unit 22, a program ROM 23, and a backup memory 24 inside a housing 21. The imaging unit 22 includes an electronic photosensitive element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD as an imaging element, and outputs the light information (color information, luminance information, etc.) that has been exposed as digital data. The program ROM 23 permanently stores a program for causing the game apparatus body 10 to function as a game apparatus that obtains an item using an imaging function. The backup memory 24 is a readable / writable memory for storing the progress of the game or image data taken by the imaging unit 22, and a RAM or a flash memory is used.
[0019]
A cartridge input / output interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “cartridge I / O”) 25 is connected to the CPU 31 via the connector 14 and the I / O 36. Thereby, the CPU 31 can access the imaging unit 22, the program ROM 23 and the backup memory 24 via the cartridge I / O 25 to control the camera cartridge 20 or transmit / receive data to / from the camera cartridge 20. Note that the imaging unit 22, the program ROM 23, and the backup memory 24 may be built in the game apparatus 10.
[0020]
In this way, by mounting the camera cartridge 20 on the portable game apparatus main body 10 in which the LCD 12 is integrally formed, the photographed image can be displayed on the immediate display screen (LCD 12), and the player actually It is possible to provide a very interesting game play environment because it is possible to play a game while acting. In addition, the game apparatus body 10 has been described with the LCD 12 integrally formed, but a stationary video game machine connected to a home television receiver (CRT) may have an equivalent function. In that case, if the operation switch 13 and the game apparatus 10 are stationary video game machines, they may be provided in a game machine controller separated from the video game machine instead of being integrally formed in the housing 11. Good.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a memory map 40 of the WRAM 34 when the game apparatus main body 10 functions as a game apparatus having an imaging function according to the present invention. The memory map 40 is roughly divided into a program storage area 41 and a data storage area 42. The program storage area 41 is executed by the CPU 31 and stores various programs that cause the game apparatus body 10 to function as the game apparatus according to the present invention. The data storage area 42 stores various data used by the program stored in the program storage area 41. The data storage area 42 is also an area for temporarily storing data generated as a result of the program processing.
[0022]
The memory map 40 is a memory map of the WRAM 34. For example, when the ROM 23 storing the fixed program can be directly connected to the CPU 31 as in the game device according to the present invention, the memory map 40 is stored in the WRAM 32. There is no need to transfer and hold programs and data. In this case, part of the program storage area 41 and the data storage area 42 can be fixedly formed in the ROM 23, so that the CPU 31 can directly access the ROM 23. However, when such a form is adopted, since writing to the ROM 23 is impossible, read-only data is formed and stored.
[0023]
The program storage area 41 includes a main program storage area 41a, a feature extraction program storage area 41b, an item acquisition condition comparison program storage area 41c, an item data update program storage area 41d, an image composition program storage area 41e, a guide display program storage area 41f, A sound output program storage area 41g is included.
[0024]
The main program storage area 41a is a program that is executed by the CPU 31 and causes it to function as a game device having an imaging function according to the present invention. The main program storage area 41a is a game program such as an operation of the operation switch 13 by a player or a display of a game character. It is a program that performs general processing.
[0025]
The feature extraction program storage area 41b stores the feature (color, luminance, or predetermined) of the image data in order to obtain the game item according to the present invention from the image data input by the imaging unit 22 provided in the camera cartridge 20. This is a memory area that stores a feature extraction program for extracting the color content ratio, the degree of change in image data, and the like.
Here, the item is a collective term for characters such as weapons, tools, or special monsters that the player acquires during game play when the game proceeds.
[0026]
The item acquisition condition comparison program storage area 41c stores an item acquisition condition comparison program that compares and evaluates whether or not the features of the image data extracted from the feature extraction program match a predetermined item acquisition condition. Memory area.
The item data update program storage area 41d updates the item data when the item acquisition condition comparison program finds that the predetermined item acquisition conditions are met, for example, the item has already been acquired. This is a memory area that stores an item data update program for updating data indicating whether there is any item available.
The item image display program storage area 41e is an item for displaying an item on the display screen (LCD 12) when the item obtaining condition comparison program determines that there is an item that matches the feature extracted from the feature extraction program. This is a memory area that stores an image display program.
[0027]
The guide display program storage area 41f stores a guide display program for displaying a range of images used for feature extraction to the player when the player uses the imaging unit 22 to photograph the subject. For example, the guide display 53 in FIG. 4 prompts the player to fit the subject whose feature is to be extracted within the circular display.
The sound output program storage area 41g outputs a sonar sound to create an atmosphere as if the player is looking for something when the subject is shooting a subject, and an image that matches the item acquisition conditions is displayed. When the image is taken, a reflected sound is output. Thus, as with the guide display, the player is encouraged to effectively take an image. In addition, operation sounds and sound effects used during the game are output.
[0028]
The data storage area 42 includes an imaging data buffer area 43, an item data storage area 44, item acquisition condition data 45, an extracted data buffer area 46, an image data storage area 47, and a game sound data storage area 48.
[0029]
The imaging data buffer storage area 43 is an area for temporarily storing image data electronically captured from the imaging unit 22. The CPU 31 can display an image temporarily stored on the LCD 12 via the image processing unit 33 every time image data is captured. By doing so, an image photographed by the imaging unit 22 can be displayed on the LCD 12 in real time.
The item data storage area 44 is an area in which various items relating to items acquired using the imaging unit 22 are stored individually for each item. For example, a data storage area 44a for item A and a data storage area 44b for item B are included. Furthermore, the storage area for each item includes a plurality of data storage areas.
For example, the data storage area 44a for the item A includes an image designation data storage area 44a1, an acquired confirmation flag storage area 44a2, and an attribute data 44a3 storage area for the item A. The image designation data storage area 44a1 stores data for designating a storage area in which the image of the item A is stored. The CPU 31 and the image processing unit 33 display the image of the item A on the LCD 12 according to the designated data.
[0030]
The obtained confirmation flag storage area 44a2 stores flag data for confirming whether or not the item A has been obtained. For example, if the item A can be obtained only once, the flag data is checked so that the item A is never obtained when it is already obtained. In the case of an item that can be obtained in a limited number, by checking the flag data, data (not shown) for checking the remaining available number can be updated to manage the obtained number.
[0031]
The attribute data storage area 44a3 stores data indicating the attribute of the item A. For example, data indicating attributes such as preference for light is stored. In this way, when obtaining an item while the game is in progress, if the player obtains information that there seems to be a monster who likes light, the player can shoot various subjects that emit light using the imaging unit 22. I will. On the other hand, after the item A is obtained, the enemy character can be easily defeated when the item A is used against an enemy character that dislikes light while making use of the attribute that prefers light during the game. It is possible to incorporate such devices as in the game.
[0032]
The item acquisition condition data storage area 45 is an area in which acquisition condition data for each individual item is stored. For example, an acquisition condition data storage area 45a for item A and an acquisition condition data storage area 45b for item B are included. As described above, if the item A is a monster who likes light, the acquisition condition data storage area 45a of the item A specifies that the luminance of the image photographed by the imaging unit 22 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Data representing conditions is stored.
[0033]
The extracted data buffer area 46 is an area in which the feature extraction program extracts image features from the image data captured from the imaging unit 22 and temporarily stores the extracted data. As described above, when shooting is possible in real time, a buffer structure having a plurality of stages may be provided so that a plurality of feature data can be temporarily stored.
[0034]
The image data storage area 47 is an area for storing image data such as an item image obtained by the player during the game and a character image used in the game. The image data storage area 47a of item A, the image data storage area 47b of item B, and the guide image data 47z used by the programs stored in the guide display program storage area 41f are included.
[0035]
The game sound data storage area 48 uses the imaging unit 22 to check the video displayed on the LCD 12 in real time while using the imaging unit 22, and the sound generated when the game apparatus 10 is operated, Stores sound data used in the game. Then, a search sound data storage area 48a that is always generated while the player is shooting, and a reflected sound data storage area 48b that is generated when the item extraction condition is met by the feature extraction program. Etc.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram when the player 52 tries to acquire an item by photographing the subject 51. The player 52 shoots the game apparatus body 10 connected to the camera cartridge 20 toward a subject including the tree 51a and the bench 51b. At this time, the player 52 is going to select and photograph the tree 51a as a subject. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, a guide display 53 is displayed on the display screen, and the player operates the game apparatus main body 10 so that the tree 51a that is the subject is captured inside. Further, since the sound stored in the search sound data storage area 48a is reproduced and output from the speaker 15, the player can experience as if searching for the subject through the camera. Then, when the sound reproduced from the speaker 15 changes to reflected sound, the image being photographed matches some item acquisition conditions, so the player performs an operation to release the shutter, for example, by pressing 13d.
[0037]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of the processing until the subject 51 is captured and the item 54 is acquired in the first embodiment. The imaging data buffer 43 includes, for example, a red component data storage area 43a, a green component data storage area 43b, a blue component 43c data storage area 43c, and a luminance component data storage area 43d of a captured image. At this time, if the player has photographed the subject 51a so as to fit within the guide display 53, the red component data storage area 43a contains R1 as red component data of the photographed image, and the green component data storage area 43b contains G1 as green component data. The blue component 43c data storage area 43c temporarily stores B1 as blue component data, and the luminance component data storage area 43d temporarily stores Y1 as luminance component data.
[0038]
On the other hand, it is assumed that the item acquisition condition storage area 45 stores (R1, G1, B1, Y1) as the item A acquisition conditions and (R2, G2, B2, Y2) as the item B acquisition conditions. At this time, the item acquisition conditions are compared, and it is determined that they match the image data (R1, G1, B1, Y1) temporarily stored in the imaging data buffer 43 described above.
[0039]
After the item A acquisition condition is met, the data storage area 44a for the item A in the item data storage area 44 is referred to. Then, the image designation data 44 a 1 is read, and the image data of the item A is designated from the corresponding image data storage area 47. As a result, the monster 54 is displayed as the item A on the LCD 12.
[0040]
The above is the outline of the first embodiment. Next, the program processing will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart 60 of the main process of the game according to the present invention.
When the player starts the game in step 11, the game play process in step 12 is performed. The game play process is a general term for general processes in a game including an operation input of the operation means 13 by a player and a display of characters on the LCD 12.
[0041]
In step 13, it is determined whether or not an item using the imaging unit 22 is to be obtained. When it is determined that the player obtains an item from the camera, the process proceeds to the next step 14 where an item obtaining process is performed. The item acquisition process will be described in detail in the description of FIG.
[0042]
After the item acquisition process is performed, the process proceeds to step 15 to determine whether or not the item acquisition process is further performed. If it is determined that further item acquisition processing is to be performed, the process returns to step 14 to continue the item acquisition processing. If not, and if it is determined in step 13 that no item is obtained from the camera, the process proceeds to step 16 to determine whether or not to end the game. If it is determined not to end the game, the process returns to step 12, the game process is continued, and the item acquisition process is repeated. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 17 to end a series of game processes.
[0043]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart 61 showing the item acquisition process in the first embodiment. If it is determined in step 14 of the flowchart 60 that the item acquisition process is to be performed, the item acquisition process is started from step 21. First, in step 22, an image is captured from the imaging unit 22 into the WRAM 32. Thereafter, in step 23, the search sound is read from the sound data storage area 48 and played. Subsequently, in step 24, the image taken into the WRAM is displayed on the LCD 12. The timing for sounding the search sound is not limited to step 23, and there is no problem regardless of the timing at which the sound is sounded when the process of fetching the image into the WRAM is being performed.
[0044]
After the image is displayed on the LCD 12, feature data is extracted from the image data captured in the WRAM 32 in step 25. In accordance with the contents described above, the red component data, green component data, blue component data, and luminance component data of the captured image are extracted and stored in the extracted data buffer area 46. Next, the process proceeds to step 26 where the extracted feature data is compared with the data stored in the item acquisition condition data storage area 46. In the following step 27, if the extracted feature data does not match the item acquisition conditions, the process returns to step 22 to capture the image from the camera again and display it on the LCD 12. Since the processing from step 22 to step 27 is relatively short, the player will feel as if the image captured from the imaging unit 22 is displayed on the LCD 12 in real time. This effect also allows the player to identify and shoot the subject while viewing the image on the LCD 12 without providing a special finder.
[0045]
In step 27, when the extracted feature data matches the item acquisition conditions, in step 28, the fact that they match is notified by sound. That is, the reflected sound data 48 b is read from the sound data storage area 48 and output from the speaker 15. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 29, in which the player listens to the sound and determines whether or not an operation input, for example, the operation switch 13d that looks like a shutter button is pressed within a predetermined time. If no operation input is made within a predetermined time, the process returns to step 22 to newly capture an image from the camera. If there is an operation input, the corresponding item data is referenced from the matching item acquisition conditions, and an image of the designated item is displayed on the LCD 12.
[0046]
Thereafter, in step 31, the acquired confirmation flag area (44a2 in the case of item A described above) of the item on which the image is displayed is updated, for example, the number of acquisitions is reduced or the setting is made such that it cannot be obtained again. Keep going. Then, the process proceeds to step 32 to determine whether or not to continue the item acquisition process. If it is continued, the process returns to step 22 to capture an image from the camera again. Otherwise, the process returns to the flowchart 60 of FIG. 6 to continue the game process.
[0047]
(Second Embodiment)
The above is the detailed description of the first embodiment, and then the second embodiment will be described. However, as for the second embodiment, FIG. 1 as an overview of its hardware, FIG. 2 as its internal block diagram, FIG. 3 as a memory map, FIG. 4 as a schematic diagram for obtaining items, and a flowchart of the main process of the game Since FIG. 6 is applicable, these portions are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0048]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an outline of processing until the subject 51 is captured and the item 54 is acquired in the second embodiment. The imaging data buffer 43 includes, for example, a red component data storage area 43a, a green component data storage area 43b, a blue component 43c data storage area 43c, a luminance component data storage area 43d of the first captured image, and a second captured image. It is assumed that a red component data storage area 43a ′, a green component data storage area 43b ′, a blue component data storage area 43c ′, and a luminance component data storage area 43d ′ are included. At this time, if the player first shoots the subject 51a so that the player fits in the guide display 53, the red component data storage area 43a stores red component data of the captured image R1, and the green component data storage area 43b stores green component data. G1, blue component 43c data storage area 43c temporarily stores B1 as blue component data, and luminance component data storage area 43d temporarily stores Y1 as luminance component data. Next, assuming that the subject 51b is photographed, the red component data storage area 43a ′ has R2 as the red component data of the photographed image, the green component data storage area 43b ′ has the green component data G2, and the blue component data storage area 43c ′. B2 as blue component data, and Y2 as luminance component data is temporarily stored in the luminance component data storage area 43d ′.
[0049]
Here, the difference (Ra, Ga, Ba, Ya) is determined for each of the image data of the first captured image and the second captured image. (Ra, Ga, Ba, Ya) is, for example,
(Ra, Ga, Ba, Ya) = | (R1, G1, B1, Y1) − (R2, G2, B2, Y2) | (1)
As shown in FIG. Expression (1) is an expression for obtaining the absolute value of the difference between the image data of the first captured image and the second captured image.
[0050]
On the other hand, it is assumed that (Ra, Ga, Ba, Ya) is stored in the item acquisition condition storage area 45 as the acquisition condition of the item A. At this time, the item acquisition conditions are compared, and matches the difference (Ra, Ga, Ba, Ya) between the first image data and the second image data temporarily stored in the imaging data buffer 43 described above. It is judged that
[0051]
After the item A acquisition condition is met, the data storage area 44a for the item A in the item data storage area 44 is referred to. Then, the image designation data 44 a 1 is read, and the image data of the item A is designated from the corresponding image data storage area 47. As a result, the monster 54 is displayed as the item A on the LCD 12.
[0052]
In the flowchart 60, when the process proceeds to the item acquisition process in step 14, the process proceeds to the flowchart 62 in FIG. 9 in the second embodiment. When proceeding to the item obtaining process in step 21, first, in step 41, a counter (not shown) for determining how many images are to be captured is set (N = 1). Since the processing from step 22 to step 24 is the same as that in the flowchart 61, description thereof is omitted.
[0053]
In step 42, feature data is extracted from the image data captured by the WRAM 32 and indicated by the counter value. In accordance with the contents described above, the red component data, green component data, blue component data, and luminance component data of the captured image are extracted and stored in the extracted data buffer area 46. Subsequently, in step 43, it is confirmed whether or not the counter has reached the required number (N = Nmax) in order to confirm whether or not the images used for feature data extraction have been prepared. If not, the process proceeds to step 44 and increments the counter. Then, the process returns to step 22 to capture a new image. Since the processing from step 22 to step 44 is relatively short, the player will feel as if the image captured from the imaging unit 22 is displayed on the LCD 12 in real time. This effect also allows the player to identify and shoot the subject while viewing the image on the LCD 12 without providing a special finder.
[0054]
When the necessary number of images are prepared, the process proceeds to step 45 to calculate feature data. In the above description, Nmax = 2, and the feature data is calculated by obtaining the difference between the two pieces of image data. Next, the process proceeds to step 26 where the extracted feature data is compared with the data stored in the item acquisition condition data storage area 46. In the subsequent step 46, if the extracted feature data does not match the item acquisition conditions, the process returns to step 41, the counter is reset, the image is again taken from the camera, and displayed on the LCD 12. Since the processing from step 41 to step 46 is relatively short, the player will feel as if the image captured from the imaging unit 22 is displayed on the LCD 12 in real time. This effect also allows the player to identify and shoot the subject while viewing the image on the LCD 12 without providing a special finder.
[0055]
In step 46, when the extracted feature data matches the item acquisition condition, it is notified in step 28 by sound. That is, the reflected sound data 48 b is read from the sound data storage area 48 and output from the speaker 15. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 47, where the player listens to the sound and determines whether or not an operation input, for example, the operation switch 13d that looks like a shutter button is pressed within a predetermined time. If no operation input is made within a predetermined time, the process returns to step 41, and a new counter is reset to capture an image from the camera. If there is an operation input, the corresponding item data is referenced from the matching item acquisition conditions, and an image of the designated item is displayed on the LCD 12.
[0056]
Thereafter, in step 31, the acquired confirmation flag area (44a2 in the case of item A described above) of the item on which the image is displayed is updated, for example, the number of acquisitions is reduced or the setting is made such that it cannot be obtained again. Keep going. Then, the process proceeds to step 48 to determine whether or not to continue the item acquisition process. If so, the process returns to step 41, the counter is reset, and an image is captured again from the camera. Otherwise, the process returns to the flowchart 60 of FIG. 6 to continue the game process.
[0057]
Although the two embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that other embodiments are also conceivable. For example, in feature extraction, the luminance data uses the difference between two images, and the red component, green component, and blue component data use the data of one image, so that the first and second embodiments are used. It is possible to combine forms.
[0058]
Furthermore, in the embodiment, a combination of the camera cartridge 20 and the game apparatus main body 10 is taken as an example. Of course, in the digital camera, a game program for obtaining an item from photographing a subject is fixedly incorporated, Alternatively, the present invention can be implemented by providing such a program from an external storage medium such as a flash memory card.
[0059]
In addition, by using the I-αppli service for mobile phones provided by NTT DoCoMo (registered trademark), the game program according to the present invention is built in the mobile phone, and the mobile phone with a built-in camera is used. May be implemented. Of course, it is also conceivable that a game program is built in from the beginning and the present invention is provided as one of the functions. Furthermore, by connecting an imaging device including a digital camera to a personal computer via an interface and executing the game program according to the present invention on the personal computer, it may be possible to have the same function.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overview of a game device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the game device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a memory map of the WRAM of the game apparatus main body 10;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view when an item is obtained in the game device according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic view when an item is obtained from imaging data according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view when an item is obtained from imaging data according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a main process of a game for obtaining items from imaging data.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an item acquisition process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an item acquisition process according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Game device body
13 ... Operation switch
15 ... Speaker
20 ... Camera cartridge
22: Imaging unit
32 ... WRAM
11 ... VRAM

Claims (10)

At least imaging means capable of electronically capturing an image of a subject,
Imaging data storage means for temporarily storing images taken by the imaging means;
Display means for displaying an image temporarily stored in the imaging data storage means;
Real-time image display control means for causing the display means to display an image captured by the imaging means in real time;
Item data storage means for storing item data including data specifying at least an item image, which is data related to at least one item to be collected by the player during game play;
Item acquisition condition storage means for storing item acquisition conditions set for each item for the item,
Feature extraction means for extracting predetermined feature data from image data temporarily stored in the imaging data storage means; and feature data storage means for temporarily storing data extracted by the feature extraction means;
Comparing means for comparing the item acquisition conditions stored in the item acquisition condition storage means with the feature data stored in the feature data storage means,
In response to detecting that the image data display control means matches the item acquisition condition by the comparison means, an item image specified by the item data specified by the item acquisition condition is displayed on the display means. A game device characterized by being displayed. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data display control unit includes a feature extraction range display unit that indicates a range of an image from which feature data is extracted. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the feature extraction unit extracts at least one color data included in an image stored in the imaging data storage unit as feature data. The feature extraction means includes
A feature data buffer for temporarily storing a plurality of feature data extracted corresponding to the passage of time for each of a plurality of images photographed in real time by the imaging means;
Means for obtaining a change amount between at least the most recently extracted feature data and the previously extracted feature data among the plurality of feature data stored in the feature data buffer;
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the comparison unit compares an item acquisition condition stored in the item acquisition condition storage unit with the change amount. The game apparatus further includes sound data storage means for storing a plurality of sound data, sound output means, and operation means for performing operation input by a player,
The feature extraction means includes
Read the first sound from the sound data storage means at a predetermined interval, output from the sound output means,
When the item data acquisition conditions satisfying a predetermined relationship are extracted, the second sound is read from the sound data storage means and output from the sound output means,
The image data display control means is designated by the item data in response to a predetermined operation input from the operation means within a predetermined time after the feature extraction means reads the second sound. An image of an item displayed on the display means. At least imaging means capable of electronically taking an image of a subject, imaging data storage means for temporarily storing an image taken by the imaging means, and display means for displaying an image temporarily stored in the imaging data storage means A game program to be executed in the game device provided,
The game device includes:
Item data storage means for storing item data including data specifying at least an item image, which is data related to at least one item to be collected by the player during game play;
The item acquisition condition storage means for storing the item acquisition condition set for each item for the item,
The game program is stored in a computer of a game device.
A real-time image display control step for displaying an image picked up by the image pickup means on the display means in real time;
A feature extraction step of extracting predetermined feature data from the image data temporarily stored in the imaging data storage means;
A feature data storage step for temporarily storing the data extracted by the feature extraction step;
A comparison step of comparing the item acquisition conditions stored in the item acquisition condition storage means with the feature data stored in the feature data storage means;
In response to the fact that the comparison step detects that the real-time image display control step matches the item acquisition condition, an item image specified by the item data specified by the item acquisition condition is displayed in the image data display. A game program to be displayed on the means. The game program according to claim 6, wherein the real-time image display control step includes a feature extraction range display step that indicates a range of an image from which feature data is extracted to the image data display means. The game program according to claim 6, wherein the feature data is at least one color data included in an image stored in the imaging data storage unit. The game device includes a feature data buffer for temporarily storing a plurality of feature data,
The feature extraction step includes
For each of a plurality of images photographed in real time by the imaging means, a plurality of feature data extracted corresponding to the passage of time is stored in the feature data buffer;
Obtaining a change amount between at least the most recently extracted feature data and the previously extracted feature data among the plurality of feature data stored in the feature data buffer;
The game device according to claim 6, wherein the comparison step compares an item acquisition condition stored in an item acquisition condition storage unit with the change amount. The game apparatus further includes sound data storage means for storing a plurality of sound data, sound output means, and operation means for performing operation input by a player,
The feature extraction step includes
Reading out the first sound from the sound data storage means at a predetermined interval and outputting from the sound output means;
Reading out the second sound from the sound data storage means when the item data acquisition conditions satisfying a predetermined relationship are extracted, and outputting from the sound output means,
The feature extraction step designates the real-time image display control step by the item data in response to a predetermined operation input from the operation means within a predetermined time after reading the second sound. An image of the item displayed is displayed on the image data display means.

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