JP2009070076A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium and an image generation device for achieving totally new image representation using a touch panel display. <P>SOLUTION: This image generation device is provided with a contact position acquisition part for acquiring the contact position TP of a transparent object TOB when a contact event in which the transparent object TOB is brought into contact with a touch panel display 190 occurs; a sub-picture control part for performing processing to make a display region corresponding to the acquired contact position TP generate a sub-picture SB when the contact event occurs; and a picture generation part. The sub-picture control part performs processing to make the display region corresponding to the contact position generate the sub-picture SB whose size is set so that the sub-picture image to be viewed through the transparent object TOB can be displayed in the outline region of the transparent object TOB when the touch panel display 190 and the transparent object TOB are top-viewed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image generation device such as a portable game device having a touch panel display is known. In this image generation apparatus, the player can input operation information by a touch operation on the touch panel display. Specifically, various icons for performing operation instructions are displayed on the touch panel display. Then, the player touches these icons with a stylus pen or a finger to input operation information desired by the player.

However, in conventional touch panel display type image generation apparatuses, the touch operation is used only for inputting operation information, and the production of the video effect using the touch operation has not been considered. The touch operation is performed with a finger or a stylus pen, and touch operations with other objects are not assumed.
JP 2006-122164 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation apparatus that can realize an unprecedented image expression using a touch panel display. There is to do.

  The present invention is an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display, and acquires a contact position of the transparent object when a contact event occurs in which the transparent object contacts the touch panel display. A sub screen control unit that performs processing for generating a sub screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs, and generates an image including the image of the sub screen. And the image generation unit for displaying on the touch panel display, and the sub-screen control unit is visible through the transparent object in an outline region of the transparent object when the touch panel display and the transparent object are viewed in plan view. In order to display the image of the sub screen, the sub screen whose size is set is moved to the contact position. It relates to an image generating apparatus which performs the process of generating the display area response. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to the present invention, when a contact event of a transparent object occurs, the contact position is acquired, and a sub screen is generated in a display area corresponding to the contact position. Then, an image including the generated image of the sub screen is generated. Therefore, the sub-screen image that did not exist before placing the transparent object appears when the transparent object is placed, and an unprecedented image expression can be realized. In the present invention, the size of the sub screen is set so that the sub screen image seen through the transparent object is displayed in the outline region of the transparent object in plan view. Therefore, it is possible to realize an image expression that looks as if the sub-screen image is projected inside the transparent object.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the contact event occurs, the sub screen control unit generates the sub screen on the image of the main screen of the touch panel display, and When the separation event in which the transparent object is separated from the touch panel display occurs, a process of hiding the generated sub screen may be performed.

  In this way, when the transparent object is removed, the sub-screen is not displayed, so that it is possible to prevent a situation in which the identification is immediately known.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub screen control unit may perform a telop process for scrolling a text displayed on the sub screen when the contact event occurs.

  In this way, even when the sub-screen is set to a small size, it is possible to display a sentence with a large number of characters via the transparent object.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub screen control unit performs a process of displaying an enlarged image of the main screen of the touch panel display on the sub screen when the contact event occurs. You may go.

  In this way, a detailed enlarged image of the main screen can be displayed via the sub screen simply by bringing the transparent object into contact with the touch panel display.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub screen control unit displays an enlarged image of the character to be displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display when the touch event occurs. You may perform the process displayed on a screen.

  In this way, an enlarged image of the character on the main screen can be displayed via the sub screen simply by bringing the transparent object into contact with the touch panel display.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub-screen control unit performs a process of displaying enlarged images of different characters on the sub-screen according to the contact position on the main screen. You may go.

  In this way, it is possible to provide a pleasure of searching for a character on the main screen by bringing a transparent object into contact with the touch panel display.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub-screen control unit displays a transparent expression image of a character displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display when the contact event occurs. You may perform the process displayed on a screen.

  In this way, the transparent representation image of the character on the main screen can be displayed via the sub screen simply by bringing the transparent object into contact with the touch panel display.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub-screen control unit displays the transparent representation image having a size smaller than the character image displayed on the main screen on the sub-screen. Processing may be performed.

  In this way, there is no contradiction in the positional relationship between the character image and the transparent expression image reflected through the transparent object, and an image with no unnaturalness can be displayed.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the sub-screen control unit determines that the character to be displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display matches the contact position, A sub-screen on which an explanation image of the character is displayed may be generated.

  Displaying such a sub-screen of explanation images can provide enjoyment such as a picture book of searching for a character and viewing the explanation.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub screen control unit generates the sub screen in the display area after a given time lag period has elapsed after the contact event has occurred. You may perform the process to make.

  In this way, when the transparent object is not placed and the touch panel display is touched with a finger or the like and then released immediately, the sub-screen is not displayed, so that it is possible to prevent a situation where the secret is known.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the touch event occurs, the sub screen control unit displays the sub screen in the display area set at a place away from the touch position. After the sub screen is generated, a process of moving the sub screen toward the contact position may be performed.

  In this way, when a transparent object is placed, it is possible to realize an image expression in which the sub screen image does not suddenly appear at the center of the transparent object but appears gradually moving toward the center, for example.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub-screen control unit may follow the moving contact position when the contact position moves after the contact event occurs. A process for moving the sub-screen may be performed.

  In this way, the sub-screen image displayed in the outline area of the transparent object can also follow the movement of the transparent object.

  The image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention include a game score calculation unit that calculates a game score of a player (a computer is caused to function as the game score calculation unit), and the game score calculation unit includes the contact score calculation unit. When an event occurs and the sub-screen is generated, when the player inputs given operation information using the operation unit, the game result of the player may be calculated based on the input operation information. .

  In this way, the occurrence of the contact event not only causes the sub screen image to appear, but the player's game results are also calculated by the player performing a game operation.

  In addition, the present invention is an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display, and acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display. And, when the touch event occurs, generates a sub screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub screen in the display area corresponding to the acquired touch position, and generates an image including the image of the sub screen, An image generation unit for displaying on the touch panel display; and a game result calculation unit for calculating a game result of the player, wherein the game result calculation unit is configured such that after the touch event occurs and the sub screen is generated, the player When a player inputs given operation information using the operation unit, the player's game performance is displayed based on the input operation information. It relates to an image generating device for. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the contact event occurs, the sub screen control unit displays an enlarged image at the contact position on the main screen of the touch panel display. When the player performs a shooting operation after the touch event occurs and the sub-screen is generated, the game score calculation unit performs shooting for the character displayed in the enlarged image. The player's game results may be calculated.

  In this way, game processing of a shooting game that has never been possible can be realized.

  In addition, the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention include a communication processing unit that performs processing for receiving game play information of another player who plays a game on another image generation device via a network (communication processing). And the sub screen control unit may perform processing for generating the sub screen based on the received game play information of the other player when the contact event occurs. .

  In this way, an unprecedented game process can be realized by a combination with the communication process.

  In addition, the present invention is an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display, and acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display. And, when the touch event occurs, generates a sub screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub screen in the display area corresponding to the acquired touch position, and generates an image including the image of the sub screen, An image generation unit for displaying on the touch panel display; and a communication processing unit for performing processing for receiving game play information of another player playing a game on another image generation device via a network. When the contact event occurs, the sub-image is based on the received game play information of the other player. It relates to an image generating apparatus for performing a process of generating. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  In the image generation device, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the sub screen control unit displays the sub screen on which an image viewed from the viewpoint of the other player is displayed based on the game play information of the other player. Processing for generating a screen may be performed.

  In this way, the player can look into what the player looks like when viewed from other players, and can realize an image expression that has never existed before.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is an external view of an image generation apparatus according to this embodiment. Here, a portable game device is shown as an example of the image generation device. Note that the image generation apparatus to which the present embodiment is applied is not limited to such a portable game apparatus, but includes various touch panel displays such as game apparatuses other than the portable game apparatus, portable information terminals, and mobile phones. Applicable to electronic equipment.

  The image generation apparatus in FIG. 1 includes a touch panel display 190 that is a first display and a display 191 that is a second display. In addition, a direction instruction key (cross key) 300 that functions as an operation unit, an operation button 302, and speakers 304 and 306 that function as sound output units are provided. Further, it has a card slot 312 in which an IC card 310 (game card, game cartridge) functioning as an information storage medium is detachably mounted. The IC card 310 stores a game program (game data). The stylus pen 320 is used to perform a touch operation on the touch panel display 190 instead of a player (user) finger.

  Various images (game images, display objects) are displayed on the touch panel display 190 and the display 191. For example, a character, a sub screen, a background image, and the like are displayed. The touch panel display 190 and the display 191 can be configured by a color liquid crystal display such as a TFT. In the touch panel display 190, a touch panel is integrally formed on the upper surface (or lower surface) of the color liquid crystal display, thereby enabling operation input by a touch operation.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 2 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a direction instruction key, an operation button, a joystick, or the like. The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, VRAM) or the like.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an IC card (memory card), optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), or It can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The touch panel display 190 (first display) is for a player (user) to perform various operations and to display an image generated according to the present embodiment. For example, the touch panel display 190 is a display such as an LCD or an organic EL. It can be realized by a touch panel formed integrally therewith. Examples of the touch panel method include a resistive film method (4-wire type, 5-wire type), a capacitive coupling method, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, and an infrared scanning method. Further, the touch panel display 190 includes a one-point detection type that can detect only one point of touch position (contact position) at the same time, and a multi-point detection type that can detect a plurality of points simultaneously.

  The display 191 (second display) is for displaying an image generated by the present embodiment, and can be realized by a display such as an LCD or an organic EL. Note that a touch panel display may be used as the display 191.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, a headphone terminal, or the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card. The auxiliary storage device 194 is detachable, but may be built-in. The auxiliary storage device 194 is used to save save data such as the game midway results, personal image data and music data of the player (user), and the like.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the server (host device) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and the communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a contact position acquisition unit 102, a sub screen control unit 103, a character control unit 104, a game calculation unit 106, a game result calculation unit 108, a communication processing unit 110, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. In addition, it is good also as a structure which abbreviate | omits these (for example, a game calculating part, a game results calculating part).

  When an object (a transparent object, a finger, a stylus pen, or the like) contacts (touches) the touch panel display 190, the contact position acquisition unit 102 performs processing for acquiring the contact position (touch position). For example, in the present embodiment, when a contact event (touch event) in which a transparent object (transparent object) contacts the touch panel display 190 occurs, the contact position of the transparent object is acquired. Specifically, the contact position acquisition unit 102 polls and acquires contact position data (coordinate data) sent from the touch panel display 190 (touch panel) for each frame. The acquired contact position data is primarily stored in the contact position storage unit 171 until, for example, a given period elapses.

  The sub screen control unit 103 performs various control processes such as sub screen (moving body) generation control, movement control, and display control. For example, a sub screen is generated when an event such as a contact event occurs, a sub screen is erased when an event such as a separation event occurs, a sub screen is moved, and the display and display position of the sub screen are displayed in the image generation unit 120. Perform the process of instructing. That is, the generated sub-screen is registered in the sub-screen management list 163 of the sub-screen information storage unit 162, the sub-screen management list 163 is transferred to the image generation unit 120, and the disappeared sub-screen is displayed in the sub-screen management list. Processing such as deletion from H.163 is performed.

  The sub screen control unit 103 performs a process for moving the sub screen. That is, a process of moving the sub screen is performed based on operation data, a program, various data, and the like input by the player using the touch panel display 190 or the operation unit 160. More specifically, processing for sequentially obtaining sub-screen movement information (position, velocity, or acceleration) every frame (1/60 second) is performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement control processing, motion control processing, and image generation processing.

  Movement information such as the position and speed of the sub screen obtained by the sub screen control by the sub screen control unit 103 is stored in the sub screen movement information storage unit 164 of the sub screen information storage unit 162. Further, the sub screen image information used in the sub screen display control is stored in the sub screen image storage unit 165 of the sub screen information storage unit 162.

  In this embodiment, the sub-screen control unit 103 responds to the acquired contact position when a touch event (touch event) in which a transparent object (object in a broad sense) touches (touches) the touch panel display 190 occurs. A process of generating a sub screen (a process of displaying) is performed on the display area (display area specified by the contact position, sub screen generation area). For example, the sub screen is registered in the sub screen management list 163 as a sub screen to be displayed, or the display flag of the sub screen in the sub screen management list 163 is turned on.

  Specifically, the sub-screen control unit 103 displays a sub-screen image (image in the sub-screen or its main part) that can be seen through the transparent object (transparent object) in the contour region (outer shape region) of the transparent object. Is performed (a process of displaying) the sub-screen having the size (scale) set in the display area corresponding to the contact position. Here, the contour region is the contour (outer shape) of the transparent object when the touch panel display 190 and the transparent object (transparent object in contact with the touch panel display) are viewed in plan (when viewed from a line of sight perpendicular to the screen). It is an area specified by (shape).

  Further, the sub screen control unit 103 performs processing (processing for displaying) a sub screen on the image (background image) of the main screen of the touch panel display 190 when a contact event occurs. And when the separation event which a transparent object (object) leaves | separates from the touch panel display 190 generate | occur | produces, the process (process to erase | eliminate) which does not display the produced | generated subscreen is performed.

  Further, the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of changing the image of the sub screen when a contact event occurs. Specifically, for example, a telop process for scrolling a sentence (character) displayed on the sub-screen is performed.

  Further, the sub screen control unit 103 performs processing for displaying an enlarged image of the main screen of the touch panel display 190 on the sub screen when a contact event occurs. For example, an enlarged image at the contact position on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen. Specifically, an enlarged image of the character to be displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen. In this case, enlarged images of different characters (different types of characters) may be displayed (drawn) on the sub screen in accordance with the contact position on the main screen. The character to be displayed on the main screen is a character that is actually displayed on the main screen or a character that is not actually displayed on the main screen but is assumed to exist at that position. is there.

  Further, the sub-screen control unit 103 performs processing for displaying a transparent expression image of the character displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display 190 on the sub-screen when a contact event occurs. Specifically, a transparent representation image having a size smaller than that of the character image displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen. The small-size transmission representation image is enlarged and displayed due to the lens effect of a transparent object such as a sphere, so that it has the same size as the character displayed on the main screen. The transparent expression image is an image that is assumed to be visible when the inside of the character is transmitted. For example, when the character is an animal, it is an image of its skeleton or internal organs. Further, when the character is a robot or a machine, it is an image of its internal structure.

  In addition, when it is determined that the character to be displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display 190 and the contact position match, the sub screen control unit 103 generates a sub screen on which an explanation image of the character is displayed. The explanation image in this case is displayed on the touch panel display 190, but may be displayed on the display 191 (second display).

  Note that a main screen image (background image or the like) of the touch panel display is drawn in the first drawing buffer 177 of the drawing buffer 176. On the other hand, a sub-screen image (transparent expression image) is drawn in the second drawing buffer 178. For example, when performing a telop process, a text scroll process may be performed using the second drawing buffer 178.

  Then, the sub-screen control unit 103 identifies an image cut-out area (rectangular area) in the second drawing buffer 178 based on the contact position. And the process which displays the image of the specified cutting area on the display area corresponding to a contact position as a subscreen image is performed. For example, the image of the cut area is drawn on the display area corresponding to the contact position in the first drawing buffer 177.

  Further, the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of moving the sub screen so as to follow the moving contact position when the contact position moves after the contact event occurs. For example, the sub screen is moved in a direction (same direction) corresponding to the moving direction of the contact position (touch position). In this case, it is desirable to move the sub screen so as to follow the contact position with a movement distance (slow movement speed) shorter than the movement distance (movement speed) of the contact position. Further, as the contact position moves, a process of hiding the sub-screen (a process of gradually hiding it, a process of making it transparent) may be performed.

  The character control unit 104 performs various control processes such as character (moving object) generation control, movement / motion control, and display control. Specifically, the generated character is registered in the character management list 173 (object list) of the character information storage unit 172, the character management list 173 is transferred to the image generation unit 120 or the like, and the disappeared character is managed by the character management. Processing such as deletion from the list 173 is performed. The character is, for example, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object representing a creature such as an animal (human, insect) or a plant, a celestial body such as a planet or a star, a vehicle such as a car, an airplane, or a ship. A character can be represented by, for example, a dot image in the case of a two-dimensional object, and can be represented by, for example, a plurality of polygons (primitive surfaces) in the case of a three-dimensional object.

  The character control unit 104 performs processing for moving a character (two-dimensional or three-dimensional object) in a game field that is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object space. That is, processing for moving the character is performed based on operation data input by the player using the touch panel display 190 or the operation unit 160, a program (movement algorithm), various data (object list), and the like. More specifically, a process of sequentially obtaining character movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) for each frame (1/60 second) is performed. The character control unit 104 can also perform processing for moving the character. That is, a process for moving a character (animation, motion) based on operation data input by the player using the touch panel display 190 or the operation unit 160, a program (motion algorithm), various data (animation data, motion data), or the like. I do. More specifically, a process of sequentially obtaining character motion information (animation information or the position and rotation angle of each part object) every frame (1/60 seconds) is performed.

  Movement information such as the position, rotation angle, and speed of the character determined by the character control by the character control unit 104 is stored in the character movement information storage unit 174 of the character information storage unit 172. Character image information (dot image, polygon data, etc.) used in character display control is stored in the character image storage unit 175 of the character information storage unit 172.

  The game calculation unit 106 performs game calculation processing for generating game images and game sounds. The game calculation process includes a process for determining the content and game mode of the game, a process for starting the game when the game start condition is satisfied, a process for proceeding with the game, or a game when the game end condition is satisfied. There is a process to finish.

  The game score calculation unit 108 calculates the player's game score (scores, points, wins / losses). For example, after a touch event occurs and a sub screen is generated (after the sub screen is displayed), the player inputs given operation information using the operation unit 160 (for example, an operation button or a cross key). When a game operation is performed, the player's game score is calculated based on the input operation information.

  Specifically, when a touch event occurs, sub screen control unit 103 displays an enlarged image at the touch position on the main screen of touch panel display 190 on the sub screen. For example, when a player performs a shooting operation using the operation unit 160 after a contact event occurs and a sub-screen is generated, the player's game score for shooting a character displayed in the enlarged image is calculated. .

  The communication processing unit 110 transmits game play information (character information, play operation information, operation history information, game result information, personal information, etc.) of other players who play a game on another image generation device (game device) over a network ( A process for receiving via the Internet or LAN is performed. Specifically, for example, game play information received by the communication unit 196 is acquired via the storage unit 170 or the like. Alternatively, a process for transmitting game play information of the player's own player to another image generation apparatus via the network is performed. Specifically, game play information to be transmitted is prepared, and the communication unit 196 is instructed to transmit.

  Then, the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of generating a sub screen (a process of displaying) based on the received game play information of the other player when a contact event occurs. Specifically, for example, based on game play information (viewpoint information, etc.) of another player, a process of generating a sub-screen on which an image seen from the viewpoint of the other player is displayed is performed. Alternatively, when the contact position is compared with the position of the character of another player included in the game play information, and the two match, the sub-character in which the character of the other player is displayed in the display area corresponding to the contact position. Performs processing to generate a screen. In this case, hit processing (destructive expression processing) or the like for characters of other players may be performed.

  The image generation unit 120 performs image drawing processing on the drawing buffer 176 based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image, and the touch panel display 190 and the display It outputs to 191. In this case, the image generated by the image generation unit 120 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image. When generating a three-dimensional image, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed, and based on the processing result, drawing data (primitive The position coordinates of the vertices of the surface, texture coordinates, color data, normal vectors or α values) are created. Based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometric processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is stored in the drawing buffer 176 (frame buffer, intermediate buffer, etc.) as pixel information. Can be drawn in a VRAM). Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the image generation unit 120 generates an image including the sub screen image and displays the image on the touch panel display 190. Alternatively, when a touch event occurs and a sub screen is generated, an explanation image of a character displayed on the sub screen is generated.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

2. 2. Technique of Present Embodiment 2.1 Hidden Picture Expression Using Transparent Object In conventional image generation apparatuses, the touch panel display 190 is generally used for inputting operation information by a touch operation. The touch operation is performed with a finger or a stylus pen, and touch operations with other objects are not assumed.

  In the present embodiment, the touch panel display 190 is used for a hidden picture expression in which, for example, when a spherical transparent object is placed on the touch panel display 190 and the inside of the transparent object is viewed, an image that should not have been seen can be seen.

  That is, in FIG. 3A, for example, a background image (including a black image and a white image) is displayed on the touch panel display 190 as an image of the main screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), when the transparent object TOB of the spherical shape imaged of a crystal ball is placed on the touch panel display 190 and the transparent object TOB contacts the touch panel display 190 at the contact position TP in FIG. 3 (B), An image is displayed in which a sub-screen image such as a text which is a hidden picture appears inside the transparent object TOB. That is, since the sub-screen image that did not exist in FIG. 3A suddenly appears by placing the transparent object TOB, the player cannot understand why the sub-screen image appeared, I feel surprised. As a result, an interactive video effect that is not available in the past can be provided.

  Next, the principle of the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the transparent object TOB is placed on the touch panel display 190, and a touch event in which the transparent object TOB contacts the touch panel display 190 is generated. In this case, in the present embodiment, the contact position acquisition unit 102 acquires the contact position TP of the transparent object TOB. That is, the coordinates of the contact position TP on the touch panel display 190 are acquired.

  When the touch event occurs in this way, the sub screen control unit 103 displays the display area corresponding to the acquired touch position TP (the area whose position is specified by the TP, the area including the TP, or the given distance from the TP. A sub-screen SB on which a sentence or the like is written is generated in a region separated by a distance. For example, the sub screen image is displayed in the display area including the contact position TP. Then, the sub screen image is enlarged by the lens effect of the transparent object TOB and displayed on the player. For example, when the transparent object TOB is a sphere, it is enlarged and displayed about three times.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, a sub-screen image having a small size that is hidden by a human finger is displayed on the touch panel display 190. For example, a sub-screen image of about 16 × 16 pixels (or 1 cm × 1 cm or less) is displayed.

  Specifically, the outline area of the transparent object TOB when the touch panel display 190 and the transparent object TOB are viewed in plan as shown in FIG. When the transparent object TOB is a sphere, the contour area ER is a circular area. In this case, the sub-screen control unit 103 sets the size of the sub-screen so that the sub-screen image (at least the main part image and characters) seen through the transparent object TOB is displayed in the contour region ER. The screen SB is displayed at the contact position TP.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 3B, the sub-screen image is displayed without protruding from the outline region ER of the transparent object TOB, so that it appears as if the sub-screen image is projected inside the transparent object TOB. Illusion can be given to the player. If the sub screen SB is set to such a small size, the player who is wondering about the sudden occurrence of the sub screen image removes the transparent object TOB and touches the contact position TP in FIG. In this case, since the sub-screen image is hidden behind the finger and cannot be seen, it is possible to prevent a situation where the secret is immediately known.

  In the present embodiment, the sub screen control unit 103 hides (deletes) the generated sub screen SB when the player removes the transparent object TOB and a separation event that causes the transparent object TOB to leave the touch panel display 190 occurs. . That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the sub screen image is prevented from being displayed at the contact position TP. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a video effect that an image is displayed when the transparent object TOB is placed on the touch panel display 190 and disappears when the transparent object TOB is removed. In this way, when the player who is wondering about the sudden occurrence of the sub screen image removes the transparent object TOB, the sub screen SB is not displayed as shown in FIG. It is possible to prevent a situation where the secret is immediately known.

  According to the method of the present embodiment described above, for example, a sphere is used as the transparent object TOB, so that an image (video) of a point where the transparent object TOB is placed can be enlarged and projected about three times. Further, by the contact between the spherical transparent object TOB and the touch panel display 190, the coordinates of the position where the transparent object TOB is placed can be easily obtained using the function of the touch panel display 190.

  Further, when an opaque object such as a finger or a stylus pen is touched, an image near the contact position TP is hidden by the finger or the stylus pen and cannot be seen. On the other hand, if the transparent object TOB is used as in this embodiment, the image near the contact position TP is not hidden, and the sub-screen image as shown in FIG. 3B can be shown to the player. it can.

  Further, since the transparent object TOB has a certain weight (for example, 80 g or more), the coordinates near the contact position TP can be obtained by simply placing the transparent object TOB on the touch panel display 190 without performing an aggressive operation of pressing. Can be obtained. If a spherical transparent object TOB is used, a trajectory due to rolling can also be acquired.

  Next, specific processing for realizing the method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The background image (main screen image) shown in A1 of FIG. 5 is IM1, and the sub-screen image shown in A2 is IM2. The background image IM1 is drawn in the first drawing buffer 177 in FIG. 2, and the sub-screen image IM2 is drawn in the second drawing buffer 178.

  And as shown to A3 of FIG. 5, only when the transparent object TOB contacts the touch panel display 190 and there is a touch panel input, the sub screen image IM2 is displayed at a place (display area) centered on the coordinates of the contact position TP. Arrange and display. That is, the sub-screen image IM2 is drawn at a position corresponding to the contact position TP on the background image IM1.

  Then, as shown by A4 in FIG. 5, when viewed through the transparent object TOB, the image is enlarged about three times by the lens effect. In addition, the transparent object TOB is lifted, and the touch screen input disappears, and at the same time, the sub screen image IM2 is deleted.

  When the touch event occurs and the touch panel is input, the sub screen image IM2 may be displayed instantaneously. However, the scale of the sub screen image IM2 is gradually changed from 0.0 to 1.0, for example. Or by gradually changing the transparency of the sub-screen image IM2 from, for example, 0.0 (transparent) to 1.0 (opaque), it is possible to further enhance the effect.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of the method of this embodiment.

  First, a background image that is a main screen image of the touch panel display 190 is drawn (step S1). Then, it is determined whether or not the transparent object (crystal ball) TOB has touched the touch panel display 190 (whether or not a contact event has occurred) (step S2). If contact is made, a touch position (touch position) TP of the touch panel display 190 is acquired (step S3). That is, the coordinates of the contact position TP output from the touch panel display 190 are acquired.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a given time lag period has elapsed (step S4). When the time has elapsed, the sub screen image is drawn in the display area corresponding to the contact position TP on the main screen image (background image) (step S5). If necessary, sub-screen image change processing (video effect processing) is performed (step S6). That is, for example, sub-screen image telop processing (scroll processing), animation processing, enlargement processing, or transparency change processing is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the transparent object TOB has left the touch panel display 190 (whether or not a separation event has occurred) (step S7). If not, the process returns to step S6 to continue the sub-screen image change process. On the other hand, if it is away, the sub-screen image is hidden (erased) (step S8), and the process returns to step S2.

  In steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 6, the sub-screen SB is generated in the display area after a given time lag period has elapsed after the contact event has occurred. That is, the generation of the sub screen SB is delayed by a certain time from the time of occurrence of the contact event.

  For example, it is assumed that a player who wonders that a sub-screen image suddenly appears as shown in FIG. 3B removes the transparent object TOB and touches the contact position TP shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, since the size of the sub screen image displayed on the touch panel display 190 is small, most of the sub screen images are hidden by the player's finger. However, if the player immediately lifts his / her finger, the sub-screen image hidden behind the finger will be seen, and the secret will be immediately known.

  In this regard, if the sub screen image is displayed after the time lag period has elapsed as in step S4 of FIG. 6, even if the player touches the contact position TP with a finger and then releases it immediately, the sub screen image is still displayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where the secret is known.

  Instead of the method of causing the sub screen to appear after the lapse of the time lag period, a method of gradually increasing the sub screen after the occurrence of the contact event or making the sub screen transparent to opaque may be employed.

2.2 Image Change Processing In step S6 of FIG. 6, after a touch event occurs (step S2), the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of changing the sub screen image. For example, in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when a touch event occurs, telop processing for scrolling a sentence displayed on the sub screen is performed as processing for changing the sub screen image.

  In FIGS. 7A and 7B, crystal ball fortune-telling is realized by the method of this embodiment. For example, in FIG. 7A, when the player places the transparent object TOB on the touch panel display 190 and a contact event occurs, first, a sub-screen SB on which “the fate is” is displayed. After that, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sentences are sequentially scrolled, and for example, a fortune telling that “the fate is right next to you” is transmitted to the player by the text telop. In this case, if the player places the transparent object TOB on the touch panel display 190 at a different timing, for example, “Your lucky color is today's orange” or “Your love may be a little heavy on him” In addition, different fortune-telling words are displayed in telop depending on the timing of placement. This allows the player to simulate a crystal ball fortune-telling.

  For example, in FIG. 4, the sub screen SB is set to a small size so that the sub screen image fits within the outline region ER of the transparent object TOB. Accordingly, the number of pixels on the sub screen SB is small, and it is difficult to draw many sentences on the sub screen SB at one time. In particular, in a portable game device, since the resolution (number of pixels) of the touch panel display 190 is generally not so high, once the size of the sub screen SB is reduced so that the sub screen image fits in the outline region ER, The number of characters that can be displayed on is limited.

  In this regard, as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B), if a telop process is performed to scroll a sentence as time elapses, a sentence with a large number of characters is transparent even if the size of the sub-screen SB is small. It becomes possible to present to the player via the object TOB.

  The processing for changing the sub screen image is not limited to the telop processing as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and animation processing of the sub screen image may be performed. For example, a process of animating a character drawn on the sub screen may be performed. Specifically, animation processing is realized by sequentially drawing a plurality of character images for animation on the sub-screen SB.

  Alternatively, after the contact event occurs, a process of gradually increasing the size of the sub screen SB may be performed. For example, the sub screen SB is changed from a very small size (for example, 1 × 1 pixel) to the size in FIG. 4 (for example, 16 × 16 pixels). In this way, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the method of generating the sub screen SB after the time lag period has elapsed. That is, even if the player removes the transparent object TOB and touches the contact position TP with his / her finger and then releases it immediately, the sub screen image is displayed in a very small size (1 × 1 pixel), so the secret is known. Can be prevented.

  In addition, after the sub screen SB is displayed with the size of FIG. 4 when the contact event occurs, a process of further increasing the size of the sub screen SB may be performed. In this way, it is possible to realize a video expression that the size of the appearing sub-screen SB is further increased in the transparent object TOB.

  Further, after the contact event occurs, a process of changing the sub-screen image from a state with high transparency to a state with low transparency may be performed. Specifically, for example, the sub screen image is changed from a completely transparent state to an opaque state. In this way, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the method of generating the sub screen SB after the time lag period has elapsed. That is, even if the player removes the transparent object TOB and touches the contact position TP with his / her finger and then releases it immediately, the sub-screen image is displayed in a transparent state, so that it is possible to prevent an unclear situation. .

  Note that after the occurrence of a contact event (for example, after the time lag period has elapsed), the sub screen image may be displayed in a semi-transparent state, for example, and then the sub screen image may be gradually made opaque. In this way, it is possible to realize a video expression in which the appearing sub-screen image gradually appears in the transparent object TOB.

  Further, the process of changing the transparent state (semi-transparent state) of the sub-screen image can be realized by, for example, α blending using an α value. That is, when the sub screen image is changed from a state with high transparency to a state with low transparency, the α value of the sub screen image is changed from the α value with high transparency to the α value with low transparency, and the background image and Α blending may be performed.

  Note that as the image change process performed after the occurrence of the contact event, various image filtering processes for the sub-screen image such as a pixel replacement process and a pixel averaging process may be performed.

  Alternatively, when the contact position TP moves after the contact event occurs, the sub screen image may be changed according to the movement of the contact position TP. For example, the sub screen image may be changed based on the moving distance or moving speed of the contact position TP.

2.3 Enlarged Image Next, an enlarged image display method to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. For example, in FIG. 8A, a main screen image on which a night sky where planets and stars can be seen is drawn is displayed on the touch panel display 190.

  When the player places a transparent object TOB (or an object such as a finger or a stylus pen) on the touch panel display 190 and a contact event occurs in which the TOB contacts the contact position TP, a planet (Saturn) is displayed as shown in FIG. ) Can be seen through the TOB. That is, when a contact event occurs, an enlarged image of the main screen (night sky image) of the touch panel display 190 is displayed on the sub-screen SB generated at the contact position TP as shown in FIG. Image representation as shown in FIG. 8 (B) is realized.

  Specifically, when a contact event occurs, an enlarged image of a character to be displayed on the main screen of touch panel display 190 is displayed on sub screen SB. That is, on the main screen in the night sky of FIG. 8A, planets and stars become characters to be displayed on the main screen. Accordingly, in FIG. 9A, an enlarged image of the planet to be displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen SB, and in FIG. 9B, an enlarged image of the star to be displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen SB. To display.

  In this case, enlarged images of different characters (different types of characters) are displayed on the sub screen SB according to the contact position TP on the main screen. For example, an enlarged image of the planet character is displayed at the contact position TP in FIG. 9A, and an enlarged image of the star character is displayed at the contact position TP in FIG. 9B. That is, the contact position TP is compared with the presence position of the character, and the character at the presence position that matches the contact position is displayed.

  In this way, it is possible to give the player the pleasure of searching for and discovering various planets and stars by looking at the night sky.

  For example, when a character such as a very small planet or a star is displayed in advance on the main screen image of FIG. 8A and the transparent object TOB comes into contact with the character, the image of FIG. Thus, an enlarged image of the character may be displayed. Alternatively, the main screen image in FIG. 8A may not display planets, stars, and the like corresponding to the enlarged image.

  Moreover, the application example of the enlarged image display method of this embodiment is not limited to FIG. 8 (A)-FIG. 9 (B). For example, in a role playing game or an action game, an image of a door and its keyhole may be displayed as a main screen image, and an enlarged image may be displayed when a transparent object TOB (object) comes into contact with the keyhole position. . That is, an image of a landscape that is visible beyond the keyhole and an image of a character in the landscape are displayed. By doing so, it is possible to realize an unprecedented game expression of looking through the transparent object TOB beyond the keyhole.

2.4 Transparent expression image Next, a display method of a transparent expression image to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. For example, in FIG. 10A, a main screen image on which a human character CH is drawn is displayed on the touch panel display 190.

  When the player places the transparent object TOB (object) on the touch panel display 190 and a contact event occurs in which the TOB contacts the contact position TP, as shown in FIG. 10B, a skeleton that is a transparent expression image of the character CH. The image becomes visible through the TOB. That is, when a contact event occurs, as shown in FIG. 11A, the transmission representation image of the character CH displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub-screen SB generated at the contact position TP. Image representation as shown in (B) is realized.

  In this case, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a transparent representation image having a size smaller than the image of the character CH displayed on the main screen is displayed on the sub screen SB. ing.

  For example, the transparent expression image displayed on the sub-screen SB in FIG. 11A is an image representing the skeleton of the character CH, but a skeleton image smaller than the size of the character CH is displayed. In FIG. 11B, the contact position TP is not the shoulder position of the character CH, but a skeleton image of the shoulder position is displayed.

  That is, when a spherical transparent object TOB is used, the image is enlarged about three times as shown in FIG. Therefore, if a transparent representation image having the same size as the character CH is displayed on the sub screen SB as the transparent representation image of the character CH, the image of the character CH reflected on the main screen and the transparent representation image reflected via the transparent object TOB are displayed. And the positional relationship between the two is inconsistent and an unnatural image is generated.

  In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the size-transparent representation image smaller than the character CH image is displayed on the sub screen SB, as shown in FIG. 10A, the character CH image displayed on the main screen, An image having no unnaturalness is displayed without any contradiction in the positional relationship with the transparent expression image reflected through the transparent object TOB. Therefore, it is possible to display an image that looks as if it is looking into the body of the character CH, and an image expression that has never been achieved can be realized.

  In addition, the application example of the transmission expression image display method of this embodiment is not limited to FIG. 10 (A)-FIG. 11 (B). For example, instead of the skeleton, a transparent expression image in which the built-in can be seen may be displayed, or a transparent expression image of clothes may be displayed. Or you may display the transmission expression image which can see the inside of machines, such as a car and an airplane.

  Next, specific processing for realizing the method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the main screen image shown in B1 is IM1, and the transparent representation images that are sub-screen images shown in B2 and B3 are IM2 and IM3. Here, the transmissive expression image IM2 is a picture image that is the same size as the main screen image IM1, and the transmissive expression image IM3 is a picture image that is reduced to 1/3 times the main screen image. The main screen image IM1 is drawn in the first drawing buffer 177 in FIG. 2, and the transparent representation images IM2 and IM3 that are sub-screen images are drawn in the second drawing buffer 178.

  Then, as shown in B4 and B5 of FIG. 12, only when the transparent object TOB comes into contact with the touch panel display 190 and there is a touch panel input, a transparent expression is displayed in a place (display area) centered on the coordinates of the contact position TP. Images IM2 and IM3 are displayed (arranged). That is, the transparent representation images IM2 and IM3 are drawn at positions corresponding to the contact position TP on the main screen image IM1.

  Then, as shown in B6 and B7 of FIG. 12, when viewed through the transparent object TOB, the image is seen to be magnified about three times by the lens effect. In addition, the transparent object TOB is lifted and the touch panel input disappears, and at the same time, the transmission representation images IM2 and IM3 are deleted.

  In this case, as apparent from a comparison between B6 and B7 in FIG. 12, the use of the reduced transmission representation image IM3 prevents inconsistency in the positional relationship between the character CH and the transmission representation image. it can.

  In this case, it is desirable to perform a process of scrolling the display position of the transparent expression image IM3 according to the coordinates of the contact position TP in order to eliminate the contradiction in the positional relationship. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is desirable to change the display position of the sub-screen SB according to the coordinates of the contact position TP.

2.5 Description Image Display Next, a description image display method to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. For example, in FIG. 13A, a background image on which a forest inhabiting insects is drawn is displayed on the touch panel display 190.

  When the player places the transparent object TOB (object) on the touch panel display 190 and a contact event occurs in which the TOB contacts the contact position TP, the butterfly character image becomes visible through the TOB. That is, by generating a butterfly character CH at the contact position TP as shown in FIG. 14A, an image representation as shown in FIG. 13B is realized.

  In this case, when the player touches the transparent object TOB (object) at a position different from that in FIG. 13A, different types of insect characters CH such as mantis and beetle are generated according to the contact position. Will be displayed.

  In this way, it is possible to give the player the pleasure of searching the forest and finding various insects. In FIG. 13A, a character such as a butterfly is not displayed. However, for example, when a character such as a butterfly having a very small size is displayed in advance on the background image and the transparent object TOB comes into contact with the character, An effect of displaying an enlarged image of the character as shown in FIG. This makes it possible for the player to experience the insect collection in a simulated manner.

  Further, in FIGS. 13B and 14A, when a contact event occurs and an insect character CH is generated, an explanatory image of the character CH (an image explaining the characteristics of the character) is displayed. The sub screen SB is generated. Specifically, when it is determined that the character to be displayed on the main screen of touch panel display 190 matches the touch position TP, a sub-screen SB on which an explanatory image of the character is displayed is generated.

  Displaying such an explanation image sub-screen SB can give the player an enjoyment like a picture book of searching for insects and viewing their explanations. That is, the player can know not only the image of the worm but also what kind of insect the worm is and what characteristics it has, and can satisfy the player's intellectual curiosity.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when a character CH occurs, an explanation image 193 of the generated character CH may be generated and displayed on the display 191 (second display). In this way, if the explanation image 193 is displayed on the display 191, the player can directly see and read the explanation image without using the transparent object TOB, so that the convenience of the player can be improved.

  Note that the method of generating the explanation image is not limited to the method of FIGS. 13A to 14B. For example, when an image of a fish (character) swimming is generated and the swimming fish is touched with a transparent object (or object), a sub-screen of an explanatory image such as the name and size of the fish is displayed. A transmission expression image representing the internal organs and bones of fish may be displayed as a sub-screen of the explanation image.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of processing for realizing the methods of FIGS. 13 (A) to 14 (B).

  First, a background image representing a forest as shown in FIG. 13A is drawn (step S11). Then, it is determined whether or not the transparent object TOB (object) has touched the touch panel display 190 (step S12). If contact is made, the touch position TP of the touch panel display 190 is acquired (step S13).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the character CH exists at the contact position TP (step S14). If it exists, the character CH and the sub-screen SB of the explanation image are displayed at the contact position TP (step S15). That is, since the butterfly character CH exists at the contact position TP in FIG. 13A, the butterfly character CH and its explanation image are displayed via the transparent object TOB in FIG. 13B.

  Next, an explanatory image of the appearing character CH is displayed on the second display 191 (step S16). For example, in FIG. 14B, an explanatory image of the butterfly character CH is displayed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the transparent object TOB has left the touch panel display 190 (step S17). When the user leaves, the character CH and the explanation image sub-screen are hidden (step S18), and the process returns to step S12.

2.6 Sub-Screen Movement Processing The display area of the sub-screen SB may be an area centered on the contact position TP, but the sub-screen SB is generated in a display area that is a given distance away from the contact position. May be.

  For example, in FIG. 16A, when the contact event of the transparent object TOB to the contact position TP occurs, the sub screen control unit 103 displays the sub screen SB in the display area set at a location away from the contact position TP. Is generated. Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, after the sub screen SB is generated, the sub screen SB is moved toward the contact position TP.

  In this way, when the transparent object TOB is placed, the sub screen image does not suddenly appear in the center of the TOB, but the sub screen image appears while moving from the vicinity of the outline of the TOB toward the center. it can. Further, since the sub screen image appears from a position different from the contact position TP of the transparent object TOB, the player is not aware that the sub screen SB is generated by the contact event to the contact position TP, and the secret is known. The situation can be prevented.

  In FIG. 17A, the contact position TP is moved after the contact event occurs. In this case, the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of moving the sub screen SB so as to follow the moving contact position TP. Specifically, after the sub screen SB moves to the contact position TP as shown in FIG. 16B, when the player moves the transparent object TOB to the left side, for example, as shown in FIG. 17A, the sub screen SB is accompanied accordingly. Also move to the left.

  In this way, the sub-screen image displayed in the outline area ER of the transparent object TOB also moves following the movement of the transparent object TOB. Therefore, a fortune-telling sentence exists in the transparent object TOB, and it looks as if it moves as the transparent object TOB moves, so that a realistic video expression can be realized.

  In FIG. 17B, the sub screen control unit 103 performs a process of hiding the sub screen SB as the contact position TP moves. That is, when the contact position TP is moved a long distance from the position shown in FIG. 16B, the sub-screen SB is gradually hidden. For example, when the contact position TP moves to the left as shown in FIG. 16B, the display gradually disappears from the right portion of the sub-screen SB. Conversely, when the contact position TP moves to the right side, it is gradually hidden from the left part of the sub-screen SB.

  In this way, when the transparent object TOB is largely moved, the sub-screen image that can be seen in the TOB disappears. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the transparent object TOB (contact position TP) is moved to the left side, the sub-screen image moves to the right side in the TOB. When the transparent object TOB is further moved to the left side, after the sub-screen image reaches the right outline in the TOB, it is possible to realize an image expression that gradually disappears from the right side portion.

  For example, when the transparent object TOB is moved to the left side, the transparent object TOB is largely moved to the left side unless the method of moving the sub screen SB to the left side and hiding it as shown in FIG. At times, the sub-screen SB that exists under the TOB appears and appears on the right side of the TOB, and the secret is known. In this regard, according to the method of FIG. 17B, the sub-screen SB is not displayed, and thus such a situation can be prevented.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a contact event occurs, the sub screen SB is generated at a location away from the contact position TP as shown in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18B, the generated sub-screen SB is moved toward the contact position TP.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 18C, when the contact position TP is moved, the sub-screen SB is moved so as to follow TP. For example, when the contact position TP moves to the left side, the sub screen SB also moves to the left side. When the contact position TP moves to the right side, the sub screen SB also moves to the right side.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 18C, it is desirable to move the sub screen SB at a movement distance L / N (N> 1) shorter than the movement distance L of the contact position TP. Alternatively, the sub screen SB is moved at a movement speed slower than the movement speed of the contact position TP.

  In this way, when the transparent object TOB is moved, for example, to the left side, it is possible to realize a video expression in which the sub-screen image appears to move from the center of the TOB toward the right contour. When the transparent object TOB is further moved to the left side and the sub-screen SB is hidden as shown in FIG. 18D, the sub-object is subtracted from the right outline of the transparent object TOB as shown in FIG. It is possible to realize video expression in which the screen image gradually disappears.

2.7 Game Score Calculation Next, a game score calculation method to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. For example, in FIG. 19A, when a touch event occurs when the player touches the touch panel display 190 with the transparent object TOB (or object), a sub screen SB is generated and displayed as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Specifically, in FIG. 19A, the contact position TP is near the building window. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19B, an enlarged image near the contact position TP is generated. Then, an image of the character CH over the window is displayed on the sub screen SB.

  Then, after the sub screen SB is generated in this manner, when the player inputs operation information using the operation unit, the game result of the player is calculated based on the input operation information. Specifically, in FIG. 19B, the player presses the operation button 302 to give an instruction to shoot the character CH with a gun or the like. When a shot (bullet) hits the character CH, a game score calculation is performed in which the player's score is added.

  As described above, according to the methods shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, not only the sub screen SB appears due to the occurrence of the contact event, but also the player performs the game operation, so that the game results of the player Can be calculated, and interactive games can be realized.

  Note that the game score calculation method of the present embodiment is not limited to FIGS. 19 (A) and 19 (B). For example, after the sub-screen SB appears due to the occurrence of a contact event, the game results can be obtained by answering quizzes displayed on the sub-screen SB, playing a game against a character or a card displayed on the sub-screen SB, etc. You may calculate.

  FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of processing for realizing the method of FIGS. 19 (A) and 19 (B).

  First, a background image on which a building or the like as shown in FIG. 19A is drawn is drawn (step S21). Then, it is determined whether or not the transparent object TOB (object) is in contact with the touch panel display 190 (step S22). If the transparent object TOB (object) is in contact, the contact position TP of the touch panel display 190 is acquired (step S23).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19B, an enlarged image sub-screen SB at the contact position TP is generated and the character CH is displayed (step S24). Then, it is determined whether or not the player has performed a given operation such as shooting (step S25). If so, game results such as the player's score are calculated (step S26).

2.8 Communication Processing Next, a communication processing method to which this embodiment is applied will be described. FIG. 21 shows a configuration example of a game system that realizes the communication processing method of the present embodiment. This game system is connected to a plurality of image generation devices (game device, game terminal, information terminal) 20-1 to 20-n and these image generation device devices 20-1 to 20-n via a network 12. Server 10 is included. Here, the network 12 (communication line) means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the network 12 includes a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection. The method is not limited to wired / wireless.

  The server (game server) 10 can be configured by a known server computer system having a processing unit that executes various processes, a storage unit that stores various programs and data, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data via the network 12, and the like. . This server 10 is provided (installed) by, for example, an image generation device manufacturer or game software production manufacturer, and performs overall control of the game system, management of various data and network games, and the like.

  The image generation devices 20-1 to 20-n are devices (terminals) for the player to play a game. The image generation devices 20-1 to 20-n are a processing unit that executes various processes, a storage unit that stores various programs and data, and an operation input by the player. It can be configured by a known computer system having an operation unit for performing, a display unit for displaying a game screen, a sound output unit for outputting game sounds, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data via the network 12, and the like. . For example, as the image generation devices 20-1 to 20-n, a home game device installed in a home, an arcade game device installed in a store, a portable game device, or a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, etc. realizable. Players playing with the image generation apparatuses 20-1 to 20-n can receive various services (online network services) provided by the server 10 by accessing the server 10 and logging in.

  With the game system as shown in FIG. 21, for example, the communication processing unit 110 included in the image generation device 20-1 receives game play information of another player who plays a game on the other image generation device 20-2 via the network 12. can do.

  Here, the game play information is information obtained by the game play of the player, such as character information, game play operation information and operation history information, player game result information, or player personal information. The character information includes movement information such as the character's position, rotation angle (direction) or speed, parameter information such as the character's physical strength, hit points or status, event information generated for the character, or character image information. The game play operation information and operation history information are operation information input by the player using the operation unit 160 and history information of the operation information. Further, the player's game result information is information such as the player's score, points, or win / loss, and the player's personal information is information such as the player's name, nickname, sex, or age.

  In this embodiment, the sub-screen control unit 103 performs processing for generating a sub-screen based on the received game play information of another player when a contact event occurs. For example, the sub screen is generated at the display position corresponding to the contact position. Specifically, based on the position information of the character of the other player, a sub-screen in which the character of the other player is drawn at a position on the game field corresponding to the position is generated. Alternatively, the sub screen is generated or moved based on the operation information and operation history information of other players. Alternatively, the sub screen is generated or disappeared based on the game result information of other players.

  For example, FIG. 22 (A) and FIG. 22 (B) are examples when the method of the present embodiment is applied to a submarine battle game.

  A sea background image is displayed on the touch panel display 190 of the player. When the player's attack turn comes, the position information of the character CH of the submarine operated by another player is received via the network. Then, the player operates the transparent object TOB (or an object such as a finger or a stylus pen) to search for another player's submarine character CH under the sea.

  Specifically, when the transparent object TOB (object) operated by the player contacts the contact position TP, the contact position TP is compared with the position of the submarine character CH operated by another player obtained by reception. . When the contact position TP and the position of the submarine character CH coincide with each other, the sub-screen control unit 103 displays the sub-screen on which the submarine character CH of another player hidden on the sea surface is drawn as shown in FIG. SB is generated. More specifically, the player's torpedo hits the submarine character CH to generate an effect image that is destroyed. In this way, a so-called torpedo battle game with a submarine can be realized.

  FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of processing for realizing the method of FIGS. 22 (A) and 22 (B).

  First, a background image on which a sea or the like as shown in FIG. 22A is drawn is drawn (step S31). Further, the game play information (information of other players) of other players who play the game with other image generation devices is received via the network (step S32).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the transparent object TOB (object) has touched the touch panel display 190 (step S33). If the transparent object TOB (object) has touched, the contact position TP of the touch panel display 190 is acquired (step S34). Then, it is determined whether or not the contact position TP and the position of the character CH (submarine) of the other player coincide with each other (step S35). If they coincide, as shown in FIG. The sub screen SB on which the player's character CH is displayed is generated and displayed at the contact position TP (step S36).

  Note that the communication processing method of the present embodiment is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. For example, the sub screen control unit 103 may perform a process of generating a sub screen on which an image that can be seen from the viewpoint of another player is displayed based on the game play information of the other player.

  For example, in FIG. 24A, a character CH1 operated by a player and a character CH2 operated by another player are fighting. In this case, the image generation device (game device) of the player and the image generation device of another player are connected for communication via the network 12 or the server 10 as shown in FIG. Then, game play information such as the player's viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction is transmitted and received.

  Then, when the player brings the transparent object TOB (object) into contact with the touch position of the touch panel display 190, a sub-screen SB as shown in FIG. Then, on the sub screen SB, an image that can be seen from the viewpoint of the other player is displayed based on the received viewpoint information of the other player. That is, an image of the character CH1, which is a player-side image that can be seen by other players, is displayed.

  In this way, the player can look into how his / her character CH1 looks when viewed from other players, and can realize an image expression that has never been seen before.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B are examples of character battle games. For example, when applied to a racing game or an airplane game, images that can be seen from the driver's seat or cockpit of other players are displayed. It may be displayed on the sub screen SB.

2.9 Transparent Object Next, various examples of the transparent object (object) used in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 25A shows an example of a spherical transparent object. As this transparent object, for example, a transparent acrylic sphere, glass sphere, rubber sphere or the like having a diameter of around 40 mm can be used. The transparent object may be colorless or colored. The transparent object does not need to be completely transparent, and may be translucent.

  FIG. 25B is an example of a lens-shaped or hemispherical transparent object. As described above, the transparent object does not necessarily have to be a sphere, and at least a portion in contact with the touch panel display may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 25C illustrates an example of a columnar transparent object. In FIG. 25C, the bottom surface, which is a portion that contacts the touch panel display, of the columnar transparent object has a lens shape. The column body may be a cylinder or a prism such as a triangular prism or a quadrangular prism.

  FIG. 25D shows an example of a cylindrical transparent object (object). In FIG. 25D, the sub-screen image displayed on the touch panel display is displayed through, for example, a cylindrical hole in the middle. In this case, for example, if at least two protrusions are provided on the bottom surface portion of the cylinder, the midpoint of the two protrusions is acquired as the touch position (touch position) of the touch panel display.

  Further, when the transparent object has, for example, a columnar shape, at least two protrusions are provided on the bottom surface thereof as shown in FIGS. Even in this way, the midpoint of the two protrusions is acquired as the contact position (touch position) of the touch panel display.

  For example, in FIGS. 26A and 26B, a figure (transparent object, object) imitating a character or the like is placed on the touch panel display 190. In this case, a projection as shown in FIG. 25E is provided on the bottom of the figure in FIG. 26A, and a projection as shown in FIG. 25F is provided on the bottom of the figure in FIG. Is provided. If the orientation when the figure is placed is fixed, even if the figure is placed in the same circle, the contact position when the figure of FIG. When the figure of FIG. 26 (B) having the protrusion of (F) is placed, the contact position is different. Therefore, by determining the contact position, it is possible to determine what shape the figure is placed on. Further, by determining the contact position, for example, it is possible to perform control such as different types of sub-screen images to be generated on the touch panel display 190 and different ways of generating the sub-screen images. For example, when a figure imitating the robot in FIG. 26A is placed, a sub-screen on which the robot character corresponding to the figure is displayed is generated, or a figure imitating the rabbit in FIG. When placed, it is possible to generate a sub-screen on which a rabbit character corresponding to this figure is displayed.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms (transparent objects, etc.) cited as broad or synonymous terms (objects, etc.) in the description in the specification or drawings are replaced with broad terms or synonyms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings. Can do.

  Further, the sub-screen generation method, display method, control method, game result calculation method, communication processing method, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Can be included. For example, in the method described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 26B and the like, a modification in which the size of the sub-screen is not set as described in FIG. 4 is possible. It is also possible to adopt a method of acquiring a contact position using an object instead of a transparent object.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to various games other than the game described in the present embodiment. In addition, the present invention also provides various kinds of images such as a business game device, a home game device, a portable game device, a large attraction in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. Applicable to generators.

The example of the external view of the image generation apparatus of this embodiment. The example of a functional block diagram of the image generation device of this embodiment. 3A and 3B show examples of images generated by this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the principle of the method of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the specific process which implement | achieves the method of this embodiment. The flowchart of the specific process of this embodiment. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of the image change method. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of an enlarged image display method. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams of an enlarged image display method. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of a transmission expression image display method. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are explanatory diagrams of a transmission expression image display method. Explanatory drawing of the transmission expression image display method. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams of an explanatory image display method. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of an explanatory image display method. The flowchart of the process of a description image generation method. FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are explanatory diagrams of a sub-screen moving method. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are explanatory diagrams of a sub-screen moving method. 18A to 18D are explanatory diagrams of a sub-screen moving method. FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B are explanatory diagrams of the game result calculation method. The flowchart of the process of a game results calculation method. The structural example of the game system of this embodiment. 22A and 22B are explanatory diagrams of a communication processing method. The flowchart of the process of a communication processing method. 24A and 24B are explanatory diagrams of another example of the communication processing method. 25A to 25F show various examples of transparent objects. FIG. 26 (A) and FIG. 26 (B) are application examples of the present embodiment to the figure.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit, 102 contact position acquisition unit, 103 sub-screen control unit,
104 character control unit, 106 game calculation unit, 108 game result calculation unit,
110 communication processing unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit,
160 operation unit, 162 sub-screen information storage unit, 163 sub-screen management list,
164 sub-screen movement information storage unit, 165 sub-screen image storage unit,
170 storage unit, 171 contact position storage unit,
172 character information storage unit, 173 character management list,
174 Character movement information storage unit, 175 character image storage unit,
176 drawing buffer, 177 first drawing buffer, 178 second drawing buffer,
190 touch panel display, 191 display, 192 sound output unit,
194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 communication unit

Claims (22)

A program for an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the transparent object when a contact event occurs in contact with the transparent object on the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
As an image generation unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display,
Make the computer work,
The sub-screen control unit
The sub screen whose size is set so that an image of the sub screen seen through the transparent object is displayed in an outline region of the transparent object when the touch panel display and the transparent object are viewed in plan Is generated in the display area corresponding to the contact position. In claim 1,
The sub-screen control unit
When the touch event occurs, the sub screen is generated on the image of the main screen of the touch panel display, and when the separation event that the transparent object is separated from the touch panel display occurs, the generated sub screen is not displayed. A program characterized by performing processing for display. In claim 1 or 2,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for performing a telop process for scrolling a sentence displayed on the sub-screen when the contact event occurs. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The sub-screen control unit
A program that performs processing for displaying an enlarged image of a main screen of the touch panel display on the sub-screen when the contact event occurs. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The sub-screen control unit
A program that performs processing for displaying an enlarged image of a character to be displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display on the sub-screen when the contact event occurs. In claim 5,
The sub-screen control unit
The program which performs the process which displays the enlarged image of a different character on the said sub screen according to the said contact position in the said main screen. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The sub-screen control unit
A program for performing a process of displaying a transparent expression image of a character displayed on a main screen of the touch panel display on the sub screen when the contact event occurs. In claim 7,
The sub-screen control unit
The program which performs the process which displays the said transparent representation image of a size smaller than the image of the said character displayed on the said main screen on the said sub screen. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The sub-screen control unit
A program for generating a sub-screen on which an explanatory image of the character is displayed when it is determined that the character to be displayed on the main screen of the touch panel display matches the contact position. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for generating the sub-screen in the display area after a predetermined time lag period has elapsed after the contact event has occurred. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
The sub-screen control unit
When the touch event occurs, the sub screen is generated in the display area set at a location away from the touch position, and after the sub screen is generated, the sub screen is moved toward the touch position. A program characterized by performing processing to be performed. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for performing a process of moving the sub screen so as to follow the moving contact position when the contact position moves after the contact event occurs. In any one of Claims 1 to 12,
As a game score calculator that calculates the player's game score,
Make the computer work,
The game score calculation unit
When the player inputs given operation information using the operation unit after the contact event has occurred and the sub-screen has occurred, the player's game score is calculated based on the input operation information. A program characterized by A program for an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
An image generating unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display;
As a game score calculator that calculates the player's game score,
Make the computer work,
The game score calculation unit
When the player inputs given operation information using the operation unit after the contact event has occurred and the sub-screen has occurred, the player's game results are calculated based on the input operation information. A program characterized by In claim 13 or 14,
The sub-screen control unit
When the contact event occurs, a process of displaying an enlarged image at the contact position on the main screen of the touch panel display on the sub-screen,
The game score calculation unit
When the player performs a shooting operation after the contact event has occurred and the sub-screen has been generated, the game result of the player for shooting against the character displayed in the enlarged image is calculated. program. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
As a communication processing unit that performs processing for receiving game play information of another player who plays a game on another image generation device via a network,
Make the computer work,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for generating the sub-screen based on the received game play information of the other player when the contact event occurs. A program for an image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
An image generating unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display;
As a communication processing unit that performs processing for receiving game play information of another player who plays a game on another image generation device via a network,
Make the computer work,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for generating the sub-screen based on the received game play information of the other player when the contact event occurs. In claim 16 or 17,
The sub-screen control unit
A program for performing processing for generating the sub-screen on which an image seen from the viewpoint of the other player is displayed based on the game play information of the other player.   A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 1. An image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the transparent object when a contact event occurs in contact with the transparent object on the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
An image generation unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display;
The sub-screen control unit
The sub screen whose size is set so that an image of the sub screen seen through the transparent object is displayed in an outline region of the transparent object when the touch panel display and the transparent object are viewed in plan The image generating apparatus is characterized by performing processing for generating the image in the display area corresponding to the contact position. An image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
An image generating unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display;
A game score calculation unit for calculating a player's game score,
The game score calculation unit
When the player inputs given operation information using the operation unit after the contact event has occurred and the sub-screen has occurred, the player's game results are calculated based on the input operation information. An image generation apparatus characterized by the above. An image generation device that generates an image displayed on a touch panel display,
A contact position acquisition unit that acquires a contact position of the object when a contact event occurs in which the object contacts the touch panel display;
A sub-screen control unit that performs processing to generate a sub-screen in a display area corresponding to the acquired touch position when the touch event occurs;
An image generating unit that generates an image including an image of the sub screen and displays the image on the touch panel display;
A communication processing unit that performs processing for receiving game play information of another player playing a game on another image generation device via a network,
The sub-screen control unit
An image generating apparatus that performs processing for generating the sub-screen based on the received game play information of the other player when the contact event occurs.