JPH06285258A - Video game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a video game machine which can realize a movement of phonetic image which matches a game development and is full of feeling of presence at the site without equipping a special signal processing device for establishing the phonetic image. CONSTITUTION:In order to prepare some different phonetic image pathes (for example, three phonetic image pathes of a righthand, a lefthand and a central path with respect to a game player M), a single sound source is preparatorily folded and processed by a pair of convolvers. Sound source information thus processed is stored as stereo sound source information in a game cassette such as CD and ROM. A sound source and phonetic image path selecting means 16a of a video game machine selects the stereo sound source information of two adjacent phonetic image pathes is selected in accordance with proceeding of a game. The stereo sound source information from the pathes thus selected is reproduced by stereo PCM sound sources 17 and 18, and while being crossfaded by a crossfading control means 16b and volume varying means 21 and 22 (that is, while a mixing ratio is being increased and decreased continuously in accordance with a movement of the phonetic image), reproduced by a pair of speakers sp1 and sp2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video game machine provided with a sound image localization function that makes a user feel that a sound image is localized at a desired position different from that of an actual transducer (speaker). Without using a playback device
The present invention relates to a video game machine capable of reproducing a realistic sound image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in amusement machines such as video game machines (video game machines), images (images)
Not only was the development done from the aspect, but also from the aspect of audio (sound) synchronized with the video (image). For example, in order to make the game more realistic, there has been an attempt to control not only the stereo sound but also the position of the sound image (the direction of the sound heard by the game operator) according to the game development.

As a sound image localization method of making a sound source feel at such a specific position (specific direction), for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-29
There is a "sound image forming method and its device" described in Japanese Patent No. 8200. This is because the signal from the sound source is FFT (Fast Fourier T
ransform) conversion and processing on the frequency axis to give a level difference and a phase difference depending on the frequency to both the left and right channel signals to digitally control the localization of the sound image.
The frequency-dependent level difference and phase difference at each sound image localization position of this device are collected as experimental data (psychological data) using an actual listener. In the "interactive video game device" described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-242684, transfer characteristics (coefficients) for localizing a sound image in the 3 o'clock direction and the 9 o'clock direction (positional direction 90 degrees from the front to the left and right) ) Is prepared, and the reproduced sound at the front position and the reproduced sound localized at 3 o'clock (or 9 o'clock) are substantially panpot-processed to localize the sound image (that is, both). Was changed to the intermediate position by changing the mixing ratio).

Further, the present applicant invented a new sound image localization method as an alternative to the above-mentioned sound image localization method, and made a "method of sound image localization control" (filing date: November 30, 1992).
"Sound image localization control device" (filing date: December 18, 1992)
(Sun) etc. This sound image localization method uses a pair of convolvers to convolve the signals from the sound source on the time axis to localize the sound image, and finally determines the transfer characteristic (convolver coefficient) for sound image localization on the time axis. It is the data of the above IR (impulse response). And such a sound image localization method (and its apparatus)
I was trying to reproduce a more realistic sound image by using a video game machine for business use. That is, according to the operation of the game operator, signal processing is performed in the video game machine so that the position of the sound image matches the development of the game at that time, and the sound image is reproduced.

[0005]

However, in a conventional game machine provided with a sound image processing device for executing the above-described sound image localization method in a video game machine, a sound image is reproduced according to an operation (game development) of a game operator. On the other hand, a special playback device for sound image localization processing (a circuit that digitally processes the frequency-dependent level difference and phase difference, a pair of convolvers that performs convolution calculation processing, etc.) is required, so it is inexpensive. There was a problem in terms of price and performance when it was implemented on various consumer video game consoles. Furthermore, consumer video game consoles need to maintain compatibility with video game consoles that have already been sold and used, and from this aspect it is possible to use a special playback device for sound localization. It was a problem.

There is also an attempt to execute the above-described sound image localization method at the time of creating game software so that audio data that has been subjected to sound image processing in advance is reproduced on the video game machine side. However, it is not realistic to prepare all the audio data according to the game operator's operation (game development), and only the sound image of a limited sound image path can be reproduced, so that the reproduced sound tends to be monotonous. As a video game machine, I couldn't always get a sense of realism. Therefore, the present invention is capable of reproducing a sound image full of reality without using a special reproducing device, and is inexpensive.
A video game machine suitable for consumer use is provided.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, reproduces a predetermined image and a pair of transducers (a pair of transducers arranged apart from each other). A video game machine which reproduces a signal subjected to sound image localization processing in advance from the speakers sp1 and sp2) to make the game operator (M) feel that a sound image is localized at a predetermined position, and a different sound image path. (For example, with respect to the game operator, three sound image paths R on the left and right and in the center,
C, L), a plurality of stereo sound source information that has been subjected to sound image localization processing in advance (for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a single sound source is composed of a pair of convolvers 33, 34, and sound image paths are R, C, L).
PC that is a stereo signal that has been subjected to convolution calculation processing so that
Means for selecting stereo sound source information of two adjacent sound image paths (for example, stereo sound source information processed to be a sound image path R and a sound image path C) from M audio data) (sound source and sound image) Route selection means 16
a) and reproducing the selected two stereo sound source information with the pair of transducers while crossfading / mixing according to the sound image position (for example, while continuously increasing or decreasing the mixing ratio according to the movement of the sound image). Means (crossfade control means 16b, first stereo PCM sound source 17, second stereo PCM sound source 18, crossfading volume changing means 21, 22). ) Is provided.

[0008]

According to the above video game machine, the stereo sound source information which has been subjected to the sound image processing in advance so as to form the predetermined sound image path is reproduced from the pair of transducers (speakers sp1 and sp2) arranged apart from each other. To be done. The stereo sound source (sound) reproduced from a pair of transducers is
The crosstalk to both ears is canceled, the sound image is localized so that the sound source is located at the desired position where the sound image processing has been performed, and the game operator M hears it. At this time, the two selected stereo sound source information are mixed or cross-faded at a timing interval (ratio) according to the change of the sound image position, and reproduced by the pair of transducers. Therefore, unlike when mixing the sound images at different positions, or when mechanically switching the sound image paths,
A realistic sound image (sound) that matches the game development is played.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a video game machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the stereo sound source information that has been subjected to sound image processing so as to form a predetermined sound image path, that is, the basic principle of sound image localization control will be described. The basic principle is to use a pair of transducers (speakers) arranged apart from each other and localize a sound image at an arbitrary position in space.

FIG. 8 is a principle diagram of sound image localization. sp1,
sp2 is a speaker arranged on the front left and right of the listener, h1L is a head-related transfer characteristic (impulse response) from the speaker sp1 to the listener's left ear, h1R is a head-related transfer characteristic to the right ear, and left and right from the speaker sp2. Head-to-ear transmission characteristics to the ears are h2L and h2R. Further, the head-related transfer characteristics up to the listener's (M's) left and right ears when an actual speaker is placed at the intended localization position x are pLx and pRx. Here, each transfer characteristic is actually measured by a speaker and a microphone located at both binaural positions of a dummy head (or human head) in an acoustic space, and subjected to appropriate waveform processing.

Next, consider that the signals obtained by passing the sound source (source) X to be localized through the signal converters cfLx and cfRx (transfer characteristics by a convolver or the like) are reproduced by the speakers sp1 and sp2, respectively. At this time, if the signals obtained in the left and right ears of the listener are eL and eR, then eL = h1L · cfLx · X + h2L · cfRx · X (Equation 1) eR = h1R · cfLx · X + h2R · cfRx · X (〃) Meanwhile, the sound source X Let dL and dR be the signals obtained in the left and right ears of the listener when is reproduced from the target localization position: dL = pLx · X (Equation 2) dR = pRx · X (〃)

Here, if the signals obtained in the left and right ears of the listener by reproduction of the speakers sp1 and sp2 match the signals when the sound source is reproduced from the target position, it is as if the listener has the speaker at the target position. The sound image will be recognized. From these conditions eL = dL, eR = dR and (Equation 1) and (Equation 2), X is deleted and h1L · cfLx + h2L · cfRx = pLx (Equation 3) h1R · cfLx + h2R · cfRx = pRx (Equation 3) CfLx, cfRx is calculated from cfLx = (h2R · pLx−h2L · pRx) / H (Equation 4a) cfRx = (− h1R · pLx + h1L · pRx) / H (〃) where H = h1L · h2R-h2L · h1R (Formula 4b)

Therefore, if a signal to be localized is processed by a convolver (convolution operation processing circuit) or the like using the transfer characteristics cfLx and cfRx calculated by (Equation 4a) and (Equation 4b), a sound image is obtained at a target position x. Can be localized. There are various concrete methods for realizing the signal conversion device, but an asymmetric FIR (Finite Impulse Response)
) Type digital filter (convolver), DSP
It may be realized by using (Digital Signal Processor). Then, the head-related transfer characteristics h1L, h1R, h2L, h2R due to the speakers sp1 and sp2 arranged and the head-related transfer characteristics pLx and pRx when the actual speaker is arranged at the target localization position x were obtained. Signal processing may be performed by substituting, for example, IR (impulse response) of each angle θ.

That is, for example, if the system configuration shown in FIG. 7A is taken as an example, the head-related transfer characteristics h1L and h1 are obtained.
Since R corresponds to the position of the L channel speaker, if it is installed at 30 degrees (θ = 330 degrees) from the front to the left, an IR of θ = 330 degrees is used. The head-related transfer characteristics h2R and h2L correspond to the position of the R channel speaker shown in FIG.
If it is installed at an angle (θ = 30 degrees), an IR of θ = 30 degrees is used (that is, a system close to the system at the time of actual sound image reproduction is selected). Further, head-related transfer characteristics pLx, p
As Rx, as shown in FIG. 7 (B), by substituting, for example, an IR at every 7.5 degrees in a wide space (entire space) that is a target sound source localization position, cfLx of the entire space corresponding to it , CfRx, that is, 48 groups of convolver coefficients cfLx and cfRx are obtained for every 7.5 degrees, and sound image localization processing is performed for every 7.5 degrees (in FIG. 7 (A), a 240 degree position is taken as an example). Exist).

Then, the coefficient c of the convolver at the desired position
In fLx and cfRx, signals from the same sound source (for example,
Stereo sound source information (P) for localizing a sound image at a desired position can be obtained by performing convolution calculation processing on an airplane sound for a video game machine.
A digital signal that can be reproduced by the CM sound source device is obtained.
When the calculated stereo sound source information is reproduced by a pair of speakers (normal stereo) arranged apart from each other, a sound image is localized at a desired position. By continuously changing and processing the sound image localization position in advance, a desired sound image path (a sound image moving along) can be obtained. This point will be described in detail below. FIG. 5 (A)-
(C) is an explanatory view showing an example of a sound image path that is previously subjected to sound image processing as stereo sound source information.

The plurality of different sound image paths reproduced by the stereo sound source information of the video game machine are, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), it shows three sound image paths R, C, and L on the left and right and in the center with the game operator M as the center, and these sound images are reproduced by reproducing the stereo sound source information subjected to the sound image processing. The sound image processing is performed so that the game operator M can hear the sound image (sound) moving on the routes R, C, and L. That is, for the basic sound source,
A convolution calculation process in which a sound image is localized at each angular position based on the above-described basic principle of sound image localization control, a volume control process in consideration of the distance d between the game operator M and the sound image,
It is PCM audio data that has been subjected to frequency processing (frequency pitch control) based on the Doppler effect in consideration of the game operator M and the moving position of the sound image, and is a digital signal that can be reproduced by a stereo PCM sound source device of a video game machine. . The stereo sound source information is created by a stereo sound source information creating device when the game software is created, and is stored as audio data of the game software (PCM audio data) in a storage medium for a video game machine such as a CD / ROM or a game cassette. Recorded in (game software) and supplied.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a stereo sound source information creating device. Signals from sound sources (eg airplane sounds for video game consoles made with synthesizer 30)
Is a pitch (frequency) control circuit 31, a distance control circuit 3
The stereo sound source information is processed by the pair of convolvers 33 and 34. For example, the stereo sound source information for moving the sound image of the airplane sound along the sound image path R shown in FIG. 5A is the pitch (frequency) control circuit 31 and the Doppler effect is used when the airplane sound approaches the game operator M. In consideration of the above, the pitch is processed so that the sound becomes high and becomes low when moving away from the game operator M. Furthermore, the distance control circuit 3
In 2, the distance control process is performed in consideration of the distance d between the game operator M and the sound image, for example, the volume control process is performed so that the sound is small at a distant position and loud at a close position so as to be inversely proportional to the distance d. .

Then, a single (same) sound source signal subjected to pitch control and distance control is paired with a pair of convolvers 33, 34.
Is input to and the convolution operation processing is performed. That is, the coefficients cfLx and cfRx of the pair of convolvers 33 and 34 are
As the sound image moves along the sound image path L, switching is performed in the order of 30 degrees → 37.5 degrees → 45 degrees → ... → 135 degrees → 142.5 degrees → 150 degrees, and convolution calculation processing is performed. In this way, stereo sound source information (PCM audio data) for an airplane sound moving along the sound image path R is obtained. When this stereo sound source information is reproduced by the PCM sound source device of the video game machine and reproduced by a pair of speakers (normal stereo) arranged apart from each other, a sound image is given to the game operator M along the sound image path R. It will be heard as the sound of a moving airplane.

In the same manner, stereo sound source information in which the airplane sound moves along the sound image paths L and C shown in FIG. 5A is created. Further, when a missile sound is required, the missile sound is produced by the synthesizer 10, and the pitch (frequency) is generated.
Control circuit 31, distance control circuit 32, pair of convolvers 3
Similarly, at 3, 34, sound image processing is performed to obtain stereo sound source information corresponding to a plurality of sound image paths. The stereo sound source information subjected to the sound image processing is stored in a storage medium for a video game machine such as a CD-ROM or a game cassette as game software data (PCM audio data).

Next, the structure of the video game machine according to the present invention for reproducing the stereo sound source information and the system structure using the same will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes game software.
Is a controller (operation paddle) CT operated by a game operator M and an RO in which game software is stored.
The game cassette 11 made of M is connected through a paddle terminal and a bus throttle. Further, the central processing unit 10 includes an interface (IF) 12 via an internal bus and a graphic system processor (GS) for expressing a desired graphic image.
P) 13 and an FM sound source (FM sound source synthesizer) 14 are connected. Further, the interface 12 is connected to a disc reproducing section 15 for reproducing a CD-ROM in which game software (including data such as the stereo sound source information described above) is recorded.

Further, the interface 12 is connected to the sub central processing unit 16 through an internal bus. A pair of a first stereo PCM sound source (PCM sound source synthesizer) 17 and a second stereo PCM sound source (PCM sound source synthesizer) 18 are connected to the sub central processing unit 16 via a data bus. Stereo PC
The M sound source 17 and the stereo PCM sound source 18 are circuits that demodulate and reproduce the stereo sound source information (PCM audio data) described above as a stereo analog signal. A sound source R is included in the stereo PCM sound source 17 and the stereo PCM sound source 18.
The AM 19 and the sound source RAM 20 are connected. The sound source RAM 19 and the sound source RAM 20 store the large-capacity stereo sound source information (PCM audio data) supplied from the CD-ROM reproduced by the disk reproducing unit 15 in the sub central processing unit 16 (sound source and sound image path described later). Selection means 16a), stereo PCM sound source 17, stereo P
It is a memory for temporarily storing under the control of the CM sound source 18.

Further, the two (2 sets) stereo signals reproduced by the stereo PCM sound source 17 and the stereo PCM sound source 18 are respectively inputted to the sound volume changing means 21 and 22 to adjust the sound volume, and then the left and right signals are changed. Each is added (that is, crossfade controlled) and input to the left / right volume varying means 23. In addition, the sub central processing unit 16 includes a sound source and sound image path selection unit 1
6a, crossfade control means 16b, sound source selection means 1
6c and a left / right volume control means 16d.
The sound source / sound image path selection means 16a outputs stereo adjacent sound source information for two different sound image paths (for example, stereo sound source information for airplane sound processed to be the above-described sound image path R and sound image path C). Based on an instruction from the central processing unit 10 in accordance with the game development, the data is read from the CD / ROM in advance and stored in the tone generator RAM 19 and the tone generator RAM 20. The crossfade control means 16b reproduces and demodulates the stereo sound source information stored in the sound source RAM 19 and the sound source RAM 20 with the stereo PCM sound source 17 and the stereo PCM sound source 18, and changes the volume according to a command from the central processing unit 10. The means 21 and 22 are controlled to perform cross-fade processing at optimum timing intervals.

Further, reference numeral 24 denotes a predetermined MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital) data supplied from the CD / ROM.
Interface) MID for format conversion into signal
The I-conversion means, and the converted MIDI signal is input to the MIDI sound source 25 at the next stage. MIDI sound source 25
The audio signal reproduced by
6 is connected to the a terminal side. The FM sound source synthesizer 14 is provided on the terminal b side of the sound source changeover switch 26.
Are connected to each other and are configured to be switched under the control of (the sound source selection means 16c of) the sub central processing unit 16. Sound source selector switch 26
Audio signal selected by switching with (monaural signal)
Is added to the cross-faded signals from the stereo PCM sound sources 17 and 18, and the left / right volume varying means 23 is added.
Has been entered in. The left / right volume control means 16d of the sub central processing unit 16 finally controls the left / right volume balance, and the left / right volume control means 16 outputs the amplified left / right volume balance to the amplifiers 27 and 28 for amplification.

The video game machine configured as described above is used in a system configuration as shown in FIG. A video reproducing device (video monitor) DP for reproducing a video signal from the graphic system processor 13 is arranged in front of the game operator M, and further, a predetermined opening angle (this) is set on the basis of the game operator M. Corresponds to the head related transfer function used when calculating the convolver coefficients cfLx and cfRx for sound image processing. In the present embodiment, the left and right opening angles are 30 degrees as shown in FIG. 7A. To have a pair of speakers sp1, sp
2 are arranged separately. Pair of speakers sp1, sp
From 2, the audio signals from the amplifiers 27 and 28 are reproduced. The controller (operation paddle) CT is operated by the game operator M.

Next, the operation of the video game machine configured as described above will be described. When the game operator M mounts the game CD / ROM on the disc reproducing unit 15 and operates the controller CT, the game software is loaded from the game CD / ROM.
It is executed in the central processing unit 10. Video display data and audio data are read according to the game development, and stereo sound source information which is audio data is supplied to the sub central processing unit 16. And
An instruction signal for creating an image is supplied to the graphic system processor 13, and an image signal for forming a mosaic image composed of a plurality of partial images is generated and reproduced as a game video by the video reproduction device DP. To be done. The stereo sound source information is reproduced by the sub central processing unit 16 from the pair of speakers sp1 and sp2 as a sound (a stereoscopic sound in which a sound image moves) matched with the video.

The operation associated with the sound image moving process by the sound source / sound image path selecting means 16a and the crossfade control means 16b of the sub central processing unit 16 will be described in detail. 4 (A) to 4 (C) are diagrams showing an example of sound image movement desired to be reproduced by the video game machine, and FIGS. 2 (A) to 2 (C) are explanatory diagrams and diagrams of crossfade control for reproducing the movement of the sound image. Three
(A)-(C) is a figure explaining sound image movement reproduced by switching a sound image course by crossfade control.

The movement of the airplane sound as shown in FIG. 4A (the movement of the sound image corresponding to the airplane moving toward the front of the game operator M and jumping through the right side) is
It is assumed that the central processing unit 10 instructs the sub central processing unit 16 in accordance with the game development. The sound image path selecting means 16a of the sub-central processing unit 16 has two (2) sets of stereo sound source information necessary to reproduce the movement of the airplane sound, in this case, the sound image path R and the sound image path C. CD-ROM of stereo sound source information (PCM audio data) of two (2 sets) airplane sounds processed by
And is stored in the tone generator RAM 19 and the tone generator RAM 20, respectively. The stereo sound source information of the sound source RAM 19 and the sound source RAM 20 is the first stereo PCM sound source 17,
It is demodulated and reproduced by the second stereo PCM sound source 18, is input to the volume varying means 21 and 22, the volume is adjusted, and the left and right signals are respectively added (crossfaded).

At this time, the crossfade control means 16b of the sub central processing unit 16 moves t _a1 as shown in FIG. 2 (A) so as to move the airplane sound as shown in FIG. 4 (A). By controlling the volume varying means 21 and 22 at the timing interval of → t _a2 → t _a3 , the stereo sound of the sound image path R from the first stereo PCM sound source 17 and the sound image path C from the second stereo PCM sound source 18 are controlled. Cross fade control with the stereo sound of. Then, the stereo sound subjected to the cross-fade control processing is reproduced from the pair of speakers sp1 and sp2 arranged apart from each other and heard by the game operator M. Since the stereo sound to be reproduced is a signal that has been subjected to sound image processing in advance as described above, a pair of speakers sp
The sound reproduced from 1, sp2 is heard by the game operator M after the crosstalk to both ears is canceled and the sound image is localized so that the sound source exists at the preprocessed position. That is, the sound image movement feeling of the first half of the sound image path R during the time t _a1 and the sound image movement feeling such that the central portion of the sound image path R and the central portion of the sound image path C gradually move during the time t _a2 . , The sound image movement sensation of the latter half of the sound image path C is continuously reproduced during the time t _a3 , and as shown in FIG. By switching the sound image paths while performing crossfade control in this way, the sound image can be freely moved according to various game developments caused by the operation of the game operator M, and the reality of the game can be improved.

In the case of movement of airplane sound as shown in FIG. 4B (movement of a sound image corresponding to an airplane approaching from the right side of the game operator M, flying overhead, and moving away from the right side again). , T _b1 → t _b2 as shown in FIG.
If the crossfade control is performed twice at the timing interval of → t _b3 → t _b4 → t _b5 , the movement of the airplane sound as shown in FIG. 3B is reproduced.

Further, an FM sound source synthesizer 14 and an M
The audio signal reproduced by the IDI sound source 25 may be reproduced together with the sound image-processed audio signal as, for example, an effect-added sound or a background sound, and the sound source selection switch 26 by the sound source selection means 16c of the sub central processing unit 16. It is also possible to control and to mix and reproduce appropriately. For example, at a time _{t s} shown in FIG. 2 (B), to stop the airplane sound from stereo PCM sound source 17 and 18, if the play explosion sound and crashed sound created by FM sound source 14, the game operator M
The sound field of an airplane exploding and crashing overhead can be easily reproduced.

In addition, the movement of the airplane sound as shown in FIG. 4C (the sound image movement corresponding to the airplane moving diagonally, approaching from the right side of the game operator M, flying overhead and moving away from the left side) ), As shown in FIG. 2C, first, the first stereo PCM sound source 17 and the second stereo P
The CM sound source 18 performs cross-fade control on the stereo sound source information for the sound image path R and the sound image path C at the timing interval of t _c1 → t _c2 , and outputs the stereo sound source information to be reproduced by the first stereo PCM sound source 17 during the time t _c3. If the cross-fade control is performed at the timing interval of t _c4 → t _c5 after switching from the sound image route R to the sound image route L and switching, the movement of the airplane sound as shown in FIG. 3C is reproduced.

As described above, according to the development of the game, the stereo sound source information for two adjacent sound image paths is selected, and the two selected stereo sound source information are cross-faded at the timing intervals according to the sound image position change. By reproducing with the pair of transducers sp1 and sp2, almost desired movement of the sound image can be reproduced. Therefore, if a video playback device or the like is installed in the front and sound is played back together with the game video (screen), the positions of the screen and the sound image are changed in accordance with the game development and the operation of the operator M, resulting in an extremely realistic and realistic feeling. It will be possible to construct a high amusement game machine.

At this time, on the video game machine side, a special reproducing device for performing sound image localization processing as in the prior art (a circuit for digitally processing a level difference and a phase difference depending on frequency, and a convolution operation processing) (A pair of convolvers, etc.)
Since it is not necessary, it can be used for inexpensive consumer video game consoles. Further, on the video game machine side, the first stereo PCM sound source 17, the second stereo PCM sound source 18, the sound image path selecting means 16a of the sub central processing unit 16, the crossfade control means 16b, and the volume varying means 21, 22. Since only these devices are newly required, if these devices are added as additional devices, for example, if they are built in together with the game software in the game cassette, the effect can be obtained even with the video game machines already on sale.
It does not break compatibility.

Further, the two selected stereo sound source information are mixed or cross-faded at a timing interval (ratio) according to the change of the sound image position and reproduced by the pair of transducers, so that they are simply at different positions. Unlike when the sound image is mixed or when the sound image path is mechanically switched, the sound image movement pattern is not limited and monotonous, and a sound image (sound) that is realistic and matches the game development is created. Can be played.
Furthermore, since it is sufficient for at least two or more paths as the plurality of sound image paths, not only airplane sounds and missile sounds but also various kinds of sounds can be stored in the game software as stereo sound source information. From this aspect as well, it is possible to increase the realism of the game.

When the object of sound image movement is changed from a flight sound to a missile sound, it is switched to stereo sound source information for missile sound, and is similarly crossfaded and reproduced. Further, when the game cassette 11 is mounted instead of the game CD / ROM and the controller CT is operated, video and audio are processed in the same manner as when the game CD / ROM is mounted. Is output.

For stereo sound source information having no audio data (eg, normal monaural sound or stereo sound), the left / right volume control means 16d of the sub central processing unit 16 controls the left / right volume control means 23. Then, the sound image position may be controlled in a simple and pseudo manner by providing a difference in the volume of the reproduced sound from the pair of (left and right) speakers sp1 and sp2 (so-called pan pot processing).

It should be noted that a plurality of sound image paths of the stereo sound source information are left and right with respect to the game operator (see FIG. 5).
Although (A) is described as an example, the sound image paths F, Ca, B may be set so as to be located at the front and rear positions with respect to the game operator, as shown in FIG. 5B. . Further, the plurality of sound image paths need only be at least two paths and are not limited to three paths as in the embodiment. Here, as a plurality of sound image paths, as shown in FIG.
In the case where the sound image localization processing is not performed as in the path passing to the left of L in (A), the sound source information for L is given a volume difference for distance control, that is, attenuation, so that a simple and pseudo sound image is obtained. The position may be controlled.

Further, when the stereo sound source information is created, a planar sound image localization process as in the embodiment (a sound image localization process corresponding to a 360-degree plane by calculating coefficients of 48 sets of convolvers every 7.5 degrees) is performed. ) Instead of FIG. 5 (C)
As shown in FIG. 7, a sound image localization process is performed in the up-down direction with respect to one vertical plane including the game operator M, and a plurality of sound image paths U, Cb, which are at upper and lower positions with the game operator M as a reference.
It may correspond to D. In this case, it is necessary to arrange the pair of (left and right) speakers sp1 and sp2 in the same vertical plane.

As described above, in this video game machine,
Rather than performing sound image localization processing on the video game machine side as in the past, it is only necessary to perform sound image localization processing once in advance when creating software as stereo sound source information. , It is possible to easily cope with the front and back, and it is easy to improve the accuracy.

Although it has been described in FIG. 1 that there are two PCM tone generators, one may be divided into two to function as two. Further, FIG. 6 is an example of the processing, and the processing is not limited to this, and processing for adding reverberation sound may be included in the distance control circuit 32. Further, for example, the left and right sound image paths L and R are in a bilaterally symmetric relationship, and therefore, the right and left sound image paths can be changed by switching the left and right stereo sound source outputs for the left sound image path L. A stereo sound source output for R is obtained. Therefore,
By preparing only one stereo sound source information, it is possible to correspond to two sound image paths.

[0040]

As described in detail above, according to the video game machine according to the present invention, since the stereo sound source information which has been subjected to the sound image localization processing in advance is used, it is special for the video game machine side to perform the sound image localization processing. The sound image can be moved without using a reproducing device. Further, since two adjacent stereo sound source information are cross-faded at a timing interval according to the change in the sound image position, there are cases where the sound images at different positions are simply processed by Miking-Sig processing or the sound image paths are mechanically switched. Differently, a realistic sound image (sound) that matches the game development is played. As a result, it is possible to inexpensively provide a video game machine excellent in sound image localization and presence, and it is suitable for a consumer video game machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a video game machine according to the present invention, and is a basic configuration diagram.

[Fig. 2] Crossfade for reproducing movement of sound image /
It is a figure explaining mixing control.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of a sound image reproduced by switching a sound image path by crossfade / mixing control.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of movement of a sound image to be reproduced on a video game machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sound image path that is previously subjected to sound image processing as stereo sound source information.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a stereo sound source information creation device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a calculation example of a cancel filter.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a basic principle of sound image localization.

[Explanation of symbols]

16a Sound source and sound image path selection means 16b Crossfade control means 17 First stereo PCM sound source 18 Second stereo PCM sound source 21,22 Crossfade volume varying means 33,34 Pair of convolvers sp1, sp2 Pair of transducers (speakers) ) H1L, h1R Head-related transfer characteristics from the speaker sp1 to the listener's left and right ears h2L, h2R Head-related transfer characteristics from the speaker sp2 to the listener's left and right ears pLx, pRx When the actual speaker is placed at the target localization position x Transfer characteristics to the left and right ears of the listener cfLx, cfRx Convolver and its coefficients t _a1 , t _a2 , t _a3 Examples of timing intervals for crossfade control t _b1 , t _b2 , t _b3 , t _b4 , t _b5 crossfade control Examples of timing intervals of t _c1 , t _c2 , t _c3 , t _c4 , t _c5 crossfades Example of timing interval of control R, C, L Left and right sound image paths F, Ca, B Front and rear sound image paths U, Cb, D Up and down sound image paths M Game operator (listener) X Sound source x Target sound image localization position

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A predetermined image is reproduced, and a signal subjected to sound image localization processing in advance is reproduced from a pair of transducers arranged apart from each other so that a sound image is localized at a predetermined position. It is a video game machine that makes a game operator feel that two adjacent sound sources are selected according to the game development based on a plurality of stereo sound source information that are subjected to sound image localization processing in advance for different sound image paths.
A video game comprising means for selecting stereo sound source information for one sound image path and means for reproducing the selected two stereo sound source information by cross-fading according to the sound image position with the pair of transducers. Machine. 2. A predetermined image is reproduced and a pair of transducers arranged apart from each other reproduces a signal subjected to sound image localization processing in advance so that the sound image is localized at a predetermined position. It is a video game machine that makes a game operator feel that two adjacent sound sources are selected according to the game development based on a plurality of stereo sound source information that are subjected to sound image localization processing in advance for different sound image paths.
A video game machine comprising: means for selecting stereo sound source information for one sound image path; and means for reproducing the selected two stereo sound source information by the pair of transducers while mixing according to the sound image position. . 3. Sound source information which has not been subjected to sound image localization processing in advance,
2. The sound source information that has not been subjected to sound image localization processing at a predetermined sound image position is provided with a means for providing a volume difference according to the sound image position and reproducing the sound information with the pair of transducers. Video game console. 4. The video game machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sound image paths are left, right, up and down, or front and back with respect to a game operator.