JP2000245963A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily generate a game picture with a wide visual field angle by displaying the first to the N-th game pictures in first to N-th display parts when a first mode is selected, and integrally displaying one game picture through the use of first to N-th display parts when a second mode is selected. SOLUTION: In the case of playing a motorbike game where plural, for example, three motorbikes are juxtaposed, the respective game pictures for respective players are displayed in the respective display parts under the control of a game arithmetic part 110 when an operator operates an operator operation part 136 to select the first mode. In the case of selecting the second mode, one game picture for the center player is integrally displayed through the use of the whole three display parts. In this case, a processing for setting a virtual screen in a virtual screen setting part 120, that is, first and the third virtual screens are set on the same plane as that of a second screen for the view point of the center player is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game system in which a plurality of objects are arranged in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. Is known, and is popular as an experience of so-called virtual reality. For example, in a game system that allows a player to enjoy a motorcycle game, a player runs a motorcycle (own motorcycle) driven by the player in an object space and competes with another player or a motorcycle (other motorcycle) driven by a computer. Enjoy the game by doing.

In such a game system, it is an important technical problem to generate an image that can improve the virtual reality of the player. As a game system that can improve such virtual reality, a game system that displays a large-screen game image using three display units for one player (hereinafter referred to as a three-monitor-dedicated game system). )It has been known. According to the game system dedicated to three monitors, a game image having a wider viewing angle can be generated as compared to a game system using one display unit for one player (hereinafter referred to as a game system dedicated to one monitor).

[0004] However, this three-monitor-only game system has a larger
There is a problem that the occupied area is large, the price is high, and the operation rate is low. On the other hand, a game system dedicated to one monitor has a small occupied area, a relatively low price, and a high operation rate.
There is a problem that a game image with a wide viewing angle cannot be generated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a game system and an information storage medium that can easily generate a game image with a wide viewing angle. It is in.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a game system in which a plurality of players can play a multi-player game. The game calculation is performed so that the first to Nth game images for the player are displayed on the first to Nth display units, and in the second mode, one game image for the Kth player Are the first to
Means for performing a game calculation so as to be integrally displayed using the N-th display unit; and determining whether to perform the game calculation in the first mode or the game calculation in the second mode.
A means for at least one of the operator of the facility where the game system is installed and the K-th player is provided. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the operator or the player can select whether to perform the game calculation in the first mode or to perform the game calculation in the second mode. When the first mode is selected, the first mode for the first to Nth players is selected.
To Nth game images are displayed on the first to Nth display units. Thereby, a plurality of players can play the game at once, and the operating rate of the game system can be improved. On the other hand, when the second mode is selected, one game image is displayed integrally using the first to Nth display units. Thereby, the player can enjoy the game while watching the game image with a wide viewing angle, and the virtual reality of the player can be improved. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game image with a wide viewing angle while improving the operation rate of the game system.

The present invention is also a game system in which a plurality of players can play a multi-player game,
In the first mode, the game calculation is performed so that the first to Nth game images for the first to Nth players are displayed on the first to Nth display units, and the second mode , Means for performing a game calculation so that one game image for the K-th player is integrally displayed using the first to N-th display units, and the K-th player performs a game play. Means for switching the first mode to the second mode on condition that the player other than the Kth player is not playing the game. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode on condition that the K-th player is playing a game and no player other than the K-th player is playing the game. . As a result, when the number of players who want to play in the game system is small, a game image with a wide viewing angle can be provided to the few players. On the other hand, when there are many players who want to play in the game system, many players can play the game. This enables efficient operation of the game system.

Further, in the game system and the information storage medium according to the present invention, in the first mode, the game system and the information storage medium have the first to the first modes.
The first to Nth game images of the Nth player from the first to Nth viewpoints are displayed on the first to Nth display units, and in the second mode, the Kth game image is displayed. The game image from the Kth viewpoint of the player is integrally displayed using the first to Nth display units.
By doing so, it is possible to realize a three-dimensional game system (a game system that generates a three-dimensional image) that can simultaneously provide a game image with a wide viewing angle and improve the operation rate.

Further, the game system and the information storage medium according to the present invention set at least one virtual screen on the same plane as the K-th screen for the K-th viewpoint of the K-th player, The image in the K-th line of sight direction at the viewpoint of K is perspectively projected on the first to Nth screens including the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and is projected onto the first to Nth screens. Are displayed using the first to N-th display units having a display screen on the same plane.

According to the present invention, when one game image is integrally displayed by using the first to Nth display units having a display screen on the same plane, a more realistic and natural game image can be displayed. It can be shown to the player.

[0013] The present invention is also a game system for generating a game image, comprising: means for setting at least one virtual screen on the same plane as a K-th screen for a K-th viewpoint; An image in the Kth line of sight direction at the Kth viewpoint is perspectively projected on the first to Nth screens including the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and the first to Nth screens are displayed. Means for displaying the first to N-th perspective projection images on the screen using the first to N-th display units having a display screen on the same plane. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing (executing) the above means.

[0014] In the game system and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the image displayed on the K-th display unit may be a K-th clipping area set in the K-th viewing direction at the K-th viewpoint. The clipping process is performed based on the above, and for an image displayed on a display unit other than the K-th display unit, a clipping area set by a virtual gaze direction determined by the K-th gaze direction and a given offset value The clipping process is performed based on By doing so, it is possible to perform an appropriate clipping process, and it is also possible to effectively use a program for setting a clipping area.

The game system and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the virtual line-of-sight direction is changed in accordance with a change in the angle of view at the Kth viewpoint. This can effectively prevent a gap from being formed between the clipping areas.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the game system includes three display units (game devices). However, the present invention is also applied to a game system including two display units or a game system including four or more display units. it can. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a motorcycle game will be mainly described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to various games other than the motorcycle game.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of an external view of a game system according to the present embodiment. This game system includes display units 162-1 and 162-
Game devices 10-1, 10-2, 10-
Including 3.

For example, a player who plays a game on the game apparatus 10-1 rolls a housing (simulated motorcycle) 12-1 made to imitate a real motorcycle while watching a game image displayed on a display unit 162-1. Or operate the accelerator or brake provided on the handle of the housing 12-1. Then, when the player rolls the housing 12-1, the own motorcycle (moving body) displayed on the display unit 162-1 is displayed.
Turns and rolls. The player operates the accelerator and the brake to accelerate or decelerate the motorcycle. In this way, the player causes his / her motorcycle to run in the object space. Then, the user enjoys the game by competing with another player or another motorcycle driven by the computer.

FIG. 2 shows an example of connection between game devices in the game system of the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, a plurality of independent game devices 10-1, 10-2, and 10-3 are connected in a ring (loop). Each of the game devices 10-1 to 10-3 transmits / receives data to / from another game device via a transmission line (communication line) 14. In the present embodiment, the data is transmitted so as to go around the transmission line 14 in a clockwise direction.

Each of the game devices 10-1 to 10-3 has
It is configured so that a single player type game can be played independently.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a block diagram of each game device. In the same figure, the game device of the present embodiment
At least the processing unit 100 (or the processing unit 100 and the image generation unit 160) may be included, and the other blocks may be optional components.

Here, the processing section 100 controls the entire apparatus,
It performs various processes such as instruction of commands to each block in the device and game calculation.
It can be realized by hardware such as ISC type, RISC type), DSP, or ASIC (gate array or the like), or a given program (game program).

The operation section 130 is for inputting operation information, and includes a player operation section 132, a coin insertion section 1
34, including an operator operation unit 136. Here, the player operation section 132 is for the player to input operation information, and the function thereof is the function of the housings 12-1 to 12-12 in FIG.
3, can be realized by hardware such as steering wheel, brake, operation button. The coin insertion unit 134 is for a player to insert coins, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a coin insertion slot, a hopper, and a coin counter. The operator operation unit 136 includes:
This is for the operator of the amusement facility to make various settings, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a test mode switch group.

The storage section 140 serves as a work area for the processing section 100, the image generation section 160, the sound generation section 170, the communication section 174 and the like, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

An information storage medium (a storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD) or a magneto-optical disk (MO). ),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information for realizing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in the program includes program codes, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information for performing the processing of the present invention, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. And at least one of information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing section 100 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, or DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 172. The functions of the sound generation section 170 include a sound generation ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data and the like).

The communication section 174 performs various controls for communication, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a communication ASIC or CPU, or a given program (communication program).

The buffer memory 175 temporarily stores received data and transmitted data.
It can be realized by hardware such as AM. Here, the buffer memory 175 has a transmission-only area 182 and a transmission / reception area 184.

The received data from the preceding game device is I
The data is written to the transmission / reception area 184 via the / O port IP1 and the communication unit 174. If the received data is not necessary for the game device, the communication unit 174 and the I / O port IP
2 to the subsequent game device. On the other hand, if the received data is necessary,
And written into the storage unit 140. Then, after given processing is performed by the processing unit 100 or the like, the data is written to the transmission-only area 182 as transmission data, and transmitted to the subsequent game device via the communication unit 174 and the I / O port IP2.

When the communication unit 174 can communicate with a remote host device via a network such as the Internet, information for realizing the processing of the present invention (the present embodiment) is transmitted to the host device. May be distributed from the information storage medium of the game device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, part or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be performed by the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 1.
74 may be realized. Or,
Image generation unit 160, sound generation unit 170, or communication unit 174
Some or all of the functions may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.

The I / F section 176 exchanges information with a memory card (portable information storage device including a portable mini game device in a broad sense) 180 in accordance with an instruction from the processing section 100 or the like. The function can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a controller IC for data writing / reading, and the like. In addition, memory card 1
In a case where information exchange with the device 80 is realized using wireless communication such as infrared light, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The processing section 100 includes a game calculation section 110.

Here, the game calculation section 110 receives a coin payment (payment of a price), a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, and a moving object (own motorcycle, character, etc.). Processing to determine the position and direction, processing to determine the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate game results (achievements), Various game calculation processes such as a process for a player to play in a common game space or a game over process are performed based on operation information from the operation unit 130, information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like.

When the present invention is applied to games other than the motorcycle game, various types of moving objects such as robots, tanks, airplanes, cars, and horses can be considered.

The payment of the price in the present invention includes not only payment of money such as coins, but also payment by electronic money, a prepaid card, a postpay card, a credit card and the like. In the case of a configuration in which the game device is connected to a network, it is desirable to pay the price using such electronic money.

The game operation unit 110 is provided with a mobile object operation unit 11
2. viewpoint control unit 114, mode selection unit 116 (or mode switching unit 118), virtual screen setting unit 12
0, including the clipping processing unit 122.

Here, the moving body computing section 112 computes movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of the moving body. For example, based on operation information input from the operation section 130 or a given program, Processing such as moving the moving object in the object space is performed. That is, based on operation information from the player (the player itself or another player) or an instruction (a given movement control algorithm) from a computer, a process of moving the moving object in the object space is performed.

More specifically, the moving body operation unit 112
The position and direction of the moving object is, for example, one frame (1/60 second)
The required process is performed every time. For example, in the (k-1) frame, the position of the moving object is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, and the acceleration is AM.
Let k-1 be the time of one frame, Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The viewpoint control unit 114 obtains the position and direction of the moving object obtained by the moving object operation unit 112. Based on this information, a process of obtaining a viewpoint position, a line-of-sight direction, and the like is performed. More specifically, for example, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction so as to follow the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed. In this case, it is desirable to cause the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction to follow the position or the direction of the moving body while having inertia, for example. The image generation unit 160 uses the viewpoint control unit 1
It will generate an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by.

The viewpoint control unit 114 can control the viewpoint independently of the movement of the moving object.

The mode selection unit 116 determines whether to perform a game calculation in the one monitor mode (first mode in a broad sense) or a game calculation in three monitor mode (second mode in a broad sense). Processing for selection by the operator of the facility where the system is installed is performed. More specifically,
The operator operates the operator operation unit 136 to shift the game device to the test mode. Then, in this test mode, one of the one monitor mode and the three monitor mode is selected. When the one-monitor mode is selected, the game calculation unit 110 displays each game image for each player on each of the display units 162-1 and 162-1 in FIG.
The game calculation is performed as displayed in 2-2 and 162-3. On the other hand, when the three monitor mode is selected,
The game calculation is performed such that one game image for the center player is displayed integrally using all of the three display units 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3 in FIG.

The one-monitor mode and the three-monitor mode may be selected by the player operating the player operation section 132. Alternatively, a mode switching unit 118 may be provided in the game calculation unit 110, and the mode switching unit 118 may automatically switch from the one monitor mode to the three monitor mode. That is, the one-monitor mode and the three-monitor mode may be automatically switched on the condition that the player does not play the game in the left game device 10-1 and the right game device 10-2.

The virtual screen setting section 120 performs processing for setting a virtual screen. That is, in the three monitor mode, the central player (game device 1)
Virtual first and third screens are set on the same plane as the second screen for the viewpoint of the player who plays with 0-2). Then, an image of the central player in the line-of-sight direction is perspectively projected on the first, second, and third screens, and the first, second, and third screens are projected on the first, second, and third screens. , The third perspective projection image is the display unit 162 of FIG.
-1, 162-2, and 162-3.

The clipping processing section 122 sets a clipping area and performs processing for clipping a display object outside the clipping area. That is, in the three-monitor mode, the image displayed on the display unit 162-2 is subjected to the clipping process based on the clipping area set in the viewing direction at the viewpoint of the center player. On the other hand, the images displayed on the display units 162-1 and 162-3 are set according to the virtual gaze direction (virtual gaze direction determined by the gaze direction at the center player's viewpoint and a given offset value). Clipping processing is performed based on the clipping area.

The connection configuration of the game devices in the game system according to the present embodiment is not limited to the ring type shown in FIG. For example, as a connection form of the game device, FIG.
Various connection forms such as a tree type and a star type as shown in (A) and (B) can be considered. For example, IEEE
When a game device is connected according to the 1394 or USB standard, a tree-type connection form as shown in FIG. Note that one of the connected game devices may function as the host device.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, a server may be connected under the host device, a game device may be connected under the server, and the host device, the game device, and the server may perform distributed processing. Good. Then, the information for realizing the processing of the present embodiment (the present invention) may be stored in the information storage medium of the host device or the server instead of the information storage medium of the game device. Alternatively, the present embodiment (the present invention)
Information for realizing the processing of the host device, the server,
The information may be stored separately in the information storage medium of the game device.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4D, one game device has a plurality of display sections, and a plurality of game images for a plurality of players are displayed on the plurality of display sections. You may.

2. FIG. 5 shows a state of game play of a player in one monitor mode (first mode in a broad sense).

When the one monitor mode is selected,
In the display unit 162-1, the viewpoint of the player 20-1 (the viewpoint of the motorcycle in the object space operated by the player 20-1)
Is displayed on the display unit 162-2, and the game image from the viewpoint of the player 20-2 is displayed on the display unit 162-2.
At 62-3, the game image from the viewpoint of the player 20-3 is displayed. That is, each game image for each player is displayed on each display unit.

FIG. 6 shows a three-monitor mode (in a broad sense, the second monitor mode).
3) shows a state of game play of the player in the mode (1).

When the three monitor mode is selected,
One game image from the viewpoint of the central player 20-2 is
Display is performed integrally using the display units 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3.

FIG. 7 shows a game image 3 displayed integrally.
An example of 0 is shown. Of the game images 30, the perspective projection image 3
0-1 is displayed on the left display unit 162-1, the perspective projection image 30-2 is displayed on the central display unit 162-2, and the perspective projection image 30-3 is displayed on the right display unit 162-3. You. In this way, the game images 30 are displayed on the display units 162-1, 162-2, 16
The player 20-2 is displayed integrally by using 2-3.
Can enjoy the game while watching the game image 30 with a wide viewing angle.

It is desirable that the operator of the amusement facility can select the one monitor mode or the three monitor mode. For example, when the operator turns on the test switch of the game device, FIG.
A menu screen as shown in (A) is displayed on the display unit. Then, on this menu screen, the operator displays "GAM
When "EOPTIONS" is selected, a game condition setting screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed. Then, on this game condition setting screen, the operator selects "1 MONITOR"
Is selected, the subsequent game calculation is performed in the one-monitor mode as described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, "3
When "MONITOR" is selected, the subsequent game calculation is performed in the three-monitor mode as described with reference to FIGS.

For example, during normal business hours, the operator sets 1
Select the monitor mode. If an event is to be held at an amusement facility, or if the popularity of the game system is decreasing and it is desired to increase the degree of attention, the three-monitor mode is selected.

That is, the conventional three-monitor-dedicated game system has a problem that, although the price of the system is high, a plurality of players cannot play at once, and thus the operating rate (price collection rate) is low. For this reason, there is an advantage that a game image with a wide viewing angle can be generated, but he has hesitated to purchase the amusement facility operator.

On the other hand, the conventional one-monitor-dedicated game system cannot generate a game image with a wide viewing angle, so that there is a problem that the virtual reality of the player cannot be further improved. Further, when a player plays a game with only one game device among a plurality of game devices, there is another problem that an empty game device that is not played by the player is wasted.

According to the present embodiment, both the one monitor mode and the three monitor mode can be selected. Therefore, for example, when the game system is popular, it is possible to increase the operating rate of the game system by setting the one-monitor mode. On the other hand, when the popularity of the game system becomes low, it becomes possible to set the three-monitor mode to effectively use an empty game device and aim at the eye catch effect. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the amusement facility can be operated flexibly.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the selection of the one monitor mode and the three monitor mode is performed by the operator (clerk) of the amusement facility. However, the mode selection may be performed by the player. . For example, as shown in FIG.
(It may be used together with the viewpoint switching button or the start button). Then, the player presses the selection button 1
By pressing 6, one of the one monitor mode and the three monitor mode can be selected. By doing so, it is possible to meet the player's desire to enjoy the game while viewing the game image with a wide viewing angle.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
0-2 left and right game devices (or display units) 10-1, 10
-3 may automatically switch to the three-monitor mode upon detecting that no player is playing. This makes it possible to effectively use the empty game devices 10-1, 10-3.

Now, in the three-monitor mode of the present embodiment, the game image 30 of FIG. 7 is generated by a method as shown in FIG.

That is, virtual screens VSC1 and VSC3 are set on the same plane as the screen SC2 for the viewpoint VP of the player 20-2 in FIG. Then, the image in the viewing direction VD2 at the viewpoint VP is displayed on the screen VSC.
1, SC2 and VSC3 are perspectively projected. And
The perspective projection image 30-1 on the VSC1 (see FIG. 7) is displayed on the left display unit 162-1, and the perspective projection image 30 on the SC2 is displayed.
-2 is displayed on the central display unit 162-2, and the perspective projection image 30-3 on the VSC 3 is displayed on the right display unit 162-3. By doing so, the game image 30 as shown in FIG.
(Perspective projection images 30-1, 30-2, 30-3) can be displayed. Then, the game image 30 as shown in FIG.
Is displayed using the display units 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3, a game image that looks the most realistic and natural from the viewpoint of the player 20-2 in FIG. 6 can be provided.

For example, as a method different from the method of FIG. 11A, there is a method shown in FIG. This FIG. 11 (B)
In the method (1), the screens SC1, SC2, SC3 are not on the same plane. Then, an image in the visual line direction VD1 is perspective-projected on the screen SC1, an image in the visual line direction VD2 is perspective-projected on the screen SC2, and the screen S
An image in the visual line direction VD3 is perspectively projected onto C3. FIG. 12 shows an example of the game image 32 generated in this manner. In the method of FIG. 11B, the perspective projection image 32-1 of FIG. 12 is displayed on the display unit 162-1 and the perspective projection image 3-1 is displayed.
2-2 is displayed on the display unit 162-2, and the perspective projection image 32-3 is displayed.
Is displayed on the display unit 162-3.

The method shown in FIG.
In a three-monitor exclusive game system in which the display screens of -1, 162-2 and 162-3 are not on the same plane, a suitable game image can be provided. However, the display unit 162-1,
The display screens of 162-2 and 162-3 are on the same plane, and 1
In the game system of the present embodiment capable of both the monitor mode and the three monitor mode, it is not possible to provide a more realistic game image.

That is, as can be seen by comparing the game image 30 of FIG. 7 generated by the method of FIG. 11A with the game image 32 of FIG. 12 generated by the method of FIG. In FIG. 12, the leftmost or rightmost display object is displayed thicker, whereas in FIG. 12, the leftmost or rightmost display object is displayed thinner than in FIG. Therefore, when the game image 32 in FIG. 12 is displayed using the display units 162-1, 162-2, and 162-3, the image becomes very unnatural from the viewpoint of the player 20-2 in FIG. On the other hand, if the game image of FIG. 7 is displayed, a natural and realistic image is displayed to the player in 20-2.
Can be provided to

Now, when a game image is generated by the method of FIG. 11A, in the present embodiment, the following contrivance is applied to the clipping process.

That is, as shown in FIG.
-2, the clipping area CP2 set by the line-of-sight direction VD2 at the viewpoint VP
Performs clipping processing based on. On the other hand, the display unit 162
-1, 162-3, the clipping process is performed based on the clipping areas CP1, CP3 set by the virtual visual line directions VVD1, VVD3.
Here, the virtual line-of-sight directions VVD1 and VVD3 are obtained, for example, by adding a given offset value to the angle of the line-of-sight direction VD2.

When a game image is generated by the method shown in FIG. 11A, a perspective projection image in the visual line direction VD2 is generated for the virtual screens VSC1 and VSC3. Therefore, there is no line-of-sight direction corresponding to VD1 and VD3 in the method of FIG. For this reason, it becomes impossible to set the clipping area specified by the line of sight.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, virtual line-of-sight directions VVD1 and VVD3 for setting clipping areas CP1 and CP3 are changed to line-of-sight direction VD.
2 and a given offset value. In this way, the clipping areas CP1 and CP3 can be set using VVD1 and VVD3. As a result, it is possible to properly display the display objects in CP1, CP2, and CP3, and to appropriately clip the display objects outside CP1, CP2, and CP3.

In particular, according to the method shown in FIG.
Using a program (processing routine) for setting the clipping area CP2 by D2, the clipping area CP1 by the virtual line-of-sight directions VVD1 and VVD3.
A program for setting CP3 can be created. Therefore, the efficiency of program creation work and debug work can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the virtual line-of-sight directions VVD1 and VVD3 are changed according to the change of the angle of view at the viewpoint VP.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the angle of view at the viewpoint VP increases, the offset value added to the visual line direction VD2 is increased. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the angle of view at the viewpoint VP becomes smaller, the offset value added to the viewpoint direction VD2 is made smaller. By doing so, E in FIG.
1, the clipping areas CP1 and CP2 as shown in E2.
2 or between CP2 and CP3. Then, it is possible to prevent a situation where a display object to be displayed is not displayed.

For example, when the angle of view at the viewpoint VP changes, if the virtual line-of-sight directions VVD1 and VVD3 do not change,
That is, if the offset value applied to the line-of-sight direction VD2 is fixed irrespective of the angle of view, E1 and E2 in FIG.
There is a possibility that a gap as shown in FIG. As in the present embodiment, if VVD1 and VVD3 are changed according to a change in the angle of view, it is possible to prevent such a gap from occurring. This makes it possible to freely change the angle of view according to the game situation, thereby increasing the variety of game images.

3. Processing Example Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 15, FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in each game device.

First, it is determined whether or not a player has inserted a coin (step S1). If the player has inserted a coin, the game is started (step S2). Then, it is determined whether or not the mode is the three monitor mode (step S3). For example, FIG.
When the operator selects the three-monitor mode in the test mode as in (B), the determination in step S3 is made based on the game setting information set in the test mode.
Also, as shown in FIG.
When selecting the monitor mode, the determination in step S3 is made based on whether or not the selection button 16 has been pressed.
When the mode is automatically switched to the three-monitor mode as shown in FIG. 10, the determination in step S3 is made based on whether or not the player is not playing a game with another game device 10-1 or 10-3. .

When it is determined that the game mode is the three-monitor mode, it is determined whether or not the game device is the central game device 10-2 based on the ID information assigned to the game device (step). S5). If the central game device 10-2 is not the central game device 10-2,
-2, viewpoint information (the position of the viewpoint VP, the line-of-sight direction VD2, the angle of view, and the like in FIG. 11A) is received (step S6).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the mode is the one monitor mode, the process shifts to the one monitor mode in which each game image of each player is displayed on each display unit (step S4).

Next, it is determined whether or not the game device is the right game device 10-3 based on the ID information (step S7). When it is determined that the game device 10-1 is not the game device 10-3 on the right side but the game device 10-1 on the left side, as described with reference to FIGS. Find the offset value (step S
8).

Next, based on the line-of-sight direction VD2 of the central game device 10-2 and the offset value obtained in step S8, a virtual line-of-sight direction VVD1 for the left is determined (step S8).
9). 13 based on the virtual visual line direction VVD1.
Set the clipping area CP1 as described in
A clipping process (for example, a clipping process of a representative point of a display object) is performed (step S10).

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 11A, the virtual screen VSC1 is set by shifting the screen SC2 one screen to the left (step S11).

When it is determined in step S7 that the game device is the right game device 10-3,
An offset value for the right is obtained based on the angle of view (step S12).

Next, based on VD2 and the right offset value obtained in step S12, the right virtual visual line direction VV
D3 is obtained (step S13). Then, a clipping area CP3 is set based on VVD3, and a clipping process is performed (step S14).

Next, the virtual screen VSC3 is set by shifting the screen SC2 to the right by one screen (step S15).

If it is determined in step S5 that the game device is the central game device, the viewpoint information (viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, angle of view, etc.) is transmitted to another game device (step S16). Then, a clipping area CP2 is set based on the line-of-sight direction VD2, and a clipping process is performed (step S17).

After the various settings are completed as described above,
Based on the viewpoint information and screen information (screen position, direction, etc.), perspective projection conversion is performed to generate a game image (step S18).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified.

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

The configuration of the game system of the present invention is particularly preferably the one described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, but is not limited thereto. Not something.

Second mode (3-monitor mode)
In, the game image need not be displayed using all of the plurality of display units, and the game image may be displayed using a part of the plurality of display units.

The method shown in FIG. 11A is not limited to the invention in which the first and second modes are selected and switched, and can be applied to a wide range of modes.

The present invention is not limited to a motorcycle game,
It can be applied to various games (car games, sports games, fighting games, fighting games, role playing games, shooting games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention can be applied to various game systems such as a simulator and a large attraction device in which many players participate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of an external view of a game system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a connection mode of the game device.

FIG. 3 is an example of a block diagram of a game device.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are diagrams showing another example of the connection form of the game device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing one monitor mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a three monitor mode.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a game image in a three-monitor mode.

FIG. 8A shows an example of a menu screen, and FIG.
(B) is a diagram showing an example of a game condition setting screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting one monitor mode and three monitor mode by a player.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a method of automatically switching between a one-monitor mode and a three-monitor mode.

11A is a diagram for explaining a method for setting a screen on the same plane, and FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining a method for not setting a screen on the same plane.

FIG. 12 is an example of a game image generated by the method of FIG. 11B.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing setting of a clipping area.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams for explaining a method of changing a virtual visual line direction according to a change in an angle of view.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing a detailed processing example of the present embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10-1 to 10-3 Game device 12-1 to 12-3 Casing 14 Transmission line 20-1 to 20-3 Player 100 Processing unit 110 Game operation unit 112 Mobile unit operation unit 114 View control unit 116 Mode selection unit 118 Mode Switching unit 120 Virtual screen setting unit 122 Clipping processing unit 130 Operation unit 132 Player operation unit 134 Coin insertion unit 136 Operator operation unit 140 Storage unit 140 Information storage medium 160 Image generation unit 162, 162-1 to 162-3 Display unit 170 Sound Generation unit 172 Sound output unit 174 Communication unit 175 Buffer memory 176 I / F unit 180 Memory card

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A game system in which a plurality of players can play a multi-player game. In a first mode, first to N-th game images for first to N-th players are displayed in first to Nth game images. In the second mode, one game image for the K-th player is integrally formed by using the first to N-th display units in the second mode. Means for performing a game calculation so as to be displayed; determining whether to perform the game calculation in the first mode or the game calculation in the second mode; Means for at least one of the K players to select the game system. 2. A game system in which a plurality of players can play a multi-player game. In a first mode, first to N-th game images for first to N-th players are displayed in first to Nth game images. In the second mode, one game image for the K-th player is integrally formed by using the first to N-th display units in the second mode. Means for performing a game calculation so as to be displayed; and the first mode is set on condition that the Kth player is playing a game and no player other than the Kth player is playing a game. Means for switching to the second mode. 3. The first mode according to claim 1, wherein, in the first mode, the first to Nth game images of the first to Nth players from the first to Nth viewpoints are displayed in the first mode. In the second mode, game images of the Kth player from the Kth viewpoint are integrally displayed using the first to Nth display units. A game system characterized by being displayed. 4. The K-th player according to claim 3, wherein at least one virtual screen is set on the same plane as the K-th screen for the K-th viewpoint of the K-th player, Images in the line of sight directions are perspectively projected onto the first to Nth screens composed of the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and the first to Nth screens are projected onto the first to Nth screens. The perspective projection images, the first to the first having a display screen on the same plane
A game system, wherein the game is displayed using an N-th display unit. 5. A game system for generating a game image, comprising: means for setting at least one virtual screen on the same plane as a K-th screen for a K-th viewpoint; The image in the K-th line of sight direction at the viewpoint is perspectively projected onto the first to Nth screens including the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and the images are projected onto the first to Nth screens. The first to N-th perspective projection images are converted into first to N-th perspective views having display screens on the same plane.
Means for displaying using the display unit of (1), and a game system. 6. The clipping process according to claim 4, wherein the image displayed on the K-th display unit is based on a K-th clipping area set in the K-th viewing direction at the K-th viewpoint. For an image displayed on a display unit other than the K-th display unit, a clipping process is performed based on a clipping area set by a virtual gaze direction determined by the K-th gaze direction and a given offset value. A game system characterized by performing. 7. The game system according to claim 6, wherein the virtual line-of-sight direction is changed according to a change in the angle of view at the K-th viewpoint. 8. An information storage medium from which information can be read by a computer, wherein in the first mode, the first to Nth game images for the first to Nth players are stored in the first to Nth game images. The game calculation is performed so as to be displayed on the respective display units. In the second mode, one game image for the Kth player is integrally displayed using the first to Nth display units. Means for performing a game calculation in such a manner that the game calculation in the first mode or the game calculation in the second mode is performed. Means for at least one of the players to select, and information for realizing the following. 9. An information storage medium from which information can be read by a computer, wherein in the first mode, the first to Nth game images for the first to Nth players are stored in the first to Nth game images. The game calculation is performed so as to be displayed on the respective display units. In the second mode, one game image for the Kth player is integrally displayed using the first to Nth display units. Means for performing a game calculation so that the first mode is set to the first mode on condition that the Kth player is playing a game and no player other than the Kth player is playing the game. An information storage medium comprising: means for switching to a second mode; and information for realizing the following. 10. The first mode according to claim 8, wherein the first to Nth game images of the first to Nth players at the first to Nth viewpoints are displayed in the first mode. In the second mode, game images of the Kth player from the Kth viewpoint are integrally displayed using the first to Nth display units. An information storage medium characterized by being displayed. 11. The K-th player according to claim 10, wherein at least one virtual screen is set on the same plane as the K-th screen for the K-th viewpoint of the K-th player, Images in the line of sight directions are perspectively projected onto the first to Nth screens composed of the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and the first to Nth screens are projected onto the first to Nth screens. The perspective projection images, the first to the first having a display screen on the same plane
An information storage medium, wherein the information is displayed using an N-th display unit. 12. An information storage medium from which information can be read by a computer, comprising: means for setting at least one virtual screen on the same plane as a K-th screen for a K-th viewpoint; The image in the Kth line of sight at the Kth viewpoint is perspectively projected onto the first to Nth screens including the Kth screen and the virtual screen, and the first to Nth screens are displayed. To the first to Nth perspective projection images having the same display screen on the same plane.
An information storage medium comprising: means for displaying by using the display unit; and information for realizing: 13. The clipping process according to claim 11, wherein the image displayed on the K-th display unit is based on the K-th clipping area set in the K-th viewing direction at the K-th viewpoint. For an image displayed on a display unit other than the K-th display unit, a clipping process is performed based on a clipping area set by a virtual gaze direction determined by the K-th gaze direction and a given offset value. An information storage medium characterized by performing: 14. The information storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the virtual line-of-sight direction is changed according to a change in the angle of view at the Kth viewpoint.