JP2001300131A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of providing replay images for recognizing a game space from an objective and broad view point. SOLUTION: This game system generates images. A replay processing part 122 sets a replay space on the basis of replay data for reproducing an executed play and a virtual camera for replay image generation is arranged at a position capable of viewing the replay space from the outside of the replay space. On the basis of the input of a player or a given event, at least one of the change of the arrangement relation of the virtual camera for the replay image generation and the replay space and the rotation, magnification or reduction of the replay space is performed. Character information including at least one of the attribute, state and name of an object and the track of a moving object can be displayed and a relay from the spot can be performed together with the replay image.

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, there has been known a game system for generating an image which can be viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. Popular as something you can do.

Some of such game systems have a replay function of a type that allows a replay image of the game stage to be viewed after the end of the game stage.
Replays allow you to enjoy famous and rare scenes in the game, and allow players to verify the play content and use it for the next play.

For example, in a fighter game, a racing game, or the like, a replay image of a game reproduced by a third person image viewed from behind the player's moving object is displayed, so that the player can enjoy the game after execution again.

However, such a replay image itself is not much different from a normal game image, and the player cannot enjoy information more than information obtained during the game and image effects more than obtained during the game.

[0006] That is, in the conventional replay, only the video from the determined viewpoint is reproduced. Therefore, it is objectively verified in what state the operation was performed and in what state the operation was missed. I couldn't do that.

[0007] Further, for example, it was not possible to look down at the game space itself or to look at the game space from a viewpoint that cannot be seen during play, so that the play contents can be captured and verified globally. Did not.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a game system and information capable of providing a replay image capable of grasping a game space from an objective and global viewpoint. It is to provide a storage medium.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, comprising: means for setting a replay space based on replay data for reproducing an executed play; Means for arranging a virtual camera for replay image generation at a position that can be seen from the outside, and means for generating a replay image as viewed from the virtual camera for replay image generation in the replay space,
It is characterized by including.

[0010] An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

[0011] Replay means reproducing the executed play contents. According to the present invention, the entire replay space can be overlooked at a glance, and a bird's-eye view or a look-up can be made.

Therefore, the player can verify the play contents by viewing the executed play contents from a global and objective viewpoint. For example, in a fighter game, etc.
You can also see the location of each fighter at the time of battle and battle stations other than near your aircraft, and verify the details of the battle.

The present invention is also directed to a game system for generating an image, comprising means for storing replay data necessary for reproducing an executed play, and a game system for generating a replay image based on the replay data. And a replay processing means for performing a variety of processing, wherein the replay processing means arranges the replay image generation virtual camera at a position where the replay space can be seen from outside the replay space.

Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

[0015] Here, the replay data may be any data that enables the executed play. Therefore, for example, the history of the input data of the player may be used, or the position data of the object for each frame of the executed play may be used.

According to the present invention, the entire replay space can be overlooked at a glance, and it is possible to look down or look up.

Therefore, the player can verify the play contents by viewing the executed play contents from a global and objective viewpoint. For example, in a fighter game, etc.
You can also see the location of each fighter at the time of battle and battle stations other than near your aircraft, and verify the details of the battle.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that a replay image in which an outer edge of a replay space can be visually identified is generated.

The fact that the outer edge of the replay space can be identified visually means that, for example, the replay space is bordered by an outline,
Or to be distinguished from the background.

As a result, the player can generate a replay image that allows the player to more strongly feel that the replay space is viewed from outside the space, as if the player were viewing the replay space from the viewpoint of God.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention change the arrangement relationship between the virtual camera for generating a replay image and the replay space, rotate and enlarge the replay space, based on a player's input or a given event. And means for performing at least one of the reduction.

The change of the arrangement relationship between the replay image generation virtual camera and the replay space may be a case where the replay space is fixed and the position or orientation of the replay image generation virtual camera is changed. The position and the direction of the entire replay space may be changed while being fixed.

According to the present invention, based on a player input or a given event, the arrangement relationship between the virtual camera for generating a replay image and the replay space, rotation of the replay space,
At least one of enlargement and reduction can be performed.

Therefore, the replay space can be viewed from various angles, and play can be verified. For this reason, the replay space can be viewed from a part that was not visible at the time of play or from a position or direction where it is easier to verify the contents of the play.

In addition, it is possible to enjoy a feeling as if dominating the replay space from the viewpoint of God.

In the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the replay space specified by the replay coordinate system for specifying the position coordinates of the object being replayed is the position coordinates of the object in the game space during the play. It is characterized by being included in a game space specified by a game coordinate system for specifying.

The case where the replay space is included in the game space is, for example, a case where the replay coordinate system is obtained by reducing the game coordinate system.

In general, the maximum range of the range in which the game system calculates the three-dimensional space is limited, and it is desired to set the game space using the maximum range during play.

Here, in order to view the replay space from outside the replay space, the replay space must be smaller than the maximum range.

According to the present invention, since the replay space is included in the game space, for example, the replay space set in a smaller range by using the maximum space that can be calculated in the game system during play as the game coordinate system. By performing the coordinate conversion, even if the game space is used in the maximum range, a replay space corresponding to the maximum range can be set.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that they include means for separating a space designated by a player and generating a replay image for the space.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a replay image that allows the player to see the most interesting part.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide means for separating a space specified based on the density of a moving object or a place where an event occurs and generating a replay image of the space. It is characterized by including.

A portion where the density of moving objects is high is a portion where a battle is being performed or an important portion related to the progress of the game. Therefore, according to the present invention, an important part in the game can be easily determined based on the density of the moving object, and that part can be output as a replay image.

The occurrence of an event means a place where an important event in the game such as an explosion or a collision has occurred.
According to the present invention, when an important event in a game occurs, a replay image of a space where the event has occurred can be generated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically generate a replay image for displaying a space which is an optimal viewpoint.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention provide an object having attributes, states,
It is characterized by generating a replay image that displays character information including at least one name in association with an object.

The attribute of the object is information indicating the property of the object such as male, female, enemy or friend, etc. The state of the object is, for example, a damage state,
The state of fuel, speed, mood, etc.

Displaying the character information in association with the object means displaying the character information as a text or a mark, for example, near the object in the replay image.

According to the present invention, the player can obtain character information including at least one of the attributes, states, and names of the objects required by the player during the replay, which is convenient when the player verifies the play. is there.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention include means for generating live broadcast information to be output in synchronization with a replay image, and means for outputting the generated live broadcast information by voice or text. It is characterized by including.

According to the present invention, a live broadcast is performed during a replay. Therefore, the player can obtain important game information and information necessary for verifying his or her play depending on the content to be relayed. Also, the player cannot fully enjoy the live broadcast during play because he is dedicated to playing, but during the replay, he can enjoy the live broadcast of his own game as seen in the news .

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention use a simplified model as the object in the replay space moves away from the virtual camera for generating a replay image, and the object in the replay space uses the virtual camera for generating a replay image. And a means for generating an image using a symbolically shaped model having a deformed size when it is too far from the image to be seen.

When the entire replay space is to be displayed, the calculation load at the time of image generation is greater than when a normal game image in which a part of the game space is to be displayed.

According to the present invention, as the object in the replay space moves away from the virtual camera for generating a replay image, the image is generated using a simplified model, so that the calculation load at the time of generating the replay image can be reduced.

Since the replay space is quite large, objects far from the virtual camera for generating replay images are almost invisible when displayed at a size along the actual scale. It is also preferable that important objects can be seen even if they are far away.

According to the present invention, if the object in the replay space is too far away from the replay image generation virtual camera and is difficult to see, an image is generated using a symbolically shaped model of a deformed size. You can recognize important objects even if you are far away.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide information necessary for determining at least one of the presence or absence of simplification and the degree of simplification when generating a replay image in the object replay information. Is provided in advance, and at least one of the presence or absence of simplification and the degree of simplification at the time of generating a replay image is determined based on the information.

Since the replay image has to display a display range over a considerably wide range, appropriate display cannot be performed if the replay image is simplified in proportion to the distance. Therefore, the model information is provided in advance with information necessary for determining at least one of the presence or absence of the simplification and the degree of the simplification, and a replay image is generated using the information, thereby generating an easy-to-view replay image. Can be done.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an object that is not important for the progress of the game is defined in advance, and the object is omitted to generate a replay image.

For example, in an airplane game, the environment, background, cloud, etc., such as smoke, and in a game in the underwater stage, such as an airbrush.

Since the replay image according to the present invention can overlook the entire game space, the object to be drawn is theoretically all objects in the game space. It will be huge.

According to the present invention, an object that is not important for the progress of the game is defined in advance, and the replay image is generated by omitting the object, so that the calculation addition of the replay image generation can be reduced.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are provided with means for receiving a player's input for information for specifying an object to be omitted in a replay image, and arranging the information in a replay space based on the player's input. Means for generating a replay image by omitting an object to be replayed.

The information for specifying an object to be omitted in the replay image may be, for example, a case where an object whose display is to be omitted or a case where an object to be displayed is specified.

The object to be omitted or displayed may be collectively designated by designating the attributes and the like of the object. For example, it is possible to specify that only the moving object is displayed. In this case, in the replay image, only the moving object is displayed and other objects are omitted.

According to the present invention, since the intention of the player can be reflected on the object to be displayed, the player can generate a desired replay image with a small calculation load.

A game system, an information storage medium, and a program according to the present invention are characterized in that a replay image in which a locus of a moving object is displayed is generated.

The player can verify the play content from a global and objective viewpoint by looking at the displayed trajectory of the moving object. Also, by displaying the trajectory, the temporal change in the position of the moving object can be grasped, which is very convenient when verifying the play contents.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that a replay image for visually displaying a space or an area specified by given conditions is generated.

The space specified by given conditions is, for example, a searchable enemy range, an attackable range, a range of power, and the like.

The term "visually displayed" refers to a display in which the color and density are changed, a display surrounded by a frame, a blink display, and the like.

According to the present invention, the space specified by the given condition is visually displayed on the replay image. For this reason, since a space or an area specified by given conditions can be grasped three-dimensionally, a replay image effective for verification and analysis of a player's play can be generated.

A game system, an information storage medium, and a program according to the present invention are characterized in that a replay image for visually displaying an overlapping space of a plurality of spaces specified by given conditions is generated.

The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention generate a replay image that visually displays a space or area specified as at least one range of power of an enemy, ally, team, swarm, or character. It is characterized by doing.

For example, in the case of a fighter, the range may be the range of the fighter, the range of the attack, or the range of giving a threat.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention generate a replay image for visually displaying a space or area specified as a range affected by at least one of weather conditions, temperature and environmental conditions. It is characterized by doing.

Here, the weather conditions include conditions relating to temperature, wind, humidity, weather, and the like.

The environmental conditions include conditions related to ocean currents, air currents, magnetic fields, gas concentrations, the effects of gravity, forces, energy ranges, gas ranges, and the like.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are capable of visually recognizing a range or distribution of energy or vector information which influences the progress of a game which is not actually visible but fills a three-dimensional space. And generating a replay image to be displayed.

According to the present invention, energy that cannot be seen as an actual view image can be visually recognized in a replay image. For this reason, since the energy can be visually grasped three-dimensionally, a replay image effective for verification and analysis of the player's play can be generated.

[0072]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100, and the other blocks can be optional components.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction of each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Processor (CPU, DSP)
Or an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing 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 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
The information stored in 80 is a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, and instructions for the processing. The information includes at least one of information for performing processing according to.

The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment.
LCD or HMD (Head Mount Display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output section 192 outputs the sound generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The save information storage device 194 stores personal data (save data) of the player and the like. The save information storage device 194 may be a memory card or a portable game device. it can.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system), and has a function of various processors or an ASIC for communication. This can be realized by hardware, a program, or the like.

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 130, and a sound generation section 150.

Here, the game processing section 110 performs processing for accepting coins (price), processing for setting various modes, processing for proceeding with a game, processing for setting a selection screen, the position and rotation angle of an object (one or more primitive surfaces). Processing for calculating (the rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), processing for obtaining the position of the viewpoint (the position of the virtual camera) and the viewing angle (the rotation angle of the virtual camera), Processing for arranging objects such as objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for playing by a plurality of players in a common game space,
Or various game processing such as game over processing,
This is performed based on operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the save information storage device 194, a game program, and the like.

The image generation unit 130 includes
Performs various image processing in accordance with an instruction from the camera, generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190. In addition, the sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing according to instructions from the game processing unit 110 and the like, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs the sounds to the sound output unit 192.

The game processing section 110 and the image generation section 1
30, all of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The game processing section 110 includes a movement / motion calculation section 112, a replay data accumulation processing section 120, and a replay processing section 122.

The movement / motion calculation section 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data, rotation angle data of each part of the object) of an object such as a car. For example,
Based on operation data, a game program, and the like input by the player via the operation unit 160, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 112
Performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object, for example, for each frame (1/60 second). For example, (k-
1) The position of the object in the frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt.
And Then, the position PM of the object at the k frame
k and the speed VMk are obtained, for example, as in the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The replay data storage processing unit 120 performs replay data necessary for reproducing the executed play. Is performed.

The replay processing unit 122 sets a replay space based on replay data for reproducing an executed play, and arranges a virtual camera for generating a replay image at a position where the replay space can be seen from outside the replay space. Perform the following processing.

Further, based on a player's input or a given event, the arrangement relationship between the replay image generating virtual camera and the replay space, rotation of the replay space, enlargement, reduction, and the like may be performed.

The image generating unit 130 is provided with the geometry processing unit 1
32, which includes a drawing unit 140, and also performs a process of generating a replay image when the replay space is viewed from the replay image generation virtual camera. Here, it is preferable to generate a replay image in which the outer edge of the replay space can be visually identified.
Further, a space specified by the player may be separated and a replay image for the space may be generated.

Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation. Then, the object data (shape data such as vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) after the geometry processing (after the perspective transformation) is stored in the storage unit 17.
0 in the main memory 172.

The drawing section 140 performs processing for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174.
And 2, a radar image drawing unit 144.

Note that the game system of the present embodiment
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features of the present embodiment Features of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a basic concept of a replay image according to the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a replay space set based on the replay data, and reference numeral 220 denotes a replay image generation virtual camera.

As shown in FIG. 2, the replay image generating virtual camera 220 is disposed at a position where the replay space 210 can be seen from outside the replay space. Therefore, the entire replay space can be seen overlooking, and it is possible to look down and look up. In addition, you can see the locations of each fighter in battle and battle stations other than those near your aircraft.

For this reason, the player must be enemies in the entire battle area,
It is possible to verify the play contents from a global and objective viewpoint of the movement of the viewpoint.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a replay image.

As shown in the figure, the outer edge 21 of the replay space is included in the replay image 200 of this embodiment so that the box-shaped replay space 210 protrudes from the background 250.
2 is visually displayed.

Therefore, the player can more strongly feel as if he / she is looking at the replay space from outside the space, as if looking at the replay space from the viewpoint of God.

Reference numeral 230 denotes a player moving body, 232 denotes a locus of the player moving body, and 240 denotes an enemy moving body.
Is the trajectory of the enemy mobile.

As described above, in the replay image according to the present embodiment, the movement of the player's moving body or the enemy moving body is displayed along with the trajectory. It is very convenient when performing verification.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the coordinate system during the game, the space, and the coordinate system during the replay.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a coordinate system which can be used as a game space at the time of a game, and can fully use the world coordinate system of the target hardware. On the other hand, at the time of replay, it is necessary to arrange the virtual camera outside the replay space, so that a margin for the replay viewpoint coordinates is required.

Here, the coordinate system 310 that can be used as a game space during a game is a coordinate system for specifying the position coordinates of an object in the game space during play.
A coordinate system 320 usable as a replay space at the time of a replay is a coordinate system for specifying the position coordinates of an object in the replay space during the replay.

The maximum range of the world coordinate system that can be calculated by the game system has a limitation according to the hardware employed in the game system. Generally, it is desired to set a game space using the maximum range during play. Therefore, in order to view the replay space from outside the replay space, the replay space must be smaller than the maximum range. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the coordinate system 320 that can be used as the replay space at the time of the replay is included in the world coordinate system 330 of the target hardware.

For example, by using the maximum space that can be calculated in the game system during play as a game coordinate system and performing coordinate conversion to a replay space set in a smaller range, even if the maximum space is used in the game space, A corresponding replay space can be set.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in the arrangement relationship between the virtual camera for generating a replay image and the replay space during a replay.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the present invention, the replay space can be rotated based on a player's input or a given event. In addition, the replay space can be rotated and reduced, and the arrangement relationship between the replay image generation virtual camera and the replay space can be changed.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a function of separating a part of the replay space and reproducing only the area.

As shown in FIG. 6, the present embodiment has a function of separating a part of the area 360 of the replay space 350 and enlarging and reproducing only that area. Reference numeral 370 denotes a space obtained by enlarging a part of the area 360 of the replay space, and is effective when it is desired to view a part of the replay space in detail.

Further, the replay space 360 or the enlarged space 370 is rotated and reduced in the same manner as a normal replay space, and the arrangement relationship between the replay image generating virtual camera and the replay space 360 is changed. You can also.

By specifying, enlarging, reducing, rotating, etc. a part of the replay space by the input of the player, it is possible to generate a replay image in which the player can see the most interesting part.

The separation of the replay space may be specified based on the density of moving objects or the location where an event occurs.

Generally, a portion where the density of moving objects is high is a portion where a battle is being performed or an important portion related to the progress of a game. Therefore, by separating the portion, a more useful portion can be output as a replay image.

When an important event in the game such as an explosion or a collision occurs, a portion including the event occurrence location may be separated and a replay image of the portion may be generated.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining an example of attribute display of an object in a replay image.

In FIG. 7A, reference numerals 412, 422, and 432 denote attributes relating to the distinction between the enemy and friend of the moving bodies 410, 420, and 430, respectively.
It can be seen that 0, 420, and 430 are enemies.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged replay image of the portion 440 in FIG. 7A. In this case, the attributes 412, 42 of the respective moving bodies 410, 420, 430
In addition to 2,432, models 414, 424, and 434 are also displayed.

As a result, it is possible to identify whether each moving body is an enemy or an ally, and to obtain information on the model and attacking ability of each moving body. Therefore, it is convenient when simply interfering with the replay image or when verifying the play with the replay image.

In addition, the state of the moving object such as damage, fuel, speed, and mood may be displayed.

The attribute of the object is information indicating the property of the object such as male, female, enemy or friend, etc. The state of the object is, for example, a damage state,
The state of fuel, speed, mood, etc.

The live broadcast information (including the commentary information) synchronized with the replay image may be output as voice or text.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the distance from the viewpoint and the degree of simplification of the object expression.

When the object is located at a position close to the viewpoint (virtual camera for generating a replay image) 710 as shown in FIG.
Image generation is performed using a simpler model as the distance from the viewpoint becomes 0, 740 or 750.

Each object is simplified as the distance from the viewpoint (virtual camera for generating a replay image) increases. However, if the size at the time of display is reduced in accordance with the distance, the object becomes smaller. Objects that are far from the object are less visible. When the object is considerably far from the viewpoint (virtual camera for generating a replay image) as in 760 or 770, if the size at the time of display is reduced according to the distance, the object becomes almost invisible. Therefore, in such a case, 750, 760
It is preferable to generate an image using a symbolic shape model having a deformed size as described above.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the player arbitrarily specifies an object to be displayed during replay.

FIG. 9A shows an example of a selection screen for selecting an object to be displayed by the player during replay. In the same figure, for example, if 504 is checked and 502 is selected, objects having friend attributes can be collectively selected and displayed, and if 508 is checked and 506 objects selected, objects having enemy attributes can be displayed. Can be collectively selected and displayed.

If you want to select objects to be displayed individually or with more detailed settings, use the advanced option 5
When 10 is selected, an image 512 for specifying a more detailed display object is displayed. Here, 520-59
The presence or absence of display can be designated for each moving body, such as 0. As shown in the figure, by checking the boxes 522 to 592 corresponding to the objects that the player wants to display, only the checked objects can be displayed.

[0136] In the figure, since the natural terrain 580 and the building 590 are not selected, they are not displayed in the replay image.

FIG. 9B is an example of the replay space set according to the designation of FIG. 9A. As shown in the figure, in the replay space 500, the own aircraft 524 and the consort aircraft 1 (53
4), a wingman 2 (544), an enemy fighter 1 (554), an enemy fighter 2 (564), an enemy fighter 3 (574) are arranged, and natural terrain and buildings are omitted.

By arranging only the objects that the player wants to see and generating an image, the display content of the replay screen is simplified, and only the state of the necessary objects can be carefully observed.

An object that is not important for the progress of the game may be defined in advance, and the object may be omitted to generate a replay image.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are examples of a replay image in which a space or area specified by given conditions is visually displayed.

In FIG. 10A, reference numeral 610 denotes an enemy search area, and when the player's moving body 612 enters this search enemy area 610, it is found on the enemy side, so that the game situation works disadvantageously. Become.

In FIG. 10B, reference numeral 620 denotes an attackable range of the enemy fighter. If the player moving body 622 enters the attackable range 620, the enemy fighter may be attacked.

Since the replay image according to the present embodiment can display such specific ranges 610 and 620 three-dimensionally, the player can visually grasp how the searchable range is spread in the space where the attackable range is spread in space. You can do it.

Further, for example, if the attack area and the search area are displayed with a specific color, the spread of the attack area and the search area can be more easily grasped.

[0145] 3. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining replay image generation processing according to the present embodiment.

When the mission is started, the history of the in-mission information required to generate the replay image is recorded as replay data until the mission ends (steps S10 to S30). What is recorded as the replay data may be any data that can specify the arrangement of the objects in each frame. For example, the position information of the objects in each frame or the input operation information of the player may be used.

When the mission is completed and the player selects to view the replay image (step S4).
0) The processing of steps S50 to S100 is performed for each frame to generate a replay image.

First, on the display object selection input screen as shown in FIG. 9A, the player selects and inputs an object or the like to be displayed (step S50).

Then, the selected display object is set in the replay space based on the replay data (step S60).

If a replay operation input is made, the position and orientation of the replay image generation virtual camera are changed, the replay space is rotated, enlarged, reduced, and a part of the replay space is separated and enlarged based on the replay operation input. And so on (Step S80).

A replay image is generated by viewing the set replay space from the replay image generation virtual camera (step S90).

Step S60 until the replay ends.
Steps S90 to S90 are repeated (step S100).

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit or a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 includes a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and performs a matrix operation (vector operation). Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data expansion processor 906 performs a decoding process for expanding the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950,
It is stored on a CD 982 or transferred from outside via a communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the game controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

The ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

The CD drive 980 stores a CD 982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Also, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another game system and another game system becomes possible.

It is to be noted that each means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware alone, or may be executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary. Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 910,
930 etc., based on the instruction and the passed data,
Each means of the present invention will be executed.

FIG. 13A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 13B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 13C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. If the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 outputs the game image and the game sound.
A game program or the like for generating game sounds is transmitted to the terminal 1.
It is delivered to 304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a save information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

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.

In this embodiment, the case where a specific space is visually displayed in the replay image by taking the searchable range and the attackable range as an example has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a case where the overlapping space of a plurality of spaces specified by a given condition is visually displayed,
A space or area specified as at least one power range of an enemy, an ally, a team, a group, or a character may be visually displayed. Alternatively, a space or area specified as a range affected by at least one of a weather condition, a temperature, and an environmental condition may be visually displayed.

[0177] A replay image that visually displays the range or distribution of energy or vector information that does not actually appear but has an effect on the progress of the game that fills the three-dimensional space may be generated.

The present invention can be applied to various games (fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention can be applied to various game systems such as arcade game systems, home game systems, large attraction systems in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, and system boards for generating game images. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a basic concept of a replay image according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a replay image according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a coordinate system and a space during a game and a coordinate system during a replay;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a change in an arrangement relationship between a virtual camera for generating a replay image and a replay space during a replay;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a function of separating a part of an area of a replay space and reproducing only the part according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of attribute display of an object in a replay image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a distance from a viewpoint and a degree of simplification of object expression.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining an example in which a player arbitrarily specifies an object to be displayed during replay.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are examples of a replay image in which a space or region specified by a given condition is visually displayed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a replay image generation process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 120 replay data storage unit 122 replay processing unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main memory 174 frame buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Save information storage device 196 Communication unit

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: means for setting a replay space based on replay data for reproducing an executed play; and a position at which the replay space can be viewed from outside the replay space. A game system comprising: means for arranging a virtual camera for generating a replay image; and means for generating a replay image as viewed from the virtual camera for generating a replay image in the replay space. 2. A game system for generating an image, comprising: means for accumulating replay data necessary for reproducing an executed play; and processing necessary for generating a replay image based on the replay data. A replay processing means for performing the replay processing, wherein the replay processing means arranges the replay image generation virtual camera at a position where the replay space can be seen from outside the replay space. 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a replay image in which an outer edge of the replay space can be visually identified is generated. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, based on a player's input or a given event, a positional relationship between the replay image generation virtual camera and the replay space is changed, and rotation, enlargement, and reduction of the replay space are performed. A game device comprising means for performing at least one. 5. The replay space specified by the replay coordinate system for specifying the position coordinates of the object being replayed according to claim 1, wherein the position coordinates of the object in the game space are specified during the play. A game system characterized by being included in a game space specified by a game coordinate system. 6. The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for separating a space designated by the player and generating a replay image of the space. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for separating a space specified based on a density of a moving object or a place where an event occurs, and generating a replay image of the space. A unique game system. 8. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a replay image for displaying character information including at least one of an attribute, a state, and a name of the object in association with the object is generated. . 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: means for generating live broadcast information to be output in synchronization with the replay image; and means for outputting the generated live broadcast information by voice output or text output. A unique game system. 10. The replay space object is too far from the replay image generation virtual camera according to claim 1, wherein a simplified model is used as the replay space object moves away from the replay image generation virtual camera. Means for generating an image using a symbolically shaped model of a deformed size when it is difficult to see. 11. The object information according to claim 1, further comprising information necessary for determining at least one of the presence or absence of simplification and the degree of simplification when generating a replay image in the model information of the object. A game system characterized in that at least one of the simplification at the time of generating a replay image and the degree of simplification is determined based on the information. 12. The game system according to claim 1, wherein an object that is not important for the progress of the game is defined in advance, and the object is omitted to generate a replay image. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: a means for receiving an input of a player for information for specifying an object to be omitted in the replay image; and an object to be arranged in a replay space based on the input of the player. Means for generating a replay image by omitting, a game system comprising: 14. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a replay image displaying a trajectory of a moving object is generated. 15. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a replay image that visually displays a space or a region specified by a given condition is generated. 16. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a replay image that visually displays an overlapping space of a plurality of spaces specified by a given condition is generated. 17. A replay image according to claim 1, wherein a replay image for visually displaying a space or area specified as at least one sphere of influence of an enemy, an ally, a team, a swarm, or a character is provided. A unique game system. 18. The replay image according to claim 1, wherein a replay image that visually displays a space or a region specified as a range affected by at least one of weather conditions, temperature, and environmental conditions is generated. Game system. 19. A replay image according to claim 1, wherein a replay image for visually displaying a range or a distribution state or vector information of energy which is not actually visible but has an effect on a game progress filling the three-dimensional space is provided. A game system characterized by generating. 20. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for setting a replay space based on replay data for reproducing an executed play, wherein the replay space can be viewed from outside the replay space. Means for arranging a virtual camera for generating a replay image at a position; means for generating a replay image as viewed from the virtual camera for generating a replay image in the replay space. Information storage characterized by comprising: Medium. 21. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for accumulating replay data necessary for reproducing an executed play; and means necessary for generating a replay image based on the replay data. And a program for executing replay processing means for performing processing, wherein the replay processing means arranges a replay image generation virtual camera at a position where the replay space can be seen from outside the replay space. Storage medium. 22. The information storage medium according to claim 20, further comprising a program for generating a replay image in which an outer edge of a replay space can be visually identified. 23. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the arrangement of the replay image generation virtual camera and the replay space is changed, and the rotation, enlargement, and reduction of the replay space are performed based on a player input or a given event. An information storage medium including a program for executing means for performing at least one. 24. The replay space specified by the replay coordinate system for specifying the position coordinates of the object being replayed according to any one of claims 20 to 23, for specifying the position coordinates of the object in the game space during play. An information storage medium characterized in that the information storage medium is included in a game space specified by the game coordinate system. 25. An information storage medium according to claim 20, further comprising a program for executing means for separating a space designated by a player and generating a replay image of the space. . 26. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein a space specified based on a density of a moving object or an event occurrence location is separated and a replay image for the space is generated. An information storage medium characterized by including the program of (1). 27. A program according to claim 20, further comprising a program for generating a replay image for displaying character information including at least one of an attribute, a state, and a name of the object in association with the object. Characteristic information storage medium. 28. A means according to claim 20, wherein: means for generating live broadcast information to be output in synchronization with the replay image; and means for outputting the generated live broadcast information by voice output or text output. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for performing 29. The replay space object is too far from the replay image generation virtual camera using the simplified model as the object in the replay space moves away from the replay image generation virtual camera. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for generating an image using a symbolic shape model of a deformed size when it is difficult to see. 30. The object information according to claim 20, wherein information necessary for determining at least one of the presence or absence of simplification and the degree of simplification in generating a replay image is stored in the model information of the object in advance. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for determining at least one of the presence or absence of simplification and the degree of simplification when generating a replay image based on the information. 31. The information according to claim 20, wherein an object that is not important for the progress of the game is defined in advance, and a program for generating a replay image by omitting the object is included. Storage medium. 32. A means according to claim 20, wherein: means for receiving a player's input for information for specifying an object to be omitted in the replay image; and an object arranged in a replay space based on the player's input. An information storage medium comprising: means for generating a replay image by omitting; and a program for executing: 33. An information storage medium according to claim 20, further comprising a program for generating a replay image in which a trajectory of a moving object is displayed. 34. An information storage medium according to claim 20, further comprising: a program for generating a replay image that visually displays a space or an area specified by a given condition. . 35. A program according to claim 20, further comprising a program for generating a replay image that visually displays an overlapping space of a plurality of spaces specified by given conditions. Information storage medium. 36. The replay image according to claim 20, wherein a replay image for visually displaying a space or area specified as at least one sphere of influence of an enemy, an ally, a team, a swarm, and a character is generated. An information storage medium containing a program. 37. The program according to claim 20, further comprising a program for generating a replay image that visually displays a space or an area specified as a range affected by at least one of a weather condition, a temperature, and an environmental condition. An information storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 38. The replay image according to claim 20, wherein a replay image that visually displays a range or distribution state or vector information of energy that is not actually visible but has an effect on the progress of the game filling the three-dimensional space is displayed. An information storage medium comprising a program for generating.