JP2002058870A - Computer-readable recording medium with actual scene processing program recorded on it, program, and actual scene processing device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently read sound data from a recording medium stored with a large amount of sound data, on a low access frequency to reproduce it. SOLUTION: When there is a voice reproducing demand, a storage region of sound data for composing sentences, and play-by-play voice is outputted on the basis of the dispersedly stored sound data. At this time, the sound data in a CD-ROM 19 is once partially transferred to an RAM 13. The sound data transferred to the RAM 13 is then partially transferred to a sound memory 18a from the RAM 13. Even in the case of voice output of long sentences, data can be read from the CD-ROM with few data access frequency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a computer-readable recording medium and a program for recording a program for processing a live game in a sports game, a live broadcast processing apparatus, and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, in sports games,
Games such as soccer, basketball, American football, and baseball have been implemented, including tennis.

[0003] Among sport-based games, there is a game in which a live game is reproduced in accordance with a motion of a player during the game. By playing back the live broadcast, it is possible to create a sense of presence similar to that of an actual television broadcast. The live sound data is generally data obtained by converting an analog waveform into a digital signal. Such live audio data is stored in the MI
The data length is longer than data indicating a musical scale such as DI (Music Instrument Digital Interface). For this reason, all data cannot be stored in the sound processing unit that performs sound output. In this case, it is necessary to transfer data from the main memory or the like to the sound processing unit each time the sound is reproduced.

As a technique for transferring live audio data, for example, there is a game machine with a live broadcast function described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-163754. This publication discloses a technique in which a live term is specified, the live term is transferred from a live term storage unit to a buffer, and data stored in the buffer is sequentially divided and transferred to a sound CPU.

[0005]

In recent sports games, realism has been pursued with respect to live audio. In particular, in a baseball game, since many users are accustomed to watching a baseball television broadcast, it is required to reproduce a realistic live sound like a television broadcast.

[0006] In order to realize a real live broadcast in a video game, it is necessary to reproduce not only simple words such as "hit" and "captured" but also a sentence with a subject and a predicate. There is. For example, when the defending user performs a pitching operation input, by playing back a voice saying "we have entered the motion of the pitcher's first ball", it is possible to get closer to the actual live broadcast.

[0007] In addition, in order to output live audio in sentences,
An enormous variety of sound data corresponding to various game scenes is required. Therefore, it is necessary to sequentially read and reproduce sound data from a large-capacity recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

However, when the sound data is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacity of the buffer in the sound processing unit and the data is transferred from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM to the sound processing unit, access to the recording medium is made. Frequently occurs. In accessing a large-capacity recording medium such as a CD-ROM, time is required for searching for target data. For example, if it is a CD-ROM,
Time such as head seek occurs.

In general, while live audio data is being read from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, other data necessary to advance the game cannot be read from the recording medium. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for reducing the number of accesses to a recording medium such as a CD-ROM for reading sound data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to record a program for processing an actual situation, in which sound data can be efficiently read out from a recording medium storing a large amount of sound data with a small number of accesses to reproduce a sound. It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-readable recording medium and a program, and a live broadcast processing apparatus and method.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for processing a live video game. In the computer, a situation is determined based on a scene in a video game, and sound data as a unit of a live broadcast are stored in a dispersed manner, and among the sound data, according to the determined situation. The combination and order of one or more sound data for live broadcasting are determined, and information for specifying the storage destination of each sound data is stored in advance, and the sound of the determined combination is determined based on the information. A storage location where data is stored is specified, and the sound of the determined combination is determined in the determined order from the specified storage location. To live by reading the data,
Is recorded.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for processing a live game in a video game,
The computer determines a situation during the video game processing, and each situation that may occur during the game and code information indicating a combination and an order of one or more sound data are associated in advance, Code information is determined according to the determined situation, and the sound data of the combination indicated by the determined code information is read out and played in the order indicated by the code information. It is a feature.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for processing a live commentary in a video game, wherein the computer determines a situation based on a scene in the video game, and Sound data is stored in a distributed manner, and among the sound data, a combination and an order of one or more sound data to be broadcasted according to the determined situation are determined, and the sound data of each of the sound data is determined. Information for specifying the storage destination is stored in advance, and based on the information, the storage destination in which the sound data of the determined combination is stored is specified, and the determined order is determined from the specified storage destination. The sound data of the determined combination is read out and played live.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for processing a live game in a video game. Sexual situations,
One or more combinations of sound data and code information indicating the order are associated in advance, and code information is determined according to the determined situation, and the combination of the combinations indicated by the determined code information is determined. Reading out the sound data in the order indicated by the code information and broadcasting the sound data.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a live broadcast processing apparatus, comprising: a storage medium storing a program for realizing live play processing in a video game; and at least a part of the program from the storage medium. And a computer that reads and executes
By reading at least a part of the program from the recording medium, a situation is determined based on a scene in the video game, and sound data serving as a unit of the live broadcast is stored in a dispersed manner. The combination and order of one or more sound data to be broadcasted according to the determined situation are determined, and information for specifying the storage destination of each sound data is stored in advance, and based on the information, A storage location in which the determined combination of sound data is stored is specified, and the determined combination of the sound data is read out from the specified storage location in the determined order and played. Things.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a live-action processing device, comprising: a recording medium on which a program for realizing processing of audio output in a video game is recorded;
A computer that reads and executes at least a part of the program from the recording medium, wherein the computer reads at least a part of the program from the recording medium to determine a situation during the video game processing,
Each situation that may occur during the game and code information indicating a combination and order of one or more sound data are associated in advance, and the code information is determined according to the determined situation, The sound data of the combination indicated by the determined code information is read out and played in the order indicated by the code information.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a live broadcast processing method for processing a live broadcast in a video game,
Judging the situation for each scene in the game, judging the situation based on the scene in the video game, sound data as a unit of the live broadcast is stored in a distributed manner, and among the sound data, 1 to play live according to the situation
Judging the combination and order of the above sound data,
Information for specifying the storage location of each of the sound data is stored in advance, and based on the information, the storage location where the sound data of the determined combination is stored is specified, and from the specified storage location, Reading out the sound data of the determined combination in the determined order and playing the sound data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a live broadcast processing method for processing a live broadcast in a video game. The situation and the code information indicating the combination and order of one or more sound data are associated in advance, and the code information is determined according to the determined situation, and the code information is indicated by the determined code information. And reading and playing the combined sound data in the order indicated by the code information.

[0018]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description,
A baseball game will be described as an example of a sports game for reproducing sound data such as a live sound.

First, the configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a video game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video game device 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a sound output function of live audio and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video game device 10 executes a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. The video game device 10 executes a program according to an embodiment of the present invention. The video game device 10 is used for implementing a sound output method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The video game apparatus 10 includes, for example, a game machine body 10a for processing a video game according to a program, keypads 50 and 51 for interactively operating the video game, and a CRT or the like as a monitor with speakers. (Hereinafter, referred to as a TV set) 100. Further, the video game device 10 includes a communication interface unit 21, and a network 1 through a communication line 110.
11 for data communication with other network devices.

The keypad 50 includes buttons 50a, 50b, 50c, 50 so that a user (operator) can operate the keypad 50, for example.
It has a button group such as d and a joystick 50e,
A command by a user's button operation or joystick operation is given to the game machine main body 10a. The keypad 51 is provided with buttons 51a, 51b, 51
It has a group of buttons such as c and 51d and a joystick 51e.

Here, the buttons and the joystick have functions for operating and inputting a pitcher's pitching operation, a batter's swing operation, a runner's stealing operation, a fielder's catching / throwing operation, and the like in the operation of a baseball game described later. Have.

The TV set 100 includes a game machine main body 10a.
Based on the video signal (video signal) and the sound signal output from the CPU, a video (image) corresponding to the game content is displayed on the display screen 101, and the left and right speakers 102, 10
3 to output sound.

The game machine main body 10a has an internal bus 25. CPU 11 and ROM
12, a RAM 13, and a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 14 are connected.

The CPU 11 controls the entire apparatus,
The game processing is executed by storing part or all of the program in the AM 13. The ROM 12 stores the game machine body 10
A program, data, and the like that are read out when the power supply is turned on are stored in advance.

The RAM 13 has a CD-ROM drive 20
Stores a game program read from the CD-ROM 19, image data such as a background and a game character required in the process of executing the program, and the like. CD-R
Sound data read from the OM 19 is also stored.

The game program and image data are
In addition to the CD-ROM 19, the data can be supplied from the HDD 14. In this case, the game program and image data are stored on the HDD.
14 may be stored in a recording medium (hard disk) 15. The hard disk 15 has a network 11 via a pre-installed or communication line 110.
Alternatively, a game program or image data may be stored by downloading from the first program.

The input interface 24, the sound processor 18, and the graphic processor 16 are connected to the internal bus 25. Keypad 50, 51
Are connected to the internal bus 25 via the input interface unit 24. The TV set 100 is connected to the internal bus 25 via the sound processing unit 18 and the graphic processing unit 16, respectively.

The graphic processing section 16 has a VRAM 17 having a frame buffer. The graphic processing unit 16 generates a video signal based on the image data stored in the frame buffer according to a command from the CPU 11 accompanying the execution of the program, and converts the video signal into a TV signal.
Output to set 100. Thereby, the TV set 10
A screen display based on the image data stored in the frame buffer is obtained on the display screen 101 of No. 0.

The sound processing section 18 generates sound signals such as voice, background music (BGM), and sound effects in response to a command from the CPU 11, and outputs the sound signals to the TV set 100. The sound processing unit 18 has a sound memory 18a inside. The sound memory 18a stores sound data to be reproduced.

Further, the internal bus 25 has a CD-ROM
The drive 20 and the memory card reader / writer 23 are connected. The CD-ROM drive 20 reads game programs, image data, sound data, and the like stored in a CD-ROM 19 that is a recording medium. The memory card reader / writer 23 writes and reads data to and from the memory card 22 under the control of the CPU 11. The data written to the memory card 22 includes data indicating the progress of the game, data indicating the environment setting of the game, and the like.

The present embodiment is carried out by executing the baseball game program according to the present embodiment in the video game apparatus 10 as described above. The program is C
The data is read from the D-ROM 19 and stored in the RAM 13. When the execution of the baseball game program is started, various data are read from the CD-ROM 19,
Various data are stored in each memory of the video game apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the sound data, which is a constitutional unit of the live broadcast, is stored separately in the CD-ROM 19 and the sound data memory 18a.

First, the data structure in the CD-ROM 19 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data structure of the CD-ROM. As shown in FIG.
The ROM 19 stores a game program 19a for the baseball game according to the present embodiment, various game data groups 19b such as image data, and sound data groups 1 for sound output.
9c and the like are stored.

The sound data group 19c includes a plurality of sound data 91, 92, 93, 94,...
Among these sound data 91, 92, 93, 94,..., For example, the sound data 91 stores the sound data for the actual situation “from Thunashingu”. The sound data 92 stores, for example, live sound data of “third ball”. The sound data 93 stores, for example, live sound data of “thrown”. The sound data 94 includes
For example, the sound data for the live comment "Pitching is good so far, but there is no support for hitting yet" is stored. In the present embodiment, for example, a CD
-Each sound data is divided into sectors and stored in a continuous recording area in the ROM 19. A sector is a unit of data management in the CD-ROM 19. For example, one sector is 2048 bytes.

The sound data group 19c includes, for example, monaural sound data and stereo sound data. In the stereo sound data, sound data for the left speaker and sound data for the right speaker are alternately arranged. For example, sound data for each speaker is alternately arranged for each sector.

Next, the data structure in the RAM 13 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a data structure in the RAM 13. In the RAM 13, a program area 13a, an image data area 13b, a sound data area 13c and the like are provided. In the program area 13a, for example, part or all of a program read from the CD-ROM 19 is stored. The image data area 13b stores model data of a character to be displayed on the screen.

In the sound data area 13c, for example, two sound data buffers 13d and 13e are provided. The sound data area 13c stores a code information table 13f, a sound data management table 13g for a sound memory, and a sound data management table 13h for a CD-ROM.

Sound data buffers 13d, 13e
Is a recording area for temporarily storing sound data read from the CD-ROM 19. The sound data buffers 13d and 13e are, for example, 1
Data for six sectors can be stored.

In this embodiment, a double buffer structure is provided by two sound data buffers 13d and 13e. That is, a series of sound data is stored in RAM
In the case of transfer to 13, the sound data is stored in the other sound data buffer while the data in one sound data buffer is being read. When the reading of data from the sound data buffer is completed, the sound data buffer to be read and the sound data buffer to be stored are switched. With such a configuration, a series of data transfer and reading can be performed in parallel.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the code information table. The code information table 13f has a text code column and a voice data code column.

In the text code column, a code for identifying each sound data stored in the CD-ROM 19 is stored. In the example of FIG. 4, 0001, 0002,
… Codes are stored. For example, the sentence code of 0001 is a sentence code of "throwed the third ball from Suzuki Touring." Further, the sentence code of 0002 is a sentence code such as "Pitcher Suzuki, pitching with good contents so far, but there is no support for hitting line yet." In the audio output request during the progress of the game, a sentence code of a sentence to be output is specified.

In the column of the audio data code string, one or more sets of a storage area code and an audio data code are stored in order from the left in the reproduction order in association with the sentence code. The storage area code indicates the storage area of the sound data indicated by the corresponding audio data code. In the present embodiment, the storage area code 01 indicates the sound memory 18a, and the storage area code 02 indicates the CD.
-ROM 19 is shown. The storage area code 0
0 indicates that no information on sound data is registered in the area. In the example of FIG. 4, the storage area code of 01, 02, 02, 02 is stored in the sentence code 0001. The text code 0002 contains 01,0
1,02 storage area codes are stored.

The voice data code is Dir. (Directory) and No. (Number). Di
r. And No. The sound data for outputting the sound in one storage area is specified by the combination of. In the example of FIG. 4, Di is associated with the sentence code 0001.
r. 08 and No. 01 (storage area 01), Di
r. 02 and No. 2 01 (storage area 02), Di
r. 02 and No. 2 02 (storage area 02) and D
ir. 02 and No. 2 03 (storage area 02) is stored. Corresponding to sentence code 0002, Di
r. 08 and No. 02 (storage area 01), Di
r. 08 and No. 01 (storage area 01) and D
ir. 02 and No. 2 04 (storage area 02) is stored.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a sound data management table for a sound memory. The sound data management table 13g for the sound memory includes Dir. Column, No. , A head address column, and a data length column. Dir. Column stores the value of a directory for identifying sound data. No. In the column of, corresponding to the directory,
A number for identifying sound data is stored.

The head address field stores the head address in the sound memory of sound data corresponding to a set of a directory and a number. The data length stores the data length of sound data corresponding to a set of a directory and a number. The data length is expressed, for example, in bytes. In the example of FIG. 0
8, No. 01 is A.
DD1 and the data length is 6416 bytes. Dir. 08, No. The start address of the sound data 02 is ADD2, and the data length is 3200 bytes.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a sound data management table for a CD-ROM. CD
-The sound data management table 13h for ROM includes:
Dir. Column, No. , A head sector number column, and a data length column. Dir. Column stores the value of a directory for identifying sound data. No. Column stores a number for identifying sound data in association with the directory.

The head sector number column stores the head sector number of sound data corresponding to a set of a directory and a number. The data length column stores the data length of sound data corresponding to a set of a directory and a number. The data length is represented, for example, in sector units.

In the example of FIG. 02, no. 01
Is # 2055, and the data length is 10 sectors. This is CD-RO
Sound data 9 from "Two Nothing" in M19
1 shows a storage area. Dir. 02, no. 02
Is # 2100 and the data length is 3 sectors. This is a CD-ROM
The storage area of the “third ball” sound data 92 in 19 is shown. Dir. 02, no. The head sector number of the sound data 03 is # 2210 and the data length is 4
It is a sector. This indicates the storage area of the “thrown” sound data 93 in the CD-ROM 19.
Dir. 02, no. The first sector number of the sound data 04 is # 2330, and the data length is 80 sectors. This shows the storage area of the sound data 94 in the CD-ROM 19, "Pitching is so good, but hitting line is not yet supported".

Next, the data structure in the sound memory 18a will be described. FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of a data structure in the sound memory. Sound memory 1
8a includes a sound data area 18b and a buffer area 1;
8c. The sound data area 18b stores sound data such as a team name of a baseball team and player names. The sound data stored in the sound data area 18b is, for example, sound data such as a noun (person name, team name, etc.) or a verb ("struck,""captured," etc.).

In the example of FIG. 7, sound data 181 of "Suzuki", sound data 182 of "pitcher", sound data 183 of "hit" are stored. The sound data 181 corresponds to Dir. 08, No. 01 is sound data (see FIG. 5). The sound data 182 is stored in Dir. 08, No. This is sound data corresponding to No. 02 (see FIG. 5). These sound data are read from the CD-ROM 19 at the start of the game, for example.

The buffer area 18c has four sound data buffers (hereinafter referred to as local buffers) for storing sound data transferred from the RAM 13.
18d, 18e, 18f and 18g are provided. These local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, 18
g is a set of two. Local buffer 1
8d and 18e are one set, and the local buffer 18
f and 18g are one set. Each set is used as a double buffer.

The set of local buffers 18d and 18e is
It is used as a recording area for sound data when reproducing monaural sound data. When playing back stereo sound data, the local buffers 18d and 18e are used as recording areas for sound data for audio on the left side.

The set of local buffers 18f and 18g is
It is not used when playing monaural sound data. When reproducing the stereo sound data, the local buffers 18f and 18g are used as recording areas for sound data for right-side audio.

Next, the sound data transfer processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a sound data transfer process according to the present embodiment. For example, when a sound output request for the sound data 91 is issued according to the progress of the game, data transfer of the sound data 91 is started.

For example, when the text code 0001 is specified as the voice output request, the voice data code string corresponding to the text code in the code information table (see FIG. 4) is referred to. Then, sand data corresponding to each audio data code is obtained in order from the audio data code at the head (the left end in FIG. 4) of the audio data code string corresponding to the sentence code 0001. In this example, first, the sound data 181 of “Suzuki” in the sound data area 18b is acquired. Subsequently, sound data 91, 92, and 93 stored in the CD-ROM 19 are sequentially acquired.

The sound data 181 in the sound data area 18b is converted into an analog sound signal by the sound processing section 18 and output as sound from the speakers 102 and 103. The sound data 91, 92, and 93 stored in the CD-ROM 19 are stored in the RAM 1 once.
The data is divided and transferred to the third sound data buffers 13d and 13e. The data stored in the sound data buffers 13d and 13e are stored in the local buffers 18d, 18e and 18 provided in the buffer area 18c of the sound memory 18a.
18f and 18g. Local buffer 1
Sound is output from the speakers 102 and 103 based on the sound data transferred to 8d, 18e, 18f and 18g.

Thus, in the example of FIG. 8, "Suzuki" is based on the sound data 181 in the sound memory 18a.
After the audio output, "from Thunashing", "third ball", "thrown" recorded on CD-ROM 19
Is output.

In this way, the audio of the commentary or commentary can be output as a sentence including the subject (for example, Suzuki) and the predicate (for example, thrown). If a voice can be output with a sentence according to the situation for each scene, a real live voice output according to the progress of the baseball game can be performed. In addition, since one sentence is composed of a plurality of sound data, it is possible to output sound according to various situations for each scene by changing the combination of the sound data. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, when the pitcher pitches the second ball, the sound data of the “third ball” may be replaced with the sound data of the “second ball”.

In this embodiment, the CD-ROM 1
In the reproduction of the sound data stored in No. 9,
The data is sent to the sound processing unit 18 through a two-stage split transfer. As a result, the number of accesses to the CD-ROM 19 can be reduced even for sound data having a long data length that forms a sentence.

For example, when the sentence code 0002 is designated as the voice output request, a commentary description "Pitcher Suzuki, the pitching is so good, but there is no support for hitting yet" is output. Here, the sound data 94 of "Pitcher" and "Suzuki" are stored in the sound memory 18a, but the sound data 94 of "Pitching is so good, but there is no support for hitting line" is stored in the CD-ROM 19 Is stored in The sound data 94 is Dir. 02, no. 04, and the data length is 80 sectors (FIG. 6).
reference). Sound data buffer 13 in RAM 13
Assuming that the storage capacity of d and 13e is 16 sectors,
It is not possible to transfer all of the sound data 94 to the RAM 13 at one time. In this case, split transfer is performed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing divided transfer of sound data stored in the CD-ROM 19. FIG.
, The sound data 94 stored in the CD-ROM 19 is divided into data 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d,... Having a data length corresponding to the storage capacity of each sound data buffer 13d, 13e in the RAM 13. Are sequentially transferred to the RAM 13. For example, if the sound data buffers 13d and 13e have a storage capacity of 16 sectors, the sound data is divided into 16 sector units.

In the first data transfer from the CD-ROM 19 to the RAM 13, two
The two data 94a and 94b are transferred to the RAM 13.
The transferred data 94a and 94b are stored in the sound data buffers 13d and 13e, respectively. Since then
The data stored in each of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e is stored in the RAM 13 in the sound memory 1
Each time the data transfer to the CD-ROM 19a is completed, the CD-ROM 19
From the RAM to the RAM 13 is performed.

In the second data transfer from the CD-ROM 19 to the RAM 13, 3
The first data 94c is transferred to the RAM 13. The transferred data 94c is stored, for example, in the sound data buffer 13d. From CD-ROM 19 to RAM 13
In the third data transfer to the RAM 13, the fourth data 94 d from the head of the sound data 94 is transferred to the RAM 13. The transferred data 94d is stored in, for example, the sound data buffer 13e. Thereafter, similarly, the CD-R
The divided data is transferred from the OM 19 to the RAM 13 and stored alternately in the two sound data buffers 13d and 13e. The data transfer from the CD-ROM 19 to the RAM 13 is repeated until all of the sound data 94 to be transferred has been transferred.

The sound data buffer 13 of the RAM 13
When data is stored in d and 13e, data transfer from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a is started. The data stored in the sound data buffers 13d and 13e is stored in each local buffer 18 in the sound memory 18a.
The data is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of d, 18e, 18f, and 18g. For example, in FIG. 9, the data stored in the sound data buffer 13d is the data 131
a, 131b, 131c, 131d,...

Then, the divided data is sequentially transferred to the sound memory 18a. In the present embodiment, for example, each of the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, 18
It is assumed that the storage capacity of g is one sector. In that case, the data stored in the sound data buffers 13d and 13e is divided into data in units of one sector.

Data transfer from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a is performed, for example, every one sector or every two sectors. If the sound data 94 is monaural sound data, data transfer is performed in units of one sector.
If the sound data 94 is stereo sound data, data transfer is performed in units of two sectors. FIG.
Shows an example in which data transfer is performed in units of two sectors.

In the first data transfer from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a, for example, data 131a and 131b in the sound data buffer 13d are transferred to the sound memory 18a. In this example, the data 131a
Is data for the left speaker 102, and data 13
1b is data for the right speaker 103. The transferred data 131a is stored in the local buffer 18d in the sound memory 18a. The transferred data 131b is stored in the local buffer 18f in the sound memory 18a.

When the transfer of the data 131a and 131b to the sound memory 18a is completed, the data
Sound output based on 1a and 131b is performed. The sound based on the data 131a is transmitted to the left speaker 102.
Output from The sound based on the data 131b is
It is output from the right speaker 103.

During the reproduction of the sound based on the data 131a and 131b, the next data 131c and 131d are transferred to the sound memory 18a. Transferred data 131
c is a local buffer 18e in the sound memory 18a.
Is stored in The transferred data 131d is stored in the local buffer 18g in the sound memory 18a.

When the sound output based on the data 131a and 131b ends, the local buffer from which the data is read is switched, and the data 131c and 131d are switched.
The sound output based on is performed. In addition, data 131
When the sound output based on a and 131b is completed, the subsequent data following the data 131c and 131d is transferred from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a. Each transferred data is stored in the local buffers 18d and 18f.

Thereafter, each local buffer 18d, 18
Each time the sound output based on the data stored in e, 18f, and 18g is completed, data transfer from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a is performed. Of the data sequentially transferred, the data for the left speaker 102 is stored alternately in the local buffers 18d and 18e. Also, of the data sequentially transferred, the right speaker 10
The data for 3 is alternately stored in the local buffers 18f and 18g.

As described above, by performing the two-stage transfer, the number of accesses to the CD-ROM 19 can be reduced as compared with the case where the data is directly transferred from the CD-ROM 19 to the sound processing unit 18. That is, CD-R
When the division transfer is directly performed from the OM 19 to the sound memory 18a, it is necessary to finely divide the data into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, and 18g in the sound memory 18a. On the other hand, C
By transferring data from the D-ROM 19 to the RAM 13, the data may be divided into data lengths according to the storage capacity of the sound data buffer in the RAM 13.

When all data stored in the sound data buffer 13d in the RAM 13 has been transferred to the sound memory 18a, the sound data buffer 13e
Is divided and transferred to the sound memory 18a. While the data transfer of the sound data buffer 13e is being performed, the sound data buffer 1
In 3d, the next data is transferred from the CD-ROM 19.

Here, the main processing of the baseball game will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure of the game progress. First, an operation input from the user via the keypad 50 is received (step S1). Then, in response to the operation input, the baseball game proceeds (step S2). For example, the pitching operation of the pitcher is started in response to an operation input for instructing the pitcher to pitch.

Next, the situation is determined based on the scene of the game, and an appropriate live-state configuration according to the situation is determined (step S3). As the game situation, for example, an out count, a strike count, a scoring situation of both teams, a runner starting situation, and the like are considered. For example, when the pitcher enters the pitching motion of the first ball, the actual configuration of “motion of the first ball” is determined following the pitcher's name. The live condition configuration is a permutation of sound data for outputting a live sound. A permutation defines a combination and its order.

When the structure of the live condition is determined, a voice output request is issued which specifies a sentence code corresponding to the determined structure of the live condition (step S4). Note that the sentence code is associated in advance with each scene (situation) that may occur during the game. Next, it is determined whether or not the game has ended (step S5). For example, when a user's operation input for ending the game is performed, it is determined that the game has ended.

If the game is over (step S5: YE
(S route), the game progress processing is terminated. If the game has not ended (step S5: NO route), the process proceeds to step S1, and the game continues.
Next, an audio output processing procedure according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the audio output processing. This processing is started when a voice output request is issued in step S4 (see FIG. 10) of the main processing of the game progress.

When the voice output process is started, first, an unselected voice data code corresponding to the sentence code is selected from the code information table (step S11). The audio data codes are arranged in order from the left in accordance with the reproduction order of sentences. Therefore, the selection in step S11 is also performed sequentially from the left.

Based on the selected audio data code, the storage location of the sound data corresponding to the selected audio data code is determined (step S12). The storage location is determined based on the storage area code associated with the audio data code. If the storage area code is 01, the storage destination is the sound memory 18a. If the storage area code is 02, the storage destination is the CD-ROM 19.

If the storage destination is the CD-ROM 19 (step S12: route for judging the CD-ROM), C
Sound data reproduction processing in the D-ROM 19 is performed (step S13). Details of this processing will be described later. C
After the sound data reproduction process in the D-ROM 19 is completed, the process proceeds to step S16.

If the storage destination is the sound memory 18a (step S12: route of determination as a sound memory), the head position of the sound data indicated by the audio data code selected in step S11 is determined (step S11). Step S14). The start position of the sound data can be determined by referring to the start address of the sound data management table 13g (see FIG. 5). Then, based on the sound data at the position determined in step S14,
Voice output is performed (step S15).

At step S11, it is determined whether there is an unselected voice data code (step S1).
6). For example, the order of the audio data codes selected in step S11 (the left side in FIG. 4 is the top) is stored. Then, if there is valid data next to (to the right of) the audio data code selected in step S11, it is determined that there is an unselected audio data code. Valid data is data having a storage area code of 01 or 02.

If there is an unselected voice data code (step S16: YES route), the process proceeds to step S11. If there is no unselected audio data code (step S16: NO route), the audio output processing ends.

Next, the sound data reproduction processing in the CD-ROM will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the sound data reproduction processing procedure in the CD-ROM. First, the head position of the sound data selected in step S11 (see FIG. 11) and indicated by the audio data code is determined (step S21). The start position of the sound data can be determined by referring to the start sector number of the sound data management table 13h. From the position determined in step S21, data in the range indicated by the data length of the sound data is to be transferred.

Next, of the sound data to be transferred in the CD-ROM 19, the data of two of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e (double the storage capacity of each sound data buffer) from the head are stored in the CD-ROM 19. The data is transferred from the ROM 19 to the RAM 13 (Step S22). The transferred data is stored in two sound data buffers 13d and 13e in the RAM 13.

The sound data to be transferred is specified by an audio data code. Then, by referring to the sound data management table 13h, the head sector number corresponding to the code specified in the reproduction request can be obtained. According to the obtained first sector number, C
One sector in the D-ROM 19 can be specified. Then, the specified sound data is transferred to the RAM 13. The sound data transferred to the RAM 13 is
First, sound data stored in one sound data buffer (for example, sound data buffer 13d) and sound data that could not be stored in the sound data buffer are stored in the other sound data buffer (for example, sound data buffer 13e).

In the first data transfer when data is transferred from the CD-ROM 19 to the RAM 13, two data (for example, 32 sectors) of the sound data buffer are transferred. If the data length of the sound data is less than the data length of two of the sound data buffers, all of the sound data is transferred. The data length of the sound data can be determined by referring to the data length column of the sound data management table 17h.

When one transfer of the sound data to the RAM 13 is completed, the sound data in one sound data buffer is reproduced (step S2).
3). Details of this processing will be described later.

When the reproduction of the sound data in the sound data buffer is completed, it is determined whether or not all of the sound data to be reproduced (sound data specified by the audio output request) has been transferred (step S24). If all of the sound data to be reproduced has been transferred (step S24: YES route), the process proceeds to step S16 shown in FIG.

When there is data which has not been transferred yet among the sound data to be reproduced (step S24: N
In the O route), the sound data of one of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e in the RAM 13 contains CD-R
The data is read from the OM 19 and is transferred to the RAM 13 (step S25). The transferred data is stored in the sound data buffer for which the data transfer to the sound memory 18a has been completed in the immediately preceding step S23. After the process of step S25 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2.
Proceed to 3. In addition, since it has a double buffer configuration, the data transfer in step S25 and the subsequent data transfer in step S23 can be performed in parallel. Therefore, when the data transfer process is started in step S25, the process of step S23 can be performed without waiting for the end of the data transfer.

Next, the sound data reproduction processing in the sound data buffer will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the sound data reproduction processing in the sound data buffer. This processing corresponds to step S in FIG.
The process is started after the end of step S22 or after the end of step S25.

First, one of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e of the RAM 13 is selected as a data to be read (step S31). For example, RAM1
The sound data buffers 13d and 13e in 3 are alternately selected as data reading targets in the order in which sound data is stored.

Next, the sound data stored in the sound data buffer to be read is divided, and the data is transferred to the sound memory 18a in order from the data whose reproduction order is first (step S32). The transferred data is stored in a local buffer. The data stored in the sound data buffers 13d and 13e is divided into the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f and 18 respectively.
The data is divided into data having a size corresponding to the storage capacity of g.
For example, it is divided into data in units of one sector.

In the case of monaural sound data, one of the divided sound data is transferred.
If the sound data is stereo, sound data corresponding to the left and right speakers is transferred. That is, in the case of stereo sound data, two pieces of the divided data are transferred.

When the data transfer in step S32 is performed, the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, 1
Sound output based on the data stored in 8g is performed (step S33). When the sound output in step S33 is completed, it is determined whether or not all data transfer in the sound data buffer to be transferred to the sound memory 18a has been completed (step S34). If the transfer of the sound data to be transferred has been completed (step S34: YES route), the process proceeds to step S24 in FIG. If the transfer of the sound data to be transferred has not been completed (step S34: NO route), step S3
The process proceeds to 2 and the next data transfer is performed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a baseball game to which the present embodiment is applied. On the display screen 101, a pitcher 71, a batter 72, and a catcher 73 are displayed.
The catcher 73 is displayed translucently. In addition, catcher 73
In front of are displayed a strike zone 61, a cursor 62 for specifying a pitching position, and a cursor 63 for specifying a hitting position.

In this embodiment, sound data is stored in the CD-ROM 19, and the sound data is sequentially stored in the CD-ROM 19.
Since the data can be read out from the D-ROM 19 and reproduced, it is possible to reproduce a very realistic actual situation.
For example, in the example of FIG. 14, the pitcher 71 enters the pitching motion and attempts to throw the ball 81. At this time,
For example, a voice output request designating code 001 is issued. In response to this audio output request, the sound data 94
Is divided and transferred to the RAM 13. Further, the data is divided and transferred from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a. Thereby, for example, a sound such as “throwed the third ball from Suzuki Twothing” is reproduced. Code 00
If a voice output request designating 2 is issued, for example, a voice such as "Pitcher Suzuki, pitching with good content so far, but no hit line support yet" is reproduced.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reproduce a commentary or commentary including a subject and a predicate during a video game. Moreover, by storing sound data of a phrase serving as a subject in the sound memory, the number of accesses to the CD-ROM can be reduced. In general, commentary and commentary will tell who did what. Therefore, by storing sound data corresponding to who, for example, player names or team names, in the sound memory, sound data that is frequently accessed is stored in the sound memory. As a result, the number of accesses to the CD-ROM during audio output can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the CD-RO
Divided into sound data stored in M19,
It is stored in the RAM 13 sequentially. The sound data stored in the RAM 13 is sequentially divided and transferred to a sound memory 18a in the sound processing unit 18.

As described above, by performing the two-stage divided transfer, the number of accesses to the CD-ROM 19 can be reduced. By reducing the number of accesses, the possibility of simultaneous reading of audio data and reading of other data (for example, background image data) is reduced. As a result, even if a large amount of sound data is stored in the CD-ROM 19, the game progress processing is not obstructed. That is, the game progress processing can be smoothly performed.

The timing of the division transfer in the present embodiment is as follows. C
The transfer timing from the D-ROM 19 to the RAM 13 is as follows.
Sound data buffers 13d, 13e in RAM 13
This is the timing when the transfer of one data item to the sound memory 18a is completed. The data transfer timing from the RAM 13 to the sound memory 18a is the timing at which the sound reproduction based on the data in one local buffer in the sound memory 18a ends.

The number of times of division transfer in this embodiment is as follows. CD-RO
When the data is transferred from the M19 to the RAM 13, in the first data transfer, data of the storage capacity (for example, 32 sectors) of the two sound data buffers 13d and 13e in the RAM 13 is transferred together. Thereafter, data transfer of the storage capacity of each of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e (for example, 16 sectors) is performed.

Therefore, from the CD-ROM 19 to the RAM 1
3 when transferring the data length of the sound data to RA
The value obtained by subtracting 1 from the value divided by the storage capacity of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e in M13 (the value after the decimal point of the division result is increased) is the transfer count. For example, the storage capacity of each of the sound data buffers 13d and 13e is 16 sectors, and when transferring sound data of 72 sectors, the divided transfer is performed four times.

In the case of monaural sound, RAM 1
The number of transfers at the time of data transfer from the sound data buffer 3 to the sound memory 18a depends on each sound data buffer 13
The storage capacity of each of the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, and 18g in the sound memory 18a is divided by the storage capacity of each of the local buffers 18d, 18e, 18f, and 18g. For example, the storage capacity of each sound data buffer 13d, 13e is 16 sectors, and each local buffer 18d, 18e, 18f, 18
If the storage capacity of g is one sector, the divided transfer is performed 16 times. In the case of stereo sound, the number of transfers is half that in the case of monaural sound.

In the above-described embodiment, a baseball game has been described as an example of a sports game accompanied by audio playback such as a live broadcast. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the game has a reproduction process, application to soccer, basketball, American football, tennis, ice hockey, and the like is also possible.

The present invention can be applied to any of dedicated game machines, arcade machines, personal computers, portable information terminals, portable telephones and the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a program for realizing an embodiment of the present invention is stored in a CD-RO.
M is recorded on the hard disk, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an MO or DVD. When the program is downloaded to a hard disk, a commercial network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or the like may be used as the network 111.

[0108]

As described above, according to the present invention, sound data, which is a unit of a live broadcast, is distributed and stored, and a combination of sound data corresponding to a situation during a video game is read out from a storage destination and played live. Therefore, the number of accesses to each recording medium can be reduced when outputting a real live commentary or commentary sound. as a result,
It is possible to obtain a computer-readable recording medium and a program recording a program capable of efficiently reading sound data, a live audio processing device, and a method thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a video game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a data structure of a CD-ROM.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a data structure in a RAM 13;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a code information table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a sound data management table for a sound memory.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a sound data management table for a CD-ROM.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an example of a data structure in a sound memory.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a sound data transfer process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing divided transfer of sound data stored in a CD-ROM 19;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure of a game progress.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating audio output processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a sound data reproduction processing procedure in a CD-ROM.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sound data reproduction process in a sound data buffer.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a baseball game.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Video game device 10a Game machine main body 11 CPU 13 RAM 14 Hard disk drive 16 Graphic processing part 19 CD-ROM 20 CD-ROM drive 100 TV set 101 Display screen 102, 103 Speaker

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G10L 13/00 G10L 3/00 Q 13/04 5/02 D

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for processing a live game in a video game, wherein the computer determines a situation based on a scene in the video game, and becomes a unit of the live broadcast. Sound data is stored in a distributed manner. Among the sound data, a combination and an order of one or more sound data for live broadcasting according to the determined situation are determined, and a storage destination of each of the sound data is determined. Is stored in advance, and based on the information, specifies the storage destination where the sound data of the determined combination is stored, and determines the storage destination in the determined order from the specified storage destination. Read out the sound data of the determined combination and play it, and execute the program. The recording medium on which it was recorded. 2. The sound data is distributed and stored in a first recording area and a second recording area.
When reading the sound data of the determined combination from the recording area, the sound data is transferred to the second recording area, and the sound data is played based on the sound data transferred to the second recording area. 2. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein: 3. When reading sound data from the first recording area, transferring the sound data to the second recording area via a third recording area having at least one buffer. 3. The recording medium according to claim 2, wherein: 4. When the sound data of the determined combination is transferred to a third recording area, the determined sound data is transferred to a data length corresponding to the storage capacity of each buffer in the third recording area. 4. The recording medium according to claim 3, wherein the data is divided and transferred for each divided data. 5. At least one buffer is provided in said second recording area, and when sound data is transferred from said third recording area to said second recording area, said third recording area is provided. 4. The sound data stored in the buffer of the recording area is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of the buffers of the second recording area, and the divided data is transferred for each divided data. 5. The recording medium according to 4. 6. When transferring sound data from the third recording area to the second recording area, if the data to be transferred is stereo sound data, the sound data is transferred in one transfer. 6. Transfer data of twice the storage capacity of each buffer in said recording area.
The recording medium according to the above. 7. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for processing a live game in a video game is recorded. Each situation and code information indicating a combination and an order of one or more sound data are associated in advance, code information is determined according to the determined situation, and the determined code information is indicated by the determined code information. Reading and playing the sound data of the combination in the order indicated by the code information. 8. A program for processing a live commentary in a video game, wherein the computer judges a situation based on a scene in the video game, and stores sound data as a unit of the commentary in a distributed manner. And determining, in the sound data, a combination and an order of at least one sound data for live broadcasting according to the determined situation, and information for specifying a storage destination of each sound data is stored in advance. And identifying a storage location where the determined combination of sound data is stored based on the information, and reading the determined combination of sound data from the identified storage location in the determined order. The program is characterized by being able to play live. 9. The sound data is distributed and stored in a first recording area and a second recording area.
When reading the sound data of the determined combination from the recording area, the sound data is transferred to the second recording area, and the sound data is played based on the sound data transferred to the second recording area. The program according to claim 8, wherein: 10. When reading sound data from the first recording area, transferring the sound data to the second recording area via a third recording area having at least one buffer. Claim 9
The described program. 11. When the sound data of the determined combination is transferred to a third recording area, the determined sound data is transferred to a data length corresponding to the storage capacity of each buffer of the third recording area. The program according to claim 10, wherein the data is divided and transferred for each divided data. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least one
And when transferring sound data from the third recording area to the second recording area, the sound data stored in the buffer of the third recording area is transferred to the second recording area. 12. The program according to claim 10, wherein the program is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of the respective buffers in the recording area, and is transferred for each of the divided data. 13. When sound data is transferred from the third recording area to the second recording area, if the data to be transferred is stereo sound data, the sound data is transferred in one transfer. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein data of twice the storage capacity of each buffer in the recording area is transferred. 14. A program for processing a live game in a video game, wherein the computer determines a situation during the processing of the video game, and each situation that may occur during the game and one or more sounds. Code information indicating the combination and order of the data is associated in advance, and determines the code information in accordance with the determined situation, the sound data of the combination indicated by the determined code information, A program that reads and plays in the order indicated by the code information. 15. A live broadcast processing apparatus, comprising: a recording medium storing a program for realizing live broadcast processing in a video game; and a computer which reads and executes at least a part of the program from the storage medium. By reading at least a part of the program from the recording medium, the computer determines a situation based on a scene in the video game, and sound data, which is a unit of a live broadcast, is stored in a distributed manner. Among them, a combination and an order of one or more sound data for live broadcasting according to the determined situation are determined, and information for specifying a storage location of each of the sound data is stored in advance, and the information includes Identifying the storage location where the sound data of the determined combination is stored, Reading the sound data of the determined combination from the determined storage location in the determined order and playing the sound data. 16. The sound data is distributed and stored in a first recording area and a second recording area, and when the sound data of the determined combination is read from the first recording area, 16. The live-action processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the sound data is transferred to the second recording area, and the sound data is played based on the sound data transferred to the second recording area. 17. When reading sound data from the first recording area, transferring the sound data to the second recording area via a third recording area having at least one buffer. Claim 1.
6. The live-action processor according to 6. 18. When the sound data of the determined combination is transferred to a third recording area, the determined sound data is transferred to a data length corresponding to the storage capacity of each buffer of the third recording area. 18. The live-action processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the data is divided and transferred for each divided data. 19. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least one
And when transferring sound data from the third recording area to the second recording area, the sound data stored in the buffer of the third recording area is transferred to the second recording area. 19. The real-time processing device according to claim 17, wherein the recording area is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of the respective buffers, and the divided data is transferred for each divided data. 20. When transferring sound data from the third recording area to the second recording area, if the data to be transferred is stereo sound data, the sound data is transferred in one transfer. 20. The live-action processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein data of twice the storage capacity of each buffer in the recording area is transferred. 21. A live broadcast processing apparatus, comprising: a recording medium on which a program for realizing processing of audio output in a video game is recorded; and a computer which reads and executes at least a part of the program from the recording medium. The computer reads at least a part of the program from the recording medium to determine a situation during processing of the video game, and a combination of each situation that may occur during the game and one or more sound data. And code information indicating the order are associated in advance, determine the code information according to the determined situation, sound data of the combination indicated by the determined code information, the code information, A live broadcast processing device, which reads out the live broadcast in the indicated order. 22. A live broadcast processing method for processing a live broadcast in a video game, wherein a situation for each scene in the game is determined, a situation is determined based on a scene in the video game, and sound data as a unit of the live broadcast is It is stored in a distributed manner, and among the sound data, a combination and an order of one or more sound data to be broadcast according to the determined situation are determined, and a storage destination of each sound data is specified. Information is stored in advance, and based on the information, the storage location in which the sound data of the determined combination is stored is specified. Reading a combination of the sound data and broadcasting the sound data. 23. The sound data is distributed and stored in a first recording area and a second recording area, and when the sound data of the determined combination is read from the first recording area, 23. The live broadcast processing method according to claim 22, wherein the sound data is transferred to the second recording area, and the sound data is broadcasted based on the sound data transferred to the second recording area. 24. When reading sound data from the first recording area, transferring the sound data to the second recording area via a third recording area having at least one buffer. Claim 2
3. The live-action processing method according to 3. 25. When transferring the sound data of the determined combination to a third recording area, the determined sound data is transferred to a data length corresponding to the storage capacity of each buffer of the third recording area. 25. The live-action processing method according to claim 24, wherein the data is divided and transferred for each divided data. 26. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein at least one
And when transferring sound data from the third recording area to the second recording area, the sound data stored in the buffer of the third recording area is transferred to the second recording area. 26. The live broadcast processing method according to claim 24, wherein the recording area is divided into data lengths corresponding to the storage capacities of the respective buffers, and the data is transferred for each divided data. 27. When sound data is transferred from the third recording area to the second recording area, if the data to be transferred is stereo sound data, the sound data is transferred in one transfer. 28. The live-action processing method according to claim 26, wherein data of twice the storage capacity of each buffer in the recording area is transferred. 28. A live broadcast processing method for processing a live broadcast in a video game, comprising determining a situation during processing of the video game, and combining each situation that may occur during the game with one or more sound data. The code information indicating the order is associated in advance, and the code information is determined according to the determined situation. The sound data of the combination indicated by the determined code information is indicated by the code information. Reading in the order in which they were performed and broadcasting them.