JP2003062325A - Game equipment and game screen display method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game screen display method that helps enjoy a powerful wide image by connecting a TV receiver having a wide screen even by using a current video game equipment having only an image output mechanism based on normal images. SOLUTION: The game screen display method is characterized by obtaining composite image data having an aspect ratio of 16 to 9 on the basis of the image data after image data for wide images stored in an external storage medium are read, generating and outputting output image data having an aspect ratio of 4 to 3 by adding mask data as a non-image section above and below the composite image data, and in addition, displaying a wide image having an aspect ratio of 16 to 9 on an image display device by displaying the composite image data alone and without displaying the non-image section using the zoom function of the image display device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device and a game screen display method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, game machines combine advanced hardware technology and software technology, and also have advanced graphic display technology for displaying characters, backgrounds, etc. and advanced culture such as story development. It has been evaluated not only in Japan but also in the world as a comprehensive technology and industry that combines technology and cultural thinking.

Nowadays, games played using such a game device are diversified, and specific examples thereof include those for simulating various races such as horse races and car races. , Those that imitate sports such as ball games such as soccer and baseball, those that allow the character to freely move within a predetermined area while acquiring items placed on the map, wrestling, boxing, In addition to sumo, judo, kendo, etc., fighting games that use swords, spears, etc.

As a game device for playing such a game, conventionally, there is a game device (hereinafter, also referred to as a video game device) for playing a game by connecting a cable derived from the game device body to a TV receiver. Are known.

In this video game device, the player operates the control pad or the like to play the game while watching the game screen displayed on the TV receiver. In recent years, among TV receivers, the number of sold wide-screen TVs whose screen size is wider than the conventional normal screen has been increasing. The normal screen has a width: height ratio of 4: 3, whereas the wide screen has a width: height ratio of 1.
The width is widened to 6: 9.

However, in the conventional video game apparatus, only a normal image having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 can be output. Therefore, the T having a wide screen
When displaying the game screen on the V receiver, the function on the TV receiver side is used, and the left and right ends of the wide screen are not used and the normal screen is displayed or the game screen is enlarged horizontally. It was displayed with the full width of the wide screen used.

FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an image having a width: height of 4: 3 output from a conventional video game device. Further, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wide screen on which the image is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a wide screen on which the image is displayed.

The output image data 91a output from the conventional video game device has a width: height of 4: 3, as shown in FIG. 9 (a). When the output image data 91a is displayed on the wide screen 90, as shown in FIG.
By generating the non-display portions 92 at the left and right ends of the wide screen 90, the output image data 91a is displayed as an image 91b in which the width: height ratio remains 4: 3, or as shown in FIG. ), The output image data 91a
Is enlarged in the horizontal direction to be displayed as an image 91c having a width: height ratio of 16: 9. It should be noted that as described above, neither generation of the non-display portion 92 nor lateral expansion of the output image data 91a is a function of the game machine or the storage medium for storing the game content. , TV receiver side function.

However, as shown in FIG. 9 (b),
If the wide screen is displayed in a form corresponding to the normal screen without using both ends, the screen becomes smaller and less powerful. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9C, the game screen is expanded horizontally. When the game screen is displayed in the mode
Since the characters and background displayed on the screen spread laterally, the balance of the entire game screen was lost, and it was not possible to wipe out the discomfort.

Therefore, the ratio of width: height is 1 from the beginning.
It is possible to develop a game having a wide image of 6: 9 and display it as an image for a video game. However, at present, there is no video game device capable of displaying it, so even if a storage medium having the above wide image as image data is developed, it can be displayed on a TV receiver or the like. There was a problem that I could not.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to generate a wide image even if a game displayed in the wide image is developed. , Which can be converted into a normal image having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 once, and therefore a TV having a wide screen is used by using a current video game device having only an image output mechanism based on the normal image. A game device that can be connected to a receiver to enjoy powerful wide images,
Another object is to provide a game screen display method.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, the method for displaying a game screen according to the present invention is characterized in that after the image data for a wide image stored in an external storage medium is read, Based on the image data, composite image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is obtained, and mask data that is a non-image portion is added to the top and bottom of the composite image data to obtain a width: height ratio. By generating and outputting the output image data of 4: 3, and further using the zoom function of the image display device to display only the composite image data without displaying the non-image portion, the width: height After displaying a wide image with a ratio of 16: 9 on an image display device or reading image data for wide image stored in an external storage medium, the ratio of width: height based on the image data. Is 1
By obtaining the composite image data of 6: 9 and compressing the composite image data in the horizontal direction, the ratio of width: height is 4: 3.
Of the output image data is generated and output, and the output image data is enlarged in the horizontal direction by using the wide display function of the image display device.
9 wide images are displayed on the image display device.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following. (1) The ratio of width: height stored in the storage medium is 4: 3.
Alternatively, external data input means for inputting external data including 16: 9 image data, operating means for inputting instruction data by a player's operation, and the external data and the instruction data are stored. Data storage means, game control means for advancing a predetermined game based on the external data and the instruction data, image synthesizing means for generating output image data from the image data, and output means for outputting the output image data. In the game device including the above, the image synthesizing means is obtained based on the image data when the image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is read from the data storage means. By adding mask data that is a non-image area above and below the composite image data, output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated. Characterized in that it is configured.

According to the invention of (1), the normal image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 and the width: height ratio of 16:
Both of the wide image data of 9 and the image data of 9 can be read out, and when the normal image data is read out, the ratio of width: height obtained based on this image data is 4:
The combined image data of No. 3 is output as it is. However, when the image data in which the ratio of width: height is 16: 9 is read out, it cannot be output as it is. Therefore, in the present invention, the ratio of width: height obtained based on the read image data is By adding mask data that is a non-image portion to the top and bottom of the 16: 9 composite image data, output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated. Thus, wide image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 can be read and output to a TV receiver or the like having a wide screen. For example, by using the zoom function of the TV receiver, You can enjoy video games with wide images as they are. In any case, since the output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated, it is needless to say that the output image data can be displayed on a TV receiver having a normal screen.

The present invention further provides the following. (2) In addition to the cam apparatus described in (1) above,
A game device having an image display device for displaying the output image data, wherein the image display device has a normal width image having a width: height ratio of 4: 3, or a width: height ratio. It is configured to display a wide image of 16: 9, and is provided with an image size switching unit so that it is possible to select which of the normal width image and the wide image is displayed. It is characterized by

According to the invention of (2), the game device itself has an image display device, and it is possible to select whether to display a normal image or a wide image. . Therefore, for example, in an image display device having a wide screen or an image display device having a normal screen,
It is possible to enjoy a video game having a wide image as image data and a video game having a normal image as image data.

The present invention further provides the following. (3) The ratio of width: height stored in the storage medium is 4:
External data input means for inputting external data including image data of 3 or 16: 9, operation means for inputting instruction data by a player's operation, and the external data and the instruction data are stored. Data storage means, game control means for advancing a predetermined game based on the external data and the instruction data, image synthesizing means for generating output image data from the image data, and output for outputting the output image data A game device provided with means for obtaining image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 from the data storage means, based on the image data. By compressing the generated composite image data in the horizontal direction, output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated. And butterflies.

According to the invention of (3), normal image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 and a width: height ratio of 16:
Both of the wide image data of 9 and the image data of 9 can be read out, and when the normal image data is read out, the ratio of width: height obtained based on this image data is 4:
The combined image data of No. 3 is output as it is. However, when the image data in which the ratio of width: height is 16: 9 is read out, it cannot be output as it is. Therefore, in the present invention, the ratio of width: height obtained based on the read image data is By compressing the 16: 9 composite image data in the horizontal direction, output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated. As a result, the ratio of width: height is 1
Wide image data of 6: 9 can be read and output to a TV receiver or the like having a wide screen. For example, by using the wide function of the TV receiver, a video game having a wide image can be enjoyed as it is. You can In any case, since the output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated, it is needless to say that the output image data can be displayed on a TV receiver having a normal screen.

(4) A game device further comprising an image display device for displaying the output image data in addition to the game device described in (2) above, wherein the image display device has a width: height width. A normal width image with a ratio of 4: 3 or a wide image with a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is configured to be displayed, and either the normal width image or the wide image is displayed. An image size switching unit is provided so that it is possible to select whether or not to perform.

According to the invention of (4), the game device itself has an image display device, and it is possible to select whether to display a normal image or a wide image. . Therefore, for example, in an image display device having a wide screen or an image display device having a normal screen,
It is possible to enjoy a video game having a wide image as image data and a video game having a normal image as image data.

The present invention further provides the following. (5) A wide image having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on an image display device connected to the game device using a game device which outputs output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3. Is a method for displaying a game screen, in which wide-image image data stored in an external storage medium is read, and based on the image data, a composite image with a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed. By obtaining the data and adding mask data to the upper and lower sides of the composite image data, which are non-image areas, the output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated and output, and further, image display is performed. A wide image with a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on the image display device by using the zoom function of the device and displaying only the composite image data without displaying the non-image portion. And

According to the invention of (5), after the image data for the wide image stored in the external storage medium is read to create the composite image data, the mask data to be the non-image portion is added above and below the composite image data. Then, output image data consisting of a normal image with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated and output, and a wide image is displayed using the zoom function of the image display device. Even a current video game device capable of outputting only a 4: 3 normal image can display a video game having a wide image as it is as a wide image.

The present invention further provides the following. (6) A wide image having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on an image display device connected to the game device using a game device that outputs output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3. Is a method for displaying a game screen, in which wide-image image data stored in an external storage medium is read, and based on the image data, a composite image with a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed. By obtaining the data and compressing the composite image data in the horizontal direction, the ratio of width: height is 4 :.
The output image data of No. 3 is generated and output, and further, the wide display function of the image display device is used to expand the output image data in the horizontal direction.
A wide image of 6: 9 is displayed on the image display device.

According to the invention of (6), the image data for the wide image stored in the external storage medium is read to create the composite image data, and then the image data is compressed in the horizontal direction to obtain a ratio of width: height. Generates and outputs output image data composed of a normal image of 4: 3 and displays the wide image by using the wide display function of the image display device. Therefore, only a normal image having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is displayed. Even a current video game device that cannot output a video game can display a video game having a wide image in the wide image as it is.

[Definition of Terms, etc.] In the present specification, the “storage medium” is information for playing a predetermined game, for example, image data of a character, image data of a background image, a program for playing the game, and the like. External data is stored. The image data may have a width: height ratio of 16: 9 or 4: 3.

The type of the storage medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a flexible disk, a fixed disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, and a CD-R (Compact).
Disk-Recordable), CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read
Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk),
DVD-R (Digital Versatile Disk-Recordable),
DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-Read Only M
emory), ROM cartridge, RAM (Random Access Memory) cartridge with battery backup,
Examples include flash memory cartridges.

In addition, in the game device, a storage medium for storing the progress of the game is often used in addition to the storage medium for storing the information for playing the predetermined game. In the following description, the storage medium in which the external data for playing the predetermined video game described above is stored is referred to as a first storage medium, and the storage medium for storing the progress of the game is referred to as a second storage medium. I will decide. By using the second storage medium, when the game is interrupted, the player can store the progress of the game at that time. Therefore, when playing the game again, the game can be started from the time when the game is interrupted.

As the second storage medium, for example, EPRO
M (Erasable Programmable ROM), OTPROM (Opt
ical Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electricall)
y Erasable Programmable ROM), flash type EEP
ROM or the like can be used. Further, it may be configured by an integrated circuit other than such a memory, for example, a microprocessor or the like. Further, the first storage medium and the second storage medium can be integrated into one writable storage medium.

The "external data input means" means, for example, a means for reading the external data stored in the first storage medium such as the above-mentioned CD-ROM into the data storage means, the game control means, etc. described later, the laser. A laser reading device or the like that irradiates a CD-ROM or the like with light and reads information from the way of reflection is given. When the second storage medium is used, the external data input means also includes means for storing data in the second storage medium and reading the stored data.

The external data input means may be capable of reading external data from the first storage medium and / or the second storage medium via the communication medium. As the communication medium, a wired communication medium such as a public telephone line,
A wireless communication medium such as a microwave circuit can be used. The Internet also includes the communication medium. When the above communication medium is used, for example, NAS (Networ) connected to the game device via the communication medium is used.
A storage medium storing external data is provided on the side of another device such as a k-attached storage), and the external data stored in the storage medium is read out via the communication medium. Examples of the other devices include NAS and the like.

"Operating means" means a means for inputting instruction data for advancing a game when operated by a player. For example, a control pad having a plurality of operating buttons, a plurality of operating buttons. A keyboard provided with keys and the like can be mentioned.

The "data storage means" means a storage means provided in the game device, and includes a hard disk, MO, etc. in addition to RAM.

The "game control means" means to control the external data input means, the data storage means, the image synthesizing means and the output means described later based on the instruction data and the external data. Thus, it refers to a means for advancing a predetermined game stored in the first storage medium, and includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like.

The "image synthesizing means" means means for performing various operations on the basis of the image data to generate output image data, and an element having various functions such as a VDP (Video Display Processor) and a frame buffer. And an image for output is synthesized by causing these elements to function based on data, a calculation formula, a program, etc. read from the storage medium. The output image data generated by the image synthesizing unit has a width: height ratio of 4: 3.

"Output means" means means for connecting the game device and an image display device described later. The game device transmits the output image data, sound data, and the like to an image display device described later via the output means. By using a so-called projector, which is a means for projecting output image data onto a screen, the output means can play a powerful game on a large screen or the like.

The "image display device" means a device provided with a display. Usually, in addition to the above display, the display condition and display method of the image can be changed.
Knobs and switches are provided. The image display device may be provided with a switch for changing the image size so that it is possible to select whether to display a normal image or a wide image. The “image size switching means” refers to a switch or the like for switching the image size.

In the following description, a game machine provided with the above-mentioned external data input means, operation means, data storage means, game control means, image synthesizing means and output means (hereinafter also referred to as each means) is used for home use. It is also called a game device. A game device provided with each means and an image display device is also called an arcade game device. However, the game device of the present invention is not limited to those used as a home game device or an arcade game device, and may be used as, for example, a projector, a large attraction device in which a large number of players can participate, or the like. Is also possible.

In the present specification, "non-image part" and FIG.
The non-display portion 92 shown in (a) is seen from the player's perspective.
It is common in that it looks like a part where no image is displayed, but it differs in the following points. That is, the "image-free portion" is a portion where an image is not displayed at all from the player's point of view, but actually, an image showing a black image that is not related to the game content is displayed. Say. On the other hand, the non-display portion is a portion on the screen of the TV receiver on which no image generated by shrinking the portion displaying the image is displayed. The non-display part is generated by the function of the TV receiver.

The "mask data" means the image data which becomes the above-mentioned non-image portion. As the mask data, for example, image data in which all the three primary colors of colored light in the additive color mixture are set to be colorless and which is displayed in a predetermined portion is used.

The "zoom function" means to display only a predetermined portion of the output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3, so that the entire screen having a width: height ratio of 16: 9. T is a function to display images on the screen and has a wide screen.
This is a known function used in V receivers. The "wide function" is a function for displaying an image on the entire screen having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 by horizontally expanding output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3. Which is a known function used in a TV receiver having a wide screen.

[0041]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A game screen display method used in a game device according to the present invention and a game screen display method according to the present invention read image data for a wide image stored in an external storage medium. After that, based on the image data, composite image data with a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is obtained, and mask data that is a non-image portion is added to the top and bottom of the composite image data to obtain a width: height Ratio of 4:
The output image data of No. 3 is generated and output, and further, the zoom function of the image display device is used to display only the composite image data without displaying the non-image portion. A display method for displaying a 16: 9 wide image on an image display device (hereinafter, also referred to as a first display method) or after reading image data for a wide image stored in an external storage medium, Based on the image data, composite image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is obtained, and by compressing the composite image data in the horizontal direction, output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is obtained. A wide image having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on the image display device by generating and outputting and further enlarging the output image data in the horizontal direction by using the wide display function of the image display device. Display method (below, It is also referred to as a second display method). In the following description, the ratio of width: height is also referred to as an aspect ratio.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a home game device according to the present invention. The home-use game machine shown in FIG. 1 has a CD-R as a first storage medium.
It is a game device that uses an OM.

The home-use game machine 10 is composed of a main body device 11 having a housing lid 12 provided on the upper surface thereof, and a control pad 15 for controlling an operation input. The accommodating lid 12 is configured to be openable and closable, and the player opens the accommodating lid 12 to display the CD-RO on the main body device 11.
A first storage medium 13 (not shown) consisting of M can be loaded.

Two control pads 15 are connected to the front surface of the main body device 11 via cables 15c so that two players can play the game at the same time. The control pad 15 is provided with a direction key 15a and a control button 15b, and the player advances the game by operating the direction key 15a and the control button 15b. The control pad 15 functions as an operation unit described later. The number of control pads 15 provided on the main body device 11 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more.

An insertion port 16 is provided on the front surface of the main body device 11. Through the insertion port 16, the main body device 11 is
Second storage medium 14 including a flash type EEPROM or the like
By inserting (not shown), data such as the progress of the game can be stored. The insertion port 16 may not be provided, and a plurality of insertion ports may be provided. By providing a plurality of insertion openings 16 and inserting a plurality of second storage media into the main body device 11 at the same time, it is possible to duplicate data between the second storage media.

On the side surface of the main body device 11, a connector 18 for connecting a cable (not shown) for supplying electric power to the home-use game machine 10 and the home-use game machine 10 to T are provided.
A connector 19 for connecting a cable (not shown) for transmitting output image data and audio data to the V receiver (not shown) is provided. Further, although not shown, the main body device 11 is provided with a switch for starting the home-use game device 10, a switch for opening the housing lid 12, and the like. Further, the main body device 11 incorporates an external data input means, a data storage means, a game control means, an image synthesizing means and an output means which will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the arcade game machine according to the present invention. Arcade game machine 3
Reference numeral 0 includes a main body device 31, a control unit 35, and an image display device 37. The main body device 30 has a first storage medium 33 (not shown) built therein. In addition,
The first storage medium 33 may be fixedly arranged in the main body device 30, or may be configured to be removable. Further, the main body device 31 includes an external data input means, a data storage means, a game control means, an image synthesizing means, and an output means which will be described later.

The main body device 30 is provided with a control base 35 so as to project toward the front. On the upper surface of the control table 35, two direction levers 35a and a plurality of control buttons 35b are provided so that two players can play the game at the same time. The player has a direction lever 35a and a control button 35b.
The game progresses by operating. The direction lever 35a and the control button 35b function as operation means described later.

At the upper part of the main body device 30, the image display device 3 is provided.
7 is provided. The output means built in the main body device 30 and the image display device 37 are connected via a cable (not shown) or the like, and the image display device 37 receives the output image data from the output means and outputs the output image data. An image (not shown) is displayed on the screen 37a having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 based on the image data. Further, the image display device 37 displays the screen 3
7a, a normal width image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3, or
It is configured to display a wide image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9, so that it is possible to select whether to display the normal width image or the wide image,
An image size switching button 37b is provided. The image size switching button 37b functions as an image size switching unit described later.

In FIG. 2, the screen 37a has an aspect ratio of 16: 9, but in the image display device provided in the game device of the present invention, the screen aspect ratio is 1
It may be 6: 9 or 4: 3. Also,
Like the home-use game machine 10 shown in FIG.
It is also possible to provide an insertion port (not shown) at 0 so that a second storage medium (not shown) can be used.

FIG. 3 shows the home-use game machine 1 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of 0. In the main body device 11, external data input means 23, operation means 24, data storage means 25, game control means 26, image composition means 2
7 and the output means 28 are respectively connected to the input / output bus 21.

The external data input means 23 is a CD-ROM
And a means for inputting external data stored in the first storage medium 13 and the like, and a means for inputting the progress of the game stored in the second storage medium 14 such as a flash type EEPROM. It is configured. In addition,
The aspect ratio of the image data included in the external data is the same as the aspect ratio of the image data stored in the first storage medium.

The operating means 24 is means for inputting the instruction data by the player operating the direction keys 15a and the control buttons 15b provided on the control pad 15.

The data storage means 25 is means for storing the external data etc. inputted from the external data input means 23 and the instruction data inputted from the operation means 24.
The RAM 50 and the sub CPU 51 are included. The external data includes program data for advancing a predetermined game, image data, and PCM, for example.
BGM such as (Pulse Code Modulation) data and sound data such as sound effects and voice are included.

The RAM 50 stores the external data and the like input from the external data input means 23, and also the main CP.
When various control processes are executed by U60, various data to be processed are temporarily stored. In response to a request from the main CPU 60, the sub CPU 51 collects instruction data input from the operation means 24 via the external data input means 23 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 50 or transmits it to the game control means 26. Control.

The game control means 26 controls the external data input means 23, the data storage means 25, the image synthesizing means 27 and the output means 28 on the basis of the instruction data and the external data, whereby First storage medium 1
3 is a means for advancing a predetermined game stored in 3, including a main CPU 60 and a ROM 61, and further, B
SPU (Soun for generating GM, sound effect, voice, etc.)
d Processing Unit) 62, a sound buffer 63, and the like.

The main CPU 60 uses the data storage means 25.
Based on the external data and the instruction data stored in the above, each unit of the main body device 11 is controlled to advance a predetermined game. The main CPU 60 has a DSP (Digi
tal signal processor), and is configured to be able to execute the processing based on the external data supplied from the data storage means 25 at high speed. Further, the main CPU 60 is equipped with a processor for performing arithmetic processing of matrices, vectors, etc. relating to image data generation as a coprocessor. Then, the result of the arithmetic processing and the like are transmitted to the VDP 75 described later as a drawing command.

The ROM 61 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor memory, and stores an operating system kernel for realizing the basic functions of the game device, an initial program for initializing the game device, and the like. Note that the initial program reads data from the first storage medium 13 and / or the second storage medium 14 at the time of starting the home-use game machine 10 or the like, and stores the data in the data storage means 25.
It is a program for storing in.

The SPU 62 is, for example, a sub processor incorporating a PCM sound source device and the like, and is controlled by the main CPU 60. The main CPU 60 converts the sound data stored in the data storage means 26 into a sound buffer 63.
Transfer to. The SPU 62 generates signals such as BGM, sound effects, and sound based on the sound data stored in the sound buffer 63, and is connected to or built in the TV receiver 17 via the output means 28 described later. Output to a speaker (not shown).

The image synthesizing means 27 comprises a VDP 70, a frame buffer 71 and the like. VDP70 is
In accordance with a drawing command from the main CPU 60, necessary image data is read from the data storage means 25, and composite image data is generated in the frame buffer 71 based on the image data. The aspect ratio of the composite image data is the same as the aspect ratio of the image data read from the data storage unit 25, that is, the aspect ratio of the image data stored in the first storage medium 13. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the image data stored in the first storage medium 13 is 4: 3.
If so, the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 4: 3, and if the aspect ratio of the image data stored in the first storage medium 13 is 16: 9, the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 16: 9. .

If the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 4: 3, the VDP 70 outputs the composite image data as it is as output image data. On the other hand, when the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 16: 9, a process of adding mask data that is a non-image portion above and below the composite image data is performed, or the composite image data is compressed in the horizontal direction. By performing the processing, output image data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is generated and output to the output unit 28. As described above, the first display method can be performed by performing the process of adding the mask data above and below the combined image data. In addition, the second display method can be performed by performing a process of compressing the combined image data in the horizontal direction. The first display method and the second display method will be described in detail later.

Further, the VDP 70 may be equipped with, for example, a 3D graphics accelerator. 3D
The graphics accelerator makes it possible to speed up the process of generating the output image data.

The frame buffer 71 is a memory in which output image data is generated by the VDP 70, and the output image data is output by the VDP 70 to the TV receiver 17 via the output means 28. Normally, the frame buffer 71 inputs image data from the VDP 70,
It is constituted by a dual port RAM capable of simultaneously outputting output image data to an image display device connected via the output means 28. The aspect ratio of the output image data output from the frame buffer 71 is 4: 3.

The output means 28 causes the TV receiver 17 connected to the main body device 11 to receive the B received from the game control means 26.
Signals such as GM, voice, and sound effect, and image synthesizing means 27
The output image data and the like received from are output.

FIG. 4 shows the arcade game device 3 shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of 0. In the main body device 31, external data input means 43, operation means 44, data storage means 45, game control means 46, image composition means 4
7 and the output means 48 are connected to the input / output bus 41, respectively. Further, the main body device 31 has the first storage medium 33 built therein, and the image display device 37 is connected to the output means 48.

The external data input means 43 comprises means for inputting the external data stored in the first storage medium 33. Further, when the arcade game device 30 is configured to be able to use the second storage medium (not shown), the external data input means 43 causes the external data input means 43 to be in the middle of the game stored in the second storage medium. It includes means for inputting data such as progress.

The operating means 44 is means for inputting the instruction data by the player operating the directional lever 35a or the control button 35b provided on the control table 35.

The data storage means 45 is a means for storing the external data and the like input from the external data input means 43 and storing the instruction data input from the operation means 44, similarly to the above-mentioned data storage means 25. , RAM 55, sub CPU 56, and the like.

The game control means 46, similar to the game control means 26 described above, based on the instruction data and the external data, the external data input means 43, the data storage means 45,
The main CPU 6 is a means for advancing a predetermined game stored in the first storage medium 33 by controlling the image synthesizing means 47 and the output means 48.
5, a ROM 66, and an SPU 67 and a sound buffer 68.

The image synthesizing means 47, like the image synthesizing means 27 described above, includes a VDP 75, a frame buffer 76 and the like. The VDP 75 is the main CPU 65
In accordance with the instruction from the, the necessary image data is read from the data storage means 45, and the composite image data is generated in the frame buffer 76 based on the image data. When the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 16: 9, a process of adding mask data that is a non-image part to the upper and lower sides of the composite image data, or a process of horizontally compressing the composite image data By doing so, output image data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is generated and output to the output means 48.
As described above, the first display method can be performed by performing the process of adding the mask data above and below the combined image data. In addition, the second display method can be performed by performing a process of compressing the combined image data in the horizontal direction. The first display method and the second display method will be described in detail later.

The output means 48 causes the image display device 37 connected to the main body device 31 to output signals such as BGM, voice, and sound effect received from the game control means 46, and the image synthesizing means 4.
The output image data received from 7 is output. The image display device 37 displays the output image data received from the output means 48 on the screen 37a. Further, the image display device 37 is provided with image size switching means 49, and the player operates the image size switching means 49 to display either the normal width image or the wide image on the screen 37a. You can choose whether to do it.

In the case where a wide image is displayed on the screen 37a, if the received output image data is data in which mask data to be a non-image portion is added above and below the combined image data, the zoom function is used. The non-image part is not displayed,
Only the above composite image data is displayed. On the other hand, if the received output image data is data in which the composite image data is compressed in the horizontal direction, the wide function is used, and the output image data is enlarged in the horizontal direction and displayed.

The process of generating output image data (hereinafter also referred to as output image data generation process) executed by the image synthesizing means of the game apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the following, the game device is
An image display device is provided, and it is assumed that the image display device has been activated in advance and is normally operating.

First, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the output image data generation processing by the first display method, which is called and executed at a predetermined timing by a drawing command or the like from the main CPU.

First, composite image data is obtained based on the image data (step S150). That is, VDP
The main CPU reads necessary image data from the image data stored in the RAM of the data storage unit by a drawing command or the like, generates composite image data, and writes the composite image data in the frame buffer. At this time, color-related calculations, texture data mapping, and the like are also performed as necessary.

Next, the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 1
It is determined whether it is 6: 9 (step S151).
That is, it is determined whether the aspect ratio of the composite image data written in the frame buffer 71 is 16: 9 or 4: 3.

The aspect ratio of the composite image data is 16: 9.
If it is, add mask data to the composite image data,
Output image data is generated (step S152). That is, VDP generates output image data with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 by adding mask data to the upper and lower sides of the combined image data with an aspect ratio of 16: 9.

If it is determined in step S151 that the aspect ratio of the composite image data is not 16: 9, or if the process of step S152 is executed, the output image data is output to the output means (step S153). If it is determined in step S151 that the aspect ratio of the composite image data is not 16: 9, that is, 4: 3, the composite image data is output as it is to the output means as output image data.

As a result, the output image data is displayed on the screen of the image display device connected to the output means. If the aspect ratio of the screen of the image display device is 16: 9,
A wide image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on the image display device by operating the image size switching means and using the zoom function of the image display device to display only the composite image data without displaying the non-image portion. Can be displayed on the screen.

Next, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of output image data generation processing by the second display method, which is called and executed at a predetermined timing by a drawing command or the like from the main CPU. In addition, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is different from the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 in step S162.
The same steps except that the same processing steps are denoted by the same reference numerals.

First, composite image data is obtained based on the image data (step S150). That is, VDP
In response to a drawing command from the main CPU, the necessary image data is read out from the image data stored in the RAM of the data storage unit, synthetic image data is generated, and written in the frame buffer. At this time, color calculation, texture data mapping, and the like are also performed as necessary.

Next, the aspect ratio of the composite image data is 1
It is determined whether it is 6: 9 (step S151).
That is, it is determined whether the aspect ratio of the composite image data written in the frame buffer 71 is 16: 9 or 4: 3.

The aspect ratio of the composite image data is 16: 9.
If so, the composite image data is laterally compressed to generate output image data (step S162). That is,
The VDP compresses composite image data having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 in the horizontal direction by 3/4 to generate output image data having an aspect ratio of 4: 3.

If it is determined in step S151 that the aspect ratio of the composite image data is not 16: 9, or if the process of step S152 is executed, the output image data is output to the output means (step S153). If it is determined in step S151 that the aspect ratio of the composite image data is not 16: 9, that is, 4: 3, the composite image data is output as it is to the output means as output image data.

As a result, the output image data is displayed on the screen of the image display device connected to the output means. If the aspect ratio of the screen of the image display device is 16: 9,
A wide image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 can be displayed on the screen of the image display device by operating the image size switching means and using the wide function of the image display device to laterally expand the output image data. it can.

The above-described subroutines shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are called not only when the game start processing is executed, but also at a predetermined timing between the start and end of the game. To be executed.

Although the case where the game device has the image display device has been described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the same processing is executed even if the game device does not have the image display device. In this case, in step S153, the output image data output to the output means is displayed on the screen of a TV receiver or the like connected to the game device. That is, using the zoom function of the TV receiver, the mask data is not displayed, and only the composite image data is displayed.
Alternatively, a wide image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver by enlarging in the horizontal direction using the wide function of the TV receiver.

Next, the data storage means sets the aspect ratio to 1
The output image data generated by the image combining means when the image data of 6: 9 is stored, and the screen on which the output image data is displayed will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

First, FIG. 7 will be described. Figure 7 (a)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output image data generated by the first display method. Further, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a wide screen on which the output image data is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a normal width screen on which the output image data is displayed. The screen shown in (b) is
It is a screen when the zoom function of the image display device is used.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the output image data 80 having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 has an aspect ratio of 16 :.
It is generated by adding mask data 82 above and below the composite image data 81 of No. 9.

When the output image data 80 is displayed on the wide screen 83, as shown in FIG. 7B, the mask data 82 is not displayed by the zoom function of the image display device, and the aspect ratio is 16: 9. Only the image data 81 is enlarged and displayed. As described above, according to the first display method, the image data for the wide image stored in the first storage medium is read to create the composite image data, and the mask data to be the non-image portion is added above and below the composite image data. Then, the output image data including the normal image is generated and output, and the wide image is displayed by using the zoom function of the image display device. Therefore, only the normal image having the aspect ratio of 4: 3 can be output at present. Even with a video game device, a video game having a wide image can be displayed as it is as a wide image.

When the output image data 80 is displayed on the normal width screen 84, the output image data 80 is displayed as it is, as shown in FIG. 7C. That is, the composite image data 81 having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is displayed in the center of the screen 84, and the non-image portion 82a including the mask data 82 is displayed above and below the composite image data 81. Thus, according to the first display method, it is possible to play a game with a wide image even on a normal width screen having an aspect ratio of 4: 3.

First, FIG. 8 will be described. Figure 8 (a)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output image data generated by a second display method. Further, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a wide screen on which the output image data is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing a normal width screen on which the output image data is displayed. The screen shown in (b) is
It is a screen when the wide function of the image display device is used.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the output image data 85 having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 has an aspect ratio of 16:16.
The synthesized image data of 9 is generated by being compressed in the case of 3/4 in the horizontal direction.

When the output image data 85 is displayed on the wide screen 83, as shown in FIG. 8B, due to the wide function of the image display device, the combined data having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is 4/3 horizontally. It is enlarged and displayed twice. As described above, according to the second display method, the image data for the wide image stored in the first storage medium is read to create the composite image data, and then the horizontal image is output to output the normal image. Image data is generated and output, and a wide image is displayed using the wide display function of the image display device. Therefore, even with a current video game device that can only output a normal image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3. A video game having a wide image can be displayed in the wide image as it is.

When the output image data 85 is displayed on the normal width screen 84, the output image data 85 is displayed as it is, as shown in FIG. 8C. As described above, according to the second display method, it is possible to play a game using a storage medium storing image data with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 even in a normal width screen with an aspect ratio of 4: 3. Is.

Although FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 have described the game device provided with the image display device, even if the game device does not have the image display device, the zoom of the TV receiver connected to the game device is performed. By using the function or the wide function, the same display as in FIG. 7 or 8 is displayed.

[0098]

According to the game device and the game screen display method of the present invention, even when a game displayed in a wide image is developed, the wide image is once displayed in a ratio of width: height. Since it can be converted to a 4: 3 normal image, a powerful wide image can be obtained by connecting to a TV receiver having a wide screen using a current video game device having only an image output mechanism based on the normal image. You can enjoy

Further, in the game device provided with the image display device, it is possible to select whether to display the normal image or the wide image. Even an image display device having a screen can enjoy a video game having a wide image as image data and a video game having a normal image as image data.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a game device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of the game device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the game device shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the game device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of output image data generation processing by the first display method.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of output image data generation processing by the second display method.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of output image data output from the game device according to the present invention,
(B) is an explanatory view showing a wide screen on which the output image data is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory view showing a normal width screen on which the output image data is displayed.

FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing another example of output image data output from the game device according to the present invention,
(B) is an explanatory view showing a wide screen on which the output image data is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory view showing a normal width screen on which the output image data is displayed.

FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram showing an image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 output from a conventional video game device. Further, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a wide screen on which the image is displayed, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a wide screen on which the image is displayed.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Home game devices 23, 43 External data input means 24,44 Operating means 25, 45 data storage means 26,46 Game control means 27, 47 image composition means 28, 48 output means 30 arcade game machines 37 Image display device 49 Image size switching means 80,85 Output image data 81 Composite image data 82 Mask data 82a no-picture section

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An external data input means for inputting external data including image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 or 16: 9 stored in a storage medium, and a player operating the data. Operation means for inputting the instruction data,
Data storage means for storing the external data and the instruction data, game control means for advancing a predetermined game based on the external data and the instruction data, and image synthesizing means for generating output image data from the image data. ,
A game device comprising an output unit for outputting the output image data, wherein the image synthesizing unit reads image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 from the data storage unit. , By adding mask data that is a non-image portion above and below the composite image data obtained based on the image data, the output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated. A game device characterized in that 2. A game device provided with an image display device for displaying the output image data, wherein the image display device has a width: height width of 4: 3 in a normal width image or a width width. : An image which is configured to display a wide image with a vertical width ratio of 16: 9, and which can be selected to display either the normal width image or the wide image The game device according to claim 1, further comprising size switching means. 3. An external data input means for inputting external data including image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 or 16: 9 stored in a storage medium, and a player operating the external data input means. Operation means for inputting the instruction data,
Data storage means for storing the external data and the instruction data, game control means for advancing a predetermined game based on the external data and the instruction data, and image synthesizing means for generating output image data from the image data. ,
A game device comprising an output unit for outputting the output image data, wherein the image synthesizing unit reads image data having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 from the data storage unit. The composite image data obtained based on the image data is compressed in the horizontal direction to generate output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3. Game device. 4. A game device comprising an image display device for displaying the output image data, wherein the image display device is a normal width image with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 or a width. : An image which is configured to display a wide image with a vertical width ratio of 16: 9, and which can be selected to display either the normal width image or the wide image The game device according to claim 3, further comprising size switching means. 5. A game device that outputs output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is used, and an image display device connected to the game device has a width: height ratio of 16: 9.
Is a method for displaying a game screen for displaying a wide image, wherein after the image data for the wide image stored in the external storage medium is read, the ratio of width: height is 16: 9 based on the image data. Of the composite image data, and by adding mask data that is a non-image portion above and below the composite image data, output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is generated and output. By using the zoom function of the image display device and displaying only the composite image data without displaying the non-image portion, the ratio of width: height is 1
A method for displaying a game screen, characterized by displaying a wide image of 6: 9 on an image display device. 6. A game device for outputting output image data having a width: height ratio of 4: 3 is used, and an image display device connected to the game device is provided with a width: height ratio of 16: 9.
Is a method for displaying a game screen for displaying a wide image, wherein after the image data for the wide image stored in the external storage medium is read, the ratio of width: height is 16: 9 based on the image data. Of the composite image data and compressing the composite image data in the horizontal direction to generate and output output image data with a width: height ratio of 4: 3, and further, a wide display function of the image display device. A method for displaying a game screen is characterized in that a wide image having a width: height ratio of 16: 9 is displayed on an image display device by enlarging the output image data in the horizontal direction by using.