JP2004041593A - Program and method for data reading, video game device, and computer readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program and a method for data reading, and a video game device selecting compressed data or uncompressed data according to a game state and reading the data at high speed. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU (central processing unit) 1 determines whether the compressed data recording the data in a compressed state or the uncompressed data recording the data in an uncompressed state should be read according to the game state. When determining to read the compressed data, the CPU reads the developed data in a main memory 5, and when determining to read the uncompressed data, the CPU reads the uncompressed data in the main memory 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data reading program for reading data used in a video game, a data reading method, a video game apparatus, and a computer-readable recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, data used in a video game is mainly provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. In such a recording medium, data is recorded in a compressed state in advance. In some cases, data is recorded in an uncompressed state without being compressed. The video game developer decides whether to record the data in a compressed state or in an uncompressed state in consideration of the calculation cost. On the recording medium, compressed data in a state where data is compressed or uncompressed data in an uncompressed state where data is not compressed is recorded. For example, when certain data is recorded in a compressed state, the same data is not recorded in an uncompressed state. Similarly, when certain data is recorded in an uncompressed state, the same data is never recorded in a compressed state. That is, the recording medium records only one data in a compressed state or a non-compressed state.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When data is recorded as compressed data, the amount of data to be read is smaller than that of uncompressed data, so the time for accessing the recording medium is shortened. However, there is a problem that the compressed data needs to be expanded on the memory, and an extra calculation cost is required as compared with the case where the data is not expanded on the memory. In addition to the storage area for expanding the compressed data on the memory, a storage area for storing the compressed data itself is required.
[0004]
On the other hand, when data is recorded as uncompressed data, the data does not need to be expanded on the memory, and there is no calculation cost for expanding the data. However, when data is recorded as non-compressed data, there is a problem that it takes a reading time including an access time to the recording medium because the designated data file is read as it is.
[0005]
For example, if you know in advance how much processing load is applied to the arithmetic processing unit, such as when displaying a predetermined demo image before the game starts, which of the compressed data and uncompressed data Can be determined. However, in a video game, the processing load on the arithmetic processing device varies depending on the game state, and it is difficult to determine in advance whether to use compressed data or uncompressed data.
[0006]
For example, the processing load of the arithmetic processing unit varies depending on the number of characters displayed on the screen, and the processing load increases when there are many characters to be displayed, and the processing load decreases when there are few characters to be displayed. When there are many characters to be displayed, it is possible to read the uncompressed data at high speed, and when there are few characters to be displayed, the compressed data can be read at high speed. The number of characters to be displayed varies depending on the skill of the user and cannot be predicted in advance. For this reason, in the conventional method of recording only in the state of either compressed data or non-compressed data, it is impossible to read appropriate data according to the game state.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A data reading program and a data reading program capable of selecting compressed data and non-compressed data according to a game state and reading data at high speed. It is an object to provide a method and a video game device.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention described in claim 1 is a data reading program for reading data used in a video game,
Determining means for determining, according to a game state, which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data read;
A decompressing means for decompressing the compressed data when the judging means determines to read the compressed data;
When the determination means determines that the compressed data is read, the video game device is read as the reading means for reading the uncompressed data when the data expanded by the expansion means is read and the determination means determines that the non-compressed data is read. Is made to function.
[0009]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the data reading program for reading the data used in the video game stores the compressed data recorded in the compressed state of the data and the data in the uncompressed state. Determining means for determining which of the uncompressed data to be read according to the game state, and when the determining means determines to read the compressed data, a decompressing means for decompressing the compressed data, and a judging means When it is determined that the compressed data is read, the data developed by the expansion means is read. When the determination means determines that the non-compressed data is read, the video game apparatus is caused to function as a reading means for reading the non-compressed data.
[0010]
That is, the same data is stored as compressed data in a compressed state and non-compressed data in a non-compressed state, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the non-compressed data is read by the judging means. If it is determined that the compressed data is read by the determining means, the compressed data is expanded by the expanding means. If the determining means determines that the compressed data is read, the data expanded by the expanding means is read by the reading means. If the determination unit determines to read uncompressed data, the uncompressed data is read by the reading unit.
[0011]
In this way, two types of data, compressed data and uncompressed data, are recorded for one data, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is read. . When compressed data is read, since the data is compressed, the time for accessing the recording medium can be shortened. When uncompressed data is read, it is not necessary to expand the data, so that the arithmetic processing is shortened. be able to. Therefore, by selecting compressed data in a game state where the processing load of arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting uncompressed data in a game state where the processing load is not sufficient, data suitable for the game state can be read. Data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress of the process.
[0012]
The present invention according to claim 2, wherein the game state includes a first game state that is currently being executed and a second game state that is executed next to the first game state,
The determination means includes the compressed data and the uncompressed data based on a current processing load in the first game state and a decompression processing load on decompression processing of compressed data used in the second game state. It is characterized in that it is determined which one is read.
[0013]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the game state includes a first game state that is currently being executed and a second game state that is executed next to the first game state, and the determination means. Determines whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data based on the current processing load in the first game state and the decompression processing load for decompression processing of the compressed data used in the second game state Is done.
[0014]
That is, the arithmetic processing relating to the current processing load of the arithmetic processing device in the first game state currently being executed and the decompression processing of the compressed data used in the second game state executed next to the first game state Since it is determined whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data based on the development processing load of the apparatus, appropriate data can be read according to the processing load in the first game state, Data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress process.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided first storage means for preliminarily storing a processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game, and decompression required for decompression processing for each compressed data for each compressed data. The video game apparatus is further caused to function as second storage means for storing the processing load in advance.
[0016]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first storage means for storing in advance the processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game, and the expansion required for the expansion processing for each compressed data for each compressed data The video game apparatus is further caused to function as second storage means for storing the processing load in advance.
[0017]
That is, by storing in advance the processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game, it is not necessary to measure the processing load required for the game state during the video game, and the processing load can be reduced. .
[0018]
The present invention described in claim 4 is a measuring means for measuring a processing load in the game state;
Causing the video game device to further function as a third storage unit that stores the processing load measured by the measurement unit as a history;
The determination means determines which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is to be read based on the history.
[0019]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the processing load in the game state is measured by the measuring means, and the processing load measured by the measuring means is stored as a history in the third storage means. Whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data is determined based on the history stored in the storage means 3.
[0020]
In other words, since the processing load in the game state can be measured in real time and either one of the compressed file and the uncompressed file can be read, appropriate data according to the game state can be read, and the game progress process Data can be read at high speed without slowing down.
[0021]
The present invention according to claim 5 is a data reading method for reading data used in a video game,
The video game device determines which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data depending on the game state. A decision step;
When the video game device determines that the determination step reads the compressed data, the expansion step of expanding the compressed data;
When the video game device determines that the determination step reads compressed data, the video game device reads the data expanded by the expansion step. When the determination step determines that non-compressed data is read, the video game device reads the uncompressed data. And a step.
[0022]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the data reading method for reading data used in the video game, the video game apparatus does not compress the compressed data and the data recorded in a compressed state. A determination step for determining which of the uncompressed data stored in the state is to be read according to the game state; and if the video game device determines that the determination step is to read the compressed data, the compressed data is expanded The decompression step, and the video game device reads the data decompressed by the decompression step when the judgment step judges that the compressed data is read, and reads the uncompressed data when the judgment step judges that the uncompressed data is read. Read step.
[0023]
That is, the same data is stored as compressed data in a compressed state and non-compressed data in a non-compressed state, and it is determined according to the game state which one of the compressed data and the non-compressed data is read in the determination step. If it is determined that the compressed data is read by the determining step, the compressed data is expanded by the expanding step. If the determining step determines that the compressed data is read, the data expanded by the expanding step is read by the reading step. If the determination step determines that uncompressed data is to be read, the uncompressed data is read by the read step.
[0024]
In this way, two types of data, compressed data and uncompressed data, are recorded for one data, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is read. . When compressed data is read, since the data is compressed, the time for accessing the recording medium can be shortened. When uncompressed data is read, it is not necessary to expand the data, so that the arithmetic processing is shortened. be able to. Therefore, by selecting compressed data in a game state where the processing load of arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting uncompressed data in a game state where the processing load is not sufficient, data suitable for the game state can be read. Data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress of the process.
[0025]
The present invention according to claim 6 is a video game apparatus for reading data used in a video game,
Determining means for determining, according to a game state, which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data read;
A decompressing means for decompressing the compressed data when the judging means determines to read the compressed data;
When the determination unit determines to read compressed data, the data read by the expansion unit is read; and when the determination unit determines to read uncompressed data, the reading unit reads the uncompressed data. It is characterized by.
[0026]
According to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, a video game apparatus for reading data used in a video game is stored with compressed data recorded with the data compressed and with the data not compressed. Determining means for determining which of the uncompressed data to be read according to the game state, and when the determining means determines to read the compressed data, the expanding means for expanding the compressed data and the determining means include the compressed data Is read by the expansion means, and when the determination means determines to read the uncompressed data, the reading means reads the uncompressed data.
[0027]
That is, the same data is stored as compressed data in a compressed state and non-compressed data in a non-compressed state, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the non-compressed data is read by the judging means. If it is determined that the compressed data is read by the determining means, the compressed data is expanded by the expanding means. If the determining means determines that the compressed data is read, the data expanded by the expanding means is read by the reading means. If the determination unit determines to read uncompressed data, the uncompressed data is read by the reading unit.
[0028]
In this way, two types of data, compressed data and uncompressed data, are recorded for one data, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is read. . When compressed data is read, since the data is compressed, the time for accessing the recording medium can be shortened. When uncompressed data is read, it is not necessary to expand the data, so that the arithmetic processing is shortened. be able to. Therefore, by selecting compressed data in a game state where the processing load of arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting uncompressed data in a game state where the processing load is not sufficient, data suitable for the game state can be read. Data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress of the process.
[0029]
The present invention according to claim 7 is a computer-readable recording medium recording data used in a video game,
The data is recorded as compressed data in a compressed state, and the data is recorded as uncompressed data in an uncompressed state.
[0030]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer-readable recording medium on which data used in the video game is recorded is recorded as compressed data in a compressed state, and the data is not compressed. It is recorded as uncompressed data.
[0031]
That is, the computer-readable recording medium stores the same data as compressed data in a compressed state and non-compressed data in a non-compressed state. If the compressed data is determined to be read, the compressed data is expanded by the expansion means. If it is determined to read the compressed data, the data expanded by the read means is read and uncompressed. When it is determined that data is to be read, uncompressed data is read by the reading means.
[0032]
In this way, two types of data, compressed data and uncompressed data, are recorded for one data, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is read. . When compressed data is read, since the data is compressed, the time for accessing the recording medium can be shortened. When uncompressed data is read, it is not necessary to expand the data, so that the arithmetic processing is shortened. be able to. Therefore, by selecting compressed data in a game state where the processing load of arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting uncompressed data in a game state where the processing load is not sufficient, data suitable for the game state can be read. Data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress of the process.
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, a home video game apparatus configured by connecting a home video game machine to a home television will be described as an example of the video game apparatus, but the present invention is particularly limited to this example. In addition, the present invention can be similarly applied to a professional video game apparatus with an integrated monitor, a personal computer that functions as a video game apparatus by executing a video game program, and the like.
[0035]
The video game apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a home game machine 100 and a home television 200. The home-use game machine 100 is loaded with a computer-readable recording medium 300 on which a video game program and game data are recorded, and the video game program and game data are appropriately read to execute the game.
[0036]
A consumer game machine 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a bus line 2, a graphics data generation processor 3, an interface circuit (I / F) 4, a main memory 5, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, and an expansion circuit 7. , Parallel port 8, serial port 9, drawing processor 10, audio processor 11, decoder 12, interface circuit 13, buffers 14 to 16, recording medium drive 17, memory 18, and controller 19. The home television 200 includes a television monitor 21, an amplifier circuit 22 and a speaker 23.
[0037]
The CPU 1 is connected to the bus line 2 and the graphics data generation processor 3. The bus line 2 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. The CPU 1, interface circuit 4, main memory 5, ROM 6, decompression circuit 7, parallel port 8, serial port 9, drawing processor 10, audio processor 11, decoder 12 And the interface circuit 13 are connected to each other.
[0038]
The drawing processor 10 is connected to the buffer 14. The audio processor 11 is connected to the buffer 15 and the amplifier circuit 22. The decoder 12 is connected to the buffer 16 and the recording medium drive 17. The interface circuit 13 is connected to the memory 18 and the controller 19.
[0039]
The television monitor 21 of the home television 200 is connected to the drawing processor 10. The speaker 23 is connected to the amplifier circuit 22. In the case of an arcade video game apparatus, the television monitor 21, the amplifier circuit 22, and the speaker 23 may be housed in a single casing together with each block constituting the consumer game machine 100.
[0040]
When the video game apparatus is configured with a personal computer, a workstation, or the like as a core, the television monitor 21 or the like corresponds to a computer display. The decompression circuit 7, the drawing processor 10, the audio processor 11, and the like correspond to a part of program data recorded in the recording medium 300 or hardware on an expansion board installed in an expansion slot of a computer. The interface circuit 4, the parallel port 8, the serial port 9, and the interface circuit 13 correspond to hardware on an expansion board mounted in an expansion slot of a computer. The buffers 14 to 16 correspond to the storage areas of the main memory 5 or the expansion memory, respectively.
[0041]
Next, each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The graphics data generation processor 3 serves as a coprocessor for the CPU 1. That is, the graphics data generation processor 3 performs coordinate conversion and light source calculation, for example, calculation of a fixed point format matrix or vector by parallel processing.
[0042]
The main processing performed by the graphics data generation processor 3 is based on the coordinate data, movement amount data, rotation amount data, etc. of each vertex in the two-dimensional or virtual three-dimensional space of the image data supplied from the CPU 1. There are processing for obtaining address data of the processing target image on the display area and returning it to the CPU 1, processing for calculating the luminance of the image according to the distance from the virtually set light source, and the like.
[0043]
The interface circuit 4 is used for an interface of a peripheral device such as a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball. The main memory 5 is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The ROM 6 stores program data serving as an operating system for the video game apparatus. This program corresponds to a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) of a personal computer.
[0044]
The decompression circuit 7 performs decompression processing on a compressed image compressed by intra coding conforming to the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) standard for moving images and the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) standard for still images. The decompression process includes a decoding process (decoding of data encoded by VLC: Variable Length Code), an inverse quantization process, an IDCT (Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform) process, an intra image restoration process, and the like.
[0045]
The drawing processor 10 performs a drawing process on the buffer 14 based on a drawing command issued by the CPU 1 every predetermined time T (for example, T = 1/60 seconds in one frame).
[0046]
The buffer 14 is composed of a RAM, for example, and is divided into a display area (frame buffer) and a non-display area. The display area is composed of a data development area to be displayed on the display surface of the television monitor 21. The non-display area is composed of storage areas such as data for defining a skeleton, model data for defining polygons, animation data for causing the model to move, pattern data indicating the contents of each animation, texture data, and color palette data.
[0047]
Here, the texture data is two-dimensional image data. The color palette data is data for designating a color such as texture data. The CPU 1 records these data in the non-display area of the buffer 14 in advance from the recording medium 300 at a time or divided into a plurality of times according to the progress of the game.
[0048]
The drawing command includes a drawing command for drawing a stereoscopic image using a polygon and a drawing command for drawing a normal two-dimensional image. Here, the polygon is a polygonal two-dimensional virtual figure, and for example, a triangle or a quadrangle is used.
[0049]
A drawing command for drawing a stereoscopic image using polygons includes polygon vertex address data indicating the storage position of polygon vertex coordinate data in the display area of the buffer 14, and the storage position of the texture pasted on the polygon 14 in the buffer 14. Is performed on each of the color address data indicating the storage position on the buffer 14 and the color data indicating the texture brightness.
[0050]
Among the above data, the polygon vertex address data on the display area is converted by the graphics data generation processor 3 from the polygon vertex coordinate data in the virtual three-dimensional space from the CPU 1 based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data. Is replaced with the polygon vertex coordinate data in two dimensions. The luminance data is determined by the graphics data generation processor 3 based on the distance from the position indicated by the polygon vertex coordinate data after the coordinate conversion from the CPU 1 to the light source virtually arranged.
[0051]
The polygon vertex address data indicates an address on the display area of the buffer 14. The drawing processor 10 performs a process of writing texture data corresponding to the display area range of the buffer 14 indicated by the three polygon vertex address data.
[0052]
An object such as a character in the game space is composed of a plurality of polygons. The CPU 1 stores the coordinate data of each polygon in the virtual three-dimensional space in the buffer 14 in association with the corresponding skeleton vector data. When the character is moved on the display screen of the television monitor 21 by an operation of the controller 19 to be described later, when the character movement is expressed or the viewpoint position at which the character is viewed is changed, the following Processing is performed.
[0053]
That is, the CPU 1 obtains the graphics data generation processor 3 from the three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertices of each polygon held in the non-display area of the buffer 14, the skeleton coordinates, and the rotation amount data. Polygon movement amount data and rotation amount data are given.
[0054]
The graphics data generation processor 3 sequentially obtains the three-dimensional coordinate data after moving and rotating each polygon based on the three-dimensional coordinate data of the vertex of each polygon and the movement amount data and rotation amount data of each polygon.
[0055]
Of the three-dimensional coordinate data of each polygon thus obtained, the coordinate data in the horizontal and vertical directions are supplied to the drawing processor 10 as address data on the display area of the buffer 14, that is, polygon vertex address data.
[0056]
The drawing processor 10 writes the texture data indicated by the texture address data assigned in advance on the display area of the buffer 14 indicated by the three polygon vertex address data. As a result, on the display screen of the television monitor 21, an object in which textures are pasted on a large number of polygons is displayed.
[0057]
A drawing command for drawing a normal two-dimensional image indicates vertex address data, texture address data, color palette address data indicating the storage position on the buffer 14 of color palette data indicating the color of the texture data, and luminance of the texture. This is performed on the luminance data. Among these data, the vertex address data is obtained by the coordinate conversion of the vertex coordinate data on the two-dimensional plane from the CPU 1 by the graphics data generation processor 3 based on the movement amount data and the rotation amount data from the CPU 1.
[0058]
The audio processor 11 stores ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data read from the recording medium 300 in the buffer 15, and the ADPCM data stored in the buffer 15 serves as a sound source.
[0059]
Also, the audio processor 11 reads ADPCM data from the buffer 15 based on, for example, a clock signal having a frequency of 44.1 kHz. The audio processor 11 performs processing such as pitch conversion, noise addition, envelope setting, level setting, and reverb addition on the read ADPCM data.
[0060]
When the audio data read from the recording medium 300 is PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data such as CD-DA (Compact Disk Digital Audio), the audio processor 11 converts the audio data into ADPCM data. Further, the processing for the PCM data by the program is directly performed on the main memory 5. The PCM data processed on the main memory 5 is supplied to the audio processor 11 and converted into ADPCM data. Thereafter, the various processes described above are performed, and sound is output from the speaker 23.
[0061]
As the recording medium drive 17, for example, a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM drive, a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive, a flexible disk drive, a silicon disk drive, a cassette medium reader, or the like is used. In this case, as the recording medium 300, a DVD-ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like is used.
[0062]
The recording medium drive 17 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 300 and supplies the read data to the decoder 12. The decoder 12 performs error correction processing by ECC (Error Correction Code) on the reproduced data from the recording medium drive 17 and supplies the data subjected to the error correction processing to the main memory 5 or the audio processor 11.
[0063]
For example, a card-type memory is used as the memory 18. The card type memory is used for holding various game parameters at the time of interruption, such as holding the state at the time of interruption when the game is interrupted.
[0064]
The controller 19 is an operation device used by the user to input various operation commands, and sends an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation to the CPU 1. The controller 19 includes a first button 19a, a second button 19b, a third button 19c, a fourth button 19d, an up key 19U, a down key 19D, a left key 19L, a right key 19R, and L1 buttons 19L1, L2. A button 19L2, an R1 button 19R1, an R2 button 19R2, a start button 19e, a select button 19f, a left stick 19SL and a right stick 19SR are provided.
[0065]
The up direction key 19U, the down direction key 19D, the left direction key 19L, and the right direction key 19R are used, for example, to give the CPU 1 a command for moving a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the television monitor 21. .
[0066]
The start button 19e is used to instruct the CPU 1 to load a game program from the recording medium 300. The select button 19f is used to instruct the CPU 1 to make various selections related to the game program loaded from the recording medium 300 to the main memory 5.
[0067]
The buttons and keys of the controller 19 except the left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are turned on when pressed from the neutral position by an external pressing force, and return to the neutral position when the pressing force is released. It consists of an on / off switch that turns off.
[0068]
The left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are stick-type controllers having almost the same configuration as a so-called joystick. This stick-type controller has an upright stick, and can be tilted over a 360 ° direction including front, rear, left and right with a predetermined position of the stick as a fulcrum. The left stick 19SL and the right stick 19SR are connected to the CPU 1 via the interface circuit 13 using the values of the x-coordinate in the left-right direction and the y-coordinate in the front-rear direction as the operation signals according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the stick. To send.
[0069]
The first button 19a, the second button 19b, the third button 19c, the fourth button 19d, the L1 button 19L1, the L2 button 19L2, the R1 button 19R1, and the R2 button 19R2 correspond to the game program loaded from the recording medium 300. Used for various functions.
[0070]
Next, the general operation of the video game apparatus will be described. When the recording medium 300 is loaded in the recording medium drive 17, when a power switch (not shown) is turned on and the video game apparatus is turned on, the recording medium is recorded based on the operating system stored in the ROM 6. The CPU 1 instructs the recording medium drive 17 to read the game program from 300. As a result, the recording medium drive 17 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 300. The read image data, audio data, and program data are supplied to the decoder 12, and the decoder 12 performs error correction processing on each data.
[0071]
The image data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is supplied to the decompression circuit 7 via the bus line 2. The image data that has been subjected to the expansion processing described above by the expansion circuit 7 is written into the main memory 5, supplied to the drawing processor 10, and written into the non-display area of the buffer 14 by the drawing processor 10. The audio data that has been subjected to the error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the buffer 15 via the main memory 5 or the audio processor 11. Program data that has been subjected to error correction processing by the decoder 12 is written into the main memory 5.
[0072]
Thereafter, the CPU 1 advances the video game based on the game program stored in the main memory 5 and the content that the user instructs using the controller 19. In other words, the CPU 1 appropriately performs control of image processing, control of sound processing, control of internal processing, and the like based on contents that the user instructs using the controller 19.
[0073]
As image processing control, for example, the calculation of the coordinates of each skeleton or the calculation of the vertex coordinate data of polygons from the pattern data corresponding to the animation instructed to the character, the obtained three-dimensional coordinate data and the graphics data of the viewpoint position data Supply to the generation processor 3, issue of a rendering command including address data and luminance data on the display area of the buffer 14 obtained by the graphics data generation processor 3 are performed.
[0074]
As control of audio processing, for example, issue of an audio output command to the audio processor 11, specification of level, reverb, etc. are performed. As control of the internal processing, for example, calculation according to the operation of the controller 19 is performed.
[0075]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main functions of the video game apparatus shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the video game apparatus functionally includes a program execution unit 31, a compressed data storage unit 32, an uncompressed data storage unit 33, a program storage unit 34, and a data storage unit 35.
[0076]
The compressed data storage unit 32 is realized by the recording medium 300 or the like, and records data as compressed data in a compressed state. As a method for compressing data, a known technique is used. For example, a compression method based on the JPEG standard or the MPEG standard, an LZW compression method, or the like is used.
[0077]
The non-compressed data storage unit 33 is realized by the recording medium 300 or the like, and records data having the same content as the compressed data as uncompressed data in an uncompressed state.
[0078]
The program execution unit 31 is realized by the CPU 1 or the like, and functions as the data determination unit 41, the data expansion unit 42, and the data reading unit 43 when the CPU 1 or the like executes a data reading program stored in the main memory 5.
[0079]
The data determining unit 41 determines which of the compressed data and the non-compressed data is read according to the game state. If the data determining unit 41 determines that the compressed data is read, the data expanding unit 42 expands the compressed data and restores the original data. The decompression process and the expansion process in the present embodiment are the same process. When the data determining unit 41 determines that the compressed data is read, the data reading unit 43 reads the data expanded by the data expanding unit 42 into the data storage unit 32 and determines that the data determining unit 41 reads the uncompressed data. In this case, uncompressed data is read into the data storage unit 32.
[0080]
The data storage unit 35 is realized by the main memory 5 or the like, and stores data read by the data reading unit 43. The program storage unit 34 is realized by the recording medium drive 17 and the like, and includes a computer-readable recording medium 300. The recording medium 300 stores a data reading program as a video game program. When the data reading program is read from the recording medium 300 and the program is recorded in the main memory 5, the main memory 5 functions as the program storage unit 34.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, the data determination unit 41 corresponds to a determination unit, the data development unit 42 corresponds to a development unit, and the data reading unit 43 corresponds to a reading unit.
[0082]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of data reading processing by the video game apparatus shown in FIG. Note that the data reading process shown in FIG. 3 is a process performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a data reading program or the like stored in the recording medium 300. Note that a variable now_loading used for the following processing is used to determine whether or not a file is currently being read. When now_loading = 0, this indicates that a file is not currently being read, and now_loading = If 1, the file is currently being read.
[0083]
In step S1, the CPU 1 initializes a variable now_loading and sets now_loading = 0. In step S2, the CPU 1 performs a game progress process. In the game progress process, various processes for progressing the video game other than the data read process are performed, and the CPU 1 issues a file read request. In step S3, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the current file is being read by determining whether or not now_loading = 1. If it is determined that now_loading = 1 (currently reading a file) (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S12, and now_loading = 1 is not present (current file is being read). If not (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4.
[0084]
In step S4, the CPU 1 determines whether to read a file. That is, the CPU 1 determines whether or not a file read request is issued in the game progress process in step S2. If it is determined that the file is to be read (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the file is not to be read (NO in step S4), the process returns to step S2.
[0085]
In step S5, the CPU 1 determines whether or not there is a compressed file for recording compressed data in the file requested to be read. If it is determined that the compressed file exists (YES in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that the compressed file does not exist (NO in step S5), the non-compressed data is recorded. In order to read the file, the process proceeds to step S10.
[0086]
In step S6, the CPU 1 performs a determination process for determining which one of the compressed file and the non-compressed file is to be read. The determination processing method in the present embodiment is performed by designating a compressed file or an uncompressed file in advance according to the game state. For example, it is specified in advance that a compressed file is read before the start of a game with a low processing load on the CPU 1 and an uncompressed file is read after the start of a game with a high processing load on the CPU 1. If the number of characters displayed on the screen is less than five, the processing load on the CPU 1 is small. Therefore, if the compressed file is read in advance and the number of characters displayed on the screen is five or more, the CPU 1 Because the processing load is heavy, specify in advance to read uncompressed files. The determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0087]
In step S7, the CPU 1 determines whether or not to read the compressed file. If it is determined that the compressed file is read (YES in step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the compressed file is not read (NO in step S7), the non-compressed file is read. The process proceeds to S10.
[0088]
In step S8, the CPU 1 changes the extension of the uncompressed file. Specifically, the compressed file is designated by adding one character to the extension of the uncompressed file. A file consists of a file name and an extension. The file name represents the file name, and the extension represents the file type. For example, a file having a file name “file_a” is represented by an extension “dat” for an uncompressed file and represented by an extension “datp” for a compressed file. The recording medium 300 records compressed data as a compressed file with a file name and extension “file_a.datp”, and records uncompressed data as an uncompressed file with a file name and extension “file_a.dat”. ing. When reading the compressed file, the CPU 1 identifies the compressed file “file_a.datp” to be read by adding one character “p” to “dat” which is the extension of the uncompressed file “file_a.dat”. In this way, duplication in defining data can be eliminated by recording a compressed file with one character added to the extension of an uncompressed file.
[0089]
In step S9, the CPU 1 starts reading the compressed file from the recording medium 300 to the buffer 16, and proceeds to step S11. In step S10, the CPU 1 starts reading an uncompressed file from the recording medium 300 to the main memory 5, and proceeds to step S11. In step S11, since reading of a file from the recording medium 300 to the buffer 16 or the main memory 5 is started, the CPU 1 sets now_loading = 1 and returns to step S2.
[0090]
If it is determined in step S3 that now_loading = 1 (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the CPU 1 determines whether the data currently being read is compressed data. If it is determined that the data currently being read is compressed data (YES in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13, where it is determined that the data currently being read is not compressed data but non-compressed data. Then (NO in step S12), the process proceeds to step S15.
[0091]
In step S <b> 13, the CPU 1 determines whether a certain amount of compressed data has been read into the buffer 16. If it is determined that a certain amount of compressed data has been read into the buffer 16 (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14, and if it is determined that a certain amount of compressed data has not been read into the buffer 16 ( NO in step S13), and a standby state is entered until a certain amount of compressed data is read into the buffer 16. Note that instead of reading a certain amount of compressed data into the buffer 16, all compressed data may be read into the buffer 16 and then decompressed to the original data. However, this is inefficient because a storage area for reading all the compressed data is required. In the present embodiment, for example, a certain amount of compressed data in units of 20 sectors (40 kilobytes) is once read into the buffer 16 and decompressed into the original data.
[0092]
In step S14, the decompression circuit 7 expands a certain amount of compressed data read into the buffer 16 into the original data. At this time, decompression processing is performed according to the compression method of the compressed data. In step S15, if the CPU 1 determines that the data is compressed data in step S12, the CPU 1 reads the data expanded in step S14 into the main memory 5, and determines that the data is not compressed data (is uncompressed data) in step S12. If uncompressed, uncompressed data is read into the main memory 5.
[0093]
In step S16, the CPU 1 determines whether or not all the data of the designated file has been read. If it is determined that all the data in the specified file has been read (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S17, and if it is determined that all the data in the specified file has not been read (step S16). NO in S16), the process returns to step S2, and the game progress process is performed.
[0094]
In step S17, since the reading of the file is completed, the CPU 1 sets now_loading = 0, ends the file reading request, and proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the CPU 1 determines that the file is not read because the file has been read (NO in step S4), the process proceeds to step S2, and the game progress process is performed.
[0095]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process in step S6 of FIG. Note that the determination processing shown in FIG. 4 is processing performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a data reading program or the like stored in the recording medium 300. Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is a determination process when one of compressed data and non-compressed data is selected according to the number of characters displayed on the screen.
[0096]
In step S101, the CPU 1 obtains the number of characters currently displayed on the screen. The character here is an object whose movement is controlled by a computer. When the number of characters displayed on the screen increases, the processing load on the CPU 1 increases. When the number of characters displayed on the screen decreases, the processing load on the CPU 1 decreases.
[0097]
In step S102, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the number of characters is five or more. If it is determined that the number of characters is five or more (YES in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103, and if it is determined that the number of characters is less than five (NO in step S102). The process proceeds to step S104. Note that the number of characters used as the determination criterion here is not limited to five, and can be changed as appropriate according to the processing speed of the CPU 1.
[0098]
In step S103, the CPU 1 determines to read the compressed file and returns. In step S104, the CPU 1 determines to read an uncompressed file and returns.
[0099]
In this way, two types of data, compressed data and uncompressed data, are recorded for one data, and it is determined according to the game state which of the compressed data and the uncompressed data is read. . When compressed data is read, since the data is compressed, the time for accessing the recording medium 300 can be shortened. When uncompressed data is read, it is not necessary to expand the data, thereby shortening the arithmetic processing. can do. Therefore, in a game state where the processing load of the arithmetic processing is sufficient (for example, less than 5 characters are displayed), compressed data is selected, and a game state where the processing load is not sufficient (for example, 5 characters are displayed). By selecting uncompressed data, you can read either compressed files or uncompressed files suitable for the game state, and read data at high speed without slowing down the game progress process. Can do.
[0100]
In this embodiment, one of compressed data and non-compressed data is selected according to the number of characters displayed on the screen. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and in video games. Either compressed data or non-compressed data may be selected according to the game scene or stage. For example, when reading stage data relating to a stage with a small amount of calculation, a compressed file is selected. Since the stage expressing the desert has a small number of objects, the amount of calculation is smaller than the stage expressing the urban area. Therefore, compressed data is selected at a stage with a small amount of computation, and uncompressed data is selected at a stage with a large amount of computation. Note that the game scene represents one scene of the video game, and the stage represents one story of the video game divided into a plurality according to the story.
[0101]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0102]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing main functions of a video game apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the video game apparatus functionally includes a program execution unit 31, a compressed data storage unit 32, an uncompressed data storage unit 33, a program storage unit 34, a data storage unit 35, and a table data storage unit 36. including.
[0103]
The table data storage unit 36 is realized by the main memory 5 or the like, and includes a first table storage unit 61 and a second table storage unit 62. The first table storage unit 61 stores a game state and a processing load in the game state in advance as a first table in association with each other. The second table storage unit 62 stores the name of the compressed file in which the compressed data is recorded and the decompression processing load for decompressing the compressed file in advance as a second table in association with each other.
[0104]
The data determination unit 41 is a decompression process related to a decompression process of the compressed data used in the second game state executed next to the current processing load in the first game state currently being executed and the first game state. Whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data is determined based on the load. The processing load corresponding to the first game state stored in the first table storage unit 61 and the expansion corresponding to the compressed data used in the second game state stored in the second table storage unit 62 It is determined whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data based on the processing load.
[0105]
In the present embodiment, the first table storage unit 61 corresponds to a first storage unit, and the second table storage unit 62 corresponds to a second storage unit.
[0106]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the first table and the second table. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the first table, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the second table.
[0107]
In the first table 400, the game state 401 and the processing load 402 are associated with each other. The processing load 402 is measured in advance and is expressed as a percentage. As shown in FIG. 6A, the game state 401 includes a title screen, a game selection, a player selection, a “Now Loading” screen, and a running. The title screen represents a game state in which the CPU 1 displays the title screen. “Selecting a player” represents a game state in which the CPU 1 accepts selection (selection) of a player (a character appearing in a game operated by the user) by the user. The “Now Loading” screen represents a game state in which “Now Loading” is displayed while the CPU 1 reads data from the recording medium 300 into the main memory 5. “Sliding” represents a game state when a character imitating a snowboarder is sliding on a slope such as a snow surface. For example, the peak value of the processing load on the CPU 1 when displaying the title screen is 10%, the peak value of the processing load on the CPU 1 during the game selection is 20%, and the “Now Loading” screen is displayed. The peak value of the processing load on the CPU 1 is 5%.
[0108]
In the second table 410, the file name 411 of the compressed file for recording the compressed data is associated with the decompression processing load 412 of this compressed file. The development processing load 412 is measured in advance and is expressed as a percentage. As shown in FIG. 6B, the compressed file name 411 includes “file_a.datp”, “file_b.datp”, “file_c.datp”, and the like. For example, the peak value of the decompression processing load applied to the CPU 1 when the CPU 1 decompresses the compressed file “file_a.datt” is 50%, and the CPU 1 applies to the CPU 1 when the CPU 1 decompresses the compressed file “file_b.datp”. The peak value of the expansion processing load is 80%, and the peak value of the expansion processing load applied to the CPU 1 when the CPU 1 expands the compressed file “file_c.datt” is 30%.
[0109]
In the determination processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention, the processing load for each game state and the decompression processing load for each compressed file are stored in advance as the first table 400 and the second table 410 and are currently executed. The processing load of the first game state that is being executed and the decompression processing load of the compressed file used in the second game state that is executed next to the first game state are summed and compared with a predetermined value. If the sum of the processing load of the first game state and the decompression processing load of the compressed file used in the second game state is smaller than a predetermined value, the compressed file is read. Is read. In this embodiment, if the predetermined value is 100% and the total of the processing load of the first game state and the decompression processing load of the compressed file used in the second game state is smaller than 100%, the compressed file is If reading is 100% or more, an uncompressed file is read. Note that the predetermined value is not limited to 100% and may be other values.
[0110]
For example, if the first game state is the title screen shown in FIG. 6A and the compressed file used in the second game state is “file_c.datp” shown in FIG. The total of the processing load for display and the expansion processing load for the expansion processing of “file_c.datp” is 40%, which is smaller than 100%, so the compressed file is read. Further, when the first game state is running as shown in FIG. 6A and the compressed file used in the second game state is “file_c.datp” shown in FIG. The total of the processing load related to the processing and the expansion processing load related to the expansion processing of “file_c.datp” is 120%, which is equal to or more than 100%, so the uncompressed file is read.
[0111]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of another embodiment of the determination process in step S6 of FIG. The determination process shown in FIG. 7 is a process performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a data reading program or the like stored in the recording medium 300. In addition, the data reading process in another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the flowchart showing an example of the data reading process in FIG. 3 and the contents of the determination process in step S6 are different. Only the determination processing in the embodiment will be described.
[0112]
In step S201, the CPU 1 acquires the first game state that is currently being executed. In step S202, the CPU 1 refers to the first table 400 stored in the first table storage unit 61 and acquires the current processing load A corresponding to the first game state.
[0113]
In step S203, the CPU 1 refers to the second table 410 stored in the second table storage unit 62 and uses the compressed file used in the second game state to be executed next to the first game state. The expansion processing load B is acquired. In step S204, the CPU 1 calculates an addition value α obtained by adding the current processing load A acquired in step S202 and the unfolding processing load B acquired in step S203.
[0114]
In step S205, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the added value α of the current processing load A and the development processing load B is 100 or more. If it is determined that the addition value α between the current processing load A and the development processing load B is 100 or more (YES in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207, and the addition of the current processing load and the development processing load is performed. If it is determined that the value is smaller than 100 (NO in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206.
[0115]
In step S206, the CPU 1 determines to read the compressed file and returns. In step S207, the CPU 1 determines to read an uncompressed file and returns.
[0116]
As described above, the game state and the maximum processing load are associated with each other and stored in advance as the first table 400, and the compressed data and the decompression processing load for decompressing the compressed data are further stored in the second table 410. Are stored in association with each other in advance. A total value of the maximum processing load of the first game state currently being executed and the decompression processing load of the compressed data used in the second game state executed next to the first game state is predetermined. If the compressed data is smaller than the predetermined value, the compressed data is read, and if it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, either the compressed file or the uncompressed file can be read according to the game state.
[0117]
Further, by storing the processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game in advance as the first table 400, it is not necessary to measure the processing load required for the game state during the video game, and the CPU 1 Processing load can be reduced.
[0118]
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0119]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing main functions of a video game apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIGS. 2 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the video game apparatus functionally includes a program execution unit 31, a compressed data storage unit 32, an uncompressed data storage unit 33, a program storage unit 34, a data storage unit 35, and a table data storage unit 36. including.
[0120]
The table data storage unit 36 is realized by the main memory 5 or the like, and includes a second table storage unit 62 and a third table storage unit 63. The third table storage unit 63 stores a history of processing loads for each frame measured by the processing load measurement unit 44 described later. In the present embodiment, the third table storage unit 63 stores a history of processing loads up to three frames before, and stores each frame and the processing load in the frame in association with each other as a third table.
[0121]
The program execution unit 31 is realized by the CPU 1 or the like, and the CPU 1 or the like executes a data reading program stored in the main memory 5, whereby the data determination unit 41, the data expansion unit 42, the data reading unit 43, and the processing load measurement. It functions as the unit 44.
[0122]
The data determination unit 41 includes a history of past processing loads stored in the third table storage unit 63 and a decompression process related to decompression processing of compressed data to be used next stored in the second table storage unit 62. Whether to read compressed data or non-compressed data is determined based on the load. The processing load measurement unit 44 measures the processing load applied to the CPU 1 for each frame, and stores the measured processing load in the third table storage unit 63.
[0123]
In the present embodiment, the processing load measurement unit 44 corresponds to a measurement unit, and the third table storage unit 63 corresponds to a third storage unit.
[0124]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the third table. In the third table 420, the history 421 up to three frames before and the processing load 422 are associated with each other, and are dynamically generated at the time of execution. The processing load 422 is expressed as a percentage. As shown in FIG. 3C, the history 421 stores the processing load up to three frames before. The processing load one frame before is 40%, the processing load two frames before is 42%, and the processing load three frames before is 39%.
[0125]
The determination processing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention determines which of compressed data and non-compressed data is to be read based on the history of past processing loads. First, the peak value of the expansion processing load for each compressed file is measured and prepared as the second table 410 in advance. The CPU 1 stores a history of processing loads for each frame as the third table 420. When a data read request is generated, the CPU 1 retrieves the decompression processing load of the compressed file obtained by compressing the data from the second table 410 and retrieves the maximum processing load in the third table 420. The maximum processing load retrieved from the third table 420 and the expansion processing load retrieved from the second table 410 are summed and compared with a predetermined value. If the sum of the maximum processing load searched from the third table 420 and the expansion processing load searched from the second table 410 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the compressed file is read. Read the file. In the present embodiment, if the predetermined value is 100% and the total of the maximum processing load of the current game state and the decompression processing load of the compressed file to be read next is smaller than 100%, the compressed file is read and 100% or more is read. If so, read the uncompressed file.
[0126]
The predetermined value is not limited to 100%, and may be another value. For example, there is a possibility that the processing load increases rapidly due to the game progress process while the compressed file is read. In consideration of such a rapid increase in processing load, the predetermined value is set to 80%, for example. By setting the predetermined value to 80%, it is possible to cope with a sudden increase in processing load. For example, even when the number of characters appearing in the game is suddenly increased, the processing speed is not reduced. can do.
[0127]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the processing load of the CPU 1 one frame before is 40%, the processing load of the CPU 1 two frames before is 42%, and the processing load of the CPU 1 three frames before is 39%. In this case, the maximum processing load is 42%, which is the processing load two frames before. When the next compressed file to be read is “file_c.datp”, the expansion processing load for the expansion processing of “file_c.datp” is 30% as shown in FIG. 6B. The total of the expansion processing load 30% and the maximum processing load 42% of the compressed file to be read next is 72%, which is smaller than the predetermined value 100%, so that the compressed file is read. If the next compressed file to be read is “file_d.datp”, the expansion processing load for the expansion processing of “file_d.datp” is 60% as shown in FIG. The total of the decompression processing load 60% and the maximum processing load 42% of the compressed file to be read next is 102%, which is a predetermined value of 100% or more, so that the uncompressed file is read. .
[0128]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of still another embodiment of the determination process in step S6 of FIG. The determination process shown in FIG. 10 is a process performed by the CPU 1 or the like executing a data reading program or the like stored in the recording medium 300. In addition, the data reading process in still another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the flowchart showing an example of the data reading process in FIG. 3, and the contents of the determination process in step S6 are different. Further, only the determination process in another embodiment will be described.
[0129]
In step S <b> 301, the CPU 1 refers to the third table 420 stored in the third table storage unit 63 and acquires the maximum processing load C. The CPU 1 acquires the maximum processing load in the processing load history for each frame in the third table 420 as the maximum processing load C.
[0130]
In step S302, the CPU 1 refers to the second table 410 stored in the second table storage unit 62, and acquires the decompression processing load B of the compressed file to be read next.
[0131]
In step S303, the CPU 1 calculates an addition value β obtained by adding the maximum processing load C acquired in step S301 and the unfolding processing load B acquired in step S302.
[0132]
In step S304, the CPU 1 determines whether or not the added value β of the maximum processing load C and the development processing load B is 100 or more. If it is determined that the added value β between the maximum processing load C and the expansion processing load B is 100 or more (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S306, where the maximum processing load C and the expansion processing load B When it is determined that the added value β is smaller than 100 (NO in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305.
[0133]
In step S305, the CPU 1 determines to read the compressed file and returns. In step S306, the CPU 1 determines to read an uncompressed file and returns.
[0134]
In this way, the decompression processing load for decompression processing for each compressed data is measured in advance and prepared as the second table 410. For example, the history of the processing load for each frame is represented as the third table 420. Memorize dynamically. When a data read request is generated, the sum of the maximum processing load of the processing load stored in the third table 420 and the decompression processing load of compressed data to be read is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Compressed data is read in, and uncompressed data is read if it is greater than a predetermined value. In this way, either the compressed file or the uncompressed file can be read according to the game state.
[0135]
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the peak value of the decompression processing load for each compressed file is measured and prepared in advance as the second table 410, but the present invention is particularly limited to this. However, the second table 410 is not necessarily prepared, and only the third table 420 may be prepared. In this case, when the measured processing load is stored as the third table 420 and a data read request is generated, the maximum processing load stored in the third table 420 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Compressed data is read in, and uncompressed data is read if it is greater than a predetermined value. In this way, either the compressed file or the uncompressed file can be read according to the game state.
[0136]
Note that the computer-readable recording medium in this embodiment may record two types of data, compressed data and non-compressed data, for all data, and compressed data and non-compressed data for some data. These two types of data may be recorded.
[0137]
In this embodiment, three determination processing methods are used as the determination processing method for the compressed file and the uncompressed file. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and any one of the determination processing methods may be used. In addition, any two determination processing methods may be used in combination.
[0138]
Further, the processing load measuring unit 44 may measure the current processing load in the current game state and dynamically change the processing load required for each game state stored in the first table storage unit 61. In this case, since the processing load required for each game state is updated in real time, the disconnection process of the compressed data and the uncompressed data can be performed more accurately, and the data can be transferred at high speed without slowing down the progress of the game. Can be read.
[0139]
The type of video game to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited, and can be applied to any video game that reads data from a computer-readable recording medium.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game state is selected by selecting the compressed data in the game state where the processing load of the arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting the uncompressed data in the game state where the processing load is not sufficient. Can be read at a high speed without slowing down the game progress.
[0141]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is used in the current processing load of the arithmetic processing unit in the first game state currently being executed and in the second game state executed next to the first game state. It is determined which one of compressed data and non-compressed data is to be read based on the decompression processing load of the arithmetic processing unit involved in the decompression processing of the compressed data, so that it is appropriate according to the processing load in the first game state Data can be read, and data can be read at high speed without slowing down the progress of the game.
[0142]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is necessary to measure the processing load required for the game state during the video game by storing in advance the processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game. Therefore, the processing load can be reduced.
[0143]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the processing load in the game state can be measured in real time and either one of the compressed file and the non-compressed file can be read, appropriate data according to the game state Can be read at high speed without slowing down the game progress.
[0144]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the game state is selected by selecting the compressed data in the game state where the processing load of the arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting the uncompressed data in the game state where the processing load is not sufficient. Can be read at a high speed without slowing down the game progress.
[0145]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the game state is selected by selecting the compressed data in the game state where the processing load of the arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting the uncompressed data in the game state where the processing load is not sufficient. Can be read at a high speed without slowing down the game progress.
[0146]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the game state is selected by selecting the compressed data in the game state where the processing load of the arithmetic processing is sufficient, and selecting the uncompressed data in the game state where the processing load is not sufficient. Can be read at a high speed without slowing down the game progress.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main functions of the video game apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of data reading processing by the video game apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process in step S6 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing main functions of a video game apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a first table and a second table.
7 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of data reading processing by the video game apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing main functions of a video game apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a third table.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing still another embodiment of data reading processing by the video game apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 CPU
2 Bus line 3 Graphics data generation processor 4, 13 Interface circuit 5 Main memory 6 ROM
7 Decompression Circuit 8 Parallel Port 9 Serial Port 10 Rendering Processor 11 Audio Processor 12 Decoder 14, 15, 16 Buffer 17 Recording Medium Driver 18 Memory 19 Controller 21 Television Monitor 31 Program Execution Unit 32 Compressed Data Storage Unit 33 Uncompressed Data Storage Unit 34 program storage unit 35 data storage unit 36 table data storage unit 41 data judgment unit 42 data development unit 43 data reading unit 44 processing load measurement unit 61 first table storage unit 62 second table storage unit 63 third table storage Part

Claims (7)

A data reading program for reading data used in a video game,
Determining means for determining, according to a game state, which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data read;
A decompressing means for decompressing the compressed data when the judging means determines to read the compressed data;
When the determination means determines that the compressed data is read, the video game apparatus is read as the reading means for reading the uncompressed data when the data expanded by the expansion means is read and the determination means determines that the non-compressed data is read. A data reading program characterized in that it functions. The game state includes a first game state that is currently being executed and a second game state that is executed next to the first game state,
The determination means includes the compressed data and the non-compressed data based on a current processing load in the first game state and a decompression processing load on decompression processing of compressed data used in the second game state. The data reading program according to claim 1, wherein it is determined which of the data to be read. First storage means for storing in advance processing load required for each game state for each game state of the video game, and second storage for storing in advance processing processing load required for expansion processing for each compressed data for each compressed data The data reading program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a video game device as a means. Measuring means for measuring the processing load in the game state;
Causing the video game device to further function as a third storage unit that stores the processing load measured by the measurement unit as a history;
The data reading program according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines which of the compressed data and the non-compressed data is to be read based on the history. A data reading method for reading data used in a video game,
The video game device determines which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data depending on the game state. A decision step;
When the video game device determines that the determination step reads the compressed data, the expansion step of expanding the compressed data;
When the video game device determines that the determination step reads compressed data, the video game device reads the data expanded by the expansion step, and when the determination step determines that non-compressed data is read, reads the uncompressed data. A data reading method comprising: steps. A video game device for reading data used in a video game,
Determining means for determining, according to a game state, which one of compressed data recorded with the data compressed and uncompressed data stored without compressing the data read;
A decompressing means for decompressing the compressed data when the judging means determines to read the compressed data;
When the determination unit determines to read compressed data, it reads data expanded by the expansion unit, and when the determination unit determines to read uncompressed data, the reading unit reads the uncompressed data. A video game device characterized by. A computer readable recording medium recording data used in a video game,
A computer-readable recording medium, wherein the data is recorded as compressed data in a compressed state, and the data is recorded as uncompressed data in an uncompressed state.

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