JP2004089693A - Information processing system, information output limitation method, computer program, recording medium, and semiconductor device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology enabling users to comfortably recognize pictures visually and listen to sound. <P>SOLUTION: An indication information generating part 112 generates first object indication information and/or first sound indication information so as to control the pictures displayed and/or the sound output according to an analysis result sent from an input control part 111. The indication information generating part 112 also generates second object indication information and/or second sound indication information, which indicates occurrence of a specified state, according to relation between user's operation and game progress states. An object discrimination part 113 performs limitation judging processing corresponding to the first or the second object indication information. A picture drawing control part 114 performs object drawing processing according to the judged result. A sound data discrimination part 116 performs limitation judging processing corresponding to the first or the second sound indication information. A sound control part 117 performs composition of sound data based on the judged result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing system that generates information representing an image displayed on a display or sound output from a speaker and provides the information to a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism for limiting the output form of information provided to a user.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is known an entertainment apparatus that generates information representing an image or sound and provides the information to a user. In the entertainment apparatus, an image is displayed on a display as a predetermined scenario progresses, and a sound is produced by sounding a speaker. Normally, images and sounds are output in a predetermined format in the scenario.
Recently, with the development of semiconductor technology, the performance of entertainment devices has been dramatically improved. With this performance improvement, the types and amounts of images displayed on the display are also increasing. Similarly, it is possible to output a wide variety of sounds at the same time.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, for users of entertainment devices, various images displayed on the display and complex sounds output from the speakers are not always comfortable. For example, when playing an intense game using an entertainment device, depending on the user, these various images and sounds may feel disturbed when concentrating on the game. This is because in the case of a game, the user's emotions depend on factors such as the user's preference (preference), physical condition, and game environment.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide a specific mechanism for enabling a user to comfortably view information such as images and sounds.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides an information processing system, an information output restriction method, a recording medium, and a computer program.
[0006]
An information processing system according to the present invention includes an interface unit that enables connection with an output device that outputs information, a restriction request detection unit that detects a restriction request for an information output form, and a predetermined instruction according to the detected restriction request Instruction information generating means for generating information, data generating means for generating output data for expressing information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information, and the generated output data for the output device Output means for outputting to the destination.
The “information output form” means, for example, a display mode on a display device such as a display if the information is an image, and a ringing mode (output mode) on the speaker if the information is sound. “Restricted” means that an unnecessary image element or sound element is reduced when an image or sound at a certain point in time can be divided into an unnecessary image element and a necessary image element, or an unnecessary sound and a necessary sound. Or combining unnecessary image data with other pixel data, or blurring the outline of the image to make it difficult to see, thereby making the information inconspicuous. “Output data” is data in a form that can be recognized by the output device for outputting information, and varies depending on the type of the output device.
[0007]
The data generation means generates output data for expressing information including at least one of an image and a sound whose output form is limited. In order to facilitate the processing here, the instruction information includes a first parameter indicating the degree of restriction of the output form, and a second parameter indicating the degree of necessity of the output is assigned to the image or sound in advance. deep. Then, the data generation means generates output data based on the comparison result between the first parameter and the second parameter. More specifically, the second parameter is stored in advance in the memory for each component of the image or sound to be restricted, and when the instruction information is received, the second parameter for the corresponding component is stored from this memory. The data for output is generated by limiting the output of the constituent elements that are read and the degree of necessity specified by the read second parameter is lower than the limit specified by the first parameter.
[0008]
When the instruction information restricts the output form of the image, the data generation means reduces the number of components of the image, changes the color assigned to each component, By combining with pixel data and / or erasing individual components, the output of components whose degree of necessity is lower than the limit is limited. Further, when the instruction information restricts the output form of the sound, the data generation means is a sound element whose degree of necessity is lower than the degree of restriction so that the volume output from the output device is reduced. Try to limit the output.
[0009]
In the information output restriction method of the present invention, an output device for outputting information is connected to a computer, and in the computer, a process for detecting a restriction request for an information output form, and a predetermined response according to the detected restriction request. Generating the instruction information, generating the output data for expressing the information whose output form is limited according to the generated instruction information, and outputting the generated output data to the output device The process which performs is performed.
The computer program of the present invention is a computer program for constructing the restriction request detection means, the instruction information generation means, the data generation means, and the output means in a computer connectable to an output device that outputs information. The recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.
[0010]
The semiconductor device of the present invention is a device mounted on a computer connectable to an output device that outputs information, and in cooperation with the components of the computer, the restriction request detecting means, the instruction The information generating means, the data generating means, and the output means are constructed.
[0011]
The present invention also provides the following second information processing system, second information output restriction method, second recording medium, and second computer program.
[0012]
The second information processing system includes an output device that outputs information to a user, interface means that enables connection with an input device that inputs operation information by the user, and entertainment information whose contents change according to a predetermined scenario. Information generating means for generating a restriction request detecting means for detecting a restriction request for the output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device, and predetermined instruction information corresponding to the detected restriction request Information generating means for generating output data, data generating means for generating output data for representing entertainment information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information, and the output device for generating the generated output data Output means for outputting to the destination.
Entertainment information refers to, for example, information relating to entertainment videos, still images, or sounds. The output form and its limitation are as described above.
[0013]
The data generation means is configured to generate output data for expressing entertainment information including at least one of an image and a sound whose output form is limited.
[0014]
For example, the restriction request detection unit determines whether or not a specific state in the scenario has occurred by comparing operation information input from the input device with predetermined reference information, and can determine that the specific state has occurred. Information indicating that the restriction request has been detected is output.
[0015]
The scenario is, for example, a scenario of a moving body operation game by a user, and the input device displays at least one of the speed of the moving body, the moving direction, the user's viewpoint, or the user's field of view that changes according to the user's operation. The operation information to be input is input. This applies to racing games using vehicles.
[0016]
In the second output restriction method, an output device for outputting information to a user and an input device for inputting operation information by the user are connected to a computer, and the contents of the computer change according to a predetermined scenario. Processing for generating entertainment information to be generated, processing for detecting a restriction request for an output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device, and generation of predetermined instruction information corresponding to the detected restriction request A process of generating output data for expressing entertainment information whose output form is limited according to the generated instruction information, and a process of outputting the generated output data to the output device It is characterized by doing.
[0017]
The second computer program includes an information generation means provided in the second information processing system, a restriction on a computer connectable to an output device for outputting information to a user and an input device for inputting operation information by the user. A computer program for constructing request detection means, instruction information generation means, data generation means, and output means, and the second recording medium is a computer-readable record in which such a computer program is recorded It is a medium.
[0018]
The second semiconductor device is a device mounted on a computer that can be connected to an output device that outputs information to a user and an input device that inputs operation information by the user, and cooperates with components of the computer. Thus, information generating means, restriction request detecting means, instruction information generating means, data generating means, and output means included in the second information processing system are constructed in the computer.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to an entertainment device will be described. An entertainment device is one of information processing systems that generates entertainment information including at least one of an image and sound according to a predetermined scenario, and outputs this to an output device such as a display or a speaker. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the entertainment information is video game information based on a game scenario involving images and sounds.
[0020]
<Configuration of entertainment device>
FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an entertainment apparatus according to this embodiment.
The entertainment apparatus 1 performs processing for a video game, particularly processing of information whose output form is limited, in cooperation with a plurality of semiconductor devices and mechanical parts and a computer program. The semiconductor device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a drawing processing unit (GPU (Graphic Processing Unit)) 31, and a sound processing unit (SPU (Sound Processing Unit)) 21. These can exchange data with each other through the bus B. A main memory 11 is connected to the CPU 10, a frame memory 32 is connected to the GPU 31, and a sound memory 22 is connected to the SPU 21. The bus B includes devices such as a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 12, an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) decoder (MDEC) 13, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 18, a media drive 14, and an input unit 16. A mechanical component such as a communication control unit (ATM) 17 is also connected, and entertainment information can be provided to the user through these cooperative operations.
[0021]
The CPU 10 allows the entertainment device 1 to execute a game by executing an OS (Operating System) installed in the entertainment device 1 and a game computer program (hereinafter referred to as “game program”). To build environment and various functions. When the CPU 10 needs to draw an image as the game progresses, the CPU 10 generates three-dimensional object data (such as coordinate values of polygon vertices (representative points)) composed of a plurality of basic figures (polygons). Processing such as reading and coordinate calculation is performed. Such processing is called geometry processing. By this geometry processing, a display list in which polygons are defined in the drawing order is generated. The display list is sent to the GPU 31 together with the drawing command.
In the following description, a drawing target and a restriction target are referred to as an “object” as necessary.
[0022]
The main memory 11 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily recording a game program and / or data read by the CPU 10. The DMAC 12 performs DMA (Direct Memory Access) transfer control for each component connected to the bus B. The MPEG decoder 13 is operable in parallel with the CPU 10 and decompresses data compressed by a method such as the MPEG method or the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method. The media drive 14 detachably mounts a recording medium 15 such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory) and accesses the mounted recording medium 15. The recorded game program and data are read into the main memory 11.
[0023]
The input unit 16 includes a connection terminal 19 that serves as an interface with the operation device 23. An operation device 23 as an example of an input device can be connected to the connection terminal 19. The operation device 23 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons. The operation device 23 accepts a button operation by the user who plays the game as an instruction from the user, and notifies the input unit 16 of this.
[0024]
The ATM 17 is an interface that controls data transmission / reception with the external device when the entertainment device 1 is connected to the external device via a network such as a telephone line or a LAN (Local Area Network). The ROM 18 is a non-volatile memory in which a boot program and OS are recorded.
[0025]
The SPU 21 reads out sound data recorded in the sound memory 22 in accordance with a command from the CPU 10, and generates an audio signal by performing synthesis processing. The generated audio signal is sent to a dedicated speaker as an example of an output device or a speaker integrated with a display via an interface unit provided on the output side of the SPU 21. The sound memory 22 records various sound data. However, the sound data may be recorded not only on the sound memory 22 but also on the recording medium 15 side. In this case, the SPU 21 performs synthesis processing on the sound data obtained from the sound memory 22 and / or the recording medium 15 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 10.
[0026]
The GPU 31 holds a plurality of drawing contexts (graphic contexts) in an internal memory area (not shown). The drawing context is a drawing setting condition used in accordance with a drawing command. When the GPU 31 receives a drawing command and a display list from the CPU 10, the GPU 31 reads a drawing context corresponding to the drawing command, and performs processing for drawing a polygon in the frame memory 32 using this. Such processing is called rendering processing. When texture mapping is performed in the rendering process, a texture pattern to be used in advance is arranged in the off-screen area of the frame memory 32, and this texture pattern is used. An image drawn by the rendering process is output to a display through an interface means such as a CRTC (Cathode Ray Tube Controller) 33 and a connector and displayed.
[0027]
<Functional configuration>
Next, in the entertainment device 1, the CPU 10 reads out and executes a game program recorded in the recording medium 15 attached to the main memory 11 or the media drive 14, and the GPU 31 and the SPU 21 are independent. Or the function constructed | assembled by cooperation with CPU10 is demonstrated. Each of the GPU 31 and the SPU 21 is a kind of computer having a processor and a memory, and the processor reads and executes a program in the memory for processing unique to the unit.
Here, examples of functions constructed to allow the user to comfortably view images and sounds will be given. A configuration example of this function is shown in FIG.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, the input control unit 111 receives an input of a user instruction via the input unit 16, analyzes the content of the instruction, and outputs the display form of an image displayed on the display from a speaker. A restriction request for the sound output mode is detected, and the result is notified to the instruction information generation unit 112, the object discrimination unit 113, and the sound data discrimination unit 116. The instruction information generation unit 112 generates instruction information for controlling an image and controlling sound according to the analysis result sent from the input control unit 111 as necessary. The data is sent to the discrimination unit 116. The contents of the instruction information will be described later. The rendering control unit 114 performs rendering processing to generate image data for expressing an image whose display mode is limited, and outputs the image data to the display. The sound control unit 117 performs sound data synthesis. By performing processing or the like, sound data for expressing a sound whose output mode is limited is generated and output to a speaker. The image data is generated based on the recording information of the object data recording unit 115, and the sound data is generated based on the recording information of the sound data recording unit 118.
[0029]
2 is related to the hardware configuration of FIG. 1, the input control unit 111, the instruction information generation unit 112, the object discrimination unit 113, and the sound data discrimination unit 116 are constructed by the CPU 10 to control drawing. The unit 114 is constructed by the cooperation of the CPU 10 and the GPU 31, and the sound control unit 117 is constructed by the cooperation of the CPU 10 and the SPU 21. The object data recording unit 115 and the sound data recording unit 118 are formed in an external storage device (not shown) that can be accessed by the main memory 11, the sound memory 22, or the CPU 10 or the like.
[0030]
Here, the instruction information generated by the instruction information generation unit 112 will be described. The instruction information is classified into object instruction information for controlling the displayed image and sound instruction information for controlling the output sound. Both the object instruction information and the sound instruction information can be classified into two types. One is instruction information generated in accordance with an instruction input from the user via a specific screen that can be displayed on the display at the start of the game or during the game. The other is instruction information generated by judging from the relationship between the user's operation and the game progress.
As a result, there are four types of instruction information generated by the instruction information generation unit 112. Hereinafter, among the instruction information generated according to the instruction input from the user via the specific screen, the object instruction information is referred to as “first object instruction information”, and the sound instruction information is referred to as “first sound instruction information”. Of the instruction information generated by determining the relationship between the user's operation and the game progress status, the object instruction information is referred to as “second object instruction information” and the sound instruction information is referred to as “second sound instruction information”.
[0031]
The instruction information generation unit 112 generates the above-described four types of instruction information. When generating the second object instruction information and the second sound instruction information, the instruction information generation unit 112 determines the progress of the game based on the game scenario. Data is required. This data is unique to the game, and is read from the recording medium 15 when the game is executed and held in the instruction information generation unit 112. However, the instruction information generation unit 112 may refer to data held in the main memory 11 or the recording medium 15 at any time during the determination.
[0032]
The object distinguishing unit 113 receives the result of analyzing the user's instruction from the input control unit 111 and also receives the first object instruction information or the second object instruction information from the instruction information generating unit 112. Then, geometry processing is performed according to the received analysis result.
When the first object instruction information is received from the instruction information generating unit 112, the object distinguishing unit 113 determines whether display restriction is necessary for an object to be displayed. At that time, the polygon determination table recorded in the object data recording unit 115 is referred to. Thereafter, the result of the geometry processing is output to the drawing control unit 114 together with the drawing command according to the determination result.
On the other hand, when the second object instruction information is received, the object distinguishing unit 113 performs determination processing according to a predetermined condition, and outputs a result of geometry processing to the drawing control unit 114 together with a drawing command according to the determination result. The predetermined condition here is specific to the game, as is the data required when generating the second object instruction information and the second sound instruction information. Therefore, the predetermined condition is read from the recording medium 15 when the game is executed and held in a memory area (not shown) of the object distinguishing unit 113. However, the object distinguishing unit 113 may refer to a predetermined condition held in the main memory 11 or the recording medium 15 at any time during the determination.
[0033]
The drawing control unit 114 performs rendering processing according to the drawing command received from the object distinguishing unit 113 and the result of the geometry processing. Since the above-described determination result is reflected in the drawing command, the drawing control unit 114 does not always draw so that the user can clearly see all the objects. A method for rendering such an object that cannot be visually recognized by the user or is vaguely visible will be described later.
The drawing control unit 114 refers to the three-dimensional object data recorded in the object data recording unit 115 when performing the rendering process. The image data generated by the rendering process is converted into a video output signal and supplied to the display through the CRTC 33 as a video output.
[0034]
The object data recording unit 115 includes a polygon determination table that is referred to when the object distinguishing unit 113 determines whether or not display restriction is required for an object, and a three-dimensional object that the drawing control unit 114 refers to when performing rendering processing. Data is recorded. These pieces of recording information are read from the recording medium 15 into the object data recording unit 115 when the program recorded in the recording medium 15 is read and executed.
[0035]
The sound data distinction unit 116 receives the result of analyzing the user's instruction from the input control unit 111 and also receives the first sound instruction information or the second sound instruction information from the instruction information generation unit 112. The sound data distinction unit 116 outputs the received analysis result to the sound control unit 117. Further, when the first sound instruction information is received from the instruction information generation unit 112, it is determined whether or not the output form needs to be limited for the sound element to be output. At that time, the sound element determination table recorded in the sound data recording unit 118 is referred to. Thereafter, together with the sound output command according to the determination result, the analysis result sent from the input control unit 111 is output to the sound control unit 117.
On the other hand, when the second sound instruction information is received, the sound data distinction unit 116 performs a determination process according to a predetermined condition, and the analysis result sent from the input control unit 111 together with the sound output command according to the determination result. Is output to the sound control unit 117. The predetermined condition here is specific to the game, as is the data required when generating the second object instruction information and the second sound instruction information. For this reason, the predetermined condition is read from the recording medium 15 when the game is executed, and held in the sound data distinguishing unit 116. However, the sound data distinction unit 116 may refer to a predetermined condition held in the main memory 11 or the recording medium 15 at any time during the determination.
[0036]
The sound control unit 117 synthesizes sound data according to the sound output command received from the sound data distinguishing unit 116 and the analysis result. Since the determination result described above is reflected in the synthesis of the sound data, the sound data is not necessarily output so that all sound elements can be heard. The sound control unit 117 uses sound data recorded in the sound data recording unit 118 when synthesizing sound data. Sound types include voice, back music, and sound effects. The synthesized sound data is converted into a signal corresponding to the speaker to be used, and supplied to the speaker as an audio output.
[0037]
The sound data recording unit 118 is referred to when the sound data discriminating unit 116 determines whether it is necessary to limit the output form for the sound element, and is referred to when the sound control unit 117 performs synthesis processing. Sound data to be recorded. The recorded information is read from the recording medium 15 into the sound data recording unit 118 when the program recorded in the recording medium 15 is read and executed.
[0038]
(Polygon determination table / sound element determination table)
The polygon determination table recorded in the object data recording unit 115 and the sound element determination table recorded in the sound data recording unit 118 will be described in more detail.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the polygon determination table. Usually, one object is drawn using a plurality of polygons. FIG. 3 shows an example of this one object. That is, the N polygons (polygon numbers 1 to N) shown in the polygon determination table are polygons necessary for drawing one object. In this table, for each polygon number for identifying each polygon, “drawing information”, “importance”, and “restriction method” which are parameters indicating the degree of restriction are recorded.
The “drawing information” includes polygon vertex coordinates, color, and texture coordinates.
The “importance” is a parameter (value) indicating how important the corresponding polygon is in the progress of the game. In this embodiment, the importance is indicated by a numerical value of 0 to 100, and the higher the importance, the larger the numerical value. The “restriction method” is information indicating how to limit the display of the corresponding polygon. As shown in the figure, the “limit method” includes “fog”, “color”, and “number of polygons”. Specific methods for these restrictions will be described later.
As described above, the polygon determination table includes drawing information for each polygon. For this reason, the polygon determination table shown in FIG. 3 has a table format including the aforementioned three-dimensional object data.
The degree of importance of the polygon determination table is determined in consideration of the taste of the game when the authoring process is performed by the game creator.
[0039]
FIG. 4 shows an example of a sound element determination table. In this embodiment, when generating a certain sound, for example, a sound effect, a process for synthesizing a plurality of sound data is required.
In FIG. 4, sound data necessary for generating a certain sound is identified by a sound element number, and “importance” and “volume” are recorded for each sound element number. The “importance” here is a parameter (value) indicating how important the corresponding sound element is in the progress of the game. As in the case of the polygon described above, the importance is represented by a numerical value of 0 to 100, and the higher the importance, the larger the numerical value. “Volume” is a parameter indicating how much sound is output when a corresponding sound element is output. “Volume” is indicated by a numerical value of 0 to 100, with 0 indicating the minimum volume and 100 indicating the maximum volume.
The importance of the sound element determination table is determined in consideration of the best of the game when the authoring process is performed by the game creator.
[0040]
<Image / sound control operation 1>
Next, a processing procedure for controlling the displayed image and the output sound in response to an instruction from the user in the entertainment apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure from when an instruction from a user is received until an image or sound is actually controlled.
First, when a recording medium 15 in which a desired game program (including various data) is recorded is loaded in the media drive 14 of the entertainment apparatus 1 and the power is turned on, a predetermined start screen is displayed on the display. This start screen displays options for instructing the start of the game, options for setting options for various settings in the game progress, and the like. When an option for option setting is selected from the plurality of options, and further an option for controlling images and sounds is selected, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (step S101). ).
This menu screen is not displayed only when the entertainment apparatus 1 is turned on, but is displayed even when the game is in progress by the user operating the operation apparatus 23 according to a predetermined procedure. .
[0041]
The user operates the operation device 23 while referring to the menu screen to give an instruction to turn on / off the image restriction (YES / NO) and turn on / off the sound restriction (YES / NO). (Step S102). Further, the user can instruct the limit amount of the image and the sound by moving the pointer of the gauge displayed corresponding to each. When all the instructions are completed, the user selects “OK” displayed at the lower right of the menu screen.
[0042]
When “OK” is selected by the user, the input control unit 111 receives an instruction given by the user with reference to the menu screen via the input unit 16. The input control unit 111 analyzes the content of the instruction input according to the menu screen (step S103). Here, when the input instruction is an instruction for controlling at least one of the image and the sound, the input control unit 111 notifies the instruction information generation unit 112 of the analysis result (step S104: YES). At the same time, a process for displaying the next screen is performed to advance the game. Note that the input control unit 111 does not notify the instruction information generation unit 112 of the analysis result when the content of the input instruction is an instruction indicating that neither an image nor a sound is restricted (step S104: NO).
When the instruction content is an instruction to control at least one of the image and the sound (step S104: YES), the instruction information generation unit 112 receives at least one of the first object instruction information and the first sound instruction information according to the restriction target. Generate (step S105). In the following description, it is assumed that both the first object instruction information and the first sound instruction information are generated. In accordance with the analysis result from the input control unit 111, the instruction information generation unit 112 converts the value indicated by the pointer on the gauge corresponding to the control target into an importance level represented by a value of 0 to 100, and converts these values to the first level. Output as object instruction information and first sound instruction information.
[0043]
Specifically, when the restriction on the image is instructed, the instruction information generation unit 112 converts the value indicated by the pointer on the gauge corresponding to the image into the importance of 0 to 100 according to the analysis result. This importance is sent to the object distinction unit 113 as first object instruction information. When the sound restriction is instructed, the instruction information generation unit 112 converts the value indicated by the pointer on the gauge corresponding to the sound into the importance of 0 to 100 according to the analysis result. This importance is sent to the sound data distinction unit 116 as the first sound instruction information.
Thereafter, a restriction determination process is performed in the object distinguishing unit 113 that has received the first object instruction information and / or the sound data distinguishing unit 116 that has received the first sound instruction information (step S106).
[0044]
When the object distinguishing unit 113 receives the first object instruction information, the object distinguishing unit 113 determines, for each object to be displayed, whether or not the polygon display restriction necessary for displaying the object is necessary. At this time, the polygon determination table recorded in the object data recording unit 115 is referred to. The object discriminating unit 113 displays a polygon corresponding to the importance of a numerical value higher than that of the first object instruction information, and determines that the display is limited according to the limiting method corresponding to the polygon otherwise. The determination result is sent to the drawing control unit 114.
For example, when the first object instruction information indicates 70, the object distinguishing unit 113 normally displays only polygons 2 and 3 with the object shown in FIG. 3, and other polygons are supported. It is determined that display restriction is performed according to the restriction method. However, the importance of polygon numbers 5 to N-1 is not shown, but it is assumed that all are less than 70.
[0045]
When the sound data discriminating unit 116 receives the first sound instruction information, the sound data discriminating unit 116 determines whether or not it is necessary to limit the output form of the sound elements necessary for outputting the sound for each sound to be output. At this time, the sound element determination table recorded in the sound data recording unit 118 is referred to. The sound data discriminating unit 116 determines that the sound element corresponding to the importance of the numerical value higher than the first sound instruction information is normally output, and the output form is limited according to the corresponding sound volume otherwise. The determination result is sent to the sound control unit 117.
For example, when the first sound instruction information indicates 70, the sound data distinction unit 116 normally outputs only the sound elements of the sound element number 2 and the sound element number M in the sound shown in FIG. The sound elements are determined to be output controlled according to the corresponding volume. However, the importance levels of the sound element numbers 4 to M-1 are not shown, but are all less than 70.
After such restriction determination is performed, image display and sound output are performed by the drawing control unit 114 and the sound control unit 117 (step S107).
[0046]
The drawing control unit 114 performs rendering processing using drawing information (three-dimensional object data) recorded in the object data recording unit 115. At this time, display of polygons is restricted according to the determination result sent from the object distinguishing unit 113.
The display restriction is performed by the method recorded in the polygon determination table described above. Data generated by the rendering process is converted into a video output signal and supplied to the display through the CRTC 33.
The sound control unit 117 synthesizes sound data recorded in the sound data recording unit 118. At that time, the sound output is restricted according to the determination result sent from the sound data distinction unit 116. The restriction in this case is controlled so as to be smaller than the normal sound volume to be output in accordance with the “volume” recorded in the sound element determination table. The synthesized sound data is supplied to the speaker.
[0047]
With the above processing, the displayed image and the output sound are limited in accordance with an instruction from the user. Thereby, the user can control the displayed image and the output sound according to his / her preference and physical condition, and can enjoy the game comfortably.
[0048]
Note that the results determined by the object distinguishing unit 113 and the sound data distinguishing unit 116 are continuously valid while the game is in progress. In order to change this, as described above, it is necessary for the user to operate the operation device 23 in a predetermined procedure to display the menu screen and to instruct through the menu screen.
[0049]
<Specific example of image output mode restriction method>
Next, some techniques for limiting the output form of an object (image) will be described.
(1) Polygon number control
Limit the number of polygons that make up an object. As described above, one object is composed of a plurality of types of polygons. For this reason, the polygons that satisfy a certain condition are controlled not to be drawn, thereby reducing the total number of polygons constituting the object.
(2) Color change
Change the color attached to the object. For example, the color set for the object is changed to a color similar to the color around the position where the object is displayed or the background color. The outline of the object may be blurred. In this case, the displayed object has a shallow depth of focus from the user, and the user feels as if the object is out of focus.
(3) Fog
Apply fog to the object to be drawn. The fog object is drawn in the drawing area of the target object. In addition, a target object and a fog object are synthesized in advance and drawn. By changing the color and transmittance of the fog object, the target object to be displayed can be made invisible to the user.
(4) Not displayed
The object itself is not drawn at all, thereby preventing it from being displayed on the screen at all.
As described above, the objects displayed on the display by these image restriction methods appear blurred or unrecognizable to the user.
[0050]
<Image / sound control operation 2>
Next, the processing procedure for the entertainment apparatus 1 to control the displayed image and the output sound from the relation between the user's operation and the game progress status will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining this processing procedure.
When the game is started, the instruction information generation unit 112 monitors the user's operation and the progress of the game as needed (step S201). When the instruction information generation unit 112 determines that a specific state has occurred during monitoring, the instruction information generation unit 112 generates second object instruction information and / or second sound instruction information (step S202).
[0051]
When the game is a moving body operation game by the user, for example, a racing game in which the user drives a car, the instruction information generation unit 112 is a vehicle that is a moving body based on the operation status of the operating device 23 that is input. Monitor the current speed, direction of movement, visual field and viewpoint of the user displayed on the display. When these elements satisfy a predetermined condition, it is determined that the specific state described above has occurred. Therefore, the elements to be monitored and the specific state are game specific. The instruction information generation unit 112 generates second object instruction information and / or second sound instruction information indicating the generated specific state. However, since the information generation is based on a specific state, the second object instruction information and the second sound instruction information are not necessarily generated together. In the following description, it is assumed that both the second object instruction information and the second sound instruction information are generated.
[0052]
The generated second object instruction information is sent to the object discriminating unit 113, and the second sound instruction information is sent to the sound data discriminating unit 116, and restriction determination processing for determining whether or not a restriction request is detected in each of them is performed (step). S203).
When the object distinguishing unit 113 receives the second object instruction information, the object distinguishing unit 113 determines whether or not display restriction is necessary for each object according to a predetermined condition held in advance according to the specific state indicated by the second object instruction information. Furthermore, the object distinguishing unit 113 refers to the polygon determination table recorded in the object data recording unit 115 and determines which polygon is to be limited with respect to an object determined to be display-restricted. . For example, when the polygons constituting the object that is the display control target are those shown in FIG. 3, the object distinguishing unit 113 sets the reference importance level to 80, and the necessity of display control is compared with the importance level of each polygon. Determine. The determination result is sent to the drawing control unit 114.
Note that the determination of necessity of restriction according to such a predetermined condition and a specific example of the result will be described later with reference to an overhead view in a racing game.
[0053]
When the sound data discriminating unit 116 receives the second sound instruction information, the sound data distinguishing unit 116 determines whether or not the output form needs to be limited for each sound element according to a predetermined condition held in advance according to the specific state indicated by the second sound instruction information. judge. For example, when the sound element constituting the sound that is the object of output control is the one shown in FIG. 4, the sound data distinction unit 116 sets the reference importance to 80, and performs output control in comparison with the importance of each sound element. Whether or not is necessary is determined. The determination result is sent to the sound control unit 117.
The drawing control unit 114 performs processing for restricting image display according to the determination result sent from the object discrimination unit 113, and the sound control unit 117 outputs sound according to the determination result sent from the sound data discrimination unit 116. Processing for limiting is performed (step S204). This process is the same as the process in step S107 of FIG.
With the above processing, the displayed image and the output sound are limited according to the relationship between the user's operation and the game progress status. Thereby, the user can enjoy the game comfortably.
[0054]
Next, an example of a screen when the restriction process is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a scene of the above racing game. On this screen, a road 201 that is a race course is displayed so as to extend upward from the lower part around the center of the screen. Along the road 201, buildings 202a to 202h are further displayed so that trees 203a to 203f are located on the outside thereof. In addition, mountains 204a and 204b are displayed as part of the background at the top of the screen. The screen shown in FIG. 8 is a screen displayed on the display when no instruction information is generated by the instruction information generation unit 112. The road 201, the buildings 202a to 202h, the trees 203a to 203f, and the mountain ranges 204a and 204b can be defined as objects.
However, when the restriction process is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 or 7, the screen as shown in FIG. 8 should be originally displayed on the display, but the screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. .
[0055]
In FIG. 9, the color of the center line indicating the center of the road 201 is changed. This is changed to the same color as other parts of the road 201 by the color change described above. In the buildings 202a to 202g, the windows located on the plane along the road 201 are connected in the lateral direction, and the windows located on the plane perpendicular to the direction of the road 201 are eliminated. This is a result of processing performed by combining polygon number control, color change, and fog. The building 202h is erased by fog. Trees 203a to 203f are displayed simplified by controlling the number of polygons. The mountain range 204a is displayed so that the outline is blurred by color change.
[0056]
Thus, according to the entertainment apparatus 1 of this embodiment, it becomes possible for a user to visually recognize an image comfortably and to hear a sound.
[0057]
Here, in order to facilitate understanding of the information output restriction method by the entertainment apparatus 1, some specific examples will be introduced.
<Specific example 1>
FIG. 10 shows a course of a race game as viewed from above. There are buildings (squares) and trees (circles) around the road 201. A numerical value in a square or circle is a value indicating the importance of each object. These numbers are those set by the game creator.
Here, an image restriction instruction is given from the user, and the object displayed when the processing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 is performed is as shown in FIG. Here, the case where the numerical value of 75 is obtained by converting the instruction from the user into the importance level is shown. That is, only objects whose importance exceeds 75 are displayed.
The above is a specific example in which an image displayed in accordance with an instruction from a user is controlled.
[0058]
<Specific example 2>
FIG. 12 shows a scene similar to FIG. Here, the user's viewpoint is indicated by the intersection of two arrows. The numerical value in the square or circle is a numerical value that relatively indicates the distance from the user's viewpoint to the object.
Here, it is assumed that the instruction information generation unit 112 detects the occurrence of a specific state while the game is in progress. In particular, it is assumed that the instruction information generating unit 112 determines that the specific state has occurred because the speed of the vehicle operated by the user is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. As a result, the object displayed when processing is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 is as shown in FIG. In the process according to the procedure, the object distinguishing unit 113 performs display determination of each object according to a predetermined condition in response to the occurrence of the specific state (the vehicle speed is slow). Further, the predetermined condition is to display only objects whose distance from the viewpoint is less than 1.8. The road 201 is always assumed to have a distance from the viewpoint of 0, and is displayed regardless of the position of the viewpoint. The above is a specific example in which the displayed image is controlled according to the relationship between the user's operation and the game progress status.
[0059]
<Specific example 3>
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a case where the specific example 1 and the specific example 2 are combined. That is, it is a diagram showing a state in which an image displayed is controlled according to a user's operation and a game progress status in accordance with an instruction from the user.
This figure shows a state in which only objects whose importance exceeds 75 and whose distance from the viewpoint is closer than 1.8 are displayed.
[0060]
<Specific Example 4>
FIG. 15 is a drawing when the course is viewed from the top as in FIGS. 10 to 14. Here, a case where the instruction information generation unit 112 detects a case where the vehicle speed increases at a predetermined increase rate while the game is in progress in a specific state and the image is controlled according to the detected specific state is shown. The object distinguishing unit 113 controls the display of the image according to a predetermined condition in response to the detection of the specific state. The predetermined condition is to display only objects located at a distance from the viewpoint of 1.0 to 2.0. Such an image restriction can avoid displaying an object that is too close to the viewpoint. Normally, when an object close to the viewpoint is displayed when the speed is high, the user becomes an obstacle to knowing a distant state. Therefore, such inconvenience for the user can be solved, and a comfortable operating environment can be provided to the user. Note that a method that does not draw the object itself or fog can be applied to the image restriction method in the fourth specific example.
[0061]
<Specific Example 5>
FIG. 16 shows an example in which an object not displayed in FIG. 11 is made inconspicuous by applying fog. The importance is indicated by a numerical value from 0 to 3 in the square or circle. Here, it is assumed that the smaller the numerical value, the higher the importance.
The fog is performed by mixing the original color of the object and the fog color. In FIG. 16, although only one type of mixing is depicted, if the mixing coefficient is changed according to the difference between the importance level and the limiting index, the fog density can be changed continuously.
The following formula is an example of a calculation formula for changing the mixing coefficient.
Alpha = (Importance-Limitation) / Depth
if (Alpha> 1) Alpha = 1
if (Alpha <0) Alpha = 0
COL = COLfog * Alpha + COLobj * (1-Alpha)
Alpha: α value (opacity)
Importance: Importance attached to the object
Limitation: Value obtained by converting the degree of restriction specified by the user into a numerical value of 0 to 3
Depth: Index difference from where fog starts to where the object disappears
COLfog: Color attached to fog (color separation value)
COLOBj: Color attached to the object (color separation value)
When 0 <Alpha <1, COL is calculated using the numerical value as it is.
When Importance is smaller than Limitation, COL = Colobj, when it is greater than Limitation + Depth, COL = COLfog, and in the middle, COLfog and COLobj are mixed.
[0062]
<Specific Example 6>
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a result of performing the same processing as in the specific example 5 with respect to the distance from the user's viewpoint. In this case, as the object is located farther from the viewpoint, the fog ratio increases and becomes inconspicuous.
[0063]
<Specific example 7>
18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining a specific example in which an image is limited by color change. FIG. 18 shows a color lookup table, and FIG. 19 shows the objects 1 and 2 displayed on the screen, and the color numbers assigned to each object and the color numbers assigned to the background. .
That is, the object and the background that can be displayed on this screen are converted from the assigned color number into the corresponding RGB value, and the rendering process is performed according to the RGB value. For example, the number 0 assigned to a part of the object 1 and the object 2 is (0, 0, 0) (black) and the number 1 is (0, 0, 255) (blue).
Therefore, the color assigned to the object is changed according to the following formula.
Alpha = (Distance 1-Distance 2) / Depth
if (Alpha> 1) Alpha = 1
if (Alpha <0) Alpha = 0
COL = COLfog * Alpha + COLobj * (1-Alpha)
Distance 1: Distance from viewpoint to object
Distance 2: Distance from the viewpoint to the point where fog starts
Other variables are the same as those referred to in Example 5.
The object 1 is assigned colors with color numbers 0 to 5. The color number assigned to the background of the object 1 is 6. Therefore, the color from 0 to 5 is changed according to the above formula. For example, if the color 0 (0, 0, 0) is COLobj, the color 6 is COLbg, distance 1 is 2.5, distance 2 is 1.8, and the depth is 1.0.
Alpha = (2.5-1.8) /1.0=0.7
if (Alpha> 1) Alpha = 1
if (Alpha <0) Alpha = 0
COL = (0,0,255) * 0.7 + (0,0,0) (1-0.7) = (0,0,178)
It becomes. Similarly, if the color numbers 1 to 5 are also changed, the object 1 becomes close to the background color and distance and becomes inconspicuous. When the object 2 is drawn, the color numbers 0 to 3 are changed according to the distance. If the object is on a different background, the above color can be used for the above calculation.
[0064]
By using some of these specific examples, various image restrictions are possible.
Note that a single fog can be made inconspicuous by combining a plurality of limiting methods such as combining fog and color change.
Further, in specific example 3 and specific example 4, the image control according to the vehicle speed has been described, but it can also be limited to sound. For example, it is possible to increase the sound related to the back music or landscape when the vehicle speed is low, and to increase the engine sound when the vehicle speed increases.
[0065]
In this embodiment, the instruction information generation unit 112 generates four types of instruction information, but can be limited to any one or a plurality of instruction information as necessary.
Further, the user may set a method for limiting each polygon. However, in that case, it is necessary to accept the user's instructions to the extent that the playability of the game is not impaired. Further, each restriction method may be selected algorithmically using a flowchart or the like without being specified in the polygon determination table. The processing shown in FIG. 5 and / or FIG. 7 can also be realized by executing a game program downloaded via a network in the CPU 10 or the like.
[0066]
In the above, an entertainment apparatus is taken as an example, and its configuration example, operation example, and usage example have been described. However, the information processing system of the present invention is not limited to the example of this embodiment. The present invention can be similarly applied to electronic devices other than entertainment devices, devices, and computer systems. It can also be applied to devices that are unrelated to the game, such as a video player for personal use. However, when applied to such a device, the specific state described above is based on the user's operation and the progress of the game. It is not determined, but is determined according to the progress of the provided video, music, and scenario.
[0067]
In this embodiment, the main functions related to information processing among the functional blocks shown in FIG. 2 are realized by semiconductor devices such as the CPU 10, SPU 21, and GPU 31, and computer programs read by these. Also, it can be realized by a one-chip semiconductor device having all these functions. In this case, the computer program may be recorded in advance in a memory mounted on the chip, or may be recorded in the memory afterwards.
Further, the above functions can be realized by a general-purpose computer. In this case, a computer program for realizing the above functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and this computer program may be installed in the computer at the time of system construction. Further, such a computer program may be downloaded to a computer through a network.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which a user can comfortably view information and an object for realizing the information processing system.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an entertainment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration related to image / sound control in this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a polygon determination table in this embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a sound element determination table in this embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure from when an instruction from a user is received until an image or sound is actually controlled;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen for receiving an instruction from a user.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure for controlling an image to be displayed and an output sound based on a relation between a user operation and a game progress state;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display in a state where image control is not performed.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display in a state where image control is performed.
FIG. 10 is a top view of a course of a race game.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a case where image restriction is performed according to importance in FIG. 10;
12 is a diagram showing a screen similar to FIG. 10 representing a distance from a user's viewpoint. FIG.
13 is a diagram showing a case where image restriction is performed according to the distance from the viewpoint in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a case where image restriction is performed according to importance and distance from a viewpoint in FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where image restriction is performed according to the occurrence of a specific state in FIG. 10;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a case where an object that is not displayed in FIG. 11 is made inconspicuous by fogging.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a case where an object not displayed in FIG. 13 is made inconspicuous by applying fog;
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color lookup table.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining processing when an image is limited by color change;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 CPU
11 Main memory
12 DMAC
13 MDEC
14 Media drive
15 Recording media
16 Input section
17 ATM
18 ROM
19 Connection terminal
21 SPU
22 Sound memory
23 Operating device
31 GPU
32 frame memory
33 CRTC
111 Input controller
112 Instruction information generation unit
113 Object distinction part
114 Drawing control unit
115 Object data recording unit
116 Sound data distinction part
117 Sound control unit
118 Sound data recording unit

Claims (22)

Interface means for enabling connection with an output device for outputting information;
Limit request detection means for detecting a limit request for the output form of information,
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing information whose output form is limited according to the generated instruction information; and
An information processing system comprising output means for outputting the generated output data to the output device. The data generation means generates output data for expressing information including at least one of an image and a sound whose output form is limited,
The information processing system according to claim 1. The instruction information includes a first parameter indicating the degree of restriction of the output form, and the image or sound is pre-assigned a second parameter indicating the degree of necessity of the output,
The data generation means generates the output data based on a comparison result between the first parameter and the second parameter.
The information processing system according to claim 2. The second parameter is stored in advance for each component of the image or sound to be restricted,
The data generation means reads the second parameter for the corresponding component from the memory upon receipt of the instruction information, and the degree of necessity specified by the read second parameter is specified by the first parameter. Generating the output data by restricting the output of the component lower than the degree of restriction,
The information processing system according to claim 3. When the instruction information restricts the output form of the image,
The data generation means includes at least the reduction of the number of components of the image, the change of the color assigned to each component, the synthesis of each component and predetermined pixel data, and the deletion of each component. By performing any of the above, the output of a component whose degree of necessity is lower than the degree of restriction is characterized.
The information processing system according to claim 4. When the instruction information restricts the output form of sound,
The data generating means limits the output of sound elements whose degree of necessity is lower than the degree of restriction so that the volume output from the output device is small.
The information processing system according to claim 4. Connect an output device that outputs information and a computer,
In the computer,
Processing to detect a restriction request for the output form of information,
Processing for generating predetermined instruction information in response to the detected restriction request;
Processing for generating output data for expressing information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information; and
A method for restricting output of information, wherein a process of outputting the generated output data to the output device is executed. To a computer that can be connected to an output device that outputs information,
Limit request detection means for detecting a limit request for the output form of information,
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing information whose output form is limited according to the generated instruction information; and
A computer program for constructing output means for outputting generated output data to the output device. The computer program according to claim 8 is recorded,
Computer-readable recording medium. It is mounted on a computer that can be connected to an output device that outputs information,
In cooperation with other components of the computer,
Limit request detection means for detecting a limit request for the output form of information,
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing information whose output form is limited according to the generated instruction information; and
Constructing an output means for outputting the generated output data to the output device;
Semiconductor device. Interface means for enabling connection with an output device for outputting information to a user and an input device for inputting operation information by the user;
Information generating means for generating entertainment information whose contents change according to a predetermined scenario;
Restriction request detecting means for detecting a restriction request for the output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device;
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing entertainment information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information; and
An information processing system comprising output means for outputting the generated output data to the output device. The data generation means generates output data for expressing entertainment information including at least one of an image and a sound whose output form is limited,
The information processing system according to claim 11. The restriction request detection means determines whether or not a specific state has occurred in the scenario by comparing operation information input from the input device with predetermined reference information, and can determine that a specific state has occurred. Outputting information indicating that the restriction request has been detected;
The information processing system according to claim 11. The scenario is a scenario of a mobile operation game by a user,
The input device is for inputting operation information representing at least one of a speed of a moving body, a moving direction, a user's viewpoint, or a user's field of view, which is changed by a user's operation,
The information processing system according to claim 13. The instruction information includes a first parameter indicating the degree of restriction of the output form, and the image or sound is pre-assigned a second parameter indicating the degree of necessity of the output,
The data generation means generates the output data based on a comparison result between the first parameter and the second parameter.
The information processing system according to claim 11. The second parameter is stored in advance for each component of the image or sound to be restricted,
The data generation means reads the second parameter for the corresponding component from the memory upon receipt of the instruction information, and the degree of necessity specified by the read second parameter is specified by the first parameter. Generating the output data by restricting the output of the component lower than the degree of restriction,
The information processing system according to claim 15. When the instruction information restricts the output form of the image,
The data generation means includes at least the reduction of the number of components of the image, the change of the color assigned to each component, the synthesis of each component and predetermined pixel data, and the deletion of each component. By performing any of the above, the output of a component whose degree of necessity is lower than the degree of restriction is characterized.
The information processing system according to claim 16. When the instruction information restricts the output form of sound,
The data generating means limits the output of sound elements whose degree of necessity is lower than the degree of restriction so that the volume output from the output device is small.
The information processing system according to claim 16. Connecting an output device for outputting information to a user and an input device for inputting operation information by the user and a computer;
In the computer,
Processing to generate entertainment information whose contents change according to a predetermined scenario,
A process of detecting a restriction request for an output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device;
Processing for generating predetermined instruction information in response to the detected restriction request;
Processing for generating output data for representing entertainment information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information; and
A method for restricting output of information, wherein a process of outputting the generated output data to the output device is executed. To a computer that can be connected to an output device that outputs information to the user and an input device that inputs operation information by the user,
Information generating means for generating entertainment information whose contents change according to a predetermined scenario;
Restriction request detecting means for detecting a restriction request for the output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device;
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing entertainment information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information; and
A computer program for constructing output means for outputting generated output data to the output device. The computer program according to claim 20 is recorded,
Computer-readable recording medium. Installed in a computer that can be connected to an output device that outputs information to the user and an input device that inputs operation information by the user,
In cooperation with other components of the computer,
Information generating means for generating entertainment information whose contents change according to a predetermined scenario;
Restriction request detecting means for detecting a restriction request for the output form of the generated entertainment information based on operation information input from the input device;
Instruction information generating means for generating predetermined instruction information according to the detected restriction request;
Data generating means for generating output data for expressing entertainment information whose output form is limited in accordance with the generated instruction information; and
A semiconductor device that constructs output means for outputting generated output data to the output device.

Images