JP2007166157A - Program, information storage medium, and data reproduction system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, and a data reproduction system, wherein the subsequently reproduced data hardly give unnatural feeling even if a data reproduction inhibiting period occurs when the stream data are downloaded and reproduced. <P>SOLUTION: A computer is made to function as a stream data reading unit 142 which reads in and stores stream data sequentially in a storage means, a stream data reproduction unit 144 which subjects the stream data that are read and stored to reproduction processing, an event determination unit 148 which determines the occurrence and termination of an event that disrupts the read of the stream data, and a stream data reproduction start position deciding unit 150 which determines the reproduction start position of the stream data resting on the basis of a read preparation time necessary for reading and storing the stream data in the storage means and at least either the occurrence timing or the termination timing of the read disrupting event that has occurred when the read disrupting event is terminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for reproducing stream data while reading it, an information storage medium, and a data reproduction system.

  Conventionally, stream reproduction is known as a technique for downloading and reproducing sound data and image data having temporal continuity from a storage medium in a system or a storage medium in a network. According to this stream reproduction, it is possible to reproduce the data while downloading it, rather than downloading all the sound data and image data to be reproduced.

  However, in such stream playback, if the buffer capacity for temporarily storing the data to be downloaded cannot be secured sufficiently large, if the download from the storage medium is interrupted due to other processing conditions in the system or communication conditions in the network, A period during which playback is impossible occurs.

  In this case, in the conventional data reproduction system, after the reproduction impossible period, the data reproduction is resumed from the beginning or the data reproduction is resumed from the interrupted position. As a technique for performing such data reproduction processing, for example, there is a conventional technique disclosed in JP-A-9-289633.

However, in the conventional data reproduction system, data can be reproduced without omission, but there is a problem in that the reproduction of images and sounds becomes unnatural because there is a difference between real time and data reproduction. there were.
JP-A-9-289633

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent subsequent playback even if a data unplayable period occurs when stream data is downloaded and played back. It is an object to provide a program, an information storage medium, and a data reproduction system that do not feel naturalness.

(1) The present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a data reproducing device that reproduces while reading stream data provided from a storage medium,
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
An event determination unit for determining the occurrence and end of the stream data reading interruption event;
When the read interruption event ends, the stream data is read based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a reproduction start position;
Make your computer work,
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
When the read interruption event ends, reproduction of the read and stored stream data is started from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed.

  The present invention relates to a data reproduction system. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit.

  According to the present invention, provided stream data is sequentially read and stored (that is, downloaded) in the storage means. The stream data read and stored is sequentially reproduced by the stream data reproducing unit.

  At this time, if any circumstance that prevents the reading of the stream data occurs, the event determination unit determines this as the occurrence of an interruption event.

  During the period of occurrence of such an interruption event, the stream data cannot be read and the reading is disabled.

  In the present invention, when such a read interruption event occurs, the stream data reproduction start position determination unit performs a process of determining the reproduction start position of the stream data after the interruption event ends.

  Specifically, the reproduction start position is determined based on the read preparation time required for reading and storing the stream data in the storage means, and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. .

  Then, when the reading interruption event ends, the stream data reading unit performs a reading process of reading the stream data from the determined reproduction start position into the storage means and storing it.

  Then, after the read interruption event ends and the preparation period elapses, the stream data reproduction unit starts reproduction processing for reproducing the read and stored stream data from the reproduction start position.

  With the above configuration, even if a read-in impossible state occurs during the reading and reproduction of stream data, and the reproduction of the stream data is temporarily interrupted, the reproduction of the stream data is performed in accordance with the elapsed real time during the interruption. It can be carried out.

  Thereby, even if the reproduction of the stream data is temporarily interrupted, the temporal continuity of the subsequent stream data reproduction can be maintained in a pseudo manner, and unnaturalness due to the reproduction interruption can be reduced. For example, in the case where the stream data is sound data, the reproduction of the sound data is not interrupted, but it can be heard as if the sound was temporarily muted while continuing the reproduction.

  Here, it is preferable that the read preparation time, that is, the read preparation period necessary for reading and storing the stream data in the storage means is set in advance slightly longer than the preparation period necessary for normal reading.

  The present invention can also be applied to the case of reproducing stream data stored in a storage medium, and the case of reproducing stream data provided via a storage medium such as a server via a network. It can also be applied to.

(2) In the data reproduction system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
An image calculation generation unit for performing image generation processing for generating an image;
A stream data reading / reproducing unit for reading out and reproducing in association with the generated image while reading the stream data associated with the image from the storage medium into the storage unit;
An event determination unit that determines the occurrence and end of the reading interruption event of the stream data at the time of the image generation processing or processing related to the image generation processing;
And a program to make the computer function,
The stream data read / playback unit
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
The stream based on the read preparation time necessary to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the generated read interruption event when the reading interruption event ends A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a data reproduction start position;
Including
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
When the read interruption event ends, reproduction of the read and stored stream data is started from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed.

  Also according to the present invention, the following operational effects can be achieved in addition to the operational effects similar to those of the invention described in (1) above.

  According to the present invention, the generation of an image and the reproduction of the stream data prepared in association with the generated image can be performed in an excellent manner, particularly when the reproduction of the stream data is temporarily interrupted. Even in such a case, the stream data can be reproduced naturally in accordance with the generation of the image.

  Examples of stream data prepared in association with such an image include sound stream data and movie image stream data.

(3) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The image calculation generation unit
Means for performing a game operation for generating an image of an object space for games viewed from a given viewpoint;
Image generating means for generating a game image based on the game calculation result;
Including
The means for performing the game calculation is:
When a given game event occurs, the object data for object space generation is read from the storage medium, read into the object data storage unit and stored, and the object space is generated using the object data,
The event determination unit
When the stream data reading process hinders the object data reading process, the interruption event is generated and the object data reading process is preferentially executed, and the stream data reading process is performed as the object data reading process. When it is no longer an obstacle, a determination process for terminating the interruption event may be performed.

  When image generation processing for generating a game image and reading and reproduction of stream data prepared in association with the game image are performed, for example, the load on an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU increases, and the image generation processing is smoothly performed. It may become impossible to execute. In such a case, a program may be set up so that the image data generation processing is executed in preference to the stream data reading and reproduction processing.

  According to the present invention, in the object data reading process, which is a characteristic case in such a case, it is determined whether the reading process of the stream data hinders the reading process of the object data. If it is determined that an interruption event has occurred, the object data reading process is preferentially executed, and if it is determined that the interruption is not hindered, the interruption event is terminated.

  For example, the interruption event occurs when the scene of the game image changes and the load of the object data reading process increases, or when the stage of the game screen changes and the load of the object data reading process increases. The stream data reading process is temporarily interrupted.

  Then, when the load of the object data reading process is reduced and the interruption event ends, the stream data is reproduced so that the temporal continuity is maintained in a pseudo manner in association with the generated image, and thereafter The stream data can be reproduced naturally.

  In particular, according to the present invention, when sound stream data is reproduced in synchronization with a change in the image, even if the reproduction of the sound stream data is interrupted, the sound stream is not affected after the interruption without affecting the synchronization with the image change. Data can be played back.

  For example, a buffer for temporarily storing image data can be secured sufficiently, but a buffer for sound stream data cannot be secured sufficiently, or the image is an image generated by the image calculation generation unit, and is not interrupted. However, even when the reproduction of the sound stream data may be interrupted, the sound stream data can be reproduced without affecting the synchronization with the image change after the interruption.

(4) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The stream data may be sound stream data.

(5) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The program is a game program for executing a given game process and reproducing while reading sound stream data from a storage medium during the game,
The image calculation generation unit
A process for generating and displaying a game image for a given effect is performed in association with a period from when the reading interruption event occurs until a playback process for playing back the stream data from the playback start position is started. May be.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the unnaturalness due to the interruption of the reproduction of the sound stream data by displaying the predetermined game image in accordance with the reproduction interruption period of the sound stream data. For example, it is possible to produce an effect that the sound stream data is temporarily muted by the appearance of a predetermined game character.

(6) In the data reproduction system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The stream data may be stream data for movie texture.

(7) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
After the reading interruption event occurs, if the reading interruption event ends, the computer further functions as a means for obtaining an unreadable time from the reading interruption event occurrence to the end,
The stream data reproduction start position determining unit
When the read interruption event occurs, the reproduction start position of the stream data may be determined based on the read preparation time necessary for reading and storing the stream data in the storage means and the read impossible time.

  Here, the “unreadable time” may be measured each time from the occurrence of the reading interruption event to the end, or based on the maximum time from the occurrence of the interruption event predicted to the end in advance. It may be fixedly set to a value slightly longer than the time.

(8) In the data reproduction system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
While measuring the actual elapsed time from the start of reading the stream data, further causing the computer to function as a time measurement unit that measures the end timing of the reading interruption event,
The stream data reproduction start position determining unit
When the read interruption event ends, the reproduction start position of the stream data is determined based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and the end timing of the read interruption event. May be.

(9) In the data reproduction system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The storage means
Including a plurality of buffers for sequentially storing stream data;
The stream data reading unit
While the stream data reproducing unit is performing the reading process from any one of the buffers, the reading process may be performed on another buffer.

  According to the present invention, by alternately storing and reading stream data, stream data can be reproduced continuously even if the buffer capacity is small.

(10) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The stream data reproducing unit
When the reading interruption event occurs, the already read stream data may be faded out and reproduced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the unnaturalness caused by the interruption of reproduction by suspending reproduction of stream data after fading out.

(11) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The stream data reproducing unit
After the read interruption event ends and the preparation time elapses, the read stream data may be faded in from the reproduction start position to start reproduction.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to further reduce unnaturalness due to reproduction interruption by fading in reproduction of stream data.

(12) In the data reproduction system, program and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A program for reproducing stream data from a storage medium,
Stream data that reads the predicted stream data after the predicted read time of the stream data has elapsed after the read disabled state ends when the stream data read disabled state occurs and the read disabled state ends. A reading section;
The computer is caused to function as a stream data reproduction unit that starts reproduction of the read predicted stream data when the predicted read time has elapsed since the read disable state has ended.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (game system) including a data reproduction system of this embodiment. Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is used to input operation performed by the player as data, and is used, for example, to input operation data of a player object (player character operated by the player). , A microphone, a touch panel display, or a housing.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like. The main storage unit 171, the frame buffer 173, the object data storage unit 174, the texture data storage unit 175, and the sound buffer 176 (first and first). 2 buffers 177a and 177b) and can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 as necessary. The information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes program code, image data, sound data, object data, texture data, table data, list data, and processing of the present invention for performing the processing of the present invention. Information and information to be processed in accordance with the instruction. In particular, in the present embodiment, the sound data includes sound stream data for generating and outputting BGM in association with an image.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, game save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable game device.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like. It can be realized by.

  A program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation data and programs from the operation unit 160.

  Here, as the game process, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result are calculated. There is a process or a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied.

  The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 171 in the storage unit 170 as a work area.

  The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110 (object space setting unit 111, virtual camera control unit 113), an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Here, the game calculation unit 110 and the image generation unit 120 function as an image calculation generation unit.

  Then, as the game progresses, the processing unit 100 reads out necessary object data, texture data, and sound data from the information storage medium 180, and transfers and writes them to the object data storage unit 174, the texture data storage unit 175, and the sound buffer 176. Execute (download) read processing. That is, the processing unit 100 functions as an object data reading unit and a texture data reading unit, and also functions as a stream data processing unit 140 described later.

  The object space setting unit 111 includes various objects (primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces, and subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, columns, walls, and maps (terrain). (Object) object data is read from the object data storage unit 174, and various objects are arranged and set in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects.

  Further, the object space setting unit 111 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of an object (such as a character, a car, or an airplane). That is, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the model object is moved in the object space, or the object is moved (motion, motion, etc.). Animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) every frame (1/60 second). Do. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The virtual camera control unit 113 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed.

  For example, when an object (eg, character, ball, car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the direction of the virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. ) To control.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image, for example, from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space. A visible image is generated and output to the display unit 190.

  Specifically, in accordance with the result of the arithmetic processing performed by the processing unit 100, for example, various geometric processing (three-dimensional arithmetic) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation, or an object (model) after the geometric processing. Then, various image processing such as drawing processing for drawing in the frame buffer 173 is performed to generate an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and output to the display unit 190.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  In particular, the sound generation unit 130 of the present embodiment reads the sound stream data stored in the information storage medium 180 and the sound stream data stored in the storage medium on the network acquired via the communication unit 196. Play (while downloading).

  Specifically, a first buffer 177a and a second buffer 177b are provided in the sound buffer 176 of the storage unit 170, and sound stream data is acquired from a storage medium inside or outside the system to obtain the first buffer 177a. The next sound stream data is acquired and stored in the second buffer 177b while the stored sound stream data is read from the first buffer 177a and reproduced. Then, the buffer for storing the sound stream data and the buffer for reading the sound stream data are alternately switched, and the sound stream data is reproduced without interruption while sequentially storing the sound stream data.

  In order to perform the processing of the sound stream data, the sound generation unit 130 of the present embodiment includes a stream data processing unit 140.

  The stream data processing unit 140 includes a stream data reading unit 142, a stream data reproduction unit 144, a stream data reproduction time measurement unit 146, an event determination unit 148, and a reproduction start position determination unit 150.

  The stream data reading unit 142 and the stream data reproducing unit 144 correspond to a stream data reading / reproducing unit.

  The stream data reading unit 142 transmits the sound stream data prepared in association with the image calculated and generated by the processing unit 100 from the information storage medium 180 or the storage medium on the network, the first buffer 177a and the second buffer 177b. A reading process (downloading process) is performed in which data is read and stored alternately.

  The data reproduction unit 144 performs a reproduction process of sequentially reading and reproducing the stream data stored in the first buffer 177a and the second buffer 177b.

  In the present embodiment, when data write processing is performed in one of the first and second buffers 177a and 177b, the sound data already written from either one is read and reproduced. The reproduction process is alternately performed on the buffers 177a and 177b, thereby reproducing the sound stream data seamlessly.

  The stream data reproduction time measuring unit 146 measures the actual elapsed time from the start point to the end point of the reproduction of the sound stream data by the stream data reproduction unit 144.

  The event determination unit 148 determines the occurrence and end of a state in which sound stream data cannot be read. Specifically, when the processing load of the processing unit 100 becomes more than a certain value due to other processing in the system, or when the amount of stream data to be acquired becomes less than a certain value, further input information and programs When a predetermined event occurs based on the above, it is determined that a reading interruption event indicating a reading impossible state has occurred. On the other hand, when the processing load of the processing unit 100 becomes below a certain level, when the amount of stream data to be acquired becomes above a certain level, or when a predetermined event ends, an interruption event indicating an unreadable state Is determined to have ended.

  For example, when a game image is generated, it is often necessary to transfer and read new object data from the information storage medium 180 to the object data storage unit 174. Specifically, when it is necessary to arrange a large number of different objects in the object space, or when the game stage is switched, the necessary object data from the information storage medium 180 is generated prior to image generation. Then, a process (download) of transferring and reading to the object data storage unit 174 is performed. This processing is performed by the processing unit 100 functioning as an object data reading unit.

  At this time, if the load of the object data transfer / reading is large with respect to the computing power of the processing unit 100, the transfer / write of stream data from the information storage medium 180 to the sound buffer 176 is performed simultaneously with the transfer / reading of the object data. An excessive calculation load is applied to the processing unit 100, which is not preferable for image generation. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the reading process of the stream data into the sound buffer 176 hinders the reading process of the object data into the object data storage unit 174, the interruption event is generated and the object data The event determination unit 148 performs a determination process of ending the interruption event when the stream data read process does not interfere with the object data read process. Is done.

  Therefore, the reading (downloading) of the sound stream data into the sound buffer 176 is interrupted from the generation to the end of the interruption event.

  Therefore, the stream data processing unit 140 includes a reproduction start position determining unit 150 for determining the reproduction start position of the sound stream data when the reproduction of the sound stream data is started after the interruption event ends. .

  The reproduction start position determination unit 150 generates a read preparation time required to read and store the sound stream data in the sound buffer 176 when the read interrupt event ends after the read interrupt event has occurred. A process of determining the reproduction start position of the sound stream data based on at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the reading interruption event is performed. Here, the required reading time of the sound stream data to the sound buffer 176 is a time required for reading the data into the first buffer 177a or the second buffer 177b, and this reading time is the first buffer. It is uniquely determined from the storage capacity and data transfer rate of 177a or the second buffer 177b. Therefore, the reading time Y may be determined in advance as a constant value with a margin.

  Here, the occurrence timing and the end timing of the reading interruption event can be obtained from the actual elapsed time from the sound stream data reproduction start time measured by the measurement unit 146.

  For example, the stream data reproduction time measurement unit 146 functions as an unusable time measurement unit when the event determination unit 148 determines that an interruption event has occurred and determines that the sound stream data cannot be read. Measures the reading impossible time that is the actual elapsed time in the disabled state. In addition, the stream data reproduction time measuring unit 146 may function as a measuring unit that measures a reference time that is an actual elapsed time from the start of reading the stream data. In this case, the event determining unit 148 When it is determined that the data unreadable state is terminated, the elapsed time until the unreadable state ends is measured.

  Then, the stream data reading unit 142 acquires desired sound stream data from the information storage medium 180 or a storage medium on the network based on the input information and the program.

  In the present embodiment, desired sound stream data can be acquired from the head position, or can be acquired from an arbitrary position divided in units of sectors. For example, by specifying the reproduction start position in the sound stream data to be acquired based on the elapsed time when the sound stream data is reproduced or based on the data amount corresponding to the bit rate of the sound stream data It is possible to acquire sound stream data after an arbitrary time has elapsed from a predetermined position of the sound stream data. Then, the acquired sound stream data is sequentially stored in the first buffer 177a and the second buffer 177b that have not been read out.

  That is, when the reading interruption event ends, the stream data reading unit 142 reads the sound stream data from the determined reproduction start position from the information storage medium 180, and either the first buffer 177a or the second buffer 177b is read. One of them is read and stored. The read sub-time Y is set so that this read storage process is performed with a sufficient margin before the read preparation time Y elapses from the end of the interruption event.

  Then, the stream data reproduction unit 144 starts the stream data from the reproduction start position read into the sound buffer 176 after the read preparation time Y has elapsed after the interruption event ends.

  After that, as described above, processing of alternately reading data into one of the first buffer 177a and the second buffer 177b and reproducing data from the other is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the period during which object data is transferred and written to the object data storage unit 174 during the period from the occurrence of the sound stream data reading interruption event to the start of reproduction of the sound stream data. Among these, the calculation processing of the pseudo three-dimensional image by the processing unit 100 is temporarily difficult. For this reason, in this period, it is preferable to form the processing unit 100 so as to generate and display a small given effect game image that cannot be calculated.

  Further, the stream data playback unit 144 is preferably configured to fade out the sound stream data that has already been read into the sound buffer 176 and play it back when the interruption event occurs. It is preferable that the reproduction process performed after the preparatory period elapses is performed while fading in when the preparation period ends. By doing so, even if the sound stream data is not temporarily reproduced, the player can stop and start reproducing the sound stream data without a sense of incongruity. After starting the reproduction of the sound stream data after the end, it is possible to start from a position that does not deviate from the real time from the reproduction start position of the sound stream data, and thus it is possible to realize the sound stream data that is natural to the hearing. .

  Note that the game system according to the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, and not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. A system may be provided. Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

  Note that all of the basics of the processing unit 100 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

2. 2. Method according to this embodiment 2-1. BGM Stream Data Playback Pseudo Silence Method A program that realizes BGM playback by so-called stream data playback may make it impossible to read BGM stream data.

  In that case, the following three methods are generally used conventionally.

  B: Stop the BGM at the point where the stream is interrupted and start playing again from the beginning of the song.

  B: BGM is stopped when the stream is interrupted, and playback is resumed from that position again.

  C: Data that does not break the stream during data transfer is read in advance.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a “pseudo silencing method for BGM stream data reproduction” that eliminates the unnaturalness of hearing by causing the illusion of BGM being silenced is adopted. The method is shown below.

(Stream playback)
As shown in FIG. 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 while transferring audio stream data from a storage device 10 such as a CD, DVD, UMD, or a storage medium 10 such as a server on a network to a memory 176 for sound buffer. , How to play them.

  In FIG. 4, the BGM to be reproduced is represented by a musical score for the sake of simplicity.

  Here, it is assumed that one main note is 1 second and the total BGM is 16 seconds.

  In order to stably reproduce sound such as BGM, it is desirable to store all data in the sound buffer memory 176 in advance, but this is not possible because the data capacity often exceeds the memory capacity. Often possible.

  Therefore, normally two buffers are prepared (buffer A and buffer B) so that there is no delay in reproduction, and reproduction is possible by using them alternately. Here, the buffers A and B correspond to the first and second buffers 177a and 177b in FIG.

  When the reproduction of the data in the buffer A is completed, the subsequent data in the buffer B is reproduced, and the subsequent data in the buffer B is transferred to the vacant buffer A. The same process is performed for the buffer B, and this is repeated. As an advantage, it is possible to reproduce for a long time even with a small amount of memory, but as a disadvantage, data transfer to the memory is often required before and during reproduction.

  Here, in order to reproduce the sound smoothly, the data transfer time for each time needs to be shorter than the time required for the sound output for each buffer.

  In the following description, terms are defined as follows.

  Real time: Actual time. The start time of BGM is set to 0 seconds.

  Playback time: Elapsed time from the start point of BGM. When playback is interrupted, the time does not advance.

  5 to 9, the time that one buffer can reproduce is b = 2 seconds, the maximum time required for reading one stream data (reading preparation time) is Y = 1 second, and the actual reading is performed. This time is assumed to be y seconds. Furthermore, the above-described estimated time of unreadable is X = 4 seconds, and the actual unreadable time is represented by x seconds.

2-2. Conventional Techniques Next, three typical techniques conventionally employed when BGM stream reading becomes impossible in a program that realizes BGM reproduction by so-called stream reproduction will be described below.

2-2-1. First Conventional Method As shown in FIG. 5, this method is to reproduce the BGM again from the beginning of the song when the stream is interrupted.

  Here, t0 is a timing at which an interruption event that makes it impossible to read the stream during BGM playback occurs, and represents that the interruption event has ended after the elapse of X seconds. When the interruption event occurs, data for the next reproduction is written in the buffer A or buffer B in advance, so that the BGM is reproduced for b seconds from the interruption event occurrence timing t0, and then the reproduction cannot be performed. It becomes impossible.

  When the interruption event ends, the BGM sound stream data is written again into the buffer as shown in FIG. 3. At this time, the stream data is read into either the buffer A or the buffer B. In order to memorize, a predetermined reading time Y is required. Here, a preparation time of Y seconds is required for this reading and recording. Therefore, in this conventional method, during the X seconds from the timing t0 when the interruption event occurs to the end of the interruption event, the BGM stream data cannot be read, and the interruption event occurs to guarantee the buffer. It is understood that the period of (t0 + X + Y) from the end of the time b seconds (t0 + b) to the end of the interruption event and the end of data reading is the BGM non-reproducible time.

  Therefore, this conventional method has the following advantages and disadvantages.

advantage:
B: Can be implemented regardless of the length of time the stream cannot be read and the buffer size.

  B: When other data transfer is performed while the sound is muted, the data for reproducing the BGM stream is not read, so that the data transfer can be concentrated. As a result, the data transfer time can be minimized.

Disadvantage:
B: Every time the stream reading is interrupted, it will be heard from the beginning of the song, giving an unnatural impression.

2-2-2. Second Conventional Method This conventional method, as shown in FIG. 6, stops BGM playback when playback of BGM stream data is interrupted, and starts playback from that position again.

  This conventional method has the following advantages and disadvantages.

advantage:
B: Can be implemented regardless of the length of time the stream cannot be read and the buffer size.

  B: When other data transfer is performed while the sound is muted, the data for reproducing the BGM stream is not read, so that the data transfer can be concentrated. As a result, the data transfer time can be minimized.

Disadvantage:
A: Every time the stream reading is interrupted, the playback of the song is interrupted, and the playback is delayed with respect to the real time, which gives an unnatural impression.

2-2-3. Third Conventional Method In this conventional method, as shown in FIG. 7, while stream data is being transferred to the sound buffer 176, stream data that is not interrupted by BGM playback is generated in the sound buffer 176 even if an interruption event occurs. Reading and storing.

  This conventional method has the following advantages and disadvantages.

advantage:
B: Stream playback is not interrupted, so it is not unnatural to hear.

Disadvantage:
B: A buffer memory capacity that can store a stream reproduction time longer than the expected interruption time is required (when b <x + y, sound skips, so it is necessary to satisfy b ≧ X + Y).

  B: When the interruption time is arbitrary, the buffer memory capacity cannot be determined.

2-3. Method of this Embodiment FIG. 8 shows an example of BGM stream playback when the method of this embodiment is adopted.

  In the present embodiment, even when the interruption event as described above occurs, the “pseudo mute technique for BGM stream data reproduction” that eliminates the unnatural sense of hearing by making the illusion that the BGM is just muted is adopted. To do.

  In the method of this embodiment, the measurement unit 146 is used to measure the real time of the playback time from the start of stream playback, and the stream reading is scheduled to be completed (t0 + x + Y) immediately after (t0 + x) seconds when reading is unsolvable. ) Seconds are determined, the stream reading position is determined at the position of the reproduction time (t0 + x + Y) seconds, the stream data is read, and the stream reproduction is resumed when the actual time reaches (t0 + x + Y) seconds.

  FIG. 9 shows a specific example thereof.

  Here, the time that one buffer can be reproduced is 2 seconds (b = 2), the estimated time that cannot be read is less than 4 seconds (X = 4), and the maximum time required for reading one buffer is less than 1 second (Y = 1) ).

  It is assumed that the actual measurement time when the unreadable state is solved is 9.3 seconds (x = 3.8).

  The estimated completion time of the stream reading is (5.5 + 3.8 + 1 → 10.3) seconds from (t0 + x + Y) seconds, and reading of the stream data from the position where the reproduction time is 10.3 seconds is immediately started. Thereafter, playback may be resumed from 10.3 seconds.

  By employing the method of the present embodiment, the following operational effects that cannot be obtained by the conventional method described above can be achieved.

  B: Can be implemented regardless of the length of time the stream cannot be read and the buffer size.

  B: When other data transfer is performed while the sound is muted, the data for reproducing the BGM stream is not read, so that the data transfer can be concentrated. As a result, the data transfer time can be minimized.

  C: Stream playback is interrupted, but theoretically there is no difference between the actual time and playback time when stream playback is resumed, so it is not unnaturally audible.

  D: The method of this embodiment is effective when it is necessary to motivate sound and images. For example, in a music game, it is necessary to synchronize the display of BGM and notes, but when a stream unreadable time occurs for some reason, the display of BGM and notes is shifted in the first and second conventional methods. . By using the method of this embodiment, such a shift can be prevented. It can also be applied to the synchronization of karaoke BGM and lyrics display.

  In addition, in order to eliminate the unnaturalness of sound interruption, it is preferable to use fade-in / fade-out together when playback is interrupted / resumed. Furthermore, the method of the present embodiment can be used in the same manner for moving image reproduction.

3. Processing of this Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 2 and the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the process of reading the stream data into one of the first or second buffers 177a and 177b, reproducing the read stream data, and reading the stream data into the other buffer is alternately performed. Repeatedly (steps S10 and S12).

  The timing chart shown in FIG. 2 will be described as an example. Sound stream data B is acquired from a storage medium inside or outside the system, stored in the first buffer 177a, and the stored sound stream data B is stored in the first While reading out from the buffer 177a and reproducing, the next sound stream data C is acquired and stored in the second buffer 177b. Then, the buffer for storing the sound stream data and the buffer for reading the sound stream data are alternately switched, and the sound stream data is reproduced without interruption while being sequentially stored as indicated by B, C, D, E.

  The actual time from the start of the reproduction of the sound stream data is measured by the measuring unit 146 as described above.

  If it is determined that an interruption event meaning that the stream data cannot be read has occurred during the process of reading and reproducing the sound stream data (step S14), the "BGM stream data reproduction" shown in steps S20 to S36 is performed. Is executed.

  Such an interruption event often occurs, for example, when the game screen shown in FIG. 11 (A) is switched to the state where the game screen shown in FIG. 11 (C) is displayed. When switching between scenes, it is necessary to transfer and read object data for a new scene from the storage medium to the object data storage unit 174. From the storage medium, the processing unit 100 is not subjected to excessive calculation load. It is programmed so that the process of reading stream data into the sound buffer 176 is automatically interrupted.

  During the period of reading and transferring such object data to the object data storage unit 174, the calculation process of the three-dimensional game space is temporarily interrupted. A game effect screen similar to a still image is displayed as shown in FIG.

  That is, when it is determined in step S14 that a reading interruption event has occurred, actual measurement of the reading impossible period x shown in FIG. 2D is started based on the output from the measurement unit 146 (step S20).

  In parallel with this, as shown in FIG. 2 (E), the already read stream data is reproduced while fading out (step S22), and the game screen to be further displayed is changed from the game screen shown in FIG. 11 (A). Then, a predetermined game effect of switching to and displaying the game effect screen close to the still image shown in FIG. 11B is executed (step S24).

  In this way, in the present embodiment, when an interruption event occurs and BGM stream data cannot be read, the process of pseudo-muting the reproduction of BGM stream data while displaying a given game screen is performed. By doing so, auditory unnaturalness can be eliminated.

  In addition, during mute, the present embodiment can concentrate on data transfer writing to the object data storage unit 174, and the data transfer time can be minimized.

  When the transfer and reading of the object data to the object data storage unit 174 is finished, the interruption event is finished, and it is determined that the reading impossible period is finished (step S26).

  When the interruption event ends in this way, a timing t2 after the maximum time Y seconds relating to reading of stream data to one buffer 177 from the interruption event end timing t1 is obtained.

  Then, assuming that the reproduction of the data is normally performed after the reproduction of the stream data is started, the stream data (data I in FIG. 2) actually reproduced at the timing t2 is A process of determining the data reproduction start position and reading and storing it in the buffer 177 is performed (step S30).

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, when it is assumed that the stream data is normally reproduced, the stream data reproduced at the timing t2 is I. Accordingly, here, the stream data I is specified as the stream data at the reproduction start position, and is read and stored in the first buffer 177a (step S32).

  Then, at the timing t2 when the read preparation period Y has passed (step S34), the effect screen shown in FIG. 11B ends, and a game screen of a new scene shown in FIG. 11C is displayed (step S34). S36) A process is performed in which the stream data I at the reproduction start position written in the buffer 177a is faded in and reproduced (steps S34 and S36).

  Thereafter, the series of processes of steps S10 and S12 described above are repeated until it is determined in step S16 that the game is to be ended.

  By performing the stream playback process as described above, the stream playback is temporarily interrupted when an interruption event occurs, but theoretically there is no difference between the actual time and the restart time when the stream playback resumes. In addition to eliminating the naturalness, when sound stream data playback is interrupted or restarted, fade-in and fade-out are used together to further reduce the unnaturalness of hearing caused by the interruption of sound stream data playback. Can be resolved.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the timing t2 at which the reproduction of the sound stream data is started after the occurrence of the interruption event is finished, and the calculation formula of t2 = t0 + x + Y is used by using the non-writable time x obtained by actual measurement. However, in addition to this, instead of the measured value x of the write disable time, for example, the predicted time X of write disable may be obtained to determine t2.

  Further, the reproduction start timing may be obtained by the arithmetic expression of t2 = t1 + Y using the interrupt event end timing t1 and the read preparation time Y.

  When the stream data shown in FIG. 2 is provided as packet data from the network, for example, when the stream data is reproduced in real time based on the file size of the stream data included in the packet data and the pit rate. The packet including the stream data I reproduced at the timing t2 is identified, the packet is requested to the server side, and the stream data included in the packet is read into the buffer and stored.

  In this case, by setting the read preparation time Y with a margin in accordance with the reproduction start timing of the stream data included in the packet in real time, a sound with no deviation between the real time and the restart time at the start of stream reproduction is obtained. Stream data can be reproduced.

4). Hardware Configuration FIG. 12 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in a DVD 982 (information storage medium, which may be a CD), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, or the like. Perform processing, sound processing, etc. The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of the compressed image data and sound data and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data (vertex data and other parameters) to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Forward. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture. The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input via the serial interface 940.

  The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950. The RAM 960 is a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The DVD drive 980 (may be a CD drive) accesses a DVD 982 (may be a CD) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each part of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each part of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where sound stream data is reproduced as stream data has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. Can be applied. For example, when a movie texture is used as a texture to be used for a given object, the movie texture stream can be read and reproduced in the same manner as the sound stream data described above.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where two buffers are used as an example of the buffer for reading and storing stream data has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, three or more buffers are used. You may employ | adopt the structure which uses alternately.

  In the above embodiment, the stream data reading interruption event has been described by taking as an example the occurrence of a given game event, for example, an event of reading and storing object data in the object data storage unit. The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied when various other interruption events occur, and when stream data is read and stored via a network, when communication failure occurs in the network, A similar process may be performed using this as an interruption event.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.). The present invention is also applicable to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating game images, and a mobile phone. it can.

It is a functional block diagram of this Embodiment. It is a timing chart figure of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the reproduction | regeneration processing of BGM stream data. It is explanatory drawing of the stream data by which the reproduction process was carried out. It is explanatory drawing of the BGM reproduction | regeneration processing by a 1st conventional method. It is explanatory drawing of the BGM reproduction | regeneration processing by a 2nd conventional method. It is explanatory drawing of the BGM reproduction | regeneration processing by a 3rd conventional method. It is explanatory drawing of the BGM reproduction | regeneration processing of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example of the BGM reproduction | regeneration processing of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows the specific process example of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the game screen of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a hardware structure.

Explanation of symbols

100 Processing Unit 110 Game Calculation Unit 111 Object Space Setting Unit 113 Virtual Camera Control Unit 120 Image Generation Unit 130 Sound Generation Unit 140 Stream Data Processing Unit 142 Stream Data Reading Unit 144 Stream Data Playback Unit 146 Stream Data Playback Time Measurement Unit 148 Event Determination unit 150 Playback start position determination unit 170 Storage unit 174 Object data storage unit 176 Sound buffer 177a First buffer 177b Second buffer 180 Information storage medium 192 Sound output unit

Claims (16)

A program for causing a computer to function as a data reproduction device that reproduces while reading stream data provided from a storage medium,
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
An event determination unit for determining the occurrence and end of the stream data reading interruption event;
When the read interruption event ends, the stream data is read based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a reproduction start position;
Make your computer work,
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
A program characterized in that, when the read interruption event ends, the reproduction of the read and stored stream data is started from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed. An image calculation generation unit for performing image generation processing for generating an image;
A stream data reading / reproducing unit for reading out and reproducing in association with the generated image while reading the stream data associated with the image from the storage medium into the storage unit;
An event determination unit that determines the occurrence and end of the reading interruption event of the stream data at the time of the image generation processing or processing related to the image generation processing;
And a program to make the computer function,
The stream data read / playback unit
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
When the read interruption event ends, the stream data is read based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a reproduction start position;
Including
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
A program characterized in that, when the read interruption event ends, the reproduction of the read and stored stream data is started from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed. In claim 2,
The image calculation generation unit
Means for performing a game operation for generating an image of an object space for games viewed from a given viewpoint;
Image generating means for generating a game image based on the game calculation result;
Including
The means for performing the game calculation is:
When a given game event occurs, the object data for object space generation is read from the storage medium, read into the object data storage unit and stored, and the object space is generated using the object data,
The event determination unit
When the stream data reading process hinders the object data reading process, the interruption event is generated and the object data reading process is preferentially executed, and the stream data reading process is performed as the object data reading process. A program for performing determination processing for terminating the interruption event when it is no longer an obstacle. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The stream data is sound stream data. In any one of Claims 2 and 3,
The program is a game program for executing a given game process and reproducing while reading sound stream data from a storage medium during the game,
The image calculation generation unit
A process of generating and displaying a game image for a given effect is performed in association with a period until the reproduction process for reproducing the stream data from the reproduction start position after the reading interruption event occurs. A featured program. In any one of Claims 2 and 3,
The stream data is a stream data for movie texture. In any one of Claims 1-6,
After the reading interruption event occurs, if the reading interruption event ends, the computer further functions as a means for obtaining an unreadable time from the reading interruption event occurrence to the end,
The stream data reproduction start position determining unit
The reproduction start position of the stream data is determined based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and the unreadable time when the read interruption event occurs. program. In any one of Claims 1-6,
While measuring the actual elapsed time from the start of reading the stream data, further causing the computer to function as a time measurement unit that measures the end timing of the reading interruption event,
The stream data reproduction start position determining unit
Determining the reproduction start position of the stream data based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means when the read interruption event ends and the end timing of the read interruption event A program characterized by In any one of Claims 1-8,
The storage means
Including a plurality of buffers for sequentially storing stream data;
The stream data reading unit
A program characterized in that while the stream data reproducing unit performs the reading process from any one of the buffers, the reading process is performed on another buffer. In any one of Claims 1-9,
The stream data reproducing unit
A program characterized in that, when the reading interruption event occurs, the already read stream data is faded out and reproduced. In any one of Claims 1-10,
The stream data reproducing unit
A program which starts reproduction by fading in the read stream data from the reproduction start position after the read interruption event ends and the preparation time elapses. A program for reproducing stream data from a storage medium,
Stream data that reads the predicted stream data after the predicted read time of the stream data has elapsed after the read disabled state ends when the stream data read disabled state occurs and the read disabled state ends. A reading section;
A program that causes a computer to function as a stream data reproduction unit that starts reproduction of the read predicted stream data when the predicted read time has elapsed after the read disable state ends.   A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 1. A data reproduction system for reproducing while reading stream data provided from a storage medium,
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
An event determination unit for determining the occurrence and end of the stream data reading interruption event;
When the read interruption event ends, the stream data is read based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a reproduction start position;
Including
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
When the read interruption event ends, the data reproduction system starts reproduction of the read and stored stream data from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed. An image calculation generation unit for performing image generation processing for generating an image;
A stream data reading / reproducing unit for reading out and reproducing in association with the generated image while reading the stream data associated with the image from the storage medium into the storage unit;
An event determination unit that determines the occurrence and end of the reading interruption event of the stream data at the time of the image generation processing or processing related to the image generation processing;
Including
The stream data read / playback unit
A stream data reading unit that performs a reading process of sequentially reading and storing the stream data in a storage unit;
A stream data reproducing unit for reproducing the read and stored stream data;
When the read interruption event ends, the stream data is read based on the read preparation time required to read and store the stream data in the storage means and at least one of the occurrence timing and the end timing of the read interruption event. A stream data reproduction start position determining unit for determining a reproduction start position;
Including
The stream data reading unit
When the read interruption event ends, a read process is performed to read and store the stream data from the determined reproduction start position to the storage means,
The stream data reproducing unit
When the read interruption event ends, the data reproduction system starts reproduction of the read and stored stream data from the reproduction start position after the preparation time has elapsed. In claim 15,
The image calculation generation unit
Means for performing a game operation for generating an image of an object space for games viewed from a given viewpoint;
Image generating means for generating a game image based on the game calculation result;
Including
The means for performing the game calculation is:
When a given game event occurs, the object data for object space generation is read from the storage medium, read into the object data storage unit and stored, and the object space is generated using the object data,
The event determination unit
When the stream data reading process hinders the object data reading process, the interruption event is generated and the object data reading process is preferentially executed, and the stream data reading process is performed as the object data reading process. A data reproduction system that performs a determination process for terminating the interruption event when it is no longer an obstacle.