JP3425742B2 - Image display system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display device and an overall system for displaying images including the image display device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image display device for a game device and the same system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an image display system stores a display device capable of displaying a display body having a specific shape and other background screens according to a display signal and data of various movement states of the display body (character etc.). , A memory for storing other necessary data and processing programs, and an operation panel for giving operation signals for operating the character,
Based on the operation signal from the operation panel, a process for moving the character on the display device is executed according to various movement state data in the memory and various data and a processing program, and a screen including the processing result is displayed. A data processing device that outputs a display signal is known.

Such an image display system is widely applied to a game device such as a video game, for example, a car driving game device.

This game device provides the operator with a virtual image for driving the vehicle by providing an image on the display which is similar to the image viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle. An operator can experience a virtual driving space by using an operating device such as a handle provided on the front surface of the game device.

Further, in recent years, a game device in which a plurality of driving game devices are connected to each other by a line and the superiority or inferiority of driving is competed with other operators has also appeared. In this game device, the result of the competition with another person is displayed on the screen by, for example, seeing the rear of the preceding vehicle. Then, in such a conventional game device, not only the viewpoint of each driver but also another viewpoint, for example, a screen viewed from the viewpoint of a spectator watching the virtual space in which a plurality of cars are competing. Is also configured to be displayed by a relay monitor. Therefore, a state in which a plurality of vehicles are traveling is displayed on this relay monitor.

[0006]

However, the display device including the conventional game device has a problem that the image displayed on the screen becomes monotonous because the viewpoint is fixed. For example, there is a problem that the screen cannot be displayed from a viewpoint suitable for the portion to be emphasized (for example, a car collision, a spin, etc.) even though it occurs.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image display device capable of effectively arranging viewpoints for forming an image and a display system including the image display device. Further, by effectively arranging viewpoints for forming an image, it is possible to display a multi-dimensional space of a virtual space realized in each game machine from a desired angle and position in a polygonal manner. And a display system. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image display system capable of effectively displaying an image on a relay monitor.

[0008]

In order to achieve such an object, a display device according to the present invention has a display means for displaying a predetermined screen, a memory for storing display data, and a predetermined memory for storing the display data. Data processing means for forming an image signal for displaying an image viewed from the viewpoint on the display means, viewpoint setting means for setting a plurality of the viewpoints, and viewpoint moving means for moving at least one of the plurality of viewpoints. , Are provided.

Further, the display device according to the present invention comprises display data synthesizing means for combining the display data displayed on each of a plurality of displays to form synthetic data.
Data processing means for forming an image signal for forming an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint based on the combined data, display means for displaying a screen based on the image signal, viewpoint moving means for moving the viewpoint, It is characterized by including.

Further, the display device according to the present invention comprises a relay monitor which integrates virtual spaces provided by a plurality of game devices and displays an image of the virtual space viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and moves the viewpoint. This allows the image to be changed.

The present invention further relates to a display system provided with such a display device. That is, this display system includes a plurality of display means, a storage means for data displayed on each display means, an image signal based on the data, and a data processing means for outputting the image signal to each display means. A display data synthesizing unit for combining data displayed on each of the plurality of display units to form synthetic data, and a second image signal for forming an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint based on the synthetic data. It is characterized by further comprising second data processing means for forming, second display means for displaying a screen based on the second recorded image signal, and viewpoint moving means for moving the viewpoint.

Another display system includes a plurality of game devices each providing a virtual space and a relay monitor that integrates the virtual spaces of each game device and displays an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint. It is characterized in that the image is changed by moving the viewpoint.

The viewpoint is preferably moved to a change point in the image. For example, exemplifying this change point based on the driving game described in the above-mentioned conventional example refers to the time or position of a state in which a vehicle collision, a spin, or the like has occurred, or a state immediately before this state. Further, a plurality of viewpoints are set, and an image viewed from each point can be displayed.

The image display system according to the present invention comprises an image processing device having a communication device and a relay device having the communication device, and a plurality of image processing devices and the relay device are connected by a communication line, and It is characterized in that the processing content processed by each image processing apparatus is given to the relay apparatus, and the relay apparatus can select a display object to be relayed. Then, in this relay device, the display position of the display object to be relayed can be changed.

[0015]

As described above, according to the present invention, the data processing means forms an image signal for displaying an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint on the display means based on the display data, and outputs the image signal to the display means. To display the image. Since the plurality of viewpoints are set, it is possible to simultaneously display a plurality of screens viewed from the respective viewpoints, and by moving at least one viewpoint, it is possible to set the viewpoint to a desired position. As a result, the most effective screen can be displayed according to changes in the situation.

Further, the display device according to the present invention combines display data displayed on each of a plurality of displays to form combined data, and forms an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint based on the combined data. This viewpoint is moving. Therefore, the viewpoint can be moved to a desired position, and an image viewed from the effective position and angle of the viewpoint can be provided according to the change in the situation.

Further, according to the present invention, virtual spaces provided by a plurality of game devices are integrated, and an image viewed from a movable viewpoint is displayed. As a result, the virtual space displayed on each game machine can be displayed as a whole, and an image of the combined virtual space viewed from a desired position and angle can be displayed, which is effective for changing the situation. A screen can be provided.

The viewpoint is moved to a change point in the image. Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide a screen in which a change point where a car collision, a spin, or the like has occurred is emphasized and which can be effectively displayed. Also, a plurality of the viewpoints are set, and by displaying the images viewed from the respective points,
The entire image can be represented in multiple directions.

Further, the image display system according to the present invention can give the processing contents processed by each image processing apparatus to the relay apparatus and select the display body to be relayed. This makes it possible to obtain an effective screen according to changes in the situation.

[0020]

The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In this embodiment, an image display system including a plurality of game devices will be described. As a game executed on each game device, a driving game similar to that described in the conventional example will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an image display system of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of game devices G1, G2, ..., GN (N is an arbitrary positive integer) and a relay device 3, which are connected to each other via a communication line 5. There is.

Further, each game device has a built-in communication device S1, S2, S3, ..., SN, and these communication devices are connected by a communication line 5 capable of bidirectional data transmission. The game device data can be exchanged with each other.

The relay device 3 also has a built-in communication device ST, and by connecting this communication device to the communication devices G1, G2, ..., GN of each game device via the communication line 5, The data processed in each game device can be captured. The relay device 3 can perform a predetermined process based on the captured data and display a predetermined screen. That is, in each game device, a screen viewed from the driver's seat of the car is displayed to the operator, and the operator is given a virtual space (state) in which the car is actually driving. ing. The relay device 3 constitutes a combined virtual space in which the virtual spaces formed by the respective game devices are combined, and can display a screen when the combined virtual space is viewed from a predetermined viewpoint. For example, it is possible to form a composite space in which a plurality of cars are competing on the course, and to display an image of this space viewed from, for example, a virtual sky and a viewpoint placed at a corner.

Hereinafter, each game device and the relay device 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of each game device. This game device has a display 1
2 and the display control circuit 13 for this display,
.. SN, a control circuit 16 of this communication device, an operation panel 14 for outputting a game operation signal, a sound circuit 15 for giving an audio signal to the speaker SP, and a game execution device. Main processing circuit 17 for forming image data of the same, forming the same voice data, and forming communication data for enabling communication of the image data and the voice data.

The main processing circuit 17 has a memory 17A in which various data for a game, a game progress program, a communication operation program, etc. are stored, each data from this memory and an operation from the operation panel 14. And a game developing means 51 for executing a game developing process based on the signal and generating an image signal and a sound signal.

The memory 17A has motion data for continuously moving display objects (characters, background images, etc.) on the screen, and based on this motion data, the game developing means 51 causes the display 1 to display.
An image signal for displaying a moving screen is formed on the display screen 2 and is supplied to the display control circuit 13.

The motion data is used to display an image of various actions of each character (crash, spin, etc.) and actions of the background screen viewed from a plurality of viewpoints (driver's viewpoint, spectator's viewpoint, etc.). There is image data. This motion data consists of a series of images for each unit time of a series of operations, and the main processing circuit selects a character or the like at a predetermined position on the screen based on the operation signal and the motion data. It outputs an image signal that makes a motion.

Further, the main processing circuit 17 includes a communication means 52 for converting the image signal and / or the audio signal obtained by the game developing means 51 into communication data. This communication data is converted into an optical signal by the communication control circuit 16 in the communication devices S1, S2, ..., SN, and output to each other game device or the relay device 3 via the communication line 5 composed of an optical cable. It is supposed to be done.

Further, this communication device receives an optical signal from another game device, converts it into an electric signal by the communication means 52, and the electric signal is given to the game developing means 51. . Therefore, the game developing means 51 can receive data from other game machines, form an image signal based on these data, and display the image signal on the display 12. Therefore, the display 12 displays a screen including the processing results of other game devices.

The display control circuit 13 performs a predetermined image display control operation on the basis of the RAM 18 (character / image memory) for storing the image signal formed by the game developing means 51 and the image signal stored in this memory. An image control circuit 19 for executing the image and a color expansion circuit 20 for forming a color video signal based on the image signal are provided. The display 12 displays a screen based on this color video signal.

The sound circuit 15 is a game developing means 51.
It is configured so that the audio signal obtained in step 3 can be output as real audio from the speaker.

The game developing means 51 forms the image signal on three-dimensional coordinates, so that the display 12 displays a three-dimensional screen. On this display, a character and a background are displayed as one screen, and these are moved and displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the relay device 3. The relay device 3 shown in FIG. 3 includes a communication device ST, a display 12, a display control circuit 13,
Sound circuit 15, communication means 52, communication control circuit 1
6 and a data processing device 37 that realizes a processing operation similar to that of the main processing circuit 17, and the data device 37 operates as follows. Image data and audio data obtained by each game device based on the data from each game device by various operation programs are taken in through the communication device ST, the communication control circuit 16 and the communication means 52, and an image obtained by combining these data Data and voice data are formed, and a predetermined screen is displayed based on these data and the control circuit 13
Is displayed on the display 12 via the sound circuit 15, and the sound is output from the speaker SP via the sound circuit 15.

In the description of FIG. 3, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the display of each game device shown in FIG. 2, an image viewed from the viewpoint of the driver's seat of the automobile is moved and displayed by executing this game processing program. This image is formed in relation to another game machine, and when the machine corresponding to the own game machine is behind the machine corresponding to the other game machine, the display of the other machine is displayed on the display of the own game machine. Display the rear image. Therefore, the operator of each game machine can compete with others through this game machine.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the repeater. As described in FIG. 3, the relay device 3 can receive various data of each game machine to the data processing device 37 via the communication device and the communication control device. Then, necessary analysis processing is executed based on this data, and the image data from each game device is stored in a predetermined storage area in the three-dimensional coordinate system realized by the data processing device 37 (step 401). ).

Here, it is determined whether image display data is received from each game device (step 402),
When the image display data is not output from all the game devices (not in the operation state), it is determined that no one is playing the game, and the display 1 of the relay device is displayed.
While displaying the initial screen (advertisement) on 2, the process returns to step 401 (step 403).
The initial screen can be appropriately selected.

In the next processing, the data processing device analyzes the three-dimensional coordinate space having the data from each game device,
Image display data is formed by viewing this three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint. Here, it is necessary to determine the relay target group, that is, the predetermined viewpoint position. Step 404 shows an example of determining the position of the viewpoint, and in the three-dimensional virtual space in which a plurality of cars are competing, the viewpoint is set toward the part with the most cars, and this part is displayed on the display. It becomes a relay target group. The movement of the viewpoint is specified by its position, orientation, etc., image data of a predetermined magnification viewed from that viewpoint is formed, and the corresponding video is displayed on the display 12. A plurality of these viewpoints can be set.

As the viewpoint, in this embodiment, the viewpoint of a spectator watching a car race corresponding to each game device, the viewpoint of a predetermined corner of the course, the viewpoint of a virtual space viewed from above, and the like are arbitrarily set. be able to. According to this embodiment, in each game device, the image data from the viewpoint seen from the driver's seat is obtained, and in the relay device, the image data from the other viewpoints are displayed. Images can be displayed at the same time. Moreover, since these viewpoints can be moved, the video in the virtual space can be displayed more effectively. Also, by setting a plurality of viewpoints, it is possible to display the virtual space in multiple directions.

In step 404, the determination of the position with the most vehicles can be performed, for example, by the degree of aggregation of the image data of the character (vehicle) in the coordinate system.

Next, in step 405, a relay target character is selected from the set of a plurality of relay target characters in step 404. This selection process is actually made into a subroutine and is also used for other screen display programs than those shown in FIG. The details will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the routine of FIG. 4, the viewpoint for obtaining the image display data from the data in the three-dimensional space in the relay apparatus is set to a predetermined fixed position facing the course above the sky (above) and the course. Can be switched.

In step 406, it is determined whether or not the character to be relayed has passed the position of the fixed camera (hereinafter, the "viewpoint" may be referred to as a camera), and before passing the position of the fixed camera. Displays the corresponding screen based on the video data from the fixed camera (step 407), and when passing through the fixed camera is completed, switches to the screen from the camera in the sky (step 40).
8). Thereafter, this routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals until the relay device is powered off.

Next, the relay target selection process shown in FIG. 5 will be described. This routine sets the relay target character to the character that has changed in the virtual space. The details will be described below.

At step 500, if there is a crash (collision accident) among a plurality of vehicles to be relayed, the viewpoint is changed, that is, the currently displayed relay object is changed. Change (Step 50)
1). Here, the most suitable viewpoint for displaying the car in which the crash has occurred is set, and the image data viewed from this viewpoint is displayed. That is, the direction, position, display magnification, etc. of the viewpoint are selected according to the vehicle in which the crash has occurred. By setting a dedicated flag for each display body and determining whether or not this flag is set, it is possible to quickly determine which character has the crash situation.

In step 500, if there is no crash vehicle, it is determined whether or not there is a spin vehicle (step 502). If there is a spin vehicle, this is set as a relay target (step 501).

If there is no spin car, it is judged whether or not the top car in the virtual space in the relay device has reached the final lap (the final lap of the loop course) (step 503).
The relay target is changed to the corresponding vehicle (step 502). On the other hand, if the corresponding vehicle does not exist, when the vehicle currently being relayed is competing with another vehicle, the vehicle currently being relayed continues to be displayed while the state continues (step 504). Then, in step 505, the current relay target is maintained until a predetermined time (for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds) elapses. Thereafter, this processing operation is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the selected display body is displayed on the relay device 3.
It can be displayed while changing its display position.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the viewpoint can be set at a desired position by moving at least one viewpoint, and as a result, it is most effective according to the change of the situation. The screen can be displayed. Further, the virtual space displayed on each game machine can be displayed as a whole, and an effective screen can be provided according to changes in the situation.

Since the viewpoint is moved to a change point in the image, a change point where a car collision, a spin or the like has occurred is emphasized based on a driving game, and a screen capable of effectively displaying this is provided. To do. In addition, since the image from the driver's viewpoint is displayed on the game device and the image from another viewpoint is displayed on the relay device, a person who views the entire image of the virtual space in a polygonal manner. Can perceive this space as a whole.

The relay device 3 can monitor the processing contents of each game machine. Further, the game devices can exchange processing data with each other.

The image displayed on the relay monitor 3 may be displayed on a part of the screen of each game device. Further, in the above embodiment, each game device is provided with an image processing function, but this may be provided with a processing function of each game device by a centralized controller. Further, in the above embodiment, each game device and the relay device 3 are connected in a loop by the communication device communication line 5, but each game device may be connected to the relay device 3 as shown in FIG. good.

[0052]

As described above, since the data processing means forms the image signal for displaying the image viewed from the predetermined viewpoint based on the display data, the plurality of data viewed from the respective viewpoints. The screens can be displayed at the same time, and the viewpoint can be set to a desired position by moving at least one viewpoint, and as a result, the most effective screen can be displayed according to the change in the situation. .

Further, by combining display data displayed on each of a plurality of displays to form combined data, an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint is formed based on the combined data, and by moving the viewpoint,
The viewpoint can be moved to a desired position, and an image viewed from the effective position and angle of the viewpoint can be provided according to the change of the situation.

By integrating the virtual spaces provided by the plurality of game devices and displaying an image viewed from a movable viewpoint, the entire virtual space displayed by each game machine can be displayed. It is possible to display the combined virtual space as an image viewed from a desired position and angle, and to provide an effective screen according to changes in the situation.

Further, by moving the viewpoint to the changing point in the image, it is possible to emphasize the situation of the changing point and provide a screen which can effectively display this. Further, by setting a plurality of viewpoints, the images viewed from the respective points can be displayed, respectively, and the entire image can be expressed in multiple directions.

Further, the contents of processing of each image processing device can be given to the relay device, the display object to be relayed can be selected, and this position can be changed appropriately, so that an effective screen according to the change of the situation can be obtained. Obtainable.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image display system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus used in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a relay device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the relay device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a relay selection operation of the relay device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

G1, G21 ... GN game device 3 relay devices 5 communication lines S1, S2 ... SN, ST Communication device 12 display 13 Display control circuit 14 Operation panel 15 sound circuit 16 Communication control circuit 17 Main processing unit 18 character image memory 19 Image control circuit 20 color expansion circuit 31 communication equipment 37 Data processing circuit 52 communication means

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP 62-217786 (JP, A) JP 64-50170 (JP, A) JP 5-282426 (JP, A) JP 1-91889 (JP , A) JP 5-334454 (JP, A) JP 50-154031 (JP, A) JP 4-136974 (JP, A) JP 3-21288 (JP, A) JP 63-136174 (JP, A) JP-A-5-184 (JP, A) "Computer game of chapter Yamashita: Play with Honki, Review w !! TARGET 14 much better augusta", Microcomputer BASIC Magazine, Denpa Shimbun, November 1, 1989, Volume 8, No. 11, p. 266-269 “Development of a CG system that allows the user to check the office space as if walking around-Okamura Manufacturing”, Nikkei CG, Nikkei BP, April 1, 1990, No. 43, p. 165-168 (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 17/40 A63F 13/00 G09B 9/34 G06F 3/14-3/153 G06F 17/50 CSDB (Japan Patent Office)

Claims (24)

(57) [Claims] And 1. A memory for storing Display data, and a data processing means for forming an image signal for displaying an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint on the basis of the display data, and the viewpoint setting means for setting a plurality of the viewpoints , Multiple from each perspective
Display means to display the screen of each virtual
The viewpoint of the relay image that integrates the space is used as the change point of the relay image.
An image display apparatus comprising: 2. A combination of the display data to be displayed on each of the plurality of displays forming the display data combining means for forming a composite data, an image, respectively viewed from a predetermined viewpoint on the basis of the display data and the synthetic data Data processing means for forming an image signal for displaying the image data, a display means for displaying an image based on the image signal, and the composite data.
An image display apparatus, comprising: a viewpoint moving unit that moves a viewpoint of a relay image based on a video image to a change point of the relay image . 3. integrating each virtual space provided by a plurality of game devices, these virtual space and integrally of each game device
A display and relay monitor of each game device for displaying an image of the virtual space, respectively viewed from a predetermined viewpoint ized, the viewpoint of the image to be displayed on the relay monitor, the relay
An image display device configured to be movable to a change point of an image displayed on a monitor . 4. A means for determining a change point of the image is further provided.
Comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. A display position of the display object to be relayed is changed.
Possible, apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. A plurality of display means, a storage means for storing data displayed on each display means, a data processing means for forming an image signal based on the data, and outputting the image signal to each display means. Display data combining means for forming combined data by combining data displayed on each of the plurality of display means, and forming a second image signal for forming an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint based on the combined data. Second data processing means and a medium based on the second image signal
The image display system comprising a second display means for displaying a joint image, the visual <br/> point of the relay image, a viewpoint movement means for moving the change point of the relay image. 7. A plurality of game devices that provide a virtual space, respectively, by integrating each virtual space of each game device, these
The virtual space and integrated virtual space of each game device it
For each game device that displays images viewed from a predetermined viewpoint
A display monitor and a relay monitor,
The viewpoint of the image displayed on the computer is displayed on the relay monitor.
An image display system that can move to the change point of the image. 8. A means for determining a change point of the image is further provided.
Equipped with claim 6 or 7 system according. 9. A display position of the display object to be relayed is changed.
Possible, the system of any one of claims 6-8. 10. A virtual space having a communication device
A plurality of image processing apparatus for forming an image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, which has a communication device, the plurality of image processing
A virtual space shared by a device and the plurality of image processing devices.
Is a relay image of a predetermined display from a different predetermined relay point of view
A relay device that forms an image, a communication line that connects the image processing device and the relay device, and that gives the relay device the processing content processed by each image processing device, and a relay target of the relay device. An image display system comprising: a selection unit capable of selecting a display body. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the relay device can change a display position of the relay target. 12. An image display system in which a plurality of game devices for displaying a game image of a virtual space viewed from a predetermined viewpoint on a display means are connected via a communication line, and are executed by the plurality of game devices. Relay display means for displaying a relay image of a virtual space shared by the game viewed from a predetermined relay viewpoint different from the images displayed on the plurality of game devices; and viewpoint moving means for moving the relay viewpoint. Image display system equipped. 13. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein a character of a game executed on the game device is set as a relay target in the virtual space. 14. The image display system according to claim 13, wherein the viewpoint is moved to a position where the number of characters is the largest in the virtual space. 15. The image display system according to claim 13, wherein one of the characters is a relay target in the virtual space. 16. The image display system according to claim 13, wherein the viewpoint is moved to a point where a predetermined change occurs in at least one of the characters in the virtual space. . 17. The image display system according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the characters is a character operated by a player. 18. A plurality of relay viewpoints are set, and at least one of the plurality of relay viewpoints is configured to be movable.
The image display system according to the item. 19. The image display system according to claim 18, wherein images viewed from the plurality of relay viewpoints are simultaneously displayed. 20. The relay image is displayed on a part of the screen of the game device.
9. The image display system according to any one of 9 above. 21. The image display according to claim 12, wherein the relay target is maintained for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time elapses, the next display target is selected and the viewpoint is moved. system. 22. The image display system according to claim 12, wherein the game is a driving game, and the character is a car. 23. The predetermined change in the character is one of a car crash, spin, and continuation of a state of competing with another car.
The image display system described. 24. The image display system according to claim 22, wherein in the driving game, the most leading vehicle is set as a relay target.