JP3733363B2 - PROGRAM, INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM, AND GAME DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program for causing a computer to execute a given game.

  Many home game devices are sold as a set of a main unit device equipped with a reading device such as arithmetic processing and a CD-ROM and a game controller, and an image display means for displaying a game image is a consumer television receiver. It is assumed that an existing display is used. That is, in order to enjoy a video game on a home game device, the system must be completed by connecting the main device and the display with a video signal cable or the like.

  In a general home game play environment, a so-called television receiver is the image display means in a home game device. In general households, television receivers have a plurality of display formats, such as a standard TV with a 4: 3 aspect ratio called a normal screen and a wide TV with a 16: 9 aspect ratio called a wide screen. Yes. Therefore, it is necessary to match the game image output from the main device to the display to the display format (in this case, the aspect ratio) of the connected display. For example, even if the display is a wide TV, if a game image with an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is displayed, it will be displayed as an unnatural screen that is crushed up and down, so the wide TV is used. In this case, a game image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is generated and output by the apparatus main body.

For example, image data that can be viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space is generated as image data corresponding to a wide screen, and output to a standard television with a normal screen. In some cases, it is known that image data corresponding to a normal screen is generated based on the generated wide image data (see, for example, Patent Document 1; corresponding to all claims).
JP 2001-228854 A

  In a video game, situation information (for example, score, stage number, character name, hit point value, remaining bullet number, damage number, rank, elapsed time, menu display, dialogue, etc. correspond to this) is displayed on the display. Thus, it is necessary to reliably convey the game progress state to the player.

  However, the current television receiver used as a display employs a method called “overscan” that displays the screen with a part cut off from the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen. Whether or not it is performed varies depending on individual adjustments and manufacturing variations of the display, and the standard of the television receiver. For this reason, the display setting of the fixed situation information set at the time of game production is included in the outer peripheral part where the situation information is not displayed depending on the conditions of the display to be used, and the game progress state cannot be sufficiently communicated to the player. There was a problem that happened.

  On the other hand, TV receivers capable of high-definition display called “Hi-Vision”, which have such problems, display less status information than the standard TV, so the status information is displayed more on the screen. There is also a desire to make the player character easier to see by placing it near the outside of the screen and opening the center of the screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems and demands. The purpose is to display status information more reliably regardless of display conditions.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the first invention is the above-described generation of image generation means (for example, the image generation unit 24 of FIG. 4) for generating a game image in a computer (for example, the main body device 1210 of FIG. 1). A program for executing a given game by functioning as display control means (for example, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4) for controlling display of the game image on the display device,
Acquisition means for acquiring the display format of the display device including at least the display definition of the display device (for example, the operation input unit 10, the display format input control unit 221 in FIG. 4, the display information acquisition unit 223 in FIG. 16, FIG. 21). Input signal automatic identification unit 225), a situation information display for displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information so as to be displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display device ( For example, setting means (for example, the status information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4 and the status information display control unit 224 in FIG. 16) for setting the display position of the status gauge 4 and character names 6 and 8 in FIG. ) And further causing the computer to function, and the setting means includes a game image of the situation information display body according to the acquired display format. First means for setting and changing the display position (e.g., status information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4, step S30 in step S6~ Figure 10 of FIG. 9) which is the program that causes a computer to function so as to have a.

Further, the fourteenth aspect of the invention is an image generation means (for example, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4) that generates a game image, and a display control means (for example, FIG. 4) that controls display of the generated game image on a display device. A game device for executing a given game, comprising:
Acquisition means for acquiring the display format of the display device including at least the display definition of the display device (for example, the operation input unit 10, the display format input control unit 221 in FIG. 4, the display information acquisition unit 223 in FIG. 16, FIG. 21). Input signal automatic identification unit 225), and a situation information display body for displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information so as to be displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen of the display device And setting means (for example, the situation information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4 and the situation information display body control unit 224 in FIG. 16) for setting the display position in the game image. First means for changing and setting the display position of the situation information display body in the game image according to the displayed display format (for example, the situation information display setting unit 222 in FIG. It characterized by having a step S30 in step S6~ Figure 10).

  According to 1st or 14th invention, the display format containing the display definition of the display apparatus which displays a game screen is acquirable. From the display definition, for example, it can be known whether the display device is compatible with the standard television standard or the high-definition television (high-vision) standard. Then, it is possible to more accurately estimate the extent to which a game image can be displayed depending on whether it corresponds to a standard television or a high-definition television. Therefore, by appropriately controlling the display position of the situation information according to the display format including the display definition of the display device, the situation information is not displayed in the outer peripheral part where it is not displayed, and is reliably displayed. be able to.

  A second invention is the program of the first invention, wherein the display means displays the position of the status information display body at the center of the game image as the display definition included in the acquired display format decreases. The computer is caused to function so as to change and set the display position of the situation information display body in the game image so as to approach the screen.

  In a television receiver, a standard television set having a low display definition tends to have a large variation in a range of an outer peripheral portion that is not displayed. On the other hand, the variation becomes smaller as the high-definition television has a display format with higher display definition.

  According to the second invention, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained, and the status information display body can be displayed closer to the center of the image as the display format has a lower display definition. For this reason, even on a display with a relatively large variation and a low display definition, it is possible to reliably display the situation information, and it is possible to prevent a portion that is not displayed in the situation information.

  A third invention is the program according to the first or second invention, wherein the display format of the display device includes an aspect ratio of the display device, and the setting unit acquires the aspect acquired by the acquisition unit. A second means for changing the display position of the situation information display body in the game image according to the ratio (for example, the situation information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4, step S6 in FIG. 9 to step S30 in FIG. 10) is provided. And making the computer function.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer is caused to function as image generation means for generating a game image and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device. A program,
Acquisition means for acquiring the display format of the display device including at least the aspect ratio of the display device (for example, the operation input unit 10, the display format input control unit 221 in FIG. 4, the display information acquisition unit 223 in FIG. An input signal automatic identification unit 225), a situation information display for displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information so as to be displayed at a predetermined fixed position on the display screen of the display device And further causing the computer to function as setting means for setting the display position in the game image, and the setting means changes the display position in the game image of the status information display body according to the acquired display format. Second means (for example, status information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4, step S6 in FIG. 9 to step S30 in FIG. 10). The functioning of the sea urchin the computer.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus for executing a given game, comprising image generation means for generating a game image and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device. There,
An acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least an aspect ratio of the display device; and a current game including at least text information to be displayed at a predetermined fixed position on the display screen of the display device Setting means for setting a display position in the game image of the situation information display body for displaying the situation information representing the situation, and the setting means according to the acquired display format, the situation It has 2nd means to change and set the display position in the game picture of an information display object, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the third, fourth, or fifteenth invention, the display format including the aspect ratio of the display device can be acquired, and the display position of the status information display body can be changed according to the aspect ratio.

  A fifth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the setting means determines the size and / or size of the status information display body according to the acquired display format. Alternatively, the computer is caused to function so as to have third means for changing the aspect ratio (for example, the status information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4 and steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 9).

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a computer is caused to function as image generation means for generating a game image and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device. A program,
An acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device; a current game including at least text information so as to be displayed at a predetermined fixed position on the display screen of the display device; In addition to causing the computer to function as setting means for setting a display position in a game image of a situation information display body for displaying situation information representing a situation, the setting means, according to the acquired display format, The computer is provided with third means for changing and setting the size and / or aspect ratio of the situation information display body (for example, the situation information display setting unit 222 in FIG. 4 and steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 9). It is made to function.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for executing a given game, comprising image generation means for generating a game image and display control means for controlling the display of the generated game image on a display device. There,
An acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device; and current information including at least text information to be displayed at a predetermined fixed position on the display screen of the display device. Setting means for setting the display position in the game image of the situation information display body for displaying the situation information representing the game situation, and the setting means according to the acquired display format, It has 3rd means (for example, the status information display setting part 222 of FIG. 4, step S16-S22 of FIG. 9) which changes and sets the magnitude | size and / or aspect ratio of a status information display body, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the fifth, sixth, or sixteenth invention, the size and aspect ratio of the status information display body can be changed according to the display format of the display device, and the enlarged or reduced display can be performed.

  Furthermore, in a seventh invention, the program according to the fifth or sixth invention, wherein the third means uses the portion of the situation information display body that is close to the periphery of the game image as a reference. Change the size and / or aspect ratio of

  An eighth invention is the program according to any one of the first to third and sixth inventions, wherein the image generation means has a display definition greater than or equal to the display device included in the acquired display format. First generation means (for example, the image generation unit 24 in FIGS. 21 and 23) for generating a definition image, and second for generating a game image by reducing the image generated by the first generation means. The computer is caused to function so as to have generation means (for example, the FSAA processing unit 245 in FIGS. 21 and 23 and the trimming processing unit 246 in FIG. 23).

  According to the eighth invention, the same effect as any one of the first to third and sixth inventions can be obtained, and an image can be once generated with a display definition higher than that of the display device, and the image can be reduced. A game image can be generated.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, an image generation means (for example, the image generation unit 24 in FIG. 23) for generating a game image is displayed on a computer, and a display control means (for example, FIG. A program for executing a given game by functioning as an image generation unit 24)
The computer functions as acquisition means (for example, the display information acquisition unit 223 in FIG. 23) for acquiring the display format of the display device including at least the display definition of the display device, and the image generation means is acquired. An image in which a situation information display body for displaying situation information representing the current game situation including at least text information is displayed at a predetermined position with a definition higher than the display definition of the display device included in the display format ( For example, according to the first generation means (for example, the image generation unit 24 of FIG. 23, step S414 of FIG. 25) for generating the primary game image of FIG. 22 and the acquired display format, Second generation means for generating a game image by reducing the image generated by the display means (for example, the FSAA processing unit 245 of FIG. Timing processor 246, causes the computer to function so as to have a step S416～S418) and FIG.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a game apparatus for executing a given game, comprising image generation means for generating a game image and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device. There,
An acquisition unit configured to acquire a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device, wherein the image generation unit has a definition greater than or equal to the display definition of the display device included in the acquired display format; The first generation means for generating an image in which a situation information display body for displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information is displayed at a predetermined position, and according to the acquired display format And second generation means for generating a game image by reducing the image generated by the first generation means.

  According to the ninth or seventeenth aspect, it is possible to generate a game image by once generating an image with a display definition higher than that of the display device and reducing the image at a reduction ratio based on the display format of the display device. . Therefore, even if the outer peripheral portion that cannot be displayed differs depending on the display format, the situation information can be controlled to be displayed appropriately.

  Furthermore, in the tenth invention, the first generating means in the program of the eighth or ninth invention is configured to generate an image having a definition higher than a maximum display definition that can be taken by the display device set in advance. The display is made more suitable by making the computer function.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is any one of the first to tenth programs, wherein the acquisition unit is an operation input unit for operating and inputting a display format of the display device (for example, the game controller of FIG. 1). 1202, the operation input unit 10 of FIG. 4 and the display format input control unit 221) are caused to function.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the same effect as any one of the first to tenth aspects can be achieved, and the player can input the display format of the display device. Therefore, when the display device supports a plurality of display formats, the player can enjoy the game in a favorite display format. Further, even when the display device does not have a function corresponding to automatic display format acquisition, status information display according to the conditions of the display device can be realized by inputting an appropriate display format.

  A thirteenth aspect of the invention is an information storage medium readable by the computer that stores the program according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

  Information storage media include various IC memories, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, memory cards, memory cassettes, and hard disks. By causing the computer to read out a program from such an information storage medium and to perform arithmetic processing, the same effect as any one of the first to twelfth inventions can be realized.

  According to the present invention, a display format of a display device that displays a game image can be acquired by player input or automatic acquisition, and display of a status information display can be controlled in accordance with the acquired display format. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the situation information regardless of variations in display devices and adjustment conditions.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a case where a fighting game is executed in a home game system will be described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to a fighting game. For example, soccer, volleyball, basketball, racing, horse racing It can be similarly applied to other types of games such as golf, puzzle, and RPG (role playing game).

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a home game system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the home game system 1200 includes a game controller 1202, a main body device 1210 that is a home game device, and a display 1220 that includes a speaker 1222. The main device 1210 and the display 1220 have a D terminal. The video cable K1 and the audio cable K2 are connected.

  The D terminal is a terminal standard for transmitting a digital video signal to a display device, and is a 525i signal corresponding to the standard of a standard television (hereinafter referred to as an SDTV (Standard Definition TV) as appropriate) or high definition. It can transmit 720P and 1080i signals corresponding to the standard of television (hereinafter referred to as HDTV (High Definition TV) as appropriate). In other words, the main body device 1210 can transmit information such as the number of scanning lines and the aspect ratio to the display 1220 together with the luminance signal and the color difference signal through the video cable K1.

  The main unit 1210 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, an IC memory, and an information storage medium reading unit such as a CD-ROM 1212. Then, various game processes are executed based on the game information read from the CD-ROM 1212 and the operation signal from the game controller 1202 to output image signals and sound signals, and a game screen is displayed on the display 1220. Game sound is output from the speaker 1222.

  The game information, which is information such as programs and data necessary for causing the main device 1210 to execute the game, is, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, an IC memory 1214, a memory card 1216, or the like, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main device 1210. Stored in Alternatively, the game information is acquired from the external device by connecting to the communication line 1230 via the communication device 1218 provided in the main body device 1210.

  The communication line 1230 means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line 1230 is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, The communication method is meaning regardless of wired / wireless.

  The player carries the main body device 1210 and the game controller 1202 to a desired place where the display 1220 is located, and connects the video cable K1 and the audio cable K2 to the display 1220 to set up the home game system 1200. Then, by attaching a CD-ROM 1212 or the like to the main body device 1210 and executing a predetermined program, the player can view the game screen displayed on the display 1220 while viewing the direction keys 1204 and buttons provided on the game controller 1202. The game can be enjoyed by operating the switch 1206 or the like.

[Description of principle]
Next, the display principle of the status information in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display principle of status information in the present embodiment. Usually, a so-called television receiver is used as the display 1220. Television receivers that are widespread in ordinary households employ a method called “overscan” in which a screen is partially cut off from the top, bottom, left, and right of the screen. Therefore, the game image output from the main body device 1210 may not display the outer peripheral portion. A range B in FIG. 2 corresponds to the outer peripheral portion that is not displayed.

  Which part of the screen is not displayed to what extent depends on individual adjustments and manufacturing variations of the display 1220 and the standard of the television receiver. For example, when comparing SDTV and HDTV, the latter has smaller adjustment and manufacturing variation than the former, and the latter tends to have smaller variation in the outer peripheral portion that may not be displayed corresponding to the range B than the former.

  In the present embodiment, the identification of SDTV / HDTV indicating the display definition and the aspect ratio thereof are input to the player before starting the game as information on the display format of the display 1220. Then, based on the input display definition and aspect ratio, a virtual area Fs is set for the entire image size Ff of the game image, and a situation information display body (for example, a sprite image, a polygon, etc.) is displayed. Control is performed so that an object by a model or the like is displayed in the region Fs.

  The region Fs is similar to the image total size Ff, with the same position as the screen center of the image total size Ff being the center of the screen. The similarity ratio between the total image size Ff and the region Fs is set to about 1: 0.8 to 0.9, and an appropriate value is set according to the display format of the display 1220. For example, when the display 1220 corresponds to SDTV, the variation is relatively large, so the similarity ratio is 1: 0.8, and when the display 1220 corresponds to HDTV, the variation is considered to be smaller. Therefore, the similarity ratio is set to 1: 0.9.

  As the status information display body, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed. The status gauge 4 includes, for example, a remaining time display 4a that displays the remaining time of the battle as text, and physical strength gauges 4b and 4c that indicate the remaining physical strength parameters of the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 that are to be battled by the length of the bar. including. Character names 6 and 8 respectively display the names of player characters and enemy characters as text.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of game screen generation in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the object of the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 and the virtual camera C are arranged in the virtual space. Then, the virtual space image P1 is rendered and generated as an image of the virtual space viewed (captured) from the virtual camera C. Since the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 move in the virtual space by player operation input or automatic computer control, the virtual space image P1 has a moving image property.

  Next, the display position and display magnification of each virtual space image P1 in the image coordinate system are appropriately set so that the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are within the area Fs of the virtual space image P1.

  The status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed at fixed positions on the game screen throughout the game play. More specifically, for example, the display position and the display magnification of the status gauge 4 are set so that the upper end and the left and right ends are inscribed or close to the region Fs. When the character names 6 and 8 are displayed on the lower right side, the lower end and the right end are set to be inscribed or close to the area Fs, and when displayed on the lower left side, the lower end and the left end are the areas. It is set so as to be inscribed or close to Fs. That is, display control is performed so that a portion of the situation information display body that is close to the periphery of the game image is close to the outer edge of the region Fs.

  When the display position and the display magnification are set, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are sprite-displayed and synthesized on the virtual space image P1 to form a game screen.

  In this way, by controlling the status information display body to be displayed within the range of the region Fs corresponding to the display format of the display 1220, the status information can be displayed regardless of the condition of the display 1220 used by the player. It can be displayed reliably and shown to the player.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a home game system 1200 includes an operation input unit 10 for inputting an operation from a player, a processing unit 20 responsible for arithmetic processing related to device and game control, and an image for displaying and outputting a game screen. The display unit 30 includes a sound output unit 40 that outputs a game sound, a communication unit 50, and a storage unit 70 that stores programs and data.

  The operation input unit 10 is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a dial, a mouse, a keyboard, and various sensors, and outputs an operation input signal of an operation by a player to the processing unit 20. In the present embodiment, the game controller 1202 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 20 performs various arithmetic processes such as control of the entire home game system 1200 and game calculations. The function is realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) and a related control program. In FIG. 1, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU provided in the main body device 1210 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 20 includes a game calculation unit 22 that mainly performs calculation processing related to a game, and an image generation unit that generates an image signal for displaying a game screen from various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 22. 24 and a sound generation unit 26 that generates a sound signal for outputting game sounds such as sound effects and BGM.

  The game calculation unit 22 executes various game processes based on operation input signals from the operation input unit 10 and programs and data read from the storage unit 70. As the game process, for example, a process of placing an object such as a game stage or a player character M1 in the virtual space, a process of controlling movement of an object such as the player character M1 based on an operation input input from the operation input unit 10, Automatic motion control processing of the enemy character M2 based on a predetermined thinking routine, object intersection determination processing (hit check), attack result calculation processing, game result (score) calculation processing, virtual camera C (viewpoint) placement, A control process for the viewing direction and the angle of view is executed.

  In particular, the present embodiment includes a display format input control unit 221 that executes processing related to the input of the display format of the display 1220 and a status information display setting unit 222 that executes setting of display of the status information display body.

  Specifically, the display format input control unit 221 displays a predetermined input screen before starting the game, and allows the player to input the display format of the display 1220 connected to the main body device 1210. Then, the input information is stored in the storage unit 70 as display information 731. In this embodiment, SDTV or HDTV is selected as the display definition of the display format, and after selection of SDTV / HDTV, “4: 3” or “16: 9” is further selected as the aspect ratio.

  The status information display setting unit 222 refers to the information regarding the range of the region Fs from the region setting TBL 733 based on the display format of the display 1220 input by the player, and the status gauge 4 and the character name are within the range of the referenced region Fs. Display setting information 732 is set so that 6 and 8 are displayed.

For example, the position gauge 4 is displayed in the position coordinate / vertical and horizontal directions in the image coordinate system of the virtual space image P1 so that the upper end and both ends of the status gauge 4 are inscribed or close to the upper outer edge and the left and right outer edges of the region Fs, respectively. Set the magnification.
Specifically, for example, the upper part of the remaining time display 4a is close to the upper and outer edges of the region Fs, and the predetermined reference point set on the left and right center lines of the remaining time display 4a is the left and right centers of the virtual space image P1. Set to be on the line. The physical strength gauges 4b and 4c set the relative position coordinates so that one end closer to the center is in contact with the remaining time display 4a and the length in the horizontal direction (display) so that the other end is close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs. Set the magnification. Alternatively, the lengths (display magnifications) of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c are set so that the ratio of the width of the status gauge 4 to the width of the entire image size Ff matches the similarity ratio of the region Fs to the entire image size Ff.

  For the character names 6 and 8, the position coordinates are determined so that the lower end and the right end are close to the outer edge of the region Fs when displayed on the lower right side, and the lower end and the left end are displayed when displayed on the lower left side. And position coordinates are set so as to be close to the outer edge of the region Fs.

  Settings such as a display position and a display magnification by the situation information display setting unit 222 are valid throughout the game. That is, during the game execution, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed at fixed positions on the game screen.

  The image generation unit 24 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU or a DSP, a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory used as a frame buffer, or the like. The image generation unit 24 executes a geometric conversion process, a shading process, and various image composition processes based on the calculation result of the game calculation unit 22 to generate a game image. Then, the generated image signal of the game image is output to the image display unit 30 to display the game screen on the image display unit 30.

  In the present embodiment, the image generation unit 24 generates a virtual space image P1 when the virtual space is viewed from the virtual camera C, and the status gauge 4 and the character name 6, for the virtual space image P1. And a situation information composition unit 242 for sprite-displaying and composing eight images.

  Specifically, the virtual space image generation unit 241 generates a virtual space image P1 obtained by viewing the virtual space where the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 are viewed from the virtual camera C, and writes the image data in the frame buffer. Next, the status information synthesis unit 242 overwrites and synthesizes the sprite images of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 according to the display setting information 732. The image synthesized by the situation information synthesis unit 242 is output to the image display unit 30 as an image signal of the final game image.

  The sound generator 26 is realized by an arithmetic device such as a CPU or DSP and its control program, for example, generates sound such as sound effects and BGM used during the game, and outputs a sound signal to the sound output unit 40.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 24, the image display unit 30 displays a game image while redrawing a screen of one frame every 1/60 seconds, for example. The image display unit 30 can be realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD. In the example of FIG. 1, the display 1220 corresponds to this.

  The sound output unit 40 is a device for outputting sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 26, and the speaker 1222 corresponds to this in the example of FIG.

  The communication unit 50 is connected to a communication line and performs data communication with an external device. For example, it is realized by a module such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IrDA, a modem, a TA, a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like. The communication device 1218 in FIG. 1 corresponds to this. Note that information such as a protocol provided by the communication unit 50 during communication is stored in, for example, the storage unit 70 and is read and used as appropriate.

  The storage unit 70 stores a system program (not shown) that realizes various functions for controlling the home game system 1200 in an integrated manner in the processing unit 20, and a program and data necessary for executing the game. Information 72 and the like are stored. The storage unit 70 can be realized by an information storage medium such as various IC memories, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD. In the example of FIG. 1, this corresponds to the CD-ROM 1212, the IC memory 1214, and the memory card 1216.

  The game information 72 includes a program and data for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the game calculation unit 22. In particular, the programs include a display format input control program 721 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the display format input control unit 221 and a status information display setting program 722 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the status information display setting unit 222.

  As data, object data for displaying the game stage, the player character M1, and the enemy character M2, motion data for operating the player character M1 and the enemy character M2, a character name, and the like are prepared in advance. In addition, information such as the remaining time, the number of stages, and the remaining number of physical strength gauges displayed on the status gauge 4 is temporarily stored. In particular, the present embodiment includes status information display body information 730, display information 731, display setting information 732, and an area setting table 733.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the status information display body information 730 in the present embodiment. The status information display body information 730 is information serving as a reference for displaying the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 in sprites, and each unit is set so as to be in an appropriate display state in an SDTV having an aspect ratio of 4: 3. Are stored in correspondence with each other.

  For example, for the status gauge 4, the image data 730b of the remaining time display 4a and the initial display position coordinates 730a of the reference point R4a in the image coordinate system are stored in association with the virtual space image P1. Further, image data 730d and 730f of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c and relative position coordinates 730c and 730e having the reference point R4a as a local origin are stored in association with each other. That is, the display of the status gauge 4 is controlled so as to have an integrated graphic design as a whole based on the reference point R4a. For the character name 6, image data 730h for displaying the character name as text and the initial display position coordinates 730g in the image coordinate system of the virtual space image P1 are stored in association with each other. That is, when the display 1220 is an SDTV having an aspect ratio of 4: 3, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed at appropriate positions in the area Fs when displayed according to the status information display information 730. Become.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display information 731 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, identification information of SDTV or HDTV is stored as the display definition 731a of the display 1220, and identification information of “4: 3” or “16: 9” is stored as the aspect ratio 731b. Store.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display setting information 732 in the present embodiment. The display setting information 732 stores information (732b and 732e) related to display position coordinates and display vertical and horizontal display magnifications (732c and 732f) for each status information display body (732a and 732d) in association with each other. ing.
For example, for the remaining time display 4a, display position coordinates 732b in the image coordinate system of the virtual space image P1 are stored. For the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c, relative position coordinates 732e with respect to the reference point R4a and display magnification 732f are stored in association with each other. In the case of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c in the drawing, the length of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c in the left-right direction (lateral direction) is enlarged to 120% and displayed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area setting TBL (table) 733 in the present embodiment. The region setting TBL 733 stores the display definition 733a, the aspect ratio 733b, the total image size 733c of the game image, and the region size 733d of the region Fs in association with each other.

The above-described status information display setting unit 222 refers to the region size 733d corresponding to the display format input by the display format input control unit 221, and places the status gauge 4 and the character inside the region size 733d obtained by reference. Display setting information 732 is set so that names 6 and 8 are displayed.
For example, when the HDTV aspect ratio is 16: 9, the total image size 733c is (1280 × 720) pixels, the X-axis coordinate values 0 to 1279 of the image coordinate system of the game image and the virtual space image P1, and the Y-axis coordinate value Rendered with 0-719 pixels. The region size 733d is (1152 × 648) pixels. Since the virtual space image P1 and the region Fs have the same image center, the four corners of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are included in the range of the X-axis coordinate values 64 to 1215 of the image coordinate system, and the Y-axis coordinate. Display setting information 732 is set so as to be included in the range of values 36 to 684.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of detailed processing will be described by taking as an example a case where the display format of the display 1220 is HDTV and the aspect ratio is 16: 9.

  9 to 10 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in the present embodiment. The processing described with reference to the figure is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the display format input control program 721 and the status information display setting program 722.

  In FIG. 9, first, the display format input control unit 221 displays a predetermined input screen (see FIG. 11 described later) on the image display unit 30, and causes the player to input the display format of the display 1220 to be used (step S2). .

  If the display format of the display 1220 is input by the player, the status information display setting unit 222 next refers to the region size 733d corresponding to the display format input from the region setting TBL 733 (step S4). For example, when an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is input in HDTV, the area size of the area Fs corresponds to a similarity ratio of 0.9 to the entire image size Ff with respect to the entire image size Ff (1280 × 720) pixels ( 1152 × 648) pixels.

  If the area size 733d is referred to, the situation information display setting unit 222 performs display setting of the situation information display body. First, the status information display body information 730 is referred to for the remaining amount display 4a (step S6), and when the remaining amount display 4a is displayed with the initial display position coordinates 730a, the four corners are included in the previously referred area Fs. It is determined whether or not (step S8). More specifically, the position coordinates of the four corners of the remaining amount display 4a when the reference point R4a is the initial display position coordinate 730a are converted into the image coordinate system, and it is determined whether or not they are included in the range of the region size 733d. To do.

  When the four corners are not included in the region Fs (step S8; NO), the display setting information 732 is set so that the reference point R4a is in contact with the upper and outer edges of the region Fs and on the left and right center lines of the region Fs ( Step S12).

  When the four corners are included in the region Fs (step S8; YES), it is further determined whether or not the predetermined point is satisfied from the reference point R4a to the upper and outer edges of the region Fs. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is not exceeded (step S10).

  If the distance is not greater than the predetermined condition (step S10; NO), the status information display setting unit 222 stores the initial display position coordinates 730a in the display setting information 732. If the distance is longer than the predetermined condition (step S10; YES), it is determined that the remaining time display 4a is too close to the center of the screen, and the setting is changed so as to be an appropriate display position. That is, the display setting information 732 is set so that the reference point R4a is in contact with the upper and outer edges of the previously set area Fs and on the left and right center lines of the area Fs (step S12). That is, the display position is set so that it is displayed near the outside of the area Fs, and the center of the screen is opened to make it easy to see the play, the character M1, etc.

  Next, referring to the status information display body information 730 for the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c (step S16), the left and right ends of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c (ends on the side that does not contact the remaining time display 4a) are regions. It is determined whether or not it is close to the left and right outer edges of Fs within a predetermined distance (step S18). The predetermined distance here is appropriately set to such an extent that the left and right ends of the status gauge 4 are separated from the left and right outer edges of the region Fs and are not relatively difficult to see.

When the left and right outer ends are close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs (step S18; YES), the vertical and horizontal display magnifications are stored as (100%, 100%) in the display setting information 732 (step S20). ).
When the left and right outer ends are not close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs (step S18; NO), the situation information display setting unit 222 sets the left and right outer ends of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs. The horizontal display magnification is calculated so as to be substantially in contact with each other, and is stored in the display setting information 732 (step S22).

  Next, in FIG. 10, the status information display body information 730 is referred to for each of the character names 6 and 8 (step S24). Whether at least one of the distance from the left and right ends of the character names 6 and 8 to the left and right outer edges of the nearest area Fs and the distance from the lower end to the lower outer edge of the area Fs is a predetermined distance or more. It is determined whether or not (step S26). The predetermined distance mentioned here may be set as appropriate so that the character names 6 and 8 are displayed in the center of the screen and the character displayed in the center of the screen is not difficult to see.

If at least one of the distances is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (step S26; YES), the left and right ends of the character names 6 and 8 are in contact with the left and right outer edges of the nearest area Fs, and the lower ends of the character names 6 and 8 are below the area Fs. The display position is changed so as to be in contact with the outer edge and stored in the display setting information 732 (step S28).
If both distances are less than the predetermined distance (step S26; NO), the initial display position coordinates 730g are stored in the display setting information 732 (step S30).

  If the display of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 is set, the game calculation unit 22 executes the fighting game in the same manner as before. That is, movement control of the character object is performed by player operation input and automatic computer control (step S32), and game processing such as hit determination is executed (step S34). By this game process, for example, the remaining time is updated and the remaining physical strength of the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 is updated.

  Next, the virtual space image generation unit 241 generates an image of the virtual space image P1 viewed from the given virtual camera C and stores it in the frame buffer (step S36). At this time, the result of game processing such as hit determination is reflected, and if the determination and the arrangement relationship do not match, such as contact in the determination but not in the actual object arrangement, the object arrangement is changed. The virtual space image P <b> 1 may be generated after executing a process of correcting so as to come into contact with the determination result.

  Next, the status information composition unit 242 sprite-displays the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 on the virtual space image P1 according to the display setting information 732, and generates a game image (step S38). At this time, the remaining time, the remaining amount of physical strength, and the like updated by the game determination process are reflected in the remaining time display 4a and the display of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c. Then, the image display unit 30 displays the generated game image (step S40).

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 performs a game end determination, and if the predetermined end condition is not satisfied (step S42; NO), the display setting information 732 is returned to step S32 and the game is continued. If the end condition is satisfied (step S42; YES), the fighting game is ended.

  FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display format input screen in the present embodiment, and corresponds to the screen in step S2. The display format input control unit 221 displays on the image display unit 30 a selection between SDTV and HDTV as the display definition of the display 1220 and 4: 3 and 16: 9 as the aspect ratio. The player operates the game controller 1202 to select and input a display format on the display 1220.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in SDTV and HDTV. FIG. 6A corresponds to a game screen with an SDTV aspect ratio of 4: 3. In the present embodiment, the status information display body information 730 is set so as to be displayed at an appropriate position and size under the same conditions, so that the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 remain in the region Fs with the same settings. Is displayed. Therefore, even if the SDTV in any adjustment state is used as the display 1220, information necessary for the progress of the game can be surely provided to the player.

  FIG. 6B corresponds to the game screen in the present embodiment in the HDTV / aspect ratio 16: 9. In the status information display body information 730, the position and size of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are initially set so as to be suitable for the SDTV / aspect ratio 4: 3. The display position of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 and the display magnification in the vertical and horizontal directions are varied so as to be suitable for Fs.

  As a result, the remaining time display 4a and the character names 6 and 8 can be displayed at positions close to the outside of the area Fs, and the state in the virtual space other than the remaining time display 4a and the character names 6 and 8 can be displayed at the center of the screen. Can be displayed large. In addition, the end of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c opposite to the remaining time display 4a is enlarged in the horizontal direction so as to touch the left and right outer edges of the region Fs, and the game screen is displayed with the same screen layout as that of the SDTV in HDTV. can do. For this reason, the player can enjoy the game with the same feeling without feeling uncomfortable whether it is SDTV or HDTV.

[Hardware configuration]
Next, a hardware configuration capable of realizing the home game system 1200 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the present embodiment. The home game system 1200 includes a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014. Data input / output is connected.

  The CPU 1000 corresponds to the processing unit 20 in FIG. 4 and controls the entire apparatus according to a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, an operation input signal input by the control device 1022, and the like. And various data processing.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 70 in FIG. The ROM 1002 corresponds to an IC memory mounted on the main device 1210 of FIG. 1 and stores programs and data related to control of the main device 1210 such as system programs.

  The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.

  The information storage medium 1006 corresponds to the CD-ROM 1212, the IC memory 1214, and the memory card 1216 in FIG. 1, and stores the game information 72 in FIG. The information storage medium 1006 stores information that is realized by an IC memory card, a removable hard disk unit, an MO, and the like and is stored in the ROM 1002, and is read and used as appropriate.

  The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on information stored in the ROM 1002 and the information storage medium 1006, and the generated sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 40 in FIG. 4 and the speaker 1222 in FIG.

  The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information for outputting an image to the display device 1018. The image generation unit 24 in FIG. 4 corresponds to this. The display device 1018 corresponds to the image display unit 30 in FIG. 4 and the display 1220 in FIG.

  A control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

  The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 10 in FIG. 4 and the game controller 1202 in FIG. 1, and is a device for the player to input various game operations.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices and transmits / receives given information according to the game program, via a communication line. Used to send and receive information such as game programs. This corresponds to the communication unit 50 in FIG. 4 and the communication device 1218 in FIG.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be executed in software by the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the home game system 1200 shown in FIG. 1 but also to various systems such as a portable game device and a system using a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer.

  The present invention is not limited to a game executed by a stand-alone device, and may be applied to a game called a network game. As a system configuration for realizing a network game, for example, (1) a personal computer or a home game system installed in a home is used as a game terminal, and a server is connected through a wired / wireless communication line such as the Internet network or a dedicated network. Configuration for connection, (2) Configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are connected by a communication line without using a server, (3) A plurality of game terminals are connected by a communication line, one of which is a server There are a configuration having a function, and (4) a configuration in which a plurality of game terminals are physically coupled to form a single system (for example, an arcade game system) as a whole.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, but differs in the method of automatically generating information relating to the display format of the display 1220 and the game image generation method. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a home game device according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the home game system 1200 includes a game controller 1202, a main body device 1210, and a display 1220 including a speaker 1222. The main body device 1210 and the display 1220 are connected by a communication cable K3.

  The communication cable K3 has a plurality of signal lines, and can transmit an image signal such as a video signal and a synchronization signal, an audio signal, and a data communication signal.

  The display 1220 includes a control unit 1224 in which a CPU 1225, an IC memory 1226, and the like are mounted, and supports a display information acquisition standard such as DDC (Display Data Channel). Information regarding the display format of the display 1220 is stored in the IC memory 1226 (for example, information on the manufacturer, model, SDTV / HDTV identification, aspect ratio, interlace / progressive identification, the number of scanning lines, etc.). Is stored, and the control unit 1224 can transmit information regarding the display format to the main device 1210 via the communication cable K3.

[Description of principle]
FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of game image generation in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are also arranged in the virtual space as objects. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display control of the situation information is performed so that the objects of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed in the area Fs of the virtual space image P3 and the arrangement position and the vertical and horizontal directions in the virtual space. Set the display magnification (meaning the enlargement / reduction ratio of the object at the time of placement).

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the processing unit 20 in this embodiment controls the display information acquisition unit 223 that performs control to automatically acquire the display format from the display 1220, and the arrangement of the objects of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8. A status information display body control unit 224.

  The display information acquisition unit 223 establishes data communication with the display information output unit 32 of the image display unit 30 before the game starts, and automatically acquires display format information and stores it in the display information 731. Specifically, it can be realized by a display information acquisition standard such as DDC (Display Data Channel).

  The status information display body control unit 224 sets the region Fs in the virtual space image P3 based on the display format information acquired by the display information acquisition unit 223. When viewed from the virtual camera C, the arrangement position coordinates and the display magnifications in the vertical and horizontal directions are set so that the objects of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are photographed and displayed in the area Fs.

  Further, in the storage unit 70, as a program, a display information acquisition program 723 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the display information acquisition unit 223, and a situation information display body control program for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the situation information display body control unit 224. 724.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the status information display body information 730 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the status information display body information 730 stores the initial arrangement coordinates of the world coordinate system in the virtual space in the initial display position coordinates 730a and 730g, and the three-dimensional relative position coordinates in the relative position coordinates 730c and 730e. Stores a value. Further, instead of image data, status gauge 4 and object data 730i to 730l (for example, plate polygon object data) of character names 6 and 8 are stored.

  Four corner points R surrounding the object with a rectangle are set in the object data. The situation information display body control unit 224 described above displays the status gauge 4 and the character so that the position coordinates after conversion are included in the area Fs when the four corner points R are converted into the image coordinate system of the virtual space image P3. A three-dimensional display position in the virtual space is set for the objects of names 6 and 8 and stored in the display setting information 732.

[Description of process flow]
18 to 19 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing in this embodiment. The processing described in the figure is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the display information acquisition program 723 and the status information display body control program 724.

  In FIG. 18, the display information acquisition unit 223 establishes data communication with the display information output unit 32, automatically acquires display format information from the display 1220, and stores it in the display information 731 (step S202).

  Next, the status information display body control unit 224 refers to the region size 733d of the region Fs corresponding to the display format acquired by referring to the region setting TBL 733 (step S204).

If the area size 733d is referred to, the situation information display body control unit 224 sets the display of the situation information display body.
First, the status information display body information 730 is referred to (step S206), and the coordinates of the four corner points R of the remaining time display 4a are converted into an image coordinate system (step S208). Then, it is determined whether or not the converted four corner points R are all included in the range of the region Fs (step S210).

  When not included in the range of the region Fs (step S210; NO), the status information display body control unit 224 causes the reference point R4a to be in contact with the upper and outer edges of the region Fs and to be positioned on the left and right center lines of the region Fs. Display setting information 732 for the remaining time display 4a is set (step S214).

  When all the four corner points R are included in the region Fs (step S210; YES), it is further determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied from the reference point R4a to the upper outer edge of the region Fs. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a predetermined distance or more is left (step S212).

  When the distance is not greater than the predetermined distance (step S212; NO), the status information display body control unit 224 stores the initial display position coordinates 730a in the display setting information 732 (step S216). If the distance is greater than the predetermined condition (step S212; YES), the setting is changed so that the display position is appropriate. That is, the display setting information 732 is set so that the reference point R4a is in contact with the upper end of the previously set area Fs and is on the left and right center lines of the area Fs (step S214).

  Next, the status information display body information 730 is referred to for the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c (step S218), and the coordinates of the four corner points R of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c are converted into an image coordinate system (step S220). Then, it is determined whether the left and right outer corners R of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c are close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs within a predetermined distance (step S222). The predetermined distance referred to here is appropriately set to such an extent that the left and right ends of the status gauge 4 are too far from the left and right outer edges of the region Fs and become relatively difficult to see.

When the left and right outer corners R are close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs (step S222; YES), both the vertical and horizontal display magnifications are stored as 100% in the display setting information 732 (step S226).
When the left and right outer corners R are not close to the left and right outer edges of the region Fs (step S222; NO), the situation information display setting unit 222 determines that the left and right outer corners R of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c are the left and right of the region Fs. The horizontal display magnification 732d is calculated so as to reach the outer edge, and is stored in the display setting information 732 (step S224).

  Next, in FIG. 19, the situation information display body information 730 is referred to for each of the character names 6 and 8 (step S227), and the coordinates of the four corner points R of the character names 6 and 8 are converted into the image coordinate system (step S228).

  And, at least one of the distance from the left and right outer corners R of the character names 6 and 8 to the left and right outer edges of the nearest region Fs and the distance from the lower corners R to the lower outer edge of the region Fs is at least one of them. Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S230). The predetermined distance mentioned here may be set as appropriate so that the character names 6 and 8 do not gather too much in the center of the screen.

  If at least one of the distances is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance (step S230; YES), the left and right outer corners R of the character names 6 and 8 are in contact with the left and right outer edges of the nearest region Fs, and the lower ends of the character names 6 and 8 The display position is changed so that the four corner points R are in contact with the lower outer edge of the region Fs, and the display setting information 732 is updated (step S232). Specifically, the world coordinate XY axis coordinate values of the character names 6 and 8 are changed. Alternatively, the Z-axis coordinate value may be changed to move away from or approach the virtual camera C.

  If both distances are less than the predetermined distance (step S230; NO), the initial display position coordinates 730d are stored in the display setting information 732 (step S234).

  If the display of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 is set, the game calculation unit 22 arranges the objects of the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 in the virtual space according to the display setting information 732 (step S236).

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 executes a fighting game in the same manner as in the past. That is, the movement of the character object is controlled by player operation input and automatic computer control (step S238). Then, game processing such as hit determination is executed, the remaining time is updated, the remaining physical strength of the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 is calculated (step S240), the object of the status gauge 4 is controlled, and the physical strength gauge 4b -The length of the bar graph of 4c is varied (step S242).

  Next, the image generation unit 24 generates an image of the virtual space image P3 viewed from the given virtual camera C and stores it in the frame buffer (step S244). Then, the image display unit 30 displays the generated game image (step S246).

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 performs a game end determination, and if the predetermined end condition is not satisfied (step S248; NO), the display setting information 732 is returned to step S238 and the game is continued. If the end condition is satisfied (step S248; YES), the fighting game is ended.

  Through the above processing, display format information is automatically acquired from the display 1220 before the game is started, and a game image in which status information appropriate to the conditions of the display 1220 is displayed can be generated.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The present embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the second embodiment, except that a method for automatically acquiring information related to the display format of the display 1220 and a virtual space image P3 are converted to full screen anti-aliasing (hereinafter “FSAA”). It differs in that it is generated by processing. In addition, about the component similar to 1st and 2nd embodiment, the same code | symbol shall be attached and the description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the home game system 1200 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the signal cable K4 connected to the video output terminal of the display 1220 is connected to the main unit 1210, and the video signal output from the video output terminal is input.

  The video signal is a display control signal that can display the same content as the image displayed on the display 1220 in the same manner on another external display, and includes, for example, a synchronization signal together with a luminance signal, a color signal, or a color difference signal. ing.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the consumer game system 1200 according to the present embodiment, the image display unit 30 includes a video signal output unit 34 that outputs a video signal to the outside, and the processing unit 20 is output from the video signal output unit 34. A signal input unit 12 for inputting the received video signal.

  The signal input unit 12 is based on a video terminal standard such as a composite video terminal, a component video terminal, and a D video terminal or a data communication terminal standard such as USB, and inputs a video signal from the image display unit 30 to the processing unit 20. Output.

  The processing unit 20 includes an input signal automatic identification unit 225. The input signal automatic identification unit 225 automatically identifies the type of the video signal input from the signal input unit 12 and determines the display format of the image display unit 30. The determined display format is stored in the display information 731. Specifically, for example, synchronization signals such as a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal included in the video signal are separated, and the frequency is counted to determine the type. Then, the type of one synchronization signal or the types of a plurality of synchronization signals is discriminated, and the display format such as discrimination of SDTV or HDTV, aspect ratio, interlace / non-interlace, etc. is discriminated from the combination.

  In the present embodiment, the processing unit 20 functions as the input signal automatic identification unit 225 by reading and executing the input signal automatic identification program 725 stored in the storage unit 70, but for automatically identifying the video signal. It may be realized by an IC chip or the like.

  The image generation unit 24 includes an FSAA processing unit 245 that performs full-screen anti-aliasing processing. The function of the FSAA processing unit 245 is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the FSAA processing program 745 stored in the storage unit 70, and the virtual space image P3 is displayed with a definition higher than the display definition of the display 1220. Once generated, the virtual space image P3 is reduced by FSAA processing to obtain a final game image. Note that when the display 1220 can display a plurality of display resolutions by switching, the virtual space image P3 is generated with an image having a definition higher than the maximum display definition that can be displayed on the display 1220.

  Since the flow of processing in this embodiment is the same as that in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the status game 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are arranged as objects in the virtual space. However, as shown in the first embodiment, it is needless to say that sprite display may be combined. is there.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. The home game system 1200 in the present embodiment can be basically realized by the same configuration as in the second embodiment, but generates a game image through a full-screen anti-aliasing (hereinafter abbreviated as “FSAA”) process. It differs in the point to do. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected about the component similar to 1st-3rd embodiment, and the description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

[Description of principle]
FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of game image generation in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, a primary game image is generated with a larger size of the final game image in either case of HDTV / aspect ratio 16: 9 or SDTV / aspect ratio 4: 3. Specifically, for example, rendering is performed with (1620 × 960) pixels as shown in FIG.

  The primary game image is an image of the virtual space viewed from the virtual camera C. In the primary game image, the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are displayed so as to be included in the area Fb as objects or sprites. Specifically, for example, (1088 × 816) pixels are set in the region Fb.

  Next, the reduction rate is calculated so that the status gauge 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are included in the area Fs corresponding to the display format of the display 1220, and the primary game image is reduced to obtain the secondary game image. . That is, the FSAA process is executed.

  Specifically, for example, when the display format is SDTV / aspect ratio 4: 3, the vertical size of the area Fs corresponding to the display format is 50% (= 408 pixels / 816) that matches the vertical size of the area Fb. Pixel × 100%) is used as a reduction ratio, and reduction processing is performed while applying a bilinear filter. That is, the similarity ratio between the total image size Ff and the region Fs is 1: 0.5. Similarly, when the display format is HDTV and the aspect ratio of 16: 9, the vertical size of the area Fs corresponding to the display format is 79% (≈648 pixels / divided), which matches the vertical size of the area Fb. 816 pixels × 100%) is the reduction ratio. Then, for example, the reduction process is performed while applying a bilinear filter. That is, the reduction ratio corresponds to the similarity ratio, and when the HDTV / aspect ratio is 16: 9, the similarity ratio between the primary game image and the area Fs corresponds to 1: 0.79.

Next, the secondary game image is trimmed to obtain a final game image so that the entire image size Ff corresponding to the display format is obtained.
Specifically, for example, when the display format is SDTV and the aspect ratio 4: 3, the total image size Ff in the display format is (640 × 480) pixels with respect to the secondary game image (820 × 480) pixels. As shown in FIG. 6B, the left and right outer sides of the image are trimmed with the image center as it is. When the display format is HDTV and the aspect ratio 16: 9, the total image size Ff in the display format is (1280 × 720) pixels with respect to the secondary game image (1280 × 758) pixels. As shown in (c), the upper and lower outer sides of the image are trimmed.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration according to the present embodiment. In the home game system 1200 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 20 includes a reduction setting unit 226 that sets a reduction ratio of the primary game image.

  The image generation unit 24 includes an FSAA processing unit 245 that performs full-screen antialiasing processing, and a trimming processing unit 246 that trims an image.

The storage unit 70 includes a reduction setting program 726 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the reduction setting unit 226, an FSAA processing program 745 for causing the processing unit 20 to function as the FSAA processing unit 245, and trimming for causing the trimming processing unit 246 to function. A processing program 746 is stored.
Further, as data, the reduction setting TBL 735 referred to by the reduction setting unit 226 is stored, and the reduction setting information 737 for storing the reduction ratio set by the reduction setting unit 226 is temporarily stored.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reduction setting TBL 735 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, a display definition 735a, an aspect ratio 735b, and a reduction ratio 735c in which the primary game image is 100% are stored in association with each other.

  The situation information display body information 730 in the present embodiment stores initial display position coordinates 730a and 730d and relative position coordinates 730c in advance so that the situation information display body is displayed in the area Fb of the primary game image. Yes.

[Description of process flow]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the present embodiment. The processing described with reference to the figure is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the display information acquisition program 723 and the reduction setting program 726.

  As shown in the figure, the display information acquisition unit 223 automatically acquires display format information from the display 1220 and stores it in the display information 731 (step S402). In this step, the display format input control unit 221 is provided in place of the display information acquisition unit 223, and the player may input the display format as in step S2 in the first embodiment. It is.

  If the display format of the display 1220 can be acquired, the reduction setting unit 226 refers to the reduction ratio corresponding to the display format stored in the display information 731 from the reduction setting TBL 735 (step S404). The referred reduction ratio is temporarily stored in the storage unit 70 as reduction setting information 737.

  If the reduction ratio is set, the game calculation unit 22 places the player character M1, enemy character M2, status gauge 4, and character names 6 and 8 in the virtual space (step S406).

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 controls the movement of the character object placed in the virtual space by the operation input of the player and the automatic control of the computer (step S408), and performs game processing such as hit determination based on the result of the movement control. Execute (Step S410). Here, the remaining time is updated and the remaining physical strength of the player character M1 and the enemy character M2 is calculated and updated.

  Next, the game calculation unit 22 controls the object of the status information display body arranged in the virtual space (step S412). For example, the process of changing the length of the bar graph of the physical strength gauges 4b and 4c by controlling the object of the status gauge 4 arranged in the virtual space is included.

  Next, the image generation unit 24 generates a primary game image viewed from a given virtual camera C (step S414). The data of the primary game image is written in, for example, a buffer area (hereinafter referred to as “back buffer area”) different from the frame buffer of the image generation unit 24.

  Next, the FSAA processing unit 245 reduces the primary game image at the reduction ratio stored in the reduction setting information 737, and writes the reduced image as a secondary game image in the back buffer area (step S416). In the reduction processing here, the same reduction ratio is applied in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

  Next, the trimming processing unit 246 performs a trimming process on the secondary game image corresponding to the display format stored in the display information 731 (step S418). Specifically, the entire image size 733c corresponding to the display format of the display 1220 is referred to from the region setting TBL 733, the image center is trimmed as it is to the size, and the trimmed image data is processed as a final game. Write to the frame buffer as an image.

  Then, the final game image written in the frame buffer is displayed by the image display unit 30 (step S420). Next, the game calculation unit 22 performs a game end determination. If the predetermined end condition is not satisfied (step S422; NO), the game returns to step S406 and continues the game. If the end condition is satisfied (step S422; YES), the fighting game is ended.

  As described above, in the process of the FSAA process, by setting the ratio of the reduction process so that the status information display body is displayed in the region Fs suitable for the display format of the display 1220, regardless of the condition of the display 1220. It is possible to display the situation information reliably.

  In this embodiment, the status game 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are arranged as objects in the virtual space. However, as shown in the first embodiment, sprites may be displayed and combined. In that case, the status game 4 and the character names 6 and 8 are sprite-combined at predetermined positions with the image viewed from the virtual camera C in step S414 to obtain a primary game image.

[Description of Modification]
The first to fourth embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to these.

  For example, the content of the game is not limited to a fighting game but can be applied to a baseball game, a race game, or the like as shown in FIG. In the baseball game, the score, strike / ball / out count display 3a, runner display 3b, player name 3c, and the like correspond to the status information display body. In the race game, the course layout display 5a, the lap time 5b, the rank 5c, the speedometer 5d, and the like correspond to the situation information display body. In addition, in the RPG game, the character information display, the item description, the gauge indicating the character status, the menu display, and the like correspond to the status information display body.

  In addition, as long as the same actions and effects are achieved without departing from the spirit of the invention, additions, changes, and deletions of components and the like may be appropriately made.

  For example, the SDTV / HDTV identification indicating the display definition and the aspect ratio are acquired or automatically acquired by input by the player as a display format. In addition, interlace / progressive (non-interlace) distinction, the number of scanning lines In addition, identification of overscan / underscan may be included as appropriate. For example, when the display 1220 is underscanned, the processing for displaying the status information display in the area Fs may be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the display position and display ratio of the status information display body are changed. However, the display position, size, and display form of the same status information display body differ depending on the display format. A configuration may be adopted in which the storage unit 70 stores the information in advance and selects and uses it in accordance with the display format of the display 1220.

The figure which shows an example of the home game device in 1st Embodiment. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the display principle of the status information in 1st Embodiment. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the production | generation principle of the game screen in 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the status information display body information in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display information in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the display setting information in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of area | region setting TBL in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 1st Embodiment. The screen figure which shows an example of a display format input screen. The figure which shows an example of the game screen in SDTV and HDTV. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions which implement | achieve the household game device in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the home game device in 2nd Embodiment. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principle of the game image generation in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the status information display body information in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of a structure of the home game device in 3rd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 4th Embodiment. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the principle of the game image generation in 4th Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the function structure in 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the reduction setting TBL in 4th Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process in 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the game screen at the time of applying this invention to a baseball game, a race game, etc.

Explanation of symbols

4 Status gauge 6, 8 Character name 10 Operation input unit 12 Signal input unit 20 Processing unit 22 Game calculation unit 221 Display format input control unit 222 Situation information display setting unit 223 Display information acquisition unit 224 Situation information display body control unit 225 Input signal Automatic identification unit 226 Reduction setting unit 24 Image generation unit 241 Virtual space image generation unit 242 Status information synthesis unit 245 FSAA processing unit 246 Trimming processing unit 30 Image display unit 32 Display information output unit 34 Video signal output unit 70 Storage unit 72 Game information 721 Display format input control program 722 Status information display setting program 723 Display information acquisition program 724 Status information display body control program 725 Input signal automatic identification program 726 Reduction setting program 730 Status information display body Distribution 731 displays information 732 display setting information 733 area setting TBL (table)
735 Reduction setting TBL (table)
745 FSAA processing program 746 Trimming processing program Ff All image sizes Fs area K1 Video cable K3 Communication cable K4 Signal cable

Claims (15)

The computer image generating means for generating a game image, a program for executing a given game by function as a display control means for displaying control a game image in which the generated display device,
Acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information Setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position that is inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
As the computer further functions as
A program for causing the computer to function so that the setting unit includes a first unit that changes and sets the size of the area according to the display definition included in the acquired display format. The program according to claim 1,
A program for causing the computer to function so that the first means sets the size of the area to be smaller as the display definition included in the acquired display format decreases. The program according to claim 1 or 2,
The display format of the display device includes the aspect ratio of the display device,
A program for causing the computer to function so that the setting unit has a second unit that changes and sets the size of the area according to the aspect ratio acquired by the acquisition unit. The computer image generating means for generating a game image, a program for executing a given game by function as a display control means for displaying control a game image in which the generated display device,
Acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least an aspect ratio of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information Setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position that is inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
As the computer further functions as
A program for causing the computer to function so that the setting means has second means for changing and setting the size of the area in accordance with an aspect ratio included in the acquired display format. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A program for causing the computer to function so that the setting means has a third means for changing the size and / or aspect ratio of the status information display body according to the acquired display format. The computer image generating means for generating a game image, a program for executing a given game by function as a display control means for displaying control a game image in which the generated display device,
Acquisition means for acquiring a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information Setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position that is inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
As the computer further functions as
The computer includes the third means for changing and setting the size and / or aspect ratio of the status information display according to the display definition included in the acquired display format. A program to make it work. The program according to claim 5 or 6,
The third means causes the computer to function so as to change the size and / or aspect ratio of the situation information display body with reference to a portion of the situation information display body that is close to the periphery of the game image. program. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6,
A first generation unit configured to generate an image having a definition that exceeds a display definition of the highest definition among display resolutions determined in advance as a display definition of a standardized display device; A program for causing the computer to function so as to have second generation means for generating a game image by reducing an image generated by the first generation means. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The program for making the said computer function so that the said setting means may set the area | region which is smaller than the image size of a game image as the said area | region and has the same position as the center position of a game image. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
A program for causing the computer to function so that the acquisition unit has an operation input unit for operating and inputting a display format of the display device. It is a program as described in any one of Claims 1-10 , Comprising:
A program for causing the computer to function so that the acquisition unit includes a unit that acquires a display format of the display device based on display control content of the display device by the display control unit. An information storage medium readable by the computer storing the program according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . A game device for executing a given game, comprising: image generation means for generating a game image; and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device,
Obtaining means for obtaining a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information A setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
And further comprising
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting means includes first means for changing and setting the size of the area according to the display definition included in the acquired display format. A game device for executing a given game, comprising: image generation means for generating a game image; and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device,
Obtaining means for obtaining a display format of the display device including at least an aspect ratio of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information A setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
And further comprising
The game apparatus, wherein the setting means includes second means for changing and setting the size of the area in accordance with an aspect ratio included in the acquired display format. A game device for executing a given game, comprising: image generation means for generating a game image; and display control means for controlling display of the generated game image on a display device,
Obtaining means for obtaining a display format of the display device including at least a display definition of the display device;
Display of a situation information display body for setting a region having a predetermined size smaller than the game image in the generated game image and displaying situation information representing at least the current game situation including text information A setting means for setting the position to a predetermined position as a position inscribed or close to an edge of the area in the set area;
And further comprising
The setting means includes third means for changing and setting the size and / or aspect ratio of the status information display body in accordance with the display definition included in the acquired display format. Game device.

Images