JP5153119B2 - GAME DEVICE, GAME METHOD, AND GAME PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus and an image communication system for displaying a game image representing game content and a background image as a background of the game image on an LCD.

  In recent game apparatuses, a plurality of types of games can be played by a single game apparatus by appropriately replacing a cartridge containing a game program.

Examples of the game of such a game device include “Tetris (registered trademark)” described in Patent Document 1 and “Pac-Man (registered trademark)” described in Patent Document 2. “Tetris” is known as a puzzle game, and a puzzle piece forming a predetermined pattern, for example, an L-shape, is dropped from above the game area by a combination of four square puzzles, and the player is making the falling puzzle piece. Are combined into a puzzle group formed by a plurality of puzzle pieces that have already dropped. At this time, if the puzzle completely occupies the line in the width direction of the game area, all the puzzles on the line disappear and a score is added. Further, “Pac-Man” moves in the game area so as not to be caught by the appearing enemy character, and picks up an item as a score source during the movement.
JP 2005-253529 A JP 2006-149950 A

  However, for games such as those described above, the game image representing the content of the game, such as characters and items, changes as appropriate by the operation of the player, but the background image that is the background of the game image is independent of the progress of the game. It is almost the same. If the background image is the same, the game becomes rutted and there is a problem that interest in the game is diminished.

  To solve the above problems, some background images may change when the game score exceeds a certain level. However, since the background image is pre-installed in the game device, the game is repeated many times. In the meantime, you may get tired of seeing the background image.

  The present invention provides a game apparatus and an image communication system that can display the latest image as a background image in order to maintain interest in the game without making the background image the background of the game image the same. The purpose is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a game apparatus of the present invention includes a display unit that displays an image, an imaging unit that is provided on the opposite side of the display unit, and that captures a subject, Game image generating means for generating image data, background image generating means for generating background image data of a background image as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging means, and updating the background image data Background image updating means, score updating means for updating the score displayed on the display means as the game progresses, the game image data, and the background updated by the background image updating means during game execution Display control means for superimposing the game image on the latest background image and displaying it on the display means based on the image data, and the score updating means If score new is the reaches a predetermined value satisfying the condition above, automatically generates the recording image by imaging by the imaging means of the subject at that time, the score and the recording image And recording image data generating means for generating recording image data based on the recording data. The background image is preferably a moving image taken for non-recording by the imaging means. In the game method of the present invention, the step of imaging the subject by the imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the display unit, and the step of generating game image data of the game image representing the content of the game by the game image generation unit And a step of generating background image data of a background image as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging means by a background image generating means; and Updating the score displayed on the display means by the score updating means as the game progresses, and updating the game image data and the background image updating means during the game execution. Based on the background image data, the game image is superimposed on the latest background image and displayed on the display means. Processing of, if a step of performing the display control unit, the score is updated by the score updating means reaches a predetermined value satisfying the condition above, automatically captures a subject at that time by said image pickup means And generating a recording image data on the basis of the recording image and the score by a recording image data generation unit. The present invention also provides a game program installed in a game device including a display unit for displaying an image and an imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the display unit , the computer displaying a game image representing the content of the game. Game image generation means for generating game image data, background image generation means for generating background image data of a background image as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging means, and updating the background image data Background image update means, score update means for updating the score displayed on the display means as the game progresses, the game image data during the game execution, and the background image data updated by the background image update means Display control means for causing the display means to display the game image overlaid on the latest background image, If score is updated by finely the score updating means reaches a predetermined value satisfying the condition above, generates automatically recording images captured by the imaging means of the subject at that time, the recording And functioning as recording image data generation means for generating recording image data based on the image and the score.

It is preferable that a priority display processing unit that performs a priority display process for displaying the game image with priority over the background image is performed on the background image data. Display processing condition storage means for storing the score and a display processing condition that is a condition for performing the priority display processing in association with each other, and stored in the display processing condition storage means when the score is updated Display processing condition specifying means for specifying a display processing condition corresponding to the updated score from the display processing condition, and the priority display processing unit is based on the display processing condition specified by the display processing condition specifying means. Preferably, the priority display process is performed on the background image data.

  The priority display processing unit preferably includes a size change processing unit that changes the vertical and horizontal sizes of the background image. It is preferable that the priority display processing unit includes a luminance changing unit that makes the luminance of the background image lower than the luminance of the game image. The priority display processing unit preferably includes a blur processing unit that blurs the background image.

The readout pixel number storage means for storing the score and the readout pixel number indicating the number of pixels from which the imaging signal is read out from the imaging device of the imaging means, and the readout pixel number when the score is updated And a readout pixel number specifying means for specifying the number of readout pixels corresponding to the updated score from the number of readout pixels stored in the storage means, and an imaging signal for the number of readout pixels specified by the readout pixel number specifying means Is preferably read from the image sensor. The number of read pixels at the time of clearing the game is preferably larger than the number of read pixels from the start of the game to the clear of the game.

    The present invention captures a subject as a background image as a background of a game image representing the content of a game using an imaging unit, and communicates through a network with a background image generation device that generates background image data of the background image. In the apparatus, game image generation means for generating game image data of the game image, background image acquisition means for acquiring the background image data generated by the background image generation apparatus, the game image data and the background image data A display unit that displays the game image and the background image in an overlapping manner; and a background image update unit that updates the background image data. The display unit includes background image data by the background image update unit. As a result, the latest background image is displayed.

  The game device of the present invention can communicate with the background image generation device installed at each of a plurality of shooting locations through the network, and stores game information related to the game and shooting locations of the background image generation device in association with each other. A shooting location storage means, a shooting location specifying means for specifying a shooting location corresponding to the updated game information from the shooting locations stored by the shooting location storage means when the game information is updated, and the shooting Communication is possible via the network with a control device comprising an imaging instruction means for instructing a background image generating device at a shooting location specified by the location specifying means to capture a background image and acquire background image data It is preferable that

  The game apparatus according to the present invention is capable of communicating with the background image generation apparatus having zoom means for zooming the background image through the network, and stores the game information and the magnification of the zoom means in association with each other. Means, a magnification specifying means for specifying a magnification corresponding to the updated game information from the magnification stored in the magnification storage means when the game information is updated, and the shooting location specifying means Through the network and the control device comprising zoom instruction means for instructing the background image generation apparatus at the shooting location to generate background image data obtained by zooming the background image at the magnification specified by the magnification specification means It is preferable that communication is possible.

  The game device of the present invention is preferably communicable with an image processing device that performs priority display processing for displaying the game image with priority over the background image on the background image data through the network. In addition, the game device of the present invention includes a display processing condition storage unit that stores game information and a display processing condition that is a condition for performing the priority display process in association with each other, and when the game information is updated, Display processing condition specifying means for specifying a display processing condition corresponding to updated game information from display processing conditions stored in the display processing condition storage means, and the display processing specified by the display processing condition specifying means It is preferable that communication can be performed through the network with the image processing apparatus that performs the priority display processing on the background image data based on conditions.

  The game device of the present invention includes a size change processing unit that changes the vertical and horizontal sizes of the background image, a luminance change unit that makes the luminance of the background image lower than the luminance of the game image, and blurs the background image. It is preferable that communication with the image processing apparatus including the blur processing unit is possible via the network.

  When the game is cleared, it is preferable to include clear image generation means for generating clear image data in which the game information is inserted into the background image, and clear image storage means for storing the clear image data.

  The game information preferably includes the type of the game, the progress of the game, and the score of the game.

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus capable of communicating with a network, and a background image generation apparatus that captures an object as a background image that is a background of a game image representing the content of the game using an imaging unit, and generates image data of the background image In the image communication system comprising: the game device, game image generation means for generating game image data of the game image; background image acquisition means for acquiring the background image data generated by the background image generation device; Based on the game image data and the background image data, the display unit includes a display unit that displays the game image and the background image so as to overlap each other, and a background image update unit that updates the background image data. The latest background image is displayed by updating the background image data by the background image updating means. To.

  The background image generation device is installed at each of a plurality of shooting locations, and shooting location storage means for storing game information relating to a game and shooting locations of the background image generation device in association with each other, and when the game information is updated A shooting location specifying means for specifying the shooting location corresponding to the updated game information from the shooting locations stored by the shooting location storage means, and a background image generating device at the shooting location specified by the shooting location specifying means On the other hand, it is preferable that a control device having an imaging instruction unit for capturing a background image and instructing to generate background image data of the background image is provided on the network.

  The background image generation device includes zoom means for zooming the background image, and the control device stores the game information and the magnification of the zoom means in association with each other, and when the game information is updated In addition, the magnification specifying means for specifying the magnification corresponding to the updated game information from the magnification stored by the magnification storage means, and the image acquisition device at the shooting location specified by the shooting location specifying means, It is preferable that zoom instructing means for instructing to acquire background image data obtained by zooming the background image with the magnification specified by the magnification specifying means is provided.

  It is preferable that an image processing apparatus that performs a priority display process for displaying the game image with priority over the background image on the background image data is provided on the network. The image processing apparatus includes a display processing condition storage unit that stores game information and a display processing condition that is a condition for performing the priority display processing in association with each other, and the display processing when the game information is updated. Display processing condition specifying means for specifying a display processing condition corresponding to the updated game information from display processing conditions stored in the condition storage means, and based on the display processing conditions specified by the display processing condition specifying means Thus, it is preferable to perform the priority display process on the background image data.

  It is preferable that the image processing apparatus includes a size change processing unit that changes the vertical and horizontal sizes of the background image. It is preferable that the image processing apparatus includes a luminance changing unit that makes the luminance of the background image lower than the luminance of the game image. The image processing apparatus preferably includes a blur processing unit that blurs the background image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain interest in a game by displaying the latest image as a background image without making the background image that is the background of the game image the same.

  1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view showing the game apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the front side of the game apparatus 10, an LCD 11 is provided at the center thereof, and an operation unit 12 is provided at both ends thereof. The operation unit 12 includes a cross key 12a and a button switch 12b. In addition, a shutter button 13, a changeover switch 14, and a power supply switch 15 for switching the power source between ON and OFF are provided on the upper surface portion of the game apparatus 10. The shutter button 13 can be operated in two steps, half-press and front-press. The changeover switch 14 switches between a mode using a game (G in FIG. 1) and a mode using a camera (C in FIG. 1).

  On the back surface of the game apparatus 10, an imaging lens 16 is provided at the center and a strobe 17 is provided at the end. Further, a lid 18 that covers a memory card slot (not shown) is provided on the side surface of the game apparatus 10, and a memory card 20 (see FIG. 3) is detachably loaded in the memory card slot. Further, a cartridge mounting portion 23 for mounting the cardboard 21 (see FIG. 3) containing the game program 21a on the connector 22 is provided from the back surface to the lower surface portion of the game apparatus 10.

  FIG. 3 shows an electrical configuration of the game apparatus 10. Each unit in the game apparatus 10 is controlled by a CPU 28 connected via a data bus 27.

  The imaging lens 16 is disposed between the diaphragm 30 and the CCD 31 in the direction of the photographing optical axis 16a. The imaging lens 16 is moved in the direction of the photographing optical axis 16a by the lens motor 32 to perform focus adjustment. Further, the iris of the iris 30 is adjusted by an iris motor 33. For example, stepping motors are used as these motors 32 and 33, and they are controlled by drive pulses transmitted from motor drivers 32a and 33a connected to the CPU.

  A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in the CCD 31, and the photoelectric conversion elements convert subject light that has passed through the aperture 30 and the imaging lens 16 into analog imaging signals. A readout circuit 31a as a CCD driver is connected to the CCD 31, and this readout circuit 31a reads an imaging signal from a predetermined photoelectric conversion element among a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements. The read circuit 31a is controlled by the CPU. A correlated double sampling circuit 34 (hereinafter referred to as “CDS”) is connected to the CCD 31, and the imaging signal read from the CCD 31 by the reading circuit 31 a is sampled.

  The imaging signal sampled by the CDS 34 is amplified with a gain corresponding to the imaging sensitivity by the AMP 35 connected to the CDS 34. The amplified imaging signal is converted from analog to digital image data by an A / D conversion circuit 36 (hereinafter referred to as “A / D”) connected to the AMP 35.

  The image input controller 38 controls input of image data to the data bus 27. The image data output from the A / D 36 is input to the YC conversion processing circuit 40 and converted into image data composed of luminance and color difference. This image data is stored in the memory 42 via the data bus 28 in the order in which the images were taken.

  The AE detection circuit 43 detects the subject brightness from the brightness of the image data stored in the memory 42, and calculates an appropriate exposure based on the subject brightness. Similarly, the AWB detection circuit 44 calculates a white balance correction amount based on the subject luminance. These pieces of information are transmitted to the CPU 28, and the CPU 28 controls the motor drivers 32a and 33a based on these pieces of information.

  The AF detection circuit 47 moves the imaging lens 16 in the direction of the photographing optical axis 16a, integrates high-frequency components of luminance of the image data stored in the memory 42 at predetermined intervals of this movement, and this integrated value becomes maximum. Detect the focus position. The CPU 28 moves the imaging lens 16 to the focal position detected by the AF detection circuit 47.

  The image signal processing circuit 49 subjects the image data read from the memory 42 to gamma conversion, white balance, sharpness processing, etc., and then stores them again in the memory 42. The compression / decompression processing circuit 50 compresses the image data read from the memory 42 by a compression method such as JPEG. The compressed image data is stored in the memory card 20 via the media controller 51. The compression / decompression processing circuit 50 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data when reproducing the image stored in the memory card 20.

  The CPU 28 includes a game calculation unit 28a, a read pixel number specifying unit 28b, a display processing condition specifying unit 28c, and a game information inserting unit 28d. The game calculation unit 28 a reads out the game program 21 a and the game information correspondence table 21 b in the cartridge 21 based on a reading program (not shown) stored in the ROM 53 and temporarily stores it in the memory 42.

  The game calculation unit 28 a generates game information related to the game based on the game program 21 a from the memory 42. Examples of the game information include the type of game, the score of the game, the progress of the game, and the like. The game information is sequentially updated by the operation of the operation unit 12 by the player. The game information correspondence table 21 b associates game information with the number of read pixels and display processing conditions used in the priority display processing unit 56 in the encoder 55. The number of readout pixels is the number of photoelectric conversion elements (hereinafter referred to as “number of pixels”) from which the imaging signal is read out by the readout circuit 31a. In addition to the above, the game information may be time, the position of the game machine, or the like.

  Moreover, the game calculating part 28a produces | generates the game image data of the game image showing the content of a game based on the game program 21a. This game image data is regenerated in accordance with the update of the game information. The content of the game is directly related to the game of player characters, structures, items, etc. (see FIG. 4). The generated game image data is transmitted to the encoder 55.

  Each time the game information is updated, the read pixel number specifying unit 28b collates the updated game information with the game information correspondence table 21b and specifies the number of read pixels corresponding to the updated game information. The CPU 28 instructs the readout circuit 31a to read out the imaging signal from the photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to the specified number of readout pixels. Moreover, the display process condition specific | specification part 28c collates the updated game information and the game information corresponding | compatible table 21b for every update of game information, and specifies the display process conditions corresponding to the updated game information. The specified display processing condition is transmitted to the encoder 55. In addition, the game information insertion unit 28d inserts game information into an image based on the game information generated by the game calculation unit 28a and the image data from the memory 42.

  The encoder 55 performs processing for displaying the image data from the memory 42 on the LCD 11 as background image data of the background image that is the background of the game image. First, the priority processing display unit 56 in the encoder 55 performs a priority display process for displaying a game image with priority over a background image based on the display processing condition specified by the display processing condition specifying unit 28c. Apply to data. This priority display process makes it easy to see the game image during the game.

  The priority display processing unit 56 includes a size changing unit 56a, a luminance changing unit 56b, and a blurring processing unit 56c. In the size changing unit 56a, processing for reducing, for example, reducing the vertical and horizontal sizes in the background image to correspond to the vertical and horizontal sizes in the game image is performed. In addition, the brightness changing unit 56b performs a process for making the brightness of the game image lower than the brightness of the background image. The blur processing unit 56c performs a process of blurring the background image and making the game image clearer than the background image. Note that the priority display process need not be limited to the above process, and for example, a halftone process or the like may be performed.

  The image composition unit 57 in the encoder 55 generates composite image data in which the background image is the background of the game image based on the background image data and the game image data subjected to each process in the priority display processing unit 56. The composite image data is sent to the LCD driver 60, and the LCD driver 60 displays an image in which the game image and the background image overlap on the LCD 11.

  The background image update unit 58 in the encoder 55 acquires the latest image data from the memory 42 and updates the background image data. The update is performed at regular intervals. The updated background image data is subjected to the same processing as described above in the priority display processing unit 56 and the image composition unit 57. By updating the background image data, the latest background image is displayed on the LCD 11. Therefore, the player feels that the background image is constantly changing, and can maintain interest in the game. Note that the image captured from the memory 42 may be a moving image such as a through image in addition to a still image.

  For example, if the game image representing the content of the game is “Pac-Man” as shown in FIG. 4, the LCD 11 has a structure that determines the range in which the player character 62, the enemy character 63, and the player character 62 can move. An object 64 and an item 65 as a score source are displayed. The player character 62 moves by the operation of the operation unit 12 by the player, and acquires the item 65 during the movement. When the item 65 is acquired, the score is added to “SCORE” in the upper right. Further, if the player character 62 comes into contact with the enemy character 63 while the player character 62 is moving, the game is temporarily stopped, the player character 62 in the lower left is reduced by one, and the game is resumed. The Although the illustration of the background image is omitted, the background image changes by changing the place where the game is played or changing the subject image, and the player can play the game with a fresh feeling. Moreover, about the structure and the item, the codes | symbols 64 and 65 are attached | subjected to either of them.

  Next, the operation of the game apparatus 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the game information correspondence table 21b of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the game information includes the type of game and the score / progress status of the game. The game type is composed of “Pac-Man” and “Tetris”. The score / progress status of the game is composed of “point” in the case of “Pac-Man” and “STAGE” in the case of “Tetris”. The game information correspondence table 21b in FIG. 6 associates game information with the number of read pixels and the blurring condition of the blurring processing unit 56c, which is one of the display processing conditions. Note that the type of game is not limited to “Pac-Man” or “Tetris”, and the number of game types may be one or three or more. In addition, display processing conditions other than the blurring conditions (not shown in FIG. 6) are not changed by updating the game information. However, the display processing conditions are also changed by updating the game information, similar to the blurring conditions. You may let them.

  First, the power switch 15 is turned on. Next, it is determined whether or not to use as a camera. When used as a camera, the selector switch 14 is switched to the camera (C in FIG. 1) side. As a result, a through image is displayed on the LCD 11. When the shutter button 13 is half-pressed, optimal shooting conditions are set by automatic exposure adjustment (AE), automatic focus adjustment (AF), or the like. When the shutter button 13 is pressed halfway down, image data is created based on the shooting conditions when the shutter button 13 is pressed halfway. Thereafter, the image data is compressed and recorded in the memory card 20.

  On the other hand, when playing a game, either the “Pac-Man” or “Tetris” cartridge 21 is inserted into the connector 22 before the power is turned on. Then, the power switch 15 is turned on, and the changeover switch 14 is switched to the game (G in FIG. 1) side. Thereby, the game program 21a and the game information correspondence table 21b in the card ridge 21 are stored in the memory 42, and imaging is started.

  The game calculation unit 28a of the CPU 28 generates game information and game image data based on the game program 21a. The read pixel number specifying unit 28b and the display processing condition specifying unit 28c collate the game information with the game information correspondence table 21b stored in the memory 42 to determine the read pixel number and the display processing condition. At the start of the game, the read pixel count is “low pixel” and the blurring condition is “10” regardless of whether the game type is “Pac-Man” or “Tetris”. For example, the blur condition is expressed in 10 levels, where “10” is the strongest blur, “1” is the weakest blur, and “0” is no blur. Image data is generated based on the imaging signal read by the low pixels. The image data is temporarily stored in the memory 42. By reading the imaging signal with low pixels, the burden on the CPU 28 is reduced and high-speed processing is possible.

  The encoder 55 performs processing for displaying the image data from the memory 42 as background image data on the LCD 11. First, the priority display processing unit 56 in the encoder 55 performs priority display processing on the background image data. Among them, the blurring processing unit 56c performs a blurring process with the degree of blurring being “10” on the background image data. The image composition unit 57 generates composite image data based on the game image data and the background image data. The LCD driver 60 displays an image on the LCD 11 such that the background image becomes the background of the game image based on the composite image data.

  The background image update unit 58 retrieves the latest image data from the memory 42 at regular time intervals, and updates the background image data to the latest image data. This latest image data is also generated based on the imaging signal read by the low pixels, as before the update. In addition, the updated background image data is subjected to priority display processing in which the blurring condition of the blurring processing unit 56c is set to “10”, as before the update. Then, through the same processing as described above, the latest background image is displayed on the LCD 11.

  And game information is updated suitably by operation of the operation part 12 by a player. Then, based on the updated game information, the same processing as described above is performed. In the case of “Pac-Man”, when “Point” exceeds 1000, and in the case of “Tetris”, when “STAGE” is shifted from 1 to 2, the degree of blur is changed from “10” to “9”. The weakened background image is displayed on the LCD 11. Further, the latest background image is displayed by updating the background image data by the background image updating unit 58.

  When the game is cleared, the game is temporarily interrupted and a game clear process is performed. In the game clear process, first, as shown in FIG. 7, the player is requested to take a favorite image (hereinafter referred to as “clear image”). At the same time, in both cases of “Pac-Man” and “Tetris”, the number of readout pixels is changed from “low pixels” to “high pixels”, and the blurring condition is changed to “0” without blurring. Then, when the player fully presses the shutter button 13 to capture a clear image, clear image data of the clear image is generated based on the imaging signal read out with high pixels. By shooting with “high pixels” having more pixels than “low pixels”, it is possible to shoot beautiful images that remain in commemoration.

  The game information insertion unit 28d in the CPU 28 generates clear image data in which the game information is inserted into the clear image based on the clear image data and the game information at the time of clearing the game. The clear image in which the game information is inserted is displayed on the LCD 11, and the clear image data is compressed and recorded on the memory card 20. For example, when the clear image is “Mt. Fuji” and the game information is “SCORE”, as shown in FIG. 8, Mt. Fuji into which the score at the time of clearing the game is inserted is displayed on the LCD 11. As described above, the clear image data in which the score at the time of clearing the game is recorded is recorded in the memory card 20, so that the clear image data is read from the memory card 20 and played back later. I can remember the excitement.

  Note that the background image is no longer blurred when the game is cleared, but this is not a limitation. For example, at the start of the game, holes are scattered in the background image, and the holes are filled as the game progresses. Then, when the game is cleared, the hole may be completely filled. Further, the game clear process may be performed every time the points reach a certain range or every time STAGE is cleared. In addition, when the game is cleared, the player is requested to take a favorite image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image may be automatically taken.

  FIG. 9 shows a front view of the game apparatus 70 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. On the front of the game apparatus 70, an LCD 71 is provided at the center thereof, and an operation unit 72 is provided at both ends thereof. The operation unit 72 includes a cross key 72a and a button switch 72b. Further, an extendable antenna 73 and a power switch 75 for switching the power ON and OFF are provided on the upper surface of the game apparatus 70. The game apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment except that there is no shutter button, changeover switch, imaging lens, and strobe.

  FIG. 10 shows an electrical configuration of the game apparatus 70. The game apparatus 70 includes a communication unit 78 including a communication circuit 76 and the like, and the communication unit 78 and other units are controlled by a CPU 82 connected via a data bus 80.

  Similar to the CPU 28 of the first embodiment, the CPU 82 includes a game calculation unit 82a and a game information insertion unit 82b. Since the game information insertion part 82b is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The game calculation unit 82 a reads out the game program 86 a in the cartridge 86 based on a read program (not shown) stored in the ROM 84 and temporarily stores it in the memory 88. The game calculation unit 82 a generates game information related to the game based on the game program 86 a from the memory 88. The game information is the same as in the first embodiment. The game information is sequentially updated by the operation of the operation unit 72 by the player. The updated game information is transmitted to the control server 103 and the image processing server 104.

  Moreover, the game calculation part 82a produces | generates the game image data of the game image showing the content of a game based on the game program 86a. This game image data is recreated in accordance with the update of the game information. The contents of the game are the same as in the first embodiment. The generated game image data is transmitted to the encoder 90.

  The compression / decompression processing circuit 91 compresses image data using a compression method such as JPEG. The compressed image data is stored in the memory card 93 via the media controller 92. The compression / decompression processing circuit 91 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data when playing back an image stored in the memory card 93.

  The communication unit 78 includes an antenna 73 and a communication circuit 76. The communication circuit 76 converts the data in the game device 70 into data that can be transmitted wirelessly. The converted data is transmitted to the control server 103 and the image processing server 104 (see FIG. 12) via the antenna 73. The communication circuit 76 receives data transmitted via the antenna 73 and converts the data into data that can be communicated within the game apparatus 70. The data transmitted from the communication unit 78 includes game information, and the data received by the communication unit 78 includes background image data of a background image serving as a background of the game image. The background image data is stored in the memory 88 in the order received.

  The image composition unit 94 in the encoder 90 generates composite image data in which the background image is the background of the game image based on the background image data and the game image data received by the communication unit 78. The composite image data is sent to the LCD driver 95, and the LCD driver 95 displays an image in which the game image and the background image overlap on the LCD 71. For example, when the game image is “Pac-Man” and the background image is “Mt. Fuji”, an image as shown in FIG.

  The background image update unit 58 in the encoder 55 acquires the latest background image data from the memory 88 and updates the background image data to the latest background image data. The update is performed at regular intervals. Note that the background image may be a moving image in addition to a still image, as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 shows an outline of an image communication system 100 using the game apparatus 70 of the second embodiment. In addition to the game device 70, the image communication system 100 includes a base station 101, an external camera 102, a control server 103, and an image processing server 104, and each is connected to a network 105. The base station 101 includes an antenna 107 and a communication circuit 108. The communication circuit 108 converts data sent from the game device 70 through the antenna 107 into data that can be communicated within the network 105. The communication circuit 108 converts data in the network 105 into data that can be transmitted wirelessly.

  The external camera 102 is installed at each of a plurality of shooting locations. The external camera 102 captures the subject as a background image of the game image according to an imaging instruction from the control server 103, and generates background image data of the background image. The background image data is transmitted to the image processing server 104. Further, the external camera 102 has a zoom function, and generates background image data of a background image zoomed at a predetermined magnification according to a zoom instruction from the control server 103. After the imaging and zoom instructions are given by the control server 103, background image data is generated at regular intervals based on the instructions and transmitted to the image processing server 104. When no image processing server is provided, background image data from an external camera is transmitted to the game device.

  The control server 103 includes an imaging location / magnification specifying unit 110, an imaging instruction unit 111, and a zoom instruction unit 112. The shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 stores a game information correspondence table 110a. The game information correspondence table 110a associates game information with the shooting location of the external camera 103 and the zoom magnification of the external camera 103. ing. The shooting location specifying unit 110 compares the game information transmitted from the game device 70 with the game information correspondence table 110a, and specifies the shooting location and magnification corresponding to the game information.

  The imaging instruction unit 111 instructs the external camera at the shooting location specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 to take a background image and generate background image data. The zoom instruction unit 112 generates background image data obtained by zooming the background image at the magnification specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 with respect to the external camera at the shooting location specified by the shooting location specifying unit 110. To instruct.

  The image processing server 104 includes a display processing condition specifying unit 115 and a priority display processing unit 116. The display processing condition specifying unit 115 stores a game information correspondence table 115a, and the game information correspondence table 115a associates game information with display processing conditions in the priority display processing unit 116. The display processing condition specifying unit 115 compares the game information transmitted from the game device with the game information correspondence table 115a, and specifies the display processing condition corresponding to the game information.

  Based on the display processing condition specified by the display processing condition specifying unit 115, the priority display processing unit 104 performs priority display processing for displaying the game image with priority over the background image on the background image data. Similar to the first embodiment, the priority display processing unit 111 includes a size changing unit 116a, a luminance changing unit 117b, and a blurring processing unit 118c.

  Next, the operation of the game apparatus 70 and the image communication system 100 using the game apparatus 70 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 and the game information correspondence tables 110a and 115a of FIGS. explain. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the game information includes the type of game and the score / progress status of the game. The game type is composed of “Pac-Man”, “Tetris”, and “Shogi”. The score / progress status of the game is composed of “point” in the case of “Pac-Man”, “STAGE” in the case of “Tetris”, and “station” in the case of “Shogi”. The game information correspondence table 110a in FIG. 14 associates game information with the shooting location of the external camera 102 and the zoom magnification of the external camera 102. The shooting locations of the external camera 102 are “Mt. Fuji”, “Miura Beach”, and “Kiyomizu Temple”. The game information correspondence table 115a in FIG. 15 associates game information with the blurring conditions of the blurring processing unit 116c. Note that the type of game is not limited to “Pac-Man” or “Tetris”, and the number of game types may be one or three or more. The number of cameras need not be limited to three. The shooting location of the external camera need not be limited to the above. Further, display processing conditions other than the blurring conditions (not shown in FIG. 15) are not changed by updating the game information, but these display processing conditions may also be changed by updating the game information.

  First, before turning on the power, either “Pac-Man” or “Tetris” cartridge 86 is inserted into connector 85. Then, the power switch 75 is turned on. Thereby, the game program 86a in the card 86 is stored in the memory 88 by the reading control of the CPU 82.

  The game calculation unit 82 a of the CPU 82 generates game information and game image data based on the game program 86 a from the memory 88. The game information is transmitted to the control server 103 and the image processing server 104 by the communication unit 78. The game image data is transmitted to the encoder 90.

  The shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 of the control server 103 collates the game information transmitted from the game device 70 with the game information correspondence table 110a and installs the external camera corresponding to the game information, and the external camera. The zoom magnification of 102 is specified. The shooting instruction unit 111 instructs the external camera at the shooting location specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 to take a background image and generate background image data. The zoom instruction unit 112 also zooms the background image at the magnification specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 with respect to the external camera located at the shooting location specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110. To generate

  At the beginning of the game, if the game type is “Pac-Man”, the shooting location is “Mount Fuji”, if it is “Tetris”, the shooting location is “Miura Coast”, if it is “Shogi”, the shooting location Is identified as “Kiyomizu Temple”. In the case of “Shogi”, the generation of background image data of “Kiyomizu-dera” zoomed 10 times is instructed to the external camera in “Kiyo-ji”.

  The external camera at the shooting location specified by the shooting location / magnification specifying unit 110 captures a background image and generates background image data in accordance with an imaging or zoom instruction from the control server 103. This background image data is transmitted to the image processing server 104.

  The display processing condition specifying unit 115 of the image processing server 104, the game information from the game device 70 and the game information correspondence table 115a are collated, and the display processing condition of the priority display processing unit 116 is specified. Then, the priority display processing unit 116 performs priority display processing on the background image data based on the display processing conditions specified by the display processing condition specifying unit 115. The image data subjected to the priority display process is transmitted to the game apparatus 70 through the network 105 and the base station 101. At the start of the game, the blurring condition is specified as “10” in any of the cases “Pac-Man”, “Tetris”, and “Shogi”. Based on this blur condition, the blur processing unit 116c performs a blur process on the background image data.

  The communication unit 78 of the game device 70 receives background image data from the image processing server 104. The image composition unit 94 in the encoder 90 generates composite image data in which the background image is the background of the game image based on the background image data and the game image data. The composite image data is sent to the LCD driver 95, and the LCD driver 95 displays an image in which the game image and the background image overlap on the LCD 71.

  The background image update unit 58 retrieves the latest background image data from the memory 88 at regular time intervals, and updates the background image data to the latest background image data. The shooting location and zoom magnification for the updated background image data are the same shooting location and zoom magnification as before the update. The updated background image data is subjected to priority display processing based on the same display processing conditions as before the update. Then, through the same processing as described above, the latest background image is displayed on the LCD 11.

  And game information is updated suitably by operation of the operation part 72 by a player. In the case of “Pac-Man”, when “Point” exceeds 1000, “Mt. Fuji” expanded from no zoom to double zoom is displayed on the LCD 71 as a background image through the same processing as described above. . In the case of “Tetris”, when “STAGE” changes from 1 to 2, the background image is switched from the image of “Miura Kaigan” to the image of “Mt. Fuji” through the same processing as described above. In the case of “Shogi”, when “first station” is changed to “second station”, “Kiyomizu-dera” reduced from 10 times to 9 times zoom through the same processing as described above is the background image. Is displayed on the LCD 71. In any case of “Pac-Man”, “Tetris”, and “Shogi”, the degree of blur is changed from “10” to “9” when the game information is updated as described above. As a result, the background image with reduced blur is displayed on the LCD 71. Further, the latest background image is displayed by updating the background image data by the background image updating unit 58.

  When the game is cleared, the game is temporarily interrupted and a game clear process is performed. In the game clear process, first, game information indicating that the game is cleared is transmitted to the control server 103 and the image processing server 104. The control server 103 instructs the external camera specified by the imaging location / magnification specifying unit 110 to generate background image data as clear image data at the time of clear through the same processing as described above. In the case of “Pac-Man”, the clear image data of “Mount Fuji” that has been zoomed 10 times is the clear image data of “Kiyomizu Temple” that is not zoomed in the case of “Tetris” and “Shogi”. To the communication unit 78.

  The game information insertion unit 82b of the CPU 82 generates clear image data into which game information is inserted based on the clear image data from the communication unit 78 and the game information at the time of game clear. The clear image in which the game information is inserted is displayed on the LCD 71, and the clear image data is compressed and recorded on the memory card 93.

  In the second embodiment, the background image that is the background of the game image is an image from an external camera connected to the network. However, the background image is not limited to this, and may be a television image that can be received through an antenna. In addition, game information and image data are transmitted and received by wireless communication using an antenna, but a LAN connector is provided instead of the antenna, and the LAN connector and the network are connected by a LAN cable so that the game information and image data are transmitted. Communication may be performed.

  In the second embodiment, the zoom magnification is changed every time the game information is updated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a rotation mechanism that can be controlled through the network is attached to the external camera. The background camera may be picked up at a different angle by rotating the external camera by a predetermined angle by the rotation mechanism.

  In the second embodiment, the game information correspondence table is stored in the control server or the image processing server connected to the network. However, the game information correspondence table is stored in the memory or cartridge of the game device, and the player's instruction Thus, the game information correspondence table in the control server or the image processing server may be rewritten by transmitting the game information correspondence table stored in the memory or the like to the control server or the image processing server via the network.

  In the second embodiment, the image processing server and the control server are provided separately, but they may be used as a server together.

  In the second embodiment, an external camera is installed at each of a plurality of shooting locations. However, only one external camera may be installed.

It is a front view which shows the game device of 1st Embodiment. It is a rear view which shows the game device of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the electrical structure of the game device of 1st Embodiment. It is a front view of LCD which displays a game image. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the game device in 1st Embodiment. The game information correspondence table which matched game information, the number of read pixels, and the blurring conditions of a blurring processing part is shown. It is a front view which shows LCD at the time of game clear. It is a front view of LCD which displays the clear image in which game information was inserted. It is a front view which shows the game device in 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the electric constitution of the game device in 2nd Embodiment. It is a front view of LCD which displays a game image and a background image superimposed. It is the schematic which shows the image communication system using the game device in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the game device in 2nd Embodiment, and the image communication system using the game device. 3 shows a game information correspondence table in which game information is associated with shooting locations of external cameras and zoom magnifications. The game information correspondence table which matched game information and the blurring condition of the blurring processing part was shown.

Explanation of symbols

10 Game device 11 LCD
20 Memory Card 21 Cartridge 21a Game Program 21b Game Information Correspondence Table 28 CPU
28a Game calculation unit 28b Read pixel number specifying unit 28c Display processing condition specifying unit 28d Game information inserting unit 31 CCD
31a Reading circuit 55 Encoder 56 Priority display processing unit 56a Size changing unit 56b Luminance changing unit 56c Blur processing unit 57 Image composition unit 58 Background image update unit 60 LCD driver 70 Game device 71 LCD
73 Antenna 76 Communication Circuit 78 Communication Unit 82 CPU
82a Game calculation unit 82b Game information insertion unit 86 Cartridge 86a Game program 90 Encoder 93 Memory card 94 Image composition unit 95 Background image update unit 96 LCD driver 100 Image communication system 102 External camera 103 Control server 104 Image processing server 105 Network 110 Shooting location Magnification specifying unit 110a Game information correspondence table 111 Imaging instruction unit 112 Zoom instruction unit 115 Display processing condition specifying unit 115a Game information correspondence table 116 Priority display processing unit 116a Size changing unit 116b Luminance changing unit 116c Blur processing unit

Claims (11)

Display means for displaying an image;
An imaging means provided on the opposite side of the display means for imaging a subject;
Game image generation means for generating game image data of a game image representing the content of the game;
Background image generation means for generating background image data of a background image as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging means;
Background image update means for updating the background image data;
Score update means for updating the score displayed on the display means as the game progresses;
Display control for superimposing the game image on the latest background image and displaying it on the display means based on the game image data and the background image data updated by the background image update means during game execution Means,
When the score updated by the score updating means is equal to or greater than a value satisfying a predetermined condition , the subject at that time is automatically imaged by the imaging means to generate a recording image, and the recording A game apparatus comprising: an image and recording image data generating means for generating recording image data based on the score.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the background image is a moving image photographed for non-recording by the imaging unit.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a priority display processing unit that performs a priority display process for displaying the game image with priority over the background image with respect to the background image data. Display processing condition storage means for storing the score and a display processing condition that is a condition for performing the priority display processing in association with each other;
A display processing condition specifying means for specifying a display processing condition corresponding to the updated score from the display processing conditions stored in the display processing condition storage means when the score is updated;
The game device according to claim 3, wherein the priority display processing unit performs the priority display processing on the background image data based on a display processing condition specified by the display processing condition specifying means.   The game device according to claim 3, wherein the priority display processing unit includes a size change processing unit that changes the vertical and horizontal sizes of the background image.   The game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the priority display processing unit includes a luminance changing unit that lowers the luminance of the background image than the luminance of the game image.   The game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the priority display processing unit includes a blur processing unit that blurs the background image. A readout pixel number storage means for storing the score and the readout pixel number indicating the number of pixels from which the imaging signal is read out from the imaging device of the imaging means in association with each other;
Read pixel number specifying means for specifying the number of read pixels corresponding to the updated score from the number of read pixels stored in the read pixel number storage means when the score is updated,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein imaging signals corresponding to the number of read pixels specified by the read pixel number specifying unit are read from the image pickup device.
  9. The game device according to claim 8, wherein the number of read pixels when the game is cleared is larger than the number of read pixels from the start of the game to the clear of the game. Imaging a subject with an imaging means provided on the opposite side of the display means ;
Generating game image data of a game image representing the content of the game by the game image generating means;
Performing a process of generating background image data of a background image serving as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging unit by a background image generating unit;
Updating the background image data by background image update means;
Updating the score displayed on the display means by the score update means as the game progresses;
Based on the game image data and the background image data updated by the background image update unit during game execution, a process for displaying the game image on the latest background image so as to be displayed on the display unit. Steps performed by the display control means;
When the score updated by the score update means is equal to or greater than a value satisfying a predetermined condition , the subject at that time is automatically imaged by the imaging means to generate a recording image, and the recording A game method comprising a step of generating, by a recording image data generating means, processing for generating recording image data based on an image and the score. A game program to be installed in a game device comprising display means for displaying an image and imaging means provided on the opposite side of the display means ,
Computer
Game image generation means for generating game image data of a game image representing the content of the game;
Background image generation means for generating background image data of a background image as a background of the game image based on an image obtained by the imaging means;
Background image update means for updating the background image data;
Score updating means for updating the score displayed on the display means as the game progresses;
Display control for causing the display means to display the game image superimposed on the latest background image based on the game image data and the background image data updated by the background image update means during game execution And when the score updated by the score update means is equal to or greater than a value satisfying a predetermined condition , the subject at that time is automatically imaged by the imaging means to generate a recording image, A game program for functioning as recording image data generation means for generating recording image data based on the recording image and the score.

Images