JPH09215858A - Tv-game device for pal-method television image receiving machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide NTSC-method program reproduction by separating a specific frequency number digital image signal generated by execution of a computer program into a color signal and a brightness signal, modulating phase of a specific frequency carrier wave in accordance with the color signal, and synthesizing it with the brightness signal to form an analogue composite image signal. SOLUTION: A second image display processor 70 generates a digital image signal in accordance with an NTSC-method game program by a field frequency of 60Hz. An encoder 73 separates this digital image signal into a color signal and a brightness signal. Phase of a color carrier wave f c at a frequency of 4.43361875MHz as a clock signal supplied from an oscillator and divided to about 1/4 is modulated in accordance with this color signal. This modulated color carrier wave f c and the brightness signal are synthesized to be an analogue composite image signal to be outputted to a PAL-method image receiving machine.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video game apparatus capable of reproducing a game image or the like on a PAL system television receiver according to a game developed for the NTSC system or other computer software for image generation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The NTSC (National Television Stut
andards Committee) method and PAL (Phase Alternatio)
n Line) method. The NTSC system is popular in the United States, Japan, South Korea, etc., while the PAL system is popular in Europe other than France.

The differences between these methods will be described later in detail, but are roughly as follows. The field frequency corresponding to the number of pictures (frames) transmitted per second in television broadcasting is 60 Hz in the NTSC system and 50 Hz in the PAL system. In the case of color broadcasting, the subcarrier frequency fsc of the carrier of RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color signals is 3.57 in the NTSC system.
While it is 9545MHz (abbreviated as 3.57Hz below),
In the PAL system, it is 4.43361875 MHz (hereinafter abbreviated as 4.43 Hz). Further, as for the color signal modulation method, the burst signal does not change in phase for each horizontal line in the NTSC method, whereas in the PAL method, a phase shift of 90 degrees is given literally for each horizontal line, and even if the broadcast wave is disturbed. The colors are reproduced properly.

If the above is required, it is as shown in FIG.

Therefore, a television receiver for reproducing an analog composite video signal of NTSC system corresponding to such a system,
At present, television receivers that reproduce PAL analog composite video signals are widespread in their respective regions.

[0006] On the other hand, a television game machine for reproducing a game image by giving an analog composite video signal to the widely used television receiver has become widespread. And
Such a video game machine makes it possible to reproduce a game image by giving a composite video signal according to the system to each of the system television receivers.

[0007]

In a video game machine, a cartridge, a CDROM or the like in which a computer program for controlling a game image changing with the progress of the game is stored in a storage medium which can be recognized by the computer is installed in the game machine. By doing so, various games are reproduced on the television receiver. And it takes a lot of man-hours to develop a computer program for such a game.

However, since different TV systems coexist as described above, a video game machine capable of outputting a composite video signal of a different system is required, and accordingly, a computer program for a game also coexists. It is required to Video game consoles can be used in a format that matches the TV receiver system that is widely used in each region, but it is not possible to recreate programs by simply changing the video signal system accordingly. It is complicated and therefore requires a lot of man-hours for developing the program. Moreover, since the field frequency is used as the time base for the progress of the game program, more drastic program modification may be necessary.

Therefore, the present invention provides a video game machine capable of reproducing a computer program for games or other image generation developed for the NTSC system to a PAL system television receiver. With the goal.

[0010]

According to the present invention, the above object is connected to a storage medium storing a computer program, and P is controlled under the control of the computer program.
In a video game device for supplying a composite video signal to an AL television receiver to reproduce an image, a digital video processing unit for executing the computer program and generating a digital image signal according to a field frequency of 60 Hz or its vicinity. And a color signal and a luminance signal are separated from the digital video signal and 4.433618 according to the color signal.
Television having a modulation circuit that modulates the phase of a carrier wave having a frequency of 75 MHz or its vicinity, and an encoder section that has a synthesis circuit that synthesizes the modulated signal and the luminance signal to generate an analog composite video signal This is accomplished by providing a gaming device.

Further, in this video game apparatus, the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates the phase of the carrier wave whose phase is changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. By doing so, it is possible to output a composite video signal of the PAL60 system in which the carrier wave is 4.43361875 MHz and the phase of the carrier wave is changed for each line. The PAL system television receiver reproduces the PAL60 system composite video signal.

Further, in this video game apparatus, the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates the phase of the carrier wave whose phase is not changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. By doing so, it is possible to output a composite video signal of NTSC 4.43 system in which the carrier wave is 4.43361875 MHz and the phase of the carrier wave is not changed for each line. The PAL system television receiver reproduces the composite video signal of the NTSC 4.43 system.

Further, this video game apparatus has a mode switching means for switching a mode signal, and the modulation circuit of the encoder section has a function of changing the phase of the carrier wave for each horizontal line and a function of not changing it, and the mode is changed. By switching both functions according to the mode signal that is sent, it is either a PAL60 system composite video signal or NTSC 4.
It is possible to selectively output one of the 43-system composite video signals.

If the above-mentioned video game device is used, PAL can be obtained by simply connecting a storage medium storing a computer program developed for the NTSC system to the device.
The image can be reproduced on the television receiver of the system.

Further, an NTSC television receiver and a P
In order to reproduce an image by connecting a storage medium storing an NTSC computer program to both AL television receivers, the present invention uses 4.43
361875 MHz first carrier generating means for generating a first carrier having a frequency of or near it, 3.579545 MHz second carrier generating means for generating a second carrier of, and a carrier switching for switching between them Means for supplying the first or second carrier wave to the encoder section. Then, the mode switching means allows the modulation circuit of the encoder unit to switch between the function of changing the phase of the carrier wave for each horizontal line and the function of not changing it.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIG.
6 is a table showing a difference between the method and the PAL method. Further, as shown in this table, there are PAL60 system and NTSC4.43 system as an intermediate system between both systems. The respective field frequencies, subcarrier frequencies fsc, and modulation modes are as shown.

That is, the PAL60 system has a field frequency of 60 Hz and is the same as the NTSC system, but the frequency of the carrier wave for carrying the color signal and the modulation mode are PAL.
Since it is the same as the system, colors can be reproduced properly even on a PAL system television receiver. Moreover, in the popular PAL system television receivers, even if the PAL60 system analog composite video signal having the composite synchronization signal synchronized with 60 Hz is used, the automatic gain control circuit (AG
Many can be reproduced in full screen by the C circuit).

In the case of NTSC 4.43 system, PAL
The field frequency is 60 Hz and NTS as in the 60 system.
It is the same as the C system, the carrier frequency of the color signal is the same as the PAL system, and the modulation mode is the same as the NTSC system.
Among the PAL system television receivers which are prevalent in the European region, it is possible to reproduce the PAL60 system video signal but not the NTSC4.43 system video signal.

Further, the above four methods will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5A shows the horizontal waveform of the composite video signal. Reference numeral 10 is a horizontal synchronizing signal Hsync, 11 is a burst signal, and 12 is a video signal which conveys color information (color difference component) in relation to the phase of the burst signal and which conveys the depth of color by its amplitude. The brightness information, which is black and white information, is transmitted by the amplitude of the horizontal signal. Therefore, the period 13 becomes the horizontal blanking time. In the television receiver which receives such a video signal, a color reference signal having the same phase as the burst signal is internally generated for video reproduction as shown in (2) of FIG. 5, and the phase of the video signal 12 is changed to the color reference signal. The color difference information is identified by comparing with the phase. Therefore, if the frequencies fsc of the carrier waves of these signals are different, the television receiver can identify black-and-white information (luminance information) but not color information.

The modulation method will be described with reference to FIG. (1) of FIG. 6 shows the carrier wave fsc of the above-mentioned color. (2) shows the burst signal of the horizontal waveform of NTSC system emphasized, and (3) shows the burst signal of the horizontal waveform of PAL system emphasized.

In the case of the NTSC system, the burst signal sent prior to each line has the same phase relationship with the color carrier wave fsc every time. On the other hand, in the case of the PAL system, the burst signal sent in advance for each line is given a phase shift of 90 degrees with respect to the color carrier wave fsc for each horizontal line. Therefore, the receiving side can correct the phase shift at the time of transmission between the adjacent lines, and the color information can be recognized and reproduced more accurately. Therefore, even when the modulation system is different, the television receiver can identify the black and white information but cannot identify the color information.

The field frequency, which is a feature of each system, does not pose a decisive problem in color image reproduction. That is, even if the composite video signal of 60 Hz is 50
For PAL TV receivers that plan to use
One picture is sent for 60 seconds each
This is because it only takes 50 seconds to play back. Moreover,
When the AGC circuit for automatically controlling the amplitude of the sawtooth wave which is the vertical drive signal in the television receiver is built in, a full-screen image can be reproduced without any problem.

As a result of examining the characteristic points among the above respective methods,
The inventors of the present invention digitally process the game program and the operation input from the player to generate a digital RGB signal and a composite sync signal CSYNC for the game image according to the NTSC system. It is effective to have a structure that follows the color carrier frequency and the modulation mode according to each system in the encoder part that generates the analog composite video signal together with the horizontal and vertical synchronization signals by applying the predetermined modulation to the color carrier I found a point.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the whole of the video game machine, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main part thereof. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the encoder. Corresponding parts in each figure are given the same reference numbers.

[Structure of Video Game Device] 50 in FIG.
Performs image calculation processing and the like in the main CPU according to the game program. Main CPU 50 is CPU bus 52
Through, a work memory during arithmetic processing, accumulation of data obtained as a result of arithmetic operation, random access memory 54 for accumulating external game programs and image data of objects, a program (IPL, Initial Program Loa
d) is connected to a read-only memory 56. Also, the system manager / peripheral controller 58 that controls the reset management of the entire system and the interface with external devices such as the control pad 60 is
It is connected to the PU bus 52. 62 is an interface circuit.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a system control unit (SCU), which has a role of a coprocessor of the CPU 50, controls the buses 52 and 66, and further has a direct memory access (DMA) controller built therein. While the main CPU 50 is operating, the character data of the object is stored in the image memory (VRAM) 7
Transfer to 8.

This system controller unit 6
Reference numeral 4 denotes a first image display processor (VDP1) 68 and a second image display processor (VDP1) via the bus 66.
2) 70, connected to audio processor 72 The television receiver 74 is connected to the game device via the encoder 73 and stores a computer program for game C.
A storage medium 76 such as a DROM (compact disc ROM) or a cassette is connected via an interface 75. This storage medium 76 is installed so that the game can be replaced in the device.

The first image display processor 68 is called a sprite engine or the like, and in the case of a soccer game, for example, is a processor for controlling an object (sprite) such as a player or a ball moving in a soccer field. An image memory 78 into which image processing commands and accompanying character data of an object are written, and two frame buffers 80 and 8 for storing image data to be displayed in pixel units.
2 are connected. Further, the second image display processor 7
Reference numeral 0 is a scroll engine, which is a processor that controls the superimposed display of the image of the object and the background screen, and is connected to the image memory 84 and the color memory 86 that stores color information. That is, the image of the object is superimposed on the background screen in accordance with the predetermined priority. Reference numeral 88 denotes a pair of speakers, which are externally attached to the game device.

In the storage medium 76, in the case of a soccer game, a control program for the game, character data of objects such as players and balls in the game, necessary image data such as fields and soccer goals are accumulated. They are sequentially loaded into the memory 54 as needed during the progress of the game.

Then, as image information to be finally displayed, a digital composite sync signal CSYNC for generating horizontal and vertical sync signals from the second image display processor.
And the digital RGB signals in synchronization with that are supplied to the encoder 73. The SCLK is the PLL circuit 90.
This is the system clock signal supplied from.

The digital processing up to this point is performed on the premise of a field frequency of 60 Hz according to a game program developed for the NTSC system. Therefore, the second image display processor generates a digital signal so as to generate 60 pictures (frames) per second. Therefore, the cycle of the vertical sync signal of the composite sync signal CSYNC is also 6
It is 0 Hz. The digital processing unit is shown by a chain line 100 in FIG. Note that such digital processing is described in detail in the specification (PCT application number PCT / JP94 / 01066) already filed by the present applicant.

[Encoder] Next, the encoder 73 generates the analog composite video signal VBS for supplying the digital image signal to the PAL television receiver 74. As described above, the encoder 73 uses the PAL in order to convert the digital color signal into the analog composite video signal.
It requires the same subcarrier frequency (color carrier frequency) fsc as in the scheme. Therefore, the clock signal CL from the oscillator 93
A color carrier fsc having a frequency of 4.43361875 MHz, which is obtained by dividing K by 1/4, is supplied from the PLL circuit 90 to the encoder 73.

Further, in this embodiment, whether or not the above-described 90-degree phase change modulation is performed on the encoder 73 is performed so that the composite video signal of the PAL60 system and the NTSC4.43 system can be generated. The mode switching signal 92 is supplied from the switch 91. As a result, according to the switch 91, the PAL60 system video signal and the NTSC4.43 system video signal are selectively supplied to the television receiver 74.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the inside of the encoder 73. The input is RGB as described above.
Digital input signal, composite sync signal CSYNC, color carrier frequency signal fsc, and mode switching signal 92 (M
ODE).

The RGB signals include a Y signal for color brightness (luminance) required for a black and white signal by the matrix conversion circuit 20, and an RY signal (U signal) for color difference information and its density information which are color components. ) And a BY signal (V signal). Then, the Y signal for brightness is combined with the composite synchronizing signal CSYNC by the combining circuit 23 via the delay adjustment circuit 21 and the clamp circuit 22, and output as a Y + S signal.

On the other hand, the RY signal which is the signal of the color component and the B signal
The -Y signal is modulated by the modulation circuits 25 and 26 according to each modulation method. On the basis of the color carrier frequency signal fsc supplied from the PLL circuit 90, the phase shift circuit 28 shifts the phase from the signal fsc to 0 ° and 9 °, respectively.
Signals offset by 0, 270, 45, and 315 degrees are generated. Further, based on the composite synchronization signal CSYNC, the pulse generator 30 generates a burst flag gate pulse BF31 synchronized with the composite synchronization signal CSNC and a line alternet pulse LALT33. The burst flag gate pulse BF31 generates a burst phase signal 34 generated from the signal fsc by the phase shift circuit 28 according to the mode, and a burst generation circuit 29.
5 is used to generate the burst pulse signal 32 which is generated for a required time as shown in FIG.

Line Alternet Pulse LALT
In the PLA60 mode, the reference numeral 33 shifts the phase of the burst phase signal 34 by 90 degrees line by line (phase shift from fsc of 45 degrees and 315 degrees), and the phase of modulation of the RY signal by line. To the phase shift circuit 28 in order to shift the phase by 180 degrees (phase shift from fsc for 90 degrees and 270 degrees). Therefore, when the mode signal 92 (MODE) is at a voltage level designating the PAL system, the burst phase signal 34 described above in the phase shift circuit 28 and the signal f of the phase signal 36 for modulation are used.
The deviation from sc is selected.

On the other hand, when the mode signal 92 (MODE) is NT
When the voltage level is such that the SC system is designated, the phase shift for each line is not performed, so the burst phase signal 34
Has a phase shift of 0 degrees, and the modulation phase signal 36 is a signal which is fixed and shifted by 90 degrees from the signal fsc. The phase signal 35 for modulation has a phase shift of 0 degrees from the signal fsc in any mode.

Therefore, when outputting a video signal of the PLA60 system, the RY signal which is one color signal is modulated by the modulation circuit 25 according to the phase signal 36 for modulation which is shifted by 90 degrees and 270 degrees for each line. To be done. The BY signal, which is the other color signal, is always modulated by the modulating circuit 26 by the modulating phase signal 35 having a shift of 0 degree. Then, the modulated color signals are burst pulse 3 in the synthesizing circuit 27.
Combined with 2. As a result, an analog signal obtained by combining the color signal and the burst signal is output as the C signal. still,
The RY signal and the BY signal are added by vector calculation on the television receiver side.

Next, when outputting an NTSC 4.43 system video signal, one color signal, the RY signal, is the signal fs.
The signal 36 deviated by 90 degrees from c is modulated by the modulation circuit 25. Further, the BY signal, which is the other color signal, is modulated by the signal 35 that has no phase shift from the signal fsc.
Modulated by 6. Then, it is also combined with the burst pulse 32 which does not change 90 degrees for each line.

The C signal for the color and the Y + S signal for the brightness are combined by the combining circuit 24 to generate a final analog composite video signal, that is, a VBS (composite video) signal. Supplied to a television receiver. In either case, the frequency of the color carrier is 4.33361857 MHz due to the signal fsc.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiments, the video game device is basically configured to output a video signal of the PAL60 system, but the encoder 91 is used by switching the mode by the switch 91. 7
In 3, it is also possible to output NTSC 4.43 format video signals.

Further, by improving this embodiment, the switch 9 for switching the frequency of the color carrier frequency signal fsc supplied to the encoder 73 to 3.579545 MHz.
It is also conceivable to provide 5, 96 and a second oscillator 94. In that case, the mode selection switch 91 is set to N.
It must be fixed at a voltage that specifies the TSC mode. As a result, in encoder 73, pure NTSC
The composite video signal VBS of the system can be output. However, it is necessary that the PLL circuit 90 can be switched to a circuit for the NTSC system.

[0045]

As described above, according to the video game device of the present invention, the computer program for the game developed for the NTSC system is executed to cause the PAL system television receiver to reproduce the game image. be able to.
Therefore, it is not necessary to double develop the game program, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic block diagram of a video game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the video game device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of an encoder unit shown in FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a table showing a difference between television broadcasting systems.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a horizontal waveform, a burst signal, and a color reference signal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between a subcarrier fsc and burst signals of NTSC and PAL systems.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Digital Image Processing Unit 73 Encoder Unit 74 PAL System Television Receiver 76 NTSC System Computer Program Storage Medium 90 PLL Circuit 91 Mode Switching Means 92 Mode Signals 93, 94 First and Second Oscillators 95 Carrier Waveform Switching Means RGB, CSYNC Digital image signal VBS Analog composite video signal fsc Carrier wave 25, 26 Modulation circuit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A video game apparatus, which is connected to a storage medium storing a computer program, and supplies a composite video signal to a PAL television receiver according to the control of the computer program to reproduce an image. Then, a digital image processing unit that generates a digital image signal according to a field frequency of 60 Hz or its vicinity, a color signal and a luminance signal are separated from the digital video signal, and a frequency of 4.43361875 MHz or its vicinity is separated according to the color signal. A video game device comprising: a modulation circuit for modulating the phase of a carrier wave; and an encoder section having a combination circuit for combining the modulated signal and the luminance signal to generate an analog composite video signal. 2. The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates a phase of a carrier wave whose phase is changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. 3. The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates a phase of a carrier wave whose phase is not changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. 4. The video game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mode switching means for switching a mode signal, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section does not change the function of changing the phase of the carrier wave for each horizontal line. It is characterized by having a function and switching between both functions according to the mode signal. 5. A video game apparatus, which is connected to a storage medium storing a computer program and which supplies a composite video signal to a PAL television receiver according to the control of the computer program to reproduce an image, executes the computer program. Then, a digital image processing unit that generates a digital image signal according to a field frequency of 60 Hz or its vicinity, a color signal and a luminance signal are separated from the digital video signal, and a phase of a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency is determined according to the color signal. A modulation circuit for modulating, and an encoder section having a synthesizing circuit for synthesizing the modulated signal and the luminance signal to generate an analog composite video signal, and having a frequency of 4.43361875 MHz or its vicinity The first carrier wave generation means for generating the carrier wave of 3.579545MHz or near It has a second carrier wave generation means for generating a second carrier wave of a nearby frequency, and a carrier wave switching means for switching the first and second carrier waves, and the first or second carrier wave is transmitted to the encoder section. A video game device characterized by being supplied. 6. The video game device according to claim 5, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates a phase of a carrier wave whose phase is changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. 7. The video game device according to claim 5, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section modulates a phase of a carrier wave whose phase is not changed for each horizontal line according to the color signal. 8. The video game device according to claim 5, further comprising mode switching means for switching a mode signal, wherein the modulation circuit of the encoder section does not change the function of changing the phase of the carrier wave for each horizontal line. It is characterized by having a function and switching between both functions according to the mode signal. 9. The video game device according to claim 1, wherein the PAL television receiver reproduces an image at a field frequency of 50 Hz or a frequency in the vicinity thereof.