US20080305871A1 - Game program, game machine, and game control method - Google Patents

Game program, game machine, and game control method Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080305871A1
US20080305871A1 US12/190,763 US19076308A US2008305871A1 US 20080305871 A1 US20080305871 A1 US 20080305871A1 US 19076308 A US19076308 A US 19076308A US 2008305871 A1 US2008305871 A1 US 2008305871A1
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Prior art keywords
image data
data
frames
releasing
moving object
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Abandoned
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US12/190,763
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English (en)
Inventor
Junichi Fujita
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Konami Digital Entertainment Co Ltd
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Konami Digital Entertainment Co Ltd
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Assigned to KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD. reassignment KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FUJITA, JUNICHI
Publication of US20080305871A1 publication Critical patent/US20080305871A1/en
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    • A63F13/10—
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/55—Controlling game characters or game objects based on the game progress
    • A63F13/56—Computing the motion of game characters with respect to other game characters, game objects or elements of the game scene, e.g. for simulating the behaviour of a group of virtual soldiers or for path finding
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/45—Controlling the progress of the video game
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/50—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress
    • A63F13/52—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress involving aspects of the displayed game scene
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
    • A63F13/812—Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06T—IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
    • G06T13/00—Animation
    • G06T13/20—3D [Three Dimensional] animation
    • G06T13/40—3D [Three Dimensional] animation of characters, e.g. humans, animals or virtual beings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/60—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
    • A63F2300/66—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for rendering three dimensional images
    • A63F2300/6607—Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for rendering three dimensional images for animating game characters, e.g. skeleton kinematics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8011—Ball

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a game program, and particularly to a game program whereby a game that displays a send-out operation of a character that sends out a moving object on an image display unit is implemented in a computer.
  • the present invention also relates to a video game machine capable of executing the game implemented by the game program, and to a came control method capable of controlling the game implemented by the game program through the use of a computer.
  • Various video games have been proposed in the past. These video games are executed in a game machine.
  • a common game machine has a monitor, a game console that is separate from the monitor, and an input unit, e.g., a controller, that is separate from the game console.
  • An input unit e.g., a plurality of input keys, is provided to the controller.
  • a character displayed on the monitor can be manipulated by operating an input key.
  • the monitor displays a state in which a pitcher character throws a pitch.
  • a state in which the pitcher character throws a pitch from the set position is displayed on the monitor as a close-up shot.
  • the base running of the runner character is displayed on the monitor in a long-screen state.
  • a special ability parameter referred to as quickness is assigned to a pitcher character who is skilled at quick motion.
  • this special ability parameter when the screen switches from a close-up view to a long-shot view as the runner character runs to a base, the position of the runner character starting the run is displayed in a position near the base.
  • the special ability parameter when the screen switches from a close-up view to a long-shot view as the runner character runs to a base, the position of the runner character starting the run is displayed in a position distant from the base.
  • the pitching of the pitcher character by a quick motion is thus adjusted according to the position of the runner character at the time the screen switches from a close-up view to a long-shot view. Specifically, the runner character is displayed in a different position at the time the screen switches from a close-up view to a long-shot view according to whether or not the pitcher character pitches by a quick motion.
  • Non-patent Document 1 Pro Baseball Spirits 2, Konami, Apr. 7, 2005, PlayStation 2 Edition
  • the effects of the quick motion are adjusted by adopting the configuration in which the runner character is displayed in a different position at the time the screen switches from a close-up view to a long-shot view according to whether or not the pitcher character pitches by a quick motion.
  • the runner character is displayed in a position nearer to first base than in the case of a pitcher who does not pitch by a quick motion.
  • the reason for adopting the configuration in which the display position of the runner character is varied according to whether or not the pitcher character pitches by a quick motion is that the special ability parameter of quickness has no effect on the pitching of the pitcher character even when the special ability parameter of quickness is assigned to the pitcher character. Specifically, even when the special ability parameter of quickness is assigned to the pitcher character, it is impossible to cause the pitcher character to pitch by a quick motion.
  • An object of the present invention is to make it possible to display a send-out (releasing) operation performed by a character to send out (release) a moving object on an image display unit on the basis of characteristic data of the character.
  • an object of the present invention is to make it possible to display a quick pitching operation of a pitcher character on an image display unit on the basis of characteristic data of the pitcher character.
  • control unit performs a process to generate at least one first intermediate image data between the first image data and the fourth image data, at least one second intermediate image data between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and at least one third intermediate image data between the fourth image data and the second image data;
  • an image display command issuing function whereby the control unit is caused to issue an image display command for displaying the send-out operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the image display unit;
  • the game program is capable of implementing a game in which a send-out operation performed by a character to send out a moving object is displayed on an image display unit.
  • first image data of a time at which the character initiates a send-out operation second image data of a time at which the moving object is sent out by the character who performs the send-out operation, and a plurality of third image data of a period from the initiation of the send-out operation by the character to the sending out of the moving object by the character are recognized as first basic image data by a control unit.
  • the first correspondence recognizing function a correspondence between each of a plurality of send-out mode data for specifying a mode of the send-out operation and an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data is recognized by the control unit.
  • the characteristic data recognizing function any one set of the plurality of send-out mode data is recognized as characteristic data of the character by the control unit.
  • the amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data corresponding to the characteristic data are recognized as fourth image data by the control unit.
  • the first image data, the second image data, and the plurality of fourth image data are also recognized as second basic image data by the control unit.
  • the control unit performs a process to generate at least one first intermediate image data between the first image data and the fourth image data, at least one second intermediate image data between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and at least one third intermediate image data between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the at least one first intermediate image data, the at least one second intermediate image data, and the at least one third intermediate image data are recognized as intermediate image data by the control unit.
  • the control unit is caused to issue an image display command for displaying the send-out operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the image display unit.
  • the send-out operation that corresponds to the characteristic data is displayed on the image display unit by using the second basic image data and the intermediate image data when the image display command is issued from the control unit.
  • a game can be implemented in which a quick pitching operation of a pitcher character that sends out a ball is displayed on the image display unit.
  • first image data of a time at which a quick pitching operation is initiated by the pitcher character second image data of a time at which the ball is sent out by the pitcher character who performs the quick pitching operation, and a plurality of third image data of a time between initiation of the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character and pitching of the ball by the pitcher character are recognized as first basic image data by a control unit.
  • a correspondence between each of a plurality of quick pitch form data for specifying a mode of the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character and an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data is then recognized by the control unit. Any one set of the plurality of quick pitch form data is then recognized as characteristic data of the pitcher character by the control unit.
  • the amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data corresponding to the characteristic data of the pitcher character are then recognized as a plurality of fourth image data by the control unit.
  • the first image data, the second image data, and the plurality of fourth image data are also recognized as second basic image data by the control unit.
  • the control unit then performs a process to generate at least one first intermediate image data between the first image data and the fourth image data, at least one second intermediate image data between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and at least one third intermediate image data between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the at least one first intermediate image data, the at least one second intermediate image data, and the at least one third intermediate image data are then recognized as intermediate image data by the control unit.
  • An image display command for displaying the quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the image display unit is then issued to the control unit.
  • the quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data is then displayed on the image display unit by using the second basic image data and the intermediate image data when the image display command is issued from the control unit.
  • the pitching operation of the pitcher character can be displayed on the image display unit by using the intermediate image data and the second basic image data that include the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data of the pitcher character.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • a first interval frame number recognizing function whereby the control unit is caused to set a number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data, and the number of frames between each image data unit set by the control unit is recognized as an interval frame number by the control unit so that a total number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is a number of frames obtained by subtracting a number of sets of the second basic image data from the total number of frames corresponding to the characteristic data recognized by the control unit.
  • the control unit recognizes a correspondence between each of the plurality of send-out mode data and a total number of frames when an operation from initiation of the send-out operation by the character to the sending-out of the moving object by the character is displayed on the image display unit.
  • the characteristic data recognizing function any one set of the plurality of send-out mode data is recognized as characteristic data of the character by the control unit.
  • the control unit is caused to set a number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data, and the number of frames between each image data unit set by the control unit is recognized as an interval frame number by the control unit so that a total number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is a number of frames obtained by subtracting a number of sets of the second basic image data from the total number of frames corresponding to the characteristic data recognized by the control unit.
  • the control unit performs a process to generate a number of sets of first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the first image data and the fourth image data, a number of sets of second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and a number of sets of third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the control unit recognizes the first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, the second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, and the third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames as intermediate image data.
  • the control unit recognizes a correspondence between each of the plurality of quick pitch form data and a total number of frames when an operation from initiation of the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character to sending-out of the ball from the pitcher character is displayed on the image display unit. Any one set of the plurality of quick pitch form data is then recognized as characteristic data of the character by the control unit.
  • a number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is then set by the control unit, and the number of frames between each image data unit set by the control unit is recognized as an interval frame number by the control unit so that a total number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is a number of frames obtained by subtracting a number of sets of the second basic image data from the total number of frames corresponding to the characteristic data recognized by the control unit.
  • the control unit then performs a process to generate a number of sets of first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the first image data and the fourth image data, a number of sets of second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and a number of sets of third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the control unit then recognizes the first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, the second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, and the third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames as intermediate image data.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be displayed on the image display unit in a prescribed number of frames (total number of frames) corresponding to any one set of the characteristic data, i.e., the plurality of quick pitch form data, recognized by the control unit.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be displayed on the image display unit in a prescribed number of frames on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • the first basic image data recognizing function causes the control unit to recognize the image data in the sequence of the first image data, the plurality of third image data, and the second image data in the game program according to the first or second aspect.
  • the first correspondence recognizing function causes the control unit to recognize a correspondence between each of the plurality of send-out mode data and the plurality of third image data with the exclusion of at least one unit of the third image data that is closer to the first image data.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be displayed on the image display unit by excluding at least one third image data, e.g., image data of a state in which the pitcher character bends his legs at a right angle, that is closer to the first image data.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be appropriately displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • the first intermediate image data in the game program according to any of the first through third aspects are generated by causing the control unit to execute interpolation calculation using the first image data and the fourth image data as initial image data.
  • the second intermediate image data are generated by causing the control unit to execute interpolation calculation using two units of image data among the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data as initial image data.
  • the third intermediate image data are generated by causing the control unit to execute interpolation calculation using the fourth image data and the second image data as initial image data in the intermediate image data generating function.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be smoothly displayed by using the intermediate image data to connect the two sets of image data that specify the intervals.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • the game machine is a game machine that is capable of implementing a game that displays a send-out operation performed by a character to send out a moving object on an image display unit.
  • the game machine includes first basic image data recognizing means whereby first image data of a time at which the character initiates a send-out operation, second image data of a time at which the moving object is sent out by the character who performs the send-out operation, and a plurality of third image data of a period from the initiation of the send-out operation by the character to the sending out of the moving object by the character are recognized as first basic image data by a control unit; first correspondence recognizing means whereby a correspondence between each of a plurality of send-out mode data for specifying a mode of the send-out operation and an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data is recognized by the control unit; characteristic data recognizing means whereby any one set of the plurality of send-out mode data is recognized as characteristic data of the character by the control unit; second basic image data recognizing
  • the game control method is a game control method for enabling a computer to control a game that displays a send-out operation performed by a character to send out a moving object on an image display unit.
  • the game control method includes a first basic image data recognizing step whereby first image data of a time at which the character initiates a send-out operation, second image data of a time at which the moving object is sent out by the character who performs the send-out operation, and a plurality of third image data of a period from the initiation of the send-out operation by the character to the sending out of the moving object by the character are recognized as first basic image data by a control unit; a first correspondence recognizing step whereby a correspondence between each of a plurality of send-out mode data for specifying a mode of the send-out operation and an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data is recognized by the control unit; a characteristic data recognizing step whereby any one set of the plurality of send-out mode data is recognized as characteristic data
  • FIG. 1 is a basic structural diagram of a video game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the means provided to the video game machine
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the image data that correspond to the pitcher character
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the quick pitch form data and the third image data
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the quick pitch form data and the total number of frames
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the pitcher character displayed on the monitor
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the characteristic data and the second basic image data
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the second basic image data and the interval frame number
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the method for generating the intermediate image data.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the pitching operation display system.
  • FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of the game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a home video game machine is described below as an example of the video game machine.
  • the home video game machine is provided with a home game machine main unit and a home television.
  • a recording medium 10 can be mounted in the home game machine main unit, and game data is read as needed from the recording medium 10 and the game is executed. In this manner, the executed game content is displayed on the home television.
  • a game system of a home video game machine is composed of a control unit 1 , a memory unit 2 , an image display unit 3 , an audio output unit 4 , and an operation input unit 5 , and these are connected via a bus 6 .
  • the bus 6 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like.
  • the control unit 1 , memory unit 2 , audio output unit 4 , and operation input unit 5 are housed in the home game machine main unit of the home video game machine, and the image display unit 3 is housed in the home television.
  • the control unit 1 is provided primarily for controlling the progress of the game as a whole on the basis of a game program.
  • the control unit I is composed, for example, of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7 , a signal processing processor 8 , and an image processing processor 9 .
  • the CPU 7 , the signal processing processor 8 , and the image processing processor 9 are connected to each other via the bus 6 .
  • the CPU 7 interprets commands from the game program and performs various types of data processing or control. For example, the CPU 7 issues a command to the signal processing processor 8 to feed image data to the image processing processor.
  • the signal processing processor 8 primarily performs calculations in three-dimensional space, positional conversion calculations from three-dimensional space to pseudo-three-dimensional space, light source calculation processing, and processing for generating and processing images and audio data based on the results of calculations executed in three-dimensional space or pseudo-three-dimensional space.
  • the image processing processor 9 primarily performs processing for writing image data to be drawn into RAM 12 on the basis of the calculation results and processing results of the signal processing processor 8 .
  • the CPU 7 issues commands to the signal processing processor 8 to process various types of data.
  • the signal processing processor 8 primarily performs calculations corresponding to various types of data in three-dimensional space, and position conversion calculations from three-dimensional space to pseudo-three-dimensional space.
  • the memory unit 2 is provided primarily for storing program data or various types of data and the like used by the program data.
  • the memory unit 2 is composed, for example, of a recording medium 10 , an interface circuit 11 , and RAM (Random Access Memory) 12 .
  • the interface circuit 11 is connected to the recording medium 10 .
  • the interface circuit 11 and the RAM 12 are connected via the bus 6 .
  • the recording medium 10 is provided for storing program data of the operation system or for storing game data and the like composed of image data, audio data, and various types of program data.
  • the recording medium 10 is a ROM (Read Only Memory) cassette, an optical disk, a flexible disk, or the like, for example, and stores operating system program data, game data, or the like.
  • Card-type memory is also included in the recording medium 10 , and the card-type memory is used primarily for storing various types of game parameters at the time of interruption when a game is interrupted.
  • the RAM 12 temporarily stores various types of data that are read from the recording medium 10 , and is used for such purposes as temporarily storing processing results from the control unit 1 .
  • Various types of data, and address data for indicating the storage position of the various types of data are stored in the RAM 12 , and an arbitrary address can be specified for reading and writing.
  • the image display unit 3 is provided primarily for outputting an image of image data that are written in the RAM 12 by the image processing processor 9 , image data that are read from the recording medium 10 , and the like.
  • the image display unit 3 is composed of a television monitor 20 , an interface circuit 21 , and a D/A converter (Digital-to-Analog converter) 22 , for example.
  • the D/A converter 22 is connected to the television monitor 20
  • the interface circuit 21 is connected to the D/A converter 22 .
  • the bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 21 .
  • the image data are fed to the D/A converter 22 via the interface circuit 21 and converted to analog image signals.
  • the analog image signals are outputted as an image to the television monitor 20 .
  • the image data include polygon data, texture data, and the like, for example.
  • Polygon data are coordinate data of the vertexes that constitute a polygon.
  • Texture data are data for setting textures on the polygons, and are composed of texture instruction data and texture color data.
  • the texture instruction data are data for correlating a polygon with a texture
  • the texture color data are data for specifying the color of a texture.
  • polygon address data and texture address data that indicate the storage positions of the data are correlated with each other in the polygon data and the texture data, respectively.
  • the signal processing processor 8 performs coordinate conversion and perspective projection conversion of polygon data in three-dimensional space (three-dimensional polygon data) indicated by the polygon address data, and the data are replaced with polygon data in two-dimensional space (two-dimensional polygon data).
  • the external shape of a polygon is formed by a plurality of items of two-dimensional polygon data, and the texture data indicated by the texture address data are written in the internal region of the polygon. Objects in which textures are affixed to polygons, i.e., various types of characters, can thus be displayed.
  • the audio output unit 4 is provided primarily for outputting sound from audio data that are read from the recording medium 10 .
  • the audio output unit 4 is composed of a speaker 13 , an amplification circuit 14 , a D/A converter 15 , and an interface circuit 16 , for example.
  • the amplification circuit 14 is connected to the speaker 13
  • the D/A converter 15 is connected to the amplification circuit 14
  • the interface circuit 16 is connected to the D/A converter 15 .
  • the bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 16 .
  • the audio data are fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 and converted to analog audio signals.
  • the analog audio signals are amplified by the amplification circuit 14 and outputted as sound from the speaker 13 .
  • the audio data include ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) data, PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data, or the like, for example.
  • ADPCM Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation
  • PCM Pulse Code Modulation
  • the operation input unit 5 is primarily composed of a controller 17 , an operation information interface circuit 18 , and an interface circuit 19 .
  • the operation information interface circuit 18 is connected to the controller 17
  • the interface circuit 19 is connected to the operation information interface circuit 18 .
  • the bus 6 is connected to the interface circuit 19 .
  • the controller 17 is an operation device that is used by the player to input various operating commands, and operating signals that correspond to the operations of the player are transmitted to the CPU 7 .
  • the controller 17 is provided with a first button 17 a , a second button 17 b , a third button 17 c , a fourth button 17 d , an up key 17 U, a down key 17 D, a left key 17 L, a right key 17 R, an L1 button 17 L 1 , an L2 button 17 L 2 , an R1 button 17 R 1 , an R2 button 17 R 2 , a start button 17 e , a select button 17 f , a left stick 17 SL, and a right stick 17 SR.
  • the up key 17 U, the down key 17 D, the left key 17 L, and the right key 17 R are used, for example, to present commands to the CPU 7 to move a character or cursor up, down, left, or right on the screen of the television monitor 20 .
  • the start button 17 e is used to instruct the CPU 7 to load the game program from the recording medium 10 .
  • the select button 17 f is used to specify various selections to the CPU 7 for the game program that is loaded from the recording medium 10 .
  • the left stick 17 SL and the right stick 17 SR are stick-type controllers having substantially the same structure as a so-called joystick.
  • the stick-type controllers have an upright stick.
  • the stick is configured so as to be capable of tilting from the upright position through 360° of directions that include forward, backward, left, and right with respect to a center support point.
  • the left stick 17 SL and the right stick 17 SR transmit the values of an x coordinate and a y coordinate as an operation signal using the upright position as the origin according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the sticks to the CPU 7 via the operation information interface circuit 18 and the interface circuit 19 .
  • first button 17 a Various types of functions are assigned to the first button 17 a , the second button 17 b , the third button 17 c , the fourth button 17 d , the L1 button 17 L 1 , the L2 button 17 L 2 , the R1 button 17 R 1 , and the R2 button 17 R 2 according to the game program that is loaded from the recording medium 10 .
  • buttons and keys of the controller 17 other than the left stick 17 SL and the right stick 17 SR are on/off switches that are switched on by being pushed from the center position by outside pressure and switched off by returning to the center position when pressure is withdrawn.
  • the CPU 7 reads image data, audio data, and program data from the recording medium 10 on the basis of the operating system stored in the recording medium 10 . Some or all of the image data, audio data, and program data thus read is stored in the RAM 12 . The CPU 7 then issues a command for the image data or audio data stored in the RAM 12 on the basis of the program data that are stored in the RAM 12 .
  • the signal processing processor 8 first performs position calculations, light source calculations, and the like of a character in three-dimensional space on the basis of the command from the CPU 7 .
  • the image processing processor 9 then performs write processing and the like of image data to be drawn into the RAM 12 on the basis of the calculation results of the signal processing processor 8 .
  • the image data written in the RAM 12 are then fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 .
  • the image data are converted to analog video signals by the D/A converter 15 .
  • the image data are fed to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.
  • the signal processing processor 8 first performs processing for generating and processing audio data on the basis of a command from the CPU 7 .
  • the audio data are processed to convert pitches, add noise, set envelopes, set levels, add reverb, and perform other processing, for example.
  • the audio data are then outputted from the signal processing processor 8 and fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 .
  • the audio data are converted to analog audio signals.
  • the audio data are then outputted from the speaker 13 via the amplification circuit 14 as sound.
  • the game implemented in the game machine 1 is a baseball game, for example.
  • the game machine 1 is capable of implementing a game in which a quick pitching operation or a non-quick pitching operation of a pitcher character that pitches (releases) a ball is displayed on the image display unit 3 , e.g., the television monitor 20 .
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functions that have important roles in the present invention.
  • the first basic image data recognizing means (unit) is provided with a function for causing the control unit 1 , e.g., the CPU 7 , to recognize first image data of a time at which a pitching operation is initiated by the pitcher character, second image data of a time at which the ball is pitched by the pitcher character who performs the pitching operation, and a plurality of third image data of a time between initiation of the pitching operation of the pitcher character and pitching of the ball by the pitcher character as first basic image data.
  • the first basic image data recognizing means is also provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize the image data in the sequence of the first image data, the plurality of third image data, and the second image data.
  • first image data of a time at which a pitching operation is initiated by the pitcher character second image data of a time at which the ball is pitched by the pitcher character who performs the pitching operation, and a plurality of third image data of a time between initiation of the pitching operation of the pitcher character and pitching of the ball by the pitcher character are recognized as first basic image data by the CPU 7 .
  • the first through third image data are loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 during loading of the game program.
  • the first through third image data loaded in the RAM 12 are then recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the first through third image data are recognized as first basic image data by the CPU 7 .
  • a display sequence for displaying the sets of image data of the first basic image data on the television monitor 20 in the sequence of the first image data, the plurality of third image data, and the second image data is the recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the first correspondence recognizing means (unit) is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize a correspondence between each of a plurality of pitch form data for specifying a mode of the pitching operation, and an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data.
  • the first correspondence recognizing means causes the CPU 7 to recognize a correspondence between each of the plurality of pitch form data and the plurality of third image data with the exclusion of at least one unit of the third image data that is closer to the first image data.
  • the CPU 7 recognizes a correspondence between each of a plurality of pitch form data for specifying a mode of the pitching operation and the amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data. Specifically, in this means, the CPU 7 recognizes a correspondence between each of the plurality of pitch form data and the plurality of third image data with the exclusion of at least one unit of the third image data that is closer to the first image data. Specifically, the plurality of pitch form data is loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 during loading of the game program. The plurality of pitch form data loaded in the RAM 12 is then recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the CPU 7 also recognizes a plurality of third image data with the exclusion of at least one set of third image data that is closer to the first image data corresponding to each of the plurality of pitch form data.
  • the CPU 7 thus recognizes the correspondence between each of the plurality of pitch form data and the plurality of third image data with the exclusion of at least one set of third image data that is closer to the first image data.
  • the second correspondence recognizing means is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize a correspondence between each of the plurality of pitch form data and a total number of frames when an operation from initiation of the pitching operation of the pitcher character from the character is displayed on the television monitor 20 .
  • the CPU 7 recognizes a correspondence between each of the plurality of pitch form data and a total number of frames when an operation from initiation of the pitching operation of the pitcher character from the character is displayed on the television monitor 20 . Specifically, the total number of frames corresponding to each of the plurality of pitch form data is loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 during loading of the game program. The total number of frames loaded in the RAM 12 is recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the characteristic data recognizing means (unit) is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize any one set of the plurality of pitch form data as characteristic data of the pitcher character.
  • the CPU 7 recognizes any one set of the plurality of pitch form data as characteristic data of the pitcher character. Specifically, when an input signal from the operation input unit 5 , e.g., the controller 17 , for selecting a starting pitcher character or a relief pitcher character is recognized by the CPU 7 , the pitch form data corresponding to the selected pitcher character are recognized by the CPU 7 as characteristic data of the pitcher character.
  • the second basic image data recognizing means (unit) is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize an amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data corresponding to the characteristic data as fourth image data, and for causing the CPU 7 to recognize the first image data, the second image data, and the plurality of fourth image data as second basic image data.
  • the amount of third image data that is less than the plurality of third image data corresponding to the characteristic data are recognized by the CPU 7 as fourth image data.
  • the first image data, the second image data, and the plurality of fourth image data are also recognized by the CPU 7 as second basic image data.
  • the first interval frame number recognizing means is provided with a function whereby a number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is set by the CPU 7 , and the number of frames between each image data unit set by the CPU 7 is recognized as an interval frame number by the CPU 7 so that a total number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is a number of frames obtained by subtracting a number of sets of the second basic image data from the total number of frames corresponding to the characteristic data recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • a number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is set by the CPU 7 so that a total number of frames between each image data unit of the second basic image data is a number of frames obtained by subtracting a number of sets of the second basic image data from the total number of frames corresponding to the characteristic data recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the number of frames between each image data unit set by the CPU 7 is also recognized as an interval frame number by the CPU 7 . Specifically, a prescribed number of frames between each unit of image data of the second basic image data are allocated by the CPU 7 .
  • the total of the prescribed number of frames between each unit of image data of the second basic image data is the number of frames obtained by subtracting the number of sets of second basic image data from the total number frames that corresponds to the characteristic data recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the number of frames between each unit of image data set by the CPU 7 is recognized by the CPU 7 as the interval frame number.
  • the intermediate image data generating means is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to execute processing for generating at least one first intermediate image data between the first image data and the fourth image data, at least one second intermediate image data between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and at least one third intermediate image data between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the intermediate image data generating means is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to execute processing for generating a number of sets of first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the first image data and the fourth image data, a number of sets of second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and a number of sets of third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the CPU 7 performs a process to generate a number of sets of first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the first image data and the fourth image data, a number of sets of second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between each of the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data, and a number of sets of third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames between the fourth image data and the second image data.
  • the number of sets of first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames are generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute interpolation calculation using the first image data and the fourth image data earliest in the display sequence as initial image data.
  • the second intermediate image data are generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute interpolation calculation using two units of image data that are adjacent to each other in the display sequence among the plurality of fourth image data corresponding to the characteristic data as initial image data.
  • the third intermediate image data are generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute interpolation calculation using the fourth image data latest in the display sequence and the second image data as initial image data.
  • the intermediate image data recognizing means (unit) is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize the at least one first intermediate image data, the at least one second intermediate image data, and the at least one third intermediate image data as intermediate image data.
  • the intermediate image data recognizing means is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to recognize the first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, the second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, and the third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames as intermediate image data.
  • the CPU 7 recognizes the first intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, the second intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames, and the third intermediate image data commensurate with the number of interval frames as intermediate image data.
  • the image display instruction issuing means is provided with a function for causing the CPU 7 to issue an image display command for displaying the quick pitching operation or non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the television monitor 20 .
  • an image display command for displaying the quick pitching operation or non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the television monitor 20 is issued from the CPU 7 .
  • an input signal from the controller 17 for initiating a pitching operation of the pitcher character is recognized by the CPU 7
  • an image display command for displaying the quick pitching operation or non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data on the television monitor 20 is issued from the CPU 7 .
  • the image display means (unit) is provided with a function whereby the quick pitching operation or non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the second basic image data and the intermediate image data when the image display command is issued from the CPU 7 .
  • the quick pitching operation or non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the second basic image data and the intermediate image data when the image display command is issued from the CPU 7 .
  • the second basic image data and the intermediate image data that correspond to the characteristic data are fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 .
  • the image data are converted to analog video signals by the D/A converter 15 .
  • the image data are fed to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.
  • the first image data G 1 of the initiation time of the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character, the second image data G 2 of the time when the ball is pitched from the pitcher character by the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character, and the plurality of third image data G 3 of the time between initiation of the quick pitching operation by the pitcher character and pitching of the ball by the pitcher character are loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the first through third image data G 1 , G 2 , G 3 loaded in the RAM 12 are then recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the first through third image data G 1 , G 2 , G 3 are recognized by the CPU 7 as first basic image data GD 1 (S 1 ).
  • the CPU 7 then recognizes a display sequence J for displaying the image data G 1 , G 2 , G 3 of the first basic image data GD 1 in the sequence of the first image data G 1 , the plurality of third image data G 3 , and the second image data G 2 on the television monitor 20 (S 2 ).
  • a display sequence J for displaying the image data G 1 , G 2 , G 3 of the first basic image data GD 1 in the sequence of the first image data G 1 , the plurality of third image data G 3 , and the second image data G 2 on the television monitor 20 (S 2 ).
  • eighteen types of different image data G 3 ( 1 ) through G 3 ( 18 ) are prepared as the plurality of third image data G 3
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 ( 1 ) through G 3 ( 18 ) is recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the display sequence J in this case is the following sequence: image data G 1 , G 3 ( 1 ) through G 3 ( 18 ), G 2 .
  • the plurality of quick pitch form data T is also loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 .
  • the values, e.g., numerical values “0,” “1,” “2,” and “3” of the plurality of quick pitch form data T loaded in the RAM 12 are recognized by the CPU 7 (S 3 ).
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 corresponding to each of the plurality of quick pitch form data T is recognized by the CPU 7 (S 4 ).
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 (G 3 ( 1 ) through G 3 ( 18 )) corresponding to the numerical value “0” of the quick pitch form data T is recognized by the CPU 7 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 ′ (G 3 ( 1 ), G 3 ( 3 ) through G 3 ( 18 )) corresponding to the numerical value “1” of the quick pitch form data T is also recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 ′ (G 3 ( 1 ), G 3 ( 4 ) through G 3 ( 18 )) corresponding to the numerical value “2” of the quick pitch form data T is also recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 ′ (G 3 ( 1 ), G 3 ( 5 ) through G 3 ( 18 )) corresponding to the numerical value “3” of the quick pitch form data T is recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 corresponding to the numerical values “1,” “2,” and “3” of the quick pitch form data T is a plurality of third image data G 3 not including at least one unit of the third image data G 3 that is closer to the first image data G 1 corresponding to the quick pitch form data T.
  • the correspondence between each of the plurality of quick pitch form data T and the plurality of third image data G 3 is defined in advance in the game program.
  • the total frame number F corresponding to each of the plurality of quick pitch form data T is loaded from the recording medium 10 to the RAM 12 .
  • the total frame number F loaded in the RAM 12 is then recognized by the CPU 7 (S 5 ).
  • the total frame number F corresponding to the numerical value “0” of the quick pitch form data T is 96 frames
  • the total frame number F corresponding to the numerical value “1” of the quick pitch form data T is 91 frames
  • the total frame number F corresponding to the numerical value “2” of the quick pitch form data T is 86 frames
  • the total frame number F corresponding to the numerical value “3” of the quick pitch form data T is 81 frames
  • these values of the plurality of quick pitch form data T are recognized by the CPU 7 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • the correspondence between the total frame number F and the value of the quick pitch form data T is defined in advance in the game program.
  • any one pitcher character P among a plurality of pitcher characters P 0 , P 1 , P 2 , P 3 corresponding to the input signal is recognized by the CPU 7 (S 7 ).
  • the pitcher character P recognized by the CPU 7 is displayed on the television monitor 20 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
  • the quick pitch form data T that correspond to the pitcher character P are then recognized by the CPU 7 (S 8 ).
  • the correspondence between the pitcher character P and the quick pitch form data T is defined in advance in the game program, and when the desired pitcher character P is selected through operation of the controller 17 , the quick pitch form data T that correspond to the desired pitcher character P are recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the quick pitch form data T having the numerical value “0” are recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the quick pitch form data T having the numerical value “0” are then recognized by the CPU 7 as the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character P 0 (S 9 ).
  • the quick pitch form data T having any one of the numerical values “1,” “2,” and “3” is recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the quick pitch form data T having any one of the numerical values “1,” “2,” and “3” is then recognized by the CPU 7 as the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character P 1 , P 2 , or P 3 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
  • the television monitor 20 displays a state in which the pitcher character P 4 pitches by a non-quick operation.
  • the CPU 7 determines whether the value of the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character P is “0” (S 10 ). When the CPU 7 determines that the numerical value of the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character P is not “0” (S 10 : NO), an amount of third image data G 3 ′ less than the plurality of third image data G 3 that correspond to the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character are recognized by the CPU 7 as the plurality of fourth image data G 4 (S 11 ; see FIG. 4 ). The first image data G 1 , the plurality of fourth image data G 4 , and the second image data G 2 are then recognized by the CPU 7 as second basic image data GD 2 (S 12 ).
  • the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character is “I”
  • the plurality of image data G 1 , G 3 ( 1 ), G 3 ( 3 ) through G 3 ( 18 ), and G 2 are recognized by the CPU 7 as second basic image data GD 2 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
  • the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character is “2”
  • G 2 are recognized by the CPU 7 as the second basic image data GD 2 .
  • the characteristic data TD of the pitcher character is “3”
  • the plurality of image data G 1 , G 3 ( 1 ), G 3 ( 5 ) through G 3 ( 18 ), and G 2 are recognized by the CPU 7 as the second basic image data GD 2 .
  • the number of frames between the sets of image data G 1 , G 3 , G 3 of the second basic image data GD 2 composed of the first image data G 1 , the plurality of fourth image data G 4 , and the second image data G 2 is set to a prescribed number of frames by the CPU 7 .
  • the total of the prescribed number of frames between the sets of image data G 1 , G 2 , G 3 of the second basic image data GD 2 is the number of frames obtained by subtracting the number of sets of second basic image data GD 2 from the total frame number F that corresponds to the characteristic data TD recognized by the CPU 7 .
  • the interval frame number KF between the image data G 1 and the image data G 3 ( 1 ), the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the image data G 3 ( 3 ), the interval frame number KF between each set of image data from the image data G 3 ( 3 ) to the image data G 3 ( 18 ), and the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the image data G 2 are each set to four frames.
  • the total of the interval frame numbers KF is 72 frames, and the number of sets of second basic image data GD 2 is 19, the total frame number F is 91 frames.
  • the interval frame number KF between the image data G 1 and the image data G 3 ( 1 ), the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the image data G 3 ( 4 ), the interval frame number KF between each set of image data from the image data G 3 ( 4 ) to the image data G 3 ( 18 ), and the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the image data G 2 are each set to four frames.
  • the total of the interval frame numbers KF is 68 frames, and the number of sets of second basic image data GD 2 is 18, the total frame number F is 86 frames.
  • the interval frame number KF between the image data G 1 and the image data G 3 ( 1 ), the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the image data G 3 ( 5 ), the interval frame number KF between each set of image data from the image data G 3 ( 5 ) to the image data G 3 ( 18 ), and the interval frame number KF between the image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the image data G 2 are each set to four frames.
  • the total of the interval frame numbers KF is 64 frames, and the number of sets of second basic image data GD 2 is 17, the total frame number F is 81 frames.
  • the number of sets of first intermediate image data MG 1 commensurate with the interval frame number KF is generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute linear interpolation calculation using as initial image data the first image data G 1 and the fourth image data G 4 for which the value of the display sequence J is smallest.
  • the number of sets of second intermediate image data MG 2 commensurate with the interval frame number KF is generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute linear interpolation calculation using as initial image data the two sets of image data for which the values of the display sequence J are adjacent in the plurality of fourth image data G 4 corresponding to the characteristic data TD.
  • the number of sets of third intermediate image data MG 3 commensurate with the interval frame number KF is generated by causing the CPU 7 to execute linear interpolation calculation using as initial image data the second image data G 2 and the fourth image data G 4 for which the value of the display sequence J is greatest.
  • the amount of first intermediate image data MG 1 commensurate with the interval frame number KF, the amount of second intermediate image data MG 2 commensurate with the interval frame number KF, and the amount of third intermediate image data MG 3 commensurate with the interval frame number KF are recognized by the CPU 7 as intermediate image data MG (S 14 ).
  • the sets of first intermediate image data MG 1 are generated in sequence using the first image data G 1 and the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) as initial image data, as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the sets of second intermediate image data MG 2 are generated in sequence using two sets of image data other than the third image data G 3 ( 2 ) from the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) to the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) as initial image data.
  • the sets of third intermediate image data MG 3 are generated in sequence using the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the second image data G 2 as initial image data.
  • the sets of first intermediate image data MG 1 are generated in sequence using the first image data G 1 and the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) as initial image data.
  • the sets of second intermediate image data MG 2 are generated in sequence using two sets of image data other than the third image data G 3 ( 2 ) and the third image data G 3 ( 3 ) from the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) to the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) as initial image data.
  • the sets of third intermediate image data MG 3 are generated in sequence using the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the second image data G 2 as initial image data.
  • the sets of first intermediate image data MG 1 are generated in sequence using the first image data G 1 and the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) as initial image data.
  • the sets of second intermediate image data MG 2 are generated in sequence using two sets of image data other than the third image data G 3 ( 2 ), the third image data G 3 ( 3 ), and the third image data G 3 ( 4 ) from the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) to the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) as initial image data.
  • the sets of third intermediate image data MG 3 are generated in sequence using the third image data G 3 ( 18 ) and the second image data G 2 as initial image data.
  • the first through third intermediate image data MG 1 , MG 2 , MG 3 corresponding to each characteristic data TD are recognized by the CPU 7 as intermediate image data MG.
  • the first intermediate image data MG 1 , the second intermediate image data MG 2 , and the third intermediate image data MG 3 shown in FIG. 3 are typical image data between sets of initial image data.
  • an image display command is issued from the CPU 7 to display the quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data TD on the television monitor 20 (S 15 ).
  • the quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data TD is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG (S 16 ).
  • the image display command is issued from the CPU 7
  • the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG that correspond to the characteristic data TD are fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 .
  • the image data GD 2 , MG are converted to analog video signals by the D/A converter 15 .
  • the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG are fed to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.
  • the term “quick pitching operation” refers to an operation in which the pitcher character throws a pitch from a set position while performing a quick motion.
  • the CPU 7 determines that the numerical value of the characteristic data of the pitcher character P 1 is “0” (S 10 : YES)
  • the plurality of third image data G 3 (G 3 ( 1 ) through G 3 ( 18 )) shown in FIG. 4 that corresponds to the characteristic data TD, e.g., numerical value of “0,” of the pitcher character is recognized by the CPU 7 as the plurality of fourth image data GD 4 .
  • the first image data G 1 , the plurality of fourth image data G 4 , and the second image data G 2 are then recognized by the CPU 7 as second basic image data GD 2 (S 12 ′).
  • the same routines as S 13 through S 16 described above are then executed by the CPU 7 on the basis of the correspondence relationships shown in FIGS. 4 , 5 , 7 , and 8 (S 13 ′, S 14 ′).
  • an image display command is issued from the CPU 7 to display a non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data TD on the television monitor 20 (S 15 ′).
  • the image display command is thus issued from the CPU 7
  • the non-quick pitching operation that corresponds to the characteristic data TD is displayed on the television monitor 20 using the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG (S 16 ′).
  • the image display command is issued from the CPU 7
  • the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG that correspond to the characteristic data TD are fed to the D/A converter 15 via the interface circuit 16 .
  • the image data GD 2 , MG are converted to analog video signals by the D/A converter 15 .
  • the second basic image data GD 2 and the intermediate image data MG are fed to the television monitor 20 and displayed as an image.
  • non-quick pitching operation refers to an operation in which the pitcher character throws a pitch from a set position without performing a quick motion.
  • the method for generating the intermediate image data MG i.e., the second intermediate image data MG 2 (MG 2 ( 1 ) through MG 2 ( 4 )), will be described using an example in which the characteristic data TD is “3,” and the initial image data are the image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the image data G 3 ( 5 ) among the plurality of third image data G 3 other than the third image data G 3 ( 2 ), the third image data G 3 ( 3 ) and the third image data G 3 ( 4 ).
  • the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the third image data G 3 ( 5 ) each have a plurality of sets of location image data 75 that constitutes the pitcher character P 3 .
  • head object data 75 a , torso object data 75 b , left and right arm object data 75 c , 75 d , and left and right leg object data 75 e , 75 f correspond to the plurality of sets of part image data 75 .
  • the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the third image data G 3 ( 5 ) each have base coordinate data S for specifying the positions of each part of the pitcher character P 3 .
  • the momentary pitching body orientations in the process of the pitching operation of the pitcher character P 3 are specified by arranging the part image data 75 in the positions specified by the base coordinate data S.
  • the part image data 75 of each moment are formed by arranging texture data in the internal region of a polygon.
  • the CPU 7 executes a calculation for subtracting the right-leg base coordinate data SFs(xs, ys, zs) of the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) from the right-leg base coordinate data SFe(xe, ye, ze) of the third image data G 3 ( 1 ).
  • the right-leg coordinate data SF 1 (xs 1 , ys 1 , zs 1 ; ts 1 ) of the subsequent frame are then computed by the CPU 7 .
  • the coordinate data S 1 of the other objects of the subsequent frame are computed by performing such processing for the base coordinate data S of objects other than the arm objects.
  • the pitching body orientation of the subsequent frame is specified in the image data by arranging the corresponding object data 75 a , 75 b , 75 c , 75 d , 75 e , 75 f in the positions specified by the coordinate data S 1 of each object in the subsequent frame.
  • the CPU 7 then executes a calculation for adding the right-leg change coordinate data (dx, dy, dz) to the abovementioned right-leg coordinate data SF 1 of the subsequent frame.
  • the right-leg coordinate data SF 2 of each subsequent frame are then computed by the CPU 7 .
  • the coordinate data S 2 of the other objects in each subsequent frame are computed by performing such processing for the coordinate data S 1 of the objects other than the right-leg object.
  • the pitching body orientations of each subsequent frame are specified in the image data by arranging the corresponding object data 75 a , 75 b , 75 c , 75 d , 75 e , 75 f in the positions specified by the coordinate data S 2 of the objects in each subsequent frame.
  • the intermediate image data MG between the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) and the third image data G 3 ( 5 ), i.e., the second intermediate image data MG 2 (MG 2 ( 1 ) through MG 2 ( 4 )), are generated by causing the CPU 7 to repeatedly execute such processing as described above a number of times equal to the interval frame number KF.
  • the intermediate image data MG in all of the intervals are generated by performing such processing as that described above in each interval.
  • the CPU 7 is used to recognize the multidimensional curvilinear relationship that links the base coordinate data SFs of the third image data G 3 ( 1 ) with the base coordinate data SFe of the third image data G 3 ( 5 ), and the CPU 7 is used to generate coordinate data of objects such that move on the multidimensional curve.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can thereby be displayed on the television monitor 20 more smoothly than through the use of linear interpolation.
  • a home video game machine was used as an example of a computer to which the game program can be applied, but the game machine is not limited to the embodiment described above.
  • the present invention can also be applied in the same manner to a game machine in which the monitor is provided separately, a game machine in which the monitor is integrated, a personal computer or workstation for functioning as the game machine by executing the game program, or the like.
  • the game machine is also not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and the present invention can also be applied in the same manner to a mobile computer, a mobile game machine, or the like.
  • the present invention also includes a program for executing a game such as the one described above, and a computer-readable recording medium in which the program is stored.
  • Examples of the recording medium other than a cartridge include computer-readable flexible disks, semiconductor memory, CD-ROM, DVD, MO, ROM cassettes and other media.
  • a pitching operation of a pitcher character can be displayed on an image display unit by using intermediate image data and second basic image data that include a plurality of sets of fourth image data that corresponds to characteristic data of the pitcher character.
  • a send-out (releasing) operation of the character to send out (release) a moving object can be displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • a quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be displayed on the image display unit in a prescribed number of frames (total number of frames) corresponding to any one set of the characteristic data, i.e., the plurality of quick pitch form data, recognized by the control unit.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be displayed on the image display unit in a prescribed number of frames on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be displayed on the image display unit by excluding at least one third image data, e.g., image data of a state in which the pitcher character bends his legs at a right angle, that is closer to the first image data.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be appropriately displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.
  • the quick pitching operation of the pitcher character can be smoothly displayed by using the intermediate image data to connect the two sets of image data that specify the intervals.
  • the send-out operation of the character to send out the moving object can be smoothly displayed on the image display unit on the basis of the characteristic data of the character.

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US12/190,763 2006-02-20 2008-08-13 Game program, game machine, and game control method Abandoned US20080305871A1 (en)

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KR20080103576A (ko) 2008-11-27
TWI319992B (enExample) 2010-02-01
KR101024020B1 (ko) 2011-03-29
JP2007215920A (ja) 2007-08-30
WO2007097083A1 (ja) 2007-08-30
TW200734019A (en) 2007-09-16

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