Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Computer graphics processing – Three-dimension
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-03
2003-01-21
Zimmerman, Mark (Department: 2671)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Computer graphics processing
Three-dimension
Reexamination Certificate
active
06509896
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This device relates to an image processing unit and image processing method for generating images seen from a specific view point in three-dimensional virtual space, relates to a game machine featuring the use of this image processing unit and image processing method, and also relates to a medium on which is recorded a program for executing the image processing method. The present invention also relates to a game machine equipped with a stereo sound effects system.
BACKGROUND ART
Game machines featuring the use of computer graphics include game machines in which a gun is used to kill enemies (such as “Virtual Cop,” by Sega Enterprises). This type of game can be enjoyed by a single player or by several players.
Problem 1
This type of game machine requires exciting images as well as images which can be surveyed in their entirety for the sake of playability. For example, when an enemy approaches, his trajectory should be shown and he should be displayed up close. In conventional game machines, players are individually rated, even in the case of multiple players, making collaborator between players irrelevant.
An object of the present invention is to resolve such drawbacks by providing an image processing unit displaying images that are more playable and more exciting.
An object of the present invention is also to provide a game machine allowing collaborative play between players to be rated.
Problem 2
In this type of game machine, the player wears headphones to experience sounds recorded in the binaural format or the like according to a predetermined storyline.
In this system (game machine), a simple stereo sound effects system can be constructed using a recording format in which speakers are positioned at the player's ear level.
However, the player experiences prerecorded sounds with this format, which is unsuitable for video games and the like in which situations change in real time. Moreover, wearing headphones on the head while playing games is cumbersome and annoying for players.
There are also stereo sound effects systems in which the sound signals that are input to left and right front speakers are processed and sent to left and right rear speakers, but realistic sounds are difficult to reproduce since two sound sources are distributed to the rear.
In view of the foregoing, the object of the present invention is achieved by providing a stereo sound effects game system in which realistic stereo sound effects featuring sounds that change as situations change in real time can be experienced without headphones.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises shape memory in which object shape data are prerecorded, a processing component for establishing coordinate values for objects in three-dimensional virtual space based on the shape data stored in the aforementioned shape memory, conversion means for receiving the coordinate values established by the aforementioned processing component, and for converting the coordinate values to a visual field coordinate system based on a prescribed view point, view point establishment means for establishing the position of the aforementioned view point on the basis of the situation between an object serving as a predetermined reference and other objects defined in three-dimensional virtual space, and for sending the position to the aforementioned conversion means, and imaging means for adding predetermined texture to the shape data of the visual field coordinate system converted by the aforementioned conversion means.
The representation of an object along the z axis in virtual 3D space is inherently a matter of simple magnification and shrinkage. Although the trajectory tends to be representable only along the x axis, depending on the situation between objects, not only can the view point be elevated when the object is at a distance, for example, and lowered when the object is nearer to more powerfully represent the trajectory of the object on the y axis, but the position of the object on the z axis can be represented by the height of the view point.
The present invention is such that the aforementioned view point establishment means elevates the position of the aforementioned view point when the distance between the aforementioned objects is greater, and lowers the position of the aforementioned view point when the distance between the aforementioned objects is shorter.
The present invention is also such that the aforementioned view point establishment means lowers the position of the aforementioned view point when a first process has been executed between the aforementioned objects, and elevates the position of the aforementioned view point when a second process has been executed between the aforementioned objects.
In the present invention, the aforementioned first process is a process establishing the pitching path for a pitcher in a baseball game, and the aforementioned second process is the process of the pitch by the pitcher.
The present invention is also such that the aforementioned view point establishment means directs the line of vision from the aforementioned view point in the direction of the position of a predetermined object in three-dimensional virtual space.
The present invention furthermore comprises a first step for establishing the coordinate values of objects in three-dimensional virtual space on the basis of prerecorded object shape data, a second step for establishing the position of the view point on the basis of the situation between predetermined objects defined in three-dimensional virtual space, a third step for receiving the coordinate values established in the aforementioned first step, and for converting the coordinate values to a visual field coordinate system based on the view point established in the aforementioned second step, and a fourth step for adding predetermined texture to the shape data of the visual field coordinate system converted in the aforementioned third step.
The present invention is also a medium on which has been recorded a program for executing the aforementioned first through fourth steps on a computer.
The medium includes, for example, floppy discs, hard discs, magnetic tape, photomagnetic discs, CD-ROM, DVD, ROM cartridges, RAM memory cartridges with battery back-up, flash memory cartridges, nonvolatile RAM cartridges, and the like.
Wire communications media such as telephone circuits and radio communications media such as microwave circuits are also included. The Internet is also included in the communications media referred to here.
A medium refers to the recording of information (primarily digital data and programs) by any physical means, which allows prescribed functions to be executed by a processing device such as a dedicated processor. Essentially, it may be anything by which a program is downloaded to computer by any means so as to execute certain functions.
The present invention also comprises shape memory in which object shape data are prerecorded, a processing component for establishing coordinate values for objects in three-dimensional virtual space based on the shape data stored in the aforementioned shape memory, conversion means for receiving the coordinate values established by the aforementioned processing component, and for converting the coordinate values to a visual field coordinate system based on a prescribed view point, audio generating means for generating sounds based on the position of the aforementioned objects in three-dimensional virtual space, view point establishment means for establishing the position of the aforementioned view point on the basis of the sound generating state of the aforementioned audio generating means, and imaging means for adding predetermined texture to the shape data of the visual field coordinate system converted by the aforementioned conversion means.
Game development changes with the use of sounds. For example, characters call out to each other, the actions of another character end in screams of death, enemies (dinosaurs) approach to the cacophony of cars.
The present invention is also such tha
Kobayashi Hirotsugu
Ogasawara Shinichi
Saikawa Mitsuharu
Shinyu Tetsuo
Sugimori Yuji
Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises
Keating & Bennett LLP
Sealey Lance W.
Zimmerman Mark
LandOfFree
Image processor, image processing method, medium and game... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Image processor, image processing method, medium and game..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Image processor, image processing method, medium and game... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3042656