JPH11144088A - Processor and method for data processing and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data processor which reduces character generation load. SOLUTION: An image data processor is a device wherein polygons at specific positions are arranged according to position information for arranging a reference polygon on a screen, and which generates character data by affixing a specific texture to each polygon. The character data consists of a head polygon 202, wrist polygons 203R and 203L, and ankle polygons 204R and 204L having distance information with regard to a body polygon 201 and angle information on arrangement. The processing part calculates the body polygon on the basis of arrangement information on the body polygon 201 on the screen (processing 1) and calculates the head polygon 202, wrist polygons 203R and 203L, and ankle polygons 204R and 204L from the distance information and angle information (processing 2).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method for performing data processing of images and videos and data storage / reproduction processing in a video game or game machine simulating a ball game such as baseball or soccer. The present invention also relates to a medium on which a program for causing a computer to perform the process is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advance of computer technology, video game machines using computer graphics technology have been widely used. Among them, video game machines imitating ball games such as baseball and soccer have been very popular, and many video game machines of this type have been devised.

[0003] In this type of game, a sound that simulates a live game in a real game may be generated as a sound effect during play. For example, Japanese Patent No. 25552425 (Japanese Patent Application No. 5-313705)
By storing in advance the live word data corresponding to the progress of the game and the content of the operation, specifying the live word data according to the progress of the game and the content of the operation, and converting this into audio at an audible speed. A game machine that performs live broadcast is disclosed.

In this type of game, a character imitating a human is created, and various types of characters appear on the game. Further, in this type of game, the facial expression of the character is changed with the development of the game.

[0005] Further, a game application software recorded on a CD-ROM is loaded into a video game machine main body. In this case, it is necessary to have information on the head set number of each file in the memory of the video game machine in some form. For example, CD
-If there are 10,000 audio files on the ROM, when combining the files into one file, the information on the first sector number of the file needs at least 4 bytes per file, so about 40 kilobytes. Use the memory of things.

In a game machine, a player who plays a game is specified, or a password is input as the game progresses.

[0007]

In the prior art, which outputs a sound corresponding to a certain condition of the progress of the game and operation contents, the condition and the output sound have a one-to-one relationship. I was For this reason, the same dialogue is output every time under the same condition, so that monotonization cannot be avoided and the player may be bored. Furthermore, in the game where the explanation of the situation during the game is provided by audio commentary,
If the live commenters remained the same, monotony was inevitable.

In order to avoid such inconvenience, the present inventors have prepared a box which is a set of dialogues corresponding to conditions,
By extracting dialog at random, you can prepare multiple phrases even under certain circumstances,
We proposed a system that allows users to select multiple live broadcasters, but there was a drawback that it took a long time to create software because there were conditions below the dialogue.

[0009] Further, since the conventional character is imitated by a human, there is a disadvantage that modeling takes a long time due to a plurality of joints and the like.

In addition, the expression of the facial expression of the character is expressed in such a manner that the parts constituting the face such as the nose, eyes, hair, and mouth are not independent, so that changing one part affects other parts. It was impossible to express a rich and attractive expression.

In addition, when the application software of the game recorded on the CD-ROM is loaded into the main body of the video game machine, for example, when there are 10,000 audio files on the CD-ROM, the file is stored in one file. When combining with a file, the information on the first sector number of the file needs at least 4 bytes per file, so
There was a drawback that a lot of information was occupied in the memory because it used kilobytes of memory.

On the other hand, in a game machine, it is necessary to specify a player who plays the game, or to input a password in accordance with the progress of the game. However, since this password originally encrypts data, It is essentially different from the language that humans originally use. For this reason, this password is difficult to memorize, and the player often erroneously inputs the password. Therefore, it is necessary to check the characters displayed on the screen and the characters to be input one by one, and in reality, the player must change the characters displayed on the display device and the paper on which the password is described. I am changing my line of sight and doing confirmation work. Such a check operation involves changing the line of sight between the paper surface and the screen, and this operation has a drawback that the player has a great burden.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. The present invention provides a variety of voice generation contents, reduces the amount of character creation work, and enables expression of various facial expressions. It is an object of the present invention to provide a data processing device, a processing method thereof, and a medium which prevent a game from becoming rude and prevent a player from getting bored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a data processing apparatus, a processing method thereof, and a medium in which when reading a large amount of data from a CD-ROM, the capacity occupied in the memory of the main body for performing the read processing is reduced. I do.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a data processing apparatus in which the burden of checking the contents input to a player is reduced.

[0016]

A first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is to arrange a plurality of polygons at predetermined positions based on positional information for arranging a reference polygon on a screen, In an image data processing device for mapping a predetermined texture, the character includes the reference polygon and a component polygon having no joint portion with respect to the reference polygon, and the reference polygon is determined based on the arrangement information of the reference polygon on the screen. It is characterized by comprising a processing unit for calculating and calculating the component polygon with respect to a reference polygon.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a character is created by arranging a plurality of polygons at predetermined positions based on positional information for arranging a reference polygon on a screen and pasting a predetermined texture to each polygon. In the image data processing device, a part constituting a character's facial expression is composed of a plurality of polygons provided with position data from a reference point, and when the facial expression is changed, a polygon corresponding to only the part corresponding to the facial expression change is used. It is characterized by including a processing unit for executing a predetermined image processing.

Here, the processing section can perform image processing for independently rotating, enlarging, reducing or moving the corresponding polygon.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that it is a medium recording a program for causing a computer to function as the processing unit and the data device described in the claims.

The medium includes, for example, a floppy disk,
Hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD-
ROM, DVD, ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM card, etc.

The communication medium also includes a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line. The Internet is also included in the communication medium mentioned here.

A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data and programs) is recorded by some physical means, and is a medium capable of causing a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. It is.
In short, any means may be used as long as it downloads a program to a computer and executes a predetermined function.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Overview of the Present Invention] The present invention basically relates to a game in which the owner of a baseball team becomes an owner and fosters the team. A series of processes relating to reproduction from a CD-ROM and the like will be described separately for the following embodiments. First, in this game, image processing for creating a character will be described as the first embodiment, and processing for creating a facial expression of the character will be described as the second embodiment. The process of reproducing data will be described as the third embodiment, and the process of reproducing audio data will be described in the fourth embodiment.
An embodiment will be described.

<First Embodiment of the Present Invention> First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described from the configuration of an apparatus for executing a process of creating a character as image data.

[Apparatus Configuration] FIG. 1 is an external view of a video game machine to which a data processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. In this figure, a video game machine main body 1 has a substantially box shape, and a substrate for game processing and the like are provided therein. In addition, two connectors 2a are provided on the front surface of the video game machine body 1, and a PAD 2b for game operation is connected to these connectors 2a via a cable 2c. When two players enjoy a baseball game or the like, two PADs 2b are used.

In the upper part of the video game machine main body 1, a ROM
Cartridge I / F1a for connecting cartridge, CD-
A CD-ROM drive 1b for reading ROM is provided. Although not shown, a video output terminal and an audio output terminal are provided on the rear surface of the video game machine main body 1. This video output terminal is cable 4a
Is connected to the video input terminal of the TV receiver 5 via the
It is connected to the audio input terminal of the V receiver 5. In such a video game machine, if the user
By operating the, the user can play the game while watching the screen displayed on the TV receiver 5.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a game machine when the data processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to a TV game machine. This image processing apparatus includes a CPU block 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a video block 11 for controlling display of a game screen, a sound block 12 for generating sound effects, a subsystem 13 for reading a CD-ROM, and the like. Have been. CPU block 1
0 denotes an SCU (System Control Unit) 100, a main CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, a cartridge I / F 1a, a sub CPU 104, and a CPU bus 105.
And the like.

The main CPU 101 controls the entire apparatus. The main CPU 101 has a D
It has the same calculation function as an SP (Digital Signal Processor) and can execute application software at high speed. The RAM 102 is used as a work area of the main CPU 101. In the ROM 103, an initial program for initialization processing and the like are written. The SCU 100 controls the buses 105, 106, and 107 so that the main CPU 101, the VDP 12
0, 130, the DSP 140, the CPU 141, and the like.

The SCU 100 has a DMA controller inside, and can transfer sprite data during a game to the VRAM in the video block 11. This makes it possible to execute application software such as a game at high speed. Cartridge I / F1a
Is for inputting application software supplied in the form of a ROM cartridge.

The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System M
This is called an anager & peripheral control, and has a function of collecting peripheral data from the PAD 2b via the connector 2a in response to a request from the main CPU 101. Main CPU 101 is sub CPU 1
Based on the peripheral data received from the device 04, processing such as moving a fielder in the game screen is performed. An arbitrary peripheral among a PAD, a joystick, a keyboard and the like can be connected to the connector 2a. The sub CPU 104 has a function of automatically recognizing the type of peripheral connected to the connector 2a (main body side terminal) and collecting peripheral data and the like according to a communication method according to the type of peripheral.

The video block 11 is a VDP for drawing a character or the like composed of polygon data of a video game.
(Video Display Processor) 120, and a VDP 130 that performs drawing of a background screen, synthesis of polygon image data and a background image, clipping processing, and the like. VD
P120 is a VRAM 121 and a frame buffer 12
2, 123. The rendering data of the polygons representing the characters of the video game machine is stored in the main CPU 101.
Is sent to the VDP 120 via the SCU 100 from the
AM 121 is written.

The drawing data written in the VRAM 121 is drawn in the drawing frame buffer 122 or 123 in the format of 16 or 8 bits / pixel, for example. The drawn data of the frame buffer 122 or 123 is sent to the VDP 130. Information for controlling drawing is transmitted from the main CPU 101 via the SCU 100 to the VD
P120. Then, the VDP 120 executes the drawing process according to the instruction.

The VDP 130 is connected to the VRAM 131, and the image data output from the VDP 130
It is configured to be output to the encoder 160 via the P. 32. The encoder 160 generates a video signal by adding a synchronization signal or the like to the image data, and outputs the video signal to the TV receiver 5. Thereby, the screen of the baseball game is displayed on the TV receiver 5.

The sound block 12 includes a DSP 140 that performs voice synthesis according to the PCM system or the FM system, and a CPU 141 that controls the DSP 140 and the like. The audio data generated by the DSP 140 is converted to a two-channel signal by the D / A converter 170 and then output to the speaker 5b.

The subsystem 13 includes a CD-ROM drive 1b, a CD-I / F 180, a CPU 181, an MPEG
-AUDIO 182, MPEG-VIDEO 183 and the like. This subsystem 13 includes a CD-
It has a function of reading application software supplied in the form of a ROM, reproducing a moving image, and the like. CD-
The ROM drive 1b reads data from a CD-ROM. The CPU 181 controls the CD-ROM drive 1b, and performs processing such as error correction of the read data.

The data read from the CD-ROM is
The data is supplied to the main CPU 101 via the CD-I / F 180, the bus 106, and the SCU 100, and is used as application software. Also, MPEG AUDIO1
82, MPEG VIDEO 183 is a device for restoring data compressed according to the MPEG standard (Motion Picture Expert Groug). These MPEG A
By using the UDIO 182 and the MPEG VIDEO 183 to restore the MPEG compressed data written on the CD-ROM, it is possible to reproduce a moving image.

[Character Creation Processing] FIG. 3 relates to a character used in the first embodiment, and FIG.
(B) shows an example of a character displayed on a TV receiver or the like. Character data 200 shown in this figure includes a center CP that determines a position occupied by the character on the screen, a body polygon (reference polygon) 201 obtained from the center CP in a first calculation process, and a center of the body polygon 201. A second calculation process is performed. A head polygon 202 is placed above the body polygon 201, wrist polygons 203R and 203L are placed at predetermined positions on the left and right sides of the body polygon 201, and the body polygon 20 is placed.
The ankle polygons 204R,
204L. Here, polygons other than the body polygon correspond to component polygons. There is no polygon (upper arm, lower arm, thigh, lower limb, etc.) for forming a joint between the body polygon and the component polygon.

These polygons 201 to 204R, 204
L is calculated and arranged at a predetermined position, and a texture is attached to each of the arranged polygons 201 to 204R and 204L to obtain predetermined display data, as shown in FIG. The character 200 ′ is displayed on the TV receiver 5.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a motion data table necessary for creating a character according to the first embodiment. In the motion data table 210 shown in this figure, the head polygon 202 is composed of distance data 202α from the body polygon 201 and its angle data 202β.
3L is distance data 203R from the body polygon 201
α, 203Lα and its angular polygons 203Rβ, 203
Lβ, and the ankle polygons 204R, 204L are distance data 204Rα, 204R from the body polygon 201.
Lα and its angle data 204Rβ and 204Lβ. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the first embodiment. In this figure, the horizontal axis indicates time lapse (game flow), and scenes corresponding to the lapse of time,
This is for describing a motion data table, character creation processing, and the like. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment.

First, it is assumed that the time has elapsed since the start of the game, a certain scene has been reached, and a command from the PAD 2b has also been input via the sub CPU 104. Then, as the game progresses, the main CPU 101 fetches the n-th scene data 210 from the subsystem 13 or the like at time t1 (step (S) in FIG. 5, step (S) 11 in FIG. 6). ).

The main CPU 101 is provided with a PAD 2b
And the scene data 210, and at the trigger tg1, the position data P1 where the character data 200 is located on the screen and the motion data 220
It is stored in the VRAM 121 via P120 (S in FIG. 5).
2, S12 in FIG. 6).

The VDP 120 is a VRAM 121
The center position CP of the body polygon 201 is determined based on the position data P1 on the screen of the character data 200 stored in the character data 200 (see FIG. 3A), and thereafter, based on the motion data 220, FIG. As shown in (1), first, a torso polygon 201 is calculated from the center position of the torso polygon 201 as a first process 1, and then, as a second process 2, a head polygon 202, wrist polygons 203R, 203L, and ankle polygons 204R, 204L Is calculated and stored in the frame buffer 122 or the frame buffer 123 (S3 in FIG. 5, S13 in FIG. 6).

It is determined again whether or not it is the first scene data fetching process (S14). Here, since the n-th scene data 210 has already been fetched (S14; N)
O), the main CPU 101 does not take in the scene data from the subsystem 13 and shifts to the processing of step 12.

Next, the main CPU 101 sets the PAD2
Based on the command from b and the n-th scene 210, the position data P2 and the motion data 221 where the character data 200 are located on the screen are
The data is stored in the VRAM 121 via the DP 120 (S4 in FIG. 5, S12 in FIG. 6).

The VDP 120 is connected to the VRAM 121
The center position CP of the torso polygon 201 is determined based on the position data P2 on the screen of the character data 200 stored in the character data 200 (see FIG. 3A), and thereafter, based on the motion data 221, FIG. As shown in (1), first, a torso polygon 201 is calculated from the center position CP of the torso polygon 201 as a first process 1, and then as a second process 2,
Head polygon 202, wrist polygon 203R, 203L
And the ankle polygons 204R and 204L are calculated and stored in the frame buffer 123 or the frame buffer 122 (S5 in FIG. 5, S13 in FIG. 6).

Further, as the game progresses (S14; YES-S15; NO), the main CPU 101 fetches the (n + 1) th scene data 211 from the subsystem 13 or the like at time t2 (S7, FIG. 5). S1 in FIG.
1).

Further, the main CPU 101
At the trigger tg3, the position data P3 where the character data 200 is located on the screen and the motion data 22
2 is stored in the VRAM 121 via the VDP 120 (S7 in FIG. 5, S12 in FIG. 6).

The VDP 120 is a VRAM 121
The center position CP of the torso polygon 201 is determined based on the position data P3 on the screen of the character data 200 stored in the character data 200 (see FIG. 3A), and thereafter, based on the motion data 220, FIG. ), First the first
As a first process, the torso polygon 201 is calculated from the center position CP of the torso polygon 201, and then, as a second process 2, a head polygon 202 and a wrist polygon 203R, 20
3L and the ankle polygons 204R and 204L are calculated, and the frame buffer 122 or the frame buffer 123 is calculated.
(S3 in FIG. 5, S13 in FIG. 6).

As described above, as time elapses, the trigger t
.. are processed by the VDP 120 for each gl, tg2, tg3,.
1, head polygon 202, wrist polygon 203R, 20
3L and ankle polygons 204R and 204L are obtained. Then, the VDP 120 forms a character 200 'by pasting each texture corresponding to the polygon on the polygon, as shown in FIG. 3B.

As the time elapses, the trigger t
Each of the body polygon 201, the head polygon 202 of the character data 200, gl, tg2, tg3, tg4, tg5,.
Wrist polygons 203R, 203L and ankle polygon 20
Each of the 4R and 204L polygons is calculated, and the completed character with texture attached to each polygon is stored in the frame buffers 122 and 123 and then stored in the VRAM 131 via the VDP 130.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the change of the character by the operation of the first embodiment.
FIGS. 7A to 7E show character data 200a to 200e in each trigger. In this figure, the figure triggers tgl, tg2, tg3, tg4, tg5,
… Character data 200a, 200b,
200c, 200d, 200e,... Are shown in FIGS. 7 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e),.
It becomes the motion as shown in.

That is, in FIG. 7A, the character data 200a is directed to the front and the two-hand wrist polygon 203R
a, 203La is formed in front of the body polygon 201a,
The right ankle polygon 204Ra faces the front and the left ankle polygon 204La is opened to the right.

In FIG. 7B, character data 200
b indicates the front, both wrist polygons 203Rb, 203L
b is arranged on the upper right side of the torso polygon 201b, the right ankle polygon 204Rb is lifted to the right of the torso polygon 201b, and the left ankle polygon 204Lb is opened to the right.

In FIG. 7C, the character data 200
c shifts the torso polygon 201c downward while facing the front, and shifts the right ankle polygon 204Rb to the torso polygon 201c.
b, shift it down below the center of the left ankle polygon 204Lb.
Is open to the right.

In FIG. 7D, character data 200
d, the body polygon 201d is turned to the left while turning to the left, the head polygon 202 is also turned to the left, and the right wrist polygon 203Rd is turned to the head polygon 2
02d, the right ankle polygon 204Rd is shifted below the front of the torso polygon 201d, and the left ankle polygon 204Ld is slightly lifted.

In FIG. 7E, the character data 200
e completely faces the left side, the body polygon 201c is completely rotated, the head polygon 202e is also turned to the left side, and the right wrist polygon 203Re is changed to the body polygon 201c.
e, the right ankle polygon 204Rb is positioned to the left below the front of the torso polygon 201e, and the left ankle polygon 204Lb is placed in the torso polygon 201e.
Slightly lifted up behind.

The form in which the shape of the character data 200a to 200e in FIGS. 7A to 7E changes is similar to the pitching form of a pitcher in a baseball game.
When 200b, 200c, 200d, 200e,... Are continuously given to the TV receiver 5 at a predetermined display timing, the motion of the pitcher appears on the display surface of the TV receiver 5 as a pitching motion.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between the processing in the first embodiment and the processing with a (conventional) character to which this embodiment is not applied. FIG.
8A is a diagram for explaining a calculation example of a conventional character polygon, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a state in which a texture is attached to a conventional character polygon. FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining a calculation example according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a character 300 to which this embodiment is not applied is arranged with a waist polygon 301 at the center, and a chest polygon 302 is first arranged toward the upper side of the waist polygon 301. A head polygon 303 is arranged above the breast polygon 302, and upper arm polygons 304R and 304L and lower arm polygons 305R and 3
05L, wrist polygons 306R, 306L, and further, a hip bolgon 307 is first arranged toward the lower side of the waist polygon 301.
The polygons 308R and 308L, the shin polygons 309R and 309L, and the ankle polygons 310R and 310
L is arranged. The character 300 'shown in FIG. 8 (b) is formed by attaching texture to these polygons 301 to 310R and 310L.

Then, as the game progresses, the main C
VDP 120 using the data received from PU 101
Arranges the center of the waist polygon 301 of the predetermined character 300 at a predetermined position on the screen, calculates the waist polygon 301 from this center (process 1), and calculates the breast polygon 302 based on the result. (Process 2), this chest polygon 30
The head polygon 303 and the upper arm polygons 304R and 304L are calculated based on the calculation results of Step 2 (Process 3), and the lower arm polygons 305R and 305L are calculated based on the calculation results of the upper arm polygons 304R and 304L (Process 4). ,Finally,
It is necessary to calculate the wrist polygons 306R and 306L based on the calculation results of the lower arm polygons 305R and 305L (Process 5).

In the same manner, the VDP 120
When the calculation of No. 1 is completed (Process 1), first, the buttock bolgon 307 is calculated based on the calculation result (Process 2), and the polygons 308R and 308L are further calculated based on the calculation result of the buttock bolgon 307 ( Processing 3) Based on the calculation result, shin polygons 309R and 309L are calculated (processing
4) Finally, it is necessary to calculate the ankle polygons 310R and 310L based on the calculation results of the shin polygons 309R and 309L (Process 5).

On the other hand, in the first embodiment,
After the VDP 120 determines the center of the torso polygon 201 as the game progresses, as shown in FIG.
A torso polygon 201 is calculated (process 1), and then a head polygon 202 and a wrist polygon 203 arranged at predetermined positions from the torso polygon 201 based on motion data.
R, 203L and ankle polygons 204R, 204L are calculated (Process 2). Since the motion data includes not only the distance data of each polygon from the body data 201 but also the angle of each polygon, each polygon is arranged according to the angle.

Accordingly, in the conventional image processing, processing 1 to processing 5 are required to calculate each polygon, but in the first embodiment, only processing 1 and processing 2 are required. And the number of calculation processing steps can be greatly reduced. Further, it is possible to reduce the number of polygons required for displaying a character. In the first embodiment, the head polygon 202 and the wrist polygons 203R, 20R
3L and the ankle polygons 204R and 204L are spaced apart from each other.
2, wrist polygons 203R, 203L, ankle polygon 2
Since there is no joint between the head polygons 204R and 204R, the head polygons 202, the wrist polygons 203R and 203L, and the ankle polygons 204R and 20
4L can be freely extended or retracted.

<Second Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. I do.

[Structure of Apparatus] The apparatus in the second embodiment uses the video game machine used in the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing a process of creating a facial expression of a character according to the second embodiment. In this figure, the head polygon 250 forming the head of the character data 200 is composed of, for example, a hexahedron. A polygon 252 forming a nose is provided within the outline of one surface 251 of the head polygon 250 and at the center of the one surface 251.

Also, within the outline of one surface 251 of the head polygon 250, polygons 253R and 253L forming eyes are provided on the left and right of the nose polygon 252 on the one surface 251. Polygons 254R and 254L that form hair are polygons 253R and 25 for eyes.
Each of them is arranged above the 3L. Furthermore, within the outline of one surface 251 of the head polygon 250,
At 51, a polygon 255 forming a mouth is arranged below the nose polygon 252.

The nose polygon pattern 252 of the character data 200 has a nose texture pattern, the eye polygons 253LR and 253L have an eye texture pattern, and the rim hair polygons 254LR and 254L have an eye texture pattern. However, a texture pattern of the mouth is attached to the polygon 255 for the mouth in advance. As a result, an expression as a face appears on one surface 251 of the head polygon 250 of the character data 200.

In the second embodiment, polygons 252 to 255 for the nose, eyes, bristles and mouth are prepared.
A plurality of texture patterns for the nose, eyes, bristles and mouth are prepared, and according to the data instructed by the facial expression, the pattern is selected from the plurality of texture patterns and attached to each polygon 252 to 255. ing.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of each polygon in the second embodiment. In this figure, a reference point 251P is provided within the outline of one surface 251 of the head polygon 250. The nose polygon 252 is located at the reference point 251.
It has the position data DTa from P. The eye polygons 253R and 253L have position data DTb and DTc from the reference point 251P.

Similarly, the polygon 254R, 2
54L is the position data DT from the reference point 251P.
d, DTe. Similarly, the polygon 25 for the mouth
5 has the position data DTf from the reference point 251P. In this embodiment, the polygons 253R and 253L, the polygons 254R and 254L, and the polygon 255 are composed of a single polygon.
These polygons 252, polygons 253R, 253
L, polygons 254R, 254L and polygon 255
The eyes, the bristles, and the mouth are expressed by attaching the corresponding texture patterns to the eyes. The polygon 252, the polygons 253R and 253L, the polygons 254R and 254L, and the polygon 255 to which the texture pattern related to the face is attached are, for example, VR.
It is stored in the AM 121.

In the second embodiment, the polygon 2
52, polygon 253R, 253L, polygon 254
Since R, 254L and polygon 255 are independent of each other, each polygon 252, polygon 253R, 25
3L, polygon 254R, 254L and polygon 255
Each time, they can be rotated, enlarged, reduced, and moved.

Further, in this embodiment, the texture pattern can be rotated, enlarged, reduced, or moved while the texture is attached to the polygon, and the texture pattern itself can be rotated, enlarged, reduced, Can be moved.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing that the facial expression of the character changes due to the same operation.

In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the time has elapsed since the start of the game, a certain scene has been reached, and that a command from the PAD 2b has also been input via the sub CPU 104. Then, the main CPU 10
1 fetches the n-th scene data from the subsystem 13 or the like as the game progresses (step (S) 21 in FIG. 11).

Further, the main CPU 101 sets the PAD 2b
Based on commands and the like and the scene data, the VDP 120 converts the position data, motion data, and other data necessary for the facial expression where the character data 200 is located on the screen.
Is stored in the VRAM 121 via S2 (S2 in FIG. 11).
2).

The VDP 120 is connected to the VRAM 121
The center position of the torso polygon is determined based on the position data P1 on the screen of the character data 200 stored in the character data 200. Thereafter, the torso polygon is calculated from the center position of the torso polygon based on the motion data. The polygon, the wrist polygon and the ankle polygon are calculated and stored alternately in the frame buffer 122 or 123 (FIG. 11).
S23).

At this time, the VDP 120 converts the polygon 25 to which the texture pattern for the nose, which is arranged on one surface 251 of the head polygon 250, from the data necessary for the facial expression from the data relating to the facial expression.
2. Polygon 25 with texture for eyes
3R, 253L, polygons 254R, 254L with a texture for the bristles or polygon 255 with a texture for the mouth are processed,
The processing results are alternately stored in the frame buffer 122 or 123 (S24 in FIG. 11).

In the processing of step 24, for example, when the data related to the facial expression is as follows, the VDP 120 performs the image processing as follows. That is, the data relating to the facial expression was a command to “rotate the facial hair by a predetermined angle”, “enlarge the eyes at a predetermined magnification”, and “move the mouth forward while moving the mouth”. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the VDP 120 rotates the polygons 254R, 254L for the hair with the corresponding texture pattern attached thereto at the corresponding positions, and the both hairs 254R ', 254L' are displayed in a substantially V shape. And the eye polygons 253R and 253L to which the corresponding texture pattern is attached are enlarged at the corresponding positions so that both eyes 253R 'and 253L' are displayed in a large size. Mouth 25 in which the polygon 255 for the mouth on which the texture pattern is attached is moved forward from the original position and enlarged.
5 'protrudes forward and is displayed in an enlarged state.

On the other hand, in the process of step 24,
For example, when the data related to the expression is as follows, the VDP 120 performs the image processing as described below. That is, when the data related to the facial expression is a command “protrude the eyes of the face”, the VDP 120
As shown in FIG. 3, the eye polygons 253R and 253L to which the corresponding texture patterns are attached are moved forward from the positions so that the eyes 253R "and 253L" are displayed in a state where they are projected forward. ing.

In the second embodiment, one surface 251 of the head polygon 250 is attached to each of the nose polygons 25.
2. Polygons 253R and 253L for eyes, polygons 254R and 254L for sewn hair, and polygons 255 for mouth
Can be independently enlarged, reduced, rotated, and moved, and one surface 251 of the head polygon 250 is
Since it is not affected by the change of 255, the contour and the like of the one surface 251 do not collapse even in an extreme expression.

Further, in the second embodiment, since a single texture pattern can be rotated, enlarged, reduced, or moved, a variety of expressions can be made. If the number of texture patterns is increased, It is possible to create a much more varied expression than when changing a conventional texture pattern or changing a model. further,
In the second embodiment, the eyes can be popped out or dropped, and a manga-like expression can be realized.

In the second embodiment, the polygons 253R and 253L for eyes and the polygon 25
The 4R, 254L, and mouth polygon 255 are each a single polygon, but depending on the state of change, two or more polygons may be used to create the facial expressions of the eyes, hair, and mouth. Alternatively, the expressions of eyes, bristles, and mouth may be changed by changing the vertices of one polygon to change the shape of the polygon.

<Third Embodiment of the Present Invention> FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of the third embodiment. FIG. 14A reproduces audio data and the like recorded on a CD-ROM. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a partial hardware of FIG. 2 and a CD-ROM set in a CD-ROM drive.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of data recorded on a D-ROM. First, in the CD-ROM 190, FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), a plurality of files FL1,
FL2, FL3, FL4,... Are recorded. This C
Each file FL1, FL2, FL of the D-ROM 190
, FL4,..., As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the head sector information SCT2 of the next file FL2 at the head of the file FL1, and the head of the next file FL3 at the head of the file FL2. The first sector information SCT3 is recorded at the beginning of the file FL3, the first sector information SCT3 of the next file FL4 is recorded, the first sector information SCT5 of the next file FL5 is recorded at the beginning of the file FL4, and so on. Each of the head sector information SCT
n (n = 1, 2, 3,...) is composed of, for example, 4 bytes.

The CD-ROM drive 1 b in the subsystem 13 includes a rotation mechanism 185 including a motor for rotating the CD-ROM 190 and a movement mechanism 187 including a motor for moving the read head 186. Rotation mechanism 1
Although not shown, the CPU 85 and the moving mechanism 187
1 controls the rotational drive based on the data read by the read head 186 and the like. CD-ROM drive 1
b read head 186 includes a CD-I / F 180, a CPU
181 and the like. Also, the reading head 186
Is connected to the SCU 100 via the CD-I / F 180. The main CPU 101, the RAM 102, and the like are connected to the SCU 100 via the CPU bus 105.

[Reproduction Process of Data Recorded on CD-ROM] FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment. Main CPU1
01 is a CD-ROM via the SCU 100 and the CD-I / F 180 of the subsystem 13 with the development of the game.
From 190, for example, processing for reading files FL1, FL2,... For video data or audio data is executed.

When this process is started, the process enters the flowchart of FIG.
190 to read head 186, CD-I / F 180, S
The sector information SCT2, which is the read information at the head of the file FL1, is read via the CU 100 (S31). Next, the main CPU 101 calculates the length of the file FL1 based on the sector information SCT2 (S32).

The main CPU 101 comprises the SCU 100, C
Data is read out from the CD-ROM 190 set in the CD-ROM drive 1b via the DI / F 180 for each sector (S33), and the counter in the main CPU 101 is incremented (S34).

Then, the main CPU 101 compares the calculated sector length with the value of the counter (S3).
5). When the main CPU 101 determines that the two do not match (S35; NO), the main CPU 101 returns to step 33 again.
The process shifts from step S3 to step S5. If it can be determined that they match (S35; YES), it is determined whether it is necessary to read the file FL further (step 36). Here, if the main CPU 101 determines that it is necessary to read the file FL further (S36; YES), it resets the counter (S37), and then shifts to the processing from step 31 again. S36; NO), end this process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between the third embodiment and an example (prior art) to which the third embodiment is not applied. FIG. FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of the technology, and FIG. 16B is an explanatory diagram of the third embodiment.

In the technique to which the third embodiment is not applied, as shown in FIG.
The information AD1, AD2, AD3,... Of the part of the file FL1, FL2, FL3,.
2 in a predetermined area, and the RAM 102
CD-ROM drive 1 based on information in a predetermined area of
It was necessary to read the data of the file from b.

On the other hand, according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Head sector information SC of the next file FL2 at the head of
The length of the file FL1 is calculated from T2, the calculation result is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 102, and the CD-ROM is determined based on whether the number of read sectors matches the calculation result.
The file FL1 can be read from 190. Of course, the length of the file FLn-1 is calculated from the head sector information SCTn of the next file FLn at the head of the other file FLn-1, and the calculation result is stored in the RAM 10
2, the file FLn-1 can be read from the CD-ROM 190 based on whether or not the number of read sectors matches the calculation result.

Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the RAM 102 need only store the length information relating to only one file FLn-1 calculated from the head sector information SCTn. The amount of resident information can be made as close to zero as possible.

<Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 17 to FIG. .

[Structure of Apparatus] The apparatus in the fourth embodiment uses the video game machine body 1 used in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[Regarding Live Broadcasting Process in Each Scene Associated with Development of Game] [Prerequisite Broadcasting Process] For convenience of explanation, first, the prerequisite live broadcasting process will be described.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic procedure of a live output according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, in the fourth embodiment, the main CPU 1
01 is the CD-ROM 190 or cartridge I /
The application software is read from the ROM cartridge set in F1a, and the game is developed as time elapses. That is, the main CPU 101
The application software is executed, and game scenes are selectively output one after another according to a command from the PAD 2b or the development of the game.

It is assumed that the main CPU 101 is executing scene [1] with the development of the game. Then, when the main CPU 101 is executing the scene [1], the scene box SCN is triggered by a trigger.
[1] is forcibly given. The scene box is a box in which a plurality of conditions to be used for the scene are put, and is provided for each scene by game software.

At this time, the main CPU 101
Is processing the content of scene [1], and the condition (for example, if the pitcher pitches a scene, the condition "AAAAA" is ""Is" or the condition "B
“BBBB” is obtained as “the opponent team has won” or the condition “CCCCC” is obtained as “the pitcher threw”) (ST40).

The main CPU 101 determines, based on the acquired conditions, the conditions “AAAAA”, “BBBBB”, “CCC” described inside the scene box SCN [1].
CC ”(S41). The condition “A
"AAAAA", "BBBBBB", and "CCCCC" have text boxes AAAAA.BX and BBBBBB, respectively.
BX, CCCCC and BX are supported. Here, the text box is a box written with an audio file name, and the audio file name is the name of the text box. In addition, in the meaning of an arbitrary text box, as shown in FIG. 18, the text box “NNNNNN · B
X. In addition, this text box NNNNN · B
In X, the dialogue number “nn123” is described. The dialogue number is composed of, for example, an identification code of two letters [nn] of the alphabet and five letters of a three-digit number [123].

Next, at the time of the scene [1], the main CPU 101 determines that the acquired condition is only “AAAAA”.
The condition “AAAAA” is selected from “AAAAA”, “BBBBB”, and “CCCCC”. Thus, the main CPU 101 sets the text box AAAAA.BX
Jump to (S42). This text box AA
In the present embodiment, AAA · BX has a line number “a”.
a001 "," aa002 "," aa003 "," aa
004 "and the dialogue corresponding to the dialogue number included in the text box AAAAA.BX.

When the main CPU 101 gives a random selection command to the text box AAAAA.BX (S43), the dialog number "aa004" is selected (S44). This dialog number "aa0
04 ”and“ aa00 ”from the dialogue group in this box.
The speech corresponding to “4” is given to the sound block 12.
As a result, a speech sound corresponding to “aa004” is generated from the speaker 5 (S45).

Further, as the game develops, the scene [2] is set, and the scene box SCN is triggered by a trigger.
The processing after [2] is given is also performed in the same manner as described above.

[Specific Processing] The following is a detailed description of a specific example, taking a baseball game as an example.

FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are explanatory diagrams showing a dialog number and a part of the contents of the dialog in the text box. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the relationship between the dialogue number and the dialogue is “1.
It is divided into "2. Lottery relationship" etc., and it is assumed that these divided contents are considered as one text box, these are text box names, and the dialog number and dialog are described in it. .

[0106] Regarding "1.
The dialogue with the dialogue number "PD001" saying "We will hold a newcomer selection meeting for the current year."
The dialogue with the dialogue number "PD002" saying "We will hold a newcomer selection meeting for the current year."
The other dialog numbers also store the dialog that matches them.

Regarding “2. Lottery relation”,
The dialogue number "PD005" changes to "The name has been duplicated.
I will move to the lottery. , And the dialogue number "PD006""The lottery has been nominated by the duplicate team, so we will go to the lottery."

Similarly, the relationship between the speech number and the speech is as follows:
For example, as shown in FIG. 20, it is divided into "69. Ask for a comment on a particular player at the time of a big chance" and "70. Ask for a comment about this scene at a big pinch". Think of the content as individual text boxes, and these are the text box names.

Regarding “69. At the time of a great chance, seeking a comment on a specific player”, the speech number “N
For example, the words "F542" may say "A big cheer comes from the stand at this chance." The dialogue number "NF543" may be "This player is at bat in the scoring position of the runner." Each of them memorizes the words that match them.

Further, as for “70. Large pinch, requesting comment on this scene”, the speech number “N
For example, "F545" means "I can't worry about mass reading", and "NF546" means "I don't want to get a rhythm here." doing.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 21, when an arbitrary scene [N] (N = 1, 2, 3,...) Is being processed, an arbitrary scene [N] is included in a scene box SCN [N]. Conditions (p, q,
r, s), and any text box (p.BX, q.BX, r.BX, s.B
X), and processing of the live broadcast under such conditions will be described.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates a game scene [1] and a scene [1]. 2], scene [3], ..., scene box SC
N [1], SCN [2], SCN [3],... And scene boxes SCN [1], SCN [2], SCN [3],
.., M.BX, c.BX, c.BX,..., M.
BX, n · BX,...

First, the game progresses and proceeds, and N =
It is assumed that processing is performed for scene 1 [1] (S
50). Then, as shown in FIG. 21, in the scene [1], a trigger is activated and a scene box SCN [1] is given. In this embodiment, the condition A (p3), the jumpa, the condition B
(P2), jumpb, condition C (p2), jumpc, condition D
(P3), jumpd. (Processing of Scene Box SCN [1]) The main CPU 101 sets a condition (for example, “a pitcher pitches a scene” when the pitcher is in a bad condition) along with the process of the scene [1]. , Such as "the opponent team has won" or "the pitcher has thrown" (S51).

Then, the main CPU 101 compares the acquired condition with the conditions “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” in the scene box SCN [1] (S5).
2). In this case, A = p, B = q, C = r, and D = s. Then, as a result of determining the condition, the main CPU 101 jumps to the text box a · BX when the condition A is selected (S53), and jumps to the text box b · BX when the condition B is selected (S54). When the condition C is selected, a jump is made to the text box c.BX (S
55), when condition D is selected, text box dB
Jump to X (S56).

As shown in FIG. 22, the main CPU 101
Thus, the processing of the text box (a.BX, b.BX, c.BX, d.BX) selected by the condition is executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the processing of the text box (a.BX) ends before the scene [2], and the processing of the text box (b.BX) ends at the end of the scene [2]. The processing of the text box (c.BX) ends at the end of the scene [3], and the processing of the text box (d.BX) ends at the middle of the scene [2]. Here, it is assumed that condition A is selected, for example. Then, the main CP
U101 detects whether there is a line currently being processed,
The priority of the line is acquired (S57).

Then, the main CPU 101 determines the priority (S58). Here, the main CPU
If the current priority is higher than or the same as the priority of the currently processed dialogue, the dialogue 101 interrupts the currently processed dialogue and generates the current textbox dialogue (S59). If the priority of the dialogue being performed is higher than the current priority, the dialogue currently being processed is continued (S6).
0).

In this case, condition A is selected, and
Since there is no previous priority, the current priority (p3) is determined to be high, and this dialogue is started.

(Processing of Scene Box SCN [2]) Next, the game is developed and advanced, and processing is performed for scene [2] of N = 2 (S50). Then, as shown in FIG. 22, in the scene [2], a trigger is activated and a scene box SCN [2] is given. In the present embodiment, the condition E
(P4), jumpe, condition F (p2), jumpf, condition G
(P3), jumpg, and condition H (p3), jumph.

The main CPU 101 acquires a condition in accordance with the processing of the scene [2] (S51). Then, the main CPU 101 compares the acquired conditions with the conditions “E”, “F”, “G”, “G” in the scene box SCN [2].
Compare with "H" (S52). In this case, E = p, F =
q, G = r, and H = s. And the main CPU 10
When the condition E is selected as a result of the condition determination, the process jumps to the text box e.BX (S53), and the condition F
Is selected, the process jumps to the text box f.BX (S54).
Jump to BX (S55). When condition G is selected, jump to text box g.BX (S56).
As shown in FIG. 22, the main CPU 101
Text box selected by the condition (e.BX,
f · BX, g · BX, h · BX) are executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the processing of the text box (e.BX) ends at the end of the scene [3], and the processing of the text box (f.BX) starts at the beginning of the scene [4]. Take a text box (g
The processing of BX) ends at the end of scene [3], and the processing of the text box (d.BX) is applied to the front side of scene box SCN [4] of scene [4].

Here, it is assumed that condition F is selected, for example. Then, the main CPU 101 detects whether there is a line currently being processed, and if the line is currently being processed, acquires the priority of the line (S5).
7). Here, since the dialogue has not been processed, it is not acquired.

Then, the main CPU 101 determines the priority (S58). In this case, condition F
Is selected, and since there is no previous priority, the dialogue of the current text box f · BX is started on the assumption that the current priority (p2) is high.

(Processing of Scene Box SCN [3]) Next, the game is developed and progresses, and processing is performed for scene [3] of N = 3 (S50). Then, as shown in FIG. 22, in the scene [3], a trigger is activated and a scene box SCN [3] is given. The scene box SCN [3] includes a condition I in this embodiment.
(P4), jumpi, and condition J (p2), jumpj.

The main CPU 101 acquires a condition in accordance with the processing of the scene [3] (S51).

Then, the main CPU 101 compares the obtained condition with the conditions “I” and “J” in the scene box SCN [3] (S52). In this case, I =
p, J = q. Then, as a result of determining the condition, the main CPU 101 jumps to the text box i · BX when the condition I is selected (S53), and jumps to the text box j · BX when the condition J is selected (S5).
4).

As shown in FIG. 22, the main CPU 101
Thus, the processing of the text box (i.BX, j.BX) selected according to the condition is executed. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a text box (jB
The processing of X) ends at the beginning of scene [4], and the processing of the text box (j · BX) ends before scene [4].

Here, it is assumed that condition J is selected, for example. Then, the main CPU 101 detects whether there is a line currently being processed, and if the line is currently being processed, acquires the priority of the line (S5).
7). Here, since the dialog of the text box f has been processed, the priority (p2) of the condition F is acquired.

The main CPU 101 determines the priority (S58). In this case, condition J
Is selected and the priority of the currently processed dialogue is (p2), which is the same as the priority of the current dialogue (p2), so that the currently processed dialogue (text box f · BX) is blocked. , The dialog of the current text box j · BX is started.

(Processing of Scene Box SCN [4]) Next, the game is developed and progresses, and processing is performed for scene [4] of N = 4 (S50). Then, as shown in FIG. 22, in the scene [4], a trigger is activated and a scene box SCN [4] is given. Main CPU
101 acquires a condition with the processing of the scene [3] (S51).

Then, the main CPU 101 compares the obtained condition with the conditions “K” and “L” in the scene box SCN [4] (S52). In this case, K =
p, L = q. Then, as a result of determining the condition, the main CPU 101 jumps to the text box k · BX when the condition K is selected (S53), and jumps to the text box 1 · BX when the condition L is selected (S5).
4).

The selected text box (k · BX,
The processing of (1 · BX) is processed with a length as shown in FIG.

Here, it is assumed that condition K is selected, for example. The main CPU 101 detects whether there is a line currently being processed, and if the line is currently being processed, acquires the priority of the line (S57). Here, the priority is not acquired. Main CPU 101
Determines the priority (S58), and starts the dialog of the current text box k.BX because the priority of the current dialog (p2) is high.

(Process of Scene Box SCN [5]) Next, as the game progresses and proceeds, the process is continued for scene [4] (S50). Then, as shown in FIG. 21, in the scene [4], a trigger is activated and a scene box SCN [5] is given. Main CPU
101 acquires a condition along with the continuation of the processing of the scene [4] (S51). Then, the main CPU 101 compares the acquired condition with the conditions “M” and “N” in the scene box SCN [4] (S52). In this case, M
= P, N = q. Then, the main CPU 101
As a result of the condition determination, when the condition M is selected, the process jumps to the text box m · BX (S53), and when the condition N is selected, the process jumps to the text box n · BX (S53).
54).

The selected text box (m.BX,
The processing of (n × BX) is processed with a length as shown in FIG.

Here, it is assumed that condition M is selected, for example. The main CPU 101 detects whether there is a line currently being processed, and if the line is currently being processed, acquires the priority (p1) of the line (text box k · BX) (S57). Main CPU 101
Determines the priority (S58) and is the same as the priority of the current dialog (p1), so that the processing of the dialog currently being processed is interrupted and the text box m
・ Starting BX dialogue.

Thereafter, similarly, a scene box SCN provided corresponding to a scene that changes with the development of the game
Judge the condition of [N] and the condition given from the scene,
A text box is selected from the determination result to select a dialogue.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between a scene box and a text box. In this figure, the main CPU 101 determines conditions “AAAAA”, “BBBB” described inside a scene box SCN [N] (N = 1, 2, 3,...) Given with the development of the game.
B "," CCCCC ",... For example, in the case of a scene thrown by a pitcher, the condition “AAAAA”
"A" is "Pitching when the pitcher is ill,""BBBBB" is "The opponent is winning," and "CCCCC" is "Pitcher thrown." It is assumed that.

The main CPU 101 sets the condition “AA”
"AAA" contains a text box AAAAA.BOX,
The condition “BBBBB” contains a text box BBBBB
BOX has text box C for condition "CCCCC"
CCCC BOX corresponds to each. Main C
The PU 101 determines the acquired condition and the scene box S
The condition of CN [1] is determined. For example, the condition "AAAAA
When “A” is selected, the main CPU 101 determines that the text box AAAAA ·
Select BOX and then in this text box AAA
A random selection instruction is given to AA / BOX, and the dialogue numbers “aa001”, “aa002”, “aa00” described in the text box AAAAA / BOX are given.
"Aa004" is selected from among "3" and "aa004" based on a random selection instruction. The speech corresponding to the selected speech number “aa004” is stored in the sound block 12.
Give to. As a result, “aa00” is output from the speaker 5.
A line corresponding to “4” is generated.

Here, the scene box SCN [1] contains condition names “AAAAA”, “BBBBB”, “C
.., And their names are the same as the text box names. The contents of the text box AAAAA.BOX are the dialogue numbers “aa00”.
1 "," aa002 "," aa003 "," aa00
4 ", and the dialog box number is not included in the scene box SCN [1]. Text box BBB
The contents of the BB / BOX are the dialogue numbers “bb001”, “b
b002 "and" bb003 ", and the dialog box number is not included in the scene box SCN [1].
The contents of the text boxes CCCCC and BOX are dialog numbers “cc001”, “cc002”, “cc003”,
This is a list of “cc004” and “cc005”, and the dialog box number is not included in the scene box SCN [1]. The same applies to other text boxes.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the conditions for determining dialog are arranged in the scene box.
The debugging time of the speech creation processing is shortened, and even if a failure or the like occurs, processing can be performed in a short time.

<Modification of Third Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the background that led to this modification will be described.
In order to handle a large amount of dialog data, it is conceivable to store each dialog data as one file in each sector of the CD-ROM. However, assuming that each line is a file, once accessed by the CPU of the game machine, the TOC (the area storing the start addresses and file lengths of all the files stored in the CD-ROM) is once stored in the TOC. The access speed was slow because it was necessary to access and then read the data after accessing the corresponding address (sector). Therefore,
Collect multiple lines of data as one file on CD-
It is stored in a ROM, and the head address of each line data is stored in a table format in a RAM of the main body.

Further, access to each line of data is as follows.
In this case, the head address stored in the RAM is used. However, at this time, since the end of the line data is not known, the data length is calculated using the line data and the head address of the next line data.

However, as the content of the game software applied to the game machine becomes more abundant, the number of dialog data increases dramatically, and as a result, the amount of data stored in the main body RAM has become enormous. For example, if there are 10,000 lines of data and four bytes are required for the head address of one line of data, a memory of as much as 40 kilobytes will be used.

Therefore, on the main body RAM side, the start address of each line of data is defined in the program so that the program can be read from the CD-ROM whenever necessary. At this time, the data length of each serif data is required, but cannot be calculated because the data format is not a table format. For this purpose, the head address of the next dialog data is stored in the area of each dialog data on the CD-ROM side so that the data length can be calculated. Therefore, the information held in the line data area is not limited to the head address of the next line data, but may be the data length of the line data.

In the above description, the actual situation of a baseball game has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to other uses. For example, by exchanging the conditions of the scene box SCN and the contents of the text box, expressions such as a so-called conversational comic and an expression such as a live interrupt in the middle of a television program can be realized. In each case, the dialogue is randomly selected, so unpredictable expansions are repeated each time,
Keep the player tired. Therefore, it is possible to provide a variety of devices and methods.

<Fifth Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, an outline of a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment describes an operation of reproducing data recorded on a CD-ROM, and describes another operation example different from the third embodiment. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the sector number of the beginning of the next file, which is read information, is recorded in the head information of the file, and the CD-R
The sectors of the file are sequentially read from the OM, and the reading is terminated when the read sector number is the sector number at which the next file starts.

Also in the fifth embodiment, the video game machine in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the hardware in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14A are used. .

The fifth embodiment will now be described with reference to the above hardware and FIGS. 24 and 25. FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of data recorded in an OM.

As is well known, a plurality of files FL1, FL2,... Are recorded on the CD-ROM (FIG. 14).
(A)). As shown in FIG. 25, the file FL1 is composed of a plurality of sectors ST, ST,... Corresponding to the length of the information to be recorded. Similarly, the file FL2 is also composed of a plurality of sectors ST, ST,... Corresponding to the length of the information to be recorded.

Each sector S constituting the file FL1
T, ST,... Have sector information SCT10, SC
, SCT124 are provided. Also, sectors ST, S constituting file FL2 are used.
T,... Also have sector information SCT125, SCT126,
SCT 127,... Are provided. That is, each file FL1, FL1,... Is composed of a plurality of sectors ST, ST,. Each of the sectors ST, ST,... Constituting one file FL has, for example, an identifier gap, a data block, and a data block gap in addition to the sector information SCT. Are provided with predetermined information indicating the above. Also, each file FL (n; n
Is an arbitrary integer), the first sector number of the next file FL (n + 1) is recorded in the sector information SCT of the first sector ST.

Next, the flow of FIG. 24 will be described.

First, a file to be read is specified by a command from the main CPU 101. The file designated to be read is called a designated file. Here, it is assumed that the designated file is, for example, the file FL1. Then, the CPU 181 of the subsystem 13 reads the first sector ST of the designated file FL1 from the CD-ROM via the CD-ROM drive 1b (S61).
After executing processing such as error correction of the read information of the first sector ST, the CPU 181 stores the information in the MPE.
G AUDIO 182 and MPED VIDEO 183. AUDIO182, MPED VIDEO183
, Data of the information decompressed from the compressed information is passed to the CPU block 10.

Next, the CPU 181 saves the head information of the next file thus obtained (S62). In this case, the head information of the next file to be stored is the “sector number (SCT in FIG. 25) starting the next file FL2.
125)).

Then, the CPU 181 reads the second sector ST of the file FL1 from the CD-ROM (S63). Thereafter, the CPU 181 determines whether or not the read sector information SCT12 of the second sector ST matches the stored file head information (SCT125) (S64).

In this case, the read sector information SCT1
2 and the stored file head information (SCT1
25) does not match. Therefore, the CPU 181
It is determined that they do not match (S64; NO), and the sector information SCT13 of the next third sector is read again (S64).
63). After that, the CPU 181 reads the read third
It is determined whether or not the sector information SCT13 of the second sector ST matches the stored file head information (SCT125) (S64).

In this case, the read sector information SCT1
3, the stored file head information (SCT1
25) does not match. Therefore, the CPU 181
It is determined that they do not match (S64; NO), and the sector information SCT14 of the next fourth sector is read again (S64).
63). Thereafter, the CPU 181 determines that the read fourth
It is determined whether the sector information SCT14 of the second sector ST matches the stored file head information (SCT125) (S64).

As described above, the CPU 181 stores the file FL
After reading one sector ST one after another, the comparison with the storage file head information (SCT125) is repeated (S63-
S64; NO).

Then, the CPU 181 reads the 124th sector ST of the file FL1 from the CD-ROM (S63). After that, the CPU 181 sets the sector information SCT1 of the read 124th sector ST.
24 is the stored file head information (SCT125)
Is determined (S64).

In this case, the read sector information SCT1
24, the stored file head information (SCT
125). Therefore, the CPU 181
Determines that they do not match (S64; NO), and again, the sector information SC of the first sector of the next file FL2
T125 is read (S63). After that, the CPU 181
Is the file information stored in the stored file information (SCT125) of the 125th sector ST.
CT125) is determined (S64).

In this case, the read sector information SCT1
25 and the stored file head information (SCT
125). Therefore, the CPU 181 determines that the head information matches, sets the 124th sector ST immediately before that as the last sector of the designated file FL1, and ends the process assuming that reading (loading) of the file FL1 has been completed.

Thus, the file FL (n) is read from the CD-ROM.

According to the fifth embodiment, only by recording the sector number at which the next file FL (n + 1) starts in the first sector information SCT of the file FL (n), the subsystem 13 There is no need to provide a complicated circuit for reading the CD-ROM on the side and a storage area for storing the read data in the CPU block 10, and to properly read the data stored in the storage area. There is an advantage that the processing program of (1) becomes unnecessary.

According to the fifth embodiment, there is no need to calculate the length of a file as in the third embodiment.

<Sixth Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, an outline of a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The sixth embodiment is similar to the fifth embodiment except that the CD-ROM
This section describes an operation for simply reproducing data recorded in the fifth embodiment, and describes another operation example different from the fifth embodiment. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the number of sectors (size) of the file is recorded in the head information of the file, and the sectors of the file are successively read from the CD-ROM.
The reading is terminated when the number of sectors (size) of the file matches.

Also in the sixth embodiment, the video game machine according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the hardware according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 14A are used. .

Now, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the above hardware and FIGS. 25 and 26. Here, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram used in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sixth embodiment.

First, a file to be read is specified by a command from the main CPU 101. It is assumed that the designated file is, for example, the file FL1. Then, the CPU 181 of the subsystem 13 reads the first sector ST of the designated file FL1 from the CD-ROM via the CD-ROM drive 1b (S71). CPU 181
Performs processing such as error correction of the read information of the first sector ST, and then stores the information in MPEG AUDI.
O182, and passed to MPED VIDEO183. AUD
The data of the information decompressed from the compressed information in the IO 182 and the MPED VIDEO 183 is passed to the CPU block 10.

Next, the CPU 181 stores the number of sectors constituting the file FL1 thus obtained and sets "1" in the register N (S7).
2). Further, in the case of the sixth embodiment, the number of sectors constituting the saved file FL1 is constituted by 115 sectors (see FIG. 25).

After reading the second sector ST of the file FL1 from the CD-ROM (S73), the CPU 181 executes a process of incrementing the register N (S74). In this step S74, the register N = 1 before the increment processing is performed, and when the increment processing is executed, N = N + 1 = 2.

Next, the CPU 181 sets the register N
Is compared with the number of stored files (115) (S75). In this case, since the register N (= 2) and the number of files (= 115), the CPU 18
1 judges that they do not match (S75; NO), reads the third sector ST again (S73), and executes a process of incrementing the register N (S74). In this step S74, before the increment processing is performed, the register N = 2.
= N + 1 = 3.

Next, the CPU 181 sets the register N
Is compared with the number of stored files (115) (S75). In this case, since the register N (= 3) and the number of files (= 115), the CPU 18
1 judges that they do not match (S75; NO), reads the fourth sector ST again (S73), and executes the increment processing of the register N (S74).

As described above, the CPU 181 stores the file FL
When one sector ST is read one after another, it is incremented each time one sector is read, and the value of the incremented register N is compared with the number of sectors (= 115) constituting the stored file FL1. The process is repeatedly executed until the value of the register N matches the number of sectors (S73-S75; NO).

Then, after reading the 124th sector ST of the file FL1 from the CD-ROM (S73), the CPU 181 executes a process of incrementing the register N (S74). In this step S74, the register N = 114 before the increment processing is performed, and when the increment processing is executed, N = N + 1 = 1
It becomes 15.

Thereafter, the CPU 181 determines the value of the register N and the number of sectors constituting the file FL1 (= 11
(S75; YE) because the numerical value of the register N matches the number of sectors (= 115).
S), the reading (loading) of the designated file FL1 is completed.

In this way, the specified file FL (n) can be successively read from the CD-ROM.

According to the sixth embodiment, only the number of sectors (size) constituting the file FL (n) is stored in the first sector information SCT of the file FL (n). Thus, there is no need to provide the subsystem 13 with a complicated circuit for reading the CD-ROM or a storage area for storing the read data in the CPU block 10, and the data stored in the storage area can be eliminated. There is an advantage that a processing program for properly reading the data is unnecessary.

According to the sixth embodiment, there is no need to calculate the length of a file as in the third embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, when the designated file FL (n) is read, the designated file FL (n) is read.
The first sector information SCT of (n) is read, the number of sectors constituting the file FL (n) is stored, and the number is incremented every time the sectors constituting the file FL (n) are read. When the number of stored sectors matches, the file FL (n) is assumed to have been completely read, but the number of sectors of the designated file FL (n) is decremented every time a sector is read, and becomes zero. At this time, the reading of the file FL (n) may be completed.

In short, in the sixth embodiment, the number of sectors (size) constituting the file FL (n) is read, and the number of sectors (size) of the file FL (n) is read, and the insufficient number is read from the CD-ROM. Is read from the memory.

In addition, in the third, fifth and sixth embodiments, read information (that is, read information (ie, (Information on the next file, the number of sectors constituting the file, etc.) are arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information is arranged in the second sector, the third sector, etc., and read control is performed in that state. You may.
In this case, assuming that the read information is present in the second sector and the third sector, the previous sector may be saved and the file may be completed.

<Seventh Embodiment of the Present Invention> Next, an outline of a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seventh embodiment is a system capable of confirming a password by voice in order to facilitate a password confirmation operation. In this TV game machine, it is necessary to set a password in order to limit the players who can play this game, or to set a password as the game progresses. In addition, when the password is input or the password is output, the password is designated for each character, and the designated character can be confirmed by voice.

[Processing at the time of password input] In the seventh embodiment, too, the TV game machine of the first embodiment is used.

In the seventh embodiment, the process at the time of inputting a password will be described first with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when a password is input.

First, when the mode for inputting the password is set, the operation in the flowchart of FIG. 27 is performed. In FIG. 27, first, a password input screen is displayed in accordance with the guidance displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5. Then, a password is input (S80). In this case, the input password is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5. Normally, the password is displayed for each character displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5, and when it is determined that the password has been correctly input (S81; YES), the processing is terminated.

However, since it is difficult to confirm the password while looking at the screen of the TV receiver 5, if it is set so as to output voice (S82; YES), each character of the inputted password will be Is output from the speakers 5a and 5b. (S83).

Therefore, in the seventh embodiment,
Each time a password is input, the sound of the input character is output, and the above processing is executed until a correct password is input (S81 to S81).
84) Since the characters can be confirmed by voice, the confirmation work is simplified.

[Processing at Password Output] In the seventh embodiment, the processing at the time of password output will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when a password is output.

In FIG. 28, first, a password output screen is displayed according to the guidance displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5. Then, a predetermined procedure is performed to display a password output screen. Then, the password is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5 (S91). If it is set whether or not to output a voice (S92), for example, if no voice is to be output (S92; NO), the process is terminated.

For example, when audio is output (S9
2; YES), an audio output corresponding to the characters of the password is output (S93).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the audio output processing. The audio output processing of FIG. 27 (S83) or the audio output processing of FIG.
The subroutine 3) is processed by the main CPU 101. First, the cursor is moved to the first character (S831).

Next, it is determined whether the processing is to be ended (S8).
32). If it is not the end (S832; NO), it is determined whether to temporarily stop (S833). This process
This is for performing sound reproduction at a predetermined timing.
If not temporarily stopped (S833; NO),
It is determined whether to stop (S834).

If not stopped (S834; NO), a sound output process is executed (S835). Then, the cursor is moved to the next character (S836).

Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the last character of the character constituting the password has been reproduced (S837). If the last character of the password has not been reproduced (S83
7; NO), the processing is executed again from step 832.

On the other hand, when the last character of the password has been reproduced (S837; YES), the process shifts to a process of moving the cursor to the first character (S841). If the processing is to be ended (S832; YES), the processing is ended.

In the case of temporary suspension (S833;
YES), the processing from step 832 is executed again.

When stopping (S834: YE)
S), the process returns to step S831 to execute a process of moving the cursor to the first character.

As described above, the voice output process is a process commonly performed when voice output is selected at the time of password input or password output. Also,
In this voice output process, the cursor is moved in conjunction with the character of the password to output the voice, but the color of the character may be changed to the color of another character. In addition, as can be seen from the above flowchart, this audio output processing can temporarily stop, stop, replay, and link the cursor with the audio output. Further, since this audio output processing can be executed in units of one character, it is effective when confirming a password.

As described above, the seventh embodiment has the following features.

(1) It is possible to reproduce, pause, and stop a password at an arbitrary timing for each character.

(2) Since the voice stop function is provided, even if voice is reproduced by mistake, it can be canceled.

(3) Since the cursor moves on the screen in conjunction with the audio output, it is possible to know where the audio output starts during the next reproduction even when the audio is paused.

(4) By adding a pause function, the password can be confirmed at the pace of the player.

(5) It is up to the player to decide whether or not to output a sound, so that this function may not be used if this function is not required.

(6) Even if the password is missed, a sound is output again by making a reproduction request.

(7) Since the sound is made to flow at intervals that are easy to hear, it is easy to hear.

(8) It can be used to confirm the password entered by the user.

As described above, in the seventh embodiment, it is not necessary to move the line of sight between the screen and the document for password confirmation, and eyestrain is reduced.

In the seventh embodiment, since confirmation can be made by voice, it is possible to easily find a wrong password or a wrong password input.

According to the seventh embodiment, the irritability until the start of the game can be reduced.

According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player when inputting a relatively long password.

According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to make the feeling of use of the game even more detailed and comfortable.

[0211] Note that another embodiment is a medium in which a program for causing a computer to function as a processing unit and a data device is recorded.

This medium includes, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, C
D-ROM, DVD, ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM card, etc. are included. Also, communication media such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line are included. The Internet is also included in the communication medium mentioned here.

A medium is a medium on which information (mainly digital data and programs) is recorded by some physical means, and is a medium that causes a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. You can do it. In short, any means may be used as long as it downloads a program to a computer and executes a predetermined function.

[0214]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
The number of calculation processes for arranging the polygons constituting the character can be reduced, and the number of calculation processing steps can be reduced. Furthermore, since there is no part corresponding to a joint between a part polygon such as a wrist or an ankle and a reference polygon such as a body polygon, the part polygon can be freely extended or contracted.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the parts constituting the expression such as the face of the character are composed of a plurality of part polygons each having position data from the reference point. Image processing is performed on polygons of parts such as eyes, nose, mouth, etc. corresponding to changes in facial expressions, so that only component polygons can be processed independently, reducing the image processing load and reducing the character's facial expression. Since the reference face is not affected by the change of each part, the contour or the like does not collapse even when an extreme expression is made.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, since a part can be rotated, enlarged, reduced, and moved even with one texture pattern, various expressions can be created as it is, and By increasing the number, it is possible to realize much more varied expressions than when changing the conventional texture pattern or changing the model. Further, the component polygons can be projected or dropped from the face or the like serving as the base, and it is possible to realize various animation-like expressions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a video game machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a video game machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of a character according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of motion data according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic processing concept of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process according to the first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change of a character by the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows processing in the first embodiment of the present invention;
It is a figure for explaining comparison with processing with a character which does not apply this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing a process of creating a facial expression of a character according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of each polygon according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing that a facial expression of a character is changed by an operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing that a facial expression of a character changes by an operation according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a comparison between the third embodiment of the present invention and an example to which the third embodiment is not applied.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic procedure of live output in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a general text box according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a dialog number and a part of the content of the dialog in a text box according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a dialog number and a part of the contents of the dialog in a text box according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a relationship between a scene box and a text box according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a CD-ROM according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of data recorded in a.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when a password is input according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when a password is output according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of a sound output process according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Video game machine main body 1a Cartridge I / F 1b CD-ROM drive 2a Connector 2b Game operation pad 2c Cable 4a, 4b cable 5 TV receiver 10 CPU block 11 Video block 12 Sound block 13 Subsystem 100 SCU (System Control) 101) Main CPU 102 RAM 103 ROM 104 Sub CPU 105 CPU bus 106, 107 bus 120, 130 VDP 121 VRAM 122, 123 Frame buffer 131 VRAM 132 Memory 140 DSP 141 CPU 160 Encoder 180 CD-I / F 181 CPU 182 MPEG -AUDIO 183 MPEG-VIDEO 185 Rotating mechanism 186 Reading head 187 Moving mechanism 190 CD-ROM

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Otani 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Sega Enterprises Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image data processing apparatus for arranging a plurality of polygons at predetermined positions based on positional information for arranging a reference polygon on a screen and mapping a predetermined texture to each polygon, wherein the character A processing unit for calculating a reference polygon based on the arrangement information of the reference polygon on the screen, and a part polygon for the reference polygon. Data processing device provided. 2. An image data processing apparatus for arranging a plurality of polygons at predetermined positions based on positional information for arranging a reference polygon on a screen and pasting a predetermined texture to each polygon to create a character. When the facial expression is changed, predetermined image processing is performed on the polygon of only the part corresponding to the facial expression change when the facial expression is changed. A data processing device including a processing unit. 3. The data processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit can perform image processing for independently rotating, enlarging, reducing, or moving the corresponding polygon. 4. The computer according to claim 1, wherein
4. A medium on which a program for functioning as the processing unit and the data device according to any one of 4) is recorded.