Abstract: An image processing device for realizing more realistic pictures of explosions in video game devices and the like. Objects displaying such pictures of explosions are formed of spherical polygons (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and planar polygons (S1, S2, S3, . . . ). Pictures of explosions are realized by alternately arranging these spherical polygons and planar polygons with the lapse in time. Preferably, pictures of polygons are realized by arranging the spherical polygons in layers on the boundary of the planar polygons.

Abstract: An image in which an enemy moving in the game space of a gun game is acquired from a movable camera viewpoint in the space is generated. A control means (steps S24 and S27–S31) which controls the movement of the camera viewpoint by using the positional relation between a viewed point determined in relation to the enemy and the line of sight of the present camera viewpoint for every image frame is provided. The means judges the specific moving state of the camera viewpoint, moves the camera viewpoint while the line of sight is fixed, calculates the angle between the direction from the camera viewpoint toward the viewed point and the direction of the line of sight of the camera viewpoint before it is moved, and turns the camera viewpoint to the viewed point in accordance with the calculated angle.

Abstract: In an image processing device composed such that it can display a prescribed object while changing the shape of said object, there is provided a first memory for recording information for first polygons which form the object; a second memory for recording information for second polygons, which form the object and are linked to the first polygons; and when the shape of the object is changed, the shapes of said second polygons are changed such that no gaps are produced between the first polygons and the second polygons. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a more realistic object representation, with the joint regions moving in a natural manner.

Abstract: This image processing device for games is a device whereby a prescribed number of models (characters) are setup in virtual space, these models are controlled such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and images of this virtual space from a virtual viewpoint are displayed on means for display. In order to display the movement of the models that are arranged in virtual space more realistically, in one construction thereof, this device is provided with means for image processing that apply virtual centripetal force to the models. Furthermore, in order to display the movement of the models more realistically and to heighten the dramatic effect, in one construction thereof, this device is equipped with means for processing residual image presentation in order to represent the track of movement of a model as residual images.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31, it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31, the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.

Abstract: To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31, it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31, the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide special effects which will make a video game more realistic. When a virtual light source exists in a three-dimensional virtual space, if a light from the light source extends toward a camera, a flare is generated on a screen because of incidence of the ray of light into a camera lens, thereby forming a dazzling picture in accordance with the state of backlight.

Abstract: A baseball game is provided which imitates reality more closely by reflecting player data in game characters. Data relating to good hitting courses and bad hitting courses for each batter are incorporated as batter parameters, and the selection of a good or bad course by the batter can be reflected in the result of a hit, by varying the size of a collision object, or the like, in accordance with the batter parameters.

Abstract: An image processing unit is provided that is configured so that it can display one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so that it can move relative to such object or objects. A processing unit is comprised that is configured so that, when a character has met a certain condition (such as entering or leaving a building) relative to an object (the building), of the display elements configuring an object deployed in an area related to the movement of the character, the display density of at least some specific display elements (such as a wall existing in front of the building) can be gradually altered. It is possible, with such processing, to provide roll-playing games that feature a high sense of realism.

Abstract: In this game system, a plurality of game devices 1 are connected to a game parent station 7 over a communication network 3, and an online game application may be executed on the game devices 1 by means of the game parent station 7. In this game system, the game devices 1 are provided with a personal information processing means 10 that can exchange personal information with other players while the online game application is executed among the game devices 1. Therefore, personal information in the form of a business card may be exchanged with an opponent by means of the personal information processing means 10 either after a game has ended or when a game begins.

Abstract: An image processing unit is provided that is configured so that it can display one or more objects deployed in virtual space and a character established so that it can move relative to such object or objects. A processing unit is comprised that is configured so that, when a character has met a certain condition (such as entering or leaving a building) relative to an object (the building), of the display elements configuring an object deployed in an area related to the movement of the character, the display density of at least some specific display elements (such as a wall existing in front of the building) can be gradually altered. It is possible, with such processing, to provide roll-playing games that feature a high sense of realism.

Abstract: Provides a game processing apparatus capable of getting players more excited about playing games. For that reason, the game processing apparatus of the present invention processes games on the basis of players' operating signals, and is equipped with processing circuits (10), which process the above-mentioned games on the basis of operating signals supplied from input devices (2b) operated by the players, and which generate the image data for these games. When an operating signal equivalent to a player's victory declaration is input from an input device (2b), the processing circuits (10) process subsequent operating signals input by the player as invalid signals until a prescribed condition is achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods consistent with the present invention assist a user's ability to control a game such that the user's proficiency is largely independent of prior experience with the game. Disparities between users arising from differences in experience or unfavorable viewing perspective can be compensated by appropriately modifying the speed of the movement of actions taking place within the game. Additional embodiments are also provided which enhance the realism of the game display by improving the presentation of shadows.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: This communication game system comprises a client system 1 and a game server system 2 for communicating with the client system 1. The game server system 2 comprises a database 21 for storing group information which relates a plurality of client systems to each other as a battle group. The game server system 2 is structured to decide a battle combination among the client systems 1 belonging to the same battle group, to perform a battle by managing the sending and receiving of data between the client systems determined by the above-mentioned combination, and to decide the next combination in accordance with the results of the battle. Each client system 1 has its own character select function and chat function when watching games.

Abstract: An image displaying device 13 comprising a display unit for displaying images produced when a three-dimensional model is viewed from a predetermined observing point, and an input means provided along the display surface of the display unit, characterized in that the display unit is constituted by a plasma display device and can control images by operating the input means. An image processing device which displays on a display means images produced when a plurality of moving bodies (such as fish) moving in a virtual three-dimensional space are viewed from a predetermined observing point, and which determines the above observing point position based on a status of one or a group of moving bodies moving together uniformly selected from among the plurality of moving bodies, thereby providing a high-playing-level playing device in a viewing amusement device or the like which produces viewing images indicating the behaviors of a plurality of moving bodies.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide special effects which will make a video game more realistic. When a virtual light source exists in a three-dimensional virtual space, if a light from the light source extends toward a camera, a flare is generated on a screen because of incidence of the ray of light into a camera lens, thereby forming a dazzling picture in accordance with the state of backlight.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide a method of expressing, in an easily visible manner, a game proceeded in a plurality of game fields formed hierarchically.

Abstract: A virtual three-dimensional sound pattern generator is provided. A player character may move within a virtual three-dimensional space using a sound source object and a sound marker. The player character may use the sound source object to shoot sound signals at the sound marker. The sound marker may then provide sound information based on the relative position of the sound source object for the player character, and based on materials of virtual objects. Audible sounds at prescribed positions and in prescribed directions within the virtual three-dimensional space are then provided.