Abstract: A method of expressing, in an easily visible manner, a game proceeded in a plurality of game fields formed hierarchically, in which at least first and second game fields are hierarchically formed in a three-dimensional virtual space. With this method, games proceeding simultaneously and in parallel in upper and lower spaces are displayed in the respective fields as seen from a viewpoint in the space.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a game device that can add much to the production of the game. The invention is a game device for displaying a game image which expresses a virtual three-dimensional space, which is characterized in that it displays the first action scene between the first player character and the first enemy character and the second action scene between the second player character and the second enemy character based on the predetermined camera angle to project the first player character and the first enemy character related to the predetermined command which is given to the first player character by the player.

Abstract: To provide a data processing apparatus wherewith the work volume required to produce game characters is reduced. The image data processing apparatus is an apparatus for placing a plurality of polygons at predetermined positions, based on position information that places a reference polygon on a screen, applying predetermined texture to the polygons, and thus producing game character data. The game character data 200 comprise distance information and placement angle information for a torso polygon 201, a head polygon 202, wrist polygons 203R and 203L, and ankle polygons 204R and 204L. A processor computes the torso polygon based on placement information for the torso polygon 201 on the screen (processing routine 1), and computes the head polygon 202, wrist polygons 203R and 203L, and ankle polygons 204R and 204L from the distance information and angle information (processing routine 2).

Abstract: A game device models images of moving images such as motor-bikes or cars moving through a virtual space. The track along which a first such moving object moving through the virtual space is sampled at a prescribed interval in time in order to generate track data P1–P6, while transit points P1?–P6? are set at prescribed intervals of distance along the track indicated by the track data. A second moving object is moved in such a manner as to pass through these transit points. Accordingly, a course is set that is commensurate with the player's skill level so that the degree of difficulty of the game is not diminished by the degree of experience of the player.

Abstract: A game device, which monitors with a virtual camera a picture of a game being proceeded in a virtual space by a first object controlled by a player and a second object controlled by a computer or an opponent and displays a picture on the screen of a monitor, includes a camera position switch ordering unit for issuing switching orders to switch the position of the virtual camera to a first position which shows the front of the first object and to a second position which shows the front of the first object from the rear of the first object, and a symbol displaying unit for displaying a symbol representing the second object on the monitor screen in correspondence with the switching order to switch the position of the virtual camera to the first position upon the second object existing behind the first object.

Abstract: Smooth, stable and high quality game image is provided by accurately pre-reading background data required for image processing each time. The game device therefore reads background data required for a game that displays a condition of a moving vehicle within a virtual three-dimensional space together with a background in the main memory from a CD-ROM (recording medium) prior to image processing. This device comprises a pre-reading unit for pre-reading background data from a recording medium when reading a start line (reference line) set at a distant position in a specified distance away from the limit line of the visual field direction of display is crossing a new area. A recording medium is a medium that records background data by dividing it into a plurality of areas in advance, and the pre-reading unit comprises a unit for judging on which of the areas the reference line is crossing, and a reading unit for reading in memory the background data of the area judged as being crossed with the reference line.

Abstract: Games are processed in a more realistic and immediate manner during image processing for soccer games and the like. Specifically, the movements of characters more accurately simulate those of actual opponents, resulting in greater game realism. The invention is an image processing device for imaging and displaying the behavior of characters modeled on opponents in virtual three-dimensional space. It is determined (S21 to S24) whether or not there exists a certain situation in which the relation to the game contents (in the centering area, for example) or the positional relation (such as distance) between characters and a target (such as opponent characters or the ball) having a relation through the game to said characters matches certain conditions, and the eyes of the characters are directed to the target (S25, S26, S28, etc.) when it is determined that the certain situation exists. The invention is especially suitable for soccer games.

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: This method of forming a polygon image comprises the steps of obtaining a plurality of polygons having normal line data as apex data and constituting a model; sorting the model constituted by the plurality of polygons into polygons of a first color part and polygons of a second color part by boundary lines consisting of the direction of a light source and normal lines of the model; pasting up a first mono-color texture on the sorted polygons having the first color part, and pasting up a second mono-color texture on the sorted polygons having the second color part; and dividing the polygons intersecting the boundary lines along the boundary lines, pasting up the first mono-color texture on the polygons belonging to the first color part out of the divided polygons, and pasting up the second mono-color texture on the polygons belonging to the second color part.

Abstract: An image processor for achieving an effective image processing when realizing a play simulating a reality such as a fighting game. A data processor comprises a display 3a, a control panel 4a, a speaker 11a and a speaker 11a and a game processing board 10a. Fighters C1 and C2 are displayed on the display 3a. When the joy sticks 41am and 41ah of the control panel 4a are operated, the operating data is input to the game processing board 10a. The game processing board 10a performs an image processing of the fighters C1 and C2 based on the operating signal, forms video signals based on the image processed result and displays them on the display 3a as the fighters C1 and C2. The game processing board 10a realizes a polygon forming means so that the head of the fighter C2 is constituted of a minimum number of polygons, and increases the number of polygons of the head when the part of a display member composed of a minimum number of polygons is transformed and displayed.

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.