JP2001340636A - Shooting game device, shooting game processing method, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a photographing game device, a photographing game processing method, and an information storage medium which can reduce a processing load when a camera-type input device is used. SOLUTION: When a shutter switch 14 of a camera-type input device 10 is pressed, a shooting signal is transmitted to a game calculation unit 50.
And the screen of the display device 30 is flash-displayed. The camera-type input device 10 detects the coordinates of the arbitrary position based on the light emission timing of the arbitrary position on the screen. The game calculation unit 50 determines whether a predetermined target displayed on the screen of the display device 30 has been photographed. If the shooting is successful, point addition processing according to the shooting content is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographing game device for playing a game using a camera-type input device, a photographing game processing method, and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent game machines installed in a game center or the like, a dedicated input device having a different structure is often used according to the type of each game device. For example, in a car racing game, an input device provided with a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake, and the like and simulating a real vehicle is used. In a shooting game, an input device having a barrel portion, a trigger, and the like and simulating an actual gun is used. As described above, by using the dedicated input device in consideration of the game content, it is possible to realize a realistic game device.

In a conventional game device using the above-described various input devices, the more the input device has a special shape and usage, the stronger the impression of the features of the input device itself to the player. Therefore, when a new model game device is considered, a slight change in the game content without changing the input device will lack freshness as an impression received by the player. That is, when the same input device is used, it is difficult to give a fresh impression to the player even if the game content is slightly changed.

[0004] From such a background, a new game device using a camera as a new input device has been considered.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-70548 discloses a “photographing game device” using a camera controller. The camera controller has substantially the same structure as a digital camera, and a predetermined shooting game proceeds by shooting a game screen on a projector using the camera controller. In this shooting game machine,
A shooting evaluation unit is provided for negatively evaluating a focus shift, a shift in an angle, a blur, or the like with respect to a shooting result as a point to be deducted.

[0005]

In the shooting game apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, a part of a game screen displayed by a projector is actually used by using a camera controller having substantially the same structure as a digital camera. Since the photographing is performed and the scoring result is evaluated and the continuation processing of the game is performed, there is a problem that the processing is complicated. In particular, regarding the evaluation of the shooting result, negative evaluations such as focus shift, angle shift, blurring etc. are deducted as points to be deducted, shooting the scene where the question is taken, for example, if it is a female model, besides elements such as composition It is described that if the best smile moment can be captured, a positive evaluation will be made, but if such evaluation is performed using actually shot images, advanced pattern matching is required. It is necessary to use the method described above, and the processing becomes complicated. In addition, considering that the above-described evaluation processing is performed every time the content of the game screen is updated (for example, every 1/60 second), it is necessary to use a CPU capable of performing extremely high-speed calculations, resulting in an increase in cost. It will also be.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a shooting game apparatus, a shooting game processing method, and an information storage medium capable of reducing the processing load. It is in.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a shooting game apparatus according to the present invention includes a camera-type input device, a display device, and a game calculation section. The player can check the subject included in the shooting range through the finder window of the camera-type input device. The display device displays a predetermined game screen including a target to be photographed. The game calculation unit performs a predetermined game calculation based on a position on the game screen at which the camera-type input device is pointed. Thus, when the act of shooting a game screen using the camera-type input device is performed,
Since the game proceeds by detecting the position on the game screen corresponding to the shooting position, the processing load can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the content of the actually shot image is evaluated. In addition, CC type camera-type input device
Since there is no need to provide an imaging device such as D (charge coupled device), cost can be reduced.

[0008] The above-mentioned game calculation section extracts a photographed image on a game screen included in a predetermined range centered on a position on the game screen to which the camera-type input device is directed, as a pseudo photographed image. It is desirable to have an extraction unit. Since a part of the image generated for displaying the game screen is extracted as a photographed image by the photographed image extracting unit, the image quality is not deteriorated as compared with a photographed image obtained by actual photographing. It is possible to improve image quality when displaying and printing images. Further, since a part of the image generated for displaying the game screen is used, it is not necessary to perform a complicated process for extracting the captured image.

The above-described camera-type input device has a shutter switch for instructing the player to shoot an image. When the shutter switch is operated, an arbitrary image on the game screen to which the camera-type input device is pointed is displayed. It is desirable to have a photographing position detecting mechanism for detecting a position as a photographing position. Since an arbitrary position on the game screen is detected as a shooting position when the shutter switch is operated, operability similar to that of an actual camera can be secured.

[0010] The above-mentioned game operation section is detected by image generating means for generating image data of a game screen to be displayed on a display device, a display position of a target included in the game screen, and a photographing position detecting mechanism. It is preferable to include a photographing determination unit that determines whether a predetermined task given to the player has been achieved by comparing the photographing position with the photographing position. By providing these configurations,
Instead of evaluating the shooting result, it is possible to determine the success or failure of the task based on the shooting position,
It is possible to reduce the load of the processing required for determining the success or failure of achieving the task.

Further, a display device having a scanning type display screen is used, and the above-described photographing position detecting mechanism is installed in a camera type input device, and light receiving means for detecting directional incident light; When the is operated, a screen light emitting means for emitting a screen of the display device, and when the screen of the display device is caused to emit light by the screen light emitting means, light is detected by a light receiving means set in the camera type input device. It is desirable to provide a position detecting means for detecting a photographing position based on the timing. In the case where a scanning display device is used, when the entire display screen emits light, the coordinates of the arbitrary position can be known by measuring the timing at which the arbitrary position actually emits light. By utilizing this principle of operation, it is possible to easily and accurately know the photographing position when the camera-type input device is used.

A light-emitting unit that is provided with the above-described photographing position detecting mechanism in a camera-type input device and emits predetermined directional light toward a screen of a display device; a camera-type input device and a display device A screen made of a translucent member disposed between the screen and a photographing means for photographing the screen; and a photographing means for arriving at a position on the screen where light emitted from the light emitting section toward the screen of the display device is photographed. And a position detecting means for detecting a photographing position by detecting the photographing position based on a photographing result by the camera. By using such a photographing position detecting mechanism, the photographing position when the camera-type input device is used can be easily and accurately known. Further, since it is not necessary to make the display screen of the display device emit light to detect the shooting position, restrictions on displaying the game screen are reduced, and timing control for detecting the shooting position can be simplified.

Further, in the shooting game processing method of the present invention, a first step of detecting a position on the game screen to which the camera-type input device is directed, and a position on the game screen detected in the first step A second step of determining a relative positional relationship with a predetermined target included in the game screen; and a third step of determining success or failure of the task based on a determination result in the second step. ing.

Further, the information storage medium of the present invention detects a position on a game screen at which the camera-type input device is pointed, and determines a relative positional relationship between the detected position and a predetermined target on the game screen. It includes a program that performs different game processing depending on the situation. By performing the shooting game processing method of the present invention, or by executing a program stored in the information storage medium of the present invention, when an act of shooting a game screen using a camera-type input device is performed, Since the game proceeds by detecting the position on the game screen corresponding to the shooting position, the processing load can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the content of the actually shot image is evaluated.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a shooting game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a shooting game apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the shooting game apparatus of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of a business-use shooting game apparatus installed in a game center or the like, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a shooting game apparatus according to this embodiment includes two camera-type input devices 10 and 2.
0, a display device 30, a coin insertion unit 40, a start button 42, a game calculation unit 50, a video output unit 60, an audio output unit 70, a speaker 72, and an information storage medium 80.

The camera-type input device 10 is a dedicated controller simulating the structure of a camera, and has the same operability as a general-purpose digital camera or a camera loaded with a photographic film. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera-type input device 10. The camera-type input device 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a light receiving unit 12, a shutter switch 14, and a coordinate detection unit 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the camera-type input device 10 is provided with a finder window 18. When the player looks through the finder window 18, the player can confirm a subject included in the shooting range through the lens system 19. It has a single-lens reflex structure that can be used.
By pressing the shutter switch 14, the player can send an instruction to the game calculation unit 50 to virtually shoot an image in the shooting range visually confirmed through the finder window 18.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen configuration inside the finder window 18. As shown in FIG.
8, a center marker 1 indicating the center position of the photographing range
8a, a photographing range frame 18b indicating a photographing range, and an out-of-range region 18c included in the visual field range and corresponding to a region outside the photographing range frame 18b. Shooting range frame 18
b is a photographable range, and an out-of-range area 18c outside the photographing range frame 18b is used to assist the operation of the player. That is, by having the out-of-range area 18c, when the moving subject is going to enter the shooting range frame 18b, the movement of the subject is detected before the subject enters the shooting range frame 18b. The player can use the finder window 1
8, the position of the center marker 18a can be quickly moved to the position of the subject.

The shutter switch 14 depends on the player.
Is pressed, the coordinate detecting unit 16 sets the display device 30 to which the lens system 19 of the camera-type input device 10 is pointed.
Detect any position on the screen. Camera type input device 10
Thereafter, when the shutter switch 14 is pressed, a photographing signal is output, and when an arbitrary position on the screen is detected by the coordinate detecting unit 16, a coordinate detection signal including the coordinate data of the arbitrary position is output. Note that the camera-type input device 20 also has the same structure, and includes a light receiving unit 22, a shutter switch 24, and the like.

The display device 30 displays a game image on a screen based on an input video signal. The display device 30 has a raster scanning type structure,
For example, it is constituted by a CRT (cathode ray tube). Since the raster scanning type display device 30 performs display by predetermined scanning, when the entire screen is simultaneously lit (display operation of illuminating the entire screen is “flash display”, the screen generated by flash display is “flash display”). In this case, the time at which a pixel at an arbitrary position facing the camera-type input device 10 shines differs depending on the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the arbitrary position.
Therefore, the user directs the camera-type input device 10 to an arbitrary position on the display device 30 and then sets the shutter switch 14
By measuring the time from the start of the flash display of the screen by operating to the time at which the pixel at the above-mentioned arbitrary position shines, it is possible to know the coordinates of the arbitrary position within the display screen with the camera-type input device 10 turned. it can.

When a game screen is displayed on the screen of the display device 30, the center position of photographing is detected by using the camera-type input device 10, so that the flash screen is displayed. The light amount is set so as to be equal to or greater than the light amount of the normal game image, so that the detection operation of an arbitrary position on the screen is not erroneously performed in response to the normal game image.

The coin insertion section 40 is a portion where a player inserts a coin. The start button 42 is for the player to instruct the start of the game. The game calculation unit 50 controls the entire photographing game device. When a player inserts a coin into the coin insertion unit 40 and further presses a start button 42, the game execution unit 50 executes a predetermined game program, thereby executing a predetermined game program. The arithmetic processing of the shooting game using the pattern input devices 10 and 20 is started. Further, the game calculation section 50 determines whether or not the game is over. For example, the game calculation unit 50
Measures the elapsed time from the start of the game calculation, and determines that the game is over when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the game. When the game is over, the game calculation section 50 ends the calculation processing of a series of shooting games.

The video output unit 60 includes a current screen memory 62 corresponding to a display screen, and a previous screen memory 64 storing the contents of the immediately preceding display screen. The video output unit 60 reads out the image data generated by the game calculation unit 50 and stored in the current screen memory 62 in the scanning order, and converts the read image data into a predetermined video signal (such as an RGB signal or an NTSC signal). A predetermined game image is displayed on the screen. The current screen memory 62
Is completed, the image data stored in the current screen memory 62 is stored in the previous screen memory 64.

The audio output unit 70 converts various audio data output from the game operation unit 50 into analog audio signals and outputs the analog audio signals from the speaker 72. Information storage medium 80
Is a program executed in the game calculation unit 50,
The image data and the audio data for the question corresponding to each mini game are mainly stored. For example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device is used. Or D
A VD or a CD may be used as an information storage medium, and a program or the like read by these reading devices may be input to the game calculation unit 50.

The game calculation unit 50 shown in FIG.
Game progress processing section 51, image generation section 52, timing determination section 53, shooting center position specifying section 54, shot image extraction section 5
5, a photographed image storage unit 56, a photographing determination unit 57, and a score calculation unit 58.

The game progress processing section 51 performs a game calculation necessary to progress the shooting game of the present embodiment.
For example, in the present embodiment, a plurality of mini-games having different contents are prepared, and when any of the mini-games is selected by the player, an instruction to generate a question image corresponding to the selected mini-game is issued by the game progress processing unit. The image data is sent from 51 to the image generation unit 52.

The image generating section 52 generates question image data prepared for each mini game, and displays image data for displaying scores of each player and the result of each player shooting a part of the display screen. Generate captured image data to be partially displayed. These image data are stored in the current screen memory 62 at the timing when the screen is not displayed.

The timing judging section 53 flash-displays a screen in order to perform a predetermined photographing process in accordance with a photographing instruction of the player in accordance with a photographing signal input from each of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20. Is determined. As described above, the camera-type input devices 10, 20
Is configured to detect each shooting position by flashing the entire screen of the display device 30, but in the present embodiment, the image is displayed at a timing immediately before the screen flashed. The captured image is captured using the screen. For this reason, when a photographing signal is output from the camera-type input devices 10 and 20 and the display screen being scanned at that time is not the screen that is flashed, the next screen is flashed according to the photographing signal. If the display screen being scanned at that time is a screen flash-displayed, the operation of flashing the next screen is delayed by one screen. In this way, by preventing two consecutive screens from becoming a flash screen, that is, by forcibly inserting a game screen between the two flash screens, when a shooting signal is input at any timing, Even if there is, the cutout processing of the photographed image becomes possible.

The photographing center position specifying section 54 specifies the photographing center position based on the coordinate data included in the coordinate detection signals output from the camera-type input devices 10 and 20. Basically, the coordinates of the center position of photographing are detected by the coordinate detection unit 16 in the camera-type input device 10 (or 20), and the coordinate data included in the coordinate detection signal is generated. By using this, the center position of shooting can be specified. However, in actuality, the shooting center coordinates are calibrated at the time of manufacture or installation of the shooting game device, and the calibration process is performed in each of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. An offset value has been set. Therefore, the photographing center position specifying unit 54 adds the offset value to the coordinate data (horizontal position data and vertical position data) included in the coordinate detection signal input from each of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20. Specifies the center position of the photographed image after the calibration processing.

The photographed image extracting section 55 sets a predetermined range around the photographing center position specified by the photographing center position specifying section 54 as a photographing range, and cuts out an image on the display screen included in the photographing range. Perform processing. The photographing range where the image is cut out is set so as to substantially coincide with the photographing range 18b set in the finder window 18 of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20 described above.
Further, in the shooting game apparatus of the present embodiment, the image shot by operating the camera-type input devices 10 and 20 is displayed using a partial area of the screen on which the question image is displayed. Has become. For this reason, the photographed image extracting section 55 converts the cut photographed image data into an image
Output to.

The photographed image storage unit 56 includes the photographed image extracting unit 5
5 stores the image data corresponding to the photographed image cut out. For example, assuming that the last three captured images are displayed using a part of the screen corresponding to each of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20, the captured image storage unit 56 includes six images in total. And has a storage area corresponding to the captured image, so that the latest captured image is overwritten cyclically.

The shooting determination section 57 determines whether or not a task given for each of the selected mini-games has been achieved with respect to the result of the shooting performed by the player operating the camera type input devices 10 and 20. I do. For example, when a specific target is displayed at a specific position at an instantaneous timing, and given that each player is given the task of shooting this target only once as a subject, the shooting determination unit 57 Whether or not the timing at which the player has pressed the shutter switch 14 of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20 to give a shooting instruction coincides with the display timing of the target, and whether or not this target is included in the shooting range Is determined. If the task has been achieved and a positive determination result has been obtained, a correct answer determination is made. Conversely, if at least one of the determination results is negative, it is determined that the task has not been achieved.

The score calculation unit 58 performs a predetermined score calculation according to the result of the judgment by the photographing judgment unit 57. As a method of calculating the score, several patterns corresponding to the contents of the shooting game can be considered. Details of the shooting game and a specific example of the score calculation will be described later.

Each of the light receiving units and the coordinate detecting unit in the above-mentioned camera type input devices 10 and 20, a photographing center position specifying unit 54,
Timing determination unit 53, image generation unit 52, video output unit 6
0 corresponds to the photographing position detecting mechanism. In addition, the photographing determination unit 5
7 is a photographing determination unit, light receiving units 12 and 22 are a light receiving unit,
Timing determination unit 53, image generation unit 52, video output unit 6
0 corresponds to the screen light emitting means, each coordinate detecting unit in the camera type input devices 10 and 20 and the photographing center position specifying unit 54 correspond to the position detecting means.

The shooting game apparatus according to the present embodiment has such a configuration, and its operation will be described below. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing specific examples of mini-games that can be selected in the shooting game device of the present embodiment. In the mini game shown in FIG. 5, one scene of a baseball game is a question image, and the correct answer is determined by capturing the moment when the batter hits the ball thrown by the pitcher. In this mini-game, there is only one shooting chance.

In the mini-game shown in FIG. 6, the appearance of the sky above the future city is used as the question image, and the correct answer is determined by photographing the spacecraft flying above the sky. In this mini-game, the number of times of shooting is not limited, and the higher the spacecraft is shot, the higher the score is given.

In the mini-game shown in FIG. 7, numbers arranged on the entire screen are used as question images, and "7" is searched for and photographed. For example, three photo opportunities are given, and a high score is given when all three “7” displayed at different positions are photographed.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, an area for displaying a captured image (hereinafter, this area is referred to as a "photographed result display area") is provided at the lower part of the game screen of this embodiment. ) Is provided, and three captured images can be displayed on each of the two players. In the mini-game shown in FIG. 5, since each player is given one photo opportunity, only one shot image is displayed in the shooting result display area for three frames prepared for each player. You. In the mini game shown in FIG. 6, since the number of times of the photo opportunity is not particularly limited, the latest three photographed images are displayed in the photographing result display area described above. FIG.
In the mini-game shown in (3), the number of shutter chances is three, which is equal to the number of frames included in the shooting result display area prepared for each player. Therefore, all three shot images are displayed in the shooting result display area.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the shooting game apparatus of the present embodiment. The game progress processing section 51 in the game calculation section 50 is operated by the player to insert the coin into the coin insertion section 4.
It is determined whether or not a coin has been inserted into the “0” (step 1).
00). When a coin is inserted, the game progress processing unit 51 determines whether or not the player has pressed the start button 42 (step 101). When the start button 42 is pressed, the game progress processing unit 51 displays a predetermined game selection screen including a plurality of selectable mini-games prepared in advance as options (step 102). For example, the game progress processing unit 5
1 sends an instruction to generate a game selection screen to the image generation unit 52, and the option image data including the name of each mini game together with the characteristic scene of each mini game is sent to the image generation unit 5.
2 generated. The option image data is alternately written to the two screen memories 62 and 64 in the video output unit 60, and a predetermined game selection screen is displayed on the display device 30.

Next, the game progress processing section 51 repeats the process of determining whether any mini game included in the game selection screen has been selected until any mini game is selected (step 103). ). For example, the player shoots one of the mini-game option images displayed on the screen using one of the camera-type input devices 10 and 20 to play a mini-game corresponding to the shot option image. You can choose. When one of the mini-games is selected by the player, an affirmative determination is made in the determination at step 103, and then the game progress processing unit 51 describes the content of the selected mini-game (step 104).

Next, the game progress processing section 51 performs a countdown process for displaying a question image of the selected mini game (step 105). Specifically, an instruction is sent to the image generation unit 52, and “5”, “4”, “3”,
A countdown screen is generated in which gradually smaller numbers such as “2” and “1” are included in the entire screen of the display device 30.

When the countdown processing is completed, the game progress processing section 51 displays a game screen corresponding to the selected mini game (step 106). The display of the game screen is performed by writing the image data of the game screen into the current screen memory 62 in the video output unit 60 by the image generation unit 52. When the display of one screen using the current screen memory 62 ends, the image data stored in the current screen memory 62 is stored in the previous screen memory 64.

Further, the timing determination section 53 determines whether or not it is the shooting timing for flashing the screen (step 107). When it is determined that the timing for flash display has been reached, the timing determination unit 53
Sends an instruction to flash the next screen to the image generation unit 52, and specifies the coordinates of the shooting center position by the shooting center position specifying unit 54 (step 108).

FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the photographing timing. These figures show the camera type input device 1
5 shows the relationship between the photographing signals input from 0 and 20 and the contents of the current screen memory 62 and the previous screen memory 64 in the video output unit 60. Is shown. The current screen memory 62 or the previous screen memory 64 in which image data for flash display is written is hatched.

As shown in FIG. 9, the camera type input device 1
If a shooting signal is input from at least one of 0 and 20 and the display screen at that time is not a flash screen, that time is the shooting timing for generating a flash screen. In this case, the next time the screen goes into the non-display state, the image data for flash display is written to the current screen memory 62, and the flash display is performed on the next screen.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a photographing signal is inputted from at least one of the camera type input devices 10 and 20, and the display screen at that time is a flash screen, after the next screen is displayed, When this screen is in a non-display state, image data for flash display is written to the current screen memory 62. Therefore, the screen displayed immediately after the shooting signal is input becomes the normal game screen, and the normal game screen is forcibly placed between the next flash screen and the previous flash screen. Inserted.

Next, the photographing judging section 57 makes a right / wrong judgment to check whether or not the predetermined object set as the target object has been photographed (step 109). The corresponding score is calculated (step 110). For example, in the case of the mini-game shown in FIG. 5, since the moment at which the batter hits the ball thrown by the pitcher is the target set as the shooting target, when both the shooting timing and the shooting position match. Then, the correctness determination is performed by the shooting determination unit 57, and the point calculation unit 58 performs the point addition processing for the player who is the target of the correctness determination.

In the case of the mini-game shown in FIG. 6, a continuously flying spaceship is a target set as an object to be photographed. When they match, the correctness determination is performed by the shooting determination unit 57, and the point calculation unit 58 performs point addition processing for the player who has been the target of the correctness determination.
In this mini-game, the spacecraft can be photographed any number of times within the time limit, and each time the correct answer determination and the point addition processing are repeated.

In the case of the mini-game shown in FIG. 7, since the image of the fixed number "7" is the target set as the photographing target, the number "7" is displayed. When the current position matches the shooting position, the shooting determination unit 57 performs a correct answer determination, and the score calculation unit 58 performs a point addition process for the player for which the correct determination is performed. Also, in this mini game, since three chances of photographing three numbers “7” displayed at different positions within the time limit are given three times, the correct answer determination and the point addition processing are repeated up to three times. .

Next, the photographed image extracting section 55 calculates a photographing range based on the photographing center position extracted by the photographing center position specifying section 54 (step 111), and cuts out a display image within the photographing range (step 111). 112), the image is stored in the captured image storage unit 56 (step 113). For example,
Assuming that a rectangular area having a height a and a width b is to be a photographing range by photographing a display screen with the camera-type input devices 10 and 20, the photographed image extracting unit 55 determines the coordinates of the specified center position of the photographing. Based on (X0, Y0), a range along the X-axis direction (horizontal direction): X0−a / 2 ≦ X
≦ X0 + a / 2, range along the Y-axis direction (vertical direction); Y0−b / 2 ≦ Y
An area corresponding to the coordinates (X, Y) satisfying ≦ Y0 + b / 2 is calculated as a photographing range.

The cutting of the image data corresponding to the photographing range is performed using the image data stored in the previous screen memory 64 in the video output unit 60. Since the detection of the center position of photographing is performed by flashing the entire screen, image data of the photographing range cannot be extracted from the flashed screen. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the image data is cut out from the normal game screen displayed immediately before the flash screen.

As described above, the photographed image storage unit 5
Numeral 6 has a capacity capable of storing image data extracted by three shots for each player, and when shooting more than three times is allowed (as in the mini game shown in FIG. 6). In the case where there is no limitation on the number of times of photographing, for example), only the image data corresponding to the latest three times of photographing is stored.

Next, the game progress processing unit 51 determines whether a predetermined end condition is satisfied (step 11).
4). For example, when a time limit is provided, it is determined whether or not the time limit has been exceeded since the game was started. When the time limit is set and the number of times of shooting is set, it is determined whether or not the time limit has been exceeded since the game was started, or whether or not the number of times of shooting has reached the predetermined number of times. Is determined. If the predetermined end condition is not satisfied, a negative determination is made in the determination of step 114, and the process returns to step 106 described above to continue the processing after displaying the question image by switching the display screen.

If the predetermined end condition is satisfied, an affirmative determination is made in the determination at step 114, and then the game progress processing unit 51 performs a predetermined game over process (step 115). For example, the game progress processing unit 51
Sends an instruction to the image generation unit 52, and a predetermined ending screen including the score for each player is displayed. Thus, the game calculation for the series of mini-games selected by the player is completed.

As described above, in the photographing game apparatus of the present embodiment, when the game screen is virtually photographed using the camera type input devices 10 and 20, the game is detected by detecting the photographing position on the game screen. Since the process proceeds, the processing load can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the content of the actually shot image is evaluated. Further, in the camera-type input devices 10 and 20, the light receiving units 12 and 22 are used instead of the imaging device such as a CCD, so that the cost of parts can be reduced.

Further, since a part of the image generated for displaying the game screen is extracted as the photographed image, the image quality is not deteriorated as compared with the photographed image obtained by actual photographing. It is possible to improve the image quality when displaying. In addition, since a part of the image generated for displaying the game screen is used, there is no need to perform a complicated process for extracting the captured image. In the present embodiment, the captured image is displayed on a part of the game screen. However, the captured image may be printed by a printing device. However, in this case, the image quality can be improved.

When a shutter switch provided on the camera-type input device 10 or the like is operated, an arbitrary position on the game screen is detected as a photographing position, so that operability similar to that of an actual camera is ensured. Can be. In addition, the entire display screen can be made to emit light using the scanning display device 30, and the arbitrary position can be detected based on the timing at which the arbitrary position actually emits light. The shooting position can be easily and accurately known by incorporating it in a shooting game device using a type input device.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, the center position of shooting on the display screen is detected by combining the raster scanning type display device 30 including a CRT or the like with the camera type input device 10 having the light receiving unit 12 or the like. However, the mechanism for detecting the center position of photographing is not limited to this. For example, if a camera-type input device is provided with a position sensor or an angle sensor to directly detect the center position of photographing, the display device 30 may be implemented using a liquid crystal display device or a liquid crystal projector that does not perform raster scanning. Can be. In addition, a camera-type input device is provided with an infrared light emitting unit or the like, an irradiation point on the screen is photographed by photographing means such as a CCD camera, and the photographed image is analyzed to specify a center position of photographing. Is also good.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a shooting game apparatus using a camera-type input device having a light emitting section. FIG.
The photographing game device shown in FIG. 1 is different from the photographing game device shown in FIG. 1 in that a mechanism for detecting a center position of photographing is changed. The following description focuses on this difference.

The camera-type input device 10A has a light emitting section 13 and a shutter switch 14. It is assumed that the camera-type input device 20A has the same configuration. The light emitting unit 13 emits light including a wavelength component of infrared rays, and is configured by, for example, a semiconductor laser. The laser light emitted from the light emitting unit 13 is emitted toward the display screen of the display device 30 as a substantially converged spot light beam by passing through the lens system of the camera-type input device 10A.

The camera 90 is for photographing the screen 92. The screen 92 is formed of a translucent member, and is arranged in front of the display device 30 and at a position where the line of sight of a player looking at the screen of the display device 30 is blocked. The player
The game image displayed on the screen of the display device 30 can be viewed through the screen 92. From the camera type input devices 10A and 20A to the display device 3
When the laser light is emitted toward an arbitrary position on the screen 0, an image is formed by the laser light at a position on the screen 92 corresponding to the arbitrary position on the screen. The camera 90 takes an image of the entire screen 92 including the image and generates image data.

The photographing center position specifying unit 54A in the game calculation unit 50A analyzes the image of the screen 92 photographed by the camera 90, and
The photographing center position on the display screen by 0A and 20A is specified. The photographing center position specifying unit 54A corresponds to a position detecting unit.

As described above, when the light-emitting portion provided in the camera-type input device is caused to emit light to specify the center position of the photographing, the screen of the display device 30 does not need to be flash-displayed. The center position of the photographing can be specified irrespective of (scanning timing).

In the above-described embodiment, the photographing game device for business use has been described. However, a similar mechanism may be realized by connecting a camera type input device to a game device for home use. In the above-described embodiment, a camera-type input device having a single-lens reflex structure is used, but a camera-type input device having a finder structure may be used. In this case, it is not necessary to use the same or similar lens system as the actual camera.

In the above-described embodiment, the coordinate detection unit 16 is provided in the camera-type input device 10 and the shooting center position specifying unit 54 is provided in the game calculation unit 50. They may be put together. For example, the coordinate detection unit 1 in the camera-type input device 10
6. The function of the photographing center position specifying unit 5 in the game calculation unit 50
4, the output signal of the light receiving unit 12 may be directly input to the photographing center position specifying unit 54.

[0066]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a game screen is virtually photographed using a camera-type input device, a position on the game screen corresponding to the photographing position is detected. Since the game proceeds, the processing load can be greatly reduced as compared with the case where the contents of the actually shot image are evaluated. Further, since it is not necessary to provide an image pickup device such as a CCD in the camera-type input device, cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a shooting game apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the shooting game apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the camera-type input device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a finder window.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a mini game.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of another mini game.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of another mini game.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the shooting game apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a photographing timing.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a photographing timing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a shooting game device using a camera-type input device including a light emitting unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 20 Camera type input device 12 Light receiving unit 14 Shutter switch 16 Coordinate detection unit 18 Finder window 30 Display device 40 Coin insertion unit 42 Start button 50 Game operation unit 51 Game progress processing unit 52 Image generation unit 53 Timing determination unit 54 Center of shooting Position specifying unit 55 photographed image extracting unit 56 photographed image storage unit 57 photographing determining unit 58 score calculating unit 60 video output unit 62, 64 screen memory 70 audio output unit 72 speaker 80 information storage medium

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hirohiro Wakatsuki 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA16 AA17 BA00 BA05 BB00 BB01 BB05 BB07 BB08 BC00 BC10 BD05 CA00 CA01 CA09 CB01 CC02 CC08

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A camera-type input device capable of confirming a subject included in a shooting range through a finder window, a display device for displaying a predetermined game screen including a target to be shot, and the camera-type input device. And a game calculation unit for performing a predetermined game calculation based on the position on the game screen. 2. The game calculation unit according to claim 1, wherein the game calculation unit simulates an image on the game screen included in a predetermined range around a position on the game screen to which the camera-type input device is directed. A photographing game device comprising a photographed image extracting unit that extracts a photographed image. 3. The camera-type input device according to claim 1, wherein the camera-type input device has a shutter switch for giving a shooting instruction by a player, and the camera-type input device is turned when the shutter switch is operated. A shooting position detecting mechanism for detecting an arbitrary position on the game screen as a shooting position. 4. The game calculation unit according to claim 3, wherein: the game calculation unit generates image data of the game screen to be displayed on the display device; a display position of the target included in the game screen; A photographing determining device that compares the photographing position detected by the photographing position detecting mechanism to determine whether or not a predetermined task given to a player has been achieved. . 5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the display device has a scan-type display screen, and the photographing position detection mechanism is installed on the camera-type input device, and has directional incidence. A light receiving unit for detecting light; a screen light emitting unit for emitting a screen of the display device when the shutter switch is operated; and a camera for emitting a screen of the display device by the screen light emitting unit. A photographing game device comprising: a position detecting unit that detects the photographing position based on a timing of detecting light by the light receiving unit set in a pattern input device. 6. The light-emitting unit according to claim 3, wherein the photographing position detecting mechanism is provided on the camera-type input device, and emits predetermined directional light toward a screen of the display device. A screen made of a translucent member disposed between the camera-type input device and the screen of the display device; a photographing unit for photographing the screen; and light emitted from the light emitting unit toward the screen of the display device. And a position detecting means for detecting the photographing position by detecting a position at which the light reaches the screen on the basis of a photographing result by the photographing means. 7. A first step of detecting a position on the game screen at which the camera-type input device is pointed, a position on the game screen detected in the first step, and included in the game screen. A second step of determining a relative positional relationship with a predetermined target, and a step of determining whether or not a predetermined task given to the player has been achieved based on the determination result in the second step. 3. A shooting game processing method, comprising: 8. A game-type input device detects a position on a game screen to which the camera-type input device is directed, and performs different game processing according to a relative positional relationship between the detected position and a predetermined target on the game screen. An information storage medium containing a program.