JPH09185701A - Drawing color changing method and image creating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) An object of the present invention is to easily create an image desired by a user in a short time. SOLUTION: For a character composed of parts such as hair, skin, and clothes, different color codes are assigned to each part, such as color code 2 for hair and color code 3 for skin. When a plurality of characters having different shapes are prepared, the same color code is unified and assigned to each part. In the CLT part, the RGB data of the drawing color set in the color code of the partial image is stored in the storage area designated by the color code. So, for example, C
By simply changing the RGB data of the drawing color stored in the storage area specified by the color code 2 of the LT part, the color code 2
The drawing color of the hair of all the characters assigned to is changed and displayed, and the drawing colors of the plurality of characters are centrally managed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for creating an image using a plurality of partial images prepared in advance, and more particularly to a technique for changing a drawing color of the partial image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of the methods for creating an image, there is a sprite method. This sprite method is a method of creating an image by synthesizing (combining) partial images such as a sprite (object) and a background. This sprite method has an advantage that images can be created at a higher speed than other methods. For this reason, it is widely used in devices that require high-speed image creation, such as video game machines.

Image creation (drawing) by the sprite method
Usually sets a priority for each partial image, and stacks (composites) the partial images from the one with the lower priority to the one with the higher priority according to the priority set for each partial image.
It is done by that. In the image created by this composition method,
A partial image having a higher priority is in a shape of hiding a partial image having a lower priority than that, and the partial image is displayed alternatively on the image. In addition, for example, by mixing overlapping portions of partial images at a ratio according to the priority,
There is also a synthesizing method of expressing a partial image hidden in a partial image having a higher priority than that.

In the conventional image creating apparatus adopting such a sprite system, a desired arbitrary image can be created by selecting the partial image to be drawn, its position, and the drawing color of the partial image. . Further, for example, by preparing a plurality of partial images each having a slightly different shape and displaying the plurality of partial images with time management, animation reproduction can be performed.

[0005]

Even with the conventional image creating apparatus described above, the user can create an arbitrary image, and further an image for animation (moving image) reproduction. It is very common to change a part of the created image, for example, the drawing color. However, since the change must be performed for each created image (partial image), many images form one group and are used for those images, for example, images for animation (moving image) playback. When there are a large number of partial images to be drawn, the drawing color must be changed for each of the partial images for which the drawing color is desired to be changed (this is because the drawing color of the cell image is changed one by one). However, the operation is very troublesome, and it takes a long time to complete the work.

Normally, the drawing color of a partial image is selected by displaying a partial image whose drawing color is changed and displaying a desired drawing color and a partial image (or a part of it) desired to be changed to that drawing color. It is done by specifying. Therefore, for each partial image whose drawing color is desired to be changed, it is necessary to perform operations such as displaying the partial image, specifying the drawing color, and a portion where the drawing color is changed.

[0007] Further, the conventional image creating apparatus has been configured to set different modes for displaying the created image (including displaying as an animation (moving image)) and for creating the image. Therefore, when the drawing color is changed for the image for animation reproduction (partial image), it is necessary to switch the mode each time the change is made for one image. I was letting it.

Problems such as troublesome operation (poor operability) and time-consuming work give a bad impression to the user and are a major factor of reducing the sales of the product. There was a strong demand for solving problems.

An object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily create an image desired by him in a short time.

[0010]

The drawing color changing method according to the first aspect of the present invention arranges a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images prepared in advance on a display screen, and arranges the arranged portion. By synthesizing images according to the set priority, it is premised that the method is applied to an image creating method for creating an image for one display screen, and a plurality of partial images are grouped according to a preset setting, When the change of the drawing color of the partial image is designated, the change of the drawing color is reflected on each partial image of the group to which the partial image of which the change of the drawing color is designated belongs.

In the above-described image creating method, usually, a plurality of partial images are prepared so that various images can be created. For example, these partial images are divided into groups according to their types, and the drawing colors of the respective grouped partial images are centrally managed. As a result, for example, in the case of a plurality of faces with different facial expressions prepared as human faces, if the drawing color of one face (or part thereof) is changed, the drawing colors of other faces are also drawn according to the change. The color is changed.

The drawing color changing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is
An image for one display screen is created by arranging a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images prepared in advance on the display screen and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. Assuming that it is applied to the image creating method, at a position on one portion of the partial image with respect to another partial image that is used instead of the one portion,
The same color code as the color code assigned to one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged is assigned correspondingly, and the other partial image and the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged are assigned. When a drawing color change is designated for one of the one portion, the drawing color change is reflected in the other.

For example, by switching and displaying only the face of a person at any time, the whole person image and the portion used as the face of the person image are separately displayed as partial images so that the facial expression of the person can be expressed. May be prepared. In this case, they are different types of partial images. However, by centrally managing the drawing colors of the faces of the entire person and the faces prepared separately, they are always displayed in the same drawing color regardless of whether or not the drawing colors are changed. Become.

The drawing color changing method according to the third aspect of the present invention is
An image for one display screen is created by arranging a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images prepared in advance on the display screen and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. When the partial image is composed of a plurality of parts on the assumption that it is applied to the image creating method, the plurality of parts are divided into groups, and the drawing color change of the parts forming the partial image is designated. , The drawing color change is reflected on each part of the group to which the part for which the drawing color change is designated belongs.

In the partial image, for example, when the drawing color of a part is changed, the drawing color of another part is changed,
Sometimes the drawing colors of multiple parts are related.
For example, it is a case of expressing a shadow of an object, a state where light is irradiated, or the like like a gradation. In such a partial image, when the drawing color of any part that composes the group is grouped into one group and the drawing color is changed, all the parts that compose the group The drawing color of the part is changed according to the specified drawing color. This makes it possible to easily change the drawing color of a partial image having a gradation or the like or a complicated partial image in a short time.

The image creating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a storage means for storing a plurality of partial images, and a partial image selected from the plurality of partial images stored in the storage means is displayed on the display screen. A color designating unit that designates a drawing color of the partial image on the assumption that an image for one display screen is created by arranging the partial image on the upper side and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. When a plurality of partial images are divided into groups according to preset settings and a drawing color is designated by the color designating means, the drawing color of the drawing color is assigned to each partial image of the group to which the partial image having the designated drawing color belongs. And a control means for reflecting each change.

In the above arrangement, the control means is
By unifying and assigning the same color code to each partial image forming the group, and setting the drawing color designated by the color designating means in the assigned color code,
It is desirable to reflect the change of the drawing color in each partial image forming the group.

An image creating apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a storage means for storing a plurality of partial images, and a partial image selected from the plurality of partial images stored in the storage means is displayed on a display screen. A color designating unit that designates a drawing color of the partial image on the assumption that an image for one display screen is created by arranging the partial image on the upper side and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. A color code assigned to one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged, with respect to another partial image that is used at a position on the one portion of the partial image instead of the one portion. When the drawing color is specified by the color specifying means for one of the other partial image and the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged, the drawing color is assigned to the same color code correspondingly. Reflected in the other Comprising a control unit that, the.

An image creating apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises a storage means for storing a plurality of partial images, and displays a partial image selected from the plurality of partial images stored in the storage means on a display screen. A color designating unit that designates a drawing color of the partial image on the assumption that an image for one display screen is created by arranging the partial image on the upper side and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. When the partial image is composed of a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts are divided into groups, and when the change of the drawing color of the part forming the partial image is specified by the color specifying means, the change of the drawing color is specified. And a control unit for reflecting the change of the drawing color on each part of the group to which the created part belongs.

In the image creating apparatus of the third aspect, the drawing color designated by the color designating means is assigned with a plurality of drawing color data, which is smaller in number than the number of partial images forming the group. When the drawing color is designated by the color designating means, the means creates another drawing color data by using the plurality of drawing color data assigned to the drawing color, and assigns it to the drawing color designated by the color designating means. By setting the drawing color data that was created or the created drawing color data for each part of the partial images that make up the group,
It is desirable to reflect the change in drawing color in each part that constitutes the group.

Further, in addition to the above-mentioned structure, the image forming apparatus of the first to third aspects has an effect adding means for adding a visual effect to the partial image and the partial image for a predetermined time. It is desirable to further include at least one of a moving image reproducing means for reproducing a moving image expressing the movement of the partial image by arranging the moving image on the display screen according to the management information.

As described above, for example, when the partial images are grouped by type, if the drawing color of one of the partial images is changed, the drawing color of the other partial images of the group is changed. All changes are reflected. This allows
For example, even when a plurality of partial images forming a group are used for animation reproduction, each partial image forming the group can be simply specified by designating a drawing color for one of the partial images forming the group. Will be animated in the specified drawing color.

When the moving image reproducing means reproduces a balloon consisting of a balloon character and a balloon frame as a partial image, the position on the display screen where the balloon is arranged is
It is desirable to determine according to the position on the display screen on which the partial image to be combined with the balloon is arranged.

Further, when the moving picture reproducing means is provided, it is desirable to further include a reproducing position specifying means for specifying a reproducing position where the moving picture reproducing means reproduces the moving picture. By providing this, the user can change the drawing color of the partial image, for example, in a state where the image in which the drawing color is desired to be changed is displayed.

The reproduction position designating means includes a reproduction stopping means for stopping the reproduction of the moving picture by the moving picture reproducing means, and a position at which the moving picture is reproduced by the moving picture reproducing means in at least one of the direction for reproducing the moving picture and the opposite direction. It is desirable to include a reproduction position changing means for sequentially advancing in the direction of.

Further, it is desirable that the control means, when the drawing color of the partial image is designated by the color designating means in the moving image reproduction by the moving image reproducing means, changes the partial image to the designated drawing color. As a result, the user can change the drawing color at any time.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> • Overall circuit configuration and operation thereof FIG. 1 is an overall circuit configuration diagram of a system to which the first embodiment is applied. The system shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a television 108 and an image creating apparatus used by connecting to the television 108.

As shown in FIG. 1, this system includes a CPU 101 for executing control of the entire system, and a program / data ROM storing a control program, various data and the like.
102, a work RAM 103 mainly used by the CPU 101 for work, an input device 104 connected to the CPU 101, and a VDP that performs image processing using image data stored in the program / data ROM 102.
(Video display processor) 105, SRAM (static RAM) 106 in which image (graphic) data of each partial image of sprite (object) and background is stored, and RGB analog video signal output from VDP 105 is an NTSC system signal. It is configured to include an encoder 107 for converting to the above and the television 108.

As the input device 104, for example, FIG.
The control pad as shown in is adopted. Various keys operated by a user are provided on the control pad 104. Specifically, TV 1
Cursor movement key KY1 for moving the cursor displayed on the screen of 08, start / stop key KY2 for instructing start / stop of animation reproduction, reset key for returning the image to be reproduced as the first image KY3, an enter key KY4 for confirming the contents selected in creating the image, an image displayed as an animation in the forward direction (forward direction)
Forward frame advance key KY5 that advances by one frame and reverse frame advance key K that returns one frame in the reverse direction
Equipped with Y6.

An outline of the operation of the above configuration will be described. CPU 101 is a program / data ROM 102
By executing the control program read from the control pad 1 while using the work RAM 103.
04 key detection performed on VDP10
5 is performed.

The program / data ROM 102 stores image (graphic) data of sprites (objects) forming images and partial images of the background. Sprites (objects) are parts that mainly represent moving objects (including changes in shape), and the other background is a part that represents a background. CPU 101 uses this ROM 10
VD image (graphic) data stored in 2
Then, the image data (graphic) data is stored in the SRAM 106 by the VDP 105. CPU
Reference numeral 101 determines image (graphic) data to be transferred to the VDP 105 based on predetermined settings, operation contents performed by the user on the control pad 104, and the like.

The VDP 105 to which the image (graphic) data has been transferred from the CPU 101 stores the transferred image (graphic) data in the SRAM 106 in a predetermined format. After the image (graphic) data transferred from the CPU 101 is stored in the SRAM 106, the SR
Using the image (graphic) data stored in the AM 106, the RGB analog video signal of the image to be displayed is generated for each scanning line.

The RGB analog video signal generated by the VDP 105 is output to the encoder 107. The encoder 107 displays the image represented by this video signal on the television 10
In order to display on the screen of No. 8, the video signal is converted into an NTSC system video signal which is a television standard, and then output to the television 108. The television 108 draws an image on the screen by raster-scanning the screen. -Configuration and operation of VDP 105 FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the VDP 105.

The VDP 105 controls the screen display on the television 108 by generating the RGB data of the image to be displayed as described above. The configuration includes the following.

First, the CPU interface unit 201
It controls an interface during data transfer with the CPU 101. The SRAM interface unit 202
The object generator unit 203 and the background generator unit 205, which will be described later, are provided in the SRAM 106.
Controls the interface when accessing image (graphic) data of a sprite (object) or a background (background) stored in the. Also,
The sprite (object) and background image (graphic) data transferred from the CPU 101 are transferred to the CPU interface unit 201 and the data bus 21.
4, and receives it via the CPU interface unit 201 and the address bus 213, and stores it in the SRAM 106 according to the specified address.

The object generator unit 203 and the background generator unit 204 are sprites (objects) arranged at the display coordinates of each dot in the next horizontal display period from the SRAM 106 for each horizontal period (see FIG. 13). Alternatively, the background image (graphic) data is read and stored in each internal buffer.

Object attribute memory (OA
The M) unit 205 stores the display coordinates of the sprite (object) stored in the SRAM 106. This display coordinate is set by the object generator unit 205 by SR
Image (graphic) of sprite (object) from AM 106 via SRAM interface unit 202
This corresponds to the timing when reading data. The object generator unit 203 reads the SRAM 106 from the SRAM 106 according to the display coordinates of each sprite (object).
The image (graphic) data of the target sprite (object) is read via the M interface unit 202.

The image (graphic) data is prepared, for example, as a set of color codes indicating the drawing color of each dot. The priority controller unit 206 determines, for each dot corresponding to each horizontal display period, one of the color codes output by the object generator unit 203 or the background generator unit 204 as a predetermined priority ( Select and output according to the priority order.

The color lookup table section 207
R (red), G (green), B assigned to each color code
R (blue) digital data (RGB data) is stored in different storage areas and is assigned to the color code output by the priority controller unit 206.
The GB data is selected and output to the RGB D / A conversion unit 208.

The RGB D / A conversion section 208 converts the RGB digital data output by the color lookup table section 207 into an RGB analog video signal and outputs it.
The oscillator unit 209 generates various clocks necessary for each unit of the VDP 105 to operate.

The horizontal / vertical sync counter unit 210 generates a horizontal sync counter value (horizontal sync signal) and a vertical sync counter value (vertical sync signal) required for image display according to the clock output from the oscillator unit 209. It is a counter circuit.

The decoder unit 211 decodes the horizontal synchronization counter value and the vertical synchronization counter value from the counter value output by the horizontal / vertical synchronization counter unit 210, and outputs the VDP10.
Supply to each part in 5.

The video signal generator 212 generates a video signal required by the encoder 107 from the horizontal sync counter value and the vertical sync counter value output from the decoder 211, and supplies the video signal to the encoder 107.

Next, the general operation of the VDP 105 having the above configuration will be described. VDP according to the present embodiment
105, as shown in FIG.
The images represented by the image (graphic) data output by 204 to 204 are virtual display surfaces, and one display screen (image) is formed by overlapping these display surfaces.

In FIG. 3, the background surface is created by the background generator unit 204, and the other display surfaces such as the object surface, the balloon surface, and the icon surface are created by the object generator unit 203. These display surfaces are from the back to the front, the background surface,
The object surface, the blowing surface, and the icon surface are arranged in that order.

The priority of each display surface is set to be higher on the front display surface. The priority controller unit 206, for each dot, outputs image (graphic) data (color code) from each generator unit 203 to 204 according to the priority set on each display surface.
One of them is selected and output to the color lookup table unit 207. This selection is, of course, performed among the generator units 204 to 206 that output the color code that is symmetrical to the selection. As a result, the display surfaces are combined in such a manner that the display surface having a high priority hides the display surface having a lower priority.

A background is assigned to the background, an object to be moved on the display screen is assigned to the object, a callout including characters is assigned to the callout, and various icons necessary for creating an image are given to the icon. Kinds etc. are assigned. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, a background object and a character are assigned to the object surface,
A palette change icon, a palette icon group, and a cursor icon are assigned to the icon surface. The following description will be made on the assumption that the partial images shown in FIG. 3 are assigned to the respective display surfaces. this is,
This is to make it easier to understand by making the explanation concrete. Also, regarding the parts placed on the display surface,
If it is not specified, it is expressed as a partial image.

In this embodiment, the partial images assigned to the object surface and the blowing surface, that is, the character,
By specifying whether to display each background object and balloon, and the drawing color of the partial image to be displayed,
An image for one screen is created. Although a detailed description is omitted, the partial image to be displayed is selected by, for example, displaying the name of the partial image that can be displayed (assigned to the icon surface), and then pressing the cursor key KY1 or the enter key KY4. It is done by operating.

Further, in the present embodiment, in addition to the image (graphic) data of these partial images, data for operating these partial images, that is, for performing reproduction as so-called animation, is the program / data ROM 102.
Is stored in

4A and 4B are configuration diagrams of data relating to character display. FIG. 4A is an example of the configuration of data for character display and FIG. 4B is an example of the configuration of data for character movement. These are the data stored in the program / data ROM 102.

The data for character display consists of animation data and image (graphic) data.
The animation data in FIG. 4A indicates an image (graphic) data number which is a number given to the image (graphic) data and a time when the image (graphic) data having the image (graphic) data number is displayed. It consists of waiting time. The waiting time is prepared as a value when expressed in a predetermined time unit. The <return to first> command of data # 16 means to return to the first data # 0 of the animation data.

The movement amount data shown in FIG. 4B is composed of the movement amounts in the X and Y directions by which the character is moved from the previous display position, and the waiting time. These are data for managing the display position of the character. On the other hand, the initial position data is data indicating the initial display position of the character. It consists of an initial X coordinate, a Y coordinate, and a waiting time until the movement amount data is first added.

The data shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are stored in the ROM 102 as the background object which is another moving partial image and the display data of the balloon. The structure of the data shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is basically the same as that of the character shown in FIG. However, in the animation data of the background object in FIG. 5A, there is a <not display> command of data # 0 which does not exist in the animation data of other partial images. The <not display> command is a command for displaying the background of the background surface as it is without arranging the background object on the object surface. In the present embodiment, this <do not display> command causes smoke to change (flutter) between the two background objects prepared and the background portion masked by these background objects.
I'm expressing the situation.

The drawing color of the partial image is selected by selecting one palette icon from the palette icon group shown in FIG.
The selected palette icon is used to change (set) by designating a portion to be drawn (one area forming a partial image). The palette icon is selected by moving the cursor icon to a desired position of the palette icon and then operating the enter key KY4. Designation of a portion for which the drawing color is desired to be changed is performed by moving the cursor icon to that portion and then operating the enter key KY4.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of palette icon groups (palettes) are prepared so as to meet various user requests. The palette change icon is for instructing to change the palette icon group (palette) to be displayed. Each time the palette change icon is clicked, the palette (palette icon group) is cyclically switched in a predetermined order. Is displayed. The drawing color data to be displayed for each palette (palette icon group) is stored in the ROM 102 in the format shown in FIG. 6 (in the figure, the numbers with # attached are palette numbers). The ROM 102 also stores character data to be displayed in the blowing frame.

These various data stored in the ROM 102 are read by the CPU 101 according to the contents designated by default or the contents designated by the user operating the control pad 104. C
Upon reading these data, the PU 101 sends them to the VDP 105 as they are or after processing them, depending on the type of the data.

The image (graphic) data sent from the CPU 101 to the VDP 105 is sent to the SRAM 106 via the CPU interface unit 201, the data bus 214, and the SRAM interface unit 202. S
The RAM 106 includes a CPU interface unit 201, an address bus 213, and an SRAM interface unit 2
CP to the address specified by the CPU 101 via 02
The image (graphic) data sent from U101 is stored in the format shown in FIG.

The position where the partial image excluding the background is arranged (displayed) is controlled by setting the coordinate position. C
The PU 101 generates data (attribute data) indicating attributes such as a coordinate position for displaying a partial image (image (graphic) data) stored in the SRAM 106, and VD
It is sent to P105. The VDP 105 transfers this attribute data to the CPU interface unit 201 and the data bus 21.
4 to the OAM unit 205. The OAM unit 205
The sent attribute data is stored in the address designated by the CPU 101 via the CPU interface unit 201 and the address bus 213 in the format shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image (graphic) data of each partial image and its attribute data have a predetermined area in which they are stored, and they are stored in association with each other. For each partial image, in addition to the priority of the display surface to which it is assigned, the priority within the same display surface is set. The priority within the same display surface is determined by the OAM unit 205 (SR
It is controlled by the position stored in AM 106).
In FIG. 7, the higher the priority, the higher the priority. Specifically, the blowing character has a higher priority than the blowing frame on the blowing surface, and the cursor icon, the palette change icon, and the palette icon group have a higher priority on the icon surface in this order.

The attribute data of the partial image is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a left / right inversion flag indicating whether or not the partial image is horizontally displayed in reverse, a character number for identifying the partial image in the SRAM 106 corresponding to the attribute data (in the figure, character #N (N is an integer )) And the X and Y coordinates for displaying the partial image.

The object generator unit 203 accesses the SRAM interface unit 202 at each time-divided timing within each horizontal period. At this time, the object generator unit 203 calculates the timing of storing the image (graphic) data read from the SRAM 106 in the internal line buffer based on the attribute data stored in the OAM unit 205, and at that timing the image (Graphic) data is stored in the line buffer for each display surface. In these line buffers, the image (graphic) data of the partial image is stored by giving priority to the priority of the same display surface.

The other background generator section 2
04 is separate from the object generator unit 203,
SRAM at each time-divided timing within each horizontal period
Access the interface unit 202 to access the SRAM1
One line of background image (graphic) data to be displayed within the next horizontal period from 06 is read and stored in an internal line buffer.

In this way, in the three line buffers in the object generator unit 203, image (graphic) data (color code) for the next one line to be arranged on the object surface, the blowing surface, and the icon surface, respectively.
Are stored for each horizontal period. The line buffer in the other background generator unit 204 has an image (graphic) for the next one line to be arranged on the background surface.
Data (color code) is stored for each horizontal period.

The object generator unit 203 and the background generator unit 204 receive the horizontal sync counter value output from the horizontal / vertical sync counter unit 210, and read the color code corresponding to the count value from the line buffer therein. Output to the priority controller unit 206.

The priority controller unit 206 is
When the color code for each line buffer (display surface) output from each of the generator units 203 and 204 is input, one color code is selected from among the color codes set in each display surface and the CLT unit is selected. Output to 207.

As described above, the CLT section 207 stores the RGB data assigned to each color code in different storage areas, and the RGB code set in the color code output by the priority controller section 206. The data is output to the RGB D / A conversion unit 208. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a color code is assigned to each type of partial image, and the color codes of each part (area) forming the partial image are all unified to the same value ( (See FIGS. 10 to 12).

In the animation reproduction by the sprite system, a method of realizing the operation of the partial image by changing the display position, the shape, etc. is used. In the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5,
The operation of partial images is realized by preparing a plurality of partial images classified as the same type, switching the display of the partial images, and moving the display position thereof.

When performing animation reproduction, a drawing color is set for each of the prepared partial images. Therefore, conventionally, in order to change the drawing color of the partial image, it is necessary to change the drawing color set in each partial image, which requires a very troublesome work.

In this embodiment, the RGB data of each dot forming the display screen (after combining the display surfaces) is converted into C
The present invention is applied to a system that adopts a method of generating using the LT unit 207. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in, the color code is assigned to each type of each partial image, and the RGB data set in each color code is CL
By storing in the storage area assigned to the color code of the T unit 207, it is possible to change the drawing color of the partial image at once for each type. This simplifies the work required to change the drawing color and allows the user to finish the work in a short time.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show color codes assigned to respective regions (main parts) constituting respective partial images assigned to respective display surfaces (background surface, object surface, balloon surface, icon surface). There is.

In the present embodiment, even characters, background objects, etc. are composed of a plurality of regions and are represented by a plurality of drawing colors. Therefore, a plurality of color codes are assigned to each type of partial image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing color codes assigned to respective parts constituting a character. As shown in FIG. 10, the character is a plurality of parts (regions) such as hair, skin, clothes, and the like.
Divided into In the present embodiment, in order to express the motion of the character, a plurality of characters (8 in total) that are divided into such a plurality of parts (regions) are prepared. However, in each of these characters having different shapes, the color code assigned to hair is 2 and the color code assigned to skin is 3.
As described above, the color code values assigned to the respective areas forming the character are unified to the same value. These color codes serve as identifiers indicating the respective parts (areas) forming the character.

In addition to the prepared background objects (see FIG. 5A), the background part masked by the background objects is used to express how smoke changes (flutters). Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 11, the color code is not assigned to the background object, and the color code assigned to the background is shared by the background object. In the background object, smoke has a color code 55,
A color code 56 is assigned to trees and a color code 54 is assigned to roofs. Further, in the balloon, the palette icon, each palette icon of the palette icon group, and the cursor icon, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12,
A color code is assigned to each.

The background is divided into a plurality of parts (areas) such as clouds, mountains, and ponds, in addition to smoke, trees, roofs, etc. which are common to the background objects. A color code 50 is assigned to clouds, a color code 51 is assigned to mountains, and a color code 52 is assigned to ponds. In the background and the background object as well, the color code assigned to each part (area) constituting the background becomes an identifier indicating the part (area) to which the color code is assigned. It should be noted that a color code 1 in which black is set as the drawing color is assigned to the contour line indicating the boundary of each part (region) regardless of the type of the partial image.

The drawing color of each portion (area) forming each partial image is designated by the user. The RGB data stored in the CLT unit 207 is rewritten to correspond to the designation of the drawing color by the user. The rewriting is performed by the CPU 101 by the CPU interface unit 20.
1. The CPU 101 transmits the RGB data sent via the data bus 214 to the CPU interface unit 201,
It is realized by writing to a specified address via the address bus 213. As a result, each partial image is expressed in the drawing color specified by the user, and the display screen desired by the user is created.

By the way, as is well known, the television 108 draws an image by raster-scanning the screen. Therefore, the VDP 105 outputs the RGB analog video signal corresponding to the scan (frame period).

The output of the video signal corresponding to the scanning of the television 108 is such that the horizontal synchronization counter value and the vertical synchronization counter value output by the decoder unit 211 are used as the horizontal synchronization signal and the vertical synchronization signal, respectively, and each unit of the VDP 105 is provided with these signals. It is realized by operating according to the counter value. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of screen display timing. This represents the relationship between each counter value and the display coordinates of the dot indicated by that value, and the operation of each part of the VDP 105 is controlled by each counter value.

As shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal synchronization counter value output from the decoder unit 211 is 000h to 2FFh.
One horizontal period is a period that changes to (“h” is a hexadecimal number), and a period corresponding to a horizontal synchronization counter value of 256 counts of 000h to 0FFh is a horizontal display period of one line consisting of 256 dots. The period corresponding to the other horizontal synchronization counter values is the horizontal blank period. The period during which the vertical synchronization counter value output from the decoder unit 211 changes from 000h to 1FFh is 1
The vertical period is a display period for one screen (field) on the television 108. In this vertical period,
The period corresponding to the vertical synchronization counter value of 224 counts of 000h to 0DFh is the vertical display period of 224 lines in the vertical direction, and the period corresponding to the other vertical synchronization counter values is the vertical blank period.

From the CLT section 207 to the RGB value D / A conversion section 208, one set (1 dot) of RGB data is output each time the horizontal synchronization counter value is counted up.

From the CPU 101 to the SRAM 106 or the object attribute memory (OAM) unit 205
The setting and transfer of various data to, for example, are executed within each vertical blanking period, whereby the display screen can be changed moment by moment. Further, in the present embodiment, rewriting of the RGB data stored in the CLT unit 207 is performed using the vertical blank period. Detailed operation of CPU 101 First, referring to FIGS. 9, 14 and 15, the CPU 1
The animation reproduction operation of 01 will be specifically described. FIG. 15A shows animation data for a character, initial position data, and movement amount data, and FIG. 15B shows animation data for a background object. These are data for managing the motions of the character and the background object, respectively. FIG.
6 is a timing chart showing an operation example as an animation. This shows how a character and a background object are expressed as motions when an animation is reproduced using the data shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram of the work RAM 103. The CPU 101 performs animation reproduction while using the work RAM 103 as a work area. FIG. 9 shows the CPU 1 for performing animation reproduction.
Reference numeral 01 shows the structure of various management data stored in the work RAM 103.

As shown in FIG. 9, the management data is divided for each partial image. The character management data includes a movement amount counter, a movement amount data number, an animation counter, and an animation data number. The movement amount counter and the movement amount data number are data for managing the movement of the character. In the movement amount data of FIG. 15A, the movement amount counter has a waiting time of data # 2 and a movement amount data number. Is set to the data number currently being processed (excluding data # 2).

The animation counter and the animation data number are data for managing the character to be displayed. In FIG. 15A, the animation counter is the waiting time, and the animation data number is the character (image) currently being displayed. The numbers assigned to (graphic) data are set respectively.

The background object management data is composed of an animation counter and an animation data number. The animation counter and the animation data number are set to the wait time and the data number (excluding the wait time) currently being processed in the animation data of FIG. 15B. The balloon management data has the same structure as the background object management data.

The animation management data is data for overall management of animation reproduction, and is composed of an animation mode and an animation frame number.

The animation mode is data indicating whether the animation reproduction is currently being performed or the reproduction is stopped (during a pause). The animation frame number is data indicating the number of frames that have passed since the animation reproduction was started.

The frequency of the animation frame is shown in FIG.
It is 60 as shown in FIG. Since the frame frequency of the NTSC system is 30, and one frame is composed of two fields, one field corresponds to one animation frame. The waiting time prepared for each partial image is a value with this one animation frame as a reference time. The CPU 101 recognizes the time of one animation frame by, for example, the timer function provided therein or by inputting the vertical synchronization counter value (see FIG. 13) output from the horizontal / vertical synchronization counter unit 210 of the VDP 105. .

When performing animation reproduction, the CPU 1
In 01, for example, when a waiting time is set in the animation counter for character management data, the set value is decremented according to the progress of the animation frame, and when the value becomes 0, the program / data indicated by the animation data number. The data in the animation data of the ROM 102 is read (see FIG. 4A), and the character (image (graphic) data) to be displayed next is specified. After specifying the character (image (graphic) data), set the waiting time to display the specified character (image (graphic) data) in the animation counter, and then set the animation data number to the next. Set the data number in the animation data in which the number of the character (image (graphic) data) to be displayed is stored. The usage of other counters and data numbers is the same as above.

In FIG. 15A, all waiting times (data # 1, # 3, ...
# 15) is 6, and in the movement amount data, the movement amount in the X direction is 1, the movement amount in the Y direction is 0, and the waiting time is 1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14, the image (graphic) data of the character is switched every 6 animation frames, and the display position moves by 1 in the positive direction of the X direction for each animation frame.
The amount of movement in the X direction and the amount of movement in the Y direction are values based on dots on the display screen, for example. When the movement amount 1 corresponds to 1 dot, the character moves 1 dot each time one animation frame period (1/60 seconds) elapses.

On the other hand, in the background object, as shown in FIG.
As shown in 5 (b), the total waiting time in the animation data is 8. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the display (including non-display) of the background object is switched every 8 animation frames.

Description of Processing Flow Referring to the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS.
The operation of the CPU 101 will be described in detail. Various operation flowcharts are realized by the CPU 101 executing the control programs stored in the program / data ROM 102.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of the whole process. When the power of the system is turned on, first, the initial process of step 1601 is executed. This initial process is a process for initializing the VDP 105. By executing this process, the initial screen is displayed on the television 108. Details of the processing will be described later.

When the initial processing in step 1601 is completed, next, various keys on the control pad 104 are scanned, and processing for fetching information on operation states of these various keys is performed (step 1602). This step 160
When the process of 2 is completed, the process proceeds to step 1603.

In step 1603, step 1602
The type of the key currently being operated is determined from the information on the operation states of the various keys acquired in. This step 160
If it is determined that the operated key does not exist in 3, the process proceeds to step 1619. When it is determined that any key is operated, the processes of steps 1604 to 1618 are executed according to the determination result.

At step 1603, the cursor movement key KY
If it is determined that 1 is operated, then step 16
The processing moves to 04. The cursor movement key KY1 is composed of up / down / left / right keys. In step 1604, with respect to the current display position (XY coordinate) of the cursor icon,
The position where the cursor icon should be displayed next is calculated by performing an operation according to the type of the operated key on the cursor movement key KY1. The newly calculated display position (XY coordinates) is shown in FIG. 2 as the attribute data of the cursor icon in step 1620, which will be described later.
It is sent to the AM unit 205. As a result, the cursor icon moves on the display screen following the operation performed by the user on the cursor movement key KY1. After finishing the processing of step 1604, step 1619
Move to the processing of.

If it is decided at step 1603 that the enter key KY4 is operated, then the processing advances to step 1605. As described above, the enter key KY4 is a key for the user to instruct the execution of the operation for realizing the desired content. The processes of steps 1606 to 1617 following step 1605 are performed according to the contents of which the user has instructed the realization.

At step 1605, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is on any palette icon in the palette icon group. If the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon to any of the displayed palette icons, the determination is YES.
Then, the process proceeds to step 1606. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 1607.

The image (graphic) data for displaying the palette icon group has a color code of 0,
That is, there is also a transparent portion (see FIG. 8). Since this transparent part (area) is not displayed,
If the cursor icon is located in that portion (area), it is determined in step 1605 that the cursor icon is not located on the palette icon. this is,
The same applies when it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on another partial image.

Whether or not the cursor icon is located on the palette icon is determined by, for example, the XY coordinates of the cursor icon currently stored in the OAM unit 205 and the XY coordinates of the palette icon group stored in the OAM unit 205. By comparing. This is the same when determining whether or not the cursor icon is located on another partial image. The XY coordinates of various partial images stored in the OAM unit 205 are also stored in the work RAM 103, and the CPU 101 reads the XY coordinates of the corresponding partial image from the work RAM 103 to make the above determination.

When the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon to any of the displayed palette icons, the selected color (RGB data) of the color code assigned to the palette icon is It is the drawing color for painting the partial image (the part that constitutes it). In step 1606, a drawing color changing process is executed in which the RGB data of the color code assigned to the palette icon is made the RGB data of the color code assigned to the cursor icon. Then, the process proceeds to step 1619.

In step 1607, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on the palette change icon (see FIG. 3). If the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon onto the palette change icon, the determination is YES and step 160
The process shifts to the process of 8. Otherwise, the determination is NO
Then, the processing shifts to step 1609.

The palette change icon is for the user to instruct to change the displayed palette (palette icon group) to another palette (palette icon group). In step 1608, a palette changing process for changing the palette (palette icon group) to be displayed is executed, and then the process proceeds to step 1619.

In steps 1609 to 1617, the drawing color at that position is changed to the drawing color set in the cursor icon in accordance with the partial image in which the cursor icon is located when the enter key KY4 is operated. Is processed.

In step 1609, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on the balloon character (see FIG. 12). When the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon onto any of the balloon characters, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 1610. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 1611.

In step 1610, assuming that the user has instructed to change the color of the balloon character, a color changing process for changing the balloon character to the drawing color of the cursor icon is executed. After this process is completed, the process proceeds to step 1619.

In step 1611, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on the balloon frame (see FIG. 12). When the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon within the balloon frame avoiding the balloon characters, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 1612. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 1613.

In step 1612, it is assumed that the user has instructed to change the color of the blowing frame, and the color changing process for changing the blowing frame to the drawing color of the cursor icon is executed. After this process ends, the process moves to step 1619.

In step 1613, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on the character (see FIG. 10). When the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon on the character, the determination is yes and the process proceeds to step 1614. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 1615.

In step 1614, assuming that the user has instructed to change the color of the character, a color changing process is executed to change the portion (area) of the character where the cursor icon is located to the drawing color of the cursor icon. After this process ends, the process moves to step 1619.

In step 1615, it is determined whether or not the cursor icon is located on the background object (see FIG. 11). When the user operates the enter key KY4 after moving the cursor icon on the background object, the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step 1616. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 1617.

In step 1616, assuming that the user has instructed to change the color of the background object, a color changing process is executed to change the portion (area) of the background object where the cursor icon is located to the drawing color of the cursor icon. After this process ends, the process moves to step 1619.

As described above, the background object arranged so as to mask a part of the background has a period during which it is hidden during animation reproduction. If the user gives an instruction to change the color of the background portion (area) to be masked by the background object while the background object is not displayed, the background color changing process of step 1617 is executed and the cursor icon Change the drawing color of the displayed part. After this process ends, step 161
Move to the process of No. 9.

On the other hand, in step 1603, other keys,
That is, start / stop key KY2, reset key KY
3, forward frame feed key KY5, reverse frame feed key K
If it is determined that any one of Y6 is operated, then the animation mode changing process of step 1618 is executed. The animation mode changing process of step 1618 is performed according to the key operated by the user. After this process ends, the process moves to step 1619.

At step 1619, animation processing for advancing animation reproduction is executed.
When this process ends, the above-described steps 1604 to 1
Data to be transferred to the VDP 105 generated as a result of executing step 618 is transferred using the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). After this transfer process is completed, the process returns to the process of step 1602, and the subsequent processes are similarly executed.

In this embodiment, as can be seen from the overall processing of FIG. 16 described above, the palette is changed at any time, the cursor icon, the balloon, the character, the background, etc. are changed according to the key operation provided on the control pad 104. Change the color of the partial image. For this reason, a troublesome mode setting switching operation is avoided, and the user can change the drawing color of the partial image quickly and efficiently. Further, since the drawing color of the partial image can be changed even during the animation reproduction, it is possible to specify the color in consideration of the movement of the partial image.

FIG. 17 shows step 1601 shown in FIG.
6 is an operation flowchart of initial processing executed as. By executing this initial process, the initial screen is displayed on the screen of the television 108.

First, in step 1701, VDP10
The OAM unit 205 and the like in 5 are initialized. When this initialization is completed, next, in step 1702, the animation mode is set to "pause", and then in step 170
In 3, the animation frame number is set to 0.
When the processes of these steps 1702 and 1703 are executed, the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103, that is, the animation mode and the animation frame number, are set to 0, which is a value indicating that the pose is being performed.

Step 1704 following step 1703
Then, the animation initial process for arranging the character at the display position indicated by the initial position data of FIG. 4B is executed. After this process ends, the process moves to the process of step 1705.

At step 1705, an animation initial process for arranging the background object according to the animation data shown in FIG. 5A is executed. At step 1706 subsequent to this process, an animation initial process for arranging the balloon according to the display position of the character is executed. After finishing this process, step 1707
Move to the processing of.

In steps 1707 to 1711, the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to each of the color codes assigned to the contour line, the character, the background, the balloon, and the balloon character is initialized. Specifically, black is set for the contour line and the blowing character, and white is set for all the others. With this setting, the initial screen has a solid white background with the outlines of the partial images and the balloon characters drawn in black on the background.

Step 1712 following step 1711
In steps to 1714, processing relating to the display of the palette and the cursor icon is performed. By performing these processes, the palette (palette icon group) and the cursor icon are initially displayed in the preset drawing color.

First, in step 1712, 0 is set to the palette number (see FIG. 9) which is the palette management data. In the following step 1713, the pallet number is 0
The selected colors (10 in total) assigned to each palette icon are read from the program / data ROM 102 (see FIG. 6), and these are set as selected colors (RGB data) corresponding to the color codes 246 to 255 of the CLT unit 207. set. After that, in step 1714, the drawing color of the cursor icon to which the color code 245 is assigned is set to the color code 24 set in step 1713.
Set to 6 selected colors.

Step 1715 following step 1714
Then, image (graphic) data to be transferred to the SRAM 106, the OAM unit 205 in the VDP 105, the CLT
Data to be written to the unit 207 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). When the process of step 1715 ends, a series of processes ends.

In the work RAM 103, the image (graphic) data number of each partial image to be displayed, the position at which it is displayed (arranged), and each part (area) constituting it.
Various data such as the drawing color (RGB data) of the color code assigned to is stored for control management. The result of executing the processes of steps 1704 to 1714 described above is reflected in the control management data stored in the work RAM 103. The process of step 1715 is performed based on this control management data.

Next, referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, FIG.
Each animation initial process in steps 1704 to 1706 shown in FIG. First, the animation initial processing of the character in step 1704 shown in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. The animation initial processing of this character is based on the animation data, initial position data, etc. shown in FIG.
Character management data stored in 03 (see FIG. 9),
This is a process of initializing data to be stored in the OAM unit 205 in the VDP 105.

First, in step 1801, the OAM unit 2
The X / Y coordinates to be stored in the storage area assigned to the character in 05 are stored in the program / data ROM 1
Initial position data of the character read from
Refer to the initial X and Y coordinates. In the following step 1802, the waiting time of the initial position data is set in the movement amount counter (see FIG. 9) which constitutes the character management data stored in the work RAM 103. Then, in step 1803, the movement amount data number forming the character management data is set to 0. As described above, this 0 indicates the data indicated by data # 0 in the movement amount data of FIG. 4B. After setting the movement amount data number to 0, the process proceeds to step 1804.

In step 1804, the image (graphic) data of the character to be stored in the SRAM 106 is specified from the data # 0 of the animation data shown in FIG. The specified image (graphic) data is stored in the SRAM 106 in the process of step 1715 of FIG.
Is forwarded to

In the following step 1805, the animation counter forming the data for character management is loaded with the data shown in FIG.
The data # 1 of the animation of (a), that is, the waiting time is set. After the setting of this waiting time is completed, in step 1806, 2 is set to the animation data number forming the character management data. As described above, this 2 indicates the data indicated by data # 2 in the animation data of FIG. 4 (a). After setting 2 to the animation data number,
A series of processing ends.

FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of the animation initial processing of the background object executed as step 1705 of FIG. Next, the animation initial process will be described in detail. This animation initial processing is similar to the character animation initial processing, and is the work RAM 103.
This is processing for initializing the background object management data (see FIG. 9) stored in the VDP 105 and the data stored in the OAM unit 205 in the VDP 105.

First, in step 1901, the animation data of FIG. 5A is read from the program / data ROM 102, and it is determined whether or not the data # 0 is a "non-display" command. If the data # 0 is the “non-display” command, the determination is yes and step 190
2 shifts to the processing of 2, and if not, the determination is N
When it becomes O, the process proceeds to step 1903.

In step 1902, the X and Y coordinates to be stored in the storage area of the OAM unit 205 assigned to the background object are set to predetermined values outside the screen so that the background object is not placed on the object surface. After this setting is completed, the process proceeds to step 1905.

On the other hand, in step 1903, the X and Y coordinates stored in the storage area of the OAM unit 205 allocated to the background object are masked at the corresponding background portion (area). Set to coordinates. In the following step 1904, the number (data # 0 stored in the data # 0 of the animation data in FIG.
Specifies the image (graphic) data corresponding to the image (graphic) data to be transferred to the SRAM 106, if it is not a "non-display" command. . After that, the process moves to step 1905.

At step 1905, the work RAM 10
The wait time, which is the data # 1 of the animation data, is set in the animation counter (see FIG. 9) that constitutes the background object management data stored in 3. Then, in step 1906, 2 is set to the animation data number forming the background object management data. As described above, this 2 indicates the data indicated by data # 2 in the animation data of FIG. 5 (a). After setting the animation data number to 2, the series of processing is terminated.

FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart of the balloon animation initial process executed as step 1706 of FIG. Next, the animation initial process will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, a balloon is attached to the character whose display position is to be moved. For this reason, in the animation initial process of the balloon, the initial display position of the balloon and the balloon character is set (determined) based on the initial display position of the character confirmed by executing the animation initial process of the character in FIG.

The total number of balloon characters in this embodiment is set to 8 as can be seen from FIG. 3, for example. In the processing of steps 2001 and 2002, the initial display positions are set in a predetermined order for the eight balloon characters.

First, in step 2001, the X and Y coordinates stored in the storage area of the OAM unit 205 assigned to the balloon character are subjected to predetermined arithmetic processing with respect to the initial display position (X, Y coordinates) of the character, for example. Set to the X and Y coordinates obtained by performing. The X and Y coordinates set by executing this step 2001 are for one character. In this step 2001, the number of times of execution is counted, and the X and Y coordinates of the blowing character corresponding to the count value are set.

Step 2002 that follows step 2001
Then, it is determined whether or not the X and Y coordinates of eight characters have been set. If the X and Y coordinates have been set for all the balloon characters to be displayed, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2003. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process returns to step 2001.

In step 2003, X stored in the storage area of the OAM unit 205 assigned to the blowing frame,
The Y coordinate is obtained by performing a predetermined calculation process on the initial display position (X, Y coordinate) of the character, for example.
Set to coordinates. Then, the process proceeds to step 2004.

In steps 2004 to 2006, initial setting is performed according to the animation data of FIG. 5B read from the program / data ROM 102. First, in step 2004, image (graphic) data to be displayed as a blowing frame is specified from the number stored as the data # 0 of the animation data. In the following step 2005, the waiting time, which is the data # 1 of the animation data, is set in the animation counter (see FIG. 9) forming the blowing management data stored in the work RAM 103. Then, in step 2006, 2 is set to the animation data number forming the above-mentioned blowing management data. As described above, this 2 indicates the data indicated by data # 2 in the animation data of FIG. 5 (b). After setting the animation data number to 2, the series of processing is terminated.

Next, the animation mode changing process executed as step 1618 in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. This animation mode changing process is executed when the user operates the start / stop key KY12, the reset key KY3, the forward frame feed key KY5, or the backward frame feed key KY6, as described above.

First, in step 2101, the type of key operated by the user is determined. The processing of steps 2101 to 2117 performed thereafter is performed according to the type of the key operated by the user.

If it is determined in step 2101 that the key operated by the user is the start / stop key KY2, the process proceeds to step 2102. Step 21
In 02, the current animation reproduction state is determined from the animation mode that constitutes the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103.

If it is determined in step 2102 that the animation is currently being reproduced, then in step 2103
In, after setting the animation mode during the pause, the series of processes is ended. If it is determined in step 2102 that the animation reproduction is currently in the pause state, then in step 2104, the animation mode is set to “reproducing”, and then the series of processes is terminated.

If it is determined in step 2101 that the key operated by the user is the forward frame advance key KY5,
The processing moves to step 2105. Step 2105
Then, the current state of animation reproduction is determined from the animation mode that constitutes the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103.

If it is determined in step 2105 that the animation is currently being reproduced, the series of processing is terminated here. If it is determined in step 2105 that the animation playback is currently paused, step 2106
Move to the processing of.

At step 2106, the work RAM 10
The animation frame number forming the animation management data stored in 3 is advanced (added) by the frame advance amount.

The above frame feed amount is the forward frame feed key K.
It is the number of frames of animation to be advanced by one operation on Y5 (one frame period is 1/60 seconds), and at least one of the arranged (displayed) character and the background object is switched (frame forwarded). It should be a value like this. Therefore, the amount of frame advance is determined, for example, from the value of the animation counter for each of the character management data and the background object management data. If animation data for each of the character and the background object is set as shown in FIG. 15, the waiting time for the character is 6 and the waiting time for the background object is 8.
By setting the value between 8 (the number of animation frames), frame advance can be surely realized.

Step 2107 following step 2106
Then, in accordance with the amount of frame advance determined in the process of step 2106, a frame advance process of advancing the character in the forward direction is executed. Once this is done, then step 210
In step 8, the forward frame advancing process is similarly performed on the background object. After the processing of step 2108 is completed, a series of processing is completed.

If it is determined in step 2101 that the key operated by the user is the backward frame advance key KY6,
The processing moves to step 2109. Step 2109
Then, the current state of animation reproduction is determined from the animation mode that constitutes the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103.

If it is determined in step 2109 that the animation is currently being reproduced, the series of processing is terminated here. If it is determined in step 2109 that the animation playback is currently paused, step 2110
Move to the processing of.

At step 2110, the work RAM 10
The animation frame number forming the animation management data stored in 3 is returned (subtracted) by the frame advance amount.

The above frame feed amount is the reverse frame feed key K.
This is the number of animation frames returned by a single operation on Y6 (1 frame period is 1/60 second), and the number of frames is the same as the above-described forward frame advance amount, and the character to be arranged (displayed) and background The value must be such that at least one of the objects switches. Therefore, the frame feed amount is, for example, character management data,
Determined from the value of the animation counter for each background object management data. If animation data for each of the character and the background object is set as shown in FIG. 15, the waiting time for the character is 6 and the waiting time for the background object is 8.
By setting the frame feed amount to a value between 6 and 8 (the number of animation frames), it is possible to reliably realize frame feed in the reverse direction.

Step 2111 following step 2110
Then, in step 2110, it is determined whether or not the animation frame number returned by the reverse frame feed amount is 0 or less. When the power of the system is turned on, the initial process of FIG. 17 is executed in step 1601 of FIG. 16, and 0 is set to the animation frame number. When the animation frame number is 0, the display screen on which the animation is reproduced is the initial screen. If the animation frame number is 0 or less, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 2114. If the number is greater than 0, the determination is NO and step 211
The process shifts to 2. Step 211, as described below.
The process after 4 is a process for displaying the initial screen.

In step 2112, step 2110
In accordance with the frame advance amount determined in the process of step 1, the frame advance process of advancing the character in the reverse direction is executed. When this is finished, next, in step 2113, the reverse frame advancing process is similarly performed on the background object. After the processing of this step 2113 ends, a series of processing ends.

If it is determined in step 2101 that the key operated by the user is the reset key KY3, the process proceeds to step 2114. Steps 2114-21
In 17, as described above, a series of processing for displaying the initial screen is performed.

First, in step 2114, the animation frame number is set to 0. After that, in each processing of steps 2115 to 2117, the animation initial processing (see FIGS. 18 to 20) of each partial image of the character, the background object, and the balloon is executed. After the animation initial processing is completed, a series of processing is completed.

In the above-mentioned animation mode changing process, the user starts / starts the control pad 104.
It is executed whenever the stop key KY12, the reset key KY3, the forward frame feed key KY5, or the reverse frame feed key KY6 is operated. For this reason, the user
By arbitrarily operating the start / stop key KY2, for example, an arbitrary display screen can be selected so that the animation reproduction is paused while the character in which the desired color can be easily specified is displayed. . As a result, even if the animation is such that multiple partial images (objects) are displayed for a short period of time,
Since it is possible to easily specify colors for the plurality of partial images (objects), it is possible to improve the work efficiency.

When the start / stop key KY2 is operated and the animation mode is set to pause, the frame advance keys KY5 and KY6 are operated to advance the display screen frame by frame to display the desired display screen. choose·
Since it can be displayed, color designation for a partial image (object) becomes easier.

Next, steps 2107 and 210 executed in the animation mode changing process of FIG. 21 described above.
Each of the subroutine processes of 8, 2112, and 2113 will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts of FIGS.

First, the forward frame advancing process of the character will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. As described above, the forward frame feed process is a process of frame-feeding the character in the forward direction according to the frame feed amount determined in step 2106 of FIG. The entire processing flow is such that the decrementing of the movement amount counter and the animation counter (see FIG. 9) forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is repeated by the frame advancing amount, and each time the decrementing is performed once. In addition, the moving amount of the character and the image (graphic) data to be stored in the SRAM 106 are specified according to the value of each counter after decrementing.

First, at step 2201, the movement amount counter is decremented. In the following step 2202, it is determined whether or not the value of the movement amount counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the movement amount counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2208. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2203.

When the value of the movement amount counter becomes 0, the character is moved as described above. Step 220
In 3, the movement amount data number forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is viewed, and the movement amount data designated by the number (see FIG. 4B).
The amount of movement in the X and Y directions, which is the data inside, is stored in the work RAM
Add to the X and Y coordinates of the current character stored in 03. The X and Y coordinates are data indicating the display position of the character stored in or stored in the OAM unit 205.

Step 2204 following step 2203
Then, the waiting time forming the moving amount data is set in the moving amount counter forming the character managing data. When the setting of the movement amount counter is completed, next in step 2205, the movement amount data number is advanced (in the present embodiment, 3 is added), and the value is updated.
Then, the process proceeds to step 2206.

At step 2206, it is determined whether or not the data designated by the updated movement amount data number is the "return to first" command (see FIG. 4B). If the data is a “return to first” command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2207. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2208. In step 2207, the movement amount data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, the process proceeds to step 2208.

The above steps 2201 to 2207 are
This is processing for determining the display position of the character. In steps 2208 to 2214 following this, processing for determining the character to be displayed is performed.

First, in step 2208, the animation counter is decremented. Next step 2
At 209, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the animation counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2215. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2210.

When the value of the animation counter becomes 0, the characters to be displayed are switched as described above. In step 2210, the work RAM 103
See the animation data number that makes up the character management data stored in FIG.
SRAM from the data in the animation data of (a)
Image (graphic) data to be newly written in 106 is specified.

Step 2211 following step 2210
Then, the waiting time in the animation data corresponding to the image (graphic) data is set in the animation counter. When the setting of the waiting time in the animation counter is completed, next, in step 2212, the animation data number is advanced (added 2 in this embodiment) and updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 2213.

At step 2213, the data designated by the updated animation data number is "return to the beginning".
It is determined whether it is a command (see FIG. 4A). If the data is a "return to first" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2214. Otherwise, the determination is no and step 221.
Then, the process proceeds to step S5. In step 2214, the animation data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, step 2215
Move to the processing of.

In step 2215, it is determined whether or not each counter has been decremented by the frame feed amount. If the counters are not decremented by the frame feed amount, the determination is no and the process returns to step 2201. If not, the determination is YES, and the series of processes ends.

FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart of the background object forward frame advancing process executed as step 2108 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the forward frame advance processing of the background object will be described in detail.

As described above, this forward frame feed process is a process of frame-forwarding the background object in the forward direction in accordance with the frame feed amount determined in step 2106 of FIG. The flow of the entire processing is the work RAM 103.
Each time the decrement of the animation counter (see FIG. 9) that constitutes the background object management data stored in is repeated by the amount of frame advance, and each time the decrement is performed once, S is decremented according to the value of the counter after decrement.
The image (graphic) data to be stored in the RAM 106 is specified.

First, in step 2301, the animation counter is decremented. Next step 2
At 302, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the animation counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2311. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2303.

When the value of the animation counter becomes 0, the background object to be displayed is switched as described above. However, in the case of a background object, different from a character, not only the prepared background objects but also the background portion (area) masked by them are used to represent how the smoke changes. The part (area) masked by the background object is used by hiding the background object.

From this, in step 2303, the animation data number forming the background object management data stored in the work RAM 103 is checked, and the data in the animation data in FIG. It is determined whether the command is "not display". If the data is a “not display” command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2304. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2305.

At step 2304, the work RAM 10
The X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in 3 are set to values outside the screen. Then, the process proceeds to step 2307. The X and Y coordinates stored in the work RAM 103 are data indicating the display position of the background object stored in or to be stored in the OAM unit 205.

On the other hand, in step 2305, since the background object is displayed, the X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in the work RAM 103 are set to predetermined values. Following Step 2306
Then, the image (graphic) data of the background object to be displayed next is specified from the animation data number. Then, the process proceeds to step 2307.

The image (graphic) data specified in step 2306 is read from the program / data ROM 102, and the VDP10 is read in step 1620 of FIG.
5 is transferred. The image (graphic) data is written in the SRAM 106 by the VDP 105.

In step 2307, step 2306
The waiting time of the image (graphic) data specified in step 3 is set in the animation counter. Continued Step 23
In 08, the animation data number is advanced (added 2) and the data number is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 2309.

In step 2309, step 2308
It is determined whether or not the data in the animation data designated by the animation data number updated in step 5 is the "return to first" command (see FIG. 5A). If the data is a "return to first" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2310. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2311. In step 2310, the animation data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, the process proceeds to step 2311.

In step 2311, it is determined whether or not the animation counter is decremented by the amount of frame advance. If the counter is not decremented by the frame feed amount, the determination becomes NO and step 23
It returns to the process of 01. Otherwise, the determination is yes
Then, a series of processing is ended.

FIG. 24 is an operation flowchart of the character backward frame advancing process executed as step 2112 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the character backward feed processing will be described in detail.

As described above, the backward frame feed process is a process of frame-feeding the character in the reverse direction in accordance with the frame feed amount determined in step 2110 of FIG. The entire processing flow is as follows: increment of the movement amount counter and the animation counter (see FIG. 9) forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is repeated by the frame advance amount, and each time the increment is performed once. In addition, the moving amount of the character and the image (graphic) data to be stored in the SRAM 106 are specified according to the value of each counter after the increment.

First, in step 2401, the movement amount counter is incremented. Following Step 2402
Then, the value of the movement counter after the increment is
In addition, it is determined whether or not the previously set waiting time has been exceeded.
If the value of the movement counter is larger than the waiting time,
The determination is YES, and the process proceeds to step 2403. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2408.

When the value of the movement amount counter becomes larger than the set waiting time, it means that it is necessary to move the character in the opposite direction. In step 2403, the movement amount data number forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is returned (3 is subtracted), and the data number is updated. Then step 2
The process moves to 404.

At step 2404, it is determined whether or not the updated movement amount data number is smaller than zero. If the data number is smaller than 0, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2405. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2406. In step 2405, the value of the data number three before the "return to first" command, that is, 0 is set in the movement amount data number. Then, the process proceeds to step 2406.

At step 2406, the work RAM 103 stores the movement amounts in the X and Y directions which are the data in the movement amount data (see FIG. 4B) indicated by the movement amount data number.
Subtract from the X and Y coordinates of the current character stored in. The X and Y coordinates are, as described above,
This is data indicating the display position of the character stored in or to be stored in the OAM unit 205.

Step 2407 following step 2406
Then, 1 is set in the movement amount counter in order to take the timing to subtract the movement amount for moving the character in the opposite direction from the X and Y coordinates. Then step 24
The processing shifts to 08.

The above steps 2401 to 2407 are
This is processing for determining the display position of the character. In steps 2408 to 2414 following this, processing for determining the character to be displayed is performed.

First, in step 2408, the animation counter is incremented. In the following step 2409, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the increment exceeds the waiting time previously set for it. If the value of the animation counter is larger than the waiting time, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2410. If not,
The determination is NO, and the process proceeds to step 2415.

If the value of the animation counter becomes larger than the set waiting time, it means that it is necessary to switch the character. In step 2410, the animation data number forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is returned (2
Is subtracted) and the data number is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 2411.

At step 2411, it is determined whether or not the updated animation data number is smaller than 0. If the data number is smaller than 0, the determination is YES.
Then, the processing shifts to step 2412. Otherwise, the determination is no and step 2413.
Move to the processing of. In step 2412, the animation data number is set to the value of the data number immediately before the “return to first” command, that is, 14 (see FIG. 4A). As a result, the character can be cyclically switched in the reverse order of the animation reproduction.
Then, the process proceeds to step 2413.

In step 2413, step 241
0 or the animation data number set in step 2412 is viewed to specify the image (graphic) data to be displayed as a character. Continued Step 24
At 14, the animation counter is set to 1 in order to set the timing for switching the character next.
Then, the process proceeds to step 2415.

In step 2415, it is determined whether or not each counter has been incremented by the frame feed amount. If each counter is not incremented by the frame feed amount, the determination is NO and the process returns to step 2401. If not, the determination is YES,
A series of processing ends.

FIG. 25 is an operation flowchart of the backward frame advancing process for the background object, which is executed as step 2113 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 25, the backward frame advance processing of the background object will be described in detail.

As described above, the backward frame advance process is a process of backward frame advance of the background object according to the frame advance amount determined in step 2110 of FIG. The flow of the entire processing is the work RAM 103.
The increment of the animation counter (see FIG. 9) forming the background object management data stored in is repeated by the frame advance amount, and each time the increment is performed once, according to the value of the incremented counter,
The image (graphic) to be stored in the SRAM 106
It is to identify the data.

First, in step 2501, the animation counter is incremented. In the following step 2502, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the increment exceeds the waiting time previously set for it. If the value of the animation counter is larger than the waiting time, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2503. If not,
The determination is NO, and the process proceeds to step 2511. If the value of the animation counter becomes longer than the waiting time previously set for it, it means that it is necessary to switch the display of the background object.

At step 2503, the work RAM 10
Returns the animation data number that constitutes the background object management data stored in 3 (subtracts 2),
The data number is updated. In the following step 2504, it is determined whether or not the updated animation data number is smaller than 0. The animation data number is 0
If it is smaller than that, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step 2505. If not,
The determination is NO, and the process proceeds to step 2506. At step 2505, the animation data number is set to 2 before the data in which the "return to first" command is stored, that is, 4 (see FIG. 5A). After this setting is completed, the process proceeds to step 2506.

In step 2506, step 250
3, or it is determined whether the data indicated by the animation data number updated in step 2505 is the "not display" command. If the data is a “not display” command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 2507. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 2508.

In step 2507, the background object is displayed (placed) according to the "not display" command.
In order to prevent this, the X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in the work RAM 103 are set to values outside the screen. Then, the process proceeds to step 2310.

On the other hand, in step 2508, since the background object is displayed, the X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in the work RAM 103 are set to predetermined values. Following Step 2509
Then, the image (graphic) data of the background object to be displayed next is specified from the animation data number. Then, the process proceeds to step 2510.

The image (graphic) data specified in step 2510 is read from the program / data ROM 102, and VDP10 is read in step 1620 of FIG.
5 is transferred. The image (graphic) data is written in the SRAM 106 by the VDP 105.

At step 2510, the animation counter is set to 1 in order to set the timing for switching the display of the background object. After the animation counter is set to 1, the process proceeds to step 2511.

In step 2511, it is determined whether or not the animation counter has been incremented by the amount of frame advance. If the counter is not incremented by the frame feed amount, the determination is NO and step 2
The process returns to 501. Otherwise, the decision is YE
S is reached, and a series of processing is ended.

Next, in the overall processing of FIG. 16, steps 1606, 1608, 1610, 1612, 1614,
Each change process executed as 1616 and 1617 will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts of FIGS. 26 to 32.

Each of these changing processes changes the setting of the RGB data assigned to the color code of the corresponding partial image to the RGB data according to the contents designated by the user. The RGB data of these changed color codes is
Waiting for the execution of step 1620 in FIG.
A visual reflection is realized by being transferred to the CLT unit 207 in the No. 5 and being stored in a storage area that is pre-allocated for the color code.

First, the drawing color changing process executed as step 1606 will be described with reference to the operation flowchart thereof shown in FIG. In this drawing color changing process, as described above, the user specifies the drawing color of the cursor icon (the color code is 245 as shown in FIG. 12C) from the palette (palette icon group). This is processing for changing to the drawn color.

First, in step 2601, the color code of the palette icon in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is determined. As shown in FIG. 12B, color codes of 246 to 255 are assigned to the palette (palette icon group). From this, if the color code of the palette icon on which the cursor icon is displayed is any of 246 to 255, the process proceeds to step 2602, and if not, a series of processes is terminated.

At step 2602, the work RAM 10
Based on the pallet number stored in FIG. 3 (see FIG. 9) and the color code determined in step 2601, the corresponding RGB data (see FIG. 6) is read from the program / data ROM 102, and this RGB data is read by the VDP10.
5 is set as the RGB data of the color code 245 of the CLT unit 207 in FIG. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. After the end, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 27 is an operation flowchart of the palette changing process executed as step 1608 of FIG. Next, the pallet changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, this palette changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the palette changing icon.

First, in step 2701, the work RA
The pallet number stored in M103 is updated. This update is performed, for example, by incrementing the value up to that point and setting the value to 0 when the value becomes larger than the maximum value (m in FIG. 6) of the pallet number by this increment.

Step 2702 following step 2701
Then, the 10 pieces of RGB data (see FIG. 6) assigned to the palette number updated in step 2701 are
Color codes 246 to 2 of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105
55 RGB data. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. After this is finished, the series of processes is finished.

FIG. 28 is an operation flowchart of the color change processing of the balloon character executed as step 1610 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the color change processing of the balloon character will be described in detail.

As described above, the color change processing of the balloon character is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the balloon character. In the present embodiment, when the cursor icon is displayed in the area shown as the lattice-shaped frame in FIG. 12A, it is determined that the cursor icon is displayed on the balloon character.

First, in step 2801, it is determined whether or not the color code on the balloon character on which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). In the present embodiment, since the drawing color of the contour line is not changed, the color code is 1
If so, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 2802.

At step 2802, the RGB data set in the color code 245 of the cursor icon is set to V
It is set as RGB data of the color code 101 of the balloon character to be stored in the CLT unit 207 in the DP 105. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. Thereafter, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 29 is an operation flowchart of the color change processing of the blowing frame which is executed as step 1612 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 29, the process of changing the color of the blowing frame will be described in detail.

As described above, in the process of changing the color of the callout frame, the user presses the enter key KY while the cursor icon is displayed in the callout frame (the region excluding the callout characters).
It is executed when 4 is operated.

First, in step 2901, it is determined whether or not the color code on the blowing frame in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 2902.

At step 2902, the RGB data set in the color code 245 of the cursor icon is set to V
The color code 100 of the blowing frame to be stored in the CLT unit 207 in the DP 105 (see FIG. 12A) is set as RGB data. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. Thereafter, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart of the character color changing process executed as step 1614 in FIG. Next, the character color changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, the character color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the character.

First, in step 3001, it is determined whether or not the color code on the character for which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 3002.

As shown in FIG. 10, the character is composed of a plurality of parts (regions). In step 3002,
The portion (area) of the character where the cursor icon was displayed is obtained, and the RGB data set in the color code 245 of the cursor icon is converted to R of the color code of the portion (area) where the cursor icon is displayed.
Set as GB data. The set RGB data is stored as RGB data of the color code of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105, and the set is the RGB data of each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. It is done against. After this is finished, the series of processes is finished.

FIG. 31 is an operation flowchart of background object color changing processing executed as step 1616 in FIG. Next, the color changing process of the background object will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The background object color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background object, as described above.

First, in step 3101, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background object in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 3102.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the background object is composed of a plurality of parts (areas). Step 3
At 102, the portion (area) of the background object in which the cursor icon was displayed is obtained, and the RGB data set in the color code 245 of the cursor icon is converted into the portion (area) of the background object in which the cursor icon was displayed. Set as RGB data of color code.
This set RGB data is CL in VDP105
It is stored as RGB data of the color code of the T section 207, and the setting is performed on the RGB data of each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 32 is an operation flowchart of the background color changing process executed as step 1617 in FIG. Next, the background color changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, this background color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background.
This includes the case where the display position of the cursor icon when the user operates the enter key KY4 is within the area masked by the background object when the background object is not displayed.

First, in step 3201, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background where the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, then the series of processing ends,
Otherwise, the process proceeds to step 3202.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the background is composed of a plurality of parts (regions). In step 3202,
Background part (area) where the cursor icon was displayed
Then, the RGB data set in the color code 245 of the cursor icon is set as the RGB data of the color code of the background portion (area) where the cursor icon was displayed. This set RGB data is VDP
It is stored as RGB data of the color code of the CLT unit 207 in the 105, and the setting is performed on the RGB data of each color code stored in the work RAM 103 for control management. After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

Each of the changing processes shown in FIGS. 26 to 32 is executed when the enter key KY4 is operated. For this reason,
Regardless of whether or not the animation is being reproduced, the user can set the drawing color to the cursor icon at any time and change the partial image to a desired drawing color. This simplifies the color designation work of the partial image, and the work can be completed in a short time.

Next, the animation processing executed as step 1619 in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. This animation processing is processing for performing animation reproduction according to the animation data and movement amount data of each partial image shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 when the animation mode is being reproduced. This animation processing is performed for each animation frame, that is, 1 /
It is performed every 60 seconds.

First, in step 3301, the current animation mode is determined. This judgment is based on the work R
This is performed by reading the animation mode (see FIG. 9) that constitutes the animation management data stored in the AM 103. If the animation mode is being reproduced, the process proceeds to step 3302, and if it is being paused, the series of processes ends here.

In steps 3302 to 3315, processing relating to character display is performed. As mentioned above,
The animation process is performed for each animation frame, and the waiting time in the character animation data, movement amount data, etc. is a value based on the animation frame period. Decrement the movement amount counter and animation counter that make up the data,
Processing is performed according to the decremented value of each counter.

First, at step 3302, the movement counter is decremented. In the following step 3303, it is determined whether or not the value of the movement amount counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the movement amount counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3309. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3304.

The fact that the value of the movement amount counter has become 0 means that
It means that it is necessary to move the character.
In step 3304, the movement amount data number stored in the work RAM 103 is checked, and the movement amount data in the movement amount data (see FIG. 4B) indicated by the number is calculated as the movement amount data in the work RAM 103. Add to the X and Y coordinates of the current character stored in. The X and Y coordinates are data indicating the display position of the character stored in or stored in the OAM unit 205.

Step 3305 following step 3304
Then, the waiting time forming the moving amount data is set in the moving amount counter forming the character managing data. When the setting of the waiting time in the movement amount counter is completed, next, in step 3306, the movement amount data number is advanced (in the present embodiment, 3 is added) and the value is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 3307.

In step 3307, it is determined whether the data designated by the updated movement amount data number is the "return to first" command (see FIG. 4B). If the data is a “return to first” command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3308. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3309. In step 3308, the movement amount data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, the process proceeds to step 3309.

Steps 3302 to 3308 described above are
This is processing for determining the display position of the character. In steps 3309 to 3315 following this, processing for determining the character to be displayed is performed.

First, in step 3309, the animation counter is decremented. Next step 3
At 310, it is determined whether the value of the animation counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the animation counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3316. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3311.

The fact that the value of the animation counter becomes 0 means that it is necessary to switch the display of the character to be displayed as described above. Step 3
At 311, the animation data number forming the character management data stored in the work RAM 103 is viewed, and the image (graphic) data to be newly written in the SRAM 106 from the data in the animation data of FIG. Specify.

Step 3312 following step 3311
Then, the waiting time in the animation data corresponding to the image (graphic) data is set in the animation counter. When the setting of the waiting time in the animation counter is completed, next, in step 3313, the animation data number is advanced (in the present embodiment, 2 is added) and updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 3314.

In step 3314, the data designated by the updated animation data number is "return to the beginning".
It is determined whether it is a command (see FIG. 4A). If the data is a "return to first" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3315. Otherwise, the determination is no and step 331.
The process moves to the process of step 6. In step 3315, the animation data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, step 3316
Move to the processing of.

In steps 3316 to 3325, processing relating to the display of the background object is performed. Since the animation process is performed for each animation frame, the animation counter (see FIG. 9) of the background object management data stored in the work RAM 103 is decremented to the value of the animation counter after the decrement. It will be done according to the contents.

First, in step 3316, the animation counter is decremented. Next step 3
At 317, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the decrement is 0. If the value of the animation counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3326 in FIG. Otherwise, the determination is yes and step 3318.
Move to the processing of.

The fact that the value of the animation counter becomes 0 means that it is necessary to switch the display of the background object to be displayed as described above. Further, the background object has a period during which it is hidden during the animation reproduction. From this, in step 3318, the animation data number forming the background object management data stored in the work RAM 103 is viewed, and the animation data number indicated by FIG.
It is determined whether or not the data in the animation data of is a "not display" command. If the data is a "not display" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3319. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3320.

At step 3319, in order to hide the background object, the X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in the work RAM 103 are set to values outside the screen. Then, the process proceeds to step 3322.
The X and Y coordinates stored in the work RAM 103 are data indicating the display position of the background object stored in or to be stored in the OAM unit 205.

On the other hand, in step 3320, since the background object is displayed, the X and Y coordinates of the background object stored in the work RAM 103 are set to predetermined values. Following Step 3321
Then, the image (graphic) data of the background object to be displayed next is specified from the animation data number. Then, the process proceeds to step 3322.

The image (graphic) data specified in step 3321 is read from the program / data ROM 102, and VDP10 is read in step 1620 of FIG.
5 is transferred. The image (graphic) data is written in the SRAM 106 by the VDP 105.

In step 3322, step 3321
The waiting time of the image (graphic) data specified in step 3 is set in the animation counter. Continued Step 33
In 23, the animation data number is advanced (added 2) and the data number is updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 3324.

In step 3324, step 3323 is executed.
It is determined whether or not the data in the animation data designated by the animation data number updated in step 5 is the "return to first" command (see FIG. 5A). If the data is a "return to first" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3325. Otherwise, the determination is no and step 332 in FIG.
The process moves to the process of step 6. In step 3325, the animation data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, the process proceeds to step 3326 in FIG.

In steps 3326 to 3335 of FIG. 34, the processing relating to the display of the balloon is performed. By performing these processes, the display switching of the blowing frame based on the animation data of FIG. 5B is realized.

First, in step 3326, the X and Y coordinates stored in the storage area of the OAM unit 205 assigned to the balloon character are set to the next display position (X, Y coordinates) of the character determined in step 3304, for example. On the other hand, it is set to a value obtained by performing a predetermined calculation process. The X and Y coordinates set by executing this step 3326 are one character. In the present embodiment, since eight blowing characters can be displayed, in step 3326, the number of times of execution is counted and the X and Y coordinates of the blowing character corresponding to the count value are set.

Following step 3326 is step 3327.
Then, it is determined whether or not the X and Y coordinates of eight characters have been set. If the X and Y coordinates have been set for all the balloon characters to be displayed, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3328. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process returns to step 3326.

At step 3328, X stored in the storage area assigned to the blowing frame of the OAM unit 205,
The Y coordinate is set to the next display position (X, Y) of the character determined in step 3304, as in the case of a balloon character.
The coordinate is set to the value obtained by performing a predetermined calculation process. Then, the process proceeds to step 3329.

The steps 3326 to 3328 described above are
This is processing relating to display of balloon characters. In steps 3329 to 3335 following this, processing relating to the display of the blowing frame is performed.

First, at step 3329, the work RA
The animation counter (see FIG. 9) stored in M103 as one of the balloon management data is decremented. In the following step 3330, it is determined whether or not the value of the animation counter after the decrement is 0.
If the value of the animation counter is greater than 0, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3336. Otherwise, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3331.

The fact that the value of the animation counter becomes 0 means that it is necessary to switch the display of the blowing frame to be displayed as described above. Step 33
In 31, the animation data number forming the blowing management data stored in the work RAM 103 is checked,
Image (graphic) data to be newly written in the SRAM 106 is specified from the data in the animation data of FIG. 5B designated by the number.

Step 3332 following step 3331
Then, the waiting time in the animation data corresponding to the image (graphic) data is set in the animation counter. When the setting of the waiting time to the animation counter is completed, next, in step 3333, the animation data number is advanced (added 2) and updated. Then, the process proceeds to step 3334.

In step 3334, the data designated by the updated animation data number is "return to the beginning".
Whether or not it is a command (see FIG. 5B) is determined. If the data is a "return to first" command, the determination is yes and the process moves to step 3335. Otherwise, the determination is no and step 333.
The process moves to the process of step 6. In step 3335, the animation data number is set to the leading data number, that is, 0 according to the command. Then, step 3336
Move to the processing of.

At step 3336, the work RAM 10
The animation frame number stored in 3 as one of the animation management data is incremented. After the increment of the animation frame number is completed, the series of processes is terminated.

As described above, step 1 in FIG.
After the animation process of 619 is completed, in step 1620, the image (graphic) data to be stored in the SRAM 106 is transferred, and the O in the VDP 105 is transferred.
Storing attribute data in the AM unit 205, and VDP 105
The RGB data is stored in the CLT unit 207 therein. -Modification In the present embodiment, a plurality of characters and a background object are prepared in order to represent the motion of the character and a part of the background. A common color code is assigned to each of the constituent parts (regions). In other words, a common color code is assigned to each type of partial image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a wide range. For example, in the case of an image having a tree and a water surface on which the tree is reflected, if the tree and the tree reflected on the water surface are classified into the same group, and the drawing color is changed for one of them. The other drawing color may be changed accordingly. In this case, the drawing colors do not necessarily have to be the same.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display of the entire character is switched in order to express the motion of the character itself. However, there are a plurality of objects that mask a part of the character, such as a background object in the background. The action of the character itself may be expressed by preparing and switching the display of the object. In this case, the color code assigned to the object may be the color code corresponding to that of the character, and the application of the present invention is easy.
This is the same even when a method is adopted in which a plurality of display screens are prepared and the display screens are switched to represent the operation of an object on the display screen.

Further, in this embodiment, a control pad is adopted as the input device 104, and the user operates various keys provided on the control pad 104 so that an arbitrary drawing color is converted into a desired partial image. Although the setting is performed, icons or the like may be further displayed on the display screen so that all operations can be performed only with a pointing device such as a mouse. On the contrary, all the operations may be performed by the keys provided on the control pad 104.

With respect to the palette (group of palette icons), in this embodiment, the user can select the program / data RO.
Only those prepared in advance in M102 can be used, but the drawing color (RGB data) of each palette icon may be freely set by the user. For animation data, movement amount data, etc. that determine the operation of each partial image, for example, a plurality of them may be prepared so that the user can freely select from them, and the user can set those data freely. You may allow it. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide the user with a wider variety of ways of enjoying. Second Embodiment Outline of Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, when the user specifies a color for a partial image, the drawing color specified by the user is instantly selected. The drawing color of the image is reflected. In the second embodiment, when the user designates a color, the drawing color of each of the partial images of the character, the background object, and the background is gradually changed from the original drawing color to the specified drawing color. It is a thing. As a result, the user can confirm the area where the drawing color is changed by specifying the color. Also,
Depending on the changing state, it becomes possible to provide a visual effect to the user.

In the second embodiment, the above effects can be obtained as compared with the first embodiment, but the configuration and the operation of each part are almost the same as those of the first embodiment. . Therefore, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. -Schematic operation of CPU 101 FIG. 35 is a configuration diagram of pallet management data. The palette management data is data stored in the work RAM 103. In the first embodiment, FIG.
As shown in, the pallet management data is only the pallet number. FIG. 35 shows data for palette management added to the data.

The palette management data added in the second embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 35, a color change counter, final R component data, final G component data, final B component data, R component displacement amount, It is composed of a G component displacement amount and a B component displacement amount.

The color change counter is for counting the time (the number of animation frames) from the designation of the drawing color to the reflection of the actually designated drawing color, and when the drawing color is designated. , The color change time until it is reflected is set. The color change time set in this color change counter depends on the program / data ROM 1
02 is data prepared in advance or a value set by the user.

The final R component data, final G component data, and final B component data are the RG of the drawing color specified by the user.
The B data is divided into RGB components. The R component displacement amount, the G component displacement amount, and the B component displacement amount are values that are added to each RGB component of the current drawing color per unit time. The value is a value calculated so that the original drawing color of the color-designated area is changed to the designated drawing color at the color change time set in the color change counter.

The current drawing color (RGB data) of each partial image is stored in the work R separately from the palette management data.
It is stored in a predetermined storage area of the AM 103. CPU
Reference numeral 101 gradually changes the drawing color of the color-designated area based on the current drawing color and the palette management data after the color is designated. Detailed Operation of CPU 101 The operation of the CPU 101 will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 36 to 38. In the second embodiment, the contents of each color changing process in steps 1614, 1616, 1617 in the overall process shown in FIG. 16 are different from those in the first embodiment. Therefore, only these color changing processes will be described.

FIG. 36 is an operation flowchart of the character color changing process executed as step 1614 of FIG. First, the character color changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This character color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the character.

First, in step 3601, it is determined whether or not the color code on the character for which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 3602.

In steps 3602 to 3605, FIG.
The settings for the pallet management data are performed. First, in step 3602, the color change time is set in the color change counter. In the following step 3603, the drawing color designated by the user, that is, the drawing color (RGB data) of the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon is set to RG.
Each component is divided into B components, and these components are set as final R component data, final G component data, and final B component data, respectively. Then, the process proceeds to step 3604.

At step 3604, the drawing color (RGB data) currently set in the character portion (area) designated by the user is divided into RGB components. The currently set drawing color is obtained by reading the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to it from the work RAM 103, and the RGB data is CL in the VDP 105.
This is the same as that currently stored in the T section 207.

Step 3605 following step 3604
Then, the displacement amount of each RGB component per unit time (one animation frame period) is calculated from each RGB component obtained in steps 3603 and 3604, and these are calculated as the R component displacement amount of the palette management data, G The component displacement amount and the B component displacement amount are set respectively. After this is completed, the process moves to step 3606.

In steps 3606 to 3612, processing for gradually changing the drawing color of the designated character portion (area) is performed in accordance with the various conditions set in steps 3602 to 3605. These steps 3606 to 3612 are performed while decrementing the color change counter by one animation frame period (1/60
It is repeatedly executed once every second).

First, in step 3606, the RGB components set in step 3605 are added to the RGB components of the drawing color currently set in the designated character portion (region).
The respective component displacement amounts are associated and added.

[0282] Step 3607 is followed by step 3607.
Then, the RGB components calculated in step 3606 and the final RGB components set in step 3603 are compared for each component, and any of the RGB components calculated in step 3606 corresponds to the final RGB components set in step 3603. It is determined whether the number of ingredients has been exceeded. Step 360
If any of the RGB components calculated in 6 has a value larger than the final value (final RGB components), the determination is YES and step 360
The process shifts to the process of 8. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3609. In step 3608, the component exceeding the final value (each final RGB component) is set to the final value (each final RGB component), and CL
The RGB data to be written in the T section 207 is reset.

The RGB data calculated in step 3606 or the RGB data reset in step 3608 is stored in the work RAM 103 as a substitute for the RGB data of the drawing color up to then, and as described later, V
It is transferred to the CLT unit 207 in the DP 105.

At step 3609, animation processing is executed. This animation processing is the same processing executed as step 1619 in FIG. By executing this animation processing, the animation reproduction proceeds.

Step 3610 is followed by step 3610.
Then, the data to be transferred to the VDP 105 generated by executing the above steps 3606 to 3609 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). By executing this processing, the RGB data newly set as the RGB data of the color data of the area designated by the user is written in the corresponding storage area of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105, and the displayed drawing color is changed. Will be done.

Step 3611 is followed by step 3611
Now, decrement the color change counter. In the following step 3612, the color change counter after decrement is 0.
Is determined. If the color change time has not elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination is no and the process returns to step 3606. If not, that is, if the color change time has elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination is YES, and a series of processing ends.

FIG. 37 is an operation flowchart of the background object color change processing executed as step 1616 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 37, the background object color changing process will be described in detail. The background object color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background object.

When the background object is not displayed, the user presses the enter key K while the cursor icon is displayed in the area masked by the background object.
When Y4 is operated, the background object color changing process is not executed, but the background color changing process described later is executed.

First, in step 3701, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background object in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process moves to step 3702.

In steps 3702 to 3705, FIG.
The settings for the pallet management data are performed. First, in step 3702, the color change time is set in the color change counter. In the following step 3703, the drawing color designated by the user, that is, the drawing color (RGB data) of the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon is set to RG.
Each component is divided into B components, and these components are set as final R component data, final G component data, and final B component data (see FIG. 35) of the pallet management data. Then, the process proceeds to step 3704.

In step 3704, the drawing color (RGB data) currently set in the character portion (area) designated by the user is divided into RGB components. The currently set drawing color is obtained by reading the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to it from the work RAM 103, and the RGB data is CL in the VDP 105.
This is the same as that currently stored in the T section 207.

Step 3705 following step 3704
Then, the displacement amount of each RGB component per unit time (one animation frame period) is calculated from each RGB component obtained in steps 3703 and 3704, and these are calculated as the R component displacement amount of the palette management data, G The component displacement amount and the B component displacement amount (see FIG. 35) are set respectively. After this is completed, the process proceeds to step 3706.

In steps 3706 to 3712, the processing for adding the visual effect of gradually changing the drawing color of the portion (area) of the specified background object is performed in accordance with the various conditions set in steps 3702 to 3705. Done. These steps 3706 to 3712 are repeatedly executed once every one animation frame period (1/60 seconds) while decrementing the color change counter.

First, in step 3606, the RGB component components of the drawing color currently set in the designated background object portion (region) are added in correspondence with the RGB component component displacement amounts set in step 3705. .

Step 3707 is followed by step 3707.
Then, the RGB components calculated in step 3706 and the final RGB components set in step 3703 are compared for each component, and any of the RGB components calculated in step 3706 corresponds to the final RGB components set in step 3703. It is determined whether the number of ingredients has been exceeded. Step 370
If any of the RGB components calculated in 6 has a value larger than the final value (final RGB components), the determination is YES and step 370.
The process shifts to the process of 8. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3709. In step 3708, the component exceeding the final value (each final RGB component) is set to the final value (each final RGB component), and CL
The RGB data to be written in the T section 207 is reset.

The RGB data calculated in step 3706 or the RGB data reset in step 3708 is stored in the work RAM 103 as a substitute for the RGB data of the drawing color up to that point.
It is transferred to the CLT unit 207 in the DP 105.

At step 3709, animation processing is executed. This animation processing is the same processing executed as step 1619 in FIG. By executing this animation processing, the animation reproduction proceeds.

Step 3710 is followed by step 3710.
Then, the data to be transferred to the VDP 105 generated by executing the steps 3706 to 3709 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). By executing this processing, the RGB data newly set as the RGB data of the color data of the area designated by the user is written in the corresponding storage area of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105, and the displayed drawing color is changed. Will be done.

Step 3711 following step 3710
Now, decrement the color change counter. In the following step 3712, the color change counter after decrement is 0.
Is determined. If the color change time has not elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination is NO and the process returns to step 3706. If not, that is, if the color change time has elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination is YES, and a series of processing ends.

FIG. 38 is an operation flowchart of the background color changing process executed as step 1617 in FIG. The background color changing process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The background color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background object. Further, as described above, even when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed in the area masked by the background object when the background object is not displayed, this color changing process is also performed. To be executed.

First, in step 3801, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background where the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, then the series of processing ends,
If not, the process proceeds to step 3802.

In steps 3802 to 3805, FIG.
The settings for the pallet management data are performed. First, in step 3802, the color change time is set in the color change counter. In the following step 3803, the drawing color designated by the user, that is, the drawing color (RGB data) of the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon is set to RG.
Each component is divided into B components, and these components are set as final R component data, final G component data, and final B component data, respectively. Then, the process proceeds to step 3804.

At step 3804, the drawing color (RGB data) currently set in the character portion (area) designated by the user is divided into RGB components. The currently set drawing color is obtained by reading the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to it from the work RAM 103, and the RGB data is CL in the VDP 105.
This is the same as that currently stored in the T section 207. In step 3805 following step 3804, the displacement amount of each RGB component per unit time (one animation frame period) is calculated from each RGB component obtained in the above steps 3803 and 3804, and these are stored in the palette management data. The R component displacement amount, the G component displacement amount, and the B component displacement amount are set respectively. After this is completed, the process moves to step 3806.

In steps 3806 to 3812, processing for gradually changing the drawing color of the designated background portion (area) is performed according to the various conditions set in steps 3802 to 3805. This step 380
6 to 3812 are repeatedly executed once every one animation frame period (1/60 seconds) while decrementing the color change counter.

First, in step 3806, the RG of the drawing color currently set in the designated background portion (area) is displayed.
The RGB component displacement amounts set in step 3805 are added to the B components in association with each other.

Step 3807 is followed by step 3807.
Then, the RGB components calculated in step 3806 are compared with the final RGB components set in step 3803 for each component, and any of the RGB components calculated in step 3806 corresponds to the final RGB components set in step 3803. It is determined whether the number of ingredients has been exceeded. Step 380
If any of the RGB components calculated in 6 has a value greater than the final value (final RGB components), the determination is YES and step 380.
The process shifts to the process of 8. Otherwise, the determination is no and the process moves to step 3809. In step 3808, the component exceeding the final value (each final RGB component) is set to the final value (each final RGB component), and CL
The RGB data to be written in the T section 207 is reset.

The RGB data calculated in step 3806 or the RGB data reset in step 3808 is stored in the work RAM 103 as a substitute for the RGB data of the drawing color up to then, and as described later, V
It is transferred to the CLT unit 207 in the DP 105.

At step 3809, animation processing is executed. This animation processing is the same processing executed as step 1619 in FIG. By executing this animation processing, the animation reproduction proceeds.

Following step 3809 is step 3810.
Then, the data to be transferred to the VDP 105 generated by executing the steps 3806 to 3809 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). By executing this processing, the RGB data newly set as the RGB data of the color data of the area designated by the user is written in the corresponding storage area of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105, and the displayed drawing color is changed. Will be done.

Step 3811 following step 3810
Now, decrement the color change counter. In the following step 3812, the color change counter after decrement is 0.
Is determined. If the color change time has not elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination becomes NO and the process returns to step 3806. If not, that is, if the color change time has elapsed since the user designated the color, the determination is YES, and a series of processing ends. Modified Example In the second embodiment, the drawing color of the designated area is gradually changed to the designated drawing color, but the method of changing the drawing color is not limited to this. For example,
After gradually changing the drawing color of the specified area to another drawing color that is not specified, then gradually changing from that drawing color to the specified drawing color The drawing color may be changed.

Furthermore, rather than gradually changing the drawing color of the area to the specified drawing color, for example, a plurality of predetermined drawing colors are set in the area in a predetermined order. Thus, a desired visual effect may be applied to the area designated by the user. In the present embodiment, the partial images are divided into groups according to types, and the partial images belonging to the group are configured such that the color code assigned to hair is unified to 2 (see FIG. 10), for example. Since the same uniform color code is assigned to each of the parts (areas), it is easy to apply various visual effects. <Third Embodiment> -Outline of Third Embodiment In the above-described first embodiment, for example, when a character is taken as an example, parts (areas) of hair, skin, clothes, etc. that compose it.
The color code 2 is assigned to hair, the color code 3 is assigned to skin, and the like. When such a color code is assigned, the displayed image cannot have a stereoscopic effect. The third embodiment is intended to avoid such a problem of the first embodiment and to give a stereoscopic effect to a display image.

The configuration of the third embodiment and the operation of each part are almost the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts changed from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing color codes assigned to each part (region) of a partial image. The figure (a) is a character, the figure (b) is each part (area) of a background object.
The color codes assigned to each are shown.

As shown in FIG. 39 (a), in the third embodiment, the hair of the character is provided with three gradations of light, medium, and dark, and different colors are assigned to the respective gradations. , Has a three-dimensional effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40A, a storage area for character drawing RGB data is allocated to the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105, and the RGB data set therein is stored.

In order to give a stereoscopic effect also to the other background object, the smoke is provided with three gradations of light, middle and dark as shown in FIG. Have been assigned. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40B, the CL in the VDP 105 is
The T area 207 is assigned a storage area for background drawing RGB data shared with a background object, and stores the RGB data set therein.

Incidentally, although the explanation of the color code allocation to other parts is omitted, a plurality of color codes are allocated also to the other parts so that, for example, a three-stage gradation is provided in the pond constituting the background. Has been.

For example, if the hair is divided into parts (regions) such as the hair of a character, which are provided with gradations of three levels of light, middle, and dark, in the first embodiment, the parts are further divided. It is necessary to specify the drawing color for each part (area). However, this causes a problem that a user needs to perform a work for designating a desired drawing color for each partial image and that the time required for the work becomes very long. This also applies to images in which many types of partial images are displayed.

In the third embodiment, in order to avoid the above-mentioned inconvenience, each part (region) forming a partial image is colored with color codes 2 to 4 (see FIG. 39 for character hair, for example).
The parts (areas) to which (see (a)) are allocated are grouped as necessary so that one group is assigned a color, and when any one of the groups is color-designated, each part (area) belonging to the group ) Drawing color is changed collectively.

As described in the first embodiment, the drawing color is selected from the palette (palette icon group). Therefore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 41, the palette data in which three RGB data are set for each selected color is stored in the program / data ROM 10.
If the user specifies that the selection color 0 of the palette number # 0 is the drawing color of the character's hair, the bright RGB data of the selection color 0 is set to the color code 2, and similarly, The RGB data of 3 is set to the color code 3, and the dark RGB data is set to the color code 4. As a result, it is possible to specify the color of one portion (area) in which gradation is formed by specifying the color once, and even in an image in which there are a large number of areas in which color can be specified, which gives a stereoscopic effect, Color designation can be performed easily and in a short time.

By the way, as described in the first embodiment, the partial images are divided into groups according to their types, and the color codes assigned to the respective parts (regions) forming the partial images are unified to the same value. The color designation made for one partial image is reflected on the other partial images of the group to which it belongs. In order to distinguish from the group divided by the type of the partial image, the group divided in the partial image will be referred to as a subgroup hereinafter.

The palette data is not only prepared in the program / data ROM 102 in advance but also
For example, the user may arbitrarily set, or the user may select a drawing color to be set as one selection color from the drawing colors prepared in advance. Detailed Operation of CPU 101 The operation of the CPU 101 will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 42 to 47. In the third embodiment, steps 1601, 1606, 1608, 1614, 1616, in the overall process shown in FIG.
The content of each subroutine processing of 1617 is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, only each of these subroutine processes will be described.

FIG. 42 shows step 1601 shown in FIG.
6 is an operation flowchart of initial processing executed as. Initial processing will be described in detail first with reference to FIG. 42.

First, in step 4201, VDP10
The OAM unit 205 and the like in 5 are initialized. When this initialization is completed, next, in step 4202, the animation mode is set to "pause", and then in step 420.
In 3, the animation frame number is set to 0.
When the processing of these steps 4202 and 4203 is executed, the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103, that is, the animation mode and the animation frame number, are set to 0, which is a value indicating that the pose is being performed. .

Step 4204 following step 4203
Then, the animation initial process for arranging the character at the display position indicated by the initial position data of FIG. 4B is executed. This animation initial process is shown in FIG.
The process is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in (for this reason, detailed description is omitted). After this processing ends, the flow shifts to the processing of step 4205.

At step 4205, an animation initial process for arranging the background object in accordance with the animation data shown in FIG. 5A is executed. This animation initial process is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 19 (therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted). In step 4206 subsequent to this process, an animation initial process for arranging the balloon according to the display position of the character is executed. This animation initial process is also the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 20 (therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted), similar to the above. After this process is completed, step 4
The processing moves to 207.

In steps 4207 to 4211, the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to each of the color codes assigned to the contour line, the character, the background, the balloon, and the balloon character is set. Specifically, the contour line,
And black is set for the balloon characters, and white is set for all others. With this setting, the initial screen has a solid white background with the outlines of the partial images and the balloon characters drawn in black on the background.

Step 4212 following step 4211
In steps 4215 to 4215, processing relating to the display of the palette and the cursor icon is performed. By performing these processes, the palette (palette icon group) and the cursor icon are initially displayed in the preset drawing color.

First, at step 4212, 0 is set to the palette number (see FIG. 9) which is the palette management data. In the following step 4213, the pallet number is 0.
The selection color (1
Three RGB data are respectively set for the selected color) are read from the program / data ROM 102 (see FIG. 41), the RGB data set as the middle among the selected colors is extracted, and these are extracted. The RGB data is converted into color codes 246 to 2 of the CLT unit 207
55 as RGB data to be stored. Then, the process proceeds to step 4214.

In step 4214, the selected color number is set to 0. The selected color number is data indicating RGB data to be set in the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon, and although not particularly shown, the work R
It is stored in the AM 103 as one of palette management data. In the following step 4215, the RGB data of the color code 246 (selected color 0) set in step 4213 is set in the RGB data of the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon according to the value of 0 set in the selected color number. .

Step 4216 is followed by step 4216.
Then, image (graphic) data to be transferred to the SRAM 106, the OAM unit 205 in the VDP 105, the CLT
Data to be written to the unit 207 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). SRAM
Image (graphic) data to be transferred to 106, VD
The data to be written in the OAM unit 205 and the CLT unit 207 in P105 are the same as those in steps 4204 to 4215 described above.
It is a result of executing the process of. When the process of step 4216 ends, a series of processes ends.

FIG. 43 is an operation flowchart of the drawing color changing process executed as step 1606 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 43, the drawing color changing process will be described in detail next. In this drawing color change processing, the drawing color of the cursor icon (its color code is 245 as shown in FIG. 12C) is changed to the drawing color specified by the user from the palette (palette icon group). It is a process to do. When the cursor icon is displayed on the palette (palette icon group), the user presses the enter key KY.
It is executed when 4 is operated.

First, in step 4301, the color code on the palette icon where the cursor icon was displayed when the user operated the enter key KY4 is determined.
As shown in FIG. 12B, color codes of 246 to 255 are assigned to the palette (palette icon group). From this, if the color code of the palette icon in which the cursor icon is displayed is any of 246 to 255, the process proceeds to step 4302, and if not, the series of processes is terminated.

At step 4302, the work RAM 10
Work RAM 1 based on the palette number stored in No. 3 (see FIG. 9) and the color code determined in step 4301.
Corresponding RGB data is read from the RGB data for each color code stored in 03, and this RGB data is read as the color code 245 of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105.
Set as RGB data. This set of RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103.

Step 4303 following step 4302
Then, from the color code determined in step 4301, the number of the selected color corresponding to the color code is set in the selected color number. Thereafter, a series of processing ends.

FIG. 44 is an operation flowchart of the palette changing process executed as step 1608 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 44, the pallet changing process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.

As described above, the palette changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the palette changing icon.

First, in step 4401, the work RA
The pallet number stored in M103 is updated. This update is performed, for example, by incrementing the value up to that point and setting the value to 0 when the value becomes larger than the maximum value of the pallet number due to this increment.

Step 4402 following step 4401
Then, the RGB data set as medium is extracted from the RGB data of each selected color in the palette data indicated by the palette number updated in step 4401, and the extracted RGB data is used as the CLT unit 20 in the VDP 105.
No. 7 color code 246 to 255 as RGB data. This set of RGB data is the work RAM1
This is performed on RGB data for each color code stored in 03. After this RGB data is set,
A series of processing ends.

FIG. 45 is an operation flowchart of the character color changing process executed as step 1614 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 45, a character color changing process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail. This character color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the character.

First, in step 4501, it is determined whether or not the color code on the character for which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is ended, and if not, the process proceeds to step 4502.

At step 4502, the work RAM 10
3 of the selected colors in the palette data specified by the palette number (see FIG. 9) stored in No. 3 and the selected color number are read out from, for example, the program / data ROM 102. Read 3
One RGB data is set to the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (area) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (area) belongs. This set of RGB data is stored in the work RAM 103.
Is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in. After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 46 is an operation flowchart of the character color changing process executed as step 1614 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 45, a character color changing process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail. This character color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the character.

First, in step 4501, it is determined whether or not the color code on the character on which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is ended, and if not, the process proceeds to step 4502.

At step 4502, the work RAM 10
3 of the selected colors in the palette data specified by the palette number (see FIG. 9) stored in No. 3 and the selected color number are read out from, for example, the program / data ROM 102. Read 3
One RGB data is set to the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (area) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (area) belongs. This set of RGB data is stored in the work RAM 103.
Is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in. After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 46 is an operation flowchart of the background object color change processing executed as step 1616 in FIG. Next, referring to FIG. 46, the third
The background object color changing process according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

As described above, the color changing process of the background object is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background object.

First, in step 4601, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background object in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 4602.

For example, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the smoke of the background object is composed of a plurality of parts (regions).
In step 4602, the palette number stored in the work RAM 103 (see FIG. 9) and the selected color in the palette data specified from the selected color number, light, middle, and dark, are three.
One RGB data, eg program / data ROM
The read three pieces of RGB data are set to the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (area) constituting the subgroup to which the color-designated part (area) belongs. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103. This RG
After the setting of B data is completed, a series of processes is completed.

FIG. 47 is an operation flowchart of the background color changing process executed as step 1617 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 47, the background color changing process according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.

This background color changing process is performed by the user with the enter key K while the cursor icon is displayed on the background.
It is executed when Y4 is operated. This includes the case where the display position of the cursor icon when the user operates the enter key KY4 is within the area masked by the background object when the background object is not displayed.

First, in step 4701, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background where the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, then the series of processing ends,
If not, the process proceeds to step 4702.

At step 4702, the work RAM 10
3 of the selected colors in the palette data specified by the palette number (see FIG. 9) stored in No. 3 and the selected color number are read out from, for example, the program / data ROM 102. Read 3
One RGB data is set to the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (area) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (area) belongs. This set of RGB data is stored in the work RAM 103.
Is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in. After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed. Modification Example In the third embodiment, for example, like a character's hair (see FIG. 39A), a portion (area) to which one color code is assigned in the first embodiment is divided. In this case, the number of divisions is unified to 3, but the number of divisions is
That is, the number of members forming the subgroup is not limited to that. The number of divisions may be an arbitrary value, or the number of divisions may be changed for each part (region). Even when the number of divisions is changed for each part (subgroup), for example, RGB data that is larger than the maximum number of divisions is set for one selected color, and R assigned to each part (subgroup) in that is set.
It is possible to deal with it by determining GB data.

Further, in the third embodiment, the RGB data displayed as a palette is the RGB data set to the selected color as medium (see FIG. 41).
The RGB data to be displayed may be RGB data set as bright or dark. Also, RGB data to be displayed as a palette may be prepared separately from the selected color. <Fourth Embodiment> -Outline of Fourth Embodiment In the above-described third embodiment, for example, for each portion (region) forming the hair of the character shown in FIG.
The drawing color (RGB data) can be set in each portion (area) only by designating the color of the degree. However, in order to achieve that, each selected color is bright,
Since the palette data to which the three RGB data of dark and dark are allocated is stored in the program / data ROM 102 (see FIG. 41), there is a problem that a large storage area is required for storing the palette data. .
The fourth embodiment reduces the above-mentioned inconveniences of the third embodiment.

The configuration of the fourth embodiment and the operation of each part are almost the same as those of the third embodiment. Therefore, only the parts changed from the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 48 shows the program / data ROM 10
2 is a configuration diagram of palette data stored in FIG. As shown in FIG. 48, in the fourth embodiment, only two RGB data of bright and dark are set for one selected color. The RGB data set as medium in the third embodiment is interpolated from two RGB data of light and dark to obtain the change of the drawing color of each part (area) forming the subgroup. The color can be specified by degree. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the data amount of the palette data to be stored in the program / data ROM 102 while realizing the function realized in the third embodiment, and to reduce the above-mentioned inconvenience. Detailed Operation of CPU 101 The operation of the CPU 101 will be described in detail with reference to the operation flowcharts shown in FIGS. 49 to 53. In the third embodiment, the contents of each subroutine processing of steps 1601, 1608, 1614, 1616, 1617 in the overall processing shown in FIG. 16 are different from those in the first embodiment. Also in the fourth embodiment, the processing of each step number is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, only each of these subroutine processes will be described.

FIG. 49 shows step 1601 shown in FIG.
6 is an operation flowchart of initial processing executed as. Initial processing will be described in detail first with reference to FIG.

First, in step 4901, VDP10
The OAM unit 205 and the like in 5 are initialized. When this initialization is completed, next, in step 4902, the animation mode is set to “pause”, and then in step 490.
In 3, the animation frame number is set to 0.
When the processing of these steps 4902 and 4903 is executed, the animation management data stored in the work RAM 103, that is, the animation mode and the animation frame number, are set to 0, which is a value indicating that a pose is in progress. .

Following step 4903 is step 4904.
Then, the animation initial process for arranging the character at the display position indicated by the initial position data of FIG. 4B is executed. This animation initial process is shown in FIG.
The process is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in (for this reason, detailed description is omitted). After this process ends, the process moves to step 4905.

At step 4905, the animation initial processing for arranging the background object in accordance with the animation data of FIG. 5A is executed. This animation initial process is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 19 (therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted). At step 4906 subsequent to this process, an animation initial process for arranging the balloon according to the display position of the character is executed. This animation initial process is also the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 20 (therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted), similar to the above. After this process is completed, step 4
The processing moves to step 907.

At steps 4907 to 4911, the drawing color (RGB data) corresponding to each color code assigned to the contour line, the character, the background, the balloon, and the balloon character is set. Specifically, the contour line,
And black is set for the balloon characters, and white is set for all others. With this setting, the initial screen has a solid white background with the outlines of the partial images and the balloon characters drawn in black on the background.

Step 4912 following step 4911
In steps 4916 to 4916, processing relating to display of palettes and cursor icons is performed. By performing these processes, the palette (palette icon group) and the cursor icon are initially displayed in the preset drawing color.

First, at step 4912, 0 is set to the palette number (see FIG. 9) which is the palette management data. In the following step 4913, the pallet number is 0.
Program / data ROM for RGB data of each selected color
The medium RGB data is created by reading from 102 (see FIG. 48) and performing an interpolation operation using the bright and dark RGB data set as those selected colors. In the following step 4914, R in each of the created selection colors is created.
Color code 246 to 255 of the CLT unit 207 for the GB data
Set as RGB data to be stored in. afterwards,
The processing moves to step 4915.

In step 4915, the selected color number is set to 0. The selected color number is data indicating the RGB data to be set in the color code 245 assigned to the cursor icon, and is stored in the work RAM 103. In the following step 4916, the color code 24 is calculated in step 4914 according to the value of 0 set in the selected color number.
The RGB data set to 6 is set to the RGB data of the color code 945 assigned to the cursor icon.

Step 4917 following step 4916
Then, image (graphic) data to be transferred to the SRAM 106, the OAM unit 205 in the VDP 105, the CLT
Data to be written to the unit 207 is transferred after waiting for the vertical blanking period (see FIG. 13). SRAM
Image (graphic) data to be transferred to 106, VD
The data to be written in the OAM unit 205 and the CLT unit 207 in P105 are the above-mentioned steps 4904 to 4916.
It is a result of executing the process of. Waiting for the end of the processing in step 4917, the series of processing ends.

FIG. 50 is an operation flowchart of the palette change processing executed as step 1608 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 50, a palette changing process according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.

As described above, this palette changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the palette changing icon.

First, at step 5001, the work RA
The pallet number stored in M103 is updated. This update is performed, for example, by incrementing the value up to that point and setting the value to 0 when the value becomes larger than the maximum value of the pallet number due to this increment.

Step 5002 following step 5001
Then, for each selected color in the palette data indicated by the palette number updated in step 5001, the bright and dark RGB colors are selected.
Interpolation calculation using the data is performed to create RGB data in each. In the next step 5003, the RGB data created for each selected color in step 5002 is
Color codes 246 to 2 of the CLT unit 207 in the VDP 105
55 RGB data. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103. This RGB
After the data setting is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 51 is an operation flowchart of the character color changing process executed as step 1614 of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 51, a character color changing process according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail. This character color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the character.

First, in step 5101, it is determined whether the color code on the character in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is terminated, and if not, the process proceeds to step 5102.

At step 5102, for example, work RA
Two RGB data of light and dark of the selected color in the palette data specified by the palette number and the selected color number, which are the palette management data stored in M103, are read from the program / data ROM 102, for example, and read out. The inside RGB data is created by performing an interpolation operation using the other two RGB data.

Step 5103 following step 5102
Then, in the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (region) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (region) belongs, the bright, medium, and dark RGB data obtained in step 5102 above. Set respectively. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103.
After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 52 is an operation flowchart of background object color changing processing executed as step 1616 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 52, next, the fourth
The background object color changing process according to the embodiment will be described in detail.

As described above, the background object color changing process is executed when the user operates the enter key KY4 while the cursor icon is displayed on the background object.

First, in step 5201, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background object in which the cursor icon is displayed when the user operates the enter key KY4 is 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, the series of processes is ended, and if not so, the process proceeds to step 5202.

At step 5202, for example, the work RA
Two RGB data of light and dark of the selected color in the palette data specified by the palette number and the selected color number, which are the palette management data stored in M103, are read from the program / data ROM 102, for example, and read out. The inside RGB data is created by performing an interpolation operation using the other two RGB data.

Step 5203 following step 5202
Then, in the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (region) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (region) belongs, the bright, middle, and dark RGB data obtained in the above step 5202. Set respectively. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103.
After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed.

FIG. 53 is an operation flowchart of the background color changing process executed as step 1617 in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 53, the background color changing process according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail.

This background color changing process is performed by the user with the enter key K while the cursor icon is displayed on the background.
It is executed when Y4 is operated. This includes the case where the display position of the cursor icon when the user operates the enter key KY4 is within the area masked by the background object when the background object is not displayed.

First, in step 5301, it is determined whether or not the color code on the background where the cursor icon was displayed when the user operated the enter key KY4 was 1 (outline). If the color code is 1, then the series of processing ends,
If not, the process proceeds to step 5302.

At step 5302, for example, the work RA
Two RGB data of light and dark of the selected color in the palette data specified by the palette number and the selected color number, which are the palette management data stored in M103, are read from the program / data ROM 102, for example, and read out. The inside RGB data is created by performing an interpolation operation using the other two RGB data.

Step 5303 following step 5302
Then, in the RGB data of the color code assigned to each part (region) forming the subgroup to which the color-designated part (region) belongs, the bright, middle, and dark RGB data obtained in the above step 5302. Set respectively. The setting of the RGB data is performed on the RGB data for each color code stored in the work RAM 103.
After the setting of the RGB data is completed, the series of processes is completed. -Modification In the fourth embodiment, only the inside RGB data is interpolated from the bright and dark RGB data of the selected color, but more RGB data is generated from the bright and dark RGB data. You may make it interpolate. As a result, even if the number of members (the number of regions) forming the sub-group is different for each group, it is possible to flexibly deal with it.

[0383]

As described above, according to the present invention, the partial images are divided into groups, and the drawing colors of the partial images forming the group are centrally managed. Therefore, by simply changing the drawing color of any one of the partial images, the drawing colors of all the other partial images of the group to which it belongs can be changed in accordance with the change. As a result, even when image reproduction such as animation is performed, it is possible to change the overall drawing color with a small number of operations and in a short time.

Further, according to the present invention, since a plurality of partial images related to the drawing color or a part of the partial image is managed in a unified manner, the overall drawing color can be changed in a short operation and in a short time. It can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, in a partial image, a plurality of parts related to drawing colors are grouped into one group,
When any of the drawing colors forming the group is changed, the drawing colors of all the portions forming the group are changed according to the changed drawing color. Therefore, few operations,
In addition, it is possible to change the overall drawing color in a short time.

By combining these inventions described above, a further great effect can be obtained, and the overall drawing color can be changed with less operation and in a short time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall circuit configuration diagram of a system to which a first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a VDP.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure of a display screen.

FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram of a ROM (No. 1).

FIG. 5 is a data configuration diagram of a ROM (No. 2).

FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram of a ROM (No. 3).

FIG. 7 is a data configuration diagram of an SRAM and an OAM unit.

FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram of a CLT unit.

FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram of a work RAM.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a color code assigned to each part of a partial image (No. 1).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a color code assigned to each part of the partial image (No. 2).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a color code assigned to each part of a partial image (part 3).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of screen display timing.

FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an operation example as an animation.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data for animation.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of overall processing.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of initial processing.

FIG. 18 is an operation flowchart of a character animation initial process.

FIG. 19 is an operation flowchart of animation initial processing of a background object.

FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart of a balloon animation initial process.

FIG. 21 is an operation flowchart of animation mode change processing.

FIG. 22 is an operation flowchart of a character forward frame advancing process.

FIG. 23 is an operation flowchart of forward frame advance processing of a background object.

FIG. 24 is an operation flowchart of character reverse frame advancing processing.

FIG. 25 is an operation flowchart of a backward frame advancing process for a background object.

FIG. 26 is an operation flowchart of drawing color change processing.

FIG. 27 is an operation flowchart of palette change processing.

FIG. 28 is an operation flowchart of a color change process of a balloon character.

FIG. 29 is an operation flowchart of a color change process of a blowing frame.

FIG. 30 is an operation flowchart of a character color changing process.

FIG. 31 is an operation flowchart of background object color change processing.

FIG. 32 is an operation flowchart of background color change processing.

FIG. 33 is an operation flowchart of animation processing (No. 1).

FIG. 34 is an operation flowchart of animation processing (No. 2).

FIG. 35 is a configuration diagram of pallet management data (second)
Embodiment).

FIG. 36 is an operation flowchart of character color changing processing (second embodiment).

FIG. 37 is an operation flowchart of background object color changing processing (second embodiment).

FIG. 38 is an operation flowchart of background color changing processing (second embodiment).

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing color codes assigned to each partial image (third embodiment).

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing color codes assigned to the CLT unit (third embodiment).

FIG. 41 is a configuration diagram of palette data stored in a ROM (third embodiment).

FIG. 42 is an operation flowchart of initial processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 43 is an operation flowchart of drawing color change processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 44 is an operation flowchart of palette change processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 45 is an operation flowchart of character color changing processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 46 is an operation flowchart of background object color change processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 47 is an operation flowchart of background color changing processing (third embodiment).

FIG. 48 is a configuration diagram of palette data stored in a ROM (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 49 is an operation flowchart of initial processing (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 50 is an operation flowchart of palette change processing (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 51 is an operation flowchart of character color changing processing (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 52 is an operation flowchart of background object color changing processing (fourth embodiment).

FIG. 53 is an operation flowchart of background color changing processing (fourth embodiment).

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CPU 102 Program / Data ROM 104 Input Device 105 VDP 106 SRAM 108 Television 207 Color Lookup Table Unit

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A display screen is prepared by arranging a partial image selected from a plurality of prepared partial images on a display screen and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to a set priority. Is a method for changing the drawing color of the partial image applied to the image creating method for creating the image of, wherein the plurality of partial images are grouped according to a preset setting, and the drawing color of the partial image is changed. Is specified, the drawing color change method is reflected on each partial image of the group to which the partial image whose drawing color change is specified belongs. 2. Reflecting the change of the drawing color, assigns the same color code to each partial image forming the group in a unified manner, and sets the specified drawing color to the assigned color code. The drawing color changing method according to claim 1, wherein the drawing color changing method is performed. 3. A position on a part of the partial image is
The other partial image used by arranging instead of the part is the one of the partial images in which the other partial image is arranged.
The same color code as the color code assigned to the portion is assigned in association with the other partial image, and one of the one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged has a drawing color of the drawing color. When the change is designated, the change in the drawing color is reflected in the other, and the drawing color changing method according to claim 1 or 2. 4. When the partial image is composed of a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts are divided into groups, and when the change of the drawing color of the parts forming the partial image is designated, 4. The drawing color changing method according to claim 1, wherein the drawing color change is reflected on each part of the group to which the specified change belongs. 5. One display screen is prepared by arranging a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images prepared in advance on the display screen and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. Is a method for changing the drawing color of the partial image applied to the image creating method for creating the image of another image, which is used by arranging at a position on one part of the partial image instead of the one part. To the partial image, the same color code as the color code assigned to the one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged is associated and assigned, and the other partial image and the other partial image are assigned. When a drawing color change is designated for one of the one portion of the partial image in which the partial image is arranged, the drawing color change method is reflected in the other one. 6. One display screen is prepared by arranging a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images prepared in advance on the display screen and synthesizing the arranged partial images according to the set priority. Is a method for changing the drawing color of the partial image applied to the image creating method for creating the image of, when the partial image is composed of a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts are divided into groups, When a change in the drawing color of a part forming a partial image is designated, the change in the drawing color is reflected in each part of the group to which the part in which the change in the drawing color is designated belongs. How to change the drawing color. 7. A storage means for storing a plurality of partial images is provided, a partial image selected from a plurality of partial images stored in the storage means is arranged on a display screen, and the arranged partial images are displayed. A device for creating an image for one display screen by synthesizing in accordance with the set priority, a color designating unit for designating a drawing color of the partial image, and the plurality of partial images being predetermined. When the drawing color is designated by the color designating means according to the setting, the control means for reflecting the change of the drawing color on each partial image of the group to which the partial image for which the drawing color is designated belongs An image creating apparatus comprising: 8. The control means unifies and assigns the same color code to each partial image forming the group, and sets the drawing color designated by the color designating means to the assigned color code. The image creating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the change of the drawing color is reflected on each of the partial images forming the group. 9. The part in which the other partial image is arranged with respect to another partial image used by being arranged in place of the one part at a position on the one part of the partial image. The same color code as the color code assigned to the one portion of the image is assigned in association with the other partial image and one of the one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged. 9. When the drawing color is designated by the color designating means, the change of the drawing color is reflected in the other, and the image creating apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. 10. The control means, when the partial image is composed of a plurality of parts, divides the plurality of parts into groups and changes the drawing color of the parts constituting the partial image by the color designating means. The drawing color change is reflected on each part of the group to which the drawing color change specified part belongs, when specified by. Image creation device. 11. A storage means for storing a plurality of partial images is provided, a partial image selected from the plurality of partial images stored in the storage means is arranged on a display screen, and the arranged partial images are displayed. A device for creating an image for one display screen by synthesizing in accordance with the set priority, and a color designating unit for designating a drawing color of the partial image, and a position on a part of the partial image. , A color code that is the same as the color code assigned to the one portion of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged is associated with the other partial image that is used instead of the one portion. When the drawing color is specified by the color specifying means for one of the other partial image and the one part of the partial image in which the other partial image is arranged, the drawing color is changed. Reflect on the other Image creating apparatus characterized by comprising a control means. 12. A storage unit storing a plurality of partial images, wherein a partial image selected from the plurality of partial images stored in the storage unit is arranged on a display screen, and the arranged partial images are displayed. A device for creating an image for one display screen by synthesizing in accordance with the set priority, comprising a color designating unit for designating a drawing color of the partial image, and the partial image including a plurality of parts. In this case, the plurality of parts are divided into groups, and when the change of the drawing color of the part forming the partial image is designated by the color designating means, the part of the group to which the part of which the drawing color change is designated belongs An image creating apparatus comprising: a control unit that reflects the change of the drawing color on each part. 13. The drawing color designated by the color designating means is assigned a plurality of drawing color data, the number of which is smaller than the number of partial images of the partial images forming the group, and the control means comprises the color designating means. When the drawing color is designated by, the other drawing color data is created by using the plurality of drawing color data assigned to the drawing color, and the drawing color assigned to the drawing color designated by the color designating means. By setting the data or the created drawing color data in each part of the partial image forming the group, the change of the drawing color is reflected in each part forming the group. The image creating apparatus according to claim 10. 14. An effect adding means for adding a visual effect to the partial image is further provided.
The image creating apparatus according to 0, 11, 12, or 13. 15. A moving image reproducing means for reproducing a moving image expressing the movement of the partial image by arranging the partial image on the display screen according to predetermined time management information. Claims 7, 8, 9, 1 characterized in that
The image creating apparatus described in 0, 11, 12, 13, or 14. 16. The moving image reproducing means is a balloon character,
And when reproducing a balloon consisting of a balloon frame as the partial image, the position on the display screen where the balloon is arranged is determined according to the position on the display screen where the partial image to be combined with the balloon is arranged. The image creating apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a reproducing position designating unit for designating a reproducing position where the moving image is reproduced by the moving image reproducing unit.
6. The image creating device according to item 6. 18. The reproduction position designating means includes a reproduction stopping means for stopping reproduction of a moving image by the moving image reproducing means, and a position at which a moving image is reproduced by the moving image reproducing means in a direction of reproducing the moving image and a direction opposite thereto. 18. The image creating apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a reproduction position changing unit for sequentially advancing a frame in at least one direction. 19. The control means, when the drawing color of the partial image is designated by the color designating means in the moving image reproduction by the moving image reproducing means, changes the partial image to the designated drawing color. Claim 15, 16, 17, or 18 characterized.
The described image creation device.