Video game apparatus and information storage medium for video game

CA 02289952 1999-11-16

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Video Game Apparatus and Information Storage Medium for Video Game

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a video game apparatus and a game program memory medium therefor, and more particularly to a video game apparatus which generates, and supplies to a display, an image signal to display a player object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space by virtue of, say, player object data and land object data, and to a game program memory medium to be used therefor.

Description of the prior arts

In a conventional video game machine, when a player wishes a player object to, say, jump, the player presses a jump button on a controller so that the CPU causes the player object to jump in response to jump button operation. That is, when the player object is caused to jump over an obstacle, such as a hollow or hole, the player is required to press the jump button in timing of at a front of the hollow or hole while manipulating a move direction instructing means, such as a joystick or cross button. However, there may be a case that the player object be unsuccessful in jumping across the obstacle, as the timing may be of pressing the jump button, or the player object position, in operating the jump button. That is, skillful operation with a jump button has been required to make the player object jump up and get across an obstacle.

Meanwhile, complicated button operation has been needed to cause the player object to perform other actions than jump, (e.g. opening and closing a door or going up stairs, etc.). The player might be placed in difficulty to play a game with enjoyment of game progression because of his or her attention stick to button manipulation.

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Such games, called action games, are becoming more difficult to play year by year.

They are too difficult for the player. In particular, there is a trend for beginners to sidestep from games of such kind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, illustrative embodiments of the present invention may provide a novel video game apparatus and a program memory medium to be used therefor.

For example, illustrative embodiments of the present invention may provide a novel video game apparatus which is easy for a player to cause a player object to operate, and a game program memory medium to be used thereon.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention may also provide a video game apparatus with which a player object can get over an obstacle without difficulty, and a game program memory medium to be used thereon.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention may also provide a video game apparatus wherein it is possible for a player object, virtual camera or the like to automatically carry out a required operation such as jumping, camera switching or the like, and a game program memory medium to be used thereon.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention may also provide a video game apparatus which can effect complicated control with a simple program, and a game program memory medium to be used thereon.

One such video game apparatus according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is for generating, and supplying to a display, an image signal for displaying a player object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space by processing image data for the player object and the land object according to a program. The video game apparatus includes a player object image data generating means for generating player object image data to display a player object, and a land object image data generating means for generating land object image data to display a land object. The land object image data includes a program control code. The video game apparatus further includes a program control code detecting means to detect the program control code in relation to a position of the player object, and an image changing means to cause the image signal to change depending upon the program control code detected.

-2CA 02289952 2007-03-19

The program control code may include an action code to control an action of the player object, and the image changing means may include animation data output means to output animation data to automatically cause the player object to make an action in accordance with the action code.

For example, when the land object is a hollow or hole and the action code is jump, the animation data output means may output animation data to cause the player object to jump over the hollow or hole.

In one embodiment, the video game apparatus has a controller, in association therewith, including a direction instructing means to instruct a moving direction of the player object so that the player object is moved in the moving direction. In such an embodiment, the video game apparatus may further include a moving speed detecting means for detecting a moving speed of the player object, and a jump distance calculating means for calculating a jump distance of the player object based on the moving speed. The animation data output means may output animation data to cause the player object to jump according to the jump distance.

When the land object is a wall surface and the action code is climb, the animation data output means may output such animation data that the player object climbs the wall surface.

However, when the action code is not climb, a wall surface height calculating means may be further included, to calculate a height of the wall surface. The animation data output means may output such animation data that the player object makes an optimal action in accordance with the height of the wall surface.

In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the program control code may include a camera control code, and the image changing means may include a camera control means to control a virtual camera provided in the three dimensional virtual space.

The virtual camera may include a plurality of virtual cameras, in which case the camera control code may include a camera switching code, and the camera control means

-3CA 02289952 2007-03-19 may include a camera switching means to switch between the plurality of virtual cameras depending upon the camera switching code.

The program control code may include a sound code, in which case the video game apparatus may further include a sound data generating means to generate sound data, and a sound control means to control sound to be outputted from the sound data generating means depending upon the sound code.

In embodiments in which the sound data generating means can generate a plurality of sound data, the sound code may include a sound switching code and the sound control means may include a sound switching means to switch the sound data depending upon the sound switching code.

Incidentally, in some embodiments it is possible to control only sound in accordance with a program control code. In such an embodiment, a video game apparatus may be provided for generating, and supplying to a display, an image signal to display a player object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space by processing image data for the player object and land object according to a program, and for supplying a sound signal to a sound output means by processing sound data according to a program. Such a video game apparatus may include a player object image data generating means for generating player object image data to display a player object, and a land object image data generating means for generating land object image data to display a land object. The land object image data may include a program control code. The video game apparatus may further include a program control code detecting means to detect the program control code in relation to a position of the player object, and a sound changing means to cause the sound signal to change according to the program control code detected.

Also, the video game apparatus may generally use a memory medium to store (also referred to as “memorizing” herein) a game program or image data. A memory medium according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may be applicable to a video game apparatus for generating, and supplying to a display, an image signal to display a player

-4CA 02289952 2007-03-19 object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space by processing image data for the player object and the land object according to a program. The medium may store a program to be processed by an information processing means included in the video game apparatus. The medium may store a player object image data generating program to generate player object image data for displaying a player object, and a land object image data generating program for generating land object image data to display a land object. The land object image data may include a program control code. The medium may further store a program control code detecting program for detecting the program control code in relation to a position of the player object, and an image changing program for causing the image signal to change depending upon the program control code detected.

The game program memory medium may be formed with an image data area. The image data area may store player object data and land object data. The player object data may include polygon data to represent a shape and animation data to represent an action state. The land object data may include polygon data to represent a shape, and attribute data. This attribute data may include a program control code including an action code, a camera code and a sound code. The game memory medium may further store a program to process image data. The video game apparatus may put forward a game according to the image data and programs, while taking into consideration as required controller data from the controller. In response, on a display screen is displayed a game image having a player object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space.

When the player object approaches or exists on a relevant land object, a program control code contained in the land object image data may be detected by a detecting means. Accordingly, the image changing means, which is different from a usual program, may control an action of the player object or a virtual camera.

Where an action code is contained in the land object data representative of a land object at or in the vicinity of which the player object is existing, the action code may be detected by an action code detecting means (action code detecting program). The animation

-5CA 02289952 2007-03-19 data output means (animation data output program) may output such animation data as to cause the player object to make an action in accordance with the detected action code. It is therefore possible in such embodiments for the player object to automatically perform an optimal action in compliance with the detected action code.

For example, when the land object is a hollow or hole and the action code is jump, the animation output means (animation data output means) may output animation data to cause the player object to jump across the hollow or hole.

When the player object is moving according to a direction instructing means on the controller, a moving speed detecting means (moving speed detecting program) may detect a moving speed of the player object while a jump distance detecting means Gump distance detecting program) may calculate a jump distance of the player object. In such an embodiment, the animation data output means (animation data output program) may output animation data to cause the player object to make a jump action depending upon the jump distance.

When the land object is a wall surface and the action code is climb, the animation data output means (animation data output program) may output animation data to cause the player object to climb a wall surface.

If a wall surface height is calculated by a wall surface height calculating means (wall height detecting program), it may be determined under which range of 0 < H < 25, 25 < H < 50, 50 < H < 100 or 100 < H < 150 the wall surface height (H) falls. The animation data output means (animation data output program) may output animation data to cause an optimal action for the wall surface height.

Furthermore, in embodiments in which the program control code is a camera code, for example, a plurality of virtual cameras properly arranged in the virtual three dimensional space may be selectively activated by the camera code (camera switching code).

Also, where the program control code is a sound code, for example, the sound data to be produced by a sound data generating means may be switched over.

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By the present amendment, former claims 2 and 13 have been cancelled.

Patent Act, s.28.3

The Examiner has expressed the initial view that former dependent claims 3-11 and 14- (now claims 2-10 and 12-19) did not comply with s.28.3 of the Patent Act, based on the Examiner’s view that the subject-matter of these claims would have been obvious on the claim date having regard to Hiroshi in combination with European Patent Office publication no. 8 813 351 (“Shimizu”). The Examiner has also referred to EPO publication no. 0 844 587 (“Ono”), although the wording of the s.28.3 objection itself did not appear to rely upon Ono.

Applicant respectfully submits that the Hiroshi, Shimizu and Ono references fail to satisfy the requirements for a finding of obviousness of amended claims 2-10 and 12-

19. In this regard, the test for obviousness was set forth by Hugessen J.A. of the Federal Court of Appeal in Beloit Canada Ltd. v. Valmet Oy (1986), 8 C.P.R. (3d) 289 at 294 (F.C.A.):

The test for obviousness is not to ask what competent inventors did or would have done to solve the problem. Inventors are by definition inventive. The classical touchstone for obviousness is the technician skilled in the art but having no scintilla of inventiveness or imagination; a paragon of deduction and dexterity, wholly devoid of intuition; a triumph of the left hemisphere over the right. The question to be asked is whether this mythical creature ... would, in the light of the state of the art and of common general knowledge as at the claimed date of invention, have come directly and without difficulty to the solution taught by the patent. It is a very difficult test to satisfy, [emphasis added]

Renumbered claims 2-9 are directly or indirectly dependent upon amended claim 1, while renumbered claims 12-19 are directly or indirectly dependent upon amended claim 11. Applicant respectfully submits that amended independent claims 1 and 11 have been shown to be allowable under the preceding heading. (Although the Examiner has not objected to independent claims 1 and 11 under s.28.3, applicant

Page 7 of 11

CA 02289952 2007-03-19 animation of the player object to display the player object taking the predetermined action determined by the action code when interacting with the first object.

In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is provided a video game apparatus for generating on a display a player object existing on a land object in a virtual three dimensional space. The land object has a control code embedded therein. The control code includes a sound code that indicates that a sound output from a sound output means is to be changed. The video game apparatus includes sound data generating means for generating a plurality of sound data, control code detecting means for detecting the control code in relation to a position of the player object on said land object, and sound changing means to cause the sound data generating means to change the sound data according to the control code detected.

In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is provided a memory medium applicable to a video game apparatus for generating on a display, a player object in a virtual three dimensional space. The video game apparatus controls the player object to automatically perform a predetermined action relative to a first object in the virtual three dimensional space when a first predetermined relationship exists between the player object and a designated location on a second object having a positional relationship to the first object in the virtual three dimensional space. The medium stores a program to be processed by an information processing means included in the video game apparatus. The second object has a control code embedded therein. The control code includes an action code that indicates the predetermined action to be performed by the player object relative to the first object. The memory medium stores a detecting program for detecting when the predetermined positional relationship exists between the player object and the designated location on the second object, a control code detecting program for detecting the control code embedded in the second object when the predetermined positional relationship is detected, and a control program for controlling an animation of the player

-8CA 02289952 2007-03-19 object to display the player object taking the predetermined action determined by the action code when interacting with the first object.

In accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the invention, there is provided, for use in a video game apparatus for generating on a display a player object in a virtual three-dimensional space, a method of controlling the player object to automatically perform a predefined action relative to a first object in the three-dimensional space when the player object is moved by a player near a designated location on a second object adjacent the first object in the three dimensional space. The method includes embedding a control code in the second object, wherein the control code includes an action code that indicates the predefined action to be performed by the player object relative to the first object. The method further includes detecting when a predetermined positional relationship exists between the player object and the designated location on the second object, and reading the control code embedded in the second object when the predetermined positional relationship exists. The method further includes using the action code to determine an action that the player object should take relative to the first object when the control code is read, and controlling the animation of the player object to display the player object taking the action determined by the action code when interacting with the first object.

The above and other features, aspects and advantages of illustrative embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic illustrative view showing a video game system of one embodiment of this invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing in detail a video game machine of the Figure 1 system;

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing in detail a controller circuit of the Figure 2 video game machine;

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing in detail a controller and a controller pack for the Figure 2 video game machine;

Figure 5 is an illustrative view showing a memory map of an external ROM for the Figure 2 video game machine;

Figure 6 is an illustrative view showing a memory map of a RAM for the Figure 2 video game machine;

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an overall operation of the Figure 1 embodiment;

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing in detail a land object process in the Figure 7 flowchart;

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing in detail one part of an action determining process in the Figure Ί flowchart;

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing in detail an action determining process for the case of a hole in the Figure 9 flowchart;

-8BCA 02289952 1999-11-16

Figure 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of a jump (big jump) action to be achieved in the Figure 10 flowchart;

Figure 12 is an illustrative view showing one example of a jump (middle jump) action to be achieved in the Figure 10 flowchart;

Figure 13 is an illustrative view showing one example of a jump (small jump) action to be achieved in the Figure 10 flowchart;

Figure 14 is an illustrative view showing one example of a “not-fall” action in the Figure 10 flowchart;

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing in detail an action determining process for the case of a wall surface in the Figure 9 flowchart;

Figure 16 is an illustrative view showing one example of a wall scramble up action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 17 is a flowchart showing one example of a step mounting action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 18 is an illustrative view showing a jump up action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 19 is an illustrative view showing one example of a light climb action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 20 is an illustrative view showing one example of a usual climb action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 21 is an illustrative view showing one example of a hard climb action to be achieved by the Figure 15 flowchart;

Figure 22 is a flowchart showing in detail a door action in the Figure 9 flowchart;

Figure 23 is an illustrative view showing one example of a door action to be achieved by the Figure 22 flowchart;

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Figure 24 is a flowchart showing in detail a ladder action in the Figure 9 flowchart;

Figure 25 is an illustrative view showing one example of a ladder action achieved by the Figure 24 flowchart;

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing in detail a player object process in the Figure 7 flowchart;

Figure 27 is an illustrative view showing in detail a camera determining process in the Figure 7 flowchart;

Figure 28 is an illustrative view showing one example of camera arrangement as a premise for the camera determining process of Figure 27 flowchart;

Figure 29 is a flowchart showing in detail a first camera control program in the Figure 27 flowchart;

Figure 30 is an illustrative view showing a player object taken by a first camera according to the Figure 29 flowchart;

Figure 31 is a flowchart showing in detail a second camera (fifth camera) control program in the Figure 27 flowchart;

Figure 32 is a flowchart showing in detail a third camera control program of the Figure 27 flowchart;

Figure 33 is an illustrative view showing a player object taken by the third camera according to the Figure 32 flowchart;

Figure 34 is a flowchart showing in detail a fourth camera control program in the Figure 27 flowchart;

Figure 35 is an illustrative view showing a player object taken by a fourth camera according to the Figure 34 flowchart;

Figure 36 is an illustrative view showing a player object taken by the fourth camera according to the Figure 32 flowchart; and

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Figure 37 is a flowchart showing in detail a sound process in the Figure 7 flowchart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figure 1, a video game apparatus in this embodiment includes a video game machine 10, a ROM cartridge 20 as one example of an information memory medium, a display unit 30 connected to the video game machine 10, and a controller 40. The controller 40 is dismountably mounted with a controller pack 50.

The controller 40 is structured by a plurality of switches or buttons provided on the housing 41 in a form graspable by both or one hand. Specifically, the controller 40 includes handles 41L, 41C, 41R downwardly extending respectively from a left end, a right end and a center of the housing 41, providing an operation area on a top surface of the housing 41. In the operation area, there are provided an analog-inputtable joystick (hereinafter referred to as analog joystick) 45 at a central lower portion thereof, a cross-shaped digital direction switch (hereinafter called cross switch) 46 on the left side, and a plurality of button switches 47A, 47B, 47D, 47E and 47F on the right side.

The analog joystick 45 is used to input a moving direction and/or moving speed or moving amount of the player object (object to be operated by a player through a controller) as determined by an amount and direction of joystick inclination. The cross switch 46 is used to designate a moving direction of the player object, in place of the joystick 45. The button switches 47A and 47B are used to designate a motion of the player object. Button switches 47C - 47D are used to switch over a visual point of a three-dimension image camera or adjust speed or the like of the player object.

A start switch 47S is provided almost at a center of the operation area. This start switch 47S is operated when starting a game. A switch 47Z is provided at a backside of

- 11 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 the central handle 41C. This switch 47Z is utilized, for example, as a trigger switch in a shoot game. Switches 47L and 47R are provided at upper left and right of a lateral surface of the housing 41.

Incidentally, the above-stated button switches 47C - 47F can also be used to control the motion and/or moving speed (e.g. acceleration or deceleration) of the player object in a shoot or action game, besides for the purpose of switching the camera visual point. However, these switches 47A - 47F, 47S, 47Z, 47L and 47R can be arbitrarily defined in their function depending upon a game program.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the video game system of the Figure 1 embodiment. The video game machine 10 incorporates therein a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 11 and a coprocessor (reality coprocessor: hereinafter referred to as RCP) 12. The RCP 12 includes a bus control circuit 121 for controlling buses, a signal processor (reality signal processor; hereinafter referred to as RSP) 122 for performing polygon coordinate transformation, shading treatment and so on, and a rendering processor (reality display processor; hereinafter referred to as RDP) 46 for rasterizing polygon data into an image to be displayed and converting the same into a data form (dot data) memorable on a frame memory.

The RCP 12 is connected with a cartridge connector 13 for unloadably loading a ROM cartridge 20 having an external ROM 21 incorporated therein, a disc-drive connector 197 for detachably mounting a disc drive 29, and a RAM 14. Also, the RCP 12 is connected with DAC (Digital/Analog Converters) 15 and 16 for respectively outputting a sound signal and video signal to be processed by the CPU 11. Further, the RCP 12 is connected with a controller control circuit 17 to serially transfer operating data on one or a plurality of controllers 40 and/or controller pack 50.

The bus control circuit 121 included in the RCP 12 performs parallel/serial

- 12CA 02289952 1999-11-16 conversion on a command supplied in a parallel signal from the CPU via a bus, to thereby supply a serial signal to the controller control circuit 18. Also, the bus control circuit 121 converts a serial signal inputted from the controller control circuit 17 into a parallel signal, giving an output to the CPU 11 via the bus. The data representative of an operating state (operating signal or operating data) read out of the controller 40A - 40D is processed by the CPU 11, and temporarily stored within a RAM 14, and so on. In other words, the RAM 15 includes a storage site for temporarily memorizing the data to be processed by the CPU 11, so that it is utilized for smoothly reading and writing data through the bus control circuit 121.

The sound DAC 15 is connected with a connector 19a provided at a rear face of the video game machine 10. The video DAC 16 is connected with a connector 19b provided at the rear face of the video game machine 10. The connector 19a is connected with a speaker 31 of a display 30, while the connector 19b is connected with a display 30 such as a TV receiver or CRT.

The controller control circuit 17 is connected with a controller connector provided at the front face of the video game machine 10. The connector 18 is disconnectably connected by a controller 40 through a connecting jack. The connection of the controller 40 to the connector 18 places the controller in electrical connection to the video game machine 10, thereby enabling transmission/reception or transfer of data therebetween.

The controller control circuit 17 is used to transmit and receive data in serial between the RCP 12 and the connector 18. The controller control circuit 17 includes, as shown in Figure 3, a data transfer control circuit 171, a transmitting circuit 172, a receiving circuit 173 and a RAM 174 for temporarily memorizing transmission and reception data. The data transfer control circuit 171 includes a parallel/serial converting circuit and a serial/parallel converting circuit in order to convert a data format during data

- 13 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 transfer, and further performs write/read control on the RAM 174. The serial/parallel converting circuit converts the serial data supplied from the RCP 12 into parallel data, supplying it to the RAM 174 or the transmitting circuit 172. The parallel/serial converting circuit converts the parallel data supplied from the RAM 174 or the receiving circuit 173 into serial data, to supply it to the RCP 12. The transmitting circuit 172 converts the command for reading signals from the controller 40 and the writing data (parallel data) to the controller pack 50, into serial data to be delivered to channels CHI CH4 corresponding to the respective controllers 40. The receiving circuit 173 receives, in serial data, operational state data of the controllers inputted through corresponding channels CHI - CH4 and data read from the controller pack 50, to convert them into parallel data to be delivered to the data transfer control circuit 171. The data transfer control circuit 171 writes into the RAM 174 data transferred from the RCP 12, data of the controller received by the receiving circuit 183, or data read out of the RAM controller pack 50, and reads data out of the RAM 174 based on a command from the RCP 12 so as to transfer it to the RCP 12.

The RAM 174, though not shown, includes memory sites for the respective channels CHI - CH4. Each of the memory sites is stored with a command for the channel, transmitting data and/or reception data.

Figure 4 is a detailed circuit diagram of the controller 40 and the controller pack 50. The housing of the controller 40 incorporates an operating signal processing circuit 44, etc. in order to detect an operating state of the joystick 45, switches 46, 47, etc. and transfer the detected data to the controller control circuit 17. The operating signal processing circuit 44 includes a receiving circuit 441, a control circuit 442, a switch signal detecting circuit 443, a counter circuit 444, a joyport control circuit 446, a reset circuit 447 and a NOR gate 448. The receiving circuit 441 converts a serial signal, such

-14CA 02289952 1999-11-16 as a control signal transmitted from the controller control circuit 17 or writing data to the controller pack 50, into a parallel signal to supply it to the control circuit 442. The control circuit 442 generates a reset signal to reset (0), through the NOR gate 448, count values of an X-axis counter 444X and a Y-axis counter 444Y within the counter 444, when the control signal transmitted from the controller control circuit 17 is a signal for resetting X, Y coordinates of the joystick 45.

The joystick 45 includes X-axis and Y-axis photo-interrupters in order to decompose a lever inclination into X-axis and Y-axis components, generating pulses in number proportional to the inclination. The pulse signals are respectively supplied to the counter 444X and the counter 444Y. The counter 444X counts a number of pulses generated in response to an inclination amount when the joystick 45 is inclined in the Xaxis direction. The counter 444Y counts a number of pulses generated responsive to an inclination amount when the joystick 45 is inclined in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, the resultant X-axis and Y-axis vector determined by the count values of the counters 444X and 444Y serves to determine a moving direction and a coordinate position of the player object or hero character or a cursor. Incidentally, the counter 444X and the 444Y are reset, when a reset signal is supplied from the reset signal generating circuit 447 upon turning on the power or a reset signal is supplied from the switch signal detecting circuit 443 by simultaneous depression of predetermined two switches.

The switch signal detecting circuit 443 responds to a switch-state output command supplied at an interval of a constant period (e.g. a 1/30 second interval as a TV frame period) from the control circuit 442, to read a signal varying depending upon a depression state of the cross switch 46 and the switches 47A - 47Z. The read signal is delivered to the control circuit 442. The control circuit 442 responds to a read-out command signal of operational state data from the controller control circuit 17 to supply in a predetermined

-15 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 data format the operational state data on the switches 47A - 47Z and count values of the counters 444X and 444Y to the transmitting circuit 445. The transmitting circuit 445 converts the parallel signal outputted from the control circuit 442 into a serial signal, and transfer it to the controller control circuit 17 via a converting circuit 43 and a signal line 42. The control circuit 442 is connected with a joystick control circuit 446 via an address bus and a data bus as well as a port connector 46. The joyport control circuit 446 performs data input/output (or transmission/reception) control according to a command from the CPU 11 when the controller pack 50 is connected to the port connector 46.

The controller pack 50 is structured by connecting the RAM 51 to the address bus and data bus and connecting the RAM 51 with a battery 52. The RAM 51 is to store backup data in relation to a game, and saves backup data by the application of electric power from the battery 52 even if the controller pack 50 is withdrawn from the port connector 46.

Figure 5 is a memory map illustrating a memory space of an external ROM 21 incorporated in the ROM cartridge 20 (Figure 1, Figure 2). The external ROM 21 includes a plurality of memory areas (may be hereinafter referred merely to as “areas”), i.e., a program area 22, an image data area 23 and a sound memory area 24, which are memorized previously and fixedly with various programs.

The program area 22 is memorized with a program required to process game images, game data suited for a game content, etc. Specifically, the program area 22 includes memory areas 22a - 22i to previously, fixedly memorize a CPU 1 loperation program. A main program area 22a is memorized with a main routine processing program for a game shown in Figure 7, etc., hereinafter referred to. A controller data determining program area 22b is memorized with a program to process controller 40 operation data. A land object program area 22c is memorized with a program to display

- 16CA 02289952 1999-11-16 and control a land object on or in the vicinity of which the player object is to exist. A player object program area 22d is memorized with a program to display and control an object to be operated by a player (referred merely to as “player object”).

The program area 22 further includes a control code detecting program area 22e. On this area 22e is installed a program to detect a control code contained in land object image data (hereinafter referred to). A camera control program area 22f is memorized with a camera control program to control in which direction and/or position a moving object, including the player object, or background object is to be taken in a three dimensional space. In the embodiment a plurality of virtual cameras are installed in a three dimensional space. Accordingly, the camera control program area 22f includes a first camera control program, second camera control program,..., Nth camera control program to individually control respective ones of first to Nth virtual cameras.

An action control program area 22g is memorized with a program to read out animation data contained in the player object image data, in order to cause the player object to act according to a control code detected by a control code detecting program. The action control program, concretely, includes various calculation programs. The calculation programs include a moving speed detecting program to detect a moving speed of the player object, a jump distance calculating program to calculate a jump distance of the player object based on a moving speed, and a wall height calculating program to calculate a wall height. This action control program determines an action for the player object according to an action code, control code or calculation program, and reads animation data out of the image data area 23 depending upon an action. Accordingly, the action control program 22g cooperates with the image data area 23 to thereby constitute an animation data output program.

An image buffer and Z buffer write program area 22h is memorized with a write

- 17CA 02289952 1999-11-16 program by which the CPU 11 causes the RCP 12 to effect writing onto an image buffer and a Z buffer. For example, the write program area 22h is memorized with a program to write color data to the frame memory area (Figure 6) of the RAM and a program to write depth data to the Z buffer area 204 (Figure 6), as image data based on texture data for a plurality of moving objects or background objects to be displayed on one background scene.

Incidentally, a sound process program area 22i is memorized with a program to generate a message through effect sound, melody or voices.

The image data area 23 includes, as shown in Figure 5, two memory areas 23a and 23b. The memory area 23a is memorized with image data, such as coordinate data and animation data of a plurality of polygons, on an object-by-object basis, in order to display a player object, and with a display control program to display in a predetermined fixed position or movably an object. The memory area 23b is memorized with image data, such as a plurality of ones of polygon data and attribute data, on an object-by-object basis to display a land object, and with a display control program to display a land object. The attribute data includes an action code representative of an action to be performed by the player object (say, jump, wall scramble, door open and close, ladder climb, etc), a kind code representative of a kind of a land polygon (hole, ice, sand, lava, etc), a melody code representative of a kind of BGM, an enemy code representative whether an enemy is existing or not and an enemy kind, and a camera code to instruct switch between cameras. These codes are collectively referred to as “control codes”. The control codes have been previously set within the polygon data of every polygon constituting the land objects to be set. Incidentally, the land objects required are considered to include a land object on which the player object is to exist, and a land object in the vicinity of which the player object is to exist, and so on.

- 18CA 02289952 1999-11-16

A sound memory area 24 is memorized with sound data, such as phrases, effect sound and game melody, for each scene to output a message as above in a manner suited for a relevant scene. Specifically, BGM1 and BGM2 are memorized as a game melody, and sound data such as “outcry” as an effect sound.

Incidentally, the memory medium or external memory may use an arbitrary memory medium, such as a CD-ROM or magnetic disc, in place of or in addition to the ROM cartridge 20. In such a case, a disc drive (not shown) should be provided in order to read, or write as required, various ones of data for a game (including program data and image display data) from the optical or magnetic disc-formed memory medium, such as a CD-ROM or magnetic disc. This disc drive reads out data memorized on the magnetic disc or optical disc which is magnetically or optically memorized with similar program data to that of the external ROM 21, and transfers the data to the RAM 14.

In this manner, the program area 22 is installed with the programs so that a game image signal can be created by processing the image data set on the image data area 23 in a manner similar to the conventional video game apparatus, and a sound signal can be produced by processing the sound data installed on the sound memory area 24. In this embodiment, furthermore, a program control code is previously set on the image data memorized in the image data area 23, say, in the land object image data. When the program control code is detected in dependence upon a position of the player object, the animation for the player object is varied, the virtual camera is switched over and further the sound signal is changed in compliance with a detected program control code. Thus, the program control code serves as a program control factor or program change factor.

Due to this, if when a program code is detected the player object is changed in animation or the camera is switched over, it is possible to provide image change in a manner different from that by the execution of a usual program. Also, if when a program

- 19CA 02289952 1999-11-16 control code is detected the sound signal is switched over, it is possible to cause a different sound change from that by executing an ordinary program.

Incidentally, the control code is explained with greater detail. As mentioned above, the land object data includes attribute data, wherein the control code is included in the attribute data. The attribute data is a predetermined number of bits of data representative of what the present land object is, say, a kind of an object, such as a hole, floor, wall surface, stair, grassy land or the like. Therefore, the CPU 11 can determine a kind of a land object by detecting attribute data.

The control code is configured by 1 or 2 or more bits in attribute data. The attribute data is included within each polygon to constitute a land object. As a result, the control data is included in each polygon. The control code represents, by 1 or 2 or more bits, a control content, say, “jump”, “climb”, “enter door”, “ladder”, “camera switch”, “sound switch”, etc.

Incidentally, in the above explanation, a kind of a land object was determined by referring to attribute data. However, the method for detecting a land object may be as follows. For example, a land object on which the player object is moving may be detected as a floor object whereby a land object provided at 90 degrees (vertically) with respect to the floor object is detected as a wall or wall surface object. In this case, a land object existing at above the player object will be detected as a ceiling object. That is, a kind of a land object may be determined by a positional relationship, angle or the like relative to the player object.

In either case, a program control code (including a control code, action code, camera code, sound code, and so on) is set in attribute data.

Figure 6 is a memory map illustrating an entire memory space of the RAM 14. The RAM 14 includes various memory areas 201 - 209. For example, the RAM 14

-20CA 02289952 1999-11-16 includes a display list area 201, a program area 202, a frame memory (or image buffer memory) area 203 for temporarily memorizing 1 frame of image data, a Z buffer area 204 for memorizing, dot by dot, depth data of the frame memory area data, an image data area 205, a sound memory area 206, an area 207 for memorizing controller operation state data, a working memory area 208, and register/flag area 209. The memory areas 201 209 are memory spaces to be accessed through the bus control circuit 121 by the CPU 11 or directly by the RCP 12, and assigned with an arbitrary capacity (or memory space) by a game used. Meanwhile, the image data area 205 and the sound memory area 206 are to temporarily memorize image data or sound data required to execute a program transferred to the program area 202, which program is a part of data of game programs for 1 game entire scene (stage) memorized in the memory area 22 of the ROM 21, e.g. a game program required for 1 course or stage. In this manner, if the program required for a certain scene or data part are memorized in the memory areas 202,205,206, it is possible to enhance data processing efficiency and hence image processing speed as compared to the processing by directly reading from the ROM 21 each time the CPU requires.

Specifically, the frame memory area 203 has a memory capacity corresponding to the number of picture elements (pixels or dots) of the display 30 (Figure 1) X the number of bits of color data per pixel, to memorize color data dot by dot corresponding to the pixels on the display 30. The frame memory area 203 temporarily memorizes color data dot by dot when displaying a moving object, such as a player object, fellow object, enemy object, boss object etc. or various other objects such as a land object, background (or stationary) object, etc. that are memorized in the image data area 105.

The Z buffer area 204 has a memory capacity corresponding to the number of picture elements (pixels or dots) of the display 30 X the number of bits of depth data per pixel, to memorize depth data dot by dot corresponding to each pixel on the display 30.

-21 CA 02289952 1999-11-16

The Z buffer area 204 temporarily memorizes depth data dot by dot when displaying a moving and/or stationary object, i.e. a moving object such as a player object, fellow object, enemy object, boss object or the like, and various other objects such as a land object, background (or stationary) object or the like that are memorized in the image data area 205.

The image data area 205 is to memorize coordinate data and texture data for polygons to be constituted in a plurality of sets for each of stationary and/or movable objects for game display memorized in the ROM 21, to which 1 course or stage of data, for example, is transferred from the ROM 21 in advance of their image processing. Incidentally, this image data area 205 also memorizes animation data that has been read out, as required, from the image data area 23 of the external ROM 21.

The sound memory area 206 is transferred by part of the sound data (data of phrase, melody and effect sound) memorized in the memory area of the ROM 21, and temporarily memorize it as sound data to be produced through a sound producing unit 32.

The controller data (operation state data) memory area 207 temporarily memorizes operation state data representative of an operation state read from the controller 40.

The working memory area 208 temporarily memorizes data such as parameters during execution of a program by the CPU 11.

The register/flag area 209 includes register area 209r and flag area 209f. The register area 209r, though not shown, is formed with a plurality of registers to be individually loaded with data. The register area 209r, though not shown, is formed with a plurality of flags to be separately set or reset.

Figure 7 is a main flowchart of the video game system in this embodiment. If a power is turned on, in a first step SI, the CPU 11 at a start sets the video game machine 10

-22CA 02289952 1999-11-16 in a predetermined initial state. For example, the CPU 11 transfers a starting program of the game programs memorized on the program area 22 of the external ROM 21 to the program area 202 of the RAM 14, and sets parameters to their initial values, executing sequentially steps of Figure 7.

The operation of the main flowchart of Figure 7 is carried out, for example, at an interval of 1 frame (l/60th second) or 2 or 3 frames. The steps S2 - S12 are repeatedly executed until the course has been cleared. If the game comes over without successfully clearing the course, in step S14 following step S13 a game over process is performed. If the course clear is successful, the process returns from the step S12 to the step SI.

That is, in the step SI is displayed a game course screen and/or course selecting screen. However, if the game is started after turning on the power, a screen of first course is displayed. If the first course is cleared, a next course is set up.

In the step S2 following the step SI is carried out a controller process. In this process, detection is made on which one was operated of the joystick 45 of the controller 40, cross switch 46 and switches 47A - 47Z. The operation state detection data (controller data) is read in, and the controller data thus read is written onto the controller data area 141 of the RAM 14.

In the step S3 a land object process is performed. This process, though hereinafter explained in detail with reference to a subroutine of Figure 8, includes a calculation of a land object display position and shape based on a program partly transferred from the memory area 22c and land object polygon data transferred from the memory area (Figure 5)·

In the step S4 a process is executed to determine an action for the player object. Concretely, as explained hereinafter with reference to Figure 9 to Figure 26, determination is made on an action for the player object according to a control code or

-23CA 02289952 1999-11-16 action code explained before.

In step S5 a process is performed to display a player object. This process is basically a process to cause changes in position, direction, shape and location on the basis of a joystick 45 operating state (controller data) operated by a player and the presence or absence of enemy attack. For example, the polygon data after change is determined by calculation based on the program transferred from the memory area 22e (Figure 5) of the external ROM 21, the player object polygon data transferred from the memory area 23a, and the controller data, i.e. joystick 45 operating state. Colors are given by texture data to a plurality of polygons obtained by the above.

The step S6 is a step to cany out a camera determination process. In concrete, it is determined which virtual camera of a plurality of virtual cameras is to be used in taking pictures of an object in a virtual three dimensional space, according to a switch code (control code) contained in land object data explained before. This will be hereinafter explained in detail with reference to Figure 27 to Figure 36.

In the step S7 a camera process is carried out. For example, a coordinate of a visual point to the object is calculated such that a line or field of sight as viewed through a viewfinder of the virtual camera comes to an angle designated through the joystick 45 by the player.

In the step S8 the RSP 122 performs a rendering process. That is, the RCP 12 under the control of CPU 11 performs transformation (coordinate transformation and frame memory rendering) on the image data to display a movable object and stationary object based on the texture data for the movable object, such as an enemy object, player object, or the like, and the stationary object, such as for background, memorized in the image data area 201 of the RAM 14. Specifically, colors are given to a plurality of polygons for each of a plurality of movable objects and stationary objects.

-24CA 02289952 1999-11-16

In the step S9, the CPU 11 performs a sound process based on sound data, such as messages, melody, effect sound, etc. In particular, BGM and the like are switched over according to a melody code (control code) previously set in the land object, as shown in a subroutine of Figure 37.

In the next step S10 the CPU 11 reads out image data memorized on the frame memory area 203 of the RAM 14, according to a result of the rendering process of the step S7. Accordingly, a player object, moving object, stationary object and enemy object, and the like are displayed on a display screen of the display 30 (Figure 1, Figure 2).

In the step Sil, the RCP 12 reads out the sound data obtained as a result of the sound processing of the step SI8, thereby outputting sound such as melody, effect sound, conversation, etc.

In the step S12 whether the course was cleared or not is determined (course clear detection). If the course was not cleared, it is determined in the step S13 whether the game is over or not. If not game over, process returns to the step S2 to repeat the steps S2 - S13 until a condition of game over is detected. If a game over condition is detected, i.e. the number of mistakes permitted for the player reaches a predetermined number of times or the life of player object is consumed by a predetermined amount, then in the step S14 is effected a game over process, such as a selection of game play continuation or backup data memorization.

Incidentally, in the step S12 if a condition of clearing the course (e.g. defeating a boss, etc.) is detected, the course clear process is carried out and thereafter the process returns to the step SI.

Figure 8 is a subroutine of the land object process shown in the step S3 of Figure 7. In a first step 301, the CPU 11 (Figure 2) reads out polygon data, or a land object required at that time, transferred from the image data area 23 (Figure 5) of the external ROM 21 to

-25 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 the image data area 205 (Figure 6) of the internal RAM 14. This polygon data has a control code previously set as required therein, as was explained before. Accordingly, if the step S301 is executed, the same control data is simultaneously read out. Incidentally, the read polygon data containing a control code (action code, camera switch code, sound code or the like) is temporarily held in a display list area 201 of the internal RAM 14.

In step S302 texture data is read out which corresponds to the land object and transferred to the image data area 205 of the internal RAM 14. In step S303 camera data is similarly read out of the image data area 205 which corresponds to that land object. These texture data and camera data are memorized on the display list area 201, similarly to the polygon data.

Then, in step S304 the land object is memorized in the display list area 201. It is determined in step S305 whether the process of from the step S301 to the step S304 has been executed on all the land objects or not. If the determination is “NO”, the process is again executed from the step S301. If all the land objects has been completed of the process, i.e. if “YES” is determined, the subroutine of Figure 8 is ended and the process returns to the main routine.

The action determination process in the step S4 of Figure 7 is carried out, concretely, according to a flowchart shown in Figure 9. That is, in the first step S401 the CPU 11 (Figure 2) detects a state of the player object. That is, whether the player object is in any action or not is detected. If the player object is in a course of an action, “YES” is determined in step S402, and the process advances to the succeeding step S403.

In the step S403 the CPU 11 makes reference to the register/flag area 209 of the RAM 14 shown in Figure 6, and detects a control code or action code contained in the object data of a land object existing at the foot of the player object. The control code or action code, as was explained before, has been previously set within the land object area

- 26CA 02289952 1999-11-16

23b of the external ROM 21 shown in Figure 5, and previously transferred to the image data area 205. The land object data is read onto the display list area 201 every frame.

Consequently, the CPU 11 detects an action code in the display list area 201.

Subsequently, the CPU 11 in step S404 detects whether the player object is in falling or not. That is, the player object is determined in action in the preceding step S402, and it is determined that the action is “fall” action or not.

If the player object is in falling, then the CPU 11 in the next step S405 detects a height of the player object at that time from the land object. The CPU 11 in step S406 determines that the player object should make a landing when the height of the player object from the land object is at a predetermined height, i.e. the height is sufficiently low. At this time, the CPU 11 in the next step S407 causes the player object to begin a landing action.

That is, the CPU 11 in this step S407 causes the player object to change in form based on landing-action animation data memorized in the player object data area 23a of the external ROM 201, and control the RCP 12 to write color data to the frame memory area 203. Incidentally, this animation data is data representative of movement in skeleton of player object. The player object is to be displayed by a combination of the animation data and the polygon data, similarly to the objects. Accordingly, even with same polygon data if animation data is different, the player object changes in action. Due to this, in this step S407 by reading out animation data for landing action the player object can be caused to make a landing action.

If it is determined in the previous step S402 that the player object action state is not “in the course of an action”, the CPU 11 in step S408 detects a control code or action code for a land object existing nearby (in front or at the foot of) the player object from the display list area 201, similarly to the step S403. In the next step S409, the CPU 11 makes

-27CA 02289952 1999-11-16 reference to the attribute data of the land object at the foot of the player object, thereby determining whether the land object is a “hollow” or “hole”. Alternatively, the land object at that time is a hollow or hole may be determined from that there is a floor object located at zero degree (parallel or horizontal) with respect to a moving direction of the player object and the floor object is formed with a downward step.

Where the land object is a “hollow” or “hole”, the CPU in the succeeding step S410 executes a “hole action” subroutine shown in Figure 10. If “NO” is determined in the step S409, then it is determined in step S411 whether the land object is “wall surface or not by the attribute code. However, as stated before, a wall surface object may be detected by an angle (90 degrees) with respect to the player object advancing direction or the floor object. If the land object is a “wall surface”, the CPU 11 in the succeeding step S412 executes a “wall surface action “ subroutine shown in Figure 16. If “NO” is determined in the step S411, then it is determined in step S413 whether the land object is a “door” by the attribute code or an angle to the floor object. Where the land object is a “door”, CPU in the succeeding step S414 executes a “door action” subroutine shown in Figure 23. If “NO” is determined in the step S413, then it is determined in step S415 whether the land object is a “ladder” or not by the attribute code or by an angle to the floor object. Where the land object is a “ladder” the CPU 11 in the succeeding step S416 executes a “ladder action” subroutine shown in Figure 25.

Explanation is herein made on a “hole action” with reference to Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 to Figure 15 related thereto. In the first step S417 of Figure 10, reference is made to the display list area 201 (Figure 6) to detect an action code or control code for the land object at the foot of the player object in front of the hole. More specifically, if the attribute data of a floor object constituting a “hole” includes 1 or 2 bits or more of a control code and the control code is “0”, the control code is set as default to “jump”.

-28CA 02289952 1999-11-16

Meanwhile, the control codes of a floor object constituting a hole includes, besides this, “bottomless pit”, “scene switching”, “not-fall”, “step off’ and so on.

If the control code or action code detected in step S418 is not a “not-fall” code, i.e., where the control code or action code is “jump”, “NO” is determined in the step S418. The CPU 11 in the next step S419 determines a height of the player object at that time from a land object, in a similar manner to the previous step S405.

It is determined in step S420 whether the calculated height of the player object is lower than a predetermined height, e.g. “200 cm”, or not. It is noted that “cm” is by a virtual length unit within a virtual three dimensional space, as applied to the hereunder. If “NO” is determined in this step S420, the CPU 11 in the next step S421 calculates a moving speed of the player object at that time. In step S422 the CPU 11 calculates a distance over which the player object is to jump based on the height calculated in the step S419 and the speed calculated in the speed S421. In the next step S423 the action of a jump is started according to the jump distance.

Figure 11 shows one example of such a jump action that the player object can jump across a hole to an opposite bank because of a short distance LI of the hole. Figure 12 shows one example of such a jump action that because the hole is somewhat long in distance L2 the player object cannot jump across the hole but can lay his hand on the opposite bank. Figure 13 shows one example of such a jump that the hole distance L3 is too long for the player object to jump across the hole or to lay his hand on the opposite bank resulting in fall into the hole. In any of the cases, a jump action required is automatically effected according to a jump code contained in a land object existing thereon.

The distance that the player object can jump across is correlated to a moving speed of the player object. That is, if the player object is running fast, it can jump across a large

-29CA 02289952 1999-11-16 hole alike the distance L. However, when the player object is moving by walk, there may be a case that the player object cannot jump across the hole even if the control code “jump” has been set. Consequently, when the player object is walking, the player object may not jump across but fall into the hole or may be going to fall into a hung position with only the hand laid on the opposite cliff.

Such jump actions can be achieved by reading corresponding animation data from the player object data area 23a of the external ROM 221, as was explained before.

Incidentally, if “YES” is determined in the step S418, i.e. if the control code or action code of a land object in front of the hole is a “not-fall” code, the CPU 11 in step S424 causes the player object to begin an action of not-fall. In this case, the player object is going to fall into the hole but assumes a position of being hung down with only the hand laid on the opposite cliff.

Meanwhile, if in step S420 the height of the player object is determined less than 200 cm, it is determined that no jump should be effected. In step S425 the CPU 11 starts the player object to make an action to fall. That is, if the height or depth of the hole is greater than 200 cm (virtual length), a jump action as mentioned above is executed. If less than 200 cm, the player object is caused to move walking into the hole as it is without jump as shown in Figure 14.

If “NO” is determined in the step S409, in step S411 attribute data or an angle is referred to, thereby determining a kind of a land object is a “wall surface” or not. If “YES” is determined in this step S411, the CPU 11 in step S412 starts an action “wall surface action” which is to be made when the player object is faced with a wall surface. This wall surface action is executed, concretely, according to a flowchart shown in Figure 15.

In the first step S426 of Figure 15, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a control

-30CA 02289952 1999-11-16 code or action code contained in a land object “wall surface” existing nearby the player object is “forbid” that is to forbid the player object from getting over a wall surface. If a “forbid” code, the process returns to the main routine.

When a control code or action code contained in each polygon constituting the wall surface is “climb”, the CPU 11 in step S428 causes the player object to perform a wall-surface climbing action, as shown in Figure 16. In the Figure 16 example, the player object if brought into contact with a wall is put onto the wall surface whereby it is moved over the wall surface in response to player’s joystick 45 operation. Turning upward the joystick 45 causes the player object to climb up the wall surface, while turning it downward cause the player object to move down. If the player object moves up to a wall surface position where the control code “climb” is not set, the player object can no longer lie on the wall surface resulting in fall down. That is, if the wall surface object faced with the player object is set with an action code “climb”, the player object automatically makes an action of climbing up the wall surface. Nevertheless, the moving direction of the player object can be determined through the joystick 45.

Where the control code or action code of the wall surface object is not “forbid” and not “climb” and further a floor object in front of a wall surface object is set as default with control code “jump”, the CPU 11 in step S429 calculates a wall surface height. Thus the player object automatically performs its optimal action in accordance with the calculated wall surface height, as hereinafter described.

At first, the CPU 11 determines in step S430 whether or not the calculated wall surface height lies within a range of from 0 to 25 cm, i.e., 0 < H ^25 or not. The height in this range means very low wall surface. In this case, the player object can get over the wall surface as if it went up stairs. Consequently, in the next step S431 the CPU 11 reads required animation data out of the external ROM 21, or RAM 14, for the player object to

-31 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 begin an action “going up stairs” shown in Figure 17. In the Figure 17 example, the wall surface to get over is small in height. Accordingly, the player object can get over the stairs as a wall surface by an action of treading the stairs step by step according to the control code “jump” set in the floor object. In this case, the control code “jump” has previously been set in the floor object in front of the wall surface object, or stairs, as shown in Figure 17.

The CPU 11, in the succeeding step S432, determines whether or not the wall surface height is in a range of from 25 cm to 50 cm, i.e. 25 < H is 50 or not. This range of height means a low wall surface. In this case, the player object can get over the wall surface by jumping. Accordingly, the CPU 11 in the next step S433 reads required animation data out of the ROM 21, or RAM 14, to cause the player object to begin an action “jump” shown in Figure 18. In Figure 18 example, the player object jumps at the front of the wall surface to land thereon, thus getting over the wall surface. In also this case, a control code “jump” has previously been set in a land object, or floor object, in front of the wall surface object, as shown in Figure 18.

In step S434, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the wall surface height is in a range of from 50 cm to 100 cm, i.e., 50 < H is 100 or not. This range of height means a comparatively high wall surface. In this case, the player object can get over the wall surface by light climbing. Accordingly, in the next step S435 the CPU 11 reads out required animation data to cause the player object to begin an action “light climb” shown in Figure 19. In the Figure 19 example of “light climb”, the player object puts his hands on the wall surface as an object so that the body is pushed up atop the wall surface through a hand's chinning force and a foot's jump force. In this case, a control code “jump” has previously been set in a floor on this side of the wall surface, as shown in Figure 19.

In step S436, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the wall surface height is in a

-32CA 02289952 1999-11-16 range of from 100 cm to 150 cm, i.e. 100 < H 150 or not. This range of height means a high wall surface. In this case, the player object can get over the wall surface by usual climbing. Accordingly, the CPU 11 in the next step S437 reads out required animation data to cause the player object to begin an action “middle climb” shown in Figure 20. In the Figure 20 example of “middle climb”, the player object responds to a “jump” code contained in a floor object in front of the floor, and lightly jumps at the front of the objective wall surface put his hand on a wall surface top end. The player object at that time is in floating at feet so that the body is lifted to the wall top end only through a hand's chinning force.

In step S438, the CPU determines whether or not the wall surface height is in a range of from 150 cm to 250 cm, i.e. 150 < H ^250 or not. This range of height means a extremely high wall surface. In this case, the player object can get over the wall surface by hard climbing. Accordingly, the CPU 11 in the next step S439 causes the player object to begin an action “hard climb” shown in Figure 21. In the Figure 21 example of “hard climb”, the player object responds to a control code “jump” in a floor object in front of the objective wall surface, and makes a high jump to put its hand on a wall top end. The player object at feet is in floating so that the body is lifted to a top wall end through only a hand's chinning force.

In this manner, the CPU 11 detects a control code or action code contained in the object data of a land object at or in the vicinity of which the player object is existing, whereby the player object is caused to make an action in accord with the control code or action code, i.e. wall getting over in the embodiment. It should be noted that, where the control code or action code contained in the wall surface object is “climb”, getting over the wall surface is by “climbing” instead of “jumping” as was explained before.

Meanwhile, if a “forbid” code is embedded in the wall surface object, the player object is

-33 CA 02289952 1999-11-16 not allowed to get over the wall surface.

Figure 22 shows a subroutine for “door action ’’shown in step S414 of Figure 9. In the first step S440 of Figure 22, the CPU 11 makes reference to the controller data area 207 of the RAM 14 and determines whether the A button 47A (Figure 1) is being operated by the player or not. If the A button 47A is not being operated, the player is determined not having an intention to cause the player object enter the door, the process being returned as it is to the main routine.

If “YES” is determined in the step S440, the CPU 11 in the next step S441 makes reference to the image data area 205 (Figure 6) and detects a door position from a coordinate position of a polygon constituting the door. In the next step S442, the player object is corrected in position so that the player object is correctly positioned in a position to open the door, based on the door position as detected in the step S441. The corrected player object position is recorded in the image data area 205. Thereafter, in step S443 a door action is carried out. That is, the CPU 11 reads required polygon data or animation data from the image data area 205, to make the player object perform a series of door actions (i.e. to grip a knob, open the door, enter the door, and close the door). Figure 23 illustrates a state that in this door action the player object is going to enter a door. That is, in the “door action” to be executed in the step S413 of Figure 9, the player object is automatically caused to make a door opening and closing action according to a “door code” previously set in a land object shown in Figure 23.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment explanation was made that the “door” is set as a control code or action code in a floor object immediately in front of the door. Contrary to this, the “door” code may be set on the door object.

Figure 24 shows a detail of an action “ladder” to be executed in step S416 of Figure 9. In the first step S444 of Figure 24, the image data area 205 (Figure 6) is referred

-34CA 02289952 1999-11-16 to detect a ladder position from a coordinate position of a polygon constituting the ladder. In the next step S445, the player object is corrected in position such that player object is positioned at the foot of the ladder, based on a ladder position detected by the step S444. The corrected player object position is recorded in the image data area 205. Thereafter, in the step S446 a ladder action is carried out. That is, the CPU 11 reads required polygon data or animation data from the image data 205, and causes the player object to perform a series of a ladder-climbing action, i.e. to put hands and feet on the ladder and alternately move left and right hands and feet on the ladder. Figure 25 illustrates a state that the player object goes up the ladder to a midway thereof. That is, for the “ladder action” to be executed in step S416 of Figure 9, the player object is automatically caused to perform a ladder climbing according to a “ladder” code previously set in a land object shown in Figure 25, i.e. wall surface object.

Explaining in greater detail, in the Figure 25 embodiment no control code “step off’ has been set in the floor object in front of the wall surface object constituting the ladder. Accordingly, the player object can make a “ladder climb” action according to a control code “ladder” for the wall surface object. That is, there is no affection on the ladder climb action unless the control code in the floor object is on “step off’. If a “ladder” code is set on the wall surface, the player object when facing the wall surface with the ladder automatically grips the ladder. Thereafter, the player object goes up the ladder if the player tilts the joystick 45 (Figure 1) up, and comes down if it is tilted down. If the player object reaches an uppermost position of the ladder, the player object automatically steps on a floor close thereto. Meanwhile, if the player object comes from the upper floor to the ladder an “enter ladder” code set in a wall surface object on the back of the ladder is detected so that the player object can go down the ladder according to the code.

-35 CA 02289952 1999-11-16

In this manner, according to this embodiment, it is possible to cause the player object to automatically make a different action depending upon a control code or action code previously contained in a land object where the player object exists. Accordingly, program setting is very easy to control the action of the player object.

Incidentally, a flowchart shown in Figure 26 represents a player object processing operation for the step S5 of the main routine of Figure 7. In the first step S501, the CPU 11 determines whether the player object is in a course of action or not. If in a course of action, a position and pose of the player object are determined so that the player object continues its action. The pose is determined by animation data as was explained before.

If the player object is not in a course of action, the CPU 11 in the following step S503 detects an operation state of the joystick 45 (Figure 1, Figure 4) included in the controller 40. Subsequently, a moving direction, moving speed and position and pose of the player object are determined respectively in steps S503, S504 and S505, according to an operation state of the joystick 45. In step S507, the player object is registered to the display list area 201 (Figure 6) of the RAM 14, similarly to the case after passing through the step S502. In response, the player object is to be displayed depending upon the joystick 45 operation state.

The camera determination process in the step S6 of the Figure 9 main routine is explained in detail with reference to Figure 27 as well as the related figures. In the first step S601 of Figure 27, the CPU 11 makes reference to the data in the image data area 205, and detects a control code (camera code) previously set in the object data of a land object existing underneath the player object. In each of steps S602, S604, S606, S608 and S610, it is determined whether the detected control code is a first camera code, second camera code, third camera code, fourth camera code or fifth camera code.

Explanation is made herein on a first camera, second camera, third camera, fourth

-36CA 02289952 1999-11-16 camera, and fifth camera which have been placed in the virtual three dimensional space in the embodiment, based on Figure 28. In an example of Figure 28, a longitudinal wall is provided in almost a center of a space that is rectangular in plan, wherein a door is formed on one part of the wall. A third camera is fixedly set up on one side of the door (on side of door opening) which is directed to the door. On an opposite side to the door, a fourth camera is set up. This fourth camera is provided as a zoom camera to take a player object that is going to open and enter the door. Furthermore, a second camera and fifth camera are individually, fixedly set up at two respective comers in the space. The first camera is provided as a movable camera which is allowed to move following the player object.

Camera control is explained below on an assumption of this embodiment having the five virtual cameras in the three dimensional space as above. However, it is needless to say that the number, arrangement and function or roll (fixing, moving, zooming, etc.) can be appropriately modified as required.

Note that in Figure 28 the terms “first camera”, “second camera”,..., “fifth camera” given in blocks (rectangular lattices) respectively represent control codes, or camera codes, previously having been set in the land objects of this three dimensional space. Consequently, when the player object is existing in one block, the player object will be taken by a camera corresponding to a camera code having been set on that block.

Referring back to Figure 27, if a first camera code is detected in step S602, then in the following step S603 a first camera control program is selectively set. The camera control program, as explained before, is set in the camera control program area 22f (Figure 5) of the external ROM 21, which is transferred as required to the program area 202 of the internal RAM 14. Accordingly, the CPU 11 in step S603 reads a first camera control program out of the program area 202 (Figure 6).

The first camera control program is a control program for the first camera, and the

-37CA 02289952 1999-11-16 first camera is arranged to move following the player object as described before. In the first camera control program detailed in Figure 29, in step S612 the data in the image data area 205 (Figure 6) is first referred to detect a position of the player object. In the next step S613, the CPU 11 determines a position of the first camera such that the distance from the player object to the first camera becomes constant. In step S614 the first camera is directed of picture taking direction to the player object. Accordingly, the first camera is to take a player object-back view with a constant distance.

In a second camera control program to be executed in step S605 (Figure 27), in the first step S615 a position of the player object is detected as shown in Figure 31, similarly to the former step S612 (Figure 29). Then, in step S616, the second camera is directed of picture taking direction to the player object. That is, the second camera is to take the player object from a fixed position shown in Figure 28.

Incidentally, because the fifth camera is a fixed camera likewise the second camera, a fifth camera control program to be selected in step S611 is similar to the second camera control program of Figure 31.

The third camera is fixedly set up in front of the door as was shown in Figure 28. Accordingly, the third camera is to merely take the player object entering or exiting the door from a constant distance point. Due to this, the third camera control program of step S607 (Figure 27) includes the step S617 of Figure 32. In this step S617 the third camera is directed of picture taking direction to the door. Accordingly, the manner the player object is entering or exiting the door will be taken by the third camera, as shown in Figure 33.

Figure 34 shows a detail of a fourth camera control program to be executed in step S609 of Figure 27. The fourth camera is chosen, as will be well understood from Figure 28, when detected is a fourth camera code having been set on a block to which the player

-38CA 02289952 1999-11-16 object has entered. In the first step S618 of Figure 34, the number of frames is detected after detecting a fourth camera code and step S609 is entered, i.e. after camera change over. This is because there are two ways in which the fourth camera takes the player object. If the number of the frames is less than a predetermined number , i.e. when immediately after camera change over, “YES” is determined in step S619. In this case, the CPU 11 in step S620 controls the fourth camera such that the fourth camera takes, from a predetermined position, the player object entering the door. The player object taken by the fourth camera in the step S620 is illustrated in Figure 35. As will be understood from Figure 35, the fourth camera fixedly provided at the position shown in Figure 28, in the step S620 wherein at immediately after camera change over, takes as a distant view the player object entering the door. That is, the fourth camera takes a comparatively wide range including the player object. Consequently, where the player object is entering the door as in this embodiment, from overall-view display the player can readily understand where the player object as a hero is now existing.

Before elapsing a predetermined number of frames or time from the camera change over but not immediately after that camera change over, “NO” is determined in step S621. In this case, in the following step S622 the CPU 11 causes the fourth camera to zoom up in order to take as a close-range view the player object, as shown in Figure 36. That is, the picture taking is in a comparatively narrow range but including the player object.

If a predetermined number of frames has elapsed, “YES” is determined in the step S621. In this case, the CPU 11 switches from the fourth camera over to the first camera, as shown in step S623.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, it is possible to automatically switch over the camera to take the player object and its function depending upon a control

-39CA 02289952 1999-11-16 code, or camera code, previously contained in a land object where the player object is existing. Consequently, even where troublesome camera switching is necessary, it is very easy for a program to set up therefor. Meanwhile, where the camera is switched depending upon a position of the player object (X-Y coordinate position), camera switching if same in X-Y coordinate is effected similar irrespective of a Z coordinate, or height. On the contrary, in the method of this embodiment the camera switching codes are embedded in the land objects. Accordingly, in the case of in a same X-Y plane but different in height (Z), it is possible to set a different land object, i.e. camera code, and hence a differenct camera. That is, in the embodiment, camera switching is feasible in a three dimensional fashion.

Incidentally, after ending any of the steps S620, S622 and S623, the process returns to the main routine.

Referring to Figure 37, the explanation is made in detail on the step S9 of the Figure 7 main routine, i.e. sound processing. This sound processing utilizes the control codes explained before. Consequently, in the first step S624 of Figure 37, reference is made to the image data area 205 to detect a control code, or melody code, set on a land object where the player object is existing thereon. In step S625, it is determined whether the control code, or melody code, is on BGM1 or not. The melody code BGM1 is a code to select a first BGM (Back-Ground ). Consequently, after “YES” is determined in step S625, the CPU 11 in step S626 reads melody or sound data for the first BGM out of the sound memory area 206 shown in Figure 6, and output it to the bus control circuit 121 (Figure 2).

If “NO” is determined in step S625, it is determined in step S627 whether or not the control code, or melody code, is for BGM2. The melody code BGM2 is a code to select a second BGM. Accordingly, after “YES” is determined in step S627, the CPU 11

-40CA 02289952 1999-11-16 in step S628 reads melody or sound data for the second BGM out of the sound memory area 206, and outputs to the bus control circuit 121.

After “NO” is determined in both steps S625 and S627, the CPU 11 in step S629 determines whether the control code, or melody code, is for “outcry” or not. The melody 5 code “outcry” is a code to generate a effect sound of outcry. Consequently, after “YES” is determined in the step S629, the CPU 11 in step S630 reads sound data for “outcry” out of the sound memory area 206, and outputs it to the bus control circuit 21.

Incidentally, when the control code or melody code or sound code is different from the ones described above, then in step S631 another one of sound data is set up.

In this manner, according to this embodiment, it is possible to automatically switch the sound to generate it in accordance with a control code, or sound code, contained in a land object where the player object exists. Accordingly, even where troublesome control is necessary for switching sound, it is easy for a program to set up therefor.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.