Game device, game processing method and information recording medium

Abstract

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

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to a video game device, and particularly relates to a game device capable of expressing more realistic images in game devices installed at an amusement center or home and an image processing device used in such game device.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Pursuant to the development of computer technology, video game devices using computer graphics technology have come into general use. Video game devices of this kind are widely accepted by the users. A number of game devices of various kinds has been devised, and a variety of game software corresponding to such devices is being supplied.[0005]In order for users to further enjoy video games, it is desirable that images with more realistic expressions are displayed on a screen. In vehicle races such as a car race, for example, it is desirable that the movement of vehicles or background is expressed naturally.[0006]As on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a game device that makes a work memory read from the storage means, prior to image processing, background data required in games for displaying a moving object within a virtual three-dimensional space together with the background, by pre-reading the background data from the storage means using a reference line set at a distant position in a specified distance away from the limit line of the visual field direction of display. The invention also includes a storage means that stores the background data by previously dividing it into a plurality of areas, and a reading means for storing the background data of the area judged as being crossed with the reference line by this judging means in the work memory. The invention also includes a counting means for detecting whether the moving object exists within the respective areas equivalent to the memory blocks storing background data of the work memory, and a determining means for determining a plurality of consecutive memory blocks when background data to be stored requires a plurality of memory blocks. The technical effects of the invention include improving the speed and efficiency of game development and reducing the amount of memory needed for storing background data.

Problems solved by technology

However, in case of games in which consecutive movement of characters gives a great deal of influence to the nature of the game, as in a car race game, etc., background data required to be read together with the movement of the vehicle amount to a huge volume.

Accordingly, such data reading control becomes very complicated.

For example, if data reading is executed upon temporarily suspending image processing as in the case of RPG, the game will stop and would not be effective in a car race game.

Reading into a memory all of the background data of the vast game space from a CD-ROM, etc. is practically impossible from the perspective of memory space and time required for reading.

In other words, it becomes very difficult for the device to simply figure out the running route block on which the car may run in the near future and pre-read background data based on the current speed or location of the vehicle.

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