Program, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

This provides players with an environment where they can enjoy content more easily and conveniently by utilizing settings to improve image quality. [Solution] The game processing execution means 60 executes various processes related to the game. The input operation receiving means 62 receives game-related input operations from the player. The image generation means 64 generates a setting image related to whether or not the player uses the frame generation function. The image display means 66 automatically displays the setting image generated by the image generation means 64 on the output unit 16 of the game device 1 at the timing of game startup. The processing status management means 68 checks and manages whether or not the frame generation process being executed by the game device 1 is being carried out normally. The hardware information acquisition means 70 acquires hardware information related to the game device 1 used by the player.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in content such as games, image generation technology plays an important role. For example, Patent Document 1 (especially paragraph 0052, etc.) discloses a technology related to so-called rendering. In this rendering method, since the frame rate is determined by the performance of the hardware, the image quality of the moving image to be displayed may be insufficient depending on the performance of the hardware used. Therefore, in recent years, as described in Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3, for example, a technology (hereinafter referred to as "frame generation") has been proposed in which virtual frames are inserted by using a technology such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) between frames generated according to the hardware specifications, thereby generating a smoother moving image.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0005] However, while the technology to improve image quality exists in the prior art documents mentioned above, if it were implemented as a default feature in games, there is a risk that the PC may not function properly depending on the performance of the driver used by the player (i.e., crashes or freezes). Therefore, the frame generation function must be turned off under normal circumstances. As a result, even if a game implements a frame generation function, the player has to go to the trouble of checking certain items in the settings screen and consider the performance of the driver they are using before turning on the frame generation function. In this situation, it is not only troublesome for the player to find the settings related to frame generation, but for players who are not familiar with their PC's performance, it is not only difficult to determine whether it is okay to turn on the frame generation function in the first place, but it is also not uncommon for them to end up not being able to use the frame generation function at all.

[0006] This disclosure is made in light of these circumstances and aims to provide an environment in which players can more easily and simply use settings to improve image quality and enjoy content more.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this disclosure is: The information processing device used in games An image generation means for generating a setting image related to changing settings for improving image quality, Image presentation means that automatically presents the generated setting image, To make it function as, The image generation means generates a new second frame based on the first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware, and generates a setting image relating to whether or not to perform processing to improve image quality. It is a program.

[0008] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the image presentation means may present the setting image at a predetermined timing related to the startup of the game.

[0009] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the image presentation means may present the setting image and a description of the setting image together.

[0010] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the above-described program may also function as a first setting change means that, if a normal calculation is not performed in the calculation process for generating a new second frame, does not store the setting for improving image quality and changes it to a setting for not improving image quality.

[0011] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the above-described program may also function as a first setting storage means that, when the setting to improve image quality is made and the calculation process for generating a new second frame is started, plays back the image of the game and stores the setting to improve image quality after a certain period of time has elapsed since the calculation process for generating a new second frame was started.

[0012] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the above-described program may also function as a second setting storage means that, when the setting to improve image quality is made and the calculation process for generating a new second frame is started, does not play back the game image, and stores the setting to improve image quality after a certain period of time has elapsed since the calculation process for generating a new second frame was started.

[0013] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the program described above may also function as a second setting change means that, when the game is terminated, changes the setting relating to improving image quality to a setting that does not improve image quality.

[0014] Furthermore, in the first aspect, if the image presentation means fails to perform a normal calculation in the calculation process for generating a new second frame, it does not need to perform the process of presenting the setting image thereafter.

[0015] Also, in a first aspect, the above program may further function as information acquisition means for acquiring device information regarding the performance of arithmetic processing of the information processing apparatus related to the game. When the device information of the target information processing apparatus and the device information acquired when arithmetic processing related to generation of the new second frame has not been normally executed in the past are different, the image generation means may execute a process of generating the setting image.

[0016] Also, in a first aspect, the image presentation means may present an image prompting to change the driver of the target information processing apparatus to the latest one.

[0017] Also, in a first aspect, when the above program is set to improve the image quality, it may further function as a changing means for changing the frequency of the newly generated second frame according to the processing status of the game.

[0018] Also, in a first aspect, when the acquired device information does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the image presentation means may not execute a process of presenting the setting image.

[0019] Also, a second aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus related to a game, An image generation step of generating a setting image related to a change in a setting for improving the image quality of an image, An image presentation step of automatically presenting the generated setting image, Including The image generation step generates the setting image related to a setting of whether to newly generate a second frame from a first frame generated within a range of limitations defined by hardware. It is an information processing method.

[0020] Also, a third aspect of the present disclosure is An information processing system related to a game, An image generation means for generating a setting image related to changing settings for improving image quality, Image presentation means that automatically presents the generated setting image, Equipped with, The image generation means generates a setting image relating to whether or not to generate a new second frame from the first frame, which was generated within the limits defined by the hardware. It is an information processing system.

[0021] An information processing method and information processing system according to one aspect of this disclosure are also provided as an information processing method or information processing system corresponding to a program according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to this disclosure, players can more easily and simply utilize settings to improve image quality, providing an environment where they can enjoy content more. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of a game device and a server that constitute an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a different example from the example in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the flow of various processes performed by a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] [Embodiment] First, before describing embodiments of the present invention, a brief explanation will be given regarding frame generation in an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this system"). As described above, the frame generation method used in this system involves inserting virtual frames between frames generated by the hardware specifications using technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), thereby generating smoother video. Specifically, the technologies described in Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3 above are typical examples of frame generation technologies. Such frame generation techniques offer advantages such as the following: (1) Processing can be performed with a lower load than achieving a high frame rate through hardware performance. (2) Even if the hardware performance is not very high, it is possible to generate smooth video images that are similar to those produced when processed with high-performance hardware. In other words, frame generation technology does not depend on the performance of the hardware and can generate high-quality images solely through software processing. Given these advantages, frame generation technology appears to be widely applicable to games and other applications. However, even when performing frame generation, although the processing load is somewhat lower compared to normal rendering, there are still a significant number of cases where the frame generation process does not function correctly (hereinafter referred to as a "crash") depending on the performance of the drivers used by the user playing the game (hereinafter referred to as "player"). One of the objectives of this system is to provide an environment in which players can easily and simply use frame generation functions while taking into account the possibility of such crashes. In the claims of this application, the first frame refers to, for example, a frame generated by the hardware specifications described above. In addition, the second frame refers to, for example, a frame virtually generated by the AI ​​or other technologies described above.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, this system consists of a game device 1 and a server 2. The game device 1 and the server 2 are interconnected via a predetermined network N, such as the Internet. However, the network N is not a mandatory component; for example, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth (registered trademark), LAN (Local Area Network), etc., may be used. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "image," it includes both "moving images" and "still images."

[0026] Game device 1 is used by players who wish to apply the services provided by this system. Game device 1 consists of a general-purpose home game console, PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, tablet, etc. Game device 1 performs various processes necessary for the progress of this game.

[0027] Server 2 is managed by the system administrator, etc. Server 2 is composed of a general-purpose PC or similar device. Server 2 communicates with game device 1, etc., and saves and manages various information necessary for the progress of this game.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the game device 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0030] The control unit 11 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, GPU, and semiconductor memory. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. RAM13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to perform various processes.

[0031] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0032] The output unit 16 outputs image information or audio information to a display or speaker. The image information or audio information output by the output unit 16 is output from the display or speaker in a format that can be recognized by a person as an image or sound.

[0033] The input unit 17 is, for example, a game controller, and it inputs various information in response to the player's input operations.

[0034] The memory unit 18 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 18 stores various game programs necessary for game progression, save data, account information, and so on.

[0035] The communications unit 19 controls communications with other hardware, etc., via the network N, including the Internet.

[0036] A drive 20 is provided as needed. A removable media 31, consisting of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. Various programs for running the game are stored in the removable media 31. Programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. Furthermore, the removable media 31 can store various types of information stored in the memory unit 18, just as the memory unit 18 does.

[0037] Here, the hardware configuration of Server 2 can be basically the same as that of Game Device 1, so we will omit the explanation.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of a game device and server constituting an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 of the game device 1 functions as a game processing execution means 60, an input operation receiving means 62, an image generation means 64, an image presentation means 66, a processing status management means 68, a hardware information acquisition means 70, and an output control means 72 by executing various programs.

[0039] The game processing execution means 60 of the game device 1 performs various processes related to the game. Specifically, the game processing execution means 60 executes the game program and generates 2D or 3D images and sounds related to the game, by reading virtual game space objects and textures included in the game information from a storage unit (not shown) in accordance with various input operations from the player or other users. In other words, the game processing execution means 60 controls the progress of the game by generating and managing game images of the game based on input operations and the position and angle of the virtual camera. Furthermore, the game processing execution means 60 transmits various information related to the game to the server 2 as appropriate.

[0040] The input operation receiving means 62 receives game-related input operations from the player. The information regarding input operations received by the input operation receiving means 62 (hereinafter referred to as "input operation information") includes information regarding the type of button or analog stick used for the input operation, information regarding the time the input operation was performed, and information regarding the number of times the button was pressed.

[0041] The image generation means 64 generates a setting image relating to a change in the setting for improving the image quality. Based on the first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware, the image generation means 64 generates a new second frame and generates the setting image relating to whether or not to perform the process to improve the image quality. Specifically, the image generation means 64 generates a game image (hereinafter referred to as the "settings image") relating to the setting of whether or not the player uses the frame generation function. An example of a settings image for this system will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0042] The image display means 66 automatically displays the generated setting image. Specifically, the image display means 66 automatically displays the setting image generated by the image generation means 64 on the output unit 16 of the game device 1, for example, at the time the game is started.

[0043] The processing status management means 68 checks and manages the status of various processes related to frame generation. Specifically, the processing status management means 68 checks and manages whether the various processes related to frame generation (hereinafter referred to as "frame generation processes") being executed by the game device 1 are being carried out normally. The processing status management means 68 also stores the contents of the settings related to frame generation. Here, the processing status management means 68 is provided with a setting change means 80. If the calculation process for generating a new second frame fails to execute normally, the setting change means 80 does not store the setting to improve image quality and changes it to the setting not to improve image quality. Specifically, the setting change means 80, if the frame generation process is not performed correctly (for example, if a crash occurs), does not remember the player's settings regarding frame generation and forcibly changes the setting to one where frame generation is not performed. As a result, even if a crash occurs due to frame generation, the system can start the game normally when it is started again.

[0044] The hardware information acquisition means 70 acquires device information relating to the performance of the calculation processing of the information processing device related to the game. Specifically, the hardware information acquisition means 70 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as hardware information) relating to the game device 1 (especially the driver) used by the player. The hardware information includes, for example, the driver's product number, manufacturing date, and product brand, and this system acquires hardware information by methods such as internet cloning.

[0045] The output control means 72 performs various processes to display various game images, sounds, etc., generated by the game processing execution means 60 on the output unit 16.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 100 of server 2 executes various programs, thereby enabling the game information management means 120 to function.

[0047] The game information management means 120 of server 2 manages various information necessary for the game to progress on game device 1 and executes various processes. Specifically, for example, the game information management means 120 performs authentication for account information transmitted from game device 1, and delivers game information in response to download requests for various game information from game device 1.

[0048] Figure 4 shows an example of an image displayed on a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, in the example in Figure 4, the message "You can use a frame generation function to smooth the rendering of the screen. Do you want to enable this function?" is displayed, and "Yes" is selected by the player's input operation in response to this message. The system can, for example, present such a setting image as a game image when the game is started, allowing the player to choose whether or not to use the frame generation function. By automatically presenting such an image and allowing the player to select the settings related to frame generation, the system can provide the player with an opportunity to easily use the frame generation function. In the example in Figure 4, the system executes all processing related to the generation of game images (generation of normal game images and generation of virtual game images) after the player has selected to use frame generation. That is, in the method shown in Figure 4, the decision to turn frame generation on or off is made before generating the game images that require rendering, and the game images that require rendering are not generated before the decision to turn frame generation on or off is made. As a result, the system can present smooth game images using frame generation without causing the player any discomfort.

[0049] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a game device constituting an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a different example from the example in Figure 4. In the example in Figure 5, while a moving image in the game is being played, the message "You can use a frame generation function to smooth the rendering of the screen. Do you want to enable this function?" is displayed. In the example in Figure 5, the system generates normal game images without using frame generation, and after the player selects to use frame generation, it uses the frame generation function to generate game images. In other words, in the method shown in Figure 5, the generation of game images that require rendering is performed even before deciding whether to turn frame generation on or off. As a result, the system can reduce the load at startup compared to the example in Figure 4. Since various programs are running simultaneously when a game starts up, reducing the load at game startup has the advantage of not interfering with the execution of those programs. The system may employ either the processing method in Figure 4 or Figure 5 to perform the processing related to frame generation. Furthermore, this system is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, setting images may be generated and presented to the player at any time during the game, such as after character creation, after the opening sequence, or after a specific event.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an example of the processing flow performed by a game device that constitutes an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] In step S1, the image generation means 64 generates a new second frame based on the first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware, and generates a setting image for setting whether or not to perform processing to improve image quality.

[0052] In step S2, the image display means 66 automatically displays the setting image generated by the image generation means 64 on the output unit 16 of the game device 1, for example, at the time the game is started.

[0053] In step S3, the input operation receiving means 62 receives input from the player regarding the use of frame generation and determines its content. If the player's input operation indicates that no frame should be generated, the input operation receiving means 62 determines step S3 to be NO, and the process terminates. In contrast, if the player's input operation is an input operation to generate a frame, the input operation receiving means 62 determines that step S3 is YES, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0054] In step S4, the processing status management means 68 checks and manages whether the frame generation process being performed by the game device 1 is being carried out normally. If the frame generation process is not performed correctly, the processing status management means 68 determines step S4 as NO, and the process proceeds to step S5. In contrast, if the frame generation process is performed correctly, the processing status management means 68 determines that step S4 is YES, and the process proceeds to S6.

[0055] In step S5, if the frame generation process is not performed correctly, the setting change means 80 forcibly changes the settings related to frame generation to a setting that does not use frame generation.

[0056] In step S6, the processing status management means 68 stores the settings related to frame generation. This completes all processing related to the use of the frame generation function to be executed by the game device 1.

[0057] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the purpose of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0058] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the system was described as not storing the setting to use the frame generation function and changing it to a setting not to use frame generation if the frame generation process does not proceed normally, but it is not limited to this. For example, the system may adopt the following specifications regarding the use of the frame generation function. (1) The system may continue playing game images and remember a setting to use frame generation after a certain period of time has elapsed since the frame generation process began. In this case, if a crash occurs immediately during frame generation, the system will not remember the setting to use frame generation in the first place, and the setting to not use the frame generation function will be applied the next time the system is started, so the game can be started normally the next time the game is launched. (2) The system may store a setting that executes the frame generation process without playing game images, and only uses frame generation if no problems occur during the process for a certain period of time. The system may also display a message to the player, such as "Initial setup complete," once it has determined that no problems occur during the process for a certain period of time, and store the setting for using the frame generation function along with the display of this image. (3) The system may be forcibly changed to a setting that does not use the frame generation function at all times when the game ends. This will make it possible to more reliably reduce the risk of crashes and other problems. The term "when the game ends" as used herein may include cases in which the game ends due to a program malfunction or when the player ends the game.

[0059] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, this system may adopt a specification that does not present setting images to the player if the frame generation process fails. However, the setting images referred to here are, for example, the setting images related to this system shown in Figures 4 and 5 above, and do not necessarily include a general-purpose setting screen that allows the player to arbitrarily switch whether or not to use frame generation. In other words, even if this system adopts a specification that does not present setting images to the player if the frame generation process fails, it may still accept the player's setting for frame generation as part of a general-purpose setting screen.

[0060] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, we will now provide some supplementary information regarding the causes of crashes when generating frames in general. (1) It is possible that the program may not function correctly due to incompatibility between the program that defines the frame generation process and the driver being used. (2) Especially with older drivers, necessary optimizations are often not performed, which can lead to a decrease in frame generation performance or bugs in frame generation. As a result, crashes are also common. (3) Especially with older drivers, the drivers themselves may contain known bugs or defects, and when combined with the new program, frame generation, these bugs or defects may become apparent, potentially leading to a crash. This system incorporates various features that take into account the risk of crashes that may occur due to causes such as those mentioned above, reduce the likelihood of crashes occurring, and minimize the impact on subsequent game launches and other operations even if a crash does occur.

[0061] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, the system may change the frequency of newly generated frames (images) during frame generation depending on the game situation. Normally, immediately after the game starts, the processing load is high because various game programs are being processed. In such situations, including with this system, there is a risk that the processing load will increase even further if frame generation is performed. For this reason, the system may have a specification that changes the target frame rate in frame generation according to the game's progress (processing load), for example, by setting a low target frame rate when performing frame generation from the start of the game until the title screen is displayed, and increasing the target frame rate after the title screen is displayed. Specifically, for example, the system may set a low target frame rate (e.g., 60fps) when performing frame generation at the start of the game, and a high target frame rate (e.g., 120fps) when performing frame generation when the title screen is displayed.

[0062] Furthermore, although not explained in the above-described embodiments (particularly those shown in Figures 4 and 5), this system may, for example, display a message prompting the user to update the driver of the game device 1 to the latest version as part of the settings image, or in conjunction with the settings image.

[0063] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiments (especially the embodiments in Figures 4 and 5), this system may present a message explaining the frame generation function as part of the settings image, or together with the settings image. The explanation of the frame generation function referred to here may be, for example, the explanation "smooths the rendering of the screen" as in the example in Figure 5. In addition, this system may present the player with any explanation regarding frame generation, such as "frame generation is the generation of virtual frames using technologies such as AI."

[0064] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explained that the system acquires driver information relating to the game device 1 as hardware information, it is not limited to this. The system may also acquire information relating to the performance of the game device 1's processing, such as information relating to the control device (GPU, etc.). If this system determines, for example, that the GPU information of game device 1 does not have the performance to handle frame generation (e.g., an old GPU), it may not display the above-mentioned settings image and instead display a different message. In such cases, this system may display a message to the player, for example, "The PC is not compatible, so the game will run with frame generation turned off."

[0065] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, the system may change the frame generation technology it employs depending on the type of control device (such as a GPU) used by the player. As mentioned above, frame generation does not refer to a single technology, but rather to multiple different technologies, each with various different characteristics. Therefore, the system may, for example, select and apply the optimal frame generation technology from among multiple frame generation technologies depending on the type of control device (such as a GPU) used by the player.

[0066] Furthermore, although the frame generation in the above-described embodiment was explained as generating virtual frames using technologies such as AI, it is not limited to this. The system does not necessarily have to use AI for frame generation. For example, the system may generate frames without using a trained model by simply substituting values ​​derived from frames generated according to hardware specifications into a prepared algorithm and calculating the values ​​of new frames.

[0067] Furthermore, although not described in the embodiments described above, this game may be run on any hardware, such as a home game console like PlayStation®, a portable game console like Nintendo Switch®, various game consoles designed for commercial use, or electronic devices such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet.

[0068] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, the content of the games covered by this system is not limited. This system may be applied to any game, such as FPS (First Person Shooter), TPS (Third Person Shooter), RPG (Role Playing Game), action games (including so-called open world games), simulation games, sports games, card games, battle royale (symmetrical and asymmetrical), MOBA (Multiplayer online battle arena), music games, fighting games, quiz games, and so on.

[0069] Furthermore, although not explained in the embodiments described above, this system can also be applied to so-called VR (Virtual Reality) games and AR (Augmented Reality) games.

[0070] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment assumed that the game is intended for single-player gameplay, it is not limited to this. The game may be a so-called multiplayer game in which multiple players participate, not just a solo game.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment was explained as a game whose ultimate goal is to complete, it is not limited to this. The game may be a game that does not presuppose completion.

[0072] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configurations shown in Figure 3 are merely examples and are not particularly limiting. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have a function that can execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 3, and can be arbitrary. Furthermore, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0073] Specifically, for example, this system may consist of multiple game devices 1 connected by a method such as P2P (Peer to Peer), and various processes executed on the server 2 of the above embodiment may be performed by other game devices 1. In other words, the server 2 is not an essential component of this system and is not limited to it.

[0074] Furthermore, the number and users of the various hardware components that make up this system are arbitrary, and it may also include other hardware components.

[0075] Furthermore, when a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium.

[0076] Furthermore, the computer may be one that is built into dedicated hardware. Also, the computer may be one that can perform various functions by installing various programs. In other words, for example, any computer, any mobile device such as a smartphone, any game console, etc., may be freely used as the various hardware in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input and output units may be adopted.

[0077] Furthermore, such a recording medium containing a program may consist not only of a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to a player or the like, but may also consist of a recording medium that is pre-installed in the main unit of the device and provided to the player.

[0078] Furthermore, in this specification, each step in a program stored on a storage medium does not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order described in the embodiments above. It may be processed in a different order, and some processes may be omitted in parallel or individually, or only some processes may be executed.

[0079] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0080] The effects and advantages of this embodiment will also be achieved when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine this embodiment with other embodiments, and other embodiments with each other, as appropriate.

[0081] In summary, the information processing system to which this disclosure applies can take various forms having the following configurations. The information processing device used in games Image generation means (for example, image generation means 64) that generates a setting image for changing the settings for improving image quality, An image presentation means (for example, image presentation means 66) that automatically presents the generated setting image, To make it function as, The image generation means generates a new second frame based on the first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware, and generates a setting image relating to whether or not to perform processing to improve image quality. A program would suffice.

[0082] In other words, the image generation means 64 functions as an image generation means. The image presentation means 66 functions as an image presentation means.

[0083] This allows players to easily utilize features that enhance image quality, enabling them to enjoy games more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1 Game device 11 Control Unit 60 Game Processing Execution Means 62 Input operation receiving means 64 Image generation means 66 Image presentation means 68 Processing status management means 80. Means of changing settings 70 Hardware Information Acquisition Method 72 Output control means 2 servers 100 Control Unit 120 Game Information Management Methods

Claims

1. The information processing device used in games An image generation means for generating a setting image related to changing settings for improving image quality, Image presentation means that automatically presents the generated setting image, To make it function as, The image generation means generates a new second frame based on the first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware, and generates a setting image that determines whether or not to perform processing to improve image quality. program.

2. The image display means displays the setting image at a predetermined timing related to the startup of the game. The program according to claim 1.

3. The image presentation means presents the setting image and the explanation relating to the setting image together. The program according to claim 1.

4. In the calculation process for generating a new second frame, if the calculation process is not performed correctly, the first setting change means further functions to change the setting to not improve image quality, without storing the setting to improve image quality. The program according to claim 1.

5. When the setting to improve image quality is made and the calculation process for generating a new second frame is started, the first setting storage means further functions to store the setting to improve image quality while playing back the game image, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the calculation process for generating a new second frame. The program according to claim 1.

6. When the setting to improve image quality is made and the calculation process for generating a new second frame is started, the game image is not played back, and after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the calculation process for generating a new second frame, the setting to improve image quality is further stored as a second setting storage means. The program according to claim 1.

7. If the aforementioned game is terminated, a second setting change means further functions to change the setting related to improving image quality to a setting that does not improve image quality. The program according to claim 1.

8. If the calculation process for generating a new second frame fails, the image presentation means will not perform the process of presenting the setting image thereafter. The program according to claim 1.

9. It further functions as an information acquisition means for acquiring device information relating to the performance of the calculation processing of the information processing device related to the game, The image generation means executes a process to generate the setting image if the device information of the target information processing device differs from the device information obtained in the past when the calculation process for generating a new second frame was not executed successfully. The program according to claim 1.

10. The image presentation means presents an image prompting the user to update the driver of the target information processing device to the latest version. The program according to claim 1.

11. When the aforementioned setting for improving image quality is made, the following further functions as a means of changing the frequency of the newly generated second frame according to the processing status of the game: The program according to claim 1.

12. The image presentation means does not perform the process of presenting the set image if the acquired device information does not meet predetermined conditions. The program according to claim 9.

13. An information processing method executed by an information processing device related to a game, An image generation step that generates a settings image related to changing settings for improving image quality, An image presentation step that automatically presents the generated setting image, Includes, The image generation step generates a setting image relating to whether or not to generate a new second frame from the first frame, which was generated within the limits defined by the hardware. Information processing methods.

14. An information processing system related to games, An image generation means for generating a setting image related to changing settings for improving image quality, Image presentation means that automatically presents the generated setting image, Equipped with, The image generation means generates a setting image relating to whether or not to generate a new second frame from a first frame generated within the limits defined by the hardware. Information processing system.

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