Game device and image processing device

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, image processing method, and data processing method for a game device providing novel game features. In a multiple-player game device 1 comprising mutually coupled input mechanisms 31 , it is possible for a game to be played by fewer people than the aforementioned number of players, by using a portion of the input mechanisms 31 , the coupling of the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by the fewer number of players being disengaged in cases where a game is played by a fewer number of players.

1 . A multiple-player game device having input mechanisms which are operated by a plurality of people and are mutually coupled, 
 wherein a game can be played by a smaller number of people than said plurality of people, by using a portion of the input mechanisms, and when a game is played by said smaller number of people, the coupling to input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by said smaller number of players is disengaged.    
   
   
       2 . The game device according to  claim 1 , wherein the input mechanisms other than the input mechanisms used by said smaller number of players are fixed, when a game is played by said smaller number of people.  
   
   
       3 . A game device modeled on a mechanism wherein two mutually coupled operating means are operated respectively by two people positioned facing to said means, 
 comprising one display means for displaying images relating to the operation of these mechanisms, and two operating means which can be operated by two players located in positions whereby they are facing in the same direction towards said display means.    
   
   
       4 . A game device comprising input mechanisms having an operating section operated by a player, at one end thereof, and a support section supported axially with respect to the main body of the device, at the other end thereof, and display means displaying the contents of a game, said display means being provided in a position on the support section side as viewed from the operating sections of the input mechanisms, such that it faces towards the operating section side, 
 wherein the operating sections of the input mechanisms perform a reciprocal movement about a central position higher than the support sections, and the display screen of said display means is inclined in a gravitational direction.    
   
   
       5 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . An image processing device for implementing processing whereby images of a first object and a second object in a virtual three-dimensional space as viewed from a specified viewpoint are displayed on display means, comprising: 
 shadow forming means for forming a shadow of the first object on the surface of the second object, within a specified range whereby an observer is able to perceive the positional relationship between the first and second objects; and    shadow changing means for restoring the shadow to a position within said specified range, when the position of the shadow has moved outside said specified range.    
   
   
       9 . The image processing device according to  claim 8 , wherein said shadow forming means sets a light source in said virtual three-dimensional space in such a manner that a shadow is formed within said specified range, and, in cases where the position of the shadow has moved beyond said specified range, due to the fact that the position of the light source has changed with respect to the first object, second object and viewpoint, said shadow changing means causes the light source to move inside said range by moving the light source further in the direction that it has moved.  
   
   
       10 . The image processing device according to  claim 8  or  9 , wherein said specified range is in a position in an approximate sideways direction, as observed from said viewpoint, from a vertical line linking the first object to said plane of the second object.  
   
   
       11 . The image processing device according to  claim 8  or  9 , wherein said specified range is in a position between 45 degrees to the front right and 45 degrees to the rear right, or 45 degrees to the rear left and 45 degrees to the front left, as observed from said viewpoint, from a vertical line linking the first object to said plane of the second object.  
   
   
       12 . The image processing device according to  claim 8  or  9 , wherein said plane on the second object is a broad flat plane simulating a land surface, and a scene is depicted wherein the first object jumps and falls from the vicinity of said plane of the second object onto said plane in an approximately perpendicular direction.  
   
   
       13 . An image processing method for displaying, on display means, images depicting a first object and a second object in a virtual three-dimensional space as viewed from a specified viewpoint, comprising: 
 a shadow forming step for forming a shadow of the first object within a specified range on the surface of the second object whereby the positional relationship between the first and second objects can be perceived; and    a shadow changing step for restoring the shadow to a position within said specified range, when the position of the shadow has moved outside said specified range.    
   
   
       14 - 30 . (canceled)  
   
   
       31 . A game device comprising points deducting means for deducting a specified number of points corresponding to points deduction events occurring during a game, and points deduction display means for providing specified displays on the basis of the points deduction status, 
 wherein, in cases where it will be unable to continue the game if the specified number of points are deducted on the basis of a points deduction event occurring in a state where the remaining points score is higher than the minimum points level required to continue playing the game, said points deducting means deducts points up to the minimum points level required to continue playing.    
   
   
       32 . The game device according to claim  30  or  claim 31 , wherein said points deducting means displays pictures corresponding to the players' current points score.  
   
   
       33 . A data processing method in a game device comprising points deduction display means for providing specified displays on the basis of the points deduction status in a game, 
 wherein specified numbers of points to be deducted are determined respectively for points deduction events, but if the end of the game is imminent, a number of points smaller than the specified number of points to be deducted, corresponding to a points deduction event occurring during the game, are deducted.    
   
   
       34 . A game device comprising the image processing device according to  claim 8  or  9 .  
   
   
       35 . A medium storing programs for implementing the image processing method or data processing method according to  claim 33.