Image processing for a game

Abstract

This image processing device for games is a device whereby a prescribed number of models (characters) are setup in virtual space, these models are controlled such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and images of this virtual space from a virtual viewpoint are displayed on means for display. In order to display the movement of the models that are arranged in virtual space more realistically, in one construction thereof, this device is provided with means for image processing that apply virtual centripetal force to the models. Furthermore, in order to display the movement of the models more realistically and to heighten the dramatic effect, in one construction thereof, this device is equipped with means for processing residual image presentation in order to represent the track of movement of a model as residual images. This means for processing is equipped with means for storage that store without modification motion data of the model prior to the current motion and with means for display control that display this stored data together with the current motion data.

1 - 18 . (canceled)  
   
   
       19 . An image processing device for a combat type game, the device being arranged i) to set up in virtual space a first model being controlled by a player and a second controlled model where the first model and the second model combat each other; and ii) to control the models such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space and cause a display means to display images of a virtual space from a virtual viewpoint, the device comprising: 
 means for image processing whereby execution of a prescribed motion operation by a player controlling the first model, while the game is in progress, causes a virtual attractive force to be set up to act between the first model and the second model and to cause the first model to automatically move around the second model being a center of the virtual attractive force.    
   
   
       20 . The image processing device according to  claim 19 , wherein the image processing means is further operable so that an amount of frictional force that is applied to the models varies according to whether the models are moving or whether they are stationary.  
   
   
       21 . The image processing device according to  claim 19  or  claim 20 , wherein the image processing means is further operable so that a projection image of the models is displayed matching the surface shape of a stage on which the models are placed.  
   
   
       22 . The image processing device according to  claim 19  or  claim 20 , wherein the image processing means is further operable so that a determination is performed of an overlap of a field of view created by the virtual viewpoint with respect to the model that is the subject of display and another model which is not set as the subject of display, and, if the result of this determination is affirmative, the other model is not displayed.  
   
   
       23 . The image processing device according to  claim 19  or  claim 20 , wherein the image processing means is further operable so that, with respect to the end-point of a predetermined movement track of the model, a target point is set up different from the end-point and the movement track is interpolated such that the end-point coincides with the target point.  
   
   
       24 . The image processing device according to  claim 19  or  claim 20 , wherein the image processing means is further operable so that a difference of level at which the model is positioned in the virtual space is found and the action that is applied to the model is interpolated in accordance with this level difference.  
   
   
       25 . A game device including the image processing device according to  claim 19 .  
   
   
       26 . The game device according to  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 input means for controlling the movement of the models, the input means including direction keys for specifying the direction of action of a model in question vertically or horizontally, wherein the image processing means executes image processing in response to operation of the direction keys such as to effect automatic circular movement of the model.    
   
   
       27 . A recording medium on which is recorded an image processing program adapted to control the operation of a games device in the playing of a combat type game so as to i) set up in virtual space a first model being controlled by a player and a second controlled model, wherein the first model and the second model combat each other; and ii) control the models such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space and to cause a display means to display images of this virtual space from a virtual viewpoint; 
 and to perform image processing whereby the execution of a prescribed motion operation, while the game is in progress, by a player controlling the first model causes a virtual attractive force to be set up to act between the first model and the second model and causes the first model automatically to move around the second model being a center of the virtual attractive force.