Game system and game program

The illustrative embodiments relate to game systems and game programs that cause a three-dimensional game space to be displayed on a display device and, more specifically, to a game system and a game program that changes a display area according to positions of objects.

Conventionally, a large number of games where a plurality of objects appear in a three-dimensional space have been available. In such a game, where to set a virtual camera, particularly, which area on the game space is set as a display area, is an important issue. When a plurality of objects are all important objects in the game, the display area is set so that all of these objects can be displayed inside of the display area.

In view of the above, a game system has been devised in which a display area in a game space can be changed so that a plurality of objects can be included in the display area. In such a game system, two frames, an inner frame and an outer frame, are set on a screen. Using these frames, image zoom-up or zoom-down is performed. Here, such a game system is specifically described below by taking a soccer game as an example. When all athlete characters (objects) are present inside of the inner frame, the image is zoomed up (the display area is reduced). When one of the athlete characters goes outside of the outer frame, the image is zoomed down (the display area is enlarged). With this, a plurality of objects (for example, a soccer ball and the athlete characters) can be included in the display area.

In the above exemplary game system, a fixation point on the display area (the fixation point is assumed herein to be the center point of the display area, that is, a point displayed at the center of the screen) is set fixedly at a single specific object. Specifically, since the above game system is for a soccer game, the fixation point is set at a soccer ball object. That is, the display area is determined so that the soccer ball is always displayed near the center of the screen.

However, depending on the game contents, the scheme of setting a fixation point fixedly at a single object may not be appropriate. For example, the scheme may not be appropriate for multiplay-type games where characters are operated by a plurality of players, that is, games where objects to which a plurality of players would pay attention are present on a single screen. In such games, if the fixation point is set fixedly at one particular object, that object is displayed on the center of the screen, and therefore the state of the object and its surroundings is displayed so as to be easy to view. However, other objects and their surroundings are not necessarily displayed so as to be easy to view.

For example, in multiplay-type games, each player pays most attention to a player character operated by that player. That is, each player pays attention to each different character. However, in the conventional scheme, the fixation point is set fixedly at only one of the characters, and that character is always displayed at the center of the screen. Such a display is easy to view for a player who pays most attention to the character displayed on the center of the screen. For other players, however, such a display is not easy to view and might be unfair insofar as viewability of the screen. As such, the scheme of setting the fixation point at one specific point in the game space is not necessarily appropriate when a plurality of objects receiving attention are present because viewability of the object at the fixation point and viewability of other objects are completely different from each other.

The illustrative embodiments provide a game system that allows a plurality of objects to be displayed so as to be easy to view.

The illustrative embodiments adopt the following structure to achieve the object mentioned above. Note that reference characters and numerals in parentheses below are used for exemplary purposes only for the sake of better understanding of the present invention, and do not restrict the scope of the present invention.

A first aspect of the illustrative embodiments is directed to a game system ( 1 ) for causing a three-dimensional virtual game space (game space 71 ) to be displayed on a display device (television 2 ) in a direction of a predetermined line of sight ( 73 ). The three-dimensional virtual game space has a plurality of objects appearing therein. In this game system, at least two of the plurality of objects are set as selected objects (first to third player characters 81 through 83 and first enemy character 84 ). Also, the game system includes line-of-sight direction setting means (CPU 31 executing step S 1 ; only step number is hereinafter referred); frame-setting-plane setting means (S 401 ); frame-coordinate-value calculating means (S 402 ); frame setting means (S 404 through S 419 ); and display control means (S 6 and S 7 ). The line-of-sight direction setting means sets the direction of the line of sight. The frame-setting-plane setting means sets a frame setting plane ( 76 ) in the three-dimensional game space. The frame-coordinate-value calculating means calculates a frame coordinate value. The frame coordinate value indicates, for each of the selected objects, a point of intersection of the frame setting plane and a straight line passing through the selected object in the three-dimensional game space and extending along the line of sight set by the line-of-sight direction setting means. The frame setting means virtually sets a frame (first frame 77 or second frame 78 ) on the frame setting plane, the frame including every position indicated by the frame coordinate value of each of the selected objects. The display control means determines vertices of a view volume based on vertices of the frame set by the frame setting means and causes the game space to be displayed on the display device.

Typically, the display control means determines points on a straight line passing through the vertices of the frame set by the frame setting means and extending along the line of sight set by the line-of-sight direction setting means as the vertices of the view volume.

Also, the frame-setting-plane setting means typically sets a plane perpendicular to the direction of the line of sight set by the line-of-sight direction setting means as the frame setting plane.

A second aspect of the illustrative embodiments is directed to a game system for causing a three-dimensional virtual game space to be displayed on a display device in a direction of a predetermined line of sight. The three-dimensional virtual game space has a plurality of objects appearing therein. In this game system, at least two of the plurality of objects are set as selected objects. The game system includes: viewing point position setting means; frame-setting-plane setting means; frame-coordinate-value calculating means; frame setting means; and display control means. The viewing point position setting means sets a position of a viewing point. The frame-setting-plane setting means sets a frame setting plane in the three-dimensional game space. The frame-coordinate-value calculating means calculates for each of the selected objects, a frame coordinate value indicative of a point of intersection of the frame setting plane and a straight line connecting the selected object in the three-dimensional game space and the position of the viewing point set by the viewing point position setting means. The frame setting means virtually sets a frame on the frame setting plane, the frame including every position indicated by the frame coordinate value of each of the selected objects. The display control means determines vertices of a view volume based on vertices of the frame set by the frame setting means and causes the game space to be displayed on the display device.

Typically, the display control means determines points on a straight line passing through the vertices of the frame set by the frame setting means and extending toward a direction of the viewing point as the vertices of the view volume.

The game system may further include frame expanding means (S 404 through S 411 ). The frame expanding means expands the frame set by the frame setting means by a predetermined width upward, downward, rightward, and leftward on the frame setting plane. At this time, the display control means determines the vertices of the view volume based on the vertices of the frame expanded by the frame expanding means.

When a screen area provided on the display device for displaying the three-dimensional game space is set to have a shape of a rectangle having a predetermined aspect ratio, the game system may further include aspect ratio correcting means (S 507 through S 509 ). The aspect ratio correcting means increases either one of a height or a width of the frame so that an aspect ratio of the frame set by the frame setting means is equal to the predetermined aspect ratio. At this time, the display control means determines the vertices of the view volume based on the vertices of the frame corrected by the aspect ratio correcting means.

Furthermore, the aspect ratio correcting means corrects the frame a center of the frame is not changed before and after correction.

Still further, the game system may be used by a plurality of players for playing a game. At this time, the selected objects at least include a plurality of player characters operated by the plurality of players.

The illustrative embodiments may be provided in a form of a game program to be executed by a computer of a game system or in a form of a storage medium having stored therein the game program. That is, the functions of the above-described game system may be provided by the game program to the game system.

According to the illustrative embodiments, the display area is determined based on the frame virtually set in the three-dimensional game space. As such, by determining the display area (view volume) without using a fixation point, it is possible to prevent a situation in which only a specific single object is displayed at the center of the screen. Therefore, even the game has a plurality of objects to get attention, each object can be displayed similarly. That is, a plurality of objects can be displayed so as to be easy to view.

Also, the display control means determines points on the straight lines each passing through the relevant vertex of the set frame as the vertices of the view volume. With this, the view volume can be easily determined based on the direction of the line of sight.

Furthermore, a plane perpendicular to the direction of the line of sight is set as the frame setting plane. Therefore, the positional relation between the selected objects and the frame on the frame setting plane is identical to that between the selected objects and the display screen on a game image actually displayed. Therefore, the frame can be set with the actual display state being accurately reflected thereon, thereby making it easier to set the frame.

Still further, points on the straight lines connecting the viewing point and the vertices of the frame set by the frame setting means are determined as the vertices of the view volume. With this, the view volume can be easily determined based on the viewing point.

Still further, the frame enlarging means can prevent any selected object from being displayed at the edge of the screen. Therefore, the plurality of selected objects can be displayed so as to be easier to view.

Still further, the size of the display area is changed only when both of the height and the width of the frame are changed by the aspect ratio correcting means. That is, when only either one of the height and the width of the first frame is changed, the size of the display area is not changed. Therefore, frequent changes in size of the display area can be further prevented, thereby improving viewability of the screen. Also, by correcting the aspect ratio, the game image can be prevented from being extended in the height or width direction. The shape of the near clipping plane and the shape of the far clipping plane of the view volume always have a shape similar to the shape of the screen area on which the game image of a game world is to be displayed. Therefore, the game image can be displayed so as to be always easy to view. Furthermore, when the frame is corrected so that the frame deformed by the frame deforming means is positioned at a center of a frame having the corrected aspect ratio, information that would be required for the player(s), that is, the selected objects, are displayed near the center of the screen. Therefore, the game screen can be displayed so as to be easier to view.

Still further, when the selected objects include at least a plurality of player characters operated by a plurality of players, all player characters can be displayed so as to be easy to view. Therefore, a display that is easy to view can be offered to all players.

These and other aspects illustrative embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a game system 1 ;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a game machine 3 ;

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a game space formed by a game according to an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a frame setting plane set in a game space 71 shown FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is an illustration for describing a process of projecting a position of each selected object onto a frame setting plane 76 ;

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a frame set on the frame setting plane 76 ;

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing a state in which the upper side of a first frame 77 is moved;

FIG. 8 is an illustration showing a state in which the lower side of the first frame 77 is moved;

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing a state in which the left side of the first frame 77 is moved;

FIG. 10 is an illustration showing a state in which the right side of the first frame 77 is moved;

FIG. 11 is an illustration showing the first frame 77 and a second frame 78 ;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are illustrations for describing a process of correcting an aspect ratio of the second frame 78 ;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are illustrations for describing processes of determining a display area;

FIG. 14 is an illustration showing a memory map of a work memory 32 ;

FIG. 15 is a main flowchart of a game process to be performed in the game system according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 16 and 17 area flowchart showing a flow of a detailed process of step S 4 shown in FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of a detailed process of step S 5 shown in FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary modification of a first frame setting process; and

FIG. 20 is an illustration for describing a process of projecting the selected objects onto the frame setting plane based on the position of a viewing point.

A game system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment is described below. FIG. 1 is an external view of the game system 1 . In the following, a non-portable game machine is taken as an example of the game system according to the illustrative embodiments for description. However, the game system according to the illustrative embodiments is not restricted to a non-portable game machine, but may be applicable to devices having incorporated therein a computer for executing a game program, such as portable game machines, arcade game machines, portable terminals, cellular phones, or personal computers.

In FIG. 1 , the game system 1 is configured such that a non-portable game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a game machine) 3 is connected via a connection code to a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a television) 2 , which is one example of a display device. The game machine 3 has connected thereto a controller 6 having a plurality of operation switches operable by a player. The game machine 3 has removably inserted therein an optical disc 4 , which is one example of an information storage medium storing a game program. Also, as required, the game machine 3 has removably inserted therein a memory card 5 including, for example, a flash memory for storing save data, etc. The game machine 3 executes the game program stored in the optical disc 4 to cause the execution results to be displayed on the television 2 as a game image. Furthermore, the game machine 3 can use the save data stored in the memory card 5 to play a portion continued from the previously executed portion of the game, or can reproduce the previous state of the game to cause a game image in that state to be displayed on the television 2 . The player of the game machine 3 operates the controller 6 while viewing the game image displayed on the television 2 , thereby enjoying the game.

As described above, the controller 6 is connected to the game machine 3 via the connection code, which is removable from the game machine 3 . The controller 6 is an operation means for mainly operating a player object (typically, a game main character to be controlled by the player) appearing in a game space displayed on the television 2 , and includes input units, such as operation buttons, keys, a stick, etc. Specifically, the controller 6 has formed thereon grip portions held by the player. Furthermore, the controller 6 includes a main stick 61 a and a cross key 61 d , which are operable typically by the left thumb of the player, and a C stick 61 c and an A button 61 b , which are operable typically by the right thumb of the player. The controller 6 further include a B button, an X button, a Y button, a start-pause button, an R button, which is operable typically by the right forefinger of the player, and an L button, which is operable typically by the left forefinger of the player. For example; when the player enjoys a game that will be described further below by operating the controller 6 , the main stick 61 a is used to indicate a movement of the player character operated by the player in a game world. Other operation switches may be used in the course of the game. However, operations of these operation switches are not directly related to the illustrative embodiments and therefore are not described herein. Also, in the game system 1 , with a plurality of controllers 6 being connected to the game machine 3 , a plurality of players can simultaneously play the game.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the structure of the game machine 3 is described below. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game machine 3 . In FIG. 2 , the game machine 3 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 31 of, for example, 128 bits, for executing various programs. The CPU 31 executes a boot program stored in a boot ROM not shown to boot a memory, such as a work memory 32 , once reads the game program stored in the optical disc 4 into the work memory 32 , and then executes the game program for performing game processing in accordance with that game program.

The CPU 31 is connected via a bus to the work memory 32 , a video RAM (VRAM) 33 , an external memory interface (I/F) 34 , a controller interface (I/F) 35 , a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) 36 , and an optical disc drive 37 .

The work memory 32 is a storage area used by the CPU 31 and stores, as appropriate, a game program required for processes to be performed by the CPU 31 . For example, the work memory 32 stores the game program and various data read from the optical disc 4 (refer to FIG. 14 ). These game program and various data stored in the work memory 32 are executed by the CPU 31 . The VRAM 33 stores game image data for displaying a game image on the television 2 . The external memory I/F 34 communicably connects the game machine 3 and the memory card 5 by fitting the memory card 5 in a connector not shown. The CPU 31 accesses a backup memory provided in the memory card 5 via the external memory I/F 34 . The controller I/F 35 communicably connects an external device and the game machine 3 together via a connector not shown. For example, the controller 6 is fitted in the above connector via a connection code and is connected to the game machine 3 via the controller I/F 35 . The GPU 36 is structured, for example, by a semiconductor chip for performing a calculation process, such as a vector operation and a rendering process, required for displaying 3 D graphics in response to an instruction from the CPU 31 . A game image rendered by the GPU 36 is displayed on the television 2 . Upon reception of an instruction from the CPU 31 , the optical disc drive 37 reads the game program and various data including image data and sound data stored in the optical disc 4 .

Next, description is made to a game to be displayed on the television 2 by the game program stored in the optical disc 4 being executed by the game machine 3 . Mainly described herein is a scheme of determining a display area to be displayed on the television 2 from among areas in a game space. Also, the game described below is assumed to be a game that can be played by a plurality of players. Specifically, it is assumed that three players (first to third players) operate three player character (first to third player characters), respectively, appearing on the game. Therefore, although not shown in FIG. 1 , it is assumed in one illustrative embodiment that the controller 6 and at least two other controllers are connected to the game machine. Furthermore, the controller to be used by the first player is referred to as a first controller, the controller to be used by the second player is referred to as a second controller, and the controller to be used by the third player is referred to as a third controller.

First, the display area determining scheme to be performed in the game system according to one illustrative embodiment is schematically described below. In this scheme, the display area is set based on frames (first and second frames, which will be described further below) virtually set in the game space. These frames are set so that objects to be displayed (selected objects, which will be described further below) are displayed inside of the frames. Furthermore, the display area is determined so that at least an area inside of the frames is displayed. With this, the objects to be displayed are positioned within the display area, and therefore can be displayed on the television 2 . In the following, the display area determining scheme to be performed in the game system 1 according to one illustrative embodiment is described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 through 11 .

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the game space formed by the game according to one illustrative embodiment. In the game system 1 , a game screen representing a virtual game space 71 viewed from a direction of a line of sight 73 is displayed on the television 2 . In one illustrative embodiment, the direction of the line of sight 73 is predetermined. In the game space 71 , a plurality of objects appear. In FIG. 3 , the game space 71 includes player characters 81 through 83 operated by the players and a first enemy character 84 whose movement is controlled in the game machine 3 . Here, the first player character 81 is operated by the first player, the second player character 82 is operated by the second player, and the third player character 83 is operated by the third player. Also, since the game space 71 is a three-dimensional game space, the position in the three-dimensional space of each of the objects (typically, the first through three player characters 81 through 83 and the first enemy character 84 ) is represented by using a three-dimensional world coordinate system 72 . That is, the position of each object in the game space is represented by a three-dimensional coordinate value (x, y, z). Such a three-dimensional coordinate value is called a world coordinate value.

In one illustrative embodiment, the objects appearing on the game space 71 are classified into two types, selected objects and non-selected objects. The selected objects are objects that are taken as a reference for determining the display area. Two or more objects selected from the objects appearing on the game space 71 are set as the selected objects. It is assumed in this illustrative embodiment that the type (either a selected object or a non-selected object) is predetermined for each object appearing in the game. Also, the object to which the player is assumed to pay attention is preferably set as a selected object. This is because the display area is determined so as to display all selected objects (however, an exception may be allowed, which will be described further below with reference to FIG. 19 ). In this illustrative embodiment, it is assumed that the player characters 81 through 83 and the first enemy character 84 are set as selected objects. It is also assumed that a second enemy character 85 , which will be described further below, is assumed to be as a non-selected object. For example, the first enemy character 84 may be a boss character which is meant to be important in the game scenario, while a second enemy character 85 may be merely one of ordinary enemy characters appearing in the game space.

FIG. 4 is an illustration showing a frame setting plane set in the game space shown in FIG. 3 . In FIG. 4 , a frame setting plane 76 is set in the game space 71 . The frame setting plane 76 is a plane on which the above-stated frames are set. The frame setting plane 76 is set so as to be perpendicular to the line of sight 73 . Furthermore, in one illustrative embodiment, the position of the frame setting plane 76 is set as follows. That is, for each selected object, a point of intersection of a coordinate axis 73 ′ that is parallel to the line of sight 73 and a line drawn from the three-dimensional coordinate value of the selected object so as to be perpendicular to the coordinate axis 73 ′ is first calculated (for the first enemy character 84 , a point Q shown in FIG. 4 is calculated). Then, of those calculated points for all selected objects, one point having the smallest value on the coordinate axis 73 ′ that runs positive in the direction of the line of sight 73 is specified. Then, the frame setting plane 76 is set at a position located in a direction reverse to the direction of the line of sight 73 and a predetermined distance L away from the specified point having the smallest value.

Also, in FIG. 4 , a two-dimensional frame coordinate system 75 for indicating positions on the frame setting plane 76 is set. An origin 75 a of the frame coordinate system 75 is set to a point to which an origin 72 a of the world coordinate system 72 is projected on the frame setting plane 76 . Specifically, a point of intersection of a line extending from the origin 72 a in parallel with the line of sight 73 and the frame setting plane 76 is taken as the origin 75 a . The X axis and the Y axis of the frame coordinate system 75 are respectively set in the predetermined directions. It is assumed in one illustrative embodiment that the X axis coincides with the width of the display area, while the Y axis coincides with the height of the display area. Here, in order to clearly distinguish the world coordinate system 72 from the frame coordinate system 75 , the world coordinate system 72 is represented by lowercase alphabetical characters (x axis, y axis, and z axis), while the frame coordinate system 75 is represented by uppercase alphabetical characters (X axis and Y axis).

FIG. 5 is an illustration for describing a process of projecting the position of each selected object onto the frame setting plane. After the frame setting plane 76 and the frame coordinate system 75 are set, the position of each selected object is projected onto the frame setting plane 76 . Each selected object is projected onto the frame setting plane 76 at a point of intersection of the frame setting plane 76 and a straight line extending along the line of sight 73 from the point representing the world coordinate value. Here, a coordinate value of the point at which a selected object is projected on the frame setting plane 76 is referred to as a frame coordinate value. In one illustrative embodiment, the game machine 3 represents the frame coordinate value based on the two-dimensional frame coordinate system 75 . Specifically, a coordinate value of a point at which the player character 81 having a world coordinate value (x′, y′, z′) is projected onto the frame setting plane 76 is calculated as a frame coordinate value (X′, Y′) of the player character 81 . Also, a frame coordinate value of each of the other player characters 82 and 83 and the first enemy character 84 is calculated in a manner similar to that for the frame coordinate value of the player character 81 . As such, in this illustrative embodiment, the three-dimensional world coordinate system 72 is converted to the two-dimensional frame coordinate system 75 to represent a frame coordinate value, thereby allowing a frame setting process to be easily performed. In another illustrative embodiment, the frame coordinate value may be represented based on the world coordinate system 72 .

FIG. 6 is an illustration showing frames set on the frame setting plane 76 . In FIG. 6 , the frame setting plane 76 is viewed in the direction of the line of sight 73 . After calculating the frame coordinate value of each selected object, the game machine 3 sets a first frame 77 on the frame setting plane 76 . Note that the first frame 77 is virtually set on the frame setting plane 76 . Therefore, the first frame 77 is not displayed on the game screen. In one illustrative embodiment, the first frame 77 has a shape of a rectangle (including a square). Furthermore, the first frame 77 is a rectangle having two sides parallel to the X axis of the frame coordinate system 75 and the other two sides parallel to the Y axis thereof. Therefore, in an actual process, the first frame 77 can be represented by using the frame coordinate values indicating positions of two vertices located on a diagonal line in the rectangle ((Xa, Yb) and (Xb, Ya) in FIG. 6 ). With this, the position of an upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 a can be represented by Yb, the position of a lower side 77 b thereof can be represented by Ya, the position of a left side 77 c thereof can be represented by Xa, and the position of a right side 77 d thereof can be represented by Xb. In the following description, the X axis direction is also referred to as a width direction, while the Y axis direction is also referred to as a height direction.

The first frame 77 is set so that the points indicated by the frame coordinate values of the selected objects are contained in the first frame 77 . That is, the first frame 77 is set so that the selected objects are located inside of the first frame 77 when viewed from the direction of the line of sight 73 . Furthermore, in the course of the game process, the game machine 3 deforms the first frame 77 by independently moving each side according to the movement of each selected object. This process in the present embodiment is described below in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 through 10 .

FIG. 7 is an illustration showing a state in which the upper side of the first frame 77 is moved. It is assumed in FIG. 7 that the player character 81 is moving downward in FIG. 7 . With the player character 81 moving downward, if an area that is inside of the first frame 77 and a predetermined distance α away from the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 includes no selected object, the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 (downward in FIG. 7 ) by a predetermined distance k (k<α).

FIG. 8 is an illustration showing a state in which the lower side of the first frame 77 is moved. It is assumed in FIG. 8 that the player character 83 is moving upward in FIG. 8 . As with FIG. 7 , if an area that is inside of the first frame 77 and the predetermined distance a away from the lower side 77 a of the first frame 77 includes no selected object, the lower side 77 b of the first frame 77 is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 (upward in FIG. 7 ) by the predetermined distance k.

FIG. 9 is an illustration showing a state in which the left side of the first frame 77 is moved. FIG. 10 is an illustration showing a state in which the right side of the first frame 77 is moved. The cases in FIGS. 9 and 10 are similar to those in FIGS. 7 and 8 . That is, after a selected object moves, if an area that is inside of the first frame 77 and the predetermined distance α away from the left side 77 c or the right side 77 d of the first frame 77 includes no selected object, the left side 77 c or the right side 77 d of the first frame 77 is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance k.

Also, if a selected object is moving toward the outside of the first frame 77 , the relevant side of the first frame 77 is moved toward the outside of the frame in accordance with the movement. For example, if the player character is going over the upper side 77 a toward the outside (upward in FIG. 7 ), the upper side 77 a is moved outward (upward in FIG. 7 ) so that the player character is contained in the first frame 77 . Also, if the player character is going over the lower side 77 b toward the outside (downward in FIG. 7 ), the lower side 77 b is moved outward (downward in FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, if the player character is going over the left side 77 c toward the outside (leftward in FIG. 7 ), the left side 77 c is moved outward (leftward in FIG. 7 ). Still further, if the player character is going over the right side 77 d toward the outside (rightward in FIG. 7 ), the right side 77 d is moved outward (rightward in FIG. 7 ). Specifically, the game machine 3 causes a side of the first frame 77 to move to the position of the selected object that is moving toward the outside of the first frame 77 . With this, the game machine 3 controls the first frame 77 so that the selected objects are positioned inside of the first frame 77 . Also, each side of the first frame 77 is moved independently according to the movement of a selected object. As will be described further below, the display area is determined so that an area defined by the first frame 77 is displayed. Therefore, the selected objects are always displayed on the game screen.

Upon setting the first frame 77 , the game machine 3 sets a second frame based on the first frame 77 . FIG. 11 is an illustration showing the first frame and the second frame. In FIG. 11 , a second frame 78 is obtained by providing a margin of a predetermined distance 3 to the first frame 77 . Specifically, the second frame 78 is obtained by extending the first frame 77 outward by the predetermined distance β. As evident from FIG. 11 , at least the predetermined distance β is provided between the second frame 78 and each selected object. The display area can be determined so that at least an area defined by the second frame 78 is displayed. With this, the selected objects are displayed at least the predetermined distance β away from the edge of the game screen. This can prevent each selected object from being displayed at the edge of the game screen.

In FIGS. 6 through 11 described above, the shapes of the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 are approximately similar to the shape of a screen area of the screen of the television 2 on which a game image of the game space 71 is displayed. However, the shapes of the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 are set according to the positions of the selected objects, and therefore are not necessarily similar to the shape of the screen area. That is, an aspect ratio (=width/height) of each of the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 is variable according to the positions of the selected objects, and may not be equal to the aspect ratio of the screen area, which has a predetermined constant value. Therefore, after setting the second frame 78 , the game machine 3 corrects the aspect ratio of the second frame 78 to the aspect ratio of the screen area.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are illustrations for describing a process of correcting the aspect ratio of the second frame 78 . FIG. 12A is an illustration for describing the process when the second frame 78 has a width longer than its height (has a large aspect ratio). In FIGS. 12A and 12B , a dotted line represents the second frame 78 before correction. As shown in FIG. 12A , when the second frame 78 has a width longer than its height (has a large aspect ratio), the height of the second frame 78 is corrected. Specifically, when the aspect ratio of the display area is A and the width of the second frame 78 is L1, correction is made so that a height L2 of the second frame 78 after correction becomes L2=L1/A. Furthermore, the height of the second frame 78 is corrected so as to be extended upward and downward equally.

On the other hand, FIG. 12B is an illustration for describing the process when the second frame 78 has a height longer than its width (has a small aspect ratio). As shown in FIG. 12B , when the second frame 78 has a height longer than its width (has a small aspect ratio), the width of the second frame 78 is corrected. Specifically, correction is made so that the width L1 of the second frame 78 after correction becomes L1=L2×A. Furthermore, the width of the second frame 78 is corrected so as to be extended rightward and leftward equally.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B , the second enemy character 85 , which is a non-selected object, is shown. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B , after the aspect ratio is corrected, the non-selected object may be contained in the second frame 78 , but the frame setting process is not related to the position of the non-selected object. Therefore, in the frame setting process, no consideration is given to the position of the non-selected object.

With the above processes, the second frame 78 for use in determining a display area is set on the frame setting plane 76 . Upon setting the second frame 78 , the game machine 3 determines a view volume based on the second frame 78 . The view volume represents a range of a game space to be displayed on a screen, or a space defined by vertices of a near clip plane and vertices of a far clip plane. That is, the view volume is determined by determining each vertex of the near clip plane and the far clip plane based on the second frame 78 . Specifically, points of intersection of straight lines extending in a predetermined direction from the respective vertices of the second frame 78 and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at a near clipping position are set as vertices of a near clipping plane, and points of intersection of the straight lines and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at a far clipping position are set as vertices of a far clipping plane. With the view volume being determined in the above-described manner, the area defined by the second frame 78 when viewed from the viewing point is displayed as a game image. Typical schemes for determining the display area are parallel projection and perspective projection. A process of determining the display area through parallel projection or perspective projection is described below in detail.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are illustrations for describing processes of determining a display area. FIG. 13A is a process of determining a display area through parallel projection. In parallel projection, points of intersection of straight lines extending from the respective vertices of the second frame 78 along the line of sight 73 and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at the near clipping position are set as vertices of a near clipping plane 91 . Also, points of intersection of the straight lines and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at the far clipping position are set as vertices of a far clipping plane 92 . With this, in the game space 71 , an area defined by a rectangular parallelepiped with the near clipping plane 91 and the far clipping plane 92 being taken as its bases are determined as the display area, that is, the view volume.

FIG. 13B is an illustration for describing a process of determining a display area through perspective projection. In perspective projection, the position of a viewing point 93 is first determined. The viewing point 93 represents a position of a virtual camera set in the game space 71 . That is, the position of the viewing point 93 is determined based on the second frame 78 . Specifically, the position of the viewing point 93 is determined at a point that is positioned on a straight line extending from the center of the second frame 78 in a direction reverse to the line of sight 73 and is defined by an angle of view θ1 in the X direction. Alternatively, in place of the angle of view θ1 in the X direction, the position of the viewing point can be determined by using an angle of view θ2 in the Y direction. After the viewing point is determined in the above-described manner, points of intersection of straight lines connecting the vertices of the second frame 78 and the viewing point together and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at the near clipping position are set as vertices of a near clipping plane 91 . Also, points of intersection of the straight lines and a plane perpendicular to the line of sight at the far clipping position are set as vertices of a far clipping plane 92 . With this, the display area, that is, the view volume, is determined.

In the above description, if no correction is made to the aspect ratio of the second frame 78 , the shapes of the near clipping plane and the far clipping plane of the view volume are similar to the shape of the second frame 78 before an aspect ratio correcting process is performed. Therefore, the shapes (aspect ratio) of the near clipping plane and the far clipping plane might be different from the shape (aspect ratio) of the screen area on which the game image in the game space 71 is displayed. If they are different from each other, the game image of the area included in the view volume is displayed as being deformed according to the shape of the screen area. For example, if the shape of the second frame 78 has a width longer than its height, the game image of the area included in the view volume is displayed as being extended in the height direction. Similarly, if the shape of the second frame 78 has a height longer than its width, for example, the game image of the area included in the view volume is displayed as being extended in the width direction. Therefore, if no aspect ratio correcting process is performed, the game image might become an image extended in the height or width direction, and this is not easy to view. By contrast, in this illustrative embodiment, by correcting the aspect ratio, the shape of the near clipping plane and the far clipping plane are always similar to that of the above screen area. Therefore, a game image that is easy to view can be always displayed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 through 19 , a game process performed by the game machine 3 is described. When the game machine 3 is powered on, the CPU 31 of the game machine 3 executes the boot program stored in the boot ROM not shown to initialize each unit, typically the work memory 32 . Then, the game program stored in the optical disc 4 is read via the optical disc drive 37 into the work memory 32 , thereby starting the execution of the game program. As a result, with the game space being displayed on the television 2 via the GPU 36 , the game is started. A flowchart shown in FIG. 15 shows processes after the above-described process.

Prior to details of the game process, data stored in the work memory 32 for use in the game process is described. FIG. 14 is an illustration showing a memory map of the work memory 32 . The work memory 32 typically has stored therein character world coordinate data 321 , character frame coordinate data 322 , first frame data 323 , second frame data 324 , and display size data 325 . In FIG. 14 , only data related to the process according to one illustrative embodiment is shown, and other data (for example, image data of objects) is not shown.

The character world coordinate data 321 indicate a position of each character (object) in the world coordinate system 72 , that is, a world coordinate value (x, y, z) thereof. The character world coordinate data 321 includes data indicative of the world coordinate values of the first through third player characters 81 through 83 and also the world coordinate values of the first and second enemy characters 84 and 85 . That is, the character world coordinate data 321 also includes world coordinate values of non-selected objects.

The character frame coordinate data 322 indicate a position of each selected object in the frame coordinate system 75 , that is, a frame coordinate value (X, Y) thereof. The character frame coordinate data 322 includes the frame coordinate values of the first through third player characters 81 through 83 and the first enemy character 84 , that are selected objects.

The first frame data 323 indicates the first frame 77 . As described above, in this illustrative embodiment, the frame has a rectangular shape, and therefore the position and the size of the first frame 77 in the frame coordinate system 75 can be represented by the positions of two vertices on a diagonal line. Here, the coordinate value of the upper-left vertex ((Xa, Yb) shown in FIG. 6 ) and the coordinate value of the lower-right vertex ((Xb, Ya) shown in FIG. 6 ) are used to represent the first frame 77 .

The second frame data 324 indicates the second frame 78 . As with the first frame 77 , the second frame 78 can be represented by the positions of two vertices on a diagonal line. Here, a coordinate value of the upper-left vertex (Xc, Yd) and a coordinate value of the lower-right vertex (Xd, Yc) are used to represent the second frame 78 .

The display size data 325 indicates the height and the width of the second frame 78 . Data indicative of the height L2 of the second frame 78 is obtained by the above-described second frame data 324 . Specifically, L2=Yd−Yc. Similarly, the length L1 of the second frame 78 can be obtained from the above-described second frame data 324 : L1=Xd−Xc.

The game process is described below in detail. FIG. 15 is a main flowchart showing the game process to be performed in the game system according to this illustrative embodiment. First, in step S 1 , a game process initializing process is performed. Specifically, the direction of the line of sight 73 , an initial position of each of the player characters 81 through 83 in the game space 71 , an initial position of each of the enemy characters (such as the first enemy character 84 and the second enemy character 85 ), and an initial position of each of the frames (the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 ) are typically set. Here, the initial position of each frame is set at a point predetermined in the scheme described with reference to FIGS. 6 , 11 , 12 A, and 12 B based on the initial positions of each of the player characters 81 through 83 and the first enemy character 84 , which are selected objects. Also, the data initially set in step S 1 is written in the work memory 32 . The initial positions of the player characters 81 through 83 and the initial positions of the enemy characters are written in the work memory 32 as the character world coordinate data 321 . Also, the initial positions of the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 are written in the work memory 32 as the first frame data 323 and the second frame data 324 , respectively.

When the initial setting in step S 1 is completed, processes in steps S 2 through S 7 are repeated thereafter. A loop of steps S 2 through S 7 is a process performed during one frame of the game image. First, in step S 2 , the CPU 31 controls a movement of each of the player characters 81 through 83 in the game space 71 based on an operation input from each player through the controller 6 . Specifically, based on an operation input from the first controller, the position of the first player character 81 in the game space 71 is determined. That is, a world coordinate value of the player character 81 is calculated, and then the character world coordinate data 321 in the work memory 32 is updated to the calculated world coordinate value. Similarly, the position of the second player character 82 in the game space 71 is determined based on an operation input from the second controller, while the position of the third player character 83 in the game space 71 is determined based on an operation input from the third controller.

Next, in step S 3 , the CPU 31 controls the movement of each enemy character in the game space 71 . Specifically, according to a predetermined algorithm, the position of each enemy character in the game space 71 is determined. That is, a world coordinate value of each enemy character is calculated, and then the character world coordinate data 321 in the work memory 32 is updated to the calculated world coordinate value.

In steps S 2 and S 3 , it is assumed that the concept of “movement of a character” includes “addition of a character” and “deletion of a character”. That is, in steps S 2 and S 3 , a new character may appear in the game space 71 , or the existing character may disappear from the game space 71 . Also, conditions of addition or deletion of a character may be arbitrary. For example, a new enemy character may appear on condition that a player character gets a particular item. Also, the existing player character may disappear on condition that a physical fitness value (which is assumed to be predetermined as attribute data) of that player character becomes 0.

With the above steps S 2 and S 3 , the position of each character in the next frame (a game image displayed in step S 7 ) is determined. Then, the frames are set in the next steps S 4 and S 5 . Based on the frames, the view volume is set in step S 6 . Then, the game image of the set view volume is displayed in step S 7 . Referring back to step S 4 , a first frame setting process is performed. FIGS. 16 and 17 are a flowchart showing a flow of the detailed process in step S 4 shown in FIG. 15 . In the first frame setting process the CPU 31 first sets, in step S 401 , the frame setting plane 76 in the game space 71 (refer to FIG. 4 ). At this time, the frame coordinate system 75 is also set.

Next, in steps S 402 and S 403 , each selected character is projected onto the frame setting plane 76 set in step S 401 (refer to FIG. 5 ). That is, in step S 402 , from the world coordinate value of a selected character, the CPU 31 calculates a frame coordinate value of that selected character. Specifically, based on the world coordinate value stored in the work memory 32 of a selected character, a frame coordinate value of that selected character is calculated. The calculated frame coordinate value of each selected character is written in the work memory 32 as the character frame coordinate data 322 . Next, it is determined in step S 403 whether frame coordinate values have been calculated for all of the selected characters. If it is determined that frame coordinate values have been calculated for all of the selected characters, the procedure goes to step S 404 . On the other hand, if it is determined that frame coordinate values have not yet been calculated for all of the selected characters, the procedure returns to step S 402 . That is, the CPU 31 repeats the processes in steps S 402 and S 403 until the frame coordinate values of all of the selected characters have been calculated.

With the above processes in steps S 402 and S 403 , the position of each selected character on the frame setting plane 76 is calculated. This makes it possible to determine a positional relation between the selected characters and the first frame 77 on the frame setting plane 76 (refer to FIG. 6 ). Now, in the following steps S 404 through S 419 , it is determined whether the first frame 77 is required to be deformed, and if required, then the first frame 77 is deformed. First, in steps S 404 through S 411 , a process of deforming the first frame 77 in an expanding manner is performed. Then, in steps S 412 through S 419 , a process of deforming the first frame 77 in a reducing manner is performed.

First, in step S 404 , it is determined whether a selected character outside of the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 (here, in the positive direction of the Y axis) is present. Specifically, the CPU 31 compares Yb in the upper-left coordinates (Xa, Yb) of the first frame data 323 stored in the work memory 32 with the Y coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 stored in the work memory 32 . With this, it is determined whether a selected character whose Y coordinate is larger than Yb is present. If such a selected character is present, the selected character is determined as being outside of the first frame 77 , and then a process in step S 405 is performed. On the other hand, if no such selected character is present, it is determined that no selected character is outside of the first frame 77 , and then a process in step S 406 is performed.

Alternatively, in the above step S 404 , it may be determined whether a selected character outside of the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 by a predetermined distance is present. This reduces the frequency of moving the first frame 77 , thereby reducing the frequency of moving the display area. Therefore, the game screen can be displayed so as to be easy to view. The same goes for steps S 406 , S 408 , and S 410 , which will be described further below.

In step S 405 , the upper side 77 a is moved. Specifically, the upper side 77 a is moved to the position of the selected character determined as being outside of the first frame 77 . That is, Yb of the first frame data 323 stored in the work memory 32 is updated to the Y coordinate of that selected character. After the process in step S 405 , the process in step S 406 is performed.

In step S 406 , it is determined whether a selected character outside of the lower side 77 b of the first frame 77 (here, in the negative direction of the Y axis) is present. A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 404 . That is, Ya of the lower-right coordinates (Mb, Ya) of the first frame data 323 is compared with the Y coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . Then, whether a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present is determined depending on whether a selected character whose Y coordinate is smaller than Ya is present. If it is determined in step S 406 that a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 407 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 408 is performed.

In step S 407 , the lower side 77 b is moved. Specifically, the lower side 77 b is moved to the position of the selected character determined as being outside of the first frame 77 . That is, Ya of the first frame data 323 is updated to the Y coordinate of that selected character. After the process in step S 407 , the process in step S 408 is performed.

In step S 408 , it is determined whether a selected character outside of the right side 77 d of the first frame 77 (here, in the positive direction of the X axis) is present. A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 404 . That is, Xb of the lower-right coordinates (Xb, Ya) of the first frame data 323 is compared with the X coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . Then, whether a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present is determined depending on whether a selected character whose X coordinate is larger than Xb is present. If it is determined in step S 408 that a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 409 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 410 is performed.

In step S 409 , the right side 77 d is moved. Specifically, the right side 77 d is moved to the position of the selected character determined as being outside of the first frame 77 . That is, Xb of the first frame data 323 is updated to the X coordinate of that selected character. After the process in step S 409 , the process in step S 410 is performed.

In step S 410 , it is determined whether a selected character outside of the left side 77 c of the first frame 77 (here, in the negative direction of the X axis) is present. A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 404 . That is, Xa of the upper-left coordinates (Xa, Yb) of the first frame data 323 is compared with the X coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . Then, whether a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present is determined depending on whether a selected character whose X coordinate is smaller than Xa is present. If it is determined in step S 410 that a selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 411 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no selected character outside of the first frame 77 is present, a process in step S 412 is performed.

In step S 411 , the left side 77 c is moved. Specifically, the left side 77 c is moved to the position of the selected character determined as being outside of the first frame 77 . That is, Xa of the first frame data 323 is updated to the X coordinate of that selected character. After the process in step S 411 , the process in step S 412 is performed.

The processes in steps S 412 through S 419 are related to deformation of the frame in a reducing manner. First, in step S 412 , it is determined whether every selected character is inside of the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 (here, in the negative direction on the Y axis) and a predetermined distance α away from the upper side 77 a . Specifically, Yb of the upper-left coordinates (Xa, Yb) in the first frame data 323 is compared with the Y coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . It is then determined whether the Y coordinate of every selected character is smaller than Yb−α. If it is determined that the Y coordinate of every selected character is smaller than Yb−α, it is determined that every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance α away from the upper side 77 a , and then the process in step S 413 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one selected character has a Y coordinate value that is larger than Yb−α, it is determined that at least one selected character is located within the predetermined distance α from the upper side 77 a , and then the process in step S 414 is performed.

In step S 413 , the upper side 77 a is moved (refer to FIG. 7 ). Specifically, the upper side 77 a is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance k. That is, Yb in the first frame data 323 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting k from Yb. After the process in step S 413 , the process in step S 414 is performed.

In step S 414 , it is determined whether every selected character is inside of the lower side 77 b of the first frame 77 (here, in the positive direction on the Y axis) and the predetermined distance α away from the lower side 77 b . A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 412 . That is, Ya of the lower-right coordinates (Xb, Ya) in the first frame data 323 is compared with the Y coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . It is then determined whether the Y coordinate of every selected character is larger than Ya+α. If it is determined that every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance a away from the lower side 77 b , the process in step S 415 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one selected character is located within the predetermined distance α from the lower side 77 b , the process in step S 416 is performed.

In step S 415 , the lower side 77 b is moved (refer to FIG. 8 ). Specifically, the lower side 77 b is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance k. That is, Ya in the first frame data 323 is updated to a value obtained by adding k to Ya. After the process in step S 415 , the process in step S 416 is performed.

In step S 416 , it is determined whether every selected character is inside of the right side 77 d of the first frame 77 (here, in the negative direction on the X axis) and the predetermined distance α away from the right side 77 d . A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 412 . That is, Xb of the lower-right coordinates (Xb, Ya) of the first frame data 323 is compared with the X coordinate in each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . Then, it is determined whether every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance α away from the right side 77 d depending on whether the X coordinate of every selected character is smaller than Xb−α. If it is determined in step S 416 that every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance α away from the right side 77 d , the process in step S 417 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one selected character is located within the predetermined distance α from the right side 77 d , the process in step S 418 is performed.

In step S 417 , the right side 77 d is moved (refer to FIG. 9 ). Specifically, the right side 77 d is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance k. That is, Xb in the first frame data 323 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting k from Xb. After the process in step S 417 , the process in step S 418 is performed.

In step S 418 , it is determined whether every selected character is inside of the left side 77 c of the first frame 77 (here, in the positive direction on the X axis) and the predetermined distance α away from the left side 77 c . A specific determining scheme is similar to that in step S 412 . That is, Xa of the upper-left coordinates (Xa, Yb) in the first frame data 323 is compared with the X coordinate of each selected character in the character frame coordinate data 322 . Then, it is determined whether every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance α away from the left side 77 c depending on whether the X coordinate of every selected character is larger than Xa+α. If it is determined in step S 418 that every selected character is located inside of and the predetermined distance α away from the left side 77 c , the process in step S 419 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that at least one selected character is located within the predetermined distance α from the left side 77 c , the CPU 31 ends the first frame setting process.

In step S 419 , the left side 77 c is moved (refer to FIG. 10 ). Specifically, the left side 77 c is moved toward the inside of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance k. That is, Xa in the first frame data 323 is updated to a value obtained by adding k to Xa. After the process in step S 419 , the CPU 31 ends the first frame setting process. With the above first frame setting process, the first frame 77 is set.

Returning to description of FIG. 15 , after the first frame setting process (step S 4 ), a second frame setting process is performed in step S 5 . The second frame setting process is a process for setting the second frame 78 based on the first frame 77 set in step S 4 . FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of the detailed process in step S 5 shown in FIG. 15 . In steps S 501 through S 506 of the second frame setting process, the second frame 78 is first set based on the first frame 77 . Furthermore, in steps S 507 through S 509 , the aspect ratio of the second frame 78 is corrected.

In FIG. 18 , it is first determined in step S 501 whether the height of the first frame 77 is larger than the predetermined value La. This determination is made based on Ya and Yb of the first frame data 323 stored in the work memory 32 . That is, if Yb−Ya is larger than the predetermined value La, a process in step S 502 is performed. On the other hand, if Yb−Ya is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value La, a process in step S 503 is performed.

In step S 502 , the height of the second frame 78 is set to have a length obtained by extending the height of the first frame 77 by a predetermined distance (2×β) (refer to FIG. 11 ). Specifically, Yc of the second frame data 324 stored in the work memory 32 is updated to Ya−β. Also, Yd of the second frame data 324 is updated to Yb+β. After the process in step S 502 , a process in step S 504 is performed.

In step S 503 , the height of the second frame 78 is set to have a predetermined height value. Here, the predetermined height value is a value indicative of a minimum height of the second frame 78 obtained by adding 2β to the predetermined value La. That is, when the predetermined height value is La′, La′=La+2β. Therefore, when the height of the first frame 77 is smaller than the predetermined value La, the height of the second frame has a length obtained by extending the height of the first frame 77 having the predetermined value by the predetermined distance (2×β). Also at this time, the position of the second frame 78 is set so that the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 is extended in the height direction by a distance equal to a distance by which the lower side 77 b thereof is extended in the height direction. Therefore, the upper side 77 a and the lower side 77 b are each extended in the height direction by {La′−(Yb−Ya)}/2. That is, Yc of the second frame data 324 is updated to Ya−{La′−(Yb−Ya)}/2. Also, Yd of the second frame data 324 is updated to Yb+{La−(Yb−Ya)}/2. After the process in step S 503 , the process in step S 504 is performed.

Next, in step S 504 , it is determined whether the width of the first frame 77 is larger than a predetermined value Lb. This determination is made based on Xa and Xb of the first frame data 323 stored in the work memory 32 . That is, if Xb-Xa is larger than the predetermined value Lb, a process in step S 505 is performed. On the other hand, if Xb−Xa is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value Lb, a process in step S 506 is performed.

In step S 505 , the width of the second frame 78 is set so as to have a length obtained by extending the width of the first frame 77 by the predetermined distance (2×β) (refer to FIG. 11 ). Specifically, Xc of the second frame data 324 stored in the work memory 32 is updated to Xa−β. Also, Xd of the second frame data 324 is updated to Xb+β. After the process in step S 505 , a process in step S 507 is performed.

In step S 506 , the width of the second frame 78 is set to have a predetermined width value. Here, the predetermined width value is a value indicative of a minimum width of the second frame 78 obtained by adding 2β to the predetermined value Lb. That is, when the predetermined width value is Lb′, Lb′=Lb+2β. Therefore, when the width of the first frame 77 is smaller than the predetermined value Lb, the width of the second frame 78 has a length obtained by extending the width of the first frame 77 having the predetermined value by the predetermined distance (2×β). Also at this time, the position of the second frame 78 is set so that the left side 77 c of the second frame 78 is extended in the width direction by a distance equal to a distance by which the right side 77 d thereof is extended in the width direction. Therefore, the left side 77 c and the right side 77 d are each extended in the width direction by {Lb′−(Xb−Xa)}/2. That is, Xc of the second frame data 324 is updated to Xa−{Lb′−(Xb−Xa)}/2. Also, Xd of the second frame data 324 is updated to Xb+{Lb−(Xb−Xa)}/2. After the process in step S 506 , the process in step S 507 is performed.

In this illustrative embodiment, with steps S 501 through S 506 , the second frame 78 is restricted to have a height of La′ and a width of Lb′ at the minimum. This is to prevent the display area from being reduced too much to cause the game screen to be zoomed up too much. This prevents images of characters from being roughly displayed due to too much zooming-up.

With the processes in steps S 501 through S 506 , the second frame 78 at least including an area obtained by extending the first frame 77 outward by the predetermined distance (2β) is set (refer to FIG. 11 ). The selected characters are contained in the first frame 77 . Therefore, when the area in the second frame 78 , which is obtained by extending the first frame 77 , is displayed, the selected characters are not displayed on the edge of the display area. Thus, the selected characters can be displayed so as to be always easy to view. In steps S 501 through S 506 , it is assumed that, when the second frame data 324 stored in the work memory 32 is updated, the display size data 325 is also updated accordingly.

In steps S 507 through S 509 , a process of correcting the aspect ratio of the second frame 78 set in steps S 501 through S 506 is performed. First, in step S 507 , it is determined whether the second frame 78 has a shape longer in the height direction than the shape of the display area or has a shape longer in the width direction than the shape of the display area. Specifically, it is determined whether the width L1 of the second frame 78 has a value smaller than a product of the height L2 of the second frame 78 and an aspect ratio A of the display area. This determination is performed by using the display size data 325 stored in the work memory 32 . That is, if L1<L2×A, it is determined that the second frame 78 has a shape longer in the height direction than the shape of the display area, and then a process in step S 508 is performed. On the other hand, if L1>=L2×A, it is determined that the second frame 78 has a shape longer in the width direction than the shape of the display area, and then a process in step S 509 is performed.

In step S 508 , the width of the second frame 78 is corrected. Specifically, the width is corrected so as to have a value equal to a product of the height L2 and the aspect ratio A of the display area (refer to FIG. 12B ). With this, the width of the second frame 78 , which has a shape whose height is longer than its width, is extended, thereby correcting the shape of the second frame 78 so as to have a shape similar to the shape of the display area. Furthermore at this time, the position of the second frame 78 is set so that its width is extended rightward and leftward equally. Specifically, when a difference between the width after correction and the width before correction is taken as S 1 , the X coordinate of each right vertex of the second frame 78 is moved rightward (in the positive direction on the X axis) by S 1 /2. Also, the X coordinate of each left vertex of the second frame 78 is moved leftward (in the negative direction on the X axis) by S 1 /2. That is, Xd of the second frame data 324 is updated to a value obtained by adding S 1 /2 to Xd before correction. Also, Xc of the second frame data 324 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting S 1 /2 from Xc before correction.

On the other time, in step S 509 , the height of the second frame 78 is corrected. Specifically, the height is corrected so as to have a value obtained by dividing the width L1 by the aspect ratio A of the display area ( FIG. 12A ). With this, the height of the second frame 78 , which has a shape whose width is longer than its height, is extended, thereby correcting the shape of the second frame 78 so as to have a shape similar to the shape of the display area. Furthermore at this time, the position of the second frame 78 is set so that its width is extended upward and downward equally. Specifically, when a difference between the height after correction and the height before correction is taken as S 2 , the Y coordinate of each upper vertex of the second frame 78 is moved upward (in the positive direction on the Y axis) by S 2 /2. Also, the Y coordinate of each lower vertex of the second frame 78 is moved downward (in the negative direction on the Y axis) by S 2 /2. That is, Yd of the second frame data 324 is updated to a value obtained by adding S 2 /2 to Yd before correction. Also, Yc of the second frame data 324 is updated to a value obtained by subtracting S 2 /2 from Yc before correction. With the process in step S 508 or S 509 , the second frame setting process is completed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 15 , after the second frame setting process, the CPU 31 causes a game image to be displayed on the television 2 . That is, in step S 6 , a view volume is set specifically by using the scheme described with reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B . With this, an area in the game space 71 is determined as a display area. Furthermore, in step S 7 , a game image is displayed on the television 2 . Specifically, based on the determined view volume, a game image representing the game space 71 when viewed from the direction of the line of sight 73 is generated. In the above steps S 2 through S 7 , a game image for one frame is generated. Thereafter, the CPU 31 repeats steps S 2 through S 7 to perform the game process.

In the above first frame setting process (step S 4 ), the selected objects are always contained in the first frame 77 . Here, for example, if a new selected object appears in the game space in step S 2 or S 3 , the first frame 77 may be required to be abruptly expanded or reduced. That is, if a new selected object appears in an area that is different from the area being displayed in one frame, the first frame 77 is significantly expanded in the next frame. As a result, the display area is abruptly changed. Moreover, if the selected object that is present in the game space 71 in one frame disappears in the next frame, the display area may be abruptly changed. Such a game image in which the display area is abruptly changed is thought to be very difficult for the players to view. To get around this problem, a process of preventing such an abrupt change of the display area may be performed, which will be described below in detail.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary modification of the first frame setting process. In FIG. 19 , processes identical to those shown in FIG. 16 are provided with the same step numbers and are not described herein. The process shown in FIG. 19 is different from that shown in FIG. 16 in that steps S 421 and S 422 are performed after step S 405 . In this exemplary modification, after step S 405 , it is determined in step S 421 whether a moving distance of the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 is equal to or larger than a predetermined limit value y. Specifically, Yb of the first frame data 323 before updating and Yb after updating in step S 405 are compared with each other, thereby calculating the moving distance of the upper side 77 a . Then, the calculated moving distance is compared with the predetermined limit value y, thereby determining whether the moving distance is equal to or larger than the predetermined limit value y. If it is determined that the moving distance is equal to or larger than the predetermined limit value, a process in step S 422 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the moving distance is smaller than the predetermined limit value, the process in step S 422 is skipped, and then a process in step S 423 (the processes in steps S 406 through S 419 ) is performed.

In step S 422 , the moving amount of the upper side 77 a is restricted to the above predetermined limit value. Specifically, Yb of the first frame data 323 stored in the work memory 32 is updated to a value obtained by adding the predetermined value y to Yb before updating in step S 405 . After the process in step S 422 , the process in step S 406 is performed.

As described above, in steps S 421 and S 422 , the first frame 77 is deformed so that the moving distance of the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 per predetermined unit time (frame interval) does not exceed the predetermined limit value. Therefore, the processes in steps S 421 and S 422 can prevent the upper side 77 a of the first frame 77 from being abruptly moved. In FIG. 19 , it is determined whether the moving distance is equal to or larger than the predetermined limit value only when the upper side 77 a is moved outward. Also when another side is moved outward, processes similar to those in steps S 421 and S 422 can be performed. With such processes similar to those in step S 421 and S 422 being performed for all four sides of the first frame 77 , the first frame can be prevented from being abruptly moved. As a result, the display area can be prevented from being abruptly expanded.

In the above embodiment, each side of the first frame 77 is moved by the predetermined distance k when being moved inward. In another embodiment, the side to be moved may be moved to the position of the selected object. At this time, as is the case where each side of the first frame 77 is moved outward, each side may be abruptly moved when being moved inward. To avoid this problem, processes similar to those in steps S 421 and S 422 may be performed also when the four sides of the first frame 77 are moved inward, thereby preventing the first frame from being abruptly reduced. As a result, the display area can be prevented from being abruptly changed. Thus, it is possible to provide a display that is easier for the player to view.

As has been described in the foregoing, according to this illustrative embodiment, the first frame is set so as to include a plurality of selected objects, thereby displaying the selected objects. Furthermore, each of the frames (the first frame and the second frame) is deformed when all of the selected objects are moved inward from one of the sides of the frame by a predetermined distance. That is, the frame is not necessarily deformed when any selected object is moved. Therefore, frequent deformations of the frame can be prevented, thereby preventing the display area from being frequently moved. Thus, the area for displaying the game space can be displayed so as to be easy to view.

Also, according to this illustrative embodiment, the display area is determined based on the frame virtually set in the three-dimensional game space. With this, the display area can be determined without using a fixation point. Therefore, unlike the case where the display area is determined by using a fixation point, a situation where only a specific object is always displayed on the center of the screen never occurs. Therefore, according to the embodiment, even for a game in which a plurality of objects get attention, each of these objects can be displayed similarly. That is, a plurality of objects can be displayed so as to be easy to view.

In this illustrative embodiment, description has been made to the game in which a three-dimensional game space is formed. However, the illustrative embodiments can be applied to a game in which a two-dimensional game plane is formed. To apply the present invention to such a game, a frame setting plane is set on a game plane. Therefore, in this case, a process of converting a world coordinate value to a frame coordinate value is not required. That is, by using the coordinate values of the game plane, the frame can be set and deformed. Also, it can be assumed that the line of sight is perpendicular to the game plane.

Also, in one illustrative embodiment, each of the frames (the first frame 77 and the second frame 78 ) has a shape of a rectangle (including a square). This is not meant to be restrictive. For example, the frame may have a shape of a polygon or an ellipse. When the frame has a shape of a polygon, that polygon frame can be represented by coordinates of its vertices on the frame setting plane. Also, when the frame has a shape of an ellipse, that ellipse frame can be represented by its center and its major axis and minor axis. Furthermore, for example, the first frame 77 may have a shape of an ellipse, while the second frame 78 may have a shape of a rectangle. According to this, the selected objects are displayed so as to be positioned inside of the ellipse included in the display area (rectangle). Therefore, the selected objects are not displayed at any corner of the screen, and therefore are easy to view.

Still further, in an illustrative embodiment, the first frame 77 is first derived based on the frame coordinate value of each selected object (steps S 404 through S 419 ), and then the second frame 78 is derived (steps S 501 through S 506 ). In another illustrative embodiment, the second frame 78 may be directly derived based on the frame coordinate value of each selected objects. Specifically, when the position of the side of the first frame 77 is set in steps S 405 and S 413 , for example, a margin of the predetermined distance β is taken into consideration for determination. With this, in steps S 404 through S 419 , the second frame 78 can be derived. In this case, the processes in steps S 502 and S 505 are not necessary.

Still further, in another illustrative embodiment, the frame setting plane is perpendicular to the line of sight. However, the frame setting plane is not restricted to such a plane perpendicular to the line of sight. For example, in the game space 71 shown in FIG. 4 , a plane where y=0, for example, may be set as a frame setting plane, and vertices of the view volume may be set on straight lines extending from vertices of a frame set on the plane of y=0 in the direction of the line of sight or the direction of the viewing point. Also, the plane of y=0 is merely an example, and an arbitrary plane in a three-dimensional game space can be set as a frame setting plane.

Still further, in one illustrative embodiment, the direction of the line of sight is predetermined and, based on the direction of the line of sight, the selected objects are set on the frame setting plane. Here, the illustrative embodiments can be applied even to a case where the position of the viewing point is predetermined in place of the direction of the line of sight (for example, the position of the viewing point is set in step S 1 shown in FIG. 15 ). FIG. 20 is an illustration for describing a process of projecting the selected objects onto the frame setting plane based on the position of the viewing point. When a viewing point 79 is predetermined, the frame coordinate values of the selected objects are determined based on the position of the viewing point. Specifically, a point of intersection of the frame setting plane 76 and a straight line connecting each selected object in the game space 71 and the viewing point 79 is set as a frame coordinate value of each selected object. Similarly, the position of the origin of the frame coordinate system 75 is set at a point of intersection of the frame setting plane 76 and a straight line connecting the origin of the world coordinate system 72 and the viewing point. As such, by applying the present invention, the frame coordinate value of each selected object can be calculated even when the position of the viewing point is predetermined, as is the case where the direction of the line of sight is predetermined. When the position of the viewing point is predetermined, in order to set a view volume, perspective projection is performed by using the position of the viewing point. Alternatively, the direction of the line of sight is determined based on the position of the viewing point and the second frame (for example, a line drawn from the viewing point to the center of the second frame is first taken as representing the direction of the line of sight). Then, by using the determined direction of the line of sight, a view volume can be set through parallel projection.

While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous other modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.