Game apparatus, image synthesizing method, and data storage medium

• US 5,720,663 A
• Filed: 12/01/1995
• Issued: 02/24/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
• Original Assignee: Namco Limited (BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc.)
• Inventors: Nakatani, Hajime, Abe, Masamichi, Saito, Yoshihito, Konoe, Yutaka
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/566,142
• Time in Patent Office: 816 Days
• Field of Search: 463/23, 463/25, 463/43, 463/44, 463/36, 463/37, 463/38, 273/459, 273/460, 273/461
• US Class Current: 463/23
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/47 involving branching, e.g. choosing one of several possible scenarios at a given point in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/48 Starting a game, e.g. activating a game device or waiting for other players to join a multiplayer session
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/52 involving aspects of the displayed game scene
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/807 Gliding or sliding on surfaces, e.g. using skis, skates or boards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/822 Strategy games; Role-playing games A63F13/825, A63F13/828 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/833 Hand-to-hand fighting, e.g. martial arts competition A63F13/837 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/63 for controlling the execution of the game in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/632 by branching, e.g. choosing one of several possible story developments at a given point in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/636 involving process of starting or resuming a game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/66 for rendering three dimensional images
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8029 Fighting without shooting

Abstract

An information storage device stores number-of-times-played information, total-playing-time information, and game-setting information, so that this information is retained after a games machine has been switched off. A game computation section performs game computations on the basis of manipulation information from the manipulation section, game-setting information that is stored in the information storage device, and a given program. An image synthesis section synthesizes a game image on the basis of results of these game computations. When a power detection section detects that power has been turned on, a read section reads information from the information storage device, then an information updating section updates the number-of-times-played information and total-playing-time information each time the game is played and also updates the game-setting information when the number of times played or the like exceeds a given number. After a given period of time has elapsed, a new game character appears for the player to select.

Claims

1. A games machine comprising:

an information storage device for storing information comprising at least number-of-times-played information and game-setting information for a game, said information being retained after power is turned off;

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with said game;

game computation means for performing game computations based on manipulation information from said manipulation means, said game-setting information stored in said information storage device, and a given program; and

image synthesis means for synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computations of said game computation means;

wherein said game computation means comprises;

means for reading said information from said information storage device;

information updating means for updating said number-of-times-played information every time said game is played and updating said game-setting information when number of times played exceeds a given number, wherein at least one characteristic about said game is changed by updating said game-setting information; and

means for storing the updated information in said information storage device.

2. The games machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said game computation means performs game computations for implementing combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, and at least one characteristic about the game character or moving body selectable by said player is changed by updating said game-setting information.

3. The games machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said game computation means performs game computations for implementing combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, and at least one characteristic of said combat between said game characters or moving bodies is changed by updating said game-setting information.

4. The games machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said number-of-times played information is displayed on a game screen for a given period of time or displayed continuously.

11. The games machine as defined in claim 4, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

5. A games machine comprising:

an information storage device for storing information comprising at least total-playing-time information and game-setting information for a game, said information being retained after power is turned off;

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with said game;

game computation means for performing game computations based on manipulation information from said manipulation means, said game-setting information stored in said information storage device, and a given program; and

image synthesis means for synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player, based on game computations by said game computation means;

wherein said game computation means comprises;

means for reading said information from said information storage device;

information updating means for updating said total-playing-time information every time said game is played and updating said game-setting information when total playing time exceeds a given length of time; and

means for storing the updated information in said information storage device.

6. The games machine as defined in claim 5, wherein said game computation means performs game computations for implementing combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, and at least one characteristic about the game character or moving body selectable by said player is changed by updating said game-setting information.

7. The games machine as defined in claim 5, wherein said game computation means performs game computations for implementing combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, and at least one characteristic of said combat between said game characters or moving bodies is changed by updating said game-setting information.

8. The games machine as defined in claim 5, wherein said total-playing-time information is displayed on a game screen for a given period of time or displayed continuously.

9. A games machine comprising:

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with a game;

game computation means for performing game computations for implementing combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on at least manipulation information from said manipulation means and a given program;

image synthesis means for synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computation of said game computation means; and

means for increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed.

10. The games machine as defined in claim 9, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

12. A games machine comprising:

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with a game;

game computation means for performing game computations for implementing combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on at least manipulation information from said manipulation means and a given program;

image synthesis means for synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computation of said game computation means; and

means for changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

13. The games machine as defined in claim 12, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of changing a game character or moving body is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

14. The games machine as defined in claim 12, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of changing a game character or moving body is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

15. A games machine comprising:

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with a game;

game computation means for performing game computations for implementing combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on at least manipulation information from said manipulation means and a given program;

image synthesis means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player based on game computations;

of said game computation means;

timer means for measuring the passage of time; and

means for increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured by said timer means.

16. The games machine as defined in claim 15, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

17. The games machine as defined in claim 15, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

18. A games machine comprising:

manipulation means for enabling a player to interact with a game;

game computation means for performing game computations for implementing combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by said player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on at least manipulation information from said manipulation means and a given program;

image synthesis means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player based on game computations of said game computation means;

timer means for measuring the passage of time; and

means for changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured by said timer means, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

19. The games machine as defined in claim 18, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of changing a game character or moving body is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

20. The games machine as defined in claim 18, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of changing a game character or moving body is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

21. A method of synthesizing an image based on game-setting information which is stored in an information storage device together with at least number-of-times-played information for a game, said image synthesis method comprising:

performing game computations based on game manipulations performed by a player, game-setting information and a given program;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on said game computations;

reading information from said information storage device;

updating said number-of-times-played information every time said game is played and updating said game-setting information when the total number of times played exceeds a given number, wherein at least one characteristic about said game is changed by updating said game-setting information;

storing updated information in said information storage device; and

retaining said updated information even after power is turned off.

22. A method of synthesizing an image based on game-setting information which is stored in an information storage device together with at least total-playing-time information for a game, said image synthesis method comprising:

performing game computations based on game manipulations performed by a player, said game-setting information and a given program;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on said game computations;

reading information from said information storage device;

updating said total-playing-time information every time said game is played and updating said game-setting information when the total playing time exceeds a given length of time;

storing updated information in said information storage device; and

retaining said updated information even after power is turned off.

23. A method of synthesizing an image, comprising:

performing computations for a game that implements combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player, or a computer, based on a given program and game manipulations performed by said player;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computations; and

increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed.

24. A method of synthesizing an image, comprising:

performing computations for a game that implements combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on a given program and game manipulations performed by said player;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computations; and

changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

25. A method of synthesizing an image, comprising:

performing computations for a game that implements combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on a given program and game manipulations performed by said player;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computations;

measuring the passage of time; and

increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured.

26. A method of synthesizing an image, comprising:

performing computations for a game that implements combat, between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer, based on a given program and game manipulations performed by said player;

synthesizing an image that can be seen by said player based on game computations;

measuring the passage of time; and

changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

27. An information storage medium comprising:

first computer readable program code means for processing game computations that implement combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer;

second computer readable program code means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player based on game computations; and

third computer readable program code means for increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed.

28. The information storage medium as defined in claim 27, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

29. The information storage medium as defined in claim 27, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

30. An information storage medium comprising:

first computer readable program code means for processing game computations that implement combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer;

second computer readable program code means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player based on game computations; and

third computer readable program code means for changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when a given period of time has elapsed, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

31. The information storage medium as defined in claim 30, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

32. The information storage medium as defined in claim 30, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

33. An information storage medium comprising:

first computer readable program code means for processing game computations that implement combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer;

second computer readable program code means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player, based on game computations;

third computer readable program code means for processing a time measurement; and

fourth computer readable program code means for increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured.

34. The information storage medium as defined in claim 33, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

35. The information storage medium as defined in claim 33, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.

36. An information storage medium comprising:

first computer readable program code means for processing game computations that implement combat between a game character or moving body being manipulated by a player and at least one other game character or moving body being manipulated by another player or a computer;

second computer readable program code means for synthesizing a game image that can be seen by said player, based on game computations;

third computer readable program code means for processing a time measurement; and

fourth computer readable program code means for changing at least one of the game characters or moving bodies selectable by said player when elapse of a given period of time or arrival at a given point of time is measured, wherein said at least one changed game character or moving body has at least one characteristic that is at least partially different from the at least one characteristic of said at least one game character or moving body.

37. The information storage medium as defined in claim 36, wherein a priority of appearance of a new game character or moving body that appears as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is based on a usage frequency of an existing game character or existing moving body that corresponds to said new game character or new moving body.

38. The information storage medium as defined in claim 36, wherein information for identifying a new game character or new moving body that has appeared as a result of increasing the number of game characters or moving bodies is displayed during a period which no player is playing said game.