Image creating device

Abstract

A frame of still picture data is captured at an instant specified by a user from video signals supplied from a given video source, such as a television receiver, a video camera, etc., and the image data is displayed. When the user specifies an area of image to be cut out from the displayed still picture, the image data in the specified area is cut out and recorded as a cutout image. Each cutout image recorded is displayed in the form of an icon. When any of the icons is selected by the user, the corresponding cutout image data is read and pasted in a part to be changed in the original image data. Thus an image can be easily created by user's choice.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to image creating devices, and more particularly to an image creating device which captures image data supplied from a video source, such as a television receiver, a video camera, etc., and combines the image data with original image data to create and display a desired image, or an image obtained by processing the original image.

[0003] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0004] The application of conventional image processing technique using personal computers enables processing of cutting out partial image from one of two still pictures and superposing it on the other picture to create a desired image. The conventional image processing technique, however, requires operators to perform complicated operations in such image creating processing. That is to say, conventionally, it was necessary that an operator skilled in operating personal computers sequentially proceed with image creating process steps by specifying each action corresponding to the processing procedure, while utilizing functions on OS. In a conventional image processing technique, for example, an operator is required to perform the operations of: reading two still pictures and storing the information into a given storage location on hard disk; specifying a cutout area on one of the still pictures; temporarily saving the cutout image data on a memory; specifying a display area on the other still picture for superposing the cutout image data; writing the cutout image data into the storage region corresponding to that display area; discarding the unwanted image after cutout; and displaying the superposed image; etc.

[0005] As stated above, according to the conventional image processing technique using personal computers, it was difficult for users untrained in operating personal computers to create desired images. Further, even for an operator skilled in operation of personal computers, the operation was so complicated that creating desired composite images required a long time. Accordingly, it was quite difficult for children to create computer graphic images in play. Moreover, only a limited number of images can be combined at a time, and displaying the combined image as moving picture was difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide an image creating device capable of creating a desired composite image by very easy and simple operation.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an image creating device capable of displaying a created image as an image moving according to a predetermined operating program.

[0008] To achieve the objects above, the present invention has the following features. While the elements in the description about the features are shown with their respective reference numerals, they are provided just for reference to clearly show the correspondence with those described in the preferred embodiments. It is noted that these reference numerals are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to an image creating device for capturing image data supplied from a given video source and combining the image data with original image data to create a desired image, or an image obtained by processing the original image, and displaying the desired image on a display device. According to the first aspect, the image creating device comprises:

[0010] an operation input portion (20) for inputting instructions required for image creation according to operation by a user;

[0011] an original image data storing portion (151) for temporarily storing the original image data;

[0012] a first temporarily storing portion (153) for temporarily storing captured image data;

[0013] a second temporarily storing portion (154) for temporarily storing at least one piece of cutout image data cut out from the captured image data;

[0014] a third temporarily storing portion (155) for storing image data for the desired image to be displayed;

[0015] a program storing portion (31, 45A) for storing program data for the image creation; and

[0016] a processing portion (13) for conducting processings for the image creation on the basis of the program data for the image creation stored in the program storing portion;

[0017] wherein the program data stored in the program storing portion includes,

[0018] a first write program (S4) responsive to operation of the operation input portion, for capturing the image data supplied from the video source and writing the image data into the first temporarily storing portion as the captured image data,

[0019] a first read/display program (S4) for reading the captured image data stored in the first temporarily storing portion and displaying the captured image in the display device,

[0020] a cutout program (S5) for, when the operation input portion is operated to specify an area of image to be cut out from the captured image displayed in the display device, temporarily storing the image data corresponding to the specified area into the second temporarily storing portion as the cutout image data,

[0021] a second read/display program (S6) for reading the cutout image data stored in the second temporarily storing portion and displaying the cutout image data as an icon in part of screen of the display device,

[0022] a second write program (S7) for reading the original image data stored in the original image data storing portion and writing the original image data into the third temporarily storing portion,

[0023] a third write program (S7) for, when the operation input portion is operated to select the icon of the cutout image in order to combine and display the cutout image in an image display position corresponding to a part of the original image displayed in the display device to be changed which was specified by operation of the operation input portion, writing the corresponding cutout image data stored in the second temporarily storing portion upon the corresponding region in the third temporarily storing portion, and

[0024] a third read/display program (S9) for reading the combined image data stored in the third temporarily storing portion in which the cutout image data is written and displaying the combined image data in the display device.

[0025] As stated above, according to the first aspect, it is not necessary to newly create an original image, since an original image as a base of image creation is prepared in advance. Further, the process of pasting a cutout image in a specified position can be accomplished by the easy operation of specifying the position on the displayed original image. Moreover, as it is possible to capture the image while viewing the displayed object produced from video signal supplied from a video source, an image can be captured not only from a still picture but also from moving picture. Further, an image in a desired area can be cut out by an easy operation of specifying the cutout area on the captured image. Moreover, an image to be pasted can be easily selected since cutout images can be recorded as icons. In this way, according to the first aspect, a desired image can be created from previously prepared original image by very easy operation, so that even users unskilled in operating personal computers and children can easily accomplish the process of image creation.

[0026] According to a second aspect, in the image creating device of the first aspect,

[0027] the program storing portion further contains a correcting program for applying correcting processing to the image data in a peripheral part in the cutout area specified by the operation input portion before the cutout image data is written into the second temporarily storing portion.

[0028] As stated above, according to the second aspect, when an image in a desired area is cut out from the captured image, its peripheral part is corrected. Accordingly, the original image and the cutout image can be combined without causing unnatural impression at the boundary.

[0029] According to a third aspect, in the image creating device of the second aspect,

[0030] the cutout program cuts out the image data in a rectangular area specified by the operation input portion, and

[0031] the correcting program corrects the cutout image data in the rectangular area by shading off a peripheral part around a shape defined by excluding the four corners of the specified rectangular area.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect, in the image creating device of the first aspect,

[0033] the program storing portion further contains a motion giving program for giving motion to individual parts of the original image, and

[0034] when reading the combined image data stored in the third temporarily storing portion on the basis of the third read/display program, the processing portion applies given processing to the combined image data on the basis of the motion giving program to change motion of the individual parts of the combined image.

[0035] As stated above, according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to animate the image created by combining the captured image with the original image according to a predetermined operating program, which enables more enjoyable image creation.

[0036] According to a fifth aspect, in the image creating device of the first aspect,

[0037] the cutout program temporarily stores the cutout image data corresponding to the specified area into the second temporarily storing portion each time the operation input portion is operated to specify an area of image to be cut out, and

[0038] the second read/display program reads the plurality of cutout image data stored in the second temporarily storing portion and separately displays the plurality of cutout image data in part of the screen of the display device.

[0039] As stated above, according to the fifth aspect, a plurality of cutout images stored in the second temporarily storing portion are read and displayed in the display device. This allows the user to see already recorded cutout images all together to easily select a cutout image to be pasted on the original image.

[0040] According to a sixth aspect, in the image creating device of the first aspect,

[0041] the original image data storing portion stores the original image data in the form of polygon data composed of a group of a plurality of polygons to display an image of a moving object as the original image,

[0042] the program storing portion further contains a motion giving program for giving motion to individual parts of the object,

[0043] the second write program creates display image data on the basis of the plurality of polygon data stored in the original image data storing portion and writes the display image data into the third temporarily storing portion,

[0044] the third write program writes the cutout image data stored in the 'second temporarily storing portion into a storage region in the third temporarily storing portion corresponding to a polygon position of the part to be changed which was specified by operation of the operation input portion, and

[0045] the processing portion reads the combined image data stored in the third temporarily storing portion to display an image obtained by combining the image based on the polygon data with the cutout image in the display device, and writes image data changed so that the individual parts based on the polygon data can be moved at predetermined cycle on the basis of the motion giving program, into the third temporarily storing portion.

[0046] As stated above, according to the sixth aspect, a three-dimensional image can be created by quite easy operation. Further, the created image can be displayed as an image moving according to a predetermined operating program.

[0047] According to a seventh aspect, in the image creating device of the sixth aspect,

[0048] the program storing portion further contains a display control program for controlling display of the moving object and

[0049] the display control program includes

[0050] a program for displaying a background image for the moving object, and

[0051] a program responsive to operation of the operation input portion, for giving change different from original motion to the motion of the moving object.

[0052] As stated above, according to the seventh aspect, a background image can be automatically created when creating three-dimensional images.

[0053] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing external appearance of the structure of an image creating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed as a video game machine system.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of the video game machine system shown in FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a storage region map of a cartridge 30 and/or a disk 45 as an example of an external storage medium.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a storage region map of a RAM 15 provided in the game machine 10.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine used to describe operation of the image creating device of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a subroutine flowchart showing an image capturing/image selecting process.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a subroutine flowchart showing an image confirming process.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a subroutine flowchart showing a cutout area selecting process.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a subroutine flowchart showing a cutout image confirming process.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a subroutine flowchart showing a cutout image saving process.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display made when a doll is selected.

[0065] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of display in the image selecting process.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display in the image confirming process.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of display in the cutout image area selecting process.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of display in the cutout image saving process.

[0069] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of display in a cutout image pasting process.

[0070] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of display shown while a desired image is being created by using cutout image.

[0071] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a final created image.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0072] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing external appearance of the structure of an image creating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed as a video game machine system. In FIG. 1, the image creating device of this embodiment captures video signals supplied from a given video source (a television receiver, a video camera, a video cassette recorder, etc.) and processes data by using the image based on the captured video signals to create an image suited to user's preference, which comprises the main body of the video game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine) 10. Formed on the top surface of the housing 11 of the game machine 10 are an insertion hole 111 for attaching a cartridge 30, and a power switch 112 and a reset switch 113 on the side. The cartridge insertion hole 111 has a cartridge connector 12c (see FIG. 2) provided on its inner side. Provided on-the front panel of the game machine 10 are controller connectors 121, 122, 123 and 124 for connection with controllers 20. An extension connector 12d for connection with a disk drive device 40 is provided on the bottom of the game machine 10.

[0073] The controller 20 has a housing 21 with a plurality of (three in the drawing) handles. Provided on the top of the housing 21 are a direction specifying switch 22 for specifying direction of movements of characters or objects operated by a player, an analog stick (also called a 3D stick or a joy stick) 23 for analogously specifying the moving direction, and a group of operating switches 24 and a reset/start button 25. The group of operating switches 24 includes switches 24a to 24f, which are used to specify actions of the player characters or player objects in a game mode, and to select various kinds of commands in an image creating input mode. Further, side switches 26L and 26R for requesting other actions are formed on the upper side of the housing 21.

[0074] Formed on the top of the housing 41 of the disk drive 40 is a connector 42 to be connected to the extension connector 12d. A disk insertion hole 43 is formed on the front side of the housing 41. Inserted into the disk insertion hole 43 is a writable/readable disk-like recording (or storing) medium (hereinafter referred to as a disk) 45, such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optic disk, etc.

[0075] A display device 50 like a household television receiver is connected to the game machine 10.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of the video game machine system shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the game machine 10 includes an information processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 13. The CPU 13 conducts processings for image creation or game on the basis of program stored in the memory cartridge 30 or the disk-like storage medium 45. A bus control circuit 141 included in a coprocessor (hereinafter referred to as an RCP) 14 is connected to the CPU 13. The RCP 14 includes a first image processing unit (a reality signal processor, hereinafter referred to as RSP) 142 and a second image processing unit (reality display processor, hereinafter referred to as RDP) 143. The RSP 142 is a processor for executing signal processing such as polygon coordinate transformation, light source processing, etc. The RDP 143 is a processor for converting polygon data into image data that can be displayed and into data format that can be stored in frame memory included in the RAM 15. The RSP 142, RDP 143, and RAM 15 are connected to the CPU 13 through the bus control circuit 141. The RAM 15 will be described later in greater detail referring to FIG. 4.

[0077] Also connected to the bus control circuit 141 are connectors 12c, 12d, and a controller control circuit 16. The memory cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge) 30 is detachably connected to the connector 12c. Connected to the connector 12d is the disk drive 40. The connectors 121, 122, 123 and 124 are connected to the controller control circuit 16. These connectors 121 to 124 are connected to controllers 20 of the respective users (or players). Further, an audio signal generating circuit 16a and a video signal generating circuit 16v are connected to the bus control circuit 141. The audio signal generating circuit 16a is connected to a speaker 51 in the display device 50 through an output connector 17a. The video signal generating circuit 16v is connected to a CRT display 52 in the display device 50 through an output connector 17v.

[0078] FIG. 3 shows a storage region map of the cartridge 30 and/or disk 45 as an example of an external storage medium. When the cartridge 30 is used as the external storage medium, it includes a non-volatile memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 31 for fixedly storing program data and a writable/readable memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 32. The ROM 31 includes an identification (ID) information storage region 311, an OS information storage region 312, an image creating program storage region 313, an animation display program (game program) storage region 314, an audio generating program, including sound data program, storage region 315, and a graphic data storage region 316. In the description below, these regions are simply referred to as storage regions 311 to 316, with the words indicating the kinds of stored information omitted.

[0079] Stored in the storage region 311 in the ROM 31 are the serial No. of the external storage medium, game version data, etc. Stored in the storage region 312 are information such as graphic microcode, sound microcode, CPU library, etc. Stored in the storage region 313 are programs for realizing the operation shown in the flowcharts in FIG. 5 to FIG. 10 described later, such as write/read/display control program, polygon coordinate calculating program, icon display program, parts select/display program, color/brightness control program, etc. Stored in the storage region 314 are programs for giving predetermined action (or motion) by using user-created image (i.e., game program). Stored in the storage region 315 are audio programs for BGM, sound effects in game, etc. Stored in the storage region 316 are original picture (or original image) data, polygon data, texture data, etc.

[0080] The RAM 32 is used to store image data for creation captured from video signal by the user, or backup data of game.

[0081] When the disk 45 is used as the external storage medium, the storage region is divided into a read-only region 45A and a writable region 45B. The read-only region 45A corresponds to the ROM 31 in the cartridge 30, which is used as the ID information storage region 451, OS information storage region 452, image creating program storage region 453, animation display program -storage region 454, audio generating program storage region 455, and graphic data storage region 456. The writable region 45B corresponds to the RAM 32, which is used as a creation image data storage region, similarly to the RAM 32.

[0082] While whether to use the cartridge 30 or the disk 45 as the external storage medium depends on the required storage capacity (especially the capacity required in the writable region), which can be freely selected by the software developer.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a storage region map of the RAM 15 provided in the game machine 10. In FIG. 4, the RAM 15 includes a program data transfer and storage region 15A and an image creating data storage region 15B. For the program data transfer and storage region 15A, part of the program data stored in the ROM 31 or the read-only region 45A in the disk 45 shown in FIG. 3 are transferred and stored there as needed. The image creating data storage region 15B is used to temporarily store image data being processed in respective process steps for creating a desired image by using a captured image. For example, the image creating data storage region 15B includes an original image data storage region 151, a monochrome captured image data storage region 152, a color captured image data storage region 153, a cutout image data storage region 154, and a display image data storage region 155. The original image data storage region 151 is used to store image data of the original (original picture) for image creation by the user, which contains a plurality of pieces of polygon data For displaying images, e.g., an image of the doll shown in the frame in FIG. 11 described later, and texture (pattern tiles) data to be pasted on the individual parts formed with a plurality of polygons, such as hands, legs, body, face, etc. The monochrome captured image data storage region 152 is used to temporarily store luminance data of video varying frame by frame (i.e., moving picture) when video signal is supplied. The color captured image data storage region 153 is used to temporarily store color image data of an image to be captured from the video (moving picture) displayed in monochrome. The cutout image data storage region 154 is used to temporarily store images to be cut out from the captured color image data as texture, which stores a plurality of color data of images (e.g., a face of a person) cut out from the image captured from the video signal, for example. The display image data storage region 155 is a so-called frame memory, which has a storage region corresponding to the number of dots in the display screen of the CRT display 52. It is used to temporarily store color data displayed in the screen.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine used to describe operation of the image creating device of the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 to 10 are flowcharts showing subroutines showing details of some steps in the main routine. In FIG. 5, the numbers of diagrams enclosed in parentheses within the step boxes indicate those showing flowcharts of the corresponding subroutines, and the numbers of diagrams on the sides of the step numbers indicate those showing examples of images displayed in the respective steps.

[0085] Next, the outline of the operation of the image creating device of this embodiment will be described referring to the main routine shown in FIG. 5 and the examples of screen displays corresponding to the individual steps. First, in step S1, a plurality of kinds of dolls, animals, and the like, are displayed in the CRT display 52 as starting objects for changing the face, clothes, etc. The user selects a desired doll or animal. FIG. 11 shows an example of an image displayed when a doll is selected. At this time, icons showing functions selectable next are displayed around the display frame showing the original image of the selected doll.

[0086] Next, in step S2, when the icon of “Captured Image” indicating capturing of image is selected, the image creating device enters the captured image mode. In response, the input video supplied from a predetermined video source (a television receiver, a video camera, a videocassette recorder, etc.) is displayed in an input video display frame on the CRT display 52. Further, commands indicating “Capture Image” and “Return” for returning to the display in FIG. 11 are displayed as the next selectable functions below the input video display frame. With these commands displayed, it is also shown which of the operating switches 24a and 24b is to be used (A, B), and which of the four points, up, down, left, right, of the direction specifying switch 22 is to be pressed (left, right) to select the commands. At this time, a moving picture which varies frame by frame is displayed in monochrome in the input video display frame.

[0087] When the user presses the operating switch 24a or the left side of the direction specifying switch 22 to specify “Capture Image,” then the screen shows a display for a process of confirming the image (see FIG. 13) in the next step S4. In this image confirming process, the captured image is displayed in colors in a large area in the center, and the video being inputted is displayed in monochrome in a small area in the lower right part. Also, commands for asking whether to determine to capture the color image displayed in the upper center or to cancel it are displayed. When the decision command is selected, a process of selecting a cutout area as texture is performed in step S5. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the captured color image confirmed in step S4 is displayed in a large area, with a box (or a rectangular box) for specifying the area to be cut out from it. This box can be displayed in arbitrary size by operating a cursor shaped like a hand. Figures for adjusting brightness, contrast, tone, etc. are displayed below the display frame showing the color captured image. The levels of brightness, contrast, and tone corresponding to the figures can be changed by operating the cursor. When the cutout area has been selected, an icon indicating the decision is selected.

[0088] Next, in step S6, a process for confirming the cutout image as texture is performed. Next, in step S7, the texture of the cutout image is saved in some free area in the cutout image data storage region 154. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the texture of the cutout image selected this time is displayed in the center of the screen. Textures cut out before are saved in some area in the image data storage region 154, and displayed as icons on the right side of the screen in a reduced size. Next, in step S8, the image capturing processing is finished.

[0089] Next, in step S9, the video data of the face cut out from the captured image is displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. 16. At this time, the face of the cutout image is processed as needed. For example, icons of a wig, nose, glasses, etc. are selected, to cover the head with a chosen wig, change the shape of the nose to a different one (part), or to put glasses on the face. FIG. 17 shows an image obtained by processing the face in the cutout image by user's choice. In the next step S10, an image creating process for changing other parts (e.g., processing based on choice, for changing the clothes, shapes of other parts, etc.) is performed, to complete the image of the doll suited to the user's taste, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0090] Next, details (subroutines) of steps S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7 in the main routine in FIG. 5 will be described.

[0091] The processing in steps S2 and S3 are accomplished by executing the image capturing/image selecting subroutine shown in FIG. 6. That is to say, in step S11, with the image of the doll, as a base of the image creation, displayed as shown in FIG. 11, the command indicating image capturing is selected, and then the routine moves to step S12. In step S12, in order to display a monochrome image based on the video signal, luminance data contained in the color video signal is extracted and converted into monochrome texture, and the luminance data of monochrome captured image is written into the storage region 152. Next, in step S13, the monochrome captured image data stored in the storage region 152 is written into the storage area corresponding to the monochrome image display frame shown in FIG. 12 in the display image data storage region 155, and font data for displaying the command of “Capture Image” or “Return” are written below it. Subsequently, in step S14, it is determined whether the operating switch 24a is pressed (or the left side of the direction specifying switch 22 is pressed), in other words, whether the “Decision” command is selected. When the decision command is not selected, it is determined in the next step S15 whether the operating switch 24b (or the right side of the direction specifying switch 22) for selecting the “Return” command is pressed. When the “Return” command is not selected, the routine returns to step S11 and the operations in steps S11 to S15 are repeated. Then the image creating device stays in a waiting state until some command is selected. If it is determined that the “Return” command is selected in this waiting state, the routine returns to the operation in step S2.

[0092] If it is determined in step S14 that the switch 24a (or the left side of the direction specifying switch 22) is pressed, or that the “Decision” command is selected, the routine moves to the next Step S4.

[0093] Next, referring to FIG. 7, the image confirming process (step S4) will be described in detail. First, at the instant of capturing image determined in the above-described step S14, a process of conversion from the video signal of the input video into color data is performed (step S21). Next, in Step S22, the color data of the captured color image is written into the storage region 153. Next, instep S23, the video signal is converted into monochrome image data (luminance signal) to be displayed as moving picture, and written into the storage region 152. Next, in step S24, the color captured image data stored in the storage region 153 is displayed as a color image of a still picture as shown in the upper frame in FIG. 13. Next, in Step S25, the monochrome captured image stored in the storage region 152 is displayed in the area shown by the lower frame in FIG. 13 as moving picture. At this time, it is also displayed in the lower left part of the screen that “Decision” or “Cancel” command should be selected, to prompt the user to select one of them. Then, in step S26, if it is determined that “Decision” has been selected, the routine moves to the next Step S5. When “Decision” is not selected and “Cancel” is not selected, either, the operation moves back to step S22. When “Cancel” is selected, the routine returns to the image selecting process in step S3.

[0094] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the processing (step S5) for selecting the cutout area (in other words, the size of the required texture) will be described in detail. First, in step S31, the color captured image stored in the storage region 153 is displayed in a large area on the screen, and the box for image to be cut out is selected by using the cursor (see the rectangular box around the face in FIG. 14). Next, in step S32, it is determined whether the icon indicating that the cutout image area has been determined was selected. If it wasn't selected, the routine moves to step S34. In step S34, it is determined whether the icon indicating cancellation was operated. If it is determined that it wasn't operated, the routine moves to step S35. In step S35, it is determined whether any of the color control bars for brightness, contrast, and tone has been operated. If the color control bars have been operated, the color data of the color captured image stored in the storage region 153 is corrected in the next step S36. Subsequently, the operation moves back to step S31.

[0095] If it is determined in step S35 that the color control bars have not been operated, then it is determined in step S37 whether the box for selecting a cutout area has been changed. If it has not been changed, the routine returns to the operation in step S31, and if it has been changed, a process of changing the area selecting box is performed in step S38.

[0096] Subsequently, when the color control and the cutout area selecting box have been specified and the icon indicating the determination is operated, it is confirmed in step S32 and the routine moves to the next step S6. When it is determined in step S34 that the icon indicating cancellation is selected, the routine returns to the image selecting process in step S3.

[0097] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the process of confirming the cutout image (step S6) will be described in greater detail. When the cutout area has been selected in the above-described cutout area selecting process (step S5), the color image in the selected area is cut out in step S41. When it is required that the size of the cutout image be changed, a process of changing the size (a process of enlarging or contracting) is performed in step S42. Next, in step S43, the color data of the cutout image is written into a free area in the storage region 154. Next, in step S44, the cutout image data stored in the respective areas in the storage region 154 are displayed as icons on the right side of the screen as shown in FIG. 15, with the latest cutout image being displayed in the large area in the center of the screen. At the same time, icons for selecting saving or canceling of the latest cutout image are displayed on the left side of the screen. Next, in step S45, it is determined whether the icon for specifying “Save” is selected. When “Save” is not selected, it is determined in step S46 whether the icon indicating “Cancel” is selected. When neither of the icons is selected, the routine returns to the operation in step S44 and the operations in steps S44, S45 and 546 are repeated.

[0098] When the icon indicating “Save” is selected, it is decided in step S45 and the routine moves to the next step S7. When the icon indicating “Cancel” is selected, it is decided in step S46 and the routine returns to the cutout area selecting process in step S5.

[0099] Next, referring to FIG. 10, the process of saving the cutout image (step S7) will be described in detail. First, in step S51, the process of correcting the color captured image stored in the storage region 153 is performed, and then the color captured image data is transferred and stored into the storage region 155. In the process of correcting color captured image, when the captured image is a face of a person, the face is represented in an egg-shaped area inside the rectangular box. Accordingly, the captured image data in the four corners of the rectangular box is shaded off. Or, color data in separated two points in the face (e.g., forehead and chin) are added and divided by two to obtain the average, and the average color data is written in the part outside the face outline. For another method of correcting, color data may be written as if a filter is superimposed on the cutout color captured image, wherein the filter is transparent in the egg-shaped part surrounded by the rectangular box and the transparency decreases as it separates outward off from the periphery of the egg-shaped part. The color captured image thus corrected is enlarged and displayed in a large area in the center of the CRT display 52 (see FIG. 16).

[0100] At the same time, a plurality of icons of textures showing cutout images are displayed around the display frame, and various commands are displayed, too. Next, in step S52, it is determined whether the cutout color captured image should be saved in the external storage medium, e.g., in the storage region in the RAM 32 (or in the writable region 45B in the magnetic disk 45). When the user does not select the icon indicating saving, it is decided in step S52 and the routine moves to step S53. It is determined in step S53 whether the icon indicating canceling is selected, and if it is determined that the icon is not selected, the routine moves to the operation in step S51. In this way, when none of the commands are selected, the operations in steps S51, S52 and S53 are repeated. At this time, if the user selects the command indicating saving (or backup storage), it is decided in step S52 and the color data of the plurality of cutout images stored in the storage region 154 are written into the RAM 32 (or the writable region 45B in the magnetic disk 45) and the routine moves to the operation in step S8.

[0101] When the icon indicating canceling is selected, it is decided in step S53 and the routine returns to the cutout image area selecting process in step S5.

[0102] Next, with the doll having the face cut out and pasted as described above being displayed as shown in FIG. 18, the operation for causing the doll to move in a desired way will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18, the face part of the doll is changed to the cutout color captured image, and textures of clothes chosen by the user are pasted thereon.

[0103] Then, as shown in the left side of the display in FIG. 18, icons for selecting types of motion of the doll are displayed. When one of the icons is selected, animation display program (program for realizing display of motion of the doll) corresponding to the selected icon is read from the storage region 314 in the ROM 31 or from the storage region 454 in the magnetic disk 45, and written into the transfer and storage region in the RAM 15. Then the CPU 13 executes the transferred animation display program to calculate coordinate data of the polygons of the doll, frame by frame, according to previously prepared movement pattern. Further, textures (pattern tiles) of the hands, legs, body, clothes, etc. are pasted on the individual parts of the doll on the basis of the calculation about a plurality of polygons, and they are written into the storage region 155. The texture data written in the storage region 155 is read and displayed, to give motion to the individual parts of the body of the doll as a still object shown in FIG. 18.

[0104] The user can enjoy games by using the image created in the above-described embodiment. In this case, the user operates the direction specifying switch 22 or the analog stick 23 to specify movement of the created doll, and the background image is changed by program according to the movement of the doll.

[0105] While the above-described embodiment has described an example in which image of a part of the body (e.g., the face) of an original image, e.g., an image of a doll, is changed to a separately captured color image, it is noted here that the present invention can be applied with a variety of modifications and changes. For example, the face part can be changed to a face of an animal, or an original picture of an animal can be used and the face of the original picture can be changed to a face of another animal.

[0106] While the present 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.

Claims

1. An image creating device for capturing image data supplied from a given video source and combining the image data with original image data to create a desired image, or an image obtained by processing the original image, and displaying the desired image on display means, said image creating device comprising: operation input means for inputting instructions required for image creation according to operation by a user; original image data storing means for temporarily storing the original image data; first temporarily storing means for temporarily storing captured image data; second temporarily storing means for temporarily storing at least one piece of cutout image data cut out from the captured image data; third temporarily storing means for storing image data for said desired image to be displayed; program storing means for storing program data for the image creation; and processing means for conducting processings for the image creation on the basis of the program data for the image creation stored in said program storing means; wherein the program data stored in said program storing means includes, a first write program responsive to operation of said operation input means, for capturing the image data supplied from said given video source and writing the image data into said first temporarily storing means as said captured image data, a first read/display program for reading the captured image data stored in said first temporarily storing means and displaying the captured image in said display means, a cutout program for, when said operation input means is operated to specify an area of image to be cut out from the captured image displayed in said display means, temporarily storing the image data corresponding to the specified area into said second temporarily storing means as said cutout image data, a second read/display program for reading the cutout image data stored in said second temporarily storing means and displaying the cutout image data as an icon in part of screen of said display means, a second write program for reading the original image data stored in said original image data storing means and writing the original image data into said third temporarily storing means, a third write program for, when said operation input means is operated to select the icon of said cutout image in order to combine and display said cutout image in an image display position corresponding to a part of the original image displayed in said display means to be changed which was specified by operation of said operation input, writing the corresponding cutout image data stored in said second temporarily storing means upon the corresponding region in said third temporarily storing means, and a third read/display program for reading the combined image data stored in said third temporarily storing means in which said cutout image data is written and displaying the combined image data in said display means.

2. The image creating device according to claim 1, wherein said program storing means further contains a correcting program for applying correcting processing to the image data in a peripheral part in the cutout area specified by said operation input means before said cutout image data is written into said second temporarily storing means.

3. The image creating device according to claim 2, wherein said cutout program cuts out the image data in a rectangular area specified by said operation input means, and said correcting program corrects said cutout image data in the rectangular area by shading of f a peripheral part around a shape defined by excluding the four corners of the specified rectangular area.

4. The image creating device according to claim 1, wherein said program storing means further contains a motion giving program for giving motion to individual parts of the original image, and when reading the combined image data stored in said third temporarily storing means on the basis of said third read/display program, said processing means applies given processing to the combined image data on the basis of said motion giving program to change motion of the individual parts of the combined image.

5. The image creating device according to claim 1, wherein said cutout program temporarily stores the cutout image data corresponding to the specified area into said second temporarily storing means each time said operation input means is operated to specify an area of image to be cut out, and said second read/display program reads the plurality of cutout image data stored in said second temporarily storing means and separately displays the plurality of cutout image data in part of the screen of said display means.

6. The image creating device according to claim 1, wherein said original image data storing means stores the original image data in the form of polygon data composed of a group of a plurality of polygons to display an image of a moving object as the original image, said program storing means further contains a motion giving program for giving motion to individual parts of said object, said second write program creates display image data on the basis of the plurality of polygon data stored in said original image data storing means and writes the display image data into said third temporarily storing means, said third write program writes the cutout image data stored in said second temporarily storing means into a storage region in said third temporarily storing means corresponding to a polygon position of the part to be changed which was specified by operation of said operation input means, and said processing means reads the combined image data stored in said third temporarily storing means to display an image obtained by combining the image based on the polygon data with the cutout image in said display means, and writes image data changed so that the individual parts based on the polygon data can be moved at predetermined cycle on the basis of said motion giving program, into said third temporarily storing means.

7. The image creating device according to claim 6, wherein said program storing means further contains a display control program for controlling display of said moving object, and said display control program includes a program for displaying a background image for said moving object, and a program responsive to operation of said operation input means, for giving change different from original motion to the motion of the moving object.