JP2000331184A - Image forming device and information storing medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which can convert an image which is seen from a virtual camera into a real picture with a little processing load and an information storing medium. SOLUTION: When a virtual camera 30 rotates around its X-, Y-, or Z-axis or moves for tracking a moving body 20 moving along a course, fluctuation is given to the camera 30 so as to express camera shake (rotational blurring). The fluctuation given to the camera 30 is decided in accordance with the rotational angular velocity or speed of the camera 30. Such a fluctuation range that becomes wider as the rotational angular velocity or speed of the camera 30 increases is found and the fluctuation contained in the range is given to the camera 30. When the rotational angular velocity or speed of the camera 30 is high, the fluctuation is limited to a limit value. The offset value between the position of the moving body 20 and the position of the steadily gazing point of the camera 30 is variably controlled based on the distance from the moving body 20 or the speed of the body 20 or registered in connection with a course block.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generating apparatus and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generating apparatus (in a narrow sense) that arranges a plurality of objects in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and generates an image viewed from the viewpoint of a virtual camera. Is a game device)
Is known, and is popular as an experience of so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation device capable of enjoying a racing game as an example, a player drives a vehicle (own vehicle) driven by the player in an object space, and a vehicle (other vehicle) driven by another player or a computer. Enjoy the game by competing.

In such an image generating apparatus, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player.

However, in such an image generating apparatus, since a computer actually controls the virtual camera, an image viewed from the virtual camera is different from an image obtained when a human takes a real camera in the real world. Must be different. Therefore, the obtained image is still monotonous, and lacks realism.

For example, a car (moving body) driven by a player
Is taken by a virtual camera installed along the course, a vector connecting the car and the virtual camera may be obtained, and the virtual camera may be directed in the direction of the vector. According to this method, even if the car moves at high speed, the virtual camera can follow the car, and the car surely enters the screen.

However, according to this method, the car is always fixed at the center of the screen, and an image is generated as if it were taken by a virtual camera controlled by a computer. Therefore, it has not been possible to enhance the virtual reality of the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image capable of converting an image viewed from a virtual camera into a more realistic image with a small processing load. An object of the present invention is to provide a generation device and an information storage medium.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: an image generating device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space; Means for controlling the virtual camera and rotation of the virtual camera about the given axis and position of the virtual camera when at least one of the rotation about the given axis of the virtual camera and the position of the virtual camera changes. It is characterized by including means for giving fluctuation to at least one of them, and means for generating an image viewed from the virtual camera. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes information (program) for realizing (executing) the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer, and is a program for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, when the virtual camera rotates around a given axis or the virtual camera moves (changes in position), a fluctuation is given to the rotation or position around the axis of the virtual camera. . Then, an image viewed from the virtual camera given the fluctuation is generated. Therefore,
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to give an illusion to the operator (player) as if the virtual camera vibrated due to camera shake, and it is possible to significantly increase the sense of realism and realism of the image.

[0010] An image generating apparatus, an information storage medium, and a program according to the present invention provide a method for rotating a virtual camera around a given axis so as to follow a gazing point of the virtual camera to a moving object moving in an object space. When at least one of the positions of the virtual camera changes, the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the fluctuation of at least one of the positions of the virtual camera are given. According to the present invention, the moving object moves in the object space based on an operation by the operator, an operation by the computer, or information for reproducing the movement of the moving object. When the virtual camera rotates around a given axis or the virtual camera moves in order to cause the moving body to follow the point of gaze of the virtual camera, the virtual camera fluctuates. As a result, it is possible to increase the realism and realism of the image viewed from the virtual camera following the moving object.

[0011] The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention may be configured to change the rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis by changing the fluctuation according to at least one of the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera and the speed of the virtual camera. It is provided for at least one of the positions of the virtual camera. With this configuration, it is determined whether or not the virtual camera is fluctuated based on the rotation angular velocity (rotation change amount) and the speed (position change amount) of the virtual camera, or based on the rotation angular velocity and the speed. For example, it is possible to give a changing fluctuation to a virtual camera. As a result, a more realistic image can be generated with a small processing load.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention obtain a fluctuation range which becomes wider as the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera becomes faster, or becomes wider as the speed of the virtual camera becomes faster. The fluctuation is given to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. With this configuration, the virtual camera can be shaken within a fluctuation range that changes according to the rotational angular velocity and the speed of the virtual camera. In this case, it is desirable that the fluctuation given to the virtual camera be obtained based on a fluctuation function, a fluctuation value table, or the like.

[0013] The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention may be arranged such that when the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera is higher than a given rotational angular velocity, or when the virtual camera is faster than a predetermined rotational velocity, the fluctuation is obtained. Characterized by limiting the increase in In this way, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the fluctuation becomes excessively large due to the rotation angular velocity or the velocity of the virtual camera becoming extremely large.

Further, the present invention is an image generating apparatus for generating an image, means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space, and generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. Means for controlling a virtual camera for tracking a gazing point of a virtual camera to a moving body moving in an object space while variably controlling an offset value between a position of the moving body and a gazing point position of the virtual camera. And means for generating an image visible from the virtual camera. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes information (program) for realizing (executing) the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer, and is a program for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, when the virtual camera follows the moving body, the offset value (two-dimensional distance, three-dimensional distance, angle, etc.) between the moving body position and the gazing point position is variably controlled. This makes it possible to generate an image in which the position of the moving object on the screen changes variously. As a result, the degree of variety of the obtained images can be increased, and various effect effects can be created.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide a virtual camera which rotates and rotates around a given axis in order to cause a moving object moving in an object space to follow a gazing point of the virtual camera. When at least one of the positions of the virtual camera changes, the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the fluctuation of at least one of the positions of the virtual camera are given. With this configuration, it is possible to generate an image with a high degree of variety in which the position of the moving object in the screen changes variously, and also to generate a real image in which camera shake and the like are expressed.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the offset value is variably controlled based on at least one of a distance from the moving body and a speed of the moving body. This makes it possible to generate a wide variety of images by a simple process of changing the offset value according to the distance from the moving body or the speed of the moving body.

The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the offset value or information for specifying the offset value is set in a map in an object space. In this way, an arbitrary offset value can be set at each location on the map, and a variety of images can be generated with a small processing load.

[0019]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a car game will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various games.

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

The player sits on the seat 1040 and looks at the game image displayed on the screen 1050 while watching the steering 1052, the accelerator 1054, and the brake 1056.
Operate. Then, the player sets the steering 1052
Is steered, the car (the moving object in the object space) 1060 projected on the screen 1050 corners right and left. When the player operates the accelerator 1054 and the brake 1056, the car 1060 accelerates or decelerates. The player then proceeds to the vehicle 1060
To compete with a car operated by another player sitting on the seats 1042, 1044, and 1046 or a car operated by a computer for the order and lap time, and enjoy a competitive game.

A CCD camera (photographing means) 1062
Is for photographing a face image (player identification image) of the player. By associating the face image captured by the CCD camera 1062 with the car operated by the player, it is possible to easily recognize which player is operating which car. Also, the relay display 1
At 064, a relay screen 1066 is displayed for a third party who does not participate in the game to watch the state of the multi-player game or to replay the state of driving of the car driven by the player. The slot 1072 is for inserting a memory card (portable information storage device) 1070. This memory card 1070 can be used in a home-use game device.
Through 70, information can be exchanged between the arcade game device and the home game device.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 1).
40, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 140, and the information storage medium 150), and other blocks (for example, the operation unit 130, the image generation unit 160, the display unit 162, the sound generation unit 170, the sound output unit 172, The communication unit 174, the I / F unit 176, the memory card 180, and the like) can be optional components.

Here, the processing section 100 controls the entire apparatus,
It performs various processes such as instruction of commands to each block in the device and game calculation.
It can be realized by hardware such as ISC type, RISC type), DSP, or ASIC (gate array or the like), or a given program (game program).

The operation section 130 is used by the player to input operation information. The functions of the operation section 130 are the steering 1052, accelerator 1054, brake 1056,
It can be realized by hardware such as operation buttons.

The storage section 140 includes a processing section 100, an image generation section 160, a sound generation section 170, a communication section 174, and an I / F section 1.
It is a work area such as 76, and its function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (a storage medium usable by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 150.
That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information for realizing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in the program includes program codes, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information for performing the processing of the present invention, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. And at least one of information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.

The image generation unit 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing unit 100 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, or DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 172. The function of the sound generation section 170 is as follows.
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data and the like).

The communication unit 174 performs various controls for performing communication with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device).
C or hardware such as a CPU or a given program (communication program).

The information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) is obtained from an information storage medium of the host device via a network and a communication unit 174 through the information stored in the game device (image generation device in a broad sense). You may make it distribute to a storage medium. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be performed by the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 1.
74 may be realized. Or,
Image generation unit 160, sound generation unit 170, or communication unit 174
Some or all of the functions may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.

The I / F unit 176 exchanges information with a memory card (portable information storage device including a portable mini game device, etc. in a broad sense) 180 according to an instruction from the processing unit 100 and the like. The function can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a controller IC for data writing / reading, and the like. In addition, memory card 1
In a case where information exchange with the device 80 is realized using wireless communication such as infrared light, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The processing section 100 includes a game operation section 110.

Here, the game calculation section 110 performs a coin (price) receiving process, a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, a process of determining a position and a direction of a moving body (vehicle or the like), Processing to determine the viewpoint position and gaze direction, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate game results (achievements), multiple players in a common game space Various game calculation processes such as a process for playing or a game over process are performed based on operation information from the operation unit 130, information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like. In addition,
When the present invention is applied to a game other than a car game, various moving objects can be considered, such as a character, a motorcycle, an airplane, a ship, a water ski, a surfboard, a tank, a robot, and a spaceship.

The game operation unit 110 includes a moving object operation unit 11
2. Includes a virtual camera control unit 114.

Here, the moving body computing section 112 computes movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of a moving body such as a car, for example, operation information input from the operation section 130 or a given program. Based on the calculation, an operation of moving the moving object in the object space is performed. That is, based on an operation by a player (own player or another player) or an operation by a computer (given movement control algorithm), an operation of moving a moving object in an object space is performed.

More specifically, the moving body computing section 112
The position and direction of the moving object is, for example, one frame (1/60 second)
The required process is performed every time. For example, in the (k-1) frame, the position of the moving object is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, and the acceleration is AM.
Let k-1 be the time of one frame, Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The virtual camera control unit 114 generates an image at a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. For controlling the virtual camera for generating the image. In other words, the virtual camera performs a rotation about a given axis (for example, X, Y, Z axis) and a process of controlling the position of the virtual camera (a process of controlling a viewpoint position and a line of sight direction).

For example, when the moving object is photographed from behind by the virtual camera, the virtual camera rotates around the axis (direction of the virtual camera) so that the virtual camera follows a change in the position or direction of the moving object. And controlling the position of the virtual camera. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on information such as the position, direction, or speed of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 112.

On the other hand, in the replay mode in which the moving body of the excellent player is replayed, the virtual camera control unit 114 firstly selects a plurality of virtual cameras set along the course (side the course) from the plurality of virtual cameras. A virtual camera close to the moving object is selected. Then, while controlling the selected virtual camera based on information such as the position, direction or speed of the moving object to be photographed, the moving object to be photographed is photographed by the virtual camera. In this case, information such as the position, direction, or speed of the moving object during normal game play (in a broad sense, information for reproducing the movement of the moving object, which may be operation information of the moving object) is stored in the storage unit. Accumulate. In the replay mode, the traveling (movement) of the moving object is replayed based on the stored information.

The virtual camera control unit 114 includes a fluctuation (vibration) setting unit 116 and an offset value control unit 118.

Here, the fluctuation setting unit 116 rotates the virtual camera around a given axis (for example, the X, Y or Z axis) or tracks the moving object moving in the object space. For changing the position of the virtual camera (processing for vibrating the virtual camera), that is, the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the fluctuation of the position of the virtual camera Is performed.

More specifically, the virtual camera is given a fluctuation in accordance with the rotational angular velocity (the amount of change in rotation) of the virtual camera or the speed (the amount of change in position) of the virtual camera. For example, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation is given to the virtual camera based on the rotational angular velocity and the velocity, or the fluctuation whose magnitude is determined by the rotational angular velocity and the velocity is given to the virtual camera.

In this case, for example, a fluctuation range which becomes wider as the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera becomes faster, or becomes wider as the speed of the virtual camera becomes faster, is determined. It is desirable to obtain based on a table and to give it to the virtual camera.

Further, the fluctuation setting section 116 sets the fluctuation to the limit value when the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera is higher than the given rotation angular velocity or when the speed of the virtual camera is higher than the given velocity ( In a broad sense, processing for limiting an increase in fluctuation is also performed.

The offset value control section 118 performs a process of variably controlling the offset value between the position of the moving object and the position of the gazing point of the virtual camera. That is, the gazing point of the virtual camera is made to follow the moving object moving in the object space while variably controlling the offset value. In this way, while moving the moving body from the center of the screen to an arbitrary position,
The moving object can be tracked by the virtual camera, so that the degree of variety in game effects can be increased. Then, in this case, if the rotation or position around the axis of the virtual camera changes by following the moving object with the virtual camera, a fluctuation corresponding to the amount of the change is given to the virtual camera.

The offset value may be changed based on, for example, the distance from the moving object (the distance between the virtual camera and the moving object, the distance between the player moving object and the moving object, etc.), or the speed of the moving object. Or may be changed based on other factors.

In this embodiment, both game play in a single player mode in which one player plays and game play in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play are possible.

When a plurality of players play,
The images and sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated by using a single game device (image generation device in a broad sense) or may be generated by a plurality of devices connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. It may be generated using a game device.

2. Features of the present embodiment FIGS. 3A and 3B show examples of images generated by the present embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of images generated in the replay mode (one of the attract modes). That is, in the present embodiment, when the player has an excellent result, after the game is over, a replay image is displayed in order to show the player how the car that the player has driven is running. This replay image is an image viewed from the replay virtual camera set along the course.
That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of virtual cameras for replay are installed along the course. Then, one virtual camera is selected from the plurality of virtual cameras for replay based on the position of the player's car, and the state of the player's car running is photographed by this virtual camera.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, as shown in FIG. 4A, a virtual camera 30 follows a moving body (car) 20 moving on a course (note that a virtual camera is attached to the moving body). Follow the viewpoint). For this reason, the virtual camera 30 is rotating around a given axis. In this case, in this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 4A, a fluctuation is given to the virtual camera 30. Further, in FIG. 4B, the position of the virtual camera 30 changes in order to follow the moving body 20, and in this case also, the virtual camera 30 is fluctuated in this embodiment. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4C, the rotation (rotation angle) α, β, γ of the virtual camera 30 around the X, Y, or Z axis, or the position P of the virtual camera 30
When C changes, these α, β, γ, or PC are fluctuated. As a result, FIG.
As shown in (B), the screen fluctuates, and it is possible to give an illusion to the player as if the virtual camera 30 vibrated due to camera shake following the moving object 20. As a result, the sense of realism and realism of the image can be significantly improved.

That is, when a moving object moving on a course is photographed by a virtual camera, a method of obtaining a vector connecting the moving object and the virtual camera and pointing the virtual camera in the direction of this vector can be considered. According to this method, even if the moving object moves as shown in FIG. 4A, the moving object always enters the screen, and the player can surely see the traveling state of the moving object. become.

However, in this method, the moving object is always fixed at the center of the screen, and a monotonous image such as one taken by a virtual camera controlled by a computer is generated.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the virtual camera rotates around a given axis or its position changes in order to follow the moving object, the virtual camera is given a fluctuation.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of an image as if the image was taken with a virtual camera controlled by a computer, and to generate an image that looks as if a real person took the image with a real camera. Moreover, according to the present embodiment,
The player can experience the fluctuation of the virtual camera due to the camera shake in a simulated manner without faithfully simulating the camera shake of a real person. That is, it has succeeded in generating a more realistic image with a small processing load.

In the present embodiment, the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera (the amount of change in rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis)
Alternatively, a fluctuation corresponding to the speed of the virtual camera (the amount of change in the position of the virtual camera) is given to the virtual camera (rotation around the axis and position of the virtual camera).

For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B,
When the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera 30 is high, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is increased, and when the rotation angular velocity is low, the fluctuation is reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, when the speed of the virtual camera 30 is high, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is increased, and when the speed is low, the fluctuation is reduced.

For example, in a so-called CG movie, the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera and the velocity of the virtual camera are not considered at all. Accordingly, a uniform image is displayed regardless of the magnitude of the rotational angular velocity and the magnitude of the velocity.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the generated image looks different depending on the magnitude of the rotational angular velocity and the magnitude of the velocity. That is, the shake (blurring) of the virtual camera during the replay of a certain player is different from the shake of the virtual camera during the replay of another player, and the generated replay image also looks different. .

For example, a moving object (car) driven by a senior player generally passes through a place where a virtual camera is arranged at a higher speed. Accordingly, the rotational angular velocity and speed of the virtual camera that follows the moving object traveling at a high speed also increase. Therefore, the shaking of the virtual camera also increases. Then, the player who sees the replay image can feel the sense of speed of the moving body driven by the player through the large shaking of the virtual camera.

As described above, by employing the methods shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, in the present embodiment, the degree of variety and the degree of realism of the generated image can be significantly increased.

In FIGS. 5A to 5D, the virtual camera 30 is not based on the rotational angular velocity itself or the velocity itself, but based on parameters equivalent to the rotational angular velocity or parameters equivalent to the velocity. 30
The control of the fluctuation of is also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 may be controlled based on the relative rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera 30 or the relative velocity.

Further, in this embodiment, a fluctuation range that changes according to the rotational angular velocity or speed of the virtual camera is obtained, and fluctuation within this fluctuation range is given to the virtual camera.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera 30 is high, the fluctuation range 40 of the virtual camera 30 is increased. Further, even when the speed of the virtual camera 30 is high, the fluctuation range 40
To increase.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera 30 is low, the fluctuation range 40 of the virtual camera 30 is reduced. Further, even when the speed of the virtual camera 30 is low, the fluctuation range 40
Smaller.

As described above, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fluctuation range is determined according to the rotational angular velocity and the speed of the virtual camera. Then, a fluctuation falling within this range is obtained based on a fluctuation function and a fluctuation value table. With this configuration, the fluctuation of the virtual camera that changes according to the rotational angular velocity and the speed of the virtual camera can be realized by simple processing.

As the fluctuation range, for example, a fluctuation range of the rotation around the axis of the virtual camera, a fluctuation range of the position of the virtual camera, or a fluctuation range of the solid angle in the direction in which the virtual camera is directed can be considered.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
When the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera 30 is larger than the upper limit value ωLM, an increase in the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 (expansion of the fluctuation range) is limited (for example, a limit value is set). Further, even when the speed of the virtual camera 30 is higher than the upper limit value VLM, an increase in fluctuation is limited.

In this manner, for example, even when the rotational angular velocity or the speed of the virtual camera becomes extremely large, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the virtual camera from becoming excessive. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation where the player feels unnatural.

In this embodiment, when the virtual camera follows the moving object, the offset value (offset distance or the like) between the moving object position and the gazing point position of the virtual camera can be variably controlled. I have.

That is, in FIG. 8A, the virtual camera 30 follows the moving body 20 moving on the course (the point of gaze follows the moving body). At this time, in this embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 8B, the offset value between the position PM (for example, the position of the representative point) PM of the moving body 20 and the position PG of the gazing point (point of interest) of the virtual camera 30 is variably controlled. .

For example, in the game image shown in FIG. 3A, the gazing point position PG and the moving body position PM substantially match (FIG. 8).
(B) (zero offset), the moving body 20 is displayed near the center of the screen. Then, in the game image of FIG. 3B, the offset value changes, and PG comes after PM (minus offset in FIG. 8B). As a result, the moving body 20 is displayed before the center of the screen.

In the game image shown in FIG. 9A, the PG and the PM substantially coincide with each other, and the moving body 20 is displayed near the center of the screen. Then, in the game images of FIGS. 9B and 10, the offset value changes, and PG comes before PM (plus offset in FIG. 8B). As a result, the moving body 20 is displayed behind the center of the screen.

By variably controlling the offset value between PM and PG, the degree of variety in the game image can be significantly increased.

That is, the first method in which the virtual camera follows the moving object
As a method of (1), a method of pointing the virtual camera in the direction of the first vector connecting the virtual camera and the moving object can be considered. However, in the first method, the moving object is always displayed near the center of the screen, and there is a problem that the obtained image is a monotonous image as if it was taken with a virtual camera controlled by a computer. .

As a second method for solving such a problem, a second vector whose direction changes a little later than the first vector connecting the virtual camera and the moving object is obtained, and the second vector of the second vector is calculated. A method of pointing the virtual camera in the direction is also conceivable. However, in the second method, the moving object is always displayed before the center of the screen, and the obtained image becomes monotonous.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the virtual camera 30 follows the moving body 20, the PM, P
The offset value between G can be variably controlled. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), when the moving object 20 is far away, the moving object 20 is displayed near the center of the screen, and the moving object 20 is displayed.
When the object passes by the virtual camera, the moving object can be displayed before the center of the screen. This makes it possible to give an illusion to the player as if the following of the virtual camera was delayed because the moving object ran at a high speed, and it was possible to increase the realism of the obtained image.

According to the present embodiment, FIG.
(B), as shown in FIG. 10, when the moving body 20 is far away, the moving body 20 is displayed near the center of the screen, and the moving body 20 is displayed.
When the vehicle passes by the front of the virtual camera, the moving object 20 can be displayed behind the center of the screen. As a result, it is possible to produce an effect such as showing a curve ahead of the moving body 20 to the player, and it is possible to increase the variety of game effects.

The offset value between the position of the moving object and the position of the gazing point includes the three-dimensional distance in the object space, the two-dimensional distance on the screen, the direction connecting the virtual camera and the moving object, and the virtual value. Various things can be considered, such as an angle formed with the direction connecting the camera and the gazing point, or a parameter equivalent to these distances and angles.

The offset value can also be controlled based on the distance from the moving object (the distance between the moving object and the virtual camera, the distance between the moving object and the moving object near the virtual camera, or the depth distance). Alternatively, control can be performed based on the speed (absolute speed, relative speed) of the moving object.

For example, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, when the distance between the moving body 20 and the virtual camera 30 is long, the offset value is set to zero (or almost zero), and when the distance is short, the offset value is set. Is set to minus. In this way, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the moving body 20 is far away, the moving body 20 is displayed at the center of the screen, and when the moving body 20 approaches, the moving body 20 is displayed at a higher position than the center of the screen. Will be displayed before. As a result, an illusion can be given to the player as if the tracking of the virtual camera was delayed because the moving body 20 is traveling at a high speed, and an image with a sense of speed can be generated. Then, in this case, if the offset value is increased as the speed of the moving body 20 increases,
It is possible to further increase the sense of speed of the obtained image.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the moving body 2
When the distance between 0 and the virtual camera 30 is long, the offset value is set to zero (or almost zero), and when the distance is short, the offset value is set to plus. In this manner, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10,
Is far away, the moving body 20 is displayed at the center of the screen, and when the moving body 20 approaches, the moving body 20 is displayed behind the center of the screen. As a result, it is possible to show the course ahead of the moving body 20 to the player, etc., and it is possible to produce an effective game effect.

The offset value (or information for specifying the offset value) may be set in a map in the object space. More specifically,
The offset value is registered in association with a course block that divides a course (a map in a broad sense) in the object space. Then, a course block in which the moving object is located is searched, and the virtual camera is controlled using an offset value registered in association with the searched course block.

For example, in FIG. 13A, the course 50 in the object space is divided into a plurality of course blocks C0 to C102.
Divided into four. The course 50 is divided into course blocks at a distance of, for example, 1 m. And FIG.
In 3 (B), it is determined whether or not the moving body 20 is located within the course block Cj based on the arrangement information of the lines 52 and 54. Then, by specifying the course block where the moving body 20 is located, the order of the moving bodies 20 is determined, and whether or not the time can be extended is determined. For example, when the first moving body is located at the course block C18 and the second moving body following the first moving body is located at the course block C17, the order of the first and second moving bodies is first, Judge second. Also, it is determined whether or not a certain course block has been passed within a given time, and if so, the play time of the player is extended.

When the course 50 is divided into a plurality of course blocks as described above, an offset value is registered (set) in association with each course block as shown in FIG. That is, the course blocks C0, C1, C2,...
, The offset value OF in each of the course blocks
F0, OFF1, OFF2,... Are registered. Then, the moving body 20 is moved to the course blocks C0, C1, C2,.
If it is determined that the virtual camera is located, the virtual camera is controlled using the offset values OFF0, OFF1, and OFF2, respectively.

In this way, the virtual camera can be controlled with an offset value suitable for each location on the course, so that the degree of variety in the game effect can be further increased. For example, in the first place of the course, the offset value can always be negative regardless of the distance, and in the second place, the offset value can always be positive regardless of the distance.

Further, consider a case where a moving object passes by a virtual camera from right to left. In this case, according to the method of registering the offset value in the course block, the offset value is set to zero when the moving object is located to the right of the virtual camera, and when the moving object comes before the virtual camera. Can set the offset value to plus, and even when passing to the left, a game effect such as setting the offset value to plus as it is becomes possible.

3. Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 17, the distance DMC from the moving body 20 and the speed VM of the moving body 20 are obtained (step S1). Then, an offset value vector VOFF is obtained based on the distance DMC and the speed VM (step S2).

Next, based on the position PM (for example, the position of the representative point) PM of the moving body 20 and the offset value vector VOFF, the position PG of the gazing point (point of interest) is obtained (step S).
3). Then, the position (viewpoint position) PC of the virtual camera 30
To determine the gazing point direction unit vector EOFF from step S4 to PG (step S4).

Next, the rotational angular velocity parameter Nω of the virtual camera 30 is determined based on the absolute value of the difference (difference vector) between the gazing point direction unit vector EOFF in the previous frame and the gazing point direction unit vector EOFF in the frame. Is obtained (step S5). This Nω is a parameter for setting the fluctuation range of the virtual camera 30 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

The direction of the offset value vector VOFF obtained in step S2 may be determined based on the moving direction of the moving body 20, or the direction of the gazing point direction unit vector EOFF in the previous frame (perpendicular to EOFF). Direction).

Next, it is determined whether or not the rotational angular velocity parameter Nω is larger than the limit value ωLM (step S).
6) If it is large, as shown in FIG.
ω is set to the limit value ωLM (step S7). By doing so, as described with reference to FIG.
If it is larger than LM, the fluctuation of the virtual camera can be limited. Therefore, when the rotational angular velocity of the virtual camera becomes very large, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the virtual camera from becoming excessive.

Next, a speed parameter NV of the virtual camera is obtained based on the speed of the virtual camera (step S).
8). This NV is the fluctuation range of the virtual camera 30 (see FIG. 6).
(See (A) and (B)).

Next, it is determined whether or not the speed parameter NV is larger than a limit value VLM (step S9).
If it is larger, NV is set to the limit value VLM, as shown in FIG. 18B (step S10). By doing so, as described with reference to FIG.
If it is larger, the fluctuation of the virtual camera can be limited. Therefore, when the speed of the virtual camera becomes very high, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the virtual camera from becoming excessive.

Next, based on the parameters Nω and NV and the fluctuation functions FX and FY, the fluctuation angles about the X axis and the Y axis are obtained (step S11). Here, the fluctuation function F
X and FY are fluctuation functions related to rotation about the X axis and the Y axis, respectively.

By determining the fluctuation angles θX and θY in this manner, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a fluctuation range that increases as the rotation angular velocity or speed of the virtual camera increases is set. Fluctuation within the fluctuation range can be given to the virtual camera. That is, the fluctuation range of the rotation angle around the X axis and the Y axis is determined by the parameters Nω and NV, and the fluctuation angles θX and θY change within the fluctuation range.

Next, based on the fluctuation angles θX and θY,
Obtain the fluctuation rotation matrix MTθ (step S1)
2).

Next, the rotation matrix MTC of the virtual camera is obtained based on the gazing point direction unit vector EOFF obtained in step S4 of FIG. 15 (step S13).
Then, the obtained rotation matrix MTC is multiplied by the fluctuation rotation matrix MTθ (step S14). Then, the obtained rotation matrix MTC = MTC × MTθ
Is rotated based on the virtual camera (step S1).
5).

With the above arrangement, it is possible to provide the virtual camera with fluctuations in accordance with the rotational angular velocity and speed of the virtual camera, and to make the offset value between the moving body position and the gazing point position variable. Be able to control.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4. Information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. And the image generation IC 1010
Is connected to the display 1018, and the sound generation IC 10
08 is connected to a speaker 1020, and the I / O port 1
012 is connected to the control device 1022,
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing a display object, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game apparatus, a DVD,
A CD-ROM, a game cassette, or the like is used. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

Further, this type of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
This is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used as the display 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various kinds of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18B are performed by an information storage medium 1006 storing information such as programs and data, a CPU 1000 operating based on information from the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Image generation I
This is realized by the C1010, the sound generation IC 1008, or the like. Note that the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008
The processing performed by the CPU 1000 or the general-purpose D
It may be performed by software such as SP.

When the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device as shown in FIG. 1, a system board (circuit board) 1106 built in the device has a CPU,
An image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted. Various information for realizing (executing) the present embodiment (the present invention) is stored in a semiconductor memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, such information is referred to as stored information.

FIG. 20A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
The game controller 1202 and 1204 are operated to enjoy the game. In this case, the storage information is stored in a DVD 1206, memory cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

FIG. 20 (B) shows the host device 1300,
A terminal 1304-1 connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line (small network such as LAN or wide area network such as the Internet) 1302.
An example in a case where the present embodiment is applied to a system that includes 〜1304-n. In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a semiconductor memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are CPs
U, an image generation IC, a sound processing IC, and a game image and a game sound can be generated stand-alone, a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound from the host device 1300. Terminal 1304-1
~ 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
4-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 20B, the processing of the present invention is performed in a distributed manner between the host device and the terminal (or, when a server is provided, between the host device, the server and the terminal). It may be. Further, the storage information for realizing the present invention is distributed to the information storage medium of the host device and the information storage medium of the terminal (or the information storage medium of the host device, the information storage medium of the server, and the information storage medium of the terminal). May be stored.

The terminal connected to the communication line may be a home game device or a business game device. When the arcade game device is connected to a communication line, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game device and exchanging information with the home game device. Equipment (memory card,
It is desirable to use a portable game device).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified.

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to generation of a replay image has been described, but the present invention can naturally be applied to generation of an image during game play.
For example, consider a game in which a character (moving object) walks around in a dungeon looking for treasures or the like. In such a game, when the virtual camera rotates or moves around a given axis in order to follow the character, the virtual camera is made to fluctuate. Further, the offset value between the position of the character and the point of gaze of the virtual camera following the character is variably controlled according to given conditions.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the virtual camera rotates around the axis and the position of the virtual camera changes in order to cause the moving body to follow the point of gaze of the virtual camera has been described. However, the situation in which the virtual camera rotates around the axis or the position of the virtual camera changes and the virtual camera fluctuates is not limited to the situation where the virtual camera follows the moving body, and various situations can be considered. it can.

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the fluctuation of the position of the virtual camera are given is described. Such a case is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Also, the control method of the offset value is shown in FIG.
Not limited to those described with reference to FIG. 14, various modifications can be made.

The present invention also provides various games other than car games (airplane games, spaceship games, motorcycle games, fighting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, shooting games, role playing games, music playing games, Dance games, quiz games, etc.)
Applicable to

The present invention also provides various images such as arcade game devices, home game devices, large attraction devices in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, image generation devices, and system boards for generating game images. Applicable to generators.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example when the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of images generated according to the embodiment; FIGS.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining a method of giving a fluctuation to a virtual camera when the virtual camera rotates or moves around a given axis; .

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are diagrams for explaining a method of giving a virtual camera a fluctuation according to the rotational angular velocity and speed of the virtual camera;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a method of changing a fluctuation range according to a rotation angular velocity and a speed of a virtual camera.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a method of restricting fluctuation of a virtual camera to a limit value.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a method of causing a virtual camera to follow a moving object while variably controlling an offset value between the moving object position and a gazing point position.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples of images generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an example of an image generated by the embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a method of controlling an offset value based on a distance from a moving body.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a method of controlling an offset value based on a distance from a moving body.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a technique using a course block.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a method of registering an offset value in association with a course block.

FIG. 15 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a detailed process according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams for describing a rotational angular velocity parameter Nω and a velocity parameter NV.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams showing examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied. FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 moving object 30 virtual camera 40 fluctuation range 50 course 100 processing unit 110 game operation unit 112 moving object operation unit 114 virtual camera control unit 116 fluctuation setting unit 118 offset value control unit 130 operation unit 140 storage unit 150 information storage medium 160 image generation Unit 162 Display unit 170 Sound generation unit 172 Sound output unit 174 Communication unit 176 I / F unit 180 Memory card

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA00 AA09 BA00 BA01 BA02 BA05 BB00 BB02 BB04 BB05 BC00 BC01 BC03 BC07 BC10 CA04 CA05 CB01 CB08 CC02 5B050 AA08 BA04 BA07 BA13 BA15 DA02 DA04 DA07 EA03 EA12 EA24 FA02 FA09 GA02

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. An image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space; Means for giving a fluctuation to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis and the position of the virtual camera when at least one of the rotation at the position and the position of the virtual camera changes, and an image seen from the virtual camera Means for generating an image, and an image generating apparatus. 2. The virtual camera according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera changes in order to cause the gazing point of the virtual camera to follow the moving object moving in the object space. An image generating apparatus characterized in that, when the virtual camera is rotated, at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera is fluctuated. 3. The virtual camera according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuation according to at least one of the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera and the velocity of the virtual camera is performed by rotating the virtual camera around a given axis and / or the position of the virtual camera. An image generation apparatus characterized in that the image generation apparatus provides the image generation apparatus. 4. The fluctuation range according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuation range increases as the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera increases, or increases as the rotation speed of the virtual camera increases.
An image generating apparatus, wherein the fluctuation within the fluctuation range is given to at least one of a rotation of a virtual camera around a given axis and a position of the virtual camera. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an increase in fluctuation is limited when the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera is higher than a given rotation angular velocity or when the speed of the virtual camera is higher than the given velocity. An image generating apparatus, comprising: 6. An image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; and a virtual device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. Means for controlling the camera, and means for following the gazing point of the virtual camera to the moving body moving in the object space while variably controlling an offset value between the position of the moving body and the gazing point position of the virtual camera. Means for generating an image visible from the virtual camera. 7. The virtual camera according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera changes in order to cause the gazing point of the virtual camera to follow the moving object moving in the object space. An image generating apparatus characterized in that, when the virtual camera is rotated, at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera is fluctuated. 8. The image generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the offset value is variably controlled based on at least one of a distance from the moving body and a speed of the moving body. 9. The image generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the offset value or information for specifying the offset value is set in a map in an object space. 10. A computer usable by a computer,
An information storage medium for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in object space; and rotation and virtual rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis. Means for imparting fluctuation to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis and the position of the virtual camera when at least one of the positions of the camera changes; and a means for generating an image visible from the virtual camera. An information storage medium comprising information for realizing the following. 11. The virtual camera according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera changes in order to cause the moving object moving in the object space to follow the gazing point of the virtual camera. An information storage medium characterized in that, in the case of performing, a fluctuation is given to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. 12. The virtual camera according to claim 10, wherein the fluctuation according to at least one of the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera and the velocity of the virtual camera is performed by at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. An information storage medium, which is provided to a user. 13. The fluctuation range according to claim 10, wherein the fluctuation range increases as the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera increases, or increases as the rotation speed of the virtual camera increases.
An information storage medium, wherein the fluctuation in the fluctuation range is given to at least one of a rotation of a virtual camera around a given axis and a position of the virtual camera. 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein an increase in fluctuation is limited when the rotation angular velocity of the virtual camera is higher than a given rotation angular velocity, or when the speed of the virtual camera is higher than a given velocity. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 15. A computer usable computer,
An information storage medium for generating an image, a unit for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space, and a unit for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space Means for following the moving point of the virtual camera to the moving body moving in the object space while variably controlling the offset value between the position of the moving body and the position of the gazing point of the virtual camera; An information storage medium comprising: means for generating an image; and information for realizing: 16. The virtual camera according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera changes in order to cause the moving object moving in the object space to follow the gazing point of the virtual camera. An information storage medium characterized in that, in the case of performing, a fluctuation is given to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. 17. The information storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the offset value is variably controlled based on at least one of a distance from the moving body and a speed of the moving body. 18. The information storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the offset value or information for specifying the offset value is set in a map in an object space.