JP2002083314A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of effectively expressing the blinking of an object set in an object space without applying a processing load. SOLUTION: A polygon Sb on a depth face mapped with a texture 202 is geometrically processed and superimposed on an image (original image) drawn in a drawing area and is located in front of it. When the image of the object processed geometrically with a polygon Sa mapped with a texture 200 is drawn in the drawing area, an α-synthetic process is repeatedly applied in different α-synthesis modes at the interval of optional frame numbers to express a blinking state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a game system for generating an image which can be viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. Popular as something you can do. For example, in a game system in which a role-playing game can be enjoyed, a player operates a character (object) to move on a map in an object space to play against an enemy character or to interact with another character. And enjoy the game by visiting various towns.

[0003] In such a game system, a menu display for allowing the player to select one of preliminarily prepared selection items at a given timing such as during a game sequence or a game stage break. May be performed, a weakness display indicating a weakness of the enemy character during play, a marking display for causing the player to pay attention to a specific position, and the like may be performed. At that time, blinking display is frequently used.

[0004] In the case of performing blinking display in an object space which is a three-dimensional space, hitherto, the following first to fourth methods have been mainly used.

A first technique is to alternately display (blink) an image to be blinked between display and non-display.
Make a blinking display.

However, in the first method, there are only two states of displaying and non-displaying an image. Therefore, there is a problem that a game system pursuing a more realistic image has a limit in terms of appearance of the game image. There is a point.

In the second method, blinking display is performed by palette animation.

In the palette animation, a plurality of color states are generated by rewriting the contents of a palette referred to for each pixel of the VRAM, instead of rewriting the contents of a VRAM for image display, and blinking display is performed. In this case, it is only necessary to rewrite a part of the contents of the pallet to be rewritten, so that the blinking display can be performed without increasing the processing load as the blinking range is large.

However, in the second method, the pallet itself is generally a resource limited in the hardware of the system, and it is necessary to manage the pallet by switching the pallet in real time. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing load becomes heavy in pallet management.

On the other hand, the third technique performs blinking display by a replacement animation in which a bright material and a dark material are alternately replaced.

However, in the third method, it is necessary to prepare a bright material and a dark material in advance and store them, so that there is a problem that the processing load is light but the memory capacity is consumed. .

[0012] In a fourth method, a light source is set in an object space to operate the light source to express the brightness of the object, thereby performing blinking display.

However, according to the fourth method, while periodically changing the color of the light source, the brightness of each vertex of the polygon (object in a broad sense) constituting the blinking display object is determined based on the light source parameter for each frame. Needs to be calculated. In particular, there is a problem that it is often useless to calculate the brightness on a vertex basis for a terrain object that does not need to perform the above-described light source processing for each frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to effectively represent the blinking of an object set in an object space without imposing a processing load. It is an object of the present invention to provide a game system and an information storage medium which are capable of performing the above.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a game system for generating an image, wherein an α of a given image is synthesized in order to combine the given image with an original image. The present invention is characterized by including means for repeatedly switching the combination mode, and means for α-combining a given image and an original image according to the switched α combination mode. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a module for causing a computer to realize the above means.

Here, the α-synthesis is information stored in association with an image (or each pixel) and is set for each definition point of an object. For example, transparency (plus alpha information other than color information) This is a combination process performed between an original image and a given image after the geometry processing based on an α value indicating opacity or translucency). If the α value indicates transparency as information of plus alpha, for example, α synthesis means translucent processing.

As such α synthesis, for example, translucent blending (α blending) using α value, α
There are synthesis processing methods such as addition translucency (α addition) using a value and subtraction translucency (α subtraction) using an α value. By switching an α synthesis mode corresponding to each synthesis processing method, various α values can be obtained. The combination processing method can be switched.

The original image is, for example, an image drawn in a drawing area after the geometry processing of an object located on the back surface in an object space, and a given image is an image of an object located on the front side of the object. Refers to the image after geometry processing.

According to the present invention, an image is generated by α-combining a given image and an original image in accordance with the α-combining mode that is repeatedly switched. Therefore, as a result of the α synthesis processing method corresponding to the α synthesis mode, for example, a given image or an image having different brightness or the like of an original image can be alternately displayed, so that the image of the object set in the object space can be displayed. Can be effectively expressed.

It should be noted that the switching of the .alpha. Combining mode for defining the type of the .alpha. Combining process may be any as long as it switches to the .alpha.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image, comprising: means for switching an α-synthesis mode of a given image to synthesize a given image with an original image; In the first state, the original image and the given image are α-synthesized in the first α-synthesis mode, and the second
In the state (1), means for α-combining the original image and the given image in the second α-combining mode is provided.
An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a module for causing a computer to realize the above means.

According to the present invention, for example, at the same position in the drawing area which is a frame buffer, at least in the first state of the blinking state represented by a plurality of different color states, the first α
In the synthesis mode, the original image and the given image are α-synthesized, and in the second state, the original image and the given image are α-synthesized in the second α-synthesis mode. Therefore, as a result of the α synthesis processing method corresponding to the α synthesis mode, it is possible to alternately display an image having a different brightness or the like of a given image or an original image, so that the image of the object set in the object space can be displayed. The blinking state can be effectively expressed.

Here, the first and second states mean states that are continuous temporally or in units of frames.

Further, the present invention is a game system for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in which an object is set, wherein a means for switching an α synthesis mode for a second object, ,
An original image obtained by performing a geometry process on a first object to which a given texture is mapped, and an image obtained by performing a geometry process on a second object to which a texture identical to the texture is mapped and disposed in front of the first object. Means for α-synthesizing in the first α-synthesis mode, and in the second state thereafter, α-synthesis in the second α-synthesis mode of the original image and the image obtained by performing the geometry processing on the second object. It is characterized by. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a module for causing a computer to realize the above means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which objects mapped to the same texture are α-combined in different α-combination modes in the first state and the second state. Therefore, only the color of the texture can be displayed more brightly, and a blinking state that cannot be obtained conventionally can be expressed by switching between the two synthesis modes.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in which an object is set, wherein at least the first state and the second state perform the α synthesizing process on the object. Means for repeatedly switching an operation state; outputting an original image obtained by performing geometric processing on a first object on which a given texture is mapped in the first state; Means for α-combining the original image and an image obtained by performing a geometry process on a second object which is disposed in front of the first object and on which the same texture as the texture is mapped.

Here, switching the operation state of the α combining process means switching whether or not to perform the α combining process.

In addition, since it is sufficient that the α combining mode is repeatedly switched between at least the first and second states,
The present invention is also applicable when the first and second states of the three or more states are repeated at given intervals.

According to the present invention, it is possible to switch between the image of the object located on the front side in the object space and the original image by α-synthesis or not, and the blinking state of the image of the object set in the object space Can be expressed.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the α combination mode is set for each strip constituting an object.

Here, the strip unit is a unit for defining a plurality of polygons by blocking them, and vertex data defining the polygons are listed. This list of vertex data is
A new polygon can be specified by sharing the vertex data and designating another one vertex only.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the α value which is a coefficient for performing the α synthesis is transparency information set for each strip.

As described above, the processing load for expressing the blinking state can be reduced as compared with the case of specifying for each polygon by performing the processing for each strip.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the α combination mode is set for each polygon constituting an object.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the α value, which is a coefficient for performing the α synthesis, is set for each polygon.

In this way, the blinking state of the object can be expressed finely by performing the processing in units of polygons.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized by switching to at least three or more types of α combination mode.

As a result, it is possible to express the blinking state of various types of objects that could not be obtained conventionally.

[0039]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of the present embodiment. In the figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170 and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 160 and the display unit 19
0, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be optional components.

Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction of instructions to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, and sound processing. , Various processors (CPU, D
SP or the like, or ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is used by a player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing 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 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. The information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, and instructions for performing the processing of the present invention. The information includes at least one of information and information for performing a process according to the instruction.

The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment.
LCD or HMD (Head Mount Display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output section 192 outputs the sound generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores personal data and save data of the player, and the portable information storage device 194 can be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. .

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for performing communication with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system) via a wired or wireless network. Or A for communication
It can be realized by hardware such as SIC or a program.

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 120, and a sound generation section 150.

Here, the game processing unit 110 receives coins (price), sets various modes, progresses the game, sets a selection screen, and sets the position and rotation angle of the object (one or more primitive planes). (X, Y or X-axis rotation angle) processing, object operation processing (motion processing), viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle) processing, map object Such as a process of arranging objects such as objects in an object space, a hit check process, a process of calculating game results (results and results), a process of allowing a plurality of players to play in a common game space, and a game over process. The game processing is performed using the operation unit 1
The operation is performed based on operation data from the personal information storage device 60, personal data from the portable information storage device 194, stored data, a game program, and the like.

The image generation unit 120 includes a game processing unit 110
Various image processes are performed in accordance with instructions from the camera, for example, and an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space is generated and output to the display unit 190.

The sound generator 150 performs various sound processes according to instructions from the game processor 110, etc.
M, a sound effect, or a sound such as voice,
Output to 2.

The game processing section 110 and the image generation section 1
20, all of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The image generation unit 120 includes the geometry processing unit 1
22, an α combination mode setting unit 124 and a drawing unit 130.

Here, the geometry processing unit 122 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, and light source calculation on the object. Then, the drawing data (vertical position coordinates, texture coordinates, color (brightness) data, and the like) after the perspective transformation obtained by the geometry processing are stored and stored in the main storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170.

The α combination mode setting unit 124 has already set the drawing area 1 based on the α value set for the object.
Image of the object drawn in 74 (original image)
Then, a process of setting an α synthesis mode for specifying the type of a processing method of the α synthesis process with the image after the geometry processing to be drawn on top of this is performed.

Here, the α-synthesis refers to an image synthesizing process performed, for example, between an original image and a given image after the geometry processing based on information of plus alpha called an α-value. The α value is information stored in association with each image or each pixel, and is set for each definition point of the object. For example, transparency (equivalent to opacity or translucency) as plus alpha information other than color information ). If the α value indicates transparency information as, for example, plus alpha information, α synthesis means translucent processing.

As such α synthesis, for example, translucent blending using α value (α blending), α blending
There are synthesis processing methods such as addition translucency (α addition) using a value and subtraction translucency (α subtraction) using an α value. By switching an α synthesis mode corresponding to each synthesis processing method, various α values can be obtained. The combination processing method can be switched.

As an example, when the synthesizing process based on the α value is α blending, two images are synthesized for each pixel according to the following equations (1) to (3).

R _Q = α × R ₁ + (1−α) × R ₂ (1) G _Q = α × G ₁ + (1−α) × G ₂ (2) B _Q = α × B ₁ + (1−α) × B ₂ (3) Note that R ₁ , G ₁ , and B ₁ are the colors (the original images) of the object image (original image) already drawn in the drawing area 174. R, G, and B components indicating the luminance), and R ₂ , G ₂ , and B ₂ are the R, G, and B components of the image after the geometric processing that is drawn so as to overlap the original image.
B component. R _Q , G _Q , and B _Q are output images generated by the α synthesis processing. Although the α value of the given image after the geometry processing is used here, the α value of the original image may be used.

The α synthesis mode setting unit 1 in the present embodiment
24 performs a process of repeatedly setting different α combination modes. More specifically, a process of repeatedly switching and setting an α combination mode different from the previously set mode is performed in one or a plurality of frame periods (a fixed number of frames or an indefinite number of frames). The alpha synthesis mode to be set is
The two types of modes may be alternately selected, or the mode may be switched to a mode arbitrarily selected from three or more types of modes.

The drawing (rendering) section 130 performs processing for drawing an image of an object in the drawing area 174 based on the drawing data obtained by the geometry processing and stored in the main storage section 172. As a result, an image is generated at a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space where the object is arranged.

The drawing section 130 includes an α synthesizing section 132.

The .alpha. Synthesizing unit 132 calculates a value of 2 based on the .alpha. Value included in the drawing data (for example, the .alpha. Value set for each vertex of the polygon, or the .alpha. Value set for each polygon).
The image of the two objects is subjected to the α synthesis processing.

Note that the game system according to the present embodiment
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play, a game image and a game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated by using one terminal, or a wired or wireless network (transmission line) may be used. , Communication line)
Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected as described above.

2. 2. Features of the Present Embodiment 2.1 Blinking Display of Object by Switching α Combining Mode In the present embodiment, the α combining mode is repeatedly switched, and the original image drawn in the drawing area is drawn according to the switched α combining mode. And an image of the object subjected to the geometry processing, which is drawn so as to be superimposed thereon, is subjected to α synthesis processing. Thus, at a certain frame period interval (in a broader sense, a time interval), different types of α synthesis processing are performed on the original image and the image of the object after the geometry processing. Can be expressed, the processing load can be reduced, and an effective blinking display can be performed without consuming resources as in the related art.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are schematic diagrams showing an example of blinking display according to the present embodiment.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the object space which is a three-dimensional space, for the polygon Sa which is a semi-transparent polygon and the polygon Sb which is an opaque polygon, the polygon Sa is positioned in front of the polygon Sb. Consider the case where they are arranged.

The polygon Sa located on the front has "A"
Is mapped onto the polygon Sb located on the back side, and a texture 202
Is mapped.

In such an object space, first, the polygon Sb on the back side is subjected to geometry processing (light source processing, perspective transformation, etc.) by the geometry processing unit 122, and the drawing area 174 which is a frame buffer by the drawing unit 130.
Is drawn on.

Next, the polygon Sa on the front surface is similarly subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit 122, and is rendered in the rendering area 174 by the rendering unit 130. that time,
According to the α-synthesis mode set by the α-synthesis mode setting unit 124, the α-synthesis processing is performed with the already drawn image of the polygon Sb after the geometric processing (the original image).

More specifically, using the α value interpolated for each pixel based on the α value set for each vertex of the polygon Sa (or using the α value set for the polygon Sa itself), A combining process is performed on the image of the object after the geometry processing (original image) and the image of the object to be drawn on top of this (α combining process).

The synthesizing process includes translucent blending using α value (α blending), translucent addition using α value (α addition mode), and translucent subtraction using α value (α subtraction mode). Various processing methods are known.

In this embodiment, two or more states are provided.
In each state, a blinking state is expressed by sequentially displaying object images that have been subjected to a different type of α combination processing than the previous state. Therefore, the α combination mode setting unit 124 in the present embodiment can repeatedly switch between different α combination modes.

The following description will be made on the assumption that the α blending mode is alternately switched as the α combining mode in the first state and the α addition mode is switched as the α combining mode in the second state.

In the first state, the α synthesis mode setting section 124
When the α blending mode is set as the α combination mode (setting 210), the combination is performed as follows.

Here, the texture 20 mapped to the polygon Sa at a certain pixel P on the polygon Sa
Let the color of 0 be Ca. The color of the texture 202 mapped to the polygon Sb in the pixel on the polygon Sb corresponding to the pixel P is set to Cb. The color C _{α0 of} the image synthesized by α blending is as follows.

C _α0 = Ca × α ₀ + Cb × (1−α ₀ ) (4) where α ₀ is the α value of the polygon Sa in the pixel P.

That is, when the pixel P on the polygon Sa is a chromatic color (α ₀ ≠ 0), the color of the pixel corresponding to the pixel P of the α-combined image is expressed by equation (4). FIG. 2 (A)
In the case of, the color represented by the expression (4) is displayed at the position corresponding to the pixel _P1a .

On the other hand, when the color of the pixel P on the polygon Sa is transparent (α ₀ = 0), the color of the texture mapped to the polygon Sb disposed on the back surface can be seen as it is. In the case of FIG. 2A, the pixel P
_{Since 0a} is transparent, the color C of the pixel P _0b on the polygon Sb
b means visible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the α-blended α-composite image 220 (the image drawn in the drawing area 174 by the α-combination process) is “A” mapped to the front polygon Sa. Character texture 2
00 and the non-overlapping portions 222 and 224 of the texture 202 of the mountain picture mapped to the polygon Sb on the back side
The colors of the textures 200 and 202 are displayed as they are.

On the other hand, the overlapping portion 226 of the texture 200 of the character "A" mapped to the polygon Sa on the front and the texture 202 of the picture of the mountain mapped to the polygon Sb on the back is represented by the following equation (4). The indicated color is displayed.

On the other hand, in the second state, when the α combination mode is set by the α combination mode setting section 124 as the α combination mode (setting 230), the combination is performed as follows.

Color C of image synthesized by α addition
_α1 is as follows.

C _α1 = Ca × α ₀ + Cb × 1 (5) That is, when the pixel P on the polygon Sa is a chromatic color (α
₀ ≠ 0), the color at the pixel corresponding to the pixel P of the α-combined image is expressed by equation (5). In the case of FIG. 2A, a color represented by Expression (5) is displayed at a position corresponding to the pixel _P1a .

On the other hand, when the color of the pixel P on the polygon Sa is transparent (α ₀ = 0), the color of the texture mapped to the polygon Sb disposed on the back surface can be seen as it is. In the case of FIG. 2A, the pixel P
_{Since 0a} is transparent, the color C of the pixel P _0b on the polygon Sb
b means visible.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the α-combined image 240 to which α has been added is mapped to the texture 200 of the character “A” mapped to the polygon Sa on the front and the polygon Sb on the back. In the non-overlapping portions 242 and 244 with the texture 202 of the picture of the mountain, the colors of the textures 200 and 202 are displayed as they are.

On the other hand, the overlapping portion 246 of the texture 200 of the character “A” mapped to the polygon Sa on the front and the texture 202 of the picture of the mountain mapped to the polygon Sb on the back is represented by the following equation (5). The indicated color is displayed.

Focusing on equations (4) and (5), since the coefficient of the color Cb of the texture 202 mapped to the polygon Sb on the back surface is larger in equation (5), it is generally expressed by equation (5). Color is brighter.

Therefore, when the object images are subjected to α-combining processing, α is calculated as shown in equations (4) and (5).
Since the brightness can be changed according to the combination mode and displayed, by alternately switching between the two combination modes (switch 248), a blinking state that could not be obtained conventionally can be effectively expressed. Especially, in addition to the menu display, marking display, character weakness display, game description, scenario description, and other object images, only superimposed and drawn on the object image set in the object space in the three-dimensional space Even in this case, an effective blinking display can be performed without applying a processing load.

FIGS. 3 to 6 show an example of the blinking display of the image of the object according to the present embodiment.

Here, a case will be described in which a “treasure box” object on which a picture of a treasure box is mapped is blinked on a “slider” object on which a picture of a sliding door is mapped, and the location of the treasure box is indicated to the player operating the character. explain.

That is, an image (original image) in which a “slider” object 302 composed of one or a plurality of polygons to which a texture 300 of a sliding door picture as shown in FIG. An image in which a “treasure box” object 312 composed of one or a plurality of polygons is arranged in front of the “fusuma” object 302 in the space and to which the texture 310 of the picture of the treasure box shown in FIG. When drawing with overlapping, different α combination modes are repeatedly set, and different α combination modes are alternately set at several frame intervals.
Generate an image that has been subjected to α synthesis processing in the synthesis mode.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an image obtained by α-combining the object image of the “fusuma” object 302 and the object image of the “treasure box” object 312 located in front of it in the first state in the α-blending mode.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an image obtained by α-combining the object image of the “fusuma” object 302 and the object image of the “treasure box” object 312 located in front of the object image in the second state.

As described above, by alternately switching the first state and the second state as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the location of the “treasure chest” located behind the “sliding object” 302 in the object space can be determined. Can be expressed by blinking so as to blend into the image of the object on which more realistic texture mapping has been performed.

Also, the image after the geometry processing of the “treasure box” object 312 is used as the original image, and the image of the object of the “slider” object 302 is subjected to α-combining processing in different modes to thereby “hide the treasure box” Can be effectively expressed.

2.2 Switching of α Combining Mode for Objects of Same Texture In the present embodiment, the same texture is mapped between the object placed on the back side and the object placed on the front side, and the α image is combined with the original image. The blinking state can also be expressed by making the same image to be blinked.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are schematic diagrams showing an example of the blinking display of the object image to which the same texture is mapped according to the present embodiment by the α synthesizing process.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in the object space which is a three-dimensional space, the polygon Sa which is a semi-transparent polygon and the polygon Sb which is an opaque polygon have the polygon Sa in front of the polygon Sb. Consider the case where they are arranged.

Each of the polygons Sa and Sb has "A"
Are mapped.

In the polygon in the object space, first, the polygon Sb on the back side is set to the geometry processing unit 1.
The image is subjected to the geometry processing by the drawing unit 22 and drawn by the drawing unit 130 in the drawing area 174.

Next, the polygon Sa on the front surface is similarly subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit 122, and is rendered in the rendering area 174 by the rendering unit 130. that time,
According to the α-synthesis mode set by the α-synthesis mode setting unit 124, the α-synthesis processing is performed with the already drawn image of the polygon Sb after the geometric processing (the original image).

When the blinking state is expressed by first and second states, in the first state, when the α blending mode is set as the α combining mode by the α combining mode setting unit 124 (setting 410), FIG. As shown in B), the α composite image 420 has a texture portion 400 of the character “A”,
The color of the overlapping portion 422 of 402 is displayed in the color shown by the expression (4). The non-overlapping portion 424 corresponding to the transparent portion of the other polygon Sa is a polygon Sb on the back side.
The texture color mapped to is displayed as it is.

In the second state, the .alpha.
When the α addition mode is set as the α synthesis mode by 24 (setting 430), as shown in FIG. 7C, the α synthesis image 440 becomes the texture portion 40 of the character “A”.
The color of the overlapping portion 442 of 0 and 402 is displayed in the color shown by the expression (5). In the non-overlapping portion 444 corresponding to the transparent portion of the other polygon Sa, the color of the texture mapped to the polygon Sb on the back surface is displayed as it is.

Therefore, when the object images on which the same texture is mapped are subjected to α synthesis processing, since Ca and Cb are the same in the equations (4) and (5), only the texture color is made brighter. The display can be performed, and by alternately switching the two synthesis modes (switching 446), a blinking state that cannot be obtained conventionally can be expressed.

2.3 Switching of Setting State of α Combining Mode In this embodiment, the image of the object placed on the front surface after the geometric processing is drawn on top of the image of the object placed on the back surface after the geometric processing. When drawing in an area, the blinking state can also be expressed by switching the setting state of the α combination mode (performing / not performing the α combination processing) at intervals of several frames, for example.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing an example of blinking display by switching the setting state of the α combination mode according to the present embodiment.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, in the object space, which is a three-dimensional space, the polygon Sa, which is a translucent polygon, and the polygon Sb, which is an opaque polygon, have the polygon Sa in front of the polygon Sb. Consider the case where they are arranged.

Each of the polygons Sa and Sb has "A"
Are mapped.

In the polygon in the object space, the polygon Sb on the back side is first converted to the geometry processing unit 1.
The image is subjected to the geometry processing by the drawing unit 22 and drawn by the drawing unit 130 in the drawing area 174.

Next, the polygon Sa on the front surface is similarly subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit 122, and is rendered in the rendering area 174 by the rendering unit 130. that time,
In the α synthesis mode set by the α synthesis mode setting unit 124, α synthesis processing is performed with the already drawn image of the polygon Sb after the geometry processing (the original image).

When the blinking state is expressed by first and second states, in the first state, when the α blending mode is set as the α combining mode by the α combining mode setting unit 124 (setting 510), FIG. As shown in B), the α composite image 520 includes the texture portion 500 of the character “A”,
The color of the overlapping portion 522 of 502 is displayed in the color shown by the expression (4). The non-overlapping portion 524 corresponding to the transparent portion of the other polygon Sa is the polygon Sb on the back side.
The texture color mapped to is displayed as it is.

Further, in the second state, the .alpha.
In the case where the α combination mode is not set and the α combination is not performed according to H.24 (setting 530), as shown in FIG.
As the color of the overlapping portion 542 of 0 and 502, the color of the texture 502 mapped to the polygon Sb on the back surface is displayed as it is. Other non-overlapping portions 544 corresponding to the transparent portions of the polygon Sa also display the color of the texture 502 mapped to the polygon Sb on the back side as it is.

Therefore, it is possible to repeatedly switch the setting state of the α combination mode for instructing “perform” or “not perform” the α composition processing (switch 546).
The blinking state of the object set in the object space can be expressed.

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

In this embodiment, before the start of the game sequence, the main storage unit 172 stores the data of the object to be blinked and the data of the texture mapped to the object.
And switches the blinking state based on the timer time of the timer controlled by the program.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an expansion process of various data for generating an object image performed before the start of the game sequence in the present embodiment.

That is, before starting the game sequence, the game processing unit 110 or the image generation unit 120 transmits the texture mapped from the storage unit 170 (or the information storage medium 180, the network via the communication unit 196) to the object to be drawn. The data is developed in the main storage unit 172 (step S10).

Further, the game processing section 110 or the image generation section 120 transmits the texture data to the drawing section 13
The data is transferred to a texture VRAM (not shown) provided in step S11 (step S11).

Subsequently, the game processing section 110 or the image generation section 120 stores the information in the storage section 170 (or the information storage medium 1).
80, a network via the communication unit 196) to store the object data of the object to be drawn in the main storage unit 17.
2 (step S12).

Then, the game processing section 110 or the image generation section 120 allocates the VRAM address of the texture transferred in step S11 to the material defining the attribute of the object data according to the texture allocation information in the object data. Is associated with the texture data (step S13).

When the object data and the texture data are loaded before the start of the game sequence in this way, the image generation unit 120 causes the geometry processing unit 12
The image of the object subjected to the geometry processing in step 2 is transferred to the drawing unit 130 frame by frame.

At this time, the α-synthesis mode setting section 124 repeatedly sets different α-synthesis modes in the drawing data transferred to the drawing section 130 at intervals of several frames (or an arbitrary number of frames).

FIG. 10 shows an example of an object data transfer process in which the α composition mode is set in the present embodiment.

That is, the image generation section 120 monitors the timer time of a program-controlled timer (not shown) (step S20), and determines whether or not a given α combination mode switching time has elapsed (step S20). Step S2
1).

[0130] The switching time may be periodic at a given frame number interval, or may not be a fixed interval at random or a frame number interval that varies according to a given function. There may be.

When it is determined that the α-synthesis mode switching time has elapsed (step S21: Y), the α-synthesis mode set by the α-synthesis mode setting section 124 is determined (step S22).

Here, the determined α combination mode is an α combination mode different from the α combination mode determined when it was determined that the previous α combination mode switching time has elapsed.

When the α combination mode is determined in step S22, the material data in the object data is read out, and the α combination mode is set by the α combination mode setting unit 124 to generate a material data packet (step S23). ).

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an outline of the packet data generated in the present embodiment.

The packet generated in the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the data is generated not in polygon units defined by three vertices 0, 1, and 2, but in triangle strip units (or strip units).

Generating a packet in units of triangle strips means that, for example, a polygon defined by three vertices of vertices 0, 1, and 2, followed by vertices 3, 4, and so on.
By adding vertex data as “・”, it means that a packet composed of vertex data of a plurality of polygons is generated.

Thus, in addition to the polygon defined by the three vertices of vertices 0, 1, and 2, for example, a polygon is specified by vertices 1, 2, and 3 for vertex 3, and Polygons can be specified by 2, 3, and 4. That is, the number of vertex data of the n polygons is required to be “3 × n” in the case of a polygon, but only “n + 2” is required in the case of a triangle strip. Can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 11 (B), the packet of the triangle strip unit generated in the present embodiment has the material block 600 and the vertex data 0 to n corresponding to the vertices 0 to n stored in the header portion. Vertex data blocks 602 _{0 to} 602 _n .

In the material block 600, the attribute data of the polygon specified by the vertex data 0 to n (information on the material, the color of the whole polygon, the specification of the texture to be mapped, the reflectance, the refractive index, and the like) are specified.

Further, in this embodiment, as the attribute data in the material block 600, an α value and an α value
The α combination mode determined by the combination mode setting unit 124 and whether or not to perform α combination are designated. The material data packet generated in step S23 of FIG. 10 is this material block.

Then, the vertex data blocks 602 _{0 to} 602 having the material block 600 as a header portion.
_{In n} , the attribute data specified in the material block 600 is set in common. Therefore, it is not necessary to set attribute data such as an α value for each vertex.
It is possible to reduce the processing load for the designation of the combination processing.

[0142] It should be noted that the vertex data block 602 _0-60
2 _n each has, for example, vertex coordinates, R at the vertex,
G, B, α values, texture coordinates, and the like are specified. In the present embodiment, when the α synthesis processing is performed using the α value specified in the material block, the α value set for each vertex coordinate is ignored.

FIG. 12 shows an outline of object data generated in this embodiment.

The object data is data for specifying an object composed of one or a plurality of polygons. In this embodiment, a polygon to which the material block shown in FIG. 11B is applied is specified in units of triangle strips. Consists of multiple polygons.

In the present embodiment, polygons are designated in the object data in units of triangle strips for each type of attribute data as shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 10, the description will be continued.

The material data packets generated for each type of polygon attribute data in step S23 are transferred to the drawing unit 130 by the image generation unit 120 (step S24).

Subsequently, the image generation unit 120 reads out the vertex data of the object data, and
22 performs necessary processing (light source processing, perspective transformation, etc.) to generate vertex packets (for example, vertex data blocks 602 _{0 to} 602 _n in FIG. 11B) (step S25).

Then, this vertex packet is drawn by the drawing unit 130.
(Step S26).

Next, it is determined whether or not the transfer of all the vertices of the polygon to which the material data generated in step S23 is applied has been completed (step S27). If it is determined that the transfer has not been completed (step S27: N), Step S
Returning to 25, a vertex packet is generated.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S27 that the transfer of all vertices of the polygon to which the material data generated in step S23 is applied has been completed (step S27: Y), the transfer of all material data has been completed. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S28).

When it is determined that the transfer of all material data has been completed (step S28: Y), a series of transfer processing of the object data is completed (end).

When it is determined that the transfer of all the material data has not been completed (step S28: N), the process returns to step S23 to generate a packet for the next material data.

In the drawing section 130 to which such object data has been transferred, the α combining section 132 performs α combining processing on the original image based on the α value and the α combining mode included in the drawing data.

As described above, for example, when different α combination modes are set at several frame intervals, an image that effectively expresses the blinking state as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be generated.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 includes a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and performs a matrix operation (vector operation). Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometric processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process using the decoding process of the main processor 900 as an accelerator. Thereby, a moving image compressed by a given image compression method can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 95.
0, stored in the CD 982, or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. In addition, the drawing processor 910 can also perform α synthesis processing based on α values, depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the game controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

A ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

[0166] The DMA controller 970 has a function of transferring data between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
It controls MA transfer.

The CD drive 980 stores a CD 983 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer with another game system becomes possible.

It is to be noted that each means of the present invention may be entirely executed only by hardware, or executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary.
Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 91
0, 930, and the like execute each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board 1106). Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 14C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, a game program for generating a game image and a game sound is output from the host device 1300 to the terminal 1304-n. It is delivered to 1-1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 130
0 generates a game image and a game sound, and
4-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention is stored in a host device (server).
May be stored separately in the information storage medium of the terminal and the information storage medium of the terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, the portable information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

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.

In the present embodiment, for example, α blending and α addition have been described as α synthesis processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, it is only necessary that the α combining process be performed by a different method.

In the present embodiment, the two states are described as the blinking state. However, the blinking state can be expressed by three or more states, and the processing in that case can be performed in the same manner as in the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the processing has been described on the assumption that object data has been created in advance, but the present invention is not limited to this. The same operation can be performed even when polygons are generated by a program.

In this embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the α value and the α combination mode are set for each triangle strip, and the α combination processing is performed for each triangle strip. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Based on the α value set for each vertex of the polygon, when performing the α synthesis processing on a polygon basis in the α synthesis mode set by the α synthesis mode setting unit 124, a more effective blinking display performed on a triangle strip basis is obtained. It becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, the blinking is described by repeatedly switching the α-combining mode, but the present invention is not limited to the number of repetitions. When the number of repetitions is small, it is desirable from the viewpoint of an image effect to switch the α combination mode performed for the same image at the same position in the drawing area.

Also, the present invention provides various games (fighting games,
Shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention is also applicable to various game systems (image generation systems) such as arcade game systems, home game systems, large attraction systems in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, and system boards for generating game images. System).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of blinking display according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game image of a back object image (original image) in the embodiment (opaque display).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game image of a front object image in the present embodiment (opaque display).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game image in a first state of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a game image in a second state of the embodiment.

FIGS. 7A to 7C show α of an object image on which the same texture is mapped according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of blinking display by a combination process.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of blinking display by switching the setting state of the α combination mode according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of expanding various data for generating an object image performed before the start of a game sequence in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an object data transfer process in which an α combination mode is set in the embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing an outline of packet data generated in the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of object data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied; FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

Polygon P _0a located polygonal Sb inner surface positioned Sa _{front, P 0b, P 1a, P} 1b pixel 100 processor 110 game processing section 120 image generating unit 122 geometry processing unit 124 alpha synthesis mode setting unit 130 rendering unit 132 α synthesis unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main storage unit 174 drawing area 180 information storage medium 190 display unit 192 sound output unit 194 portable information storage device 196 communication unit 200, 202 texture 210, 230 α synthesis mode Settings 220, 240 α composite image 222, 224, 242, 244 Non-overlapping part 226, 246 Overlapping part 248 Switching (α composite mode)

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: α of a given image for synthesizing the given image with an original image.
A game system comprising: means for repeatedly switching a combination mode; and means for α-combining a given image and an original image according to the switched α combination mode. 2. A game system for generating an image, comprising: α of a given image for synthesizing the given image with an original image;
Means for switching the combination mode, and at the same position in the drawing area, in the first state, the first α
Means for α-synthesizing the original image and the given image in the synthesis mode, and then α-synthesizing the original image and the given image in the second α-synthesis mode in the second state thereafter. A game system characterized by the following. 3. A game system for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in which an object is set, wherein: a means for switching an α synthesis mode for a second object; An original image obtained by performing a geometry process on a first object on which the texture of the first object is mapped, and an image obtained by performing a geometry process on a second object on which the same texture as the texture is mapped and disposed in front of the first object. Means for α-combining in the first α-combining mode, and in the second state thereafter, performing α-combining in the second α-combining mode of the original image and the image obtained by performing the geometry processing on the second object. A unique game system. 4. A game system for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space in which an object is set, wherein at least in the first state and the second state, the operation state of the α synthesis processing for the object is changed. Means for repeatedly switching; outputting, in the first state, an original image in which a first object on which a given texture is mapped is subjected to a geometric process; and, in the second state, the original image in a given α synthesis mode. Means for alpha-synthesizing an image and an image obtained by performing a geometric process on a second object, which is disposed in front of the first object and on which the same texture as the texture is mapped, and which is subjected to α-synthesis. 5. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the α combination mode is set for each strip constituting an object. 6. The game system according to claim 5, wherein the α value, which is a coefficient for performing the α synthesis, is transparency information set for each strip. 7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the α composition mode is set for each polygon constituting an object. 8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the α value that is a coefficient for performing the α combination is set for each polygon. 9. The game system according to claim 1, wherein at least three or more kinds of α combination modes are switched. 10. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising an α of a given image for synthesizing the given image with an original image.
An information storage medium including a program for causing a computer to implement: a unit that repeatedly switches a combination mode; and a unit that α-combines a given image and an original image according to the switched α combination mode. . 11. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein an α of a given image is combined to combine the given image with an original image.
Means for switching the combination mode, and at the same position in the drawing area, in the first state, the first α
Means for α-synthesizing the original image and the given image in the synthesis mode, and then α-synthesizing the original image and the given image in the second α-synthesis mode in the second state. An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing the information storage medium. 12. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for switching an α composition mode for a second object; and in a first state, converting a first object on which a given texture is mapped to a geometry. A first image is subjected to α-synthesis in a first α-synthesis mode with a processed original image and an image in which the same texture as the texture is mapped and a second object disposed in front of the first object is subjected to a geometry process, and Means for α-synthesizing the original image and the image obtained by performing the geometry processing on the second object in the second α-synthesis mode, and a program for causing a computer to realize: . 13. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein at least in a first state and a second state, means for repeatedly switching an operation state of an α combining process on an object; An original image obtained by performing a geometry process on a first object to which a given texture is mapped is output. In the second state, the original image and the first object are arranged in front of the original image and the first object by a given α composition mode. Means for alpha-synthesizing the texture and an image obtained by performing a geometry process on a second object to which the same texture is mapped, and a program for causing a computer to realize the following. 14. The information storage medium according to claim 10, wherein the α composition mode is set for each strip constituting an object. 15. The information storage medium according to claim 14, wherein the α value, which is a coefficient for performing the α combination, is transparency information set for each strip. 16. The information storage medium according to claim 10, wherein the α combination mode is set for each polygon constituting an object. 17. The information storage medium according to claim 16, wherein the α value, which is a coefficient for performing the α combination, is set for each polygon. 18. The information storage medium according to claim 10, wherein at least three kinds of α combination modes are switched.