JP2003044868A - System for generating image, program and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generation system capable of solving a situation, with a little processing load, that an object to be watched carefully can not be seen because another object becomes an obstacle in view point. SOLUTION: When it is judged that an object OB1 (character) is located on a deep side of an OB2 (obstacle) seen from a view point and a transparent conversion image PM1 of the OB1 to a screen overlaps on a transparent conversion image PM2 of the OB2 to the screen, the OB1 can be seen through the OB2 from the view point. It is decided whether or not the OB1 is located on the deep side of the OB2 seen from the view point on the basis of Z coordinates of the objects OB1 and OB2 in a view point (screen) coordinates system, a vector in the direction of connecting representative points of the OB1 and OB2 and a normal line vector on the plane of the OB2. Transparency (translucence) processing of the object OB2 is performed on the basis of X coordinates of the objects OB1 and OB2 in a screen coordinates system. An object OB3 for confirming the position of the OB2 which becomes nontransparent even when the object OB2 is transparent is arranged between the OB2 and a geographic surface.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image generation system (game system) for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, has heretofore been known. It is popular as a thing that allows you to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a fighting game as an example, a player operates a self-character (object) using a game controller (operating means) and competes with an opponent character operated by an opponent player or a computer. Enjoy a 3D game at.

In such a three-dimensional game, when an obstacle object enters between the player's viewpoint and the character, the player's field of view is blocked by the obstacle object, and the area around the character is the player. There is a problem that you can't see it.

As a conventional technique for solving such a problem, for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541 is known. In this conventional technology, based on the shape data of the obstacle object and the position data of the character, it is determined whether or not the obstacle object and the character overlap from the viewpoint, and when it is determined that they overlap, By making the obstacle object transparent,
It solves the above problem.

However, this conventional technique requires complicated processing using the shape data of the obstacle object and the position data of the viewpoint and the character to determine the overlap between the obstacle object and the character. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing load and the processing time become excessive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility that another object becomes an obstacle to the viewpoint and the object to be watched cannot be seen. An object is to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium that can be solved by processing load.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, wherein a plurality of objects including first and second objects are arranged and set in an object space. And the object space setting means for determining that the first object is behind the second object from the viewpoint, and the perspective-transformed image of the first object on the screen is the screen of the second object. And a means for performing a transparent process of the second object so that the first object can be seen from the viewpoint when it is overlapped with the perspective transformed image. And means for generating an image from the viewpoint. A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium, and is characterized by storing (recording) a program for causing a computer to function as the above means.

According to the present invention, it is determined that the first object is behind the second object from the viewpoint, and the perspective-transformed image of the first object overlaps the perspective-transformed image of the second object. In this case, the first object can be seen from the viewpoint through the second object.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to solve the situation in which the second object becomes a viewpoint obstacle and the first object cannot be seen. In addition, the above situation is determined only by determining whether or not the first object is behind the second object from the viewpoint and determining whether or not the perspective conversion images of the first and second objects overlap. Therefore, the processing load can be reduced.

Further, in the image generating system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the coordinate in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system or the screen coordinate system is the Z coordinate, the first object is the second object when viewed from the viewpoint. Is determined based on the Z coordinates of the first and second objects.

In this way, the first object is converted into the second object only by the processing (for example, the comparison processing) using the Z coordinates of the first and second objects (for example, the Z coordinate of the representative point).
It becomes possible to determine whether or not the object is on the back side, and the processing load can be reduced.

Further, the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention have the X coordinate of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is the X coordinate. The second object is transparently processed based on the above.

With this configuration, the transparent processing of the second object can be realized only by the processing (for example, the linear calculation processing) using the X coordinate of the first and second objects (for example, the X coordinate of the representative point). As a result, the processing load can be reduced.

Further, in the image generating system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the transparent processing is a semi-transparent processing based on the α value, and X which is a representative point of the first object.
The coordinates, the X coordinate of the representative point of the second object, the second
The α value is obtained based on the parameter for expressing the size of the object in the X coordinate direction, and the semi-transparent processing of the second object is performed based on the obtained α value.

By doing so, it becomes possible to directly obtain the α value for the semitransparent processing by the X coordinate of the representative point of the first and second objects and the parameter, and perform the semitransparent processing.

The image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention determine whether or not the first object is behind the second object as a representative point of the first object from the viewpoint. The determination is based on a vector in the direction connecting the representative point of the second object and a normal vector representing the direction of the surface of the second object.

In this way, processing using the vector in the direction connecting the representative points of the first and second objects and the normal vector of the surface of the second object (for example, inner product processing)
Only by doing so, it is possible to determine whether or not the first object is behind the second object, and the processing load can be reduced.

Further, in the image generating system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the transparent processing is a semi-transparent processing based on the α value, and when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is X coordinate, The α value is calculated based on the X coordinate of the representative point of the first object and the X coordinates of the left end point, the right end point, and the representative point of the second object, and the half value of the second object is calculated based on the obtained α value. It is characterized by performing a transparent treatment.

With this configuration, the α value for the semitransparent process is directly calculated by the X coordinate of the representative point of the first object and the X coordinate of the left end point, the right end point, and the representative point of the second object. Then, it becomes possible to perform the translucent treatment.

The present invention is also an image generation system for generating an image, comprising an object space setting means for setting and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space, and a horizontal direction in a screen coordinate system. If the coordinates of X are the X coordinates, the first object for making the first object visible through the second object based on the X coordinates of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system. It is characterized in that it includes means for performing the transparent processing of the second object, and means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium, and is characterized by storing (recording) a program for causing a computer to function as the above means.

According to the present invention, the transparent process of the second object can be realized only by the process (for example, the linear calculation process) using the X coordinate of the first and second objects (for example, the X coordinate of the representative point). As a result, the processing load can be reduced.

Incidentally, it is desirable to perform the transparent processing of the second object on the condition that the first object is judged to be behind the second object from the viewpoint.

The present invention is also an image generation system for generating an image, wherein an object space setting means for setting and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space, and a second object are transparent. And a means for performing a transparent process of the second object to make the first object visible from the viewpoint, and a means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. The means arranges and sets in the object space a third object for confirming the position of the second object, which remains in the non-transparent state even when the second object is in the transparent state. . A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium, and is characterized by storing (recording) a program for causing a computer to function as the above means.

According to the present invention, even when the second object is in the transparent state (for example, transparent or semi-transparent) by the transparent processing, the third object is in the non-transparent state (for example, opaque). Therefore, the player (operator) can see the second object by seeing the third object in the non-transparent state.
The position (or shape) of the object can be confirmed, and a suitable operating environment can be provided to the player.

Further, the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the third object is arranged and set between the second object and the terrain surface.

By doing this, the second
It is possible to effectively inform the player (operator) of the position of the object on the topographic surface.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The present embodiment described below does not limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Moreover, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are indispensable constituent features of the invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of this embodiment. In the figure, in the present embodiment, at least the processing unit 100 may be included (or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170 may be included).
The other blocks can be arbitrary constituent elements.

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

The storage unit 170 includes the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1.
A work area such as 96, whose function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The information storage medium 180 (computer readable medium) stores programs, data, etc., and its function is that of optical discs (CD, D).
VD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, each unit of the present invention (the present embodiment) (particularly, a block included in the processing unit 100)
As a result, a program for causing the computer to function (a program for causing the computer to realize each means) is stored (recorded, stored).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 will be transferred to the storage unit 170 when the system is powered on. The information storage medium 1
The program 80 for carrying out the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of the display object, and the like can be included in 80.

The display unit 190 outputs the image generated by the present embodiment, and its function is CRT,
LCD or HMD (head mounted display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores player's personal data, game save data, and the like. Consider a memory card, a portable game device, or the like as the portable information storage device 194. You can

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or another image generating system), and its function is various processors or communication ASICs. It can be realized by the hardware or the program.

A program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present invention (this embodiment).
Is the information storage medium 1 included in the host device (server) via the network and the communication unit 196.
You may make it deliver to 80. Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing unit 100 (processor) is the operation unit 1
Various processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing is performed based on operation data from 60, programs, and the like. In this case, the processing unit 100 includes the storage unit 17
Various processes are performed by using the main storage unit 172 in 0 as a work area.

Here, as the processing performed by the processing unit 100, coin (price) acceptance processing, various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, position of an object (one or more primitives) Or a rotation angle (a rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), a process of moving an object (motion process), a position of a viewpoint (a position of a virtual camera) or a line-of-sight angle (a rotation angle of a virtual camera). , A process of placing objects such as map objects in the object space, a hit check process, a process of calculating game results (results, results),
A process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a game over process, or the like can be considered.

The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a transparency processing unit 114,
The image generation unit 120 and the sound generation unit 130 are included. The processing unit 100 does not need to include all of these functional blocks.

Here, the object space setting unit 110
Is a process for setting and arranging various objects such as characters, cars, columns, walls, buildings, maps (terrain) (objects consisting of polygons, free-form surfaces or primitive surfaces such as subdivision surfaces) in the object space. I do. More specifically, the position and rotation angle (direction) of the object in the world coordinate system are determined, and the position (X, Y, Z) is determined by the rotation angle (rotation around the X, Y, Z axes). Place the object.

In this embodiment, the object space setting unit 110 sets a first object (moving object) representing a character, a car, etc., and a second object (obstacle object) representing a pillar, a wall, a building, etc. Place it in the object space. Further, a third object for checking the position of the second object (an object that does not become transparent even when the second object becomes transparent) is arranged and set in the object space. More specifically, the third object is arranged and set between the second object and the terrain surface (including the artificial terrain surface).

The movement / motion processing section 112 uses a character,
It is a process for obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle) and movement information (position of each part of the object, rotation angle) of an object (moving object) such as a car.
For example, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a game program, and the like, processing of moving an object or performing an operation (motion, animation) is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion processing section 112.
Changes the position and rotation angle of the object, for example, every frame (1/60 seconds, 1/30 seconds, etc.). For example, the position and rotation angle of the object in the (k-1) frame are Pk-1 and θk-1, and the position change amount (speed) and the rotation change amount (rotation speed) of the object in one frame are ΔP and Δ.
Let be θ. Then the position P of the object in k frames
The k and the rotation angle θk are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

Pk = Pk-1 + ΔP (1) θk = θk-1 + Δθ (2) The transparency processing unit 114 transmits the second object (pillar, wall, building, etc.) and transmits the first object ( Transparent processing (semi-transparent processing, transparent processing, mesh processing, etc.) of the second object to make the character, car, etc. visible.
Is to do.

More specifically, the transparency processing section 114 first determines whether or not the first object is behind the second object as viewed from the viewpoint (virtual camera). This can be determined based on, for example, the Z coordinate (the coordinate in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system or the screen coordinate system) of the representative point of the first and second objects (the point that represents the position of the object, etc.). Alternatively, the determination may be made based on a vector in the direction connecting the representative points of the first and second objects and a normal vector for expressing the direction of the surface forming the second object.

Then, the transparency processing unit 114, when the perspective transformation image of the first object on the screen (perspective transformation surface) overlaps the perspective transformation image of the second object on the screen, the second object. The second object is set to the transparent display (transparent display, semi-transparent display, mesh display, or the like) state so that the first object can be seen from the viewpoint through the display. That is, the transparent processing of the second object is performed based on the X coordinate (horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system) of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system. The setting of the semi-transparent state of the second object is the α value (information that can be stored in association with each pixel, texel, or dot) given to the vertices (constituent points) of the second object, and plus alpha other than color information. Information) can be realized.

The image generation section 120 performs image processing based on the results of various processing performed by the processing section 100 to generate a game image and outputs it to the display section 190. For example, when generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first,
Geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation is performed, and based on the processing results, drawing data (position coordinates, texture coordinates, colors (added to the vertices (constituent points) of the primitive surface), (Brightness) data, a normal vector, an α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on this drawing data (primitive surface data), the image of the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after the geometry processing is a buffer that can store image information in pixel units such as a drawing buffer 174 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). ). As a result, an image viewed from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, and performs BGM,
Generates a game sound such as a sound effect or a sound, and outputs the sound output unit 1.
To 92.

The image generation system of this embodiment is
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 multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone) connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. ) May be used.

2. Features of this Embodiment Next, features of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following, the case where the present embodiment is applied to a fighting game will be mainly described as an example, but the present embodiment can be widely applied to games other than the fighting game.

2.1 Transparent Display of Obstacle Object In the present embodiment, the transparent display of the obstacle object is realized by the following method.

First, in this embodiment, FIGS. 2A and 2B are used.
As shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the object OB1 (moving object such as a character) is behind the object OB2 (obstacle object such as a pillar, wall, or building) as viewed from the viewpoint VP (virtual camera). . For example, in FIG.
In (A), the object OB1 is O when viewed from the viewpoint VP.
It is determined to be on the front side of B2, and in FIG. 2B, it is determined that OB1 is on the back side of OB2 as viewed from the viewpoint VP.

Then, when it is determined that the object OB1 is on the back side of OB2 as viewed from the viewpoint VP as shown in FIG. 2B, the following processing is performed.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, it is determined whether the perspective conversion image PM1 of the object OB1 on the screen SC (perspective conversion surface) overlaps the perspective conversion image PM2 of the object OB2 on the screen. To judge.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the perspective conversion image PM1 does not overlap PM2, the transparent processing (translucent processing, transparent processing, mesh processing, etc.) of the object OB2 is not performed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2D, when the perspective-transformed image PM1 overlaps with PM2, the object OB2 is subjected to the transparent processing, and the object OB2 is transparent (translucent,
Transparent or mesh).

As described above, it is possible to prevent the situation where the OB1 is in the transparent state when the object OB1 is in front of the OB2 as shown in FIG. 2A. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the object OB1 becomes OB2.
OB2 can be in a transparent state only when the object OB1 is hidden behind OB2 as viewed from the viewpoint VP as shown in FIG. 2D. This allows the player to see OB1 through OB2,
A smooth game progress can be realized.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it is determined whether or not the object OB1 is at the back side of OB2, and the perspective as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. The processing load for determining whether the converted images PM1 and PM2 overlap is very light. Therefore, the situation in which the object OB2 becomes a viewpoint obstacle and the object OB1 cannot be seen can be solved with a processing load smaller than that of the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541.

2.2 First Processing Example Next, FIG.
A first processing example for realizing the method (D) will be described.

In this first processing example, first, the Z coordinate in the viewpoint coordinate system (or the screen coordinate system) (the coordinate in the depth direction. In the screen coordinate system, the sign of the Z coordinate in the viewpoint coordinate system is reversed. It is determined whether or not the object OB1 is on the back side of OB2 as viewed from the viewpoint VP.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The Z coordinate Z1 of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1 (for example, the center point of OB1. The point at the waist position of the character OB1) and the representative point RP2 of the object OB2 (for example, the center point of OB1. A given offset from the center point) Then, the Z coordinate Z2 of the point on the near side) is obtained. And this Z coordinate Z
By examining the magnitude relationship between 1 and Z2, the object OB
It is determined whether 1 is on the back side of OB2. For example, when the Z coordinate increases as the distance from the viewpoint VP increases (the opposite case is also possible), it is determined that the object OB1 is on the back side of OB2 when Z1> Z2.

Then, in this first processing example, as shown in FIG.
When it is determined by the method (A) that the object OB2 is at the back of the object OB1, the transparent processing of the object OB2 is performed based on the X coordinate (horizontal coordinate) of the objects OB1 and OB2 in the screen coordinate system. .

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The X coordinate X1 of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1, the X coordinate X2 of the representative point RP2 of the object OB2, and the radius parameter R of the object OB2 (cylinder, polygonal prism).
(In a broad sense, it is a parameter for expressing the size of OB2 in the X-coordinate direction, and it is desirable to make it smaller according to the distance (perspective) from the viewpoint).
That is, as the difference between X1 and X2 becomes smaller, the object O
An α value is calculated so that B2 becomes more transparent. Then, the obtained α value (translucency, transparency, opacity, etc.)
The semi-transparent processing (α compositing processing) of the object OB2 is performed based on In this case, the α value can be expressed by the following equation, for example.

Α = F (| X1−X2 | / R) (3) In the above equation, | A | is the absolute value of A, and F (B) is a function with B as an argument. As this function, a linear form of B (for example, an expression obtained by multiplying B by a constant) can be considered.

According to the above first processing example, when the object OB1 (character) enters the area RGA (hatched area) of FIG. 4, the object OB2 (obstacle) becomes transparent (translucent). Become. Therefore, the player (viewpoint V
P) passes through the object OB2 and passes through the object O.
It becomes possible to see B1, and it is possible to prevent a situation where the object OB1 operated by itself (or the object operated by the opponent player) is hidden by OB2 and cannot be seen.

Moreover, according to this first processing example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the Z coordinates of the objects OB1 and OB2 are compared, and the α value is calculated from the difference between the X coordinates of OB1 and OB2 and the radius parameter R as shown in FIG.
It is possible to realize the transparent display of the object OB2.
That is, the transparent display process of the object OB2 can be realized only by a linear calculation using the Z coordinate and the X coordinate. Therefore, the object OB2 becomes a viewpoint obstacle and the object O
The situation where B1 becomes invisible can be solved with a processing load that is significantly smaller than that of the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541.

In order to prevent the player from feeling unnatural when the object OB2 is displayed transparently, in the areas RG1 and RG2 (the area including the boundary where the transparent processing is started) in FIG. It is desirable to gradually change the α value of the object OB2. That is, OB2 is not immediately made transparent when the object OB1 wraps around the inner side of OB2, but OB2 is gradually made transparent from opaque according to the depth OB1 wraps around. This makes it inconspicuous that the OB 2 is in the transparent state, and it is possible to generate an image in which the player does not feel unnatural.

2.3 Second Processing Example Next, a second processing example for realizing the method shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D will be described.

The above-described first processing example is suitable for the case where the object OB2 has a cylindrical shape or a polygonal shape, but causes a problem when the object OB2 has a plate shape such as a wall. there is a possibility.

For example, in FIG. 5, a plate-shaped object O
B2 (wall) is arranged such that the angle between its surface and the line-of-sight direction is an acute angle, and the object OB1 (character) is located immediately near the front side of this OB2. In the case of the situation shown in FIG. 5, the Z coordinate of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1 is larger than the Z coordinate of the representative point RP2 of the object OB2 (wall).
1 is determined to be on the back side of OB2. Further, in the situation of FIG. 5, it is determined that the X coordinate of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1 is within the radius parameter R from the X coordinate of the representative point RP2 of the object OB2.
Therefore, when the first processing example of FIGS. 3A and 3B is used, OB2 is in a transparent state even in a situation where the object OB1 is not hidden by OB2 as shown in FIG. When the object OB2 becomes transparent in this way unnecessarily, the player may feel unnatural.

On the other hand, according to the second processing example described below, such a situation can be prevented.

In this second processing example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the representative point RP1 of the object OB1 (for example, O
The center point of B1. Waist position point of character OB1) and representative point RP2 of object OB2 (for example, OB
The center point of 1. The vector V12 in the direction connecting the center point to a point on the front side by a given offset) and the object O
Based on the normal vector VN2 (vector perpendicular to the plane) representing the direction of the plane (main plane) of B2, the object OB1
Is on the back side of OB2.

More specifically, the inner product of the vector V12 and the normal vector VN2 is calculated, and whether the object OB1 is located in the area RGB or RGC of FIG. 6A based on the value of this inner product. Find out. And the region RG
If the object OB1 is located in C, OB
It is determined that 1 is behind OB2.

Then, in this second processing example, as shown in FIG.
When it is determined by the method (A) that the object OB2 is at the back of the object OB1, the transparent processing of the object OB2 is performed based on the X coordinate (horizontal coordinate) of the objects OB1 and OB2 in the screen coordinate system. .

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
Α based on the X coordinate X1 of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1 and the X coordinate X2, XL2, XR2 of the representative point RP2, the left end point EL2, and the right end point ER2 of the object OB2.
Find the value.

That is, when the object OB1 is located on the left side of OB2 (X1 <X2), | XL2-X2 |
An α value is calculated such that the object OB2 becomes more transparent as the ratio of | X1-X2 |

On the other hand, when the object OB1 is located on the right side of OB2 (X1 ≧ X2), | XR2-X2 |
An α value is calculated such that the object OB2 becomes more transparent as the ratio of | X1-X2 | Then, based on the obtained α value (semitransparency, transparency, opacity, or the like), the semitransparent process (α
(Synthesizing process) is performed. In this case, the α value can be expressed by the following equation, for example.

When X1 <X2 α = F (| X1-X2 | / | XL2-X2 |) (4) When X1 ≧ X2 α = F (| X1-X2 | / | XR2-X2 |) (5 In the above equation, | A | is the absolute value of A, and F (B) is a function with B as an argument. As this function, a linear form of B (for example, an expression obtained by multiplying B by a constant) can be considered.

According to the above second processing example, when the object OB1 (character) enters the area RGD (hatched area) of FIG. 7, the object OB2 (obstacle) becomes transparent (translucent). . Therefore, the player (viewpoint V
P) passes through the object OB2 and passes through the object O.
It becomes possible to see B1, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the object OB1 operated by itself (or the object operated by the opponent player) is hidden by the object OB2 and becomes invisible.

Moreover, according to this second processing example, FIG.
As in (A), the inner product of the vectors V12 and VN2 is calculated,
As shown in FIG. 6B, X coordinates X1, X2, XL2, XR2
The transparent display of the object OB2 as shown in FIG. 7 can be realized only by obtaining the α value by the linear calculation of Therefore,
It becomes possible to solve the situation in which the object OB2 becomes a viewpoint obstacle and the object OB1 cannot be seen with a processing load which is significantly smaller than that of the conventional technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541.

Further, according to the second processing example, unlike the above-described first processing example, it is possible to prevent the situation where the OB2 becomes unnecessarily in the transparent state when the object OB2 has a plate shape.

In order to prevent the player from feeling unnatural when the object OB2 is placed in the transparent state, in the areas RG3 and RG4 (the area including the boundary where the transparent processing is started) in FIG. It is desirable to gradually change the α value of the object OB2. That is, when the object OB1 wraps around the back of OB2, OB2 is not immediately made transparent, but OB2 is gradually made transparent from opaque according to the depth OB1 wraps around. This makes it inconspicuous that the OB 2 is in the transparent state, and it is possible to generate an image in which the player does not feel unnatural.

2.4 Object for Position Confirmation In the method of this embodiment, the viewpoint V as shown in FIG.
When the object OB1 is hidden behind OB2 when viewed from P, OB2 is made transparent. According to this method, it is possible to see OB1 through OB2, so that it is possible to prevent the player from losing sight of OB1.

However, on the other hand, in this method,
Since the OB2 becomes transparent, there is a problem that the player cannot recognize the existing position of the OB2 at all.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the object OB2
Even if a pillar or the like is in a transparent state, it is OB in the game.
2 still exists. Therefore, for example, when the player operates the object OB1 (character),
When it is moved as indicated by A1 in FIG. 8, it is determined by hit check processing that OB1 has collided with OB2 at the point indicated by A2. And the object OB1 is O
OB1 will be restricted from moving so as not to enter inside B2. For this reason, the player is
It becomes necessary to move the object OB1 along the detour route as shown in FIG.

However, when the object OB2 is in the transparent state, the route of the object OB1
By detouring, it becomes impossible for the player to recognize whether the player can move while avoiding OB2. That is, the player feels as if there is an invisible obstacle in a place where nothing is present, which hinders the game operation environment of the player.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the object OB
The method of providing the position confirmation object OB3 that remains in the non-transmissive state even when 2 is in the transmissive state is adopted.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
An object OB3 for confirming the position of OB2 is arranged between the object OB2 (pillar, wall, building) and the terrain surface GS (including artificial terrain surface). In this case, the boundary between the objects OB2 and OB3 is made inconspicuous.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, even when the object OB1 is hidden behind OB2 and OB2 is in a transparent state (transparent or translucent), the object OB
No. 3 is left in the non-transmissive state (opaque).

By doing so, the player can change the place where the object OB2 existed to the object O2.
You can check it by looking at B3. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in A1 and A2 of FIG.
It is possible to prevent a situation where the OB1 collides with the vehicle, and it becomes possible to move the OB1 along an appropriate detour as indicated by A3.

Moreover, although the OB3 located under the object OB2 is in the non-transparent state, the O above the OB3
B2 is in a transparent state. Therefore, the player uses the object OB2 in the transparent state to execute the OB.
1 can be seen, and the situation in which the player loses sight of OB1, which is a gazing object, can be prevented.

The object OB3 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 9B, and various shapes can be adopted. For example, a plate-like object (polygon) having no thickness, which is arranged on the terrain surface GS (ground surface, game field surface), may be used.

In order for the player to easily recognize the position and shape of the object OB2, the object OB3 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as the shape of the cross section of the object OB2 (cross section parallel to the XZ plane). It is desirable to let them.

3. Processing of this Embodiment Next, a detailed example of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the first processing example of FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B).

First, the Z coordinates Z1 and Z2 of the representative points RP1 and RP2 of the objects OB1 and OB2 in the viewpoint (screen) coordinate system are obtained (step S1, see FIG. 3A). Then, it is determined whether or not Z1> Z2 (step S
2) If Z1 ≦ Z2, the process ends.

On the other hand, when Z1> Z2, the representative point RP of the objects OB1 and OB2 in the screen coordinate system.
1, X-coordinates X1 and X2 of RP2 are obtained (step S
3. See FIG. 3B). And the difference of X coordinate | X1-X
2 | and the radius parameter R of the object OB2, α = F (| X1-X2 | / R), which is the α value of OB2.
Is calculated (step S4).

Next, the semitransparent process of the object OB2 is performed based on the obtained α value (step S5). Specifically, the obtained α value is set to the vertex α of the object OB2.
Value to the object OB based on this vertex α value
The α synthesis processing of 2 (α blending, α addition or α subtraction, etc.) is performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the second processing example of FIGS. 6 (A) and 6 (B).

First, the line-of-sight vector VL and the object O
The inner product of the normal vector VN2 of the surface (main surface) of B1 is obtained (step S11). Then, it is checked whether the surface of the object OB2 is face up or face down based on the obtained inner product (step S12). And if it is face down (V
N2 is facing away from the viewpoint),
Since the display of the object OB2 becomes unnecessary, the processing ends.

On the other hand, in the case of face up, the object O
The inner product of the vector V12 in the direction connecting the representative points RP1 and RP2 of B1 and OB2 and the normal vector VN2 is obtained (step S13; see FIG. 6A). Then, based on the obtained inner product, it is determined whether or not the object OB1 is located in the region (RGC) on the back side of OB2 (step S).
14). Then, if it is in the front side area (RGB), the processing is ended.

On the other hand, when it is in the area on the back side, X in the screen coordinate system of the representative point RP1 of the object OB1.
X coordinates X2, XL2, XR2 in the screen coordinate system of the coordinate X1, the representative point RP2, the left end point EL2, and the right end point ER2 of the object OB2 are obtained (step S15).

Next, it is determined whether or not X1 <X2 (step S16). If X1 <X2, the difference in X coordinate | X1
-X2 | and | XL2-X2 |
Α value of B2 α = F (| X1-X2 | / | XL2-
X2 |) is calculated (step S17). On the other hand, X1 ≧ X
In the case of 2, the difference of X coordinates | X1-X2 | and | XR2-
Α = which is the α value of the object OB2 based on X2 |
F (| X1-X2 | / | XR2-X2 |) is calculated (step S18).

Then, the object OB2 is semi-transparently processed based on the obtained α value (step S1).
9).

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
It operates based on a program stored in the (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media), game processing, image processing,
Various processing such as sound processing is executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and executes matrix calculation (vector calculation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires a process such as a matrix calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the coprocessor 902 to perform the process. ) Do.

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and performs matrix calculation (vector calculation). Calculation) is executed at high speed. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, the program running on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry 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 a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG system or the like can be displayed on the opening screen, the intermission screen, the ending screen, the game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950,
It is stored in the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 is for executing the drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitives (primitive surfaces) such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to draw the object data into the drawing processor 910.
And transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the drawing processor 910
Is performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer based on these object data and textures,
The object is drawn in the frame buffer 922 at high speed. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (semi-transparency processing), depth cuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when the image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

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

Operation data from the game controller 942 (lever, button, housing, pad-type controller, gun-type controller, etc.), save data from the memory card 944, and personal data are transferred via the serial interface 940. .

The ROM 950 stores system programs 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. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

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

The DMA controller 970 is a DM between processors and memories (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
It controls the A transfer.

The CD drive 980 is a CD 982 for storing programs, image data, sound data and the like.
(Information storage medium) is driven to enable access to these programs and data.

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

The respective means of the present invention may be realized by hardware only, or only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is realized by both hardware and a program, the information storage medium stores a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each means of the present invention. Will be. More specifically, the program is executed by each of the processors 902, 904, 906, 91 which are hardware.
0, 930, etc. are instructed to perform processing, and data is passed if necessary. Then, each processor 902, 904, 9
06, 910, 930 and the like realize each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

FIG. 13A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system (image generation system). The player enjoys the game by operating the controller 1102 and the like while looking at the game image displayed on the display 1100. The built-in system board (circuit board) 1106 has various processors,
Various memories are installed. A program (data) for realizing each unit of the present invention is stored in the memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this program is referred to as a storage program (stored information).

FIG. 13B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system (image generation system). While watching the game image displayed on the display 1200, the player plays the controllers 1202, 12
Operate 04 etc. to enjoy the game. In this case, the storage program (stored information) is stored in the CD 1206 or memory cards 1208, 1209, which is a removable information storage medium in the main body system.

FIG. 13C shows a host device 1300,
This host device 1300 and network 1302 (LA
A terminal 130 connected via a small network such as 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 (game machine, mobile phone) will be shown. In this case, the storage program (stored information) is stored in the information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of standalone generation of the game image and the game sound, the host device 1300 provides the terminal 130 with the game image and the game program for generating the game sound.
It is delivered to 4-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and the terminal device 1304-1.
It will be transmitted to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13C, the respective means of the present invention may be realized by being distributed between the host device (server) and the terminal. In addition, the storage program (stored information) for realizing each means of the present invention,
The information may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the terminal.

Further, 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, a save information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and also with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is preferably used.

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

For example, in the present embodiment, as the transparent processing of the second object (OB2), the translucent processing has been mainly described as an example, but the transparent processing of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, transparent processing (processing for switching between transparent and opaque) and mesh processing (processing for displaying the pixels of the second object and the pixels of the background thereof in a mesh) may be performed.

Further, as the processing for making the second object transparent display, as shown in FIGS. 3 (A), (B), FIG. 6 (A),
The method described in (B) is desirable, but various modifications equivalent to this method are possible. For example, it is possible to perform the transparent processing of the second object based on the Y coordinates (coordinates along the vertical direction) of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system.

In the invention according to the dependent claim of the present invention, it is possible to omit some of the constituent elements of the claim on which the invention is dependent. Further, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention can be made dependent on another independent claim.

The present invention can be applied to 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 image generation systems (games) such as an arcade game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which many players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating game images. System).

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system of this embodiment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are diagrams for explaining the method of the present embodiment that makes an object OB2 in a transparent state.

3A and 3B show an object OB1,
It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st example of a process which makes OB2 a transparent state based on the Z coordinate and X coordinate of OB2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an object OB2 is in a transparent state according to a first processing example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a problem of the first processing example.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining a second processing example in which the plate-shaped object OB2 is put into a transparent state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which an object OB2 is in a transparent state according to a second processing example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when the object OB2 is in a transparent state.

9A and 9B are views for explaining a method of arranging an object OB3 for confirming the position of the object OB2.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

13 (A), (B), and (C) are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

OB1 first object OB2 second object OB3 third object PM1, PM2 perspective conversion image VP perspective SC screen 100 processing unit 110 Object space setting section 112 Movement / motion processing unit 114 transparency processing unit 120 Image generator 130 sound generator 160 Operation part 170 storage 172 main memory 174 Drawing buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display 192 sound output section 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communications Department

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C001 BA01 BA03 BA05 BC01 BC03                       BC07 BC08 CB01 CB04 CC02                       DA04                 5B050 BA07 BA09 CA07 EA07 EA11                       EA19 EA27 EA28                 5B080 BA02 BA04 DA06 FA03 FA08                       FA17 GA02

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising: an object space setting means for setting and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space; and a first object seen from a viewpoint. When it is determined that the second object is located behind the second object, and the perspective-transformed image of the first object on the screen overlaps with the perspective-transformed image of the second object on the screen, the second object is selected. And a means for transparently processing the second object to make the first object visible from the viewpoint, and a means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. Image generation system. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the coordinate in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system or the screen coordinate system is the Z coordinate, whether the first object is on the back side of the second object as viewed from the viewpoint. An image generation system characterized by determining whether or not it is based on the Z coordinates of the first and second objects. 3. The second object according to claim 1, wherein when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is X coordinate, the second object is based on the X coordinate of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system. An image generation system characterized by performing transparent processing of. 4. The translucent process according to claim 3, wherein the translucent process is a translucent process based on an α value, and the X coordinate of the representative point of the first object, the X coordinate of the representative point of the second object, and the second coordinate Α based on the parameter for expressing the size of the object in the X coordinate direction
An image generation system, wherein a value is obtained, and the second object is semi-transparently processed based on the obtained α value. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the first object is behind the second object when viewed from the viewpoint is determined by selecting a representative point of the first object and a representative point of the second object. An image generation system characterized by making a judgment based on a vector of a connecting direction and a normal vector representing a direction of a surface of a second object. 6. The representative point of the first object according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the transparent process is a translucent process based on an α value, and when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is the X coordinate. The α value is obtained based on the X coordinate and the X coordinate of the left end point, the right end point, and the representative point of the second object, and the second value is obtained based on the obtained α value.
Image generation system characterized by performing semi-transparent processing of the object. 7. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising: an object space setting means for setting and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space; and horizontal coordinates in a screen coordinate system. A second object for making the first object visible through the second object through the second object based on the X coordinates of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system when the X coordinate is used. An image generation system characterized by including a means for performing the transparent processing of 1. and a means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. 8. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising: an object space setting means for setting and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space; and a second object penetrating the second object. The object space setting means, including means for performing a transparent process of the second object for making one object visible from the viewpoint, and means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space, An image generation system characterized in that a third object for confirming the position of the second object, which remains in the non-transparent state even when the second object enters the transparent state, is arranged and set in the object space. . 9. The image generation system according to claim 8, wherein the third object is arranged and set between the second object and the terrain surface. 10. An object space setting means for arranging and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space, and determining that the first object is behind the second object from the viewpoint. And the perspective-transformed image of the first object on the screen overlaps with the perspective-transformed image of the second object on the screen, the first object is seen from the viewpoint through the second object. A program for causing a computer to function as a means for performing a transparent process of a second object for performing the above and a means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the coordinate in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system or the screen coordinate system is the Z coordinate, whether the first object is on the back side of the second object when viewed from the viewpoint. A program for determining whether or not it is based on the Z coordinates of the first and second objects. 12. The second object according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is X coordinate, the second object is based on the X coordinate of the first and second objects in the screen coordinate system. A program for performing transparent processing of. 13. The transparent process according to claim 12, wherein the transparent process is a semi-transparent process based on an α value, and the X coordinate of the representative point of the first object, the X coordinate of the representative point of the second object, and the second coordinate. Α based on the parameter for expressing the size of the object in the X coordinate direction
A program that obtains a value and performs semitransparent processing of the second object based on the obtained α value. 14. The method according to claim 10, wherein whether or not the first object is behind the second object when viewed from a viewpoint is determined by using a representative point of the first object and a representative point of the second object. A program that makes a determination based on a vector of a connecting direction and a normal vector representing a direction of a surface of a second object. 15. The representative point of the first object according to claim 10 or 14, wherein the transparent process is a translucent process based on an α value, and when the horizontal coordinate in the screen coordinate system is the X coordinate. The α value is obtained based on the X coordinate and the X coordinate of the left end point, the right end point, and the representative point of the second object, and the second value is obtained based on the obtained α value.
A program that performs semi-transparent processing of the object. 16. An object space setting means for arranging and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space, and in the case where horizontal coordinates in the screen coordinate system are X coordinates, in the screen coordinate system. A means for performing a transparency process of the second object to make the first object visible from the viewpoint based on the X-coordinates of the first and second objects; A program that causes a computer to function as a means for generating an image from a given viewpoint of. 17. An object space setting means for arranging and setting a plurality of objects including a first object and a second object in an object space, and for making the first object visible from a viewpoint through the second object. A program for causing a computer to function as means for performing the transparent processing of the second object and means for generating an image from a given viewpoint in the object space, wherein the object space setting means is the second object. A program for arranging and setting in the object space a third object for confirming the position of the second object, which remains in the non-transparent state even when is switched to the transparent state. 18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the third object is arranged and set between the second object and the terrain surface. 19. An information storage medium which can be read by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 10 to 18 is stored.