JP2005275795A - Program, information storage medium and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium and an image generation system, allowing generation of an image wherein a boundary between a background (distant view) object and a most distant view is natural. <P>SOLUTION: In this image generation system, an object information storage part 172 stores object information about a semi-transparent distant view object set with an α value such that a transparency degree becomes high as it approaches the boundary of the most distant view in an area positioned in the boundary to the most distant view, an object arrangement processing part 136 arranges the semi-transparent distant view object in a prescribed position in an inner part of the background object in a view from a viewpoint, a depth queueing processing part 134 performs a depth queueing process with a prescribed range including the background object and the semi-transparent distant view object as a depth queueing processing range, and a drawing part 140 performs a semi-transparency process to a drawing buffer drawn with the most distant view to the semi-transparent distant view object on the basis of the α value set in the semi-transparent distant view object and draws it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generation system that generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space is known, and is popular as being able to experience so-called virtual reality.

  In such an image generation system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the player's virtual reality.

Now, a technique called depth cueing is known as a technique for making an image of an object in the background (far view) more natural and realistic. In this depth cueing, for example, an object in the background (distant view) is blurred by performing a process of bringing the color of the object closer to the target color (eg, gray, white) according to the distance from the viewpoint.
JP 2002-273029 A

  However, for example, if the depth cueing target color is gray and the farthest view (background) is the night sky, the depth cueing target color (gray) and the farthest view color (black) will be different, There is a problem in that the boundary between the background (distant view) object and the farthest view is clearly seen, resulting in an unnatural image.

(1) The present invention
An object information storage unit for storing object information;
An object placement processing unit for placing an object in the object space based on the object information;
A depth cueing processing unit for performing depth cueing processing;
A program for causing a computer to function as an image drawing unit that draws an image seen from a virtual camera in an object space,
The object information storage unit
In the area located at the boundary with the farthest view, the object information of the translucent distant view object in which the transparency information is set so that the transparency becomes higher as it approaches the boundary of the farthest view,
The object placement processing unit
Place the translucent distant view object at a predetermined position behind the background object when viewed from the viewpoint,
The depth cueing processor
Depth cueing processing is performed with a predetermined range including a background object and a translucent distant object as a depth cueing processing range,
The drawing unit
Based on the transparency information set for the translucent distant view object, the translucent distant view object is rendered by performing a translucent process in a rendering buffer in which the farthest view is rendered.

  The present invention also relates to an image generation system having the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit.

  The object information includes object model information and arrangement information (for example, an arrangement position of a fixed object).

  The farthest view is an object that forms the end of the object space such as the sky (sky). For example, in the case of a game in which a character appears, the background object is a natural object such as a building, a tree, a mountain, a ground, or a river that constitutes the background of the character. It is more effective when applied to a distant view object).

  The farthest view is drawn may be when the farthest object is drawn, or the initial value, default value, or predetermined RGB value (predetermined color) drawn in the drawing buffer (frame buffer) is the maximum. It may be used as a distant view.

  The translucent distant view object is set so that the transparency information changes continuously or stepwise so that the transparency is lower in the area located at the border with the farthest view as it approaches the end of the object that is the border of the farthest view. You may do it.

  In addition, the depth cueing process can be a process in which the color of the object approaches the target color as the distance from the viewpoint increases. However, the depth cueing process is not limited to this, and the process can obtain an equivalent image effect. May be.

  According to the present invention, by performing depth cueing processing on a predetermined range including a background object and a translucent distant view object, it is possible to generate a natural image in which the background object constituting the distant view is hazy.

  Then, a translucent distant object is placed behind the background object, and based on the transparency information set for the translucent distant object, the translucent object is subjected to a translucency process in the drawing buffer in which the farthest view is drawn. As a result, the outline of the background object is formed as a boundary between the translucent distant object and the background object affected by the target color of the depth cueing process. .

  Also, since the transparency information is set so that the translucent distant view object has higher transparency toward the boundary with the farthest view, the influence of the target color of the depth cueing process gradually fades into the farthest view image. A natural image is generated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image image generation system capable of generating an image with a natural boundary between a background (distant view) object and the farthest view.

(2) The program, information storage medium, and image generation system of the present invention are:
Omit the farthest object,
The drawing unit performs the semi-transparency process by pretending a pixel value preset in a drawing area as a pixel value of the farthest view.

  For example, when the farthest view has a single color, the farthest view object can be omitted by drawing a single color in the drawing area (frame buffer) in advance.

  In such a case, to generate a more natural image, the depth cueing process can make the background object look blurred, but the object (polygon) does not exist in the farthest view. Unaffected by depth cueing process. Therefore, the boundary between the background object that looks hazy with the target color and the farthest view becomes clear, resulting in an unnatural image.

  However, as in the present invention, the translucent distant view object is arranged at a predetermined position behind the background object, and the predetermined range including the background object and the farthest view object is used as the depth cueing processing range, and the depth cueing process is performed. Based on the transparency information set for the semi-transparent distant object, the semi-transparent distant object is drawn by performing the semi-transparent process in the drawing buffer in which the farthest view is drawn. Since this is formed as a boundary between the area strongly influenced by the target color of the depth cueing process and the background object affected by the target color of the depth cueing process, the contour is unremarkably natural.

  In addition, since the transparency information is set so that the translucent distant view object becomes transparent toward the boundary with the farthest view, the influence of the target color of the depth cueing process gradually fades into the farthest view. A natural image is generated.

  According to the present invention, even if the image generation processing of the farthest view object is omitted, an image in which the boundary between the background (distant view) object and the farthest view is natural can be generated. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image image generation system capable of generating an image in which the boundary between the background (far view) object and the farthest view is natural with a small processing load.

(3) The program, information storage medium, and image generation system of the present invention are:
In a game in which a night scene and a day scene appear, the farthest view object is omitted in the night scene.

  For example, when the farthest view is the night sky (black), the farthest view object can be omitted by using the pixel value drawn in advance in the drawing area (frame buffer) as the farthest view.

  For example, in a sports game, when there are a day game scene and a night game scene, the farthest view object may be omitted in the night game scene.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image of a night scene in which the boundary between the background (distant view) object and the farthest view is natural with a small processing load.

(4) The program, information storage medium, and image generation system of the present invention are:
When generating an image of a game space in which the brightness information of the game space is set to be dark, the farthest view object is omitted.

  The brightness information of the game space (object space) in this case is, for example, brightness information (light source intensity) of the light source, α value of the object (primitive plane) arranged in the game space (object space), luminance information, and brightness. Information and saturation information.

(5) The program, information storage medium, and image generation system of the present invention are:
The translucent distant view object is a band-like object having a predetermined width.

A translucent distant view object has a shape like a rectangular band that is not thick, for example,
It may be a ring shape (cylindrical shape) that surrounds the background object, a shape that covers at least a part of the background object, or a shape like a single plate.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 170, and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 160, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be arbitrary constituent elements.

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

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

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 or the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

  The storage unit 170 stores transparency information (α value in a narrow sense. Semi-transparency information in a synonym. Transparency information. In other explanations, the transparency increases in the area located at the border with the farthest view. Similarly, an object information storage unit 171 that stores object information of a translucent distant view object set with the same) is included.

  An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk. It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic tape or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or program and data) for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100).

  Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the system is powered on. Information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes program code, image data, sound data, display object shape data, table data, list data, and data for instructing the processing of the present invention. It includes at least one of information, information for performing processing according to the instruction, and the like.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, LCD, or HMD (head mounted display).

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

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

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions as hardware such as various processors or a communication ASIC. Or by a program.

  The program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) may be 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. Good. 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 includes a game processing unit 110, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 150.

  Here, the game processing unit 110 receives a coin (price) reception process, various mode setting processes, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, the position and rotation angle (X, Processing to obtain the rotation angle around the Y or Z axis), processing to move the object (motion processing), processing to obtain the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle), objects such as map objects Various game processes, such as a process for placing a game in an object space, a hit check process, a process for calculating game results (results, results), a process for multiple players to play in a common game space, or a game over process , Operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the portable information storage device 194, storage data , Carried out on the basis of a game program.

  The game processing unit 110 includes a movement / motion calculation unit 114.

  Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 114 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data of each part of the object, rotation angle data) of an object such as a car. Based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a game program, or the like, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.

  More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 114 performs processing for obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object every frame (1/60 seconds), for example. For example, the position of the object in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and speed VMk of the object in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
The image generation unit 130 performs various types of image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, for example, generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190. In addition, the sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that all of the functions of the game processing unit 110, the image generation unit 130, and 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 130 includes a geometry processing unit 132 (three-dimensional coordinate calculation unit), a depth cueing processing unit 134, an object arrangement processing unit 136, and a drawing unit 140 (rendering unit).

  The object arrangement processing unit 136 performs a process of arranging the translucent distant view object at a predetermined position behind the background object when viewed from the viewpoint.

  Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional coordinate calculation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation. Then, the object data (shape data such as vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective transformation) is stored in the main memory 172 of the storage unit 170.

  The depth cueing processing unit 134 performs a depth cueing process on the object so that the color of the object (one or more primitive surfaces) approaches the target color as the distance from the viewpoint increases. Thereby, for example, when the target color is gray, the color of the object approaches gray in a distant view, regardless of the original color of the object. The depth cueing process is controlled using a depth cueing value that is a parameter that determines the strength of the depth cueing effect.

  The depth cueing processing unit 134 performs depth cueing processing using a predetermined range including the background object and the translucent distant object as a depth cueing processing range.

  The drawing unit 140 performs a process of drawing an image seen from the virtual camera in the object space based on the object data, texture, and the like.

  The drawing unit 140 includes an α blending unit 142 (semi-transparent processing unit).

  Here, the α blending unit 142 performs an α blending process (translucent process) as shown in the following equation based on the α value of the object (transparency information in a broad sense; the same applies to other descriptions).

RQ = (1-α) × R1 + α × R2 (3)
GQ = (1−α) × G1 + α × G2 (4)
BQ = (1−α) × B1 + α × B2 (5)
Here, R1, G1, and B1 are R, G, and B components of the color (luminance) of the original image already drawn in the frame buffer 174, and R2, G2, and B2 are overwritten on the original image. R, G, and B components of the color of the drawn image to be drawn.

  The α blending unit 142 draws the translucent distant object by performing the translucent process in the drawing buffer in which the farthest view is drawn based on the α value set for the translucent distant object.

  Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or not only the single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. The system may also be provided.

  Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals.

2. Features and Operations of this Embodiment Next, features and operations of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a game screen of a comparative example.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a background object that exists relatively far away from a virtual camera such as a spectator seat in a stadium. Reference numeral 220 denotes a farthest view object (an object mapped with a texture representing the daytime sky) that forms the farthest view of the object space. In such a case, when the image is generated as it is, the background object (distant view) becomes an image having a clear outline 230 and the boundary between the background object 210 and the daylight that is the farthest view object 220 becomes clear.

  In general, in the real world, it is natural that the scenery looks hazy as it goes farther, and it is unnatural that an object in the far view has a clear outline.

  Now, a technique called depth cueing is known as a technique for making an image of an object in the background (far view) more natural and realistic. In this depth cueing, the object in the background (distant view) is blurred by performing processing to bring the color of the object closer to the target color (for example, gray or white) according to the distance from the viewpoint.

  By using the depth cueing method, it is possible to make the background object 210 appear blurred. However, the farthest view object 220 is not subject to the depth cueing process (because the target color of the depth cueing process is different from the color of the farthest view object). For this reason, since the farthest view object 220 is not affected by the depth cueing process, the boundary 230 between the background object 210 and the farthest view object 220 that looks hazy with the target color becomes a clear and unnatural image as a result. End up.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the translucent distant view object is arranged at a predetermined position behind the background object, and the depth cueing process is performed using the predetermined range including the background object and the farthest view object as the depth cueing processing range. Based on the transparency information (α value) set for a transparent distant view object, this semi-transparent distant object is rendered by performing a semi-transparent process on the drawing buffer in which the farthest view is drawn. It has been resolved.

  3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the translucent distant view object of the present embodiment.

  FIG. 3A shows an image of an example of the shape of the translucent distant view object of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the translucent distant view object 250 of the present embodiment is formed of, for example, a polygon model as a band-like object having a predetermined width w.

  FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion 252 of the belt-like translucent distant view object in FIG.

  In the band-like translucent distant view object 250 of the present embodiment, an α value (transparency information) is set such that in an area located at the boundary with the farthest view, the transparency becomes higher as the distance from the farthest view becomes closer.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, from the first area 255 located at the boundary 254 with the farthest view to the second area 257 located at the boundary 256 with the background object, the first area has a high transparency. In the area 2, the α value is set to change continuously or stepwise so that the transparency is low. For example, when the translucent distant view object 250 is configured as a polygon object, α is set at the vertex.

  In the first area 255, an ap value closer to the boundary 254 with the farthest view is set to an α value that is closer to α1 (= 0), and α1 (= 0) is set to the apex on the boundary 254 as an α value. Yes. Also, in the second area 257, an α value closer to α2 (0 <α2 <100) is set for a vertex closer to the boundary 256 with the background object, and α2 is set as an α value for the vertex on the boundary 256. .

  Here, the α value is a composite count when translucent synthesis is performed with an image already drawn (here, the image of the farthest view object) when a translucent distant view object is drawn on a drawing buffer (for example, a frame buffer). Here, the closer the α value is to 0, the higher the transparency of the translucent distant view object. That is, the closer to 0, the less the influence of the translucent distant object, and the stronger the influence of the drawn image.

  The positional relationship between the translucent distant view object, the background object, and the farthest view object in the object space will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an XZ plan view of the object space viewed from the Y-axis direction. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the translucent distant object 250 is viewed from a given viewpoint 202 and the background object 210 is arranged at a predetermined position in front of the farthest object 220.

  The positional relationship between the translucent distant view object, the background object, and the farthest view object in the object space and the depth cueing processing range will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a YZ plan view of the object space viewed from the X-axis direction. Reference numeral 310 denotes a depth cueing processing range (range from the near 320 to the end position 340) in the Z-axis direction. The near 320 is a depth cueing processing start position (front color position) in the Z-axis direction, and the fur 330 is a position (or a position closest to the target color) (back color position) that becomes the target color in the Z-axis direction. The depth cueing value (DQ) is the same from the far 330 to the end position 340.

  In the present embodiment, depth cueing processing is performed using a predetermined range 310 including the background object 210 and the translucent distant view object as a depth cueing processing range. The farthest view object is not subject to depth cueing processing. This is to prevent the farthest view from becoming the depth target color.

  In this embodiment, the depth cueing process is performed so that the color of the object (one or a plurality of polygons) approaches the target color as it is farther from the viewpoint 202 (virtual camera, screen, moving object operated by the player). As a result, when the object is closer to the viewpoint than the near 320, the color remains the original color, but when the object is farther from the viewpoint 202 than the near 320, the color approaches the target color.

For example, in FIG. 5, the vertex VE ₁ of the background object 210 has vertex coordinates X ₁ , Y ₁ , Z ₁ , color (luminance) information R ₁ , G ₁ , B ₁ , texture coordinates U ₁ , V ₁ , depth cue. Ing value DQ _{1 and the} like are set. Similarly, vertex coordinates VE ₂ of the translucent distant view object 250 have vertex coordinates X ₂ , Y ₂ , Z ₂ , color information R ₂ , G ₂ , B ₂ , texture coordinates U ₂ , V ₂ , depth cueing value DQ _2. , Α value α and the like are set. In the present embodiment, information on each pixel is obtained by interpolation based on information given to each of these vertices.

In this embodiment, the DQ set at the vertex of the object based on the Z value of the vertex of the object (the value of the Z coordinate itself of the vertex or the value obtained from the Z coordinate using a given calculation formula). Change the value (depth cueing value).
For example, consider a case where the Z value increases as the depth of the screen increases, and the depth cueing effect increases as the DQ value increases. In this case, the DQ value is increased so as to be closer to the target color as the Z value is larger. Accordingly, the DQ ₂ of the vertex VE ₂ of the translucent distant object 250 in FIG. 5 is larger than the DQ ₁ of the vertex VE ₁ of the background object 210, and the translucent distant object 250 is more targeted than the background object 210. The color is close to the color.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the depth cueing process.

  CZ is depth information. Further, A is an original color called a previous color signal, and C is a color (target color) that is closer to the color interpolation of depth cueing processing called a back color signal. A and C are composed of luminance information of each color of R, G, and B. B is obtained by depth cueing processing as a color at the position of the depth CZ. As a result, the color C approaches the color C as CZ increases, that is, the closer to the back side. The depth cueing process can be realized by performing the above color interpolation operation on the luminance of each component of RGB.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the translucent process (α blending process) for the farthest view and the translucent distant object in the present embodiment.

  Reference numeral 400 schematically shows the state of the frame buffer (drawing buffer) in which the farthest view is drawn (before the semitransparent distant view object is drawn), and 410 is a ripple image after depth cueing processing.

  In this embodiment, since a translucent distant object composed of single-colored color polygons is used, the color (RGB value) of each pixel of the image of the translucent distant object is a single value (r, g, b). A single value (r, g, b) is a value obtained by translucently combining the original color of the translucent distant object and the target color of the depth cueing process based on the depth information of each vertex of the translucent distant object. Alternatively, it is a value obtained by color interpolation based on the value.

In addition, the translucent distant view object of the present embodiment has a high transparency in the first area from the first area located at the boundary with the farthest view to the nth area located at the boundary with the background object. Is set so that the α value changes continuously or stepwise so that the transparency is low. That is, the alpha value alpha ₁ of the first area 412-1, ₂ alpha value of the second area 412 - 2 alpha, · · ·, if the alpha value of the area 412-n of the n and alpha _n, alpha ₁ <α ₂ <... <α _n . In the present embodiment, based on the α value set for the translucent distant view object, the translucent distant view object is rendered in the frame buffer by performing the translucent process on the rendering buffer in which the farthest view is rendered.

  Reference numeral 420 schematically represents the state of the frame buffer after rendering the translucent distant view object.

Here, P ₁ is a pixel before drawing the semi-transparent distant view object in a portion overlapping the first area of the semi-transparent distant object, and P ₁ ′ is a pixel in the frame buffer after the semi-transparent distant object is drawn on P _1. It is. The RGB values at P ₁ are (R ₁ , G ₁ , B ₁ ), the RGB values and α values at p ₁ are (r, g, b, α ₁ ), and the RGB values at P ₁ ′ are (R ₁ ′, G ₁ ′, B ₁ ′), R ₁ ′, G ₁ ′, B ₁ ′ are given by the following equations.

R ₁ '= α ₁ r + (1-α ₁ ) R ₁
G ₁ '= α ₁ g + (1-α ₁ ) G ₁
B ₁ '= α ₁ b + (1-α ₁ ) B ₁
The P _n is translucent distant object drawing previous pixel portion overlapping with the first n translucent distant object area and P _n 'the pixel in the frame buffer after translucent distant object is drawn in the P _n is there. The RGB value in P _n is (R _n , G _n , B _n ), the RGB value in _pn and the α value are (r, g, b, α _n ), and the RGB value in P _n ′ is (R _n ′, G _n ′, B _n ′), R _n ′, G _n ′, B _n ′ are given by the following equations.

R _n '= α _n r + (1-α _n ) R _n
G _n ′ = α _n g + (1−α _n ) G _n
B _n ′ = α _n b + (1−α _n ) B _n
Here, since α ₁ <α _n , the pixel P ₁ in the _first area has a larger influence on the farthest view than the pixel P _n in the n-th area, and the influence of the target color in the depth cueing process becomes lighter.

  That is, the influence of the target color of the depth queuing process is the strongest in the nth area, and the influence of the target color is weakened as the distance from the first area becomes closer, and the influence of the farthest view becomes stronger.

  FIG. 8 shows an image after the background object is drawn on the farthest object and the semi-transparent object.

  The contour 230 of the background object is formed as a boundary between the translucent distant object 250 in the area where the influence of the target color of the depth cueing process is strong and the background object 210 affected by the target color of the depth cueing process. However, it becomes a natural image without any conspicuousness.

  Further, since the semi-transparent distant view object 250 has an α value set so as to increase in transparency toward the boundary 280 with the farthest view object 220, the influence of the target color of the depth cueing process gradually fades away. A natural image is generated that blends into the image.

  9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining an example in which the farthest object is omitted in a night scene.

  When generating a game image of a night scene, if the farthest view is a black-colored night sky or the like, the night sky can be expressed using the default value of the frame buffer without preparing the farthest view object of the night sky. FIG. 9 is a game image in which an image of the night sky is generated using the default value of the frame buffer.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a background object that exists relatively far away from a virtual camera such as a spectator seat in a stadium. Reference numeral 220 'denotes a night sky constituting the farthest view of the object space.

  In order to generate a more natural image in such a case, if the depth cueing process is performed, the background object 210 can be seen blurred, but there is no object (polygon) in the night sky of the farthest view. Therefore, it is not affected by the depth cueing process. Therefore, the boundary 230 between the background object 210 and the farthest view 220 ′ that looks hazy with the target color is sharp, resulting in an unnatural image.

  On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, the translucent distant view object is arranged at a predetermined position behind the background object, and the predetermined range including the background object and the farthest view object is used as the depth cueing processing range. When the semi-transparent distant view object is drawn by performing the semi-transparent process on the drawing buffer in which the farthest view is drawn based on the α value set in the semi-transparent distant object, the background object is shown in FIG. The outline 230 of the semi-transparent object 250 is formed as a boundary between the area affected by the target color of the depth cueing process and the background object affected by the target color of the depth cueing process. It becomes a natural image without.

  Further, since the semi-transparent distant view object 250 has an α value set so as to increase in transparency toward the boundary 280 ′ with the farthest view 220 ′, the effect of the target color of the depth cueing process gradually fades away. A natural image is created that blends into the night colors.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing according to the present embodiment (when the farthest view is in the night sky).

  First, the translucent distant object is placed at a predetermined position behind the background object with respect to the viewpoint (step S10). Since the translucent distant view object can be handled as a fixed object, a predetermined position behind the background object can be set in advance with respect to the viewpoint.

  Next, the default value (the farthest view pixel value) is drawn in the drawing buffer (frame buffer) (step S20).

  Next, geometry processing is performed on the polygon (object in a broad sense) (step S30). That is, for example, coordinate conversion from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system, coordinate conversion from the world coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system, clipping processing, perspective conversion to the screen coordinate system, and the like are performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the Z value is within the depth cueing range (step S40). When the Z value is within the depth cueing range, the DQ value (depth cueing value) of the vertex is calculated based on the Z value of the vertex of the polygon. That is, the DQ value of the vertex is changed so that it is closer to the target color as it is farther from the viewpoint.

  Next, a vertex data set is created based on the calculation results (geometry processing, DQ value calculation, α value calculation, etc.) (step S60).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all the polygons (step S70), and if not, the process returns to step S30.

  On the other hand, when completed, the polygons in the depth cueing range are drawn in order from the polygons closest to the viewpoint according to the Z value based on the vertex data set. When drawing a semi-transparent distant view object, drawing is performed by performing semi-transparency processing according to the set α value (step S80).

3. 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 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of information storage media). Various processes such as processing, image processing, and sound processing are 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, if a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the processing to the coprocessor 902. )

  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 computation, and performs matrix computation (vector computation). Run fast. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, a program operating 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 method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen, the intermission screen, the ending screen, or the game screen. Note that the image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

  The drawing processor 910 performs drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of 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 pass the object data to the drawing processor 910 and transfer the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the rendering processor 910 renders 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 texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, 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, 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 an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 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 controls DMA transfer between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).

  The CD drive 980 drives a CD 982 (information storage medium) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored, and enables 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, as a network connected to the communication interface 990, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial interface bus, and the like can be considered. By using a communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. In addition, by using the bus of the high-speed serial interface, other image generation systems, other game systems, home appliances (video decks, video cameras), information processing equipment (personal computers, printers, mice, keyboards), etc. Data transfer between them becomes possible.

  All of the means of the present invention may be executed by hardware alone, or may be executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. 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 (program and data) for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be stored. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which is hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc. executes each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  FIG. 13A shows an example when the present 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 viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors and various memories are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. A program (or program and data) for executing each means of the present invention is stored in the memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

  FIG. 13B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in the CD 1206, which is an information storage medium that is detachable from the main system, or in the memory cards 1208, 1209, and the like.

  FIG. 13C shows a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a network 1802 (a small-scale network such as a LAN or a wide area network such as the Internet). An example of applying this embodiment to a system including In this case, the stored information is stored in an 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, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program and the like for generating game images and game sounds from the terminal 1304-. 1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13C, each unit of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. The storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) 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 connecting the arcade game system to a network, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. It is desirable to use (memory card, portable game device).

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

  For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a part of the constituent features of the dependent claims can be omitted. Moreover, the principal part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

  In the above embodiment, a ring-shaped belt-like object as shown in FIG. 3 has been described as an example of a translucent distant view object. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, a translucent distant view object has a shape like a rectangular band that is not thick, for example, and may have a ring-like shape (cylindrical shape) surrounding the background object, or cover at least part of the background object The shape may be open or may be a shape like a single plate.

  The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

  The present invention also relates to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, an image generation system, and a system board for generating game images. Applicable.

An example of the block diagram of this embodiment is shown. It is a game screen of a comparative example. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the translucent distant view object of the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the translucent distant view object in a object space, a background object, and a farthest view object. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship and the depth cueing process range of the translucent distant view object in a object space, a background object, and a farthest view object. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a depth cueing process. It is a figure for demonstrating the translucent process ((alpha) blending process) of the farthest view and semi-transparent distant view object in this Embodiment. It is an image after drawing a background object on the farthest view object and the semi-transparent view object. This is a game image in which an image of the night sky is generated using the default value of the frame buffer. FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing an example in which the farthest object is omitted in a night scene following FIG. 9. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process of this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which can implement | achieve this embodiment. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of various forms of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 114 movement / motion calculation unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 134 depth cueing processing unit 136 object placement processing unit 140 drawing unit 142 α blending unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 171 Object information storage unit 172 Main memory 174 Frame buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit 210 Background object 220 Farmost view object 250 Translucent distant view object

Claims (7)

An object information storage unit for storing object information;
An object placement processing unit for placing an object in the object space based on the object information;
A depth cueing processing unit for performing depth cueing processing;
A program for causing a computer to function as an image drawing unit that draws an image seen from a virtual camera in an object space,
The object information storage unit
In the area located at the boundary with the farthest view, the object information of the translucent distant view object in which the transparency information is set so that the transparency becomes higher as it approaches the boundary of the farthest view,
The object placement processing unit
Place the translucent distant view object at a predetermined position behind the background object when viewed from the viewpoint,
The depth cueing processor
Depth cueing processing is performed with a predetermined range including a background object and a translucent distant object as a depth cueing processing range,
The drawing unit
A program characterized in that, based on the transparency information set for the translucent distant view object, the translucent distant view object is rendered by performing a translucent process in a rendering buffer in which the farthest view is rendered. In claim 1,
Omit the farthest object,
The program, wherein the rendering unit performs the semi-transparency process by pretending a pixel value preset in a rendering area as a pixel value of the farthest view. In claim 2,
In a game in which a night scene and a day scene appear, a program that omits the farthest view object in the night scene. In claim 2,
A program characterized by omitting the farthest view object when generating an image of a game space in which the brightness information of the game space is set to be dark. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The translucent distant view object is a strip-like object having a predetermined width.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is stored. An object information storage unit for storing object information;
An object placement processing unit for placing an object in the object space based on the object information;
A depth cueing processing unit for performing depth cueing processing;
An image generation system including an image drawing unit for drawing an image seen from a virtual camera in an object space,
The object information storage unit
In the area located at the boundary with the farthest view, the object information of the translucent distant view object in which the transparency information is set so that the transparency becomes higher as it approaches the boundary of the farthest view,
The object placement processing unit
Place the translucent distant view object at a predetermined position behind the background object when viewed from the viewpoint,
The depth cueing processor
Depth cueing processing is performed with a predetermined range including a background object and a translucent distant object as a depth cueing processing range,
The drawing unit
An image generation system characterized in that, based on the transparency information set for the translucent distant view object, the translucent distant view object is rendered by performing a translucent process in a rendering buffer in which the farthest view is rendered.

Images