JP2008033521A - Program, information storage medium and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable various customization of character objects. <P>SOLUTION: Shape information about a character object is generated from surface information about a solid object, and the generated shape information is associated with model information for providing motion for the character object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character is set is known. It is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality. In such an image generation system, it is desired that the character object to be operated in the object space can be customized according to the user's preference. Such an image generation system is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-67767. There are such image generation systems.
JP 2003-67767 A

  However, in the conventional image generation system, only a part of the character object prepared in advance can be customized by switching the parts constituting the character object. In other words, there are restrictions on customization variations, and the user's needs have not been fully met.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation system that enable various customization of character objects.

(1) The present invention is an image generation system for generating a character object motion-controlled in an object space,
A surface information acquisition unit that acquires surface information of a three-dimensional object;
A shape information generating unit that generates shape information of the character object based on the surface information;
A storage unit for storing model information in which a plurality of bones are connected by joints for moving the character object;
A model processing unit that performs processing for associating the shape information with the model information;
It is related with the image generation system characterized by including. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of 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.

  According to the present invention, shape information of a character object is generated from surface information of an arbitrary three-dimensional object, and the shape information and the model information are associated with each other. Thereby, a character object whose motion is controlled in the object space can be generated in correspondence with the appearance of an arbitrary three-dimensional object. For example, according to the present invention, a three-dimensional object modeled using clay or the like by a user of a system, a three-dimensional object such as a plastic model or a doll, an arbitrary three-dimensional object around us, etc., performs a motion in the object space as a character object. An image can be generated.

  Thus, according to the present invention, various character objects can be generated without preparing data of many different character objects in advance. In addition, according to the present invention, a character object corresponding to the appearance of an arbitrary three-dimensional object selected by the user of the system can be generated, so that a user-specific character object can be generated.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, a program, an information storage medium, and an information storage medium that enable various customization of a character object and can significantly enhance the use of the system by effectively transferring a user's emotion to the character object. An image generation system can be provided.

(2) In the image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The storage unit
Memorize multiple model information,
The model processing unit
Model information may be selected based on the shape information, and processing for associating the selected model information with the shape information may be performed.

  According to the present invention, since model information is selected based on shape information, different types of character objects can be generated according to the shape of the three-dimensional object to be processed, and each type of character object can be Different patterns of motion can be performed.

  Thereby, according to this invention, the motion linked | related with the external appearance of the solid object made into a process target can be made to perform on a character object. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to arouse the interest of the system user who is not in the image generation system so far, such as what the motion of the character object will be with respect to the appearance of the three-dimensional object.

(3) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Further causing the computer to function as a comparison unit that compares the shape information with a predetermined bounding volume,
The model processing unit
The model information may be selected based on the comparison result.

  According to the present invention, the model information is selected based on the comparison result between the generated shape information and the predetermined bounding volume, so that the shape of the three-dimensional object to be processed is selected between the model information to be selected. A predetermined tendency can be given. Thereby, according to this invention, the predetermined | prescribed tendency linked | related with the shape of the solid object can be given to the motion of the character object produced | generated. Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to generate a character object that performs a desired motion, the user of the system is prompted to select a shape of a three-dimensional object to be processed, which is not a conventional image generation system. be able to.

(4) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The surface information acquisition unit
Obtain surface information of multiple 3D objects,
The shape information generator
Based on the surface information of each three-dimensional object, generate shape information for each part of the character object,
The model processing unit
A process of associating the shape information of each part with the model information may be performed.

  According to the present invention, shape information for each part of a character object is generated from surface information of an arbitrary three-dimensional object, and the shape information of each part is associated with model information. Thus, according to the present invention, each part of the character object can generate a character object corresponding to the appearance of an arbitrary three-dimensional object, and an image in which the character object performs a motion in the object space can be generated. . For example, according to the present invention, a three-dimensional object modeled using clay or the like by a user of a system, or a character object having each part as an arbitrary three-dimensional object around us generates an image in which motion is performed in the object space. Can do.

  Thereby, according to this invention, various character objects can be produced | generated by the combination of the corresponding relationship of each solid object and each part by the combination of the some solid object selected by the system user. Therefore, according to the present invention, for the system user, what kind of character object is generated by the combination of the selected three-dimensional object and the combination of the correspondence between the three-dimensional object and the part. It is possible to arouse interest that is not in the previous image generation system.

(5) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The storage unit
Memorize multiple model information,
The model processing unit is
The model information may be selected based on the shape information of each part, and the selected model information may be associated with the shape information of each part.

  According to the present invention, since model information is selected based on the shape information of each part, different types of character objects can be generated according to the shape of the three-dimensional object corresponding to each part, and each type The character object can be made to perform different patterns of motion.

  Thereby, according to this invention, the character object which performs the motion linked | related with the external appearance of the solid object corresponding to each part can be produced | generated. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is no conventional image generation system that tells the user of the system what the motion of the character object will be according to the correspondence between the appearance of the three-dimensional object and each part. It can arouse interest.

(6) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The computer further functions as a comparison unit that compares the shape information of at least one part of the shape information of each part with a predetermined bounding volume,
The model processing unit
The model information may be selected based on the comparison result.

  According to the present invention, the model information is selected based on the comparison result between the generated shape information and the predetermined bounding volume, so that the shape of the three-dimensional object to be processed is selected between the model information to be selected. A predetermined tendency can be given. Thereby, according to this invention, the predetermined | prescribed tendency linked | related with the corresponding relationship of a solid object and each part can be given to the motion of the character object produced | generated. For example, when the solid object corresponding to the foot part is a thick columnar body, a two-legged character object is generated, and when it is a thin columnar body, a four-legged character object is generated. Can be.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, in order to generate a character object that performs a desired motion, the user of the system is prompted to select a shape of a three-dimensional object to be processed, which is not a conventional image generation system. be able to.

(7) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Based on a predetermined bounding volume, further causing the computer to function as a correction unit that corrects the shape information,
The model processing unit
A process for associating the corrected shape information with the model information may be performed.

  According to the present invention, the generated shape information is corrected based on a predetermined bounding volume, and a character object is generated using the corrected shape information. Thereby, according to this invention, the produced | generated shape information can be correct | amended to a suitable thing as the shape information of a character object.

(8) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The computer may further function as a parameter setting unit that sets a character parameter of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information.

  In the present invention, the character parameters of the character object may be various game parameters when a game is performed with the character object generated by the present invention.

  According to the present invention, parameters of a character object can be changed according to the shape information / model information of the character object. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a character object in which the appearance, motion, and parameters of the character object are related to each other. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to arouse an interest not found in conventional image generation systems, such as what the parameters of the character object will be according to the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be processed.

(9) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The computer may further function as a parameter setting unit that sets a part parameter for each part of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information.

  In the present invention, the part parameters for each part of the character object may be various game parameters when a game is performed with the character object generated according to the present invention, such as the ability and personality of each part of the character object. .

  According to the present invention, parameters for each part of a character object can be changed according to the shape information / model information of the character object. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to generate a character object in which the appearance, motion, and parameters of the character object are related to each other. Therefore, according to the present invention, the conventional image generation system for determining what the parameters of the character object will be according to the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be processed or the correspondence between the appearance of the three-dimensional object and each part. It can arouse interests that are not present.

(10) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
An object space setting unit for setting an object including the character object in the object space;
A parameter setting unit for setting parameters of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information;
A motion control unit for controlling the motion of the character object;
A virtual camera control unit that controls at least one of the position and orientation of the virtual camera;
A drawing unit for generating an image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera;
A game calculation unit for performing a game calculation based on the parameters;
May be further included.

  According to the present invention, an image in which the generated character object performs a motion in the object space is generated, and a game calculation is performed based on the set parameters. Thereby, according to this invention, the game content can be changed by the parameter set based on at least one of shape information and model information.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Outline FIG. 1A shows an implementation example (an example of an external view) of a game system 10 (game terminal, game station) to which the image generation system of this embodiment is applied. The game system 10 of the present embodiment acquires surface information such as a three-dimensional object modeled by a player using clay or the like, a three-dimensional object such as a plastic model or a doll, or an arbitrary three-dimensional object around us, and from the acquired surface information. Generate shape information of the character object. Then, a character object is generated by associating the shape information with the skeleton model information, and an image in which the generated character object performs a motion is displayed to execute a battle game.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the game system 10 of the present embodiment has a display unit 12 that displays a player character CH1 and an opponent character CH2, and game sound and the like are displayed on the left and right sides of the display unit 12. A sound output unit 14 for output is provided, and a table 16 is provided on the front side of the display unit 12. On the left side of the table 16 are provided a card reader 18 for reading / writing information to / from an information storage medium carried by the player, and four selection buttons 20 for performing a game operation. Further, on the right side of the table 16, a coin insertion slot 22 and a determination button 24 for performing a game operation are provided.

  An imaging unit 26 for acquiring surface information of an arbitrary three-dimensional object is provided inside the table 16. The imaging unit 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the inner surface is painted black. When the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 22, the shutter 27 formed on the upper surface of the table 16 is opened, and when the player places an arbitrary three-dimensional object on the imaging unit 26, the shutter 27 is closed and the inside becomes a dark room state. It is configured as follows.

  FIG. 1B shows details of the imaging unit 26. As shown in FIG. 1B, a circular turntable 28 is provided at the bottom of the imaging unit 26 so that the player can install an arbitrary three-dimensional object. A light 30 for illuminating the installed three-dimensional object with a predetermined brightness and a camera 32 for imaging the three-dimensional object are provided on the upper part of the imaging unit 26. In the present embodiment, when an arbitrary three-dimensional object is placed on the turntable 28 and the shutter 27 is closed, the light 30 illuminates the three-dimensional object, and the turntable 28 rotates in a constant direction at a constant speed. Then, in accordance with the rotation of the turntable 28, the camera 32 images the three-dimensional object from predetermined 12 directions. In the present embodiment, the camera 32 is arranged so as to image a three-dimensional object obliquely from above as shown in FIG.

  And in this embodiment, about arbitrary solid objects installed in image pick-up part 26, imaging information seen from 12 directions is acquired as surface information on a solid object. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the inner surface of the imaging unit 26 is painted black, it is possible to acquire imaging information in which the background is black and the foreground is composed of the color of a three-dimensional object. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the camera 32 can acquire imaging information PI (surface information) obtained by imaging a three-dimensional object from 12 directions.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the turntable 28 is divided into four areas A to D as shown in FIG. Then, the surface information of the four three-dimensional objects arranged in the four areas A to D is acquired as the surface information of the head part of the character object, the surface information of the body part, the surface information of the arm part, and the surface information of the foot part, respectively. .

  And in this embodiment, based on the acquired surface information of each part, the shape information of the character object displayed on the display part 12 is produced | generated for every part. Then, the generated shape information of each part object is associated with model information such as a skeleton model in which a plurality of bones for moving the character object are connected by joints. In this embodiment, the vertex information of each part object is associated with the bone corresponding to each part of the skeleton model. In this way, in this embodiment, each part generates a character object consisting of the appearance of a three-dimensional object corresponding to each part. Then, an image of the generated character object performing a motion in the object space is generated from the virtual camera and displayed on the display unit 12, and a battle game in which the character objects battle each other is executed.

  In addition, the game system 10 of this Embodiment can connect the game system 10 of the same structure by multiple units | sets (for example, 4-8 units) network. Then, data can be transmitted / received between the game systems 10 so that real players can play against each other. It is also possible to play against a CPU player controlled by a predetermined algorithm.

2. Configuration FIG. 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 3 are omitted.

  The imaging unit 150 is for imaging surface information of a three-dimensional object, and the function can be realized by an optical sensor such as a digital camera. In particular, in the present embodiment, image information obtained by viewing a three-dimensional object from 12 directions is imaged as digital data.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, a housing, or the like.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 70 and the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 170 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 171 used as a work area, a frame buffer 172 that stores a final display image, and an object data storage unit that stores model data of an object. 173, a texture storage unit 174 that stores a texture for each object data, a Z buffer 176 that stores a Z value of the object space at the time of image drawing, and motion data that stores motion data for moving the object A storage unit 177. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the object data storage unit 173 stores a plurality of types of skeleton model information in which a plurality of bones are connected by joints for moving a character object. In the present embodiment, basic model information that is motion-controlled by each skeleton model information is stored in association with each skeleton model information. The object data storage unit 173 stores character objects generated by setting each part object generated in the present embodiment as each part of the basic model (skeleton model). Note that the basic model is not an essential element, and the present embodiment can be realized if at least a skeleton model is prepared.

  The texture storage unit 174 stores a texture generated based on the surface information of the three-dimensional object acquired by the present embodiment. In particular, in the present embodiment, a texture in which the color of the surface of the polygon mesh is distributed in the texture space for each surface set is stored.

  Further, the motion data storage unit 177 stores a plurality of types of motion data for causing the character object to move through each skeleton model information in association with each skeleton model information.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM).

  The information storage medium 180 stores a program (data) for performing various processes of the present embodiment in the processing unit 70. That is, the information recording medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

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

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, It can be realized by a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 70 (processor) is based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, or the like, and includes surface information acquisition processing, shape information generation processing, texture generation processing, model processing, game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing. Process such as. Here, the game process includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result calculation. Or a process for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 70 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 70 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  In particular, the processing unit 70 of the present embodiment is configured to generate a character object (an imaging control unit 86, a surface information acquisition unit 88, a shape information generation unit 90, an evaluation value calculation unit 92, a combination processing unit 94, surface information, and the like. A processing unit 96, a texture processing unit 98, a model processing unit 100, a comparison unit 102, a correction unit 104, and a configuration for displaying a generated character object image and executing a game (parameter setting unit 106, game calculation unit) 108, an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 114, a drawing unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130). Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The imaging control unit 86 performs control processing for the imaging unit 150 to capture surface information of the three-dimensional object. In particular, in the present embodiment, control processing such as opening / closing control of the shutter 27, rotation control of the turntable 28, and control of imaging timing of the camera 32 in accordance with the rotation of the turntable 28 is performed.

  The surface information acquisition unit 88 acquires surface information of the three-dimensional object. Specifically, in this embodiment, imaging information of a three-dimensional object from 12 directions captured by the camera 32 and calibration information of the camera 32 are acquired. Here, the surface information acquisition unit 88 may acquire surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects. In this case, a plurality of three-dimensional objects may be simultaneously imaged with one camera, or may be sequentially imaged. Moreover, you may make it image each solid object with a some camera.

  The shape information generation unit 90 generates shape information of the character object based on the acquired surface information (imaging information) of the three-dimensional object. Here, the shape information generation unit 90 may generate shape information for each part of the character object based on the surface information of each of the three-dimensional objects. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a character area image corresponding to a three-dimensional object is specified from the imaging information. Then, a character area volume corresponding to the three-dimensional object is specified based on the character area image in the 12 directions, and a polygon mesh corresponding to the three-dimensional object is generated based on the character area volume.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the shape information generation unit 90 includes an object vertex combining process for simplifying a polygon mesh for a character object, and a texture vertex combining process for associating each face of the polygon mesh for a texture. I do. As a configuration for realizing such a function, the shape information generation unit 90 includes an evaluation value calculation unit 92, a combination processing unit 94, and a surface information processing unit 96. The polygon mesh to be processed by the object vertex combining process and the texture vertex combining process is not limited to the polygon mesh generated from the surface information, and may be a polygon mesh designed by a designer.

  The evaluation value calculation unit 92 calculates an evaluation value for at least one of each vertex and each side constituting the polygon mesh. Specifically, the evaluation value calculation unit 92 performs a calculation such that a high evaluation value or a low evaluation value is set in order from a vertex or a side that does not affect the appearance of the polygon mesh even if it is removed. For example, in this embodiment, the sum of squares of the distances between adjacent vertices at each vertex of the polygon mesh is obtained as an evaluation value from each vertex coordinate and the normal vector of the surface adjacent to the vertex. Other evaluation values for vertices include the sum of the lengths of the sides extending from each vertex (distance to surrounding vertices), and various evaluation values for the sides, such as the length of each side. be able to.

  The combination processing unit 94 performs a process of combining the vertices of the polygon mesh based on the evaluation value until a given condition is satisfied. Here, combining the vertices includes combining the vertices by deleting the vertices and combining the vertices by deleting the sides. Specifically, the combination processing unit 94 performs processing for combining the vertices preferentially from vertices having a short distance from the surrounding vertices in the polygon mesh based on the evaluation value. Then, the process of combining the vertices of the polygon mesh is performed until the number of sets of associated faces becomes a predetermined number by combining the vertices.

  The number of sets is automatically set according to the polygon mesh shape information (polygon mesh size, number of faces, edges, vertices, etc.), and the polygon mesh vertices are combined until the set number of sets is reached. May be performed. In this case, it is possible to perform appropriate object vertex combining processing and texture vertex combining processing according to the shape information of the polygon mesh.

  The surface information processing unit 96 performs processing for associating the surface information of the surface of the polygon mesh that is removed when the vertices are combined with the surface information of the surface adjacent to the surface to be removed. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the surface information of the surface removed by combining the vertices is stored as child information of the surface information of the surface adjacent to the surface to be removed.

  The texture processing unit 98 assigns texture coordinates to the vertices of a given polygon mesh. In particular, in the present embodiment, the texture processing unit 98 arranges each face of the polygon mesh in the texture space for each set of associated faces, and assigns texture coordinates to the vertices of the polygon mesh.

  Here, when the polygon mesh to be processed is a polygon mesh generated from the surface information, the texture processing unit 98 uses each surface arranged in the texture space based on the surface information (imaging information) of the three-dimensional object. A texture is generated by assigning a color distribution corresponding to a set of faces to texture coordinates. In particular, in this embodiment, the texture processing unit 98 reduces the resolution of the generated texture to generate an original texture blur image, and performs α blending based on the original texture image and the blur image. Then, blur processing is performed on portions other than the portion corresponding to the set of each surface of the original texture. Note that the function of the texture processing unit 98 may be realized by only the CPU, for example, or a part thereof may be realized by the GPU.

  The model processing unit 100 performs processing for associating the generated shape information (polygon mesh) with model information. In particular, when generating shape information for each part of the character object based on the surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the model processing unit 100 performs processing for associating the shape information of each part with the model information. Further, the model processing unit 100 may select model information based on shape information from a plurality of prepared model information, and associate the selected model information with shape information.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of skeleton model information are prepared, one skeleton model information is selected according to the generated shape information of each part object, and each part object is selected. Associate with the corresponding bone in the skeleton model information. In particular, in this embodiment, the vertex information of each part object is associated with the corresponding bone.

  The comparison unit 102 compares the shape information with a predetermined bounding volume. In particular, when generating the shape information for each part of the character object based on the surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the comparison unit 102 includes the shape information of at least one part among the shape information of each part, Compare with bounding volume. Specifically, in this embodiment, the ratio of the generated shape information and a predetermined bounding volume between the maximum values in the three axis directions orthogonal to each other is compared to evaluate whether or not the shapes of both are approximate. . Then, the model processing unit 100 selects model information associated with the bounding volume whose shape is most approximated based on the comparison result.

  The correcting unit 104 corrects the shape information based on a predetermined bounding volume. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the generated shape information of each part object is corrected according to the bounding volume corresponding to each part. More specifically, the shape information is enlarged or reduced so that each part object is properly contained in the corresponding bounding volume. At this time, the sizes of the shape information in the three axis directions orthogonal to each other may be enlarged or reduced at different ratios. Then, the model processing unit 100 performs processing for associating the corrected shape information with the model information.

  The parameter setting unit 106 sets a character parameter of the character object based on at least one of shape information and model information. Here, in the present embodiment, various parameters such as a character's attack ability, defense ability, and movement ability can be set as the character parameters. Then, character parameters are set based on the generated shape information of the entire character and shape information for each part. In particular, when generating shape information for each part of the character object based on the surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects, the parameter setting unit 106 may set a part parameter for each part of the character object.

  The parameter setting unit 106 sets basic parameters of the character object, and updates the basic parameters set for the character object based on the game result. Here, in the present embodiment, as basic parameters of the character object, parameters such as experience values that change depending on the number of games, game results, and the like, and basic parameters that are not affected by shape information or model information can be set. it can. Then, based on basic parameters, for example, parameters set based on shape information or model information may be changed.

  The game calculation unit 108 performs various calculations for executing the battle game based on the set parameters. Specifically, the game calculation unit 108 includes an information setting unit that performs various settings according to operation information from the player, a display control unit that performs display control of various display objects according to operation information and setting information, and the like. A state control unit that performs transition control between an attack state and a defense state in a game, a count unit that counts a count value for shifting from the defense state to the attack state, and an evaluation unit that evaluates an attack operation from a player in the attack state And a setting value updating unit that updates a setting value such as an opponent's damage amount according to an attack operation, and a determination unit that performs a win / loss determination according to the updated setting value.

  The object space setting unit 110 includes various objects (such as character objects generated in the present embodiment, character objects stored in advance, buildings, trees, pillars, walls, maps (terrain) and other display objects ( A process of placing and setting objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces, or subdivision surfaces) in the object space is performed. That is, the object space setting unit 110 determines the position and rotation angle (synonymous with orientation and direction) of an object (model object) in the world coordinate system, and the rotation angle (X, Y, Z) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). , Rotation angle around Y, Z axis).

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of a moving object (in addition to a character, tools used by the character). That is, the movement / motion processing unit 112 is based on the operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, the set parameters and attributes, the program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), and the like. A process for moving the object in the object space or controlling the motion (motion, animation) of the moving object is performed.

  Specifically, the movement / motion processing unit 112 according to the present embodiment stores object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and movement information (position or rotation angle of each part object) for one frame. A simulation process is sequentially obtained every (for example, 1/60 seconds). Here, the frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing. In this embodiment, the frame rate may be fixed every frame or may be variable according to the processing load.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image viewed from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed.

  For example, when an object (eg, character, ball, car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the direction of the virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. ) To control. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  The drawing unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 70, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, the drawing unit 120 of the present embodiment firstly stores vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, or α value) of each vertex of the object (model). Etc.) is input, and vertex processing is performed based on the vertex data included in the input object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, geometric processing such as vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. The given vertex data is changed (updated or adjusted) for the vertex group to be configured. Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) for drawing pixels constituting an image (fragments constituting a display screen) is performed.

  In pixel processing, various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / changing, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and perspective transformation is performed. The drawing color of the object is output (drawn) to the frame buffer 174 (buffer that can store image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed.

  Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) set in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

  Note that the vertex processing and pixel processing performed by the drawing unit 120 are performed by hardware that enables the polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). It may be realized. Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of rendering processing is high, and the expressive power can be greatly improved compared to fixed rendering processing by hardware. .

  The drawing unit 120 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing an object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the storage unit 170.

  In texture mapping, a process of mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the texture storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170 to an object is performed. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the texture storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170 using the texture coordinates set (applied) to the vertex of the object. Map an image texture to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation. In particular, in the present embodiment, a process of mapping a texture in which the color of the surface of the polygon mesh is distributed in the texture space for each surface set is performed.

  In the present embodiment, when an object is drawn, a process for mapping a given texture may be performed. In this case, the color distribution (texel pattern) of the texture to be mapped can be dynamically changed.

  In this case, textures having different color distributions (pixel patterns) may be dynamically generated, or a plurality of textures having different color distributions are prepared in advance, and the texture to be used is dynamically switched. May be. The texture color distribution may be changed in units of objects.

  In the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing is performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) in which the Z value (depth information) of the drawing pixel is stored. That is, when drawing the drawing pixel corresponding to the primitive of the object, the Z value stored in the Z buffer is referred to, and the Z value of the referenced Z buffer and the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive are obtained. In comparison, if the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) that is on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera, the drawing pixel is drawn and the Z value in the Z buffer is updated. Update to the correct Z value.

  In α blending (α synthesis), the rendering unit 120 performs translucent synthesis processing (normal α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value). The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 70, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  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 may be a system having a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play.

  In addition, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line), etc. It may be generated by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

3. Generation of Shape Information of Solid Object Next, details of the generation process of the shape information of the character object corresponding to the solid object will be described.

3.1 Generation of Polygon Mesh In the present embodiment, based on the imaging information PI of a three-dimensional object taken from 12 directions captured by the camera 32, a virtual three-dimensional object is created using a volume carving algorithm. Generate volume information in space. In this volume carving system algorithm, for image information obtained by capturing a three-dimensional object from a plurality of directions, an image of an area corresponding to the three-dimensional object is cut out, and a three-dimensional volume CV of the area is specified as shown in FIG. . Then, by taking and of the three-dimensional volume from each direction, volume information in the virtual three-dimensional space of the three-dimensional object is cut out (Carving).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of details of the polygon mesh generation process. First, in step S10, imaging information PI of a three-dimensional object from 12 directions captured by the camera 32 as shown in FIG. 2 is acquired. In step S12, calibration information of the camera 32 is acquired.

  In this embodiment, in order to obtain the positional relationship in the three-dimensional space corresponding to the positional relationship between the camera 32 and the three-dimensional object, the calibration rig is imaged in advance while maintaining the same positional relationship as when the three-dimensional object is imaged. Keep it. Then, the position of the camera 32 is calculated from image information obtained by imaging the calibration rig. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a view matrix that defines the position of the camera 32 with respect to the calibration rig, and a projection matrix that defines a projection between a point in the three-dimensional space of the calibration rig and the two-dimensional image thereof. Ask.

  In the present embodiment, a calibration rig is used in which different quadrilateral patterns are arranged on the upper surface and four side surfaces of a hexahedron. As a result, while the calibration rig is rotated 360 ° on the turntable 28, either one of the two surfaces is always shown in the camera 32, and the calibration calculation can be performed at an arbitrary angle.

  In step S14, the character area image CA corresponding to the three-dimensional object is specified from the imaging information PI of FIG. In this embodiment, the captured color image is converted into a grayscale image, and the black background and the foreground corresponding to the color of the three-dimensional object are determined using the average value of the pixel values of the entire image as a threshold value. Then, the pixel determined as the foreground is specified as the character area image CA corresponding to the three-dimensional object.

  In step S16, the character area image CA is arranged in the three-dimensional space based on the calibration information. In the present embodiment, the virtual three-dimensional space is first divided into three-dimensional volumes, and the character area image CA is arranged as a plane in the three-dimensional space based on the acquired calibration information (rotation matrix, translation vector).

  In step S18, each voxel in the three-dimensional volume space is projected onto the plane of the character area image CA using the camera matrix. In step S20, as shown in FIG. 4, the character area volume CV is specified by leaving the voxels projected within the outline of the character area image CA. In the present embodiment, in a virtual three-dimensional space, an intersection between a straight line extending from each voxel toward the camera position and the character captured image plane is obtained, and the intersection intersects the foreground corresponding to the three-dimensional object or the black background. Judge whether to do. Thus, in this embodiment, the character area volume CV is specified for each of the character area images CA from the 12 directions shown in FIG.

  In step S22, overlapping voxels are left in all the character area volumes CV in the 12 directions, and character voxels corresponding to the three-dimensional object are specified. Here, in this embodiment, the volume division number is 2097152 elements obtained by dividing each axis of x, y, and z into 128. Therefore, information corresponding to the resulting three-dimensional object is obtained as a point cloud. FIG. 6 shows an example of a character point group CP obtained based on the character area image CA from the 12 directions shown in FIG.

  Here, in the present embodiment, if the intersection determination with the captured image plane is performed for all the voxels in the 128-divided volume, an unnecessary intersection determination is performed for voxels greatly deviating from the foreground corresponding to the three-dimensional object, The calculation amount becomes very large. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the intersection determination is performed with the voxel size being increased using the octree data structure for a portion that deviates greatly from the foreground and a portion that is entirely included in the foreground. Then, the portion at the boundary between the foreground and the background that does not correspond to any portion is recursively divided, and intersection determination is performed until the final division level (128 division) is reached. Thereby, in this embodiment, the character point group CP can be generated at high speed.

  In step S24, polygon mesh information corresponding to the three-dimensional object is generated based on the generated character point group CP. In the present embodiment, polygon mesh information is generated using the Marching / Cubes method.

  The Marching / Cubes method is an algorithm for generating a polygon mesh from volume information, and generates a polygon based on 15 types of polygon extraction patterns defined by the algorithm. Specifically, the point cloud data without connection information is replaced with voxels that are volume elements, and eight voxels arranged in a rectangular parallelepiped are regarded as one cell, and whether data exists in each voxel in cell units. judge. Then, the data arrangement pattern in the cell is applied to 15 types of polygon extraction patterns, and the polygon polygon corresponding to the corresponding polygon extraction pattern is set as the polygon of the cell. In this way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, polygon mesh information PMa corresponding to the captured three-dimensional object is generated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the character volume information is generated based on the imaging information and the calibration information of the three-dimensional object from the 12 directions, and the polygon mesh information corresponding to the three-dimensional object is generated. That is, as the shape information of the character object, the vertex information of the triangular primitive surface constituting the character object, the surface information, and the normal line information of each surface are generated.

3.2 Object Vertex Combining Process If the Marching / Cubes method is used here, polygons are unconditionally generated on a grid obtained by dividing a three-dimensional space into volumes, and thus the number of polygons tends to increase unnecessarily. Further, since the vertexes of the polygon are arranged on the grid, the appearance of the polygon becomes a regular block shape, which adversely affects the appearance of the generated character object. Therefore, in this embodiment, the polygon mesh is simplified in order to reduce the number of polygons and smooth the appearance. In the present embodiment, the number of polygon mesh faces is reduced by combining the vertices of the polygon mesh.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, an edge connecting two vertices v1 and v2 on the triangular mesh TM is folded, and an edge connected to one vertex is connected to the other vertex, Vertex combining processing is performed using an Edge / collapse algorithm v ′. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, 8 vertices can be reduced to 7 vertices, 14 edges can be reduced to 12 edges, and 8 polygons can be reduced to 6 polygons.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the details of the vertex combining process for an object. In the present embodiment, first, in step S30, for each vertex coordinate, a predetermined evaluation value is obtained from the vertex coordinate and the normal vector of the surface adjacent to the vertex. In the present embodiment, a quadrature, error, and metrics (QEM) method is used to obtain the sum of squares of the distances between adjacent vertices of each polygon mesh as an evaluation value.

  According to the QEM method, it is possible to obtain an evaluation value based on a combination of the length of the edge connecting the vertices and the flatness of the triangular mesh (primitive) on both sides of the edge around the vertex to be deleted. That is, the shorter the edge extending from the vertex and the flatter the surrounding polygon, the smaller the vertex is assigned. Therefore, by performing the vertex joining process in order from the vertex with the smallest evaluation value, it is possible to delete from the vertex (surface, edge) that does not affect the appearance even if the vertex is joined.

  In step S32, of the evaluation values for all the vertices, the vertices having the smallest evaluation value are combined to reduce the surface. Here, the combination of vertices refers to combining the position of a certain vertex v1 as the position of another vertex v2, or generating a new vertex v ′ from the position of a certain vertex v1 and the position of another vertex v2. Includes joining vertices. In this way, in the present embodiment, the number is reduced from the surfaces that do not easily affect the appearance of the polygon mesh by the vertex joining process.

  Then, in step S34, it is determined whether the number of faces of the polygon mesh after the vertex combination has reached a predetermined number. Here, in this embodiment, the optimum number of polygon meshes is set in consideration of the processing load for causing the generated character object to perform motion in the virtual three-dimensional space and the appearance of the character object. Keep it. The processes from step S32 to step S34 are repeated until the number of faces of the polygon mesh reaches a predetermined number.

  If the number of faces of the polygon mesh is not the predetermined number (N in Step S34), the combined vertex evaluation value is added to the combined vertex evaluation value in Step S36. That is, the result of the combination is reflected in the evaluation value of the combined vertex. As a result, the evaluation value of the connected vertices becomes high and is excluded from the next and subsequent combining processing.

  When the number of faces of the polygon mesh reaches a predetermined number of faces (Y in step S36), in step S38, the shape information such as vertex information, face information, and normal line information of the polygon mesh reduced to the predetermined number of faces is displayed. It is stored in the storage unit as object shape information. In this way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a polygon mesh PMb (character object shape information) for a character object in which the number of polygons for the character object is reduced to a predetermined number of faces can be generated. In the example of the polygon mesh PMb in FIG. 10, the number of vertices is 1959 and the number of polygons is 3952.

4). Texture Generation 4.1 Texture Vertex Joining Process In the present embodiment, a polygon mesh PMb for a character object is generated based on imaging information PI from 12 directions of a three-dimensional object, and based on the imaging information PI, A texture to be mapped to the polygon mesh PMb is generated. Here, in this embodiment, when generating a texture, instead of generating a texture in which the color of the entire surface of one solid object (part) to be processed is continuously distributed on texture coordinates, a polygon mesh is used. The surface of PMb is divided into a predetermined number of regions, and a texture is generated in which the color of the entire surface of one solid object (part) to be processed is distributed on the texture coordinates for each divided region.

  In this embodiment, in order to automatically divide the surface of the polygon mesh PMb into a predetermined number of regions, the texture vertex combining process for further combining the vertices of the polygon mesh PMb is performed until the number of polygons reaches about a dozen. Do. In this texture vertex joining process, the number of polygons in the polygon mesh is not actually reduced by joining the vertices as in the object vertex joining process, but the surface removed by joining the vertices remains. Each surface (polygon) of the polygon mesh PMb is grouped in association with the surface, and the group unit is set as one region.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of texture vertex combining processing. In this embodiment, first, in steps S50 and S52 in FIG. 11, the same processing as in steps S30 and S32 in the vertex combining processing for objects in FIG. 9 is performed, and the vertex combining processing for texture is performed. Then, in step S54, the surface information of the surface removed by combining the vertices is stored as child information of the surface information of the surface adjacent to the surface to be removed.

  For example, in the example of the triangular mesh TM1 shown in FIG. 12A, the surface information S1, S2, S3, S4... Is stored as the surface information SD1. Here, when the vertex v2 is joined to the vertex v1, the surface S1 is removed so that the surface S1 is absorbed by the surface S3 as in the triangular mesh TM2 shown in FIG. 12B, and the surface S3 remains. At the same time, the surface S2 is removed so that the surface S2 is absorbed by the surface S4, and the surface S4 remains.

  At this time, in this embodiment, the surface information of the surface S1 to be removed is stored as child information of the surface information of the surface S3 that is an adjacent surface sharing an edge and has the vertex v2 to be removed as a vertex. Similarly, the surface information of the deleted surface S2 is stored as child information of the surface information of the surface S4 which is an adjacent surface sharing an edge and has the vertex v2 to be removed as a vertex. That is, like the surface information SD2 shown in FIG. 12B, the surface information removed by the vertex combination process and the remaining surface information are stored in association with each other.

  In step S56, it is determined whether or not the number of faces having no parent, that is, the number of remaining faces has reached a predetermined number. Here, in the present embodiment, an optimal number of faces is set in order to accurately generate a texture mapped to the generated character object with a small amount of calculation. If the predetermined number is not reached (N in step S56), the combined vertex evaluation value is added to the combined vertex evaluation value in step S58.

  Then, the processes from step S52 to step S56 are repeated until the number of faces having no parent reaches a predetermined number. Then, the surfaces constituting the polygon mesh are sequentially grouped according to the evaluation value. In this way, in the present embodiment, a surface set associated with a parent-child relationship can be formed by establishing a parent-child relationship between the surface information removed by the vertex connection and the surface information that is absorbed and retained.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example when the texture vertex combining process is performed on the polygon mesh PMb1 corresponding to a beverage can as a three-dimensional object. When the above-described texture vertex combination processing is performed on the polygon mesh PMb1 shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of surface sets SS composed of adjacent surfaces are formed as shown by the shades of colors of the surfaces. In the example of FIG. 13, the faces constituting the polygon mesh PMb1 are grouped into 14 face set groups from the face set SS1 to the face set SS14.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the surface information of the surface to be removed if the vertices are combined by using the same algorithm as the vertex combining process for the object for simplifying the polygon mesh generated from the imaging information PI. The surface set SS is formed in association with the surface information of the remaining surfaces. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform processing to join from the vertexes where the surrounding polygons are flat, so that each surface constituting the polygon mesh is associated with a relatively flat adjacent surface. A set SS can be formed. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a more appropriate surface set can be formed in order to generate an accurate texture with a small amount of calculation.

4.2 Texture Generation In step S60, each surface of the polygon mesh PMb1 shown in FIG. 13 is arranged in the UV coordinate system that is the texture space TS for each of the surface sets SS1 to SS14 as shown in FIG. At this time, each surface of the polygon mesh PMb1 is arranged in the UV coordinate system so that the normal line of each triangle primitive constituting the polygon mesh PMb1 is orthogonal to the UV coordinate plane. That is, with all triangle primitives facing the front, the vertex coordinates of each surface are associated with the UV coordinate system.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the surface sets SS1 to SS14 are arranged in the UV coordinate system based on a predetermined algorithm. In the present embodiment, the surface sets SS1 to SS14 are arranged in the UV coordinate system in order from the surface set SS1 having the largest number of surfaces. In addition, you may make it arrange | position sequentially from a surface set with a big area.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, first, two arbitrary vertices of the surface set SS1 having the largest number of surfaces are arranged on the U axis and the V axis, respectively. In the example of FIG. 14, the points Pu1 which are arbitrary vertices of the surface set SS1 having the largest number of surfaces are arranged on the U axis and the point Pv1 is on the V axis. Then, the surface set SS2 is arranged so that an arbitrary point of the surface set SS2 having the second largest number of surfaces is on the V axis and the surface set SS2 and the surface set SS1 do not overlap. Similarly, the surface set SS3 and the surface set SS4 are arranged along the V axis.

  If the next surface set SS5 cannot be arranged along the V-axis, Pu2 which is an arbitrary point of the surface set SS5 is on the U-axis, and the surface set SS5 and the surface set SS1 do not overlap. The surface set SS5 is disposed on the surface. The next surface set SS6 is arranged at a position close to the surface set SS5 so as not to overlap other surface sets SS. Similarly, other surface sets SS are also arranged. Thus, as shown in FIG. 14, all the surface sets SS1 to SS14 are arranged in the UV coordinate system.

  In step S62, a color distribution corresponding to each surface set SS1 to SS14 is drawn in the UV coordinate system. Therefore, in this embodiment, first, based on the calibration information of the camera 32, the color information of the three-dimensional object obtained from the imaging information PI of the three-dimensional object, and the shape information of the character object after the mesh simplification generated as described above, Associate. More specifically, in the present embodiment, each character area image CA of the imaging information PI from the 12 directions shown in FIG. 2 and the polygon mesh for the character object when viewed from the same direction as the imaging information PI is captured. The color information corresponding to each triangular primitive of the polygon mesh PMb is obtained by associating with PMb (FIG. 10) so as to overlap each other.

  In this case, in order to minimize the distortion of the color distribution, it is preferable to obtain the color information of each triangle primitive based on the imaging information when the triangle primitive is imaged from near the front. Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the normal information of each triangle primitive and the calibration information of the imaging information from each direction, each triangle primitive is based on the imaging information obtained by imaging each triangle primitive from the direction closest to the front. The color information may be obtained. In this way, in the present embodiment, a texture to be mapped to the character object corresponding to the three-dimensional object is generated based on the imaging information from the 12 directions of the three-dimensional object.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a texture image TG in which a color distribution corresponding to the surface sets SS1 to SS14 arranged in the UV coordinate system of FIG. 14 is assigned to each UV coordinate value. In the example of FIG. 15, the color of the surface of the beverage can as a three-dimensional object corresponding to the polygon mesh MPb shown in FIG. 13 is assigned to the UV coordinate value for each of the surface sets SS1 to SS14. In particular, in the example of FIG. 15, colors corresponding to the surface sets SS1 to SS14 are not assigned only to regions corresponding to the surface sets SS1 to SS14 (hereinafter referred to as surface set regions), but the surface sets SS1 to SS14 are assigned. A blur color is assigned to the gap area (area other than the face collection area). Thus, in the example of FIG. 15, when mapping a texture in which the color of the surface of the polygon mesh is distributed in the texture space for each surface set, even if a slight deviation occurs, the joint is not conspicuous due to the blur color. can do.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, first, an original texture in which colors corresponding to the respective face sets SS1 to SS14 are assigned only to the face set area is generated, and the resolution of the original texture image is reduced to change the color of the original texture. Generate a blurred image for blurring. Then, in the image for blurring, the color of the surface aggregate region is arranged around the surface aggregate region. Then, the resolution is further reduced step by step to prepare a blur image having a plurality of levels of resolution. As the resolution decreases in this way, a plurality of blurring images are prepared that are arranged so that the color protrudes in a wider range around the surface collection area.

  In this embodiment, the original texture image is subjected to blur processing by performing α blending based on the original texture image and a plurality of stages of blurring images. At this time, mask processing is performed on the surface collection region so that the blur processing is not performed up to the color of the surface collection region of the original texture image, and blur processing is performed on areas other than the surface collection region. In this way, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, it is possible to generate a texture that has been subjected to the blurring process in addition to the area set area of the original texture.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a given polygon mesh is automatically divided into a plurality of face sets according to the evaluation value, and the texture of the surface of the polygon mesh is distributed in the texture space for each face set. Can be generated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to generate a texture with a smaller amount of calculation than to generate a texture in which the color of the surface of the polygon mesh is continuously distributed in the texture space, and the elongation generated by the texture portion. Inconsistencies such as shrinkage and shrinkage can be reduced, and a texture that is accurately mapped can be generated.

5. Correlation of Skeleton Model Information Next, skeleton model information in which the shape information of the character object (polygon mesh PMb for character object) generated in the present embodiment and a plurality of bones for moving the character object are connected by joints Will be described.

5.1 Skeleton Model In the present embodiment, an image in which the character object performs motion in the object space is generated using the skeleton system for the polygon mesh MPb for the character object generated as described above. In this skeleton system, as shown in FIG. 16, a character object CO is divided into a plurality of parts objects (waist 12, chest 14, neck 16, head 18, upper right arm 20, right forearm 22, right hand 24, left upper arm 26, left Forearm 28, left hand 30, right crotch 32, right shin 34, right foot 36, left crotch 38, left shin 40, left foot 42). The positions and rotation angles (directions) of these part objects (parts) are the positions of the bones B0 to B19 constituting the skeleton model (positions of the joints J0 to J15) and the rotation angles (the bones of the child relative to the parent bone). Relative rotation angle). Note that these bones and joints are virtual and are not actually displayed objects.

  The bones (motion bones, joints) constituting the skeleton model have a parent-child (hierarchical) structure. For example, the parents of the bones B7 and B11 of the hands 24 and 30 are the bones B6 and B10 of the forearms 22 and 28, and the parents of the B6 and B10 are the bones B5 and B9 of the upper arms 20 and 26. The parents of B5 and B9 become the bone B1 of the chest 14, and the parent of B1 becomes the bone B0 of the waist 12. The parents of the bones B15 and B19 of the legs 36 and 42 are the bones B14 and B18 of the shins 34 and 40, the parents of the B14 and B18 are the bones B13 and B17 of the crotch 32 and 38, and the parents of the B13 and B17 are the waist 12 Bones B12 and B16. Thereby, the position and rotation angle of each bone can be changed in a state where each bone is connected.

  The positions and rotation angles of these bones are stored as motion data, and the character object CO can be caused to perform a motion by sequentially reading the motion data as time passes. Note that only the rotation angle of the bone may be included in the motion data, and the bone position (joint position) may be included in the model data of the model object.

  For example, it is assumed that the motion in which the character object CO walks is composed of a reference motion group (motion in each frame) M0, M1, M2,. In this case, the position or rotation angle of each bone in each of these reference motions M0, M1, M2,... MN is stored in advance as motion data. Then, for example, the position data and the rotation angle of each part object of the reference motion M0 are read out, and then the position and rotation angle of each part object of the reference motion M1 are read out. In this way, motion playback is realized.

  The motion data stored in the motion data storage unit is generally acquired by motion capture or created by a designer. The bone position and rotation angle are represented by the position of the parent bone, the relative position with respect to the rotation angle, and the relative rotation angle (rotation angle around three axes). Further, in FIG. 16, RP is a representative point of the character object CO, and this RP is set to a position (position of zero height) just below the waist (J0), for example.

5.2 Selection of Basic Model In this embodiment, the head part object, the body part object, the arm part object, and the foot part object of the character object are generated from the imaging information of the three-dimensional object, and each part object is converted to the head of the skeleton model. Associate with bones, torso bones, arm bones, and foot bones, respectively. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a corresponding bone is set along an axis passing through the center of gravity of each part object. Here, the direction of the axis may be set by the player or may be set based on a predetermined algorithm. For example, for each part, the longitudinal direction of the generated part object is the axial direction, and the short direction is the axial direction. For each part object, the weight value for the corresponding bone at each vertex of the part object is set to 1.0. The weight value is a ratio indicating how much the vertex follows the bone when the bone associated with the vertex moves.

  Here, in this embodiment, since the three-dimensional object arbitrarily selected by the system user can be used as a part object of an arbitrary part, the shape information of each generated part object is also arbitrary. For example, as a leg part object, there is a case where a relatively thick object such as a plastic bottle of a beverage is generated, or a relatively thin object such as a pencil is generated. In addition, a flat object such as a compact disc (CD) may be generated as the foot part object.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of skeleton model information are prepared, and one skeleton model information that matches the characteristics of each part object is selected according to the generated shape information of each part object. In particular, in the present embodiment, skeleton model information is selected according to the shape information of the generated foot part object. Then, each part object is associated with the corresponding bone of the selected skeleton model information.

  FIGS. 17A to 17C show examples of skeleton model information prepared in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, for example, when shape information of a plastic bottle that is a relatively thick columnar body is generated as a foot part object, a two-legged skeleton model SM1 shown in FIG. 17A is selected. On the other hand, when shape information of a pencil that is a relatively thin columnar body is generated, a four-legged skeleton model SM2 shown in FIG. 17B is selected. Further, when the shape information of the compact disc, which is a flat solid object, is generated as the foot (lower body) part object, the skeleton model SM3 having no foot shown in FIG. 17C is selected.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, basic models BM1 to BM3 shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C are prepared as model objects associated with the skeleton models SM1 to SM3. The basic models BM1 to BM3 are model objects that serve as a basis for associating each generated part object with the skeleton models SM1 to SM3. For example, in the example of FIG. 18A, the basic model BM1 includes a neck part object NO1, a shoulder part object SO1, an upper arm part object UO1, and a crotch (thigh) part object TO1 in advance on the corresponding bones. Associated.

  A head volume HV1, which is a bounding volume indicating a predetermined area in the model coordinate system, is set in a portion corresponding to the head part object in the basic model BM1. Also, an arm volume AV1 is set for the part corresponding to the arm part object, a torso volume BV1 is set for the part corresponding to the torso part object, and a foot volume LV1 is set for the part corresponding to the foot part object. This bounding volume is not displayed on the image.

  The bounding volumes set in the basic models BM1 to BM3 have different shapes for the basic models BM1 to BM3. For example, in the present embodiment, a relatively thick foot volume LV1 is set in the basic model BM1 shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the basic model BM2 shown in FIG. 18B, a relatively thin foot volume LV2 is set. Further, in the basic model BM3 shown in FIG. 18C, a flat foot (lower body) volume LV3 is set.

  In the present embodiment, the ratio of the vertical, horizontal, and height (maximum values in the three axis directions orthogonal to each other) of the generated foot part object and the vertical, horizontal, and high of each foot volume LV of the basic models BM1 to BM3. Compare the ratio. Then, the base model BM corresponding to the foot volume LV that is most approximated by the generated foot part object is selected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, for example, when a PET bottle-type foot part object that is a relatively thick columnar body is generated, it is determined that the foot volume LV1 of the basic model BM1 is the closest, and the basic model BM1 is selected. . On the other hand, when a pencil-shaped foot part object that is a relatively thin columnar body is generated, it is determined that the foot volume LV2 of the basic model BM2 is the closest, and the basic model BM2 is selected.

  When the basic model BM is selected, the shape information of each generated part object is set as the shape information of each part of the basic model BO. That is, the vertex information of each part object is associated with the corresponding bone. FIGS. 19A and 19B are examples of the character object generated in this way. FIG. 19A shows an example in which a plastic bottle type object is generated as the foot part object LO1 and the basic model BM1 is selected. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 19A, a character object CO1 having two plastic bottle-type legs is generated. In the example of FIG. 19A, the head part object HO1 of the character object CO1 has the shape of a portable music player, the arm part object AO1 has the shape of a beverage can, and the torso part object BO1 has the shape of a lighter. Has been.

  FIG. 19B shows an example in which a pencil type object is generated as the foot part object LO2 and the basic model BM2 is selected. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 19B, a character object CO2 having four pencil-shaped legs is generated. In the example of FIG. 19B, the head part object HO2 of the character object CO2 has the shape of a portable game machine, the arm part object AO2 has the shape of a beverage plastic bottle, and the trunk part object BO2 has the shape of a mobile phone. It is made into a shape.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the scale ratio (scale) of each part object is different for each part object. In the example of FIG. 19A, for example, in the lighter-type body part object BO1 and the plastic bottle-type foot part object LO1, the lighter is more plastic bottle than the actual ratio of the size of the lighter to the plastic bottle. The scale ratio is larger than that. This is because in the present embodiment, the generated shape information of each part object is corrected according to the bounding volume corresponding to each part.

  For example, when a PET bottle type object is generated as the foot part object LO, the shape information of the PET bottle type object is reduced and corrected so as to fit within the foot volume LV1 in FIG. On the other hand, when a writer-type object is generated as the body part object BO, enlargement correction is performed so that the shape information of the writer-type object falls within the body volume BV1 of FIG. As described above, in this embodiment, even if the generated shape information has various sizes, the shape information of each part of the character object CO is corrected to be appropriate. Therefore, a well-balanced character object CO can be generated while maintaining the appearance of each part object.

  Thus, in this embodiment, each part of the character object CO can generate a character object CO corresponding to the appearance of an arbitrary three-dimensional object, and the character object CO can generate an image in which motion is performed in the object space. it can. As a result, according to the present embodiment, various character objects CO can be generated by combining a plurality of three-dimensional objects selected by the system user and further by combining combinations of three-dimensional objects and parts. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user of the system can determine what kind of character object CO is generated by the combination of the selected three-dimensional object and the combination of the correspondence between the three-dimensional object and the part. It is possible to arouse interest that is not in the previous image generation system.

6). Game Contents 6.1 Outline Next, an outline of a battle game executed by displaying an image of the character object CO (hereinafter referred to as a player character CO1) generated as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, before starting the battle game, the player is caused to select any one of the head part, the body part, the arm part, and the foot part of the player character CO1 as the core part. During the battle game, the player selects which part of the opponent character CO2 is to attack and selects which part of the player character CO1 is to be protected. Then, a battle game is executed in which the core part of the opponent character CO2 is predicted and the core part is destroyed, or two of the other parts are destroyed and the opponent character CO2 is defeated. To do.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a battle game image displayed on the display unit 12 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, in this embodiment, a map object MP representing the ground is arranged in the object space OS, a player character CO1 and an opponent character CO2 are arranged on the map object, and the object space OS is given. A three-dimensional image viewed from the virtual camera is displayed. In the present embodiment, a game screen for one player is displayed on the display unit 12, and when the opponent player is an actual player, the game screen is not visually recognized by the opponent player. Yes.

  Here, the screen example of FIG. 21 is a screen example displayed when the player character CO1 is in the defense state in the competitive game of the present embodiment. The screen in the defense state is a screen that is displayed first when the battle game is started in the present embodiment. A transition meter CM indicating the time until the transition to the attack state is displayed at the lower left of the screen, and the right side of the transition meter CM is displayed. The player displays the head part identification display IH1, the arm part identification display IA1, the torso part identification display IB1, and the foot part identification display IL1 of the player character CO. In the example of FIG. 21, “core” is displayed at the top of the head part identification display IH1, indicating that the head part identification display IH1 is selected as the core part. Further, the head part identification display IH1 and the trunk part identification display IB1 are displayed larger than the other identification displays, and the head part identification display IH1 and the trunk part identification display IB1 are selected as the defense points. Is shown. Also, below each identification display, physical strength gauges GH1, GA1, GB1, and GL1 indicating the remaining physical strength values of the corresponding parts are displayed.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the main process of the battle game executed in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, first, player information such as the player name, basic parameters such as the number of games and experience values is read from the memory card inserted into the card reader 18 by the player, and the player information is set (step S98). Then, while acquiring the surface information of an arbitrary three-dimensional object installed in the player and generating the player character CO1 (each process in FIG. 5), the player selects one of the parts as a core part and selects it. The set part is set as a core part (step S100). When the player character CO1 is generated, the parameters of the generated player character CO1 are set based on the basic parameters read from the memory card, the shape information of each generated part, the selected model information, and the like. The ability, personality, etc. of the generated player character CO1 are set (step S102). And the screen of a defense state as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed (step S104).

  Then, the counter for shifting to the attack state is updated (step S106). In this embodiment, the display of the transition meter CM is controlled according to the update of the counter. Then, an input for selecting a defensive point is received from the player as to which part of the player character CO1 is to be defended (step S108). In the present embodiment, two of the four parts or one part can be selected as a defense location.

  If the transition meter CM is not MAX (N in Step S110), the process returns to Step S106, and the counter update and acceptance of the defense location are continued. On the other hand, if it becomes MAX (Y in step S110), the display of the counter and the transition meter CM is reset (step S112), and the attack process is performed by shifting to the attack state (step S114).

  If the opponent character CO2 is defeated in the attack process (Y in step S116), the player information such as the basic parameters of the player character CO1 is updated (step S118), and the player information is written in the player's memory card ( Step S120), a game end process is performed. On the other hand, if the opponent character CO2 cannot be defeated in the attack process (N in step S116), the process returns to step S106 and the counter is updated again (step S106) to accept the defense location (step S108).

6.2 Attack Process Next, details of the attack process of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the transition meter CM becomes MAX and shifts from the defense state to the attack state, an attack state screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 23, in the attack state screen of the present embodiment, the transition meter CM and identification displays IH1 to IL1 of each part of the player character CO1 are displayed at the bottom of the screen, and the opponent character is displayed at the top of the screen. A head part identification display IH2, an arm part identification display IA2, a torso part identification display IB2, and a foot part identification display IL2 for CO2 are displayed. Also, below each identification display of the opponent character CO2, physical strength gauges GH2, GA2, GB2, GL2 indicating the remaining physical strength values of the corresponding parts are displayed. Regarding the identification display of each part of the opponent character CO2, display control indicating which part the opponent has selected as a core part and which part has been selected as a defense part is not performed.

  In the present embodiment, the opponent character CO2 is displayed large in the center of the screen, and a plurality of concentric circles are arranged on the front side of the opponent character CO2 so as not to hinder the visibility of the opponent character CO2. A target marker display TI including a determination area is displayed. Further, a lock on-site display RI that moves on and around the target marker display TI is displayed. In this embodiment, the lock-on-site display RI is reciprocated left and right in the screen so as to draw a predetermined waveform as indicated by a broken line in the figure.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of attack processing according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, first, when a screen in an attack state as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed (step S130), an input for selecting an attack location is received from the player as to which part of the opponent character CO2 is to be attacked (step S130). S132). In this embodiment, one part of the four parts is selected as an attack location.

  Then, the movement display of the lock on-site display RI is started (step S134), and an attack operation input is received from the player (step S136). If the attack operation is not performed when the lock on-site display RI overlaps the target marker display TI (the proper operation has not been performed) (N in step S138), an attack failure motion is performed. The image is displayed (step S144), and the attack process is terminated. On the other hand, when an appropriate operation is performed (Y in step S138), an image in which the player character CO1 performs a predetermined attack motion is displayed (step S140).

  If the attack location by the attack operation is a defense location of the opponent character CO2, that is, if the attack does not hit (N in step S142), an image for performing an attack failure motion is displayed (step S144). ), The attack process is terminated. On the other hand, if the attack location by the attack operation is not the defense location of the opponent character CO2, that is, if the attack is hit (Y in step S142), whether or not the hit attack location is a core part of the opponent character CO2. Is determined (step S146).

  If the part is not a core part (N in step S146), the part corresponding to the hit attack location is damaged (step S147). If the physical strength value of the part 2 is not 0 (N in step S148), the attack process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the physical strength value of the second part becomes 0 (Y in step S148), a victory image in which the opponent character CO2 is defeated is displayed (step S149), and the attack process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is a core part (Y in step S146), damage is given to the core part of the opponent character CO2 (step S150). When the physical strength value of the core part becomes 0 (Y in step S151), a victory image in which the opponent character CO2 is defeated is displayed (step S149), and the attack process is terminated. Here, when the physical strength value of the core part is not 0 (N in step S151), the selection operation input of the attack point of the chain attack that can be continuously attacked as a reward hit to the core part is performed. Accepted from the player (step S152). At this time, the defense point against the chain attack is also received from the opponent player. In this embodiment, in the case of a chain attack, instead of specifying any part and selecting an attack location as in a normal attack, the core part of the opponent character CO2 is attacked, Lets you choose between attacking parts.

  Then, the movement display of the lock on-site display RI is started (step S154), the chain attack operation input is received from the player (step S156), and if the proper operation is performed (Y in step S158), the player character CO1 An image for performing a predetermined attack motion is displayed (step S160). If the attack by the chain attack operation is hit (Y in step S162), it is determined whether or not the hit attack location is a core part of the opponent character CO2 (step S164).

  If it is not a core part (N in step S164), damage is given to all parts other than the core part (step S165). If the physical strength value of the part 2 is not 0 (N in step S166), the attack process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the physical strength value of the second part becomes 0 (Y in step S166), a victory image in which the opponent character CO2 is defeated is displayed (step S167), and the attack process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is a core part (Y in step S164), the core part of the opponent character CO2 is damaged (step S168). When the physical strength value of the core part becomes 0 (Y in step S169), a victory image in which the opponent character CO2 is defeated is displayed (step S167), and the attack process is terminated. Here, when the physical strength value of the core part is not 0 (N in Step S169), the process returns to Step S152, and the selection operation input of the attack point of the chain attack is received again from the player (Step S152).

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the opponent player does not defend the core part, if the player successfully attacks the core part, a chain attack state is set, and the player can continuously attack. . Then, it is possible to know which part is the core part of the opponent character CO2 from the attacking part selected when the chain attack state is entered. Here, in the chain attack state, let the player choose the alternative of attacking the core part or attacking other parts, but if the core part is destroyed, the game will be over, It is considered that the opponent player often defends the core parts. However, if the attack hits a part other than the core part, all parts other than the core part will be damaged. Therefore, the attacking player predicts what defense operation the defending opponent's player will perform in consideration of the remaining physical strength value indicated in the physical strength gauge of each part of the opponent character CO2 and attack points. Select. Thus, in the present embodiment, a strategic game in which an attack location is selected while predicting the psychology of the opponent is enjoyed.

6.3 Defense Process Next, details of the defense process of the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, when the transition meter CM of the opponent player becomes MAX and the opponent side shifts from the defense state to the attack state, the main process is interrupted and the defense process is executed. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of defense processing according to the present embodiment. In the defense process of the present embodiment, first, when an appropriate operation is not performed from an opponent player in an attack state (N in step S174), an image for performing an attack failure motion is displayed (step S176), and the main process is performed. Return to processing. On the other hand, if an appropriate operation is performed (Y in step S174), an image in which the opponent character CO2 performs a predetermined attack motion is displayed (step S178).

  If the attack location by the opponent's attack operation is the player's defense location, that is, if the attack did not hit (N in step S180), an image for performing the attack failure motion is displayed (step S181). Then, it is determined whether or not the defense location (step S108 in FIG. 22) selected by the player is one location (step S182). If there is only one defense point (Y in step S182), the player in the defense state is shifted to the attack state and the attack process is executed as a reward for succeeding in the defense with only one defense. . That is, the counter attack is made to the player who is in the defense state. On the other hand, if the number of defense points is not one, the process returns to the main process.

  On the other hand, if the attack location by the opponent's attack operation is not the player's defense location, that is, if the attack is hit (Y in step S180), whether or not the hit attack location is a core part of the player character CO1. Judgment is made (step S184). If it is not a core part (N in step S184), the physical strength value of the part of the player character CO1 corresponding to the hit attack location is subtracted (step S186), and display control of the corresponding physical strength gauge is performed. . If the strength value of the part 2 is not 0 (N in step S188), the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, when the physical strength value of the second part becomes 0 (Y in step S188), a defeat image in which the player character CO1 is defeated is displayed (step S190), and the game end process is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is a core part (Y in step S184), the physical strength value of the core part of the player character CO1 is subtracted (step S192) and display control of the corresponding physical strength gauge is performed. When the physical strength value of the core part becomes 0 (Y in step S194), a defeat image in which the player character CO1 is defeated is displayed (step S190), and the game end process is performed. Here, when the physical strength value of the core part is not 0 (N in step S194), a selection operation input for selecting a defense point against a chain attack given to the opponent as a reward for hitting the core part is received from the player ( Step S195). Here, in the present embodiment, in the case of defense against a chain attack, the core part of the player character CO1 is defended instead of designating one or two parts and selecting a defense location as in normal defense. Or choose to protect other parts.

  If an appropriate operation is not performed from the opponent player (N in step S196), an image for performing the attack failure motion is displayed (step S197), and the process returns to the main process. On the other hand, when an appropriate operation is performed (Y in step S196), an image in which the opponent character CO2 performs a predetermined attack motion is displayed (step S198). Here, when the chain attack is not hit (N in Step S199), an image for performing the attack failure motion is displayed (Step S200), and the player in the defense state is set to the attack state as a reward for successful defense. The counter attack process is executed after migrating. On the other hand, if the chain attack is hit (Y in step S199), it is determined whether or not the hit attack location is a core part of the player character CO1 (step S201). If it is not a core part (N in step S201), the physical strength values of three parts other than the core part of the player character CO1 are subtracted (step S202), and display control of the corresponding physical strength gauge is performed. If the physical strength value of the second part is not 0 (N in step S204), the process returns to the main process as it is, and if the physical strength value of the second part is 0 (Y in step S204), A defeat image in which the player character CO1 is defeated is displayed (step S206), and a game end process is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is a core part (Y in step S200), the physical strength value of the core part of the player character CO1 is subtracted (step S208), and display control of the corresponding physical strength gauge is performed. If the physical strength value of the core part becomes 0 (Y in step S210), a defeat image in which the player character CO1 is defeated is displayed (step S206), and the game end process is performed. If the physical strength value of the core part is not 0 (N in step S210), the process returns to step S195 to accept an operation input for selecting a defense point against a chain attack from the player (step S195), and the processing up to step S210 is performed. repeat.

  As described above, in this embodiment, if the core part is destroyed, the game is over, so it is considered that the player often defends the core part in the defense state. However, if only the core parts are defended, the opponent will know which part the core part is, and the health value of the other parts will decrease, so the player will select the opponent The defense location must be selected in a balanced manner considering the attack location. Further, when the physical strength value of one part of the player character CO1 is close to 0, it is conceivable that the opponent player watching the physical strength gauge selects the part as an attack location. On the other hand, the player can perform a counter-attack when the defense is successful by selecting only one part as a part to be selected as the defense part. Thus, in the present embodiment, a strategic game in which a defense point is selected while predicting the psychology of the opponent is enjoyed.

6.4 Parameter Setting Next, various parameters set for the player character CO1 in the competitive game of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, the basic parameter read from the memory card inserted by the player into the card reader 18 is set in the player character CO1. In the present embodiment, the basic parameters are parameters such as experience values that change depending on the number of games, game results, and the like, and are updated at the end of the battle game and stored in the memory card. In the present embodiment, the basic parameters are updated so that the player becomes more advantageous when winning the battle game so that the player becomes more advantageous as the number of games increases. Specifically, in this embodiment, the character parameter and the part parameter set for the player character CO1 are changed according to the basic parameter.

  In this embodiment, the character parameter and part parameter of the player character CO1 are set based on at least one of the generated player character CO1 and the shape information for each part and the selected model information. In this embodiment, the character parameter is, for example, a quickness parameter for changing the time (count value) for shifting from the defense state to the attack state, the size of the target marker display TI displayed in the attack state, or the movement of the lock onsite display RI. It is possible to use an attack accuracy parameter that changes the probability and difficulty of an attack success by changing the speed. The part parameter can be a physical strength parameter that changes the maximum physical strength value for each part.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, if the volume of the generated player character CO1 is small, the quickness parameter is set to be relatively high, the time required for transition from the defense state to the attack state is shortened, or the opponent character Increase the probability of avoiding CO2 attacks. On the other hand, when the volume of the generated player character CO1 is large, the attack power parameter is set to be relatively high so that damage to the opponent character CO2 by one attack is increased. When the skeleton model SM1 (basic model BM1) shown in FIG. 17A is selected, the attack power parameter is set relatively high, and the skeleton model SM3 (basic model BM3) shown in FIG. ) Is selected, the quickness parameter may be set relatively high. When the volume of the part is large, the physical strength parameter of the part is set relatively high.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate a character object in which the appearance, motion, and parameters of the character object are related to each other. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, image generation up to now is performed to determine what the parameters of the character object will be in accordance with the appearance of the three-dimensional object to be processed or the correspondence between the appearance of the three-dimensional object and each part. Arouses interest that is not in the system.

7). Modifications The above has described an example in which the shape information for each part generated based on the surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects and the skeleton model information SM are associated with each other via the basic model BM. Various modifications are possible. For example, the shape information generation unit generates shape information for each part based on surface information of a plurality of three-dimensional objects, and based on a predetermined program, each shape information is randomly assigned to each part according to each shape information. You may make it set as shape information.

  In addition, the shape information generation unit generates shape information based on the surface information of one solid object, and the model processing unit generates shape information and skeleton model information according to the shape information or randomly based on a predetermined program. May be associated with each other. When using the skeleton model information prepared in advance, the shape information or the skeleton model information is transformed so that the bones and joints constituting the skeleton model information are inside the character object defined by the shape information. The shape information is associated with the skeleton model information by scaling. Then, the distance between each vertex of the shape information and the bone constituting the skeleton model information is obtained, and the weight value of each vertex is set so that each vertex follows the nearest bone. Here, the vertices near the joint are set while changing the weight value of each vertex so that each vertex moves smoothly.

  When motion data is associated with skeleton model information prepared in advance, the model processing unit may correct the motion data based on the distance between each vertex and the corresponding bone. . Specifically, when the distance between the vertex near the joint and the corresponding bone is large, the model processing unit corrects the moving range of the child bone relative to the parent bone connected by the joint to be small. That is, when the shape of the portion near the joint is thick or thick in the direction in which the portion moves, the movable range is corrected and set to be small.

  The model processing unit may correct the skeleton model information based on the shape information, and associate the shape information with the corrected skeleton model information. For example, in the shape information of the generated character object, set the end point to the protruding part, and correct the position of each joint and the length of each bone so that the end point becomes the end point of the lowest layer bone of the skeleton model You may make it do.

8). Hardware Configuration FIG. 20 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the DVD 982 (information storage medium), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, and the like, and includes game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Execute. The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of compressed image data and sound data, and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture. The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, 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, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input 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 a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The DVD drive 980 accesses a DVD 982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each part of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each part of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms cited as broad or synonymous terms in the description in the specification or drawings can be replaced by broad or synonymous terms in other descriptions in the specification or drawings.

  The present invention can be applied to various games. The present invention can also be applied to an arcade game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, and a multimedia terminal.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic appearance of a system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic external appearance of a part of the system according to the present embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image acquired by this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the functional block of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the shape information of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the shape information of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the shape information of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the shape information of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the shape information of this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the texture of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the texture of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the texture of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the process which produces | generates the texture of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of a motion system. The figure for demonstrating an example of the model process of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the model process of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating an example of the model process of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which can implement | achieve this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed by this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of the game process of this Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed by this embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of the game process of this Embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of the game process of this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

CH1 player character, CH2 opponent character, PI imaging information,
CA character area image, CV character area volume, CP character point group,
PM polygon mesh information, TM triangle mesh, SD surface information, SS surface set,
TS texture space, TG texture image, CO character object,
B bone, J joint, SM skeleton model, BM basic model,
OS object space, MP map object, CM migration meter,
IH head part identification display, IA arm part identification display, IB trunk part identification display,
IL foot parts identification display, GH1, GA1, GB1, GL1 strength gauge,
TI target marker display, RI lock on-site display,
70 processing unit, 86 imaging control unit, 88 surface information acquisition unit, 90 shape information generation unit,
92 evaluation value calculation unit, 94 combination processing unit, 96 plane information processing unit,
98 texture processing unit, 100 model processing unit, 102 comparison unit, 104 correction unit,
106 parameter setting unit, 108 game calculation unit, 110 object space setting unit,
112 movement / motion processing unit, 114 virtual camera control unit, 120 drawing unit,
150 imaging unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 190 display unit

Claims (12)

A program for generating a character object whose motion is controlled in an object space,
A surface information acquisition unit that acquires surface information of a three-dimensional object;
A shape information generating unit that generates shape information of the character object based on the surface information;
A storage unit for storing model information in which a plurality of bones are connected by joints for moving the character object;
A program that causes a computer to function as a model processing unit that performs processing for associating the shape information with the model information. In claim 1,
The storage unit
Memorize multiple model information,
The model processing unit is
A program that selects model information based on the shape information and associates the selected model information with the shape information. In claim 2,
Further causing the computer to function as a comparison unit that compares the shape information with a predetermined bounding volume,
The model processing unit
A program that selects the model information based on the comparison result. In claim 1,
The surface information acquisition unit
Obtain surface information of multiple 3D objects,
The shape information generator
Based on the surface information of each three-dimensional object, generate shape information for each part of the character object,
The model processing unit is
A program for performing a process of associating the shape information of each part with the model information. In claim 4,
The storage unit
Memorize multiple model information,
The model processing unit
A program that selects model information based on the shape information of each part and performs a process of associating the selected model information with the shape information of each part. In claim 5,
The computer further functions as a comparison unit that compares the shape information of at least one part of the shape information of each part with a predetermined bounding volume,
The model processing unit is
A program that selects the model information based on the comparison result. In any one of Claims 1-6,
Based on a predetermined bounding volume, further causing the computer to function as a correction unit that corrects the shape information,
The model processing unit
A program for performing a process of associating the corrected shape information with the model information. In any one of Claims 1-7,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a parameter setting unit that sets a character parameter of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information. In claim 5,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a parameter setting unit that sets a part parameter for each part of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information. In any one of Claims 1-9,
An object space setting unit for setting an object including the character object in the object space;
A parameter setting unit for setting parameters of the character object based on at least one of the shape information and the model information;
A motion control unit for controlling the motion of the character object;
A virtual camera control unit that controls at least one of the position and orientation of the virtual camera;
A drawing unit for generating an image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera;
A program that further causes a computer to function as a game calculation unit that performs a game calculation based on the parameters.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is stored. An image generation system for generating a character object motion-controlled in an object space,
A surface information acquisition unit that acquires surface information of a three-dimensional object;
A shape information generating unit that generates shape information of the character object based on the surface information;
A storage unit for storing model information in which a plurality of bones are connected by joints for moving the character object;
A model processing unit that performs processing for associating the shape information with the model information;
An image generation system comprising: