JP2009129167A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium and an image generation system for controlling the size or the shape of a generated terrain object while generating various terrain objects. <P>SOLUTION: At least one template TP among a plurality of templates TP is moved on a terrain shape buffer 174, and composite shape information SY when at least two templates TP are overlapped is generated, and evaluation processing to evaluate the generated composite shape information SY and setting processing for setting the composite shape information SY as terrain shape information MF on the basis of the result of evaluation are performed, so that the terrain shape information MF with various shapes can be generated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

Conventionally, an image generation system (such as a role-playing game) that executes a game that generates various events while generating an image in which a player character moves on a terrain object (field map) set in an object space. Game system) is known. In such an image generation system, since the content of the game changes according to the shape of the terrain object, there is one that generates the shape of the terrain object each time the game is executed. As such an image generation system, there is a conventional technique disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-96059.
JP 2001-96059 A

  However, in the conventional image generation system, since the shape of the terrain object is randomly generated, a different terrain object can be generated each time the game is executed, but the size and shape of the generated terrain object can be controlled. There was a problem that could not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to create a program and information storage capable of controlling the size and shape of a generated terrain object while generating various terrain objects. To provide a medium and an image generation system.

(1) The present invention
An image generation system for generating terrain shape information, which is terrain shape information set in an object space,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and / or shapes;
A reference size setting unit for setting a reference size of the terrain shape information;
A terrain shape generation unit for generating the terrain shape information by performing a terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on a given two-dimensional space;
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A selection process for selecting a plurality of templates having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
Evaluation processing for moving at least one template among a plurality of selected templates in a given two-dimensional space, generating composite shape information when at least two templates overlap, and evaluating the generated composite shape information; ,
The present invention relates to an image generation system that performs setting processing for setting composite shape information as the terrain shape information based on a result of the evaluation. 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.

  In the present invention, the “size” of the shape information is defined by various amounts of information such as the number of minimum units (such as pixels when the shape information is configured as an image), the area, and the like. Can do. The “shape” of the shape information can be defined by, for example, a set of coordinate values constituting the shape information or a set of coordinate values constituting the outer edge among the coordinate values constituting the shape information.

  According to the present invention, terrain shape information can be generated in various shapes depending on what template is selected, how the selected template is moved, and what composite shape information is generated. According to the present invention, the terrain shape information of various shapes can be generated as the size corresponding to the reference size.

(2) In the image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A first selection process for selecting a first template having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
An arrangement setting process for setting the first template as the terrain shape information at a given position in the given two-dimensional space;
A second template that selects a second template having a size smaller than the difference between the size of the terrain shape information set in the given two-dimensional space and the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit; Selection process,
When the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward the position where the terrain shape information is set on the given two-dimensional space, and the second template and the terrain shape information overlap each other An evaluation process for generating combined shape information for each direction and evaluating the combined shape information for each direction;
An update setting process for updating the composite shape information for one direction as the topographic shape information based on the result of the evaluation;
A determination process for determining whether the size of the updated terrain shape information satisfies a given condition with respect to the reference size;
The second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process may be repeated until the given condition is satisfied.

  According to the present invention, the topographic shape information depends on what template is selected as the first template, what position the selected first template is set to, and what template is selected as the second template. Can be generated in various shapes. According to the present invention, the terrain shape information of various shapes can be generated as the size corresponding to the reference size.

(3) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the evaluation process,
You may make it evaluate the said synthetic | combination shape information about each direction according to the size of the overlapping part of the said 2nd template and the said topographic shape information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to control the overlapping degree of each template in the generated terrain shape information by evaluating the composite shape information according to the size of the overlapping portion.

(4) The present invention also provides:
An image generation system for generating terrain shape information, which is terrain shape information set in an object space,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and / or shapes;
An area number setting unit for setting the number of areas constituting the terrain;
A reference size setting unit for setting a reference size of the terrain shape information of each region for each region;
A terrain shape generation unit that generates the terrain shape information by performing, for each region, a terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on a given two-dimensional space;
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A first selection process for selecting a first template having a size smaller than the reference size for one region from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
An arrangement setting process for setting the first template as terrain shape information of the first region at a given position in the given two-dimensional space;
A second template having a size smaller than the difference between the size of the terrain shape information of the first region set on the given two-dimensional space and the reference size of the first region is stored in the storage unit A second selection process for selecting from a plurality of templates;
In the given two-dimensional space, the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward a position where the terrain shape information of the first area is set, and the terrain of the second template and the first area. Generating the combined shape information when the shape information overlaps for each direction, and an evaluation process for evaluating the combined shape information for each direction;
An update setting process for updating the composite shape information for one direction as the topographic shape information of the one region based on the result of the evaluation;
A determination process for determining whether or not the size of the topographic shape information of the one region after the update satisfies a given condition with respect to the reference size of the one region;
Until the given condition is satisfied for the one region, the second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process are repeated.
The terrain shape generation unit
When the given condition is satisfied for the one area, the terrain shape setting process is performed for the next one area, and the terrain shape setting process is repeated until the terrain shape setting process is performed for all the areas. Is related to an image generation system characterized by 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.

  In the present invention, the “region” may be a range in which attributes set in the terrain shape information are common, such as a city region, a village region, a forest region, and a desert region.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate terrain shape information of various shapes for each region as a size corresponding to the reference size for each region.

(5) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the topographic shape setting process for the one area,
In the evaluation process,
The composite shape information for each direction is evaluated according to the size of the overlapping portion between the second template and the topographic shape information of the first region,
In the terrain shape setting process for the next one region,
In the evaluation process,
In the given two-dimensional space, the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward a position where the topographic shape information of the next one region is set, and the second template and the next one are moved. The composite shape information when the topographic shape information of the region overlaps is generated for each direction, and the composite shape information for each direction is obtained by overlapping the second template and the topographic shape information of each region. You may make it evaluate according to size.

  According to the present invention, by evaluating the combined shape information according to the size of the overlapping portion between the second template and the terrain shape information of each region, only the degree of overlap of each template in the terrain shape information of one region can be obtained. It is also possible to control the degree of overlap with the terrain shape information of other areas that have already been set.

(6) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
You may make it further contain the 1st evaluation criteria setting part which sets the 1st evaluation criteria used as the reference | standard of evaluation according to the size of the said overlap part in the said evaluation process.

  According to the present invention, the number of templates necessary for obtaining the shape of the composite shape information set as the terrain shape information and the terrain shape information of the reference size by controlling the first evaluation criterion in various aspects. In addition, the amount of gap space generated between templates on a given two-dimensional space can be controlled. And according to this invention, even if there are few types of templates, topographic shape information can be produced | generated by various shapes by changing the 1st evaluation criteria.

(7) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the second selection process,
Selecting a plurality of second templates from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
In the evaluation process,
A plurality of the second templates are respectively moved from a plurality of directions toward the position where the topographic shape information is set on the given two-dimensional space, and the second templates are related to the plurality of the second templates. And composite shape information when the topographic shape information overlaps for each direction, evaluate the composite shape information for each direction with respect to a plurality of the second template,
In the update setting process,
Based on the result of the evaluation, a plurality of the combined shape information is selected from the combined shape information regarding the plurality of second templates, and one direction regarding one second template is selected from the plurality of combined shape information. The combined shape information may be further selected and updated as the topographic shape information.

  According to the present invention, the composite shape information is selected based on the result of the evaluation for each of the plurality of second templates, and further one composite shape information is selected from the composite shape information regarding each second template, so that Depending on whether the combined shape information is set as the terrain shape information, the terrain shape information can be generated in various shapes.

(8) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A mask setting unit for setting mask information defining a range for setting the terrain shape information on the given two-dimensional space;
The reference size setting unit is
Set the size of the mask information as the reference size,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the arrangement setting process,
The first template is set as the terrain shape information at a given position within the range defined by the mask information,
In the evaluation process,
You may make it evaluate the said synthetic | combination shape information about each direction according to the size of the non-overlapping part of the said 2nd template and the said mask information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate topographic shape information of various shapes as shapes according to mask information.

(9) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
You may make it further contain the 2nd evaluation reference | standard setting part which sets the 2nd evaluation reference | standard size used as the reference | standard of evaluation according to the size of the said non-overlapping part in the said evaluation process.

  According to the present invention, the number of templates necessary for obtaining the shape of the composite shape information set as the terrain shape information and the terrain shape information of the reference size by controlling the second evaluation criterion in various modes. In addition, the amount of gap space generated between templates on a given two-dimensional space can be controlled. And according to this invention, even if there are few types of templates, the topographic shape information can be generated in various shapes by changing the second evaluation criterion.

(10) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The terrain shape generation unit
A gap for identifying a gap space that is surrounded by the terrain shape information and is smaller than a predetermined size among the spaces in which the terrain shape information is not set on the given two-dimensional space. Spatial discrimination processing;
Correction setting processing for setting the gap space as the terrain shape information;
May be further performed.

  According to the present invention, by setting the gap space as terrain shape information, an unnatural gap generated by combining templates can be filled.

(11) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Height information is set in the generated terrain shape information, and a terrain object generation unit for generating a terrain object;
A position determining unit that determines the position of an object to be placed on the terrain object;
An object space setting unit for setting an object including the terrain object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera may be further included.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a terrain object based on the generated terrain shape information and draw an image of the object space in which the terrain object is set viewed from a virtual camera.

  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. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a game system to which the image generation system of this embodiment is applied. The game system GS of the present embodiment includes an operation unit CT for a player to input operation information, a main unit PS that generates a game image based on the operation information from the operation unit CT, and a game image generated by the main unit PS. And a monitor MN to be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit CT is provided with a left grip GL that the player holds with the left hand and a right grip GR that the player holds with the right hand. A directional key DK and a left analog stick ASL that can be operated with the thumb of the left hand by a player who holds the left grip GL with the left hand are provided on the left side of the figure. The direction key DK is configured to be able to input a different signal depending on the position where the direction key DK is pressed, and the left analog stick ASL differs depending on the angle and direction in which the left analog stick ASL is tilted. A signal can be input. In addition, a right analog stick ASL that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand, and four buttons BT, are provided at the front right part of the drawing. The right analog stick ASL has the same configuration as the left analog stick ASL, and the four buttons BT are configured so that different signals can be input according to the pressed button.

  The operation unit CT is provided with an L1 button L1 that can be operated by the player with the index finger of the left hand and an L2 button L2 that can be operated with the middle finger on the upper left side in the drawing. An R1 button R1 that can be operated with the index finger of the right hand and an R2 button R2 that can be operated with the middle finger are provided in the section. These L1 buttons L1 to R2 buttons R2 are configured such that different signals can be input depending on the pressed button.

  The main body device PS executes various game operations such as generating game images based on operation information and programs from the operation unit CT. In particular, the main body device PS of the present embodiment generates, as a game image, a three-dimensional image in which the player character PC or the like moves and operates in real time on the terrain object MP set in the object space in accordance with operation information from the operation unit CT. And displayed on the monitor MN.

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

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation information of a player character (including a moving object, a player object, and a game character), and functions thereof are an analog stick, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, This can be realized by a camera, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a housing.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM, a VRAM, or the like. In particular, the storage unit 170 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 172, a template storage unit 173, a terrain shape buffer 174 (an example of a given two-dimensional space), a mask storage unit 175, a terrain object buffer 176, and a drawing buffer 177. Have.

  The main storage unit 172 serves as a work area when performing various processes of the present embodiment.

  The template storage unit 173 stores a template for generating terrain shape information that is two-dimensional shape information of a terrain object set in a three-dimensional object space. In the present embodiment, the template storage unit 173 stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of two-dimensional shape information having at least one of size and shape.

  The terrain shape buffer 174 is configured as a two-dimensional space for storing two-dimensional shape information, and a plurality of templates are arranged and set according to the processing characteristic of the present embodiment, so that various shapes and sizes can be obtained. Terrain shape information is set.

  The mask storage unit 175 stores mask information that defines a range in which the terrain shape information is arranged and set in the terrain shape buffer 174. In the present embodiment, the mask storage unit 175 stores a plurality of pieces of mask information configured by a plurality of pieces of two-dimensional shape information having different sizes and / or shapes.

  The terrain object buffer 176 is configured as a three-dimensional space for storing three-dimensional shape information, and a three-dimensional terrain object is set based on the two-dimensional terrain shape information set in the terrain shape buffer 174. .

  In the drawing buffer 177, the final drawing color of the pixels constituting the perspective-transformed object space image is set.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) is used for inputting 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), a memory card, or the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) input to the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each unit) and various data.

  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 communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a server or other game system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc. Can be realized.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment may be downloaded from a server via a network and stored in the information storage medium 180. The output of the program input to such a server can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, and terrain object generation processing based on operation information (operation data) from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 102, a mask setting unit 104, an area number setting unit 106, a reference size setting unit 108, a terrain shape generation unit 110, a first evaluation reference setting unit 112, and a second evaluation reference setting unit. 114, a terrain object generation unit 116, a position determination unit 118, a movement / motion processing unit 120, an object space setting unit 122, a virtual camera control unit 124, a three-dimensional image drawing unit 126, and a sound generation unit 128. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The game processing unit 102 performs control to set one of a terrain generation mode for generating a terrain object set in the object space and a game mode for executing a game process using the terrain object generated in the terrain generation mode. . In the present embodiment, the game processing unit 102 sets the game mode when the terrain generation mode ends. The game processing unit 102 is configured to start a game when a game start condition is satisfied, set a game mode, process to advance the game, process to generate a game event, process to determine the game condition, Various game processes such as a process of calculating the game result or a process of ending the game when the game end condition is satisfied are performed.

  The mask setting unit 104 reads the mask information from the mask storage unit 175 and sets it in the terrain shape buffer 174. In the present embodiment, the mask setting unit 104 selects one mask information from a plurality of mask information based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number, and selects the terrain shape buffer 174. Set to. Note that the mask information may not be set, and the range in which the terrain shape information is set in the terrain shape buffer 174 may not be specified.

  The number-of-regions setting unit 106 sets the number of regions constituting the finally generated terrain object. In the present embodiment, the region can be a range in which attributes set in the terrain shape information are common, such as a city region, a village region, a forest region, and a desert region. In the present embodiment, the number-of-regions setting unit 106 sets the number of regions from 1 to 30 based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number. Two or more areas having the same attribute may be set in the plurality of set areas.

  The reference size setting unit 108 is a reference that becomes the target size of the terrain shape information finally generated in the terrain shape buffer 174 based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number. Processing for setting the size within the capacity range of the terrain shape buffer 174 is performed. The capacity of the terrain shape buffer 174 may be changeable according to the reference size.

  In addition, when a plurality of areas are set, the reference size setting unit 108 sets the reference size of the terrain shape information of each area for each area. If mask information is set, the size of the mask information is set as the reference size.

  The terrain shape generation unit 110 reads the template from the template storage unit 173, repeatedly performs the terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on the terrain shape buffer 174, and a plurality of templates are synthesized in various modes. Generate terrain shape information. In particular, when a plurality of areas are set, the terrain shape generation unit 110 performs a terrain shape setting process for each area.

  Specifically, the terrain shape generation unit 110 selects, as the terrain shape setting process, a first selection process for selecting a first template having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 173, Size setting process for setting the first template as terrain shape information at a given position on the shape buffer 174, and a size smaller than the difference between the size of the terrain shape information set on the terrain shape buffer 174 and the reference size A second selection process for selecting the second template from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 173, and a plurality of second templates on the terrain shape buffer 174 toward the position where the terrain shape information is set. The combined shape information when the second template and topographic shape information overlap is moved in each direction. And an evaluation process for evaluating the composite shape information for each direction, an update setting process for updating the composite shape information for one direction as the topographic shape information based on the result of the evaluation, and the updated topographic shape A determination process for determining whether or not the size of the information satisfies a given condition with respect to the reference size is performed. Then, until a given condition is satisfied, the second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process are repeated to generate topographic shape information.

  Further, the topographic shape generation unit 110 may evaluate the composite shape information for each direction in the evaluation process according to the size of the overlapping portion between the second template and the topographic shape information. Here, “evaluate according to the size of the overlapping part” not only evaluates the composite shape information in each direction based directly on the size of the overlapping part, but also changes according to the size of the overlapping part. For each direction based on information that changes depending on the size of the overlapped part, such as the size of the combined shape information, the ratio of the sum of the topographic shape information before combining and the size of the second template and the combined shape information after combining Evaluation of the combined shape information.

  Further, when the mask information is set in the terrain shape buffer 174, the terrain shape generation unit 110 places the first template at a given position within the range defined by the mask information in the placement setting process. In the evaluation process, the combined shape information for each direction is evaluated according to the size of the non-overlapping portion between the second template and the mask information.

  The first evaluation criterion setting unit 112 is a first criterion for evaluation according to the size of the overlapping portion in the evaluation process, based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number. Set the evaluation criteria. For example, in the evaluation process, when evaluating the composite shape information in each direction directly based on the size of the overlapping portion, the size of the overlapping portion, the size of the overlapping portion, and the second size are used as the first evaluation criterion. A threshold value or effective range of a ratio (ratio) with a template or composite shape information is set. Further, when evaluating the composite shape information for each direction based on the size of the composite shape information, a threshold value of the size of the composite shape information, an effective range, or the like is set as the first evaluation criterion. Further, when evaluating the combined shape information for each direction based on the ratio of the terrain shape information before combining, the sum of the sizes of the second templates, and the combined shape information after combining, as a first evaluation criterion Then, the threshold value and effective range of the ratio are set.

  When the mask information is set in the terrain shape buffer 174, the second evaluation criterion setting unit 114 performs an evaluation process based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number. A second evaluation reference size serving as an evaluation reference according to the size of the non-overlapping portion is set. For example, in the evaluation process, when evaluating the composite shape information in each direction directly based on the size of the non-overlapping portion, as a second evaluation criterion, the threshold value of the size of the non-overlapping portion, the effective range, etc. Set. Further, when evaluating the composite shape information in each direction based on the ratio of the size of the non-overlapping portion and the size of the second template or the composite shape information, the ratio of the size of the mask information, or the like, As a criterion for evaluation, a threshold value or effective range of the ratio is set.

  Further, the terrain shape generation unit 110 creates a gap space that is surrounded by the terrain shape information and is a space having a size smaller than a predetermined size among spaces in which the terrain shape information is not set on the terrain shape buffer 174. A gap space discrimination process for discrimination and a correction setting process for setting the gap space as terrain shape information are further performed. The gap space determination process and the correction setting process may be performed every time the terrain shape information is updated in the terrain shape buffer 174, or may be performed after the terrain shape setting process is completed. . In addition, when a plurality of areas are set and the terrain shape setting process is performed for each area, the terrain shape setting process may be performed every time the terrain shape setting process for each area is completed, You may make it perform after a process is complete | finished.

  The terrain object generation unit 116 sets the height information in the two-dimensional terrain shape information based on the operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number, and uses the three-dimensional shape information. Create a terrain object. Specifically, the terrain object generation unit 116 sets the two-dimensional terrain shape information generated on the terrain shape buffer 174 in the terrain object buffer 176, and adds the height information to the terrain shape information on the terrain object buffer 176. Set. Further, when a plurality of areas are set and topographic shape information is generated for each area, the height information may be set by an algorithm corresponding to the area.

  The position determination unit 118 determines the position of an object to be placed on the terrain object based on an operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number.

  The movement / motion processing unit 120 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of a model (player character, AI character, car, train, airplane, or the like). That is, the model is moved in the object space or the object is moved (motion, animation) based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), or the like. ) Process. Specifically, object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part that constitutes the object) are sequentially transmitted every frame (1/60 seconds). Perform the required simulation process. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The object space setting unit 122 includes various objects (polygons, free-form surfaces, subdivision surfaces, etc.) representing display objects such as player characters, AI characters, moving objects, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, pillars, walls, and maps (terrain). The object is arranged and set in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects.

  The virtual camera control unit 124 performs a virtual camera control process for generating an image that can be viewed from a given (arbitrary) virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space. Specifically, based on operation data, a program (movement algorithm), various data (movement data) input by the player through the operation unit 160, the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle ( Processing for controlling the rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes (processing for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed. Further, the angle of view may be controlled.

  For example, when an object (for example, a player character, a ball, or a car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. The direction). 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 120. The virtual camera may be controlled based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160 regardless of the position of the object. Further, 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 three-dimensional image drawing unit 126 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit 190. When generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, object data (model data) including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the object (model) ), And vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed based on vertex data included in the input object data (model 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, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate conversion (world coordinate conversion, camera coordinate conversion), clipping processing, perspective processing, and other geometric processing are performed. On the basis of the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted). 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 (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to the drawing buffer 177 (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) 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 are realized by hardware that enables 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). Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of drawing processing is high, and expressive power is greatly improved compared to conventional hardware-based fixed drawing processing. Can do.

  The three-dimensional image drawing unit 126 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, the 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. .

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the storage unit 170 to an object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the storage unit 170 using texture coordinates or the like set (given) to the vertex of the object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) to which a Z value (depth information) of a drawing pixel is input. . That is, when a drawing pixel corresponding to the primitive of the object is drawn, the Z value input to the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually 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 output as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 128 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

3. Method of this embodiment The game system GS of this embodiment includes a selection process for selecting a plurality of templates from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 173 as a terrain shape setting process before the game mode is executed. An evaluation process for moving at least one of the selected templates on the terrain shape buffer 174, generating composite shape information when at least two templates overlap, and evaluating the generated composite shape information; Based on the result of the above, by performing a setting process for setting the combined shape information as the terrain shape information, the terrain shape information of various shapes is generated. Then, based on the generated two-dimensional terrain shape information, a three-dimensional terrain object is generated, and a game mode is executed using the generated three-dimensional terrain object. . Hereinafter, an example of the method of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

3-1. Initial Setting Process In the terrain generation mode before the game mode is executed, the game system GS of the present embodiment first performs an initial setting process for setting various conditions in the terrain shape setting process. In this embodiment, as an initial setting process, selection of a scheduled game time, which is a time for the player to play a game, is accepted from the player, and various condition settings in the terrain shape setting process are performed according to the selected scheduled game time. I do.

  FIG. 3 is an example of table data that defines the relationship between a scheduled game time that can be selected by the player, a plurality of reference sizes that can be set when each scheduled game time is selected, and a plurality of areas. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the player has a plurality of types of game times different every 10 minutes, such as “10 minutes”, “20 minutes”, “30 minutes”, etc. Scheduled game time is prepared, and any one scheduled game time can be selected using the operation unit CT.

  When “10 minutes” is selected as the scheduled game time, as shown in FIG. 3, one reference size from reference sizes A to C having different sizes is selected by random drawing using a random number. This reference size is a target size of the finally generated topographic shape information. Similarly, one area number is selected from one to three areas by lottery using random numbers. This number of regions is the number of divisions of the finally generated topographic shape information. Then, the selected values are set as the scheduled game time, the reference size, and the number of areas.

  Here, when “40 minutes” is selected as the scheduled game time, one reference size is selected from the reference sizes J to L as shown in FIG. L is larger than the reference sizes A to C. In addition, when “40 minutes” is selected as the scheduled game time, the number of selected areas is larger than when “10 minutes” is selected. That is, in the present embodiment, as the scheduled game time becomes longer, the value of the reference size that can be selected increases and the number of regions that can be selected increases so that the scheduled game time, the reference size, and the number of regions are associated with each other. It has been. That is, in this embodiment, terrain shape information with a relatively small size is generated when the scheduled game time is relatively short, and terrain shape information with a relatively large size when the scheduled game time is relatively long. Is generated.

  Thus, when any reference size and number of areas are set according to the scheduled game time, in the present embodiment, the set reference size is divided equally or non-uniformly by the set number of areas. Set the reference size of each area to be the target size of the topographic shape information. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for each region, one attribute is selected from a plurality of attributes such as a city, village, forest, grassland, desert, and mountain, and the attribute of each region is set.

  In the present embodiment, a first evaluation criterion that is an evaluation criterion according to the size of the overlapping portion in the evaluation processing performed in the terrain shape setting processing is set. In the present embodiment, as the first evaluation criterion, an effective range of the overlapping rate that is a ratio between the size of the overlapping portion and the size of the second template is set. Specifically, in the present embodiment, any one of a plurality of first evaluation criteria “reference a” to “reference c” shown in FIG. 4 is set.

  Here, for example, in “standard a”, the evaluation A having the highest evaluation score has an overlap rate of 6% to 10%, the evaluation rate B having the next highest evaluation score is 11% to 15%, and the evaluation having the lowest evaluation score The overlap rate of C is 1% to 5%. That is, according to “standard a”, the evaluation is highest when the overlap rate is high to some extent, and the evaluation is lowest when the overlap rate is low. In the other “reference B” and “reference C”, the first evaluation standard is set such that the ranges of the overlapping rates with high evaluations are different. For example, in the present embodiment, the higher the overlapping rate in “reference B”, the higher the evaluation, and the higher the evaluation rate in “reference C”, the higher the overlapping rate.

  In this embodiment, the first evaluation criterion is set for each region according to the reference size of each region. For example, when the reference size of one area is small, the topographic shape information of the area is generated using a small number of templates, so there is room in processing load and processing time. The table data of FIG. 3 is configured so that a high “reference level” is selected. When the reference size of one area is large, the topographic shape information of the area is generated using many templates. Since there is little margin in the load and processing time, “reference C” that has a higher evaluation as the duplication rate is lower may be selected.

  Note that the plurality of first evaluation criteria shown in FIG. 4 may be associated with the scheduled play time selected by the player in the table data shown in FIG. For example, when the scheduled play time is short, the table data of FIG. 3 is configured so that “reference C”, which has a higher evaluation as the overlap rate is lower, is selected. You may make it comprise table data so that "reference | standard B" whose evaluation is so high that it is high is selected.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the initial setting process, based on the operation signal from the operation unit 160, a predetermined algorithm, or randomly using a random number, the planned play time, the overall reference size of the terrain shape information, the region Various conditions such as the number, the reference size of each area, the attribute of each area, and the first evaluation standard are set.

3-2. Topographic shape setting process 3-2-1. Outline of Terrain Shape Setting Process When various conditions are set in the initial setting process, the game system GS of the present embodiment performs the terrain shape setting process according to the set conditions. In the present embodiment, in the terrain shape setting process, the terrain shape information is generated by performing the terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on the terrain shape buffer 174 for each region. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the number of areas is set to “3” in the above-described initial setting process, and the terrain shape setting process is performed for each area from the first area to the third area.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of a template TP stored in the template storage unit 173. As shown in FIG. 5A, the template storage unit 173 stores a plurality of templates TP configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and shapes. In FIG. 5A, the shape of each template TP is drawn by a smooth closed curve. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, each template TP has a size of 1 m × 1 m (where m is the size). Square shape information (hereinafter referred to as a cell CL) of a virtual unit for expression) is the minimum unit. In each template TP, a plurality of cells CL are connected in various manners by sharing one side of each cell CL with other cells CL to form various shapes.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of templates TP having different shapes are prepared for the same or substantially the same size. Therefore, in this embodiment, even when the template TP set as the terrain shape information is selected according to the reference size, a template TP having a different shape can be selected each time.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of the terrain shape buffer 174 for setting the template TP. In the present embodiment, the terrain shape buffer 174 is configured so that a total of 40,000 cells CL constituting the template TP can be arranged, 200 in the vertical direction and 200 in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the template TP is placed and set on the terrain shape buffer 174 as the terrain shape information MF.

3-2-2. Topographic shape setting process for the first area In the present embodiment, the topographic shape setting process is started for the first area among a plurality of areas corresponding to the number of areas set in the initial setting process described above. In the topographic shape setting process for the first region, first, a template TP having a size of about 80% of the reference size of the first region (in the range of 75% to 85% in the present embodiment) is used as the first region. Is first selected from the plurality of templates TP in the template storage unit 173 shown in FIG. 5 as the first template TP1 arranged on the topographic shape buffer 174 (an example of the first selection process). Then, the position on the terrain shape buffer 174 and the orientation of the selected template TP1 are determined at random, the template TP1 is arranged on the terrain shape buffer 174, and is set as the terrain shape information MF1 of the first region. (An example of arrangement setting processing).

  Then, in this embodiment, the size of the set topographic shape information MF1 (first template TP1) is subtracted from the reference size of the first area, and the topographic shape information MF1 is still out of the reference size of the first area. The remaining size that is not set is calculated. Then, a template TP having a size of about 80% of the remaining size (about 16% of the reference size of the first region) is used as a second template TP2 that is secondly arranged on the topographic shape buffer 174 for the first region. 5 is selected from a plurality of templates TP in the template storage unit 173 shown in FIG. 5 (an example of second selection processing).

  Then, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, the selected second template TP2 is moved from the four directions toward the center of gravity of the topographic shape information MF1 (first template TP1). In the present embodiment, four coordinates CO1 to CO4 are selected from a group of coordinates (cell CL) constituting the outer edge of the terrain shape buffer 174 by a given algorithm or randomly, and the center of gravity of the second template TP2 is the coordinate CO1. The second template TP2 is arranged at a position where it becomes ~ CO4. Note that the direction in which the second template TP2 is arranged is also determined by a given algorithm or randomly. Then, the second template TP2 is changed from the coordinates CO1 to CO4 to the terrain shape information MF1 so that the center of gravity of the second template TP2 passes on the straight line connecting each of the coordinates CO1 to CO4 and the center of gravity of the terrain shape information MF1. Move towards the center of gravity.

  Here, when the second template TP2 is moved, if the center of gravity of the second template TP2 is moved by one coordinate (one cell), the processing load and the processing time increase. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second template TP2 is moved so that the center of gravity of the second template TP2 moves at intervals of 10 coordinates (10 cells).

  In the present embodiment, it is monitored whether or not the topographic shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 overlap each other in each of the four directions. As shown in FIG. Composite shape information SY1 to SY4 of the topographic shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 when the shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 first overlap each other is generated.

  And in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, about the synthetic | combination shape information SY1-SY4 of each direction of four directions, the size of the overlap part OL of topographic shape information MF1 and 2nd template TP2, and 2nd A duplication rate which is a ratio with the size of the template TP2 is calculated. Then, the overlapping rate of the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 in each direction is evaluated in accordance with “reference a” shown in FIG. 4 (an example of evaluation processing). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 7, the composite shape information SY3 having an overlap rate of 8% is evaluated as A, and the composite shape information SY having the highest evaluation score is evaluated.

  In the present embodiment, the combined shape information SY3 having the highest evaluation score among the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 in FIG. 7 is displayed on the topographic shape buffer 174 in the first area as shown in FIG. The terrain shape information MF1 is updated (an example of an update setting process). If there are a plurality of composite shape information SY that are to be evaluated for the same class, one of the composite shape information SY may be selected by lottery, or the overlapping rate is closer to a predetermined reference value. You may make it select synthetic | combination shape information SY.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the shape of the topographic shape information MF1 updated in the update setting process can be changed by changing the reference used as the first evaluation reference in the evaluation process. For example, when the overlapping rate of the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 in each direction shown in FIG. 7 is evaluated according to the “reference b” shown in FIG. 4, the combined shape information whose overlapping rate is 15%. SY2 is evaluated as A, and is evaluated as composite shape information SY having the highest evaluation score. On the other hand, when the evaluation is performed in accordance with “reference c”, the composite shape information SY1 having an overlap rate of 3% is set as the evaluation A, and is evaluated as the composite shape information SY having the highest evaluation score.

  In this embodiment, the orientation in which the first template TP1 is placed on the topographic shape buffer 174 in the placement setting process shown in FIG. 6A, and the second template in the evaluation process shown in FIG. 6B. The composite shape information SY1 to SY1 for each direction is changed by changing the direction of the second template TP2, the movement route (coordinates as a starting point), and the movement interval when moving TP2 toward the terrain shape information MF1. The shape of SY4 can be generated in various forms. Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least the type of template TP generates composite shape information SY in various aspects, evaluates a plurality of composite shape information SY in various aspects, and determines the composite shape information SY based on the evaluation result. By updating as the terrain shape information MF1, terrain shape information MF1 of various shapes can be generated.

  When the topographic shape information MF1 is updated as shown in FIG. 8A, in this embodiment, whether or not the size of the updated topographic shape information MF1 has reached 99% of the reference size of the first area (place An example of a given condition) is determined (an example of a determination process). If it has not reached 99%, the second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process are repeated for the first area until the condition is satisfied.

  FIG. 8B is a diagram for describing a second second selection process and an evaluation process for the first region. In the second selection process for the second time, first, the size of the updated topographic shape information MF1 (composite shape information SY3) shown in FIG. 8A is subtracted from the reference size of the first region to calculate the remaining size. To do. Then, the second template TP2 in which the template TP having a size of about 80% of the remaining size (about 3 to 5% of the reference size of the first region) is arranged on the topographic shape buffer 174 third in the first region. Are selected from a plurality of templates TP in the template storage unit 173. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second template TP2 is selected in a smaller size as the second selection process is repeated.

  In the second evaluation process, as shown in FIG. 8B, the selected second template TP2 is moved from the four directions toward the center of gravity of the topographic shape information MF1 (composite shape information SY3). In the present embodiment, also in the second evaluation process, the direction and movement path (coordinates that are the starting points) of the second template TP2 when moving the second template TP2 toward the topographic shape information MF1 Determine with a given algorithm or randomly. Then, for each of the four directions, it is monitored whether or not the topographic shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 overlap each other, and as shown in FIG. 9, the topographic shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 for each of the four directions. The composite shape information SY1 to SY4 of the topographic shape information MF1 and the second template TP2 when the template TP2 first overlaps is generated. And synthetic shape information SY1-SY4 of each direction is evaluated based on each duplication rate.

  Based on the result of the second evaluation process, for example, when the composite shape information SY4 shown in FIG. 9 has the highest evaluation, the composite shape information SY4 is updated as topographic shape information MF1 as shown in FIG. A second update setting process is performed, and a second determination process is performed for the topographic shape information MF1 after the second update. Here, when the size of the topographic shape information MF1 after the second update shown in FIG. 10 does not reach 99% of the reference size of the first region, the second selection process, the evaluation process, Then, the update setting process and the determination process are performed, and when the reference size of the first area reaches 99%, the terrain shape setting process for the first area is ended.

  When the terrain shape setting process for the first area is thus completed, in this embodiment, the terrain shape setting process is performed for the next second area and the terrain shape setting process is performed for all the areas. repeat.

3-2-3. Terrain shape setting process for areas after the second area FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the terrain shape setting process for the second area. In the topographic shape setting process for the second area, first, as the first selection process for the second area, a template TP having a size of about 80% of the reference size of the second area is used for the second area. As the first template TP1. Then, as the arrangement setting process for the second area, as shown in FIG. 11A, the second area is set at a position that does not overlap with the topographic shape information MF1 of the first area among the positions on the topographic shape buffer 174. The first template TP1 for the region is arranged and set as the topographic shape information MF2 of the second region. It should be noted that the position and orientation of the first template TP1 arranged for the second region are also randomly determined as in the case of the first region.

  Then, as a second selection process for the second region, the remaining size of the second region is calculated and the second template TP2 for the second region is selected. Then, as the evaluation process for the second region, as shown in FIG. 11B, the selected second template TP2 is converted into the topographic shape information MF2 of the second region from the four directions (first template TP1). As shown in FIG. 12, the combined shape of the terrain shape information MF2 and the second template TP2 when the terrain shape information MF2 and the second template TP2 first overlap each other as shown in FIG. Information SY1 to SY4 is generated.

  Here, in the evaluation process for the second region, the second template TP2 first overlaps the topographic shape information MF2 of the second region, as in the second template TP2 shown in the center of FIG. The terrain shape information MF1 of the first region may overlap. That is, there may be a case where composite shape information SY including a special overlapping portion SO with the topographic shape information MF1 of the first region is generated, as in the composite shape information SY4 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the evaluation process for the second region, for the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 in each direction shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the size of the overlapping portion OL between the topographic shape information MF2 and the second template TP2, the topographic shape information MF1. And the size of the overlap portion OS between the second template TP2 and the sum of the size of the overlap portion OL and the size of the overlap portion OS (the size of the overlap portion between the second template and the topographic shape information of each region) And a duplication rate that is a ratio of the size of the second template TP2 is calculated. Then, the overlapping rate of the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 in each direction is evaluated in accordance with “reference a” shown in FIG. 4 (an example of evaluation processing). Accordingly, in the case of the example of FIG. 12, the composite shape information SY4 having an overlap rate of 10% is evaluated as A, and is evaluated as composite shape information SY having the highest evaluation score.

  Then, as update setting processing of the second area, the combined shape information SY4 having the highest evaluation score among the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 is displayed on the topographic shape buffer 174 as shown in FIG. Update as shape information MF2. Note that in the present embodiment, regarding the portion corresponding to the special overlap portion SO in which the topographic shape information MF2 of the second region and the topographic shape information MF1 of the first region overlap, in this embodiment, the topographic shape information MF2 of the second region Set as

  Then, as the determination process of the second area, it is determined whether or not the size of the updated topographic shape information MF2 has reached 99% of the reference size of the second area. If the size has not reached 99%, The second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process are repeated until the condition for the second region is satisfied.

3-2-4. Process after completion of terrain shape setting process FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an example of the completed terrain shape information MF after the terrain shape setting process for the third region is completed. In the example of FIG. 14A, the terrain shape information MF1 of the first region and the terrain shape information MF2 of the second region are formed as a continuous region, but the terrain shape information MF3 of the third region is The region is not continuous with other regions. As described above, in this embodiment, the terrain shape information MF of each region is a continuous region according to the arrangement position of the first template TP1 in the terrain shape setting process for each region, the form of the composite shape information SY, and the like. Or an independent region, or generated in various ways. Note that the space in which the terrain shape information MF is not set in the terrain shape buffer 174 may be, for example, an area where the player character PC can enter on a ship as a sea area, or the player character PC may enter. It is good also as an area which cannot be done.

  Also, in the space in which the terrain shape information MF is not set in the terrain shape buffer 174, as shown in FIG. 14A, a gap space BL that is a space surrounded by the terrain shape information is synthesized. It may occur in the process of generating the shape information SY. Here, when the gap space BL has a certain size, by setting the gap space BL as a lake area, a pond area, or the like, it can be an aspect of the finally generated terrain object. . However, if a gap space BL having a very small size is generated, it may cause the player's stress as an obstacle to the movement of the player character PC. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the size is smaller than the predetermined size. This gap space BL is discriminated (an example of a gap space discrimination process), the gap space BL is set as topographic shape information, and a process of filling the gap space BL is performed (an example of a correction setting process).

  Thus, when the terrain shape information MF is generated for all areas on the terrain shape buffer 174 and the correction setting process is performed, the terrain shape information MF after the correction setting process is converted into a three-dimensional form as shown in FIG. Is set in the terrain object buffer 176 for storing the shape information. And height information is set according to each area | region, and a three-dimensional terrain object is produced | generated. Then, the position of a house object, a road object, a tree object, etc. to be arranged on the terrain object is determined.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the terrain generation mode before the game mode is executed, the terrain shape information MF of various shapes is generated with a size corresponding to the scheduled game time selected by the player, and based on this A terrain object can be generated. In this embodiment, the terrain object generated in the terrain generation mode is set in the object space in the game mode, and the player character PC moves on the terrain object to execute various events.

4). Process Flow of the Present Embodiment Next, an example of a process for realizing the control method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the game system GS of this embodiment first accepts selection of a scheduled play time from the player as an initial setting process (step S10). Then, a reference size corresponding to the scheduled play time is set (step S12), and the number of areas K corresponding to the reference size is set (step S14). Then, the reference size is divided unevenly by the number K of regions, and the reference size of each region is set (step S16). Here, attributes of each area are also set.

  When the initial setting process is completed in this way, 1 is substituted for N as the number of the area in which the terrain shape setting process is performed (step S18). Then, the remaining size is calculated for the first region (step S20). Here, since the terrain shape information has not yet been set on the terrain shape buffer 174, the remaining size becomes the reference size of the first region. Then, a template TP having about 80% of the remaining size is selected (step S22). If this is the first template TP1 selected for the first region (Y in step S24), the first template TP1 is placed on the terrain shape buffer 174 as terrain shape information (step S26). ).

  Then, the process returns to step S20, the remaining size is calculated for the first region (step S20), and the template TP of about 80% of the remaining size is selected (step S22). Then, since the template TP selected here is the second template TP2 (N in step S24), the second template TP2 is moved from each direction toward the center of gravity of the terrain shape information on the terrain shape buffer 174. (Step S28), the combined shape information SY when the second template TP2 and the terrain shape information overlap is generated for each direction (Step S30).

  Then, the composite shape information SY for each direction is evaluated (step S32), and the composite shape information SY for one direction is updated as new topographic shape information based on the evaluation result (step S34). Then, it is determined whether or not the size of the updated terrain shape information exceeds 99% of the reference size (step S36).

  If the size of the terrain shape information does not satisfy the condition (N in step S36), the process returns to step S20, and the processes from step S20 to step S36 are repeated. On the other hand, if the size of the terrain shape information satisfies the condition (Y in step S36), the terrain shape information is determined for the first region (step S38). Then, it is determined whether or not the number N of the areas subjected to the terrain shape setting process has reached the number K of areas, that is, whether the terrain shape setting process has been performed for all areas (step S40).

  If N = K is not satisfied (N in step S40), the area number N is incremented by 1 (step S42), the process returns to step S20, and the process from step S20 to step S36 is performed for the second area. repeat. On the other hand, if N = K (Y in step S40), the terrain shape setting process is terminated.

5). Next, an example in which the terrain shape setting process is performed using mask information that defines a range in which the terrain shape information is set on the terrain shape buffer 174 will be described. Since the basic process is the same when the mask information described above is not used, a characteristic part when using the mask information will be described below.

  In the case of using mask information, in this embodiment, in the initial setting process described above, mask information that defines a range for setting topographic shape information on the topographic shape buffer 174 is set in the topographic shape buffer 174. Then, the size of the mask information is set as the reference size of the entire terrain shape information. Thereby, in this embodiment, the terrain shape information of various shapes can be generated as shapes according to the mask information.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the initial setting process, as shown in FIG. 16, a scheduled game time that can be selected by the player, a plurality of mask information that can be set when each scheduled game time is selected, Various conditions are set using table data that defines the relationship with the number of areas. In the example of FIG. 16, when “40 minutes” is selected as the scheduled game time, one mask information is selected from the mask information J to L. The mask information J to L is “10” as the scheduled game time. The mask information is larger than the mask information A to C selected when “minute” is selected. That is, even when mask information is used, in this embodiment, as the scheduled game time increases, the size of the mask information that can be selected increases and the number of regions that can be selected also increases. The mask information and the number of areas are associated with each other. In this embodiment, the size of the set mask information is divided equally or unevenly by the set number of regions, and the reference size of each region that is the target size of the topographic shape information of each region is set.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B are diagrams showing an example in which elliptical mask information MS is set in the terrain shape buffer 174. FIG. As shown in FIG. 17A, in the present embodiment, when the mask information MS is used, in the arrangement setting process, the first template is within the range of the mask information MS among the positions on the topographic shape buffer 174. TP1 is arranged and set as the terrain shape information MF. Note that the position and orientation of the mask information MS are determined randomly.

  As the evaluation process, as shown in FIG. 17B, the selected second template TP2 is moved from the four directions toward the center of gravity of the topographic shape information MF (first template TP1). When the template TP2 first overlaps the topographic shape information MF, the second template TP2 may include a portion that does not overlap the mask information MS. That is, there are cases where composite shape information SY in which a non-overlapping portion NO with the mask information exists, such as composite shape information SY1 and SY3 shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the evaluation process of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the combined shape information SY1 to SY4 for each direction is evaluated according to the size of the non-overlapping portion NO between the second template TP2 and the mask information MS. . Specifically, in the present embodiment, the second template TP2 and the topographic shape information MF are calculated by calculating a duplication rate that is a ratio between the size of the overlapping portion OL and the size of the second template TP2, and the second template TP2. A non-overlapping ratio that is a ratio between the size of the non-overlapping portion NO between TP2 and the mask information MS and the size of the second template TP2 is calculated. Then, the combined shape information SY for each direction is evaluated based on the overlapping rate and the non-overlapping rate.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the mask information MS is used, in the initial setting process described above, a second evaluation criterion serving as an evaluation criterion according to the size of the non-overlapping portion NO is set. In the evaluation criteria, the lower the non-overlap rate, the higher the evaluation. For example, the non-overlap rate of evaluation A with the highest evaluation score is 0% to 5%, the overlap rate of evaluation B with the next highest evaluation score is 6% to 10%, and the overlap rate of evaluation C with the lowest evaluation score is 11 % To 15%. In the present embodiment, the combined shape information in each direction is obtained by taking into consideration both the evaluation result according to the first evaluation criterion for the overlapping rate and the evaluation result according to the second evaluation criterion for the non-overlapping rate. SY1 to SY4 are evaluated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the composite shape information SY having a non-overlap ratio of 16% or more is not given an evaluation point, and even if the evaluation of the overlap ratio is good, the non-overlap ratio is 16% or more. Certain composite shape information SY is not updated as topographic shape information MF. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the composite shape information SY having a portion protruding from the mask information MS of a predetermined size or more is not adopted, so that the topographic shape information MF formed in various shapes for each region is determined according to the mask information MS. It can be generated as a different shape.

  Note that the topographic shape information MF that protrudes from the mask information MS may be cut off. In this case, the terrain shape information MF formed in various shapes can be generated as a shape closer to the mask information MS.

6). Hardware Configuration FIG. 19 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, texture 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.

7). Modification The method described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and even when an equivalent method that achieves the same effect as the method of the above embodiment is employed, it can be included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. And the said embodiment and the various methods mentioned later as a modification can be employ | adopted combining suitably as a method of implement | achieving this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the condition setting in the initial setting process is changed according to the scheduled play time selected by the player has been described. However, the number of games played by the player is counted, and the initial value is set according to the count value. The condition setting in the setting process may be changed. In this case, for example, as the number of games increases, the set reference size and the number of areas may be increased.

  Further, the condition setting in the initial setting process may be changed according to the time from the previous game to the current game. In this case, for example, the time when the previous game was started or the time when the previous game was finished is stored, and the time until the current game is calculated based on the time when the current game was started is calculated. Alternatively, the elapsed time from the start of the previous game or the end of the previous game to the execution of the current game may be counted.

  In addition, the condition setting in the initial setting process may be changed according to various parameters that change in accordance with the progress of the game, such as the player character's experience value, money, belongings, and event occurrence history. Also, the condition setting in the initial setting process is changed in accordance with the scheduled play time selected by the player, the number of games, the time until the current game is played, and any combination of various parameters that change according to the progress of the game. You may do it.

  In the above-described embodiment, the starting point for moving the second template TP2 toward the center of gravity of the terrain shape information MF1 (first template TP1) is any of the coordinate groups constituting the outer edge of the terrain shape buffer 174. As described above, the starting point of the second template TP2 is the size of the terrain shape buffer 174, the reference size as the target size of the finally generated terrain shape information, the number of regions, You may make it change according to the size of 1 template TP1, and the size of 2nd template TP2. For example, when the size of the terrain shape buffer 174 is large, it may be set to one of the coordinate groups inside the outer edge of the terrain shape buffer 174.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the ratio between the size of the overlapped portion OL and the size of the second template TP2 is used as the overlap rate between the topographic shape information MF and the template TP has been described. Various ratios such as a ratio between the size of the overlapped portion OL and the size of the topographic shape information MF and a ratio between the size of the overlapped portion OL and the size of the combined shape information SY can be employed. Similarly, as the non-overlap ratio between the mask information MS and the template TP, not only the ratio between the size of the non-overlap portion NO and the second template TP2, but also the size of the non-overlap portion NO and the size of the topographic shape information MF Various ratios such as a ratio and a ratio between the size of the non-overlapping portion NO and the size of the combined shape information SY can be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, one second template TP2 is selected from a plurality of templates stored in the template storage unit 173 in one second selection process, and one second template is selected in the evaluation process. Although an example of evaluating the combined shape information SY for each direction related to TP2 has been described, two or more second templates TP2 may be selected in one second selection process. In this case, in the evaluation process, two or more second templates TP2 are moved from a plurality of directions toward the position where the terrain shape information MF is set on the terrain shape buffer 174, and each second template TP2 is moved. With regard to, the combined shape information SY when the second template TP2 and the topographic shape information MF overlap is generated for each direction. Then, for each second template TP2, the composite shape information SY for each direction is evaluated. Then, in the update setting process, based on the result of the evaluation of the combined shape information SY regarding each second template TP2, the combined shape information SY for one direction having the highest evaluation regarding each second template TP2 is selected. Then, one combined shape information SY may be selected from the combined shape information SY having the highest evaluation with respect to each second template TP2, and may be updated as the topographic shape information MF.

  The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention is applied to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. it can.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of this embodiment. The functional block diagram of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data table of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data table of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the template of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data table of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure for demonstrating this embodiment technique. The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

GS game system, CT operation unit, PS main unit, MN monitor,
GL left grip, GR right grip, DK direction key,
ASL left analog stick, ASL right analog stick, BT button,
L1 L1 button, L2 L2 button, R1 R1 button, R2 R2 button,
TP template, CL cell, MF terrain shape information, CO coordinates, OL overlapping part,
SY composite shape information, SO special overlap, BL gap space, MS mask information,
100 processing unit, 102 game processing unit, 104 mask setting unit,
106 area number setting unit, 108 reference size setting unit, 110 terrain shape generation unit,
112 first evaluation criterion setting unit, 114 second evaluation criterion setting unit,
116 terrain object generation unit, 118 position determination unit, 120 movement / motion processing unit,
122 object space setting unit, 124 virtual camera control unit,
126 three-dimensional image drawing unit, 128 sound generation unit, 170 storage unit, 172 main storage unit,
173 Template storage unit, 174 Terrain shape buffer, 175 Mask storage unit,
176 Terrain object buffer, 177 Drawing buffer

Claims (13)

A program for generating terrain shape information that is shape information of a terrain set in an object space,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and / or shapes;
A reference size setting unit for setting a reference size of the terrain shape information;
Causing the computer to function as a terrain shape generation unit for generating the terrain shape information by performing a terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on a given two-dimensional space;
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A selection process for selecting a plurality of templates having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
Evaluation processing for moving at least one template among a plurality of selected templates in a given two-dimensional space, generating composite shape information when at least two templates overlap, and evaluating the generated composite shape information; ,
A program for performing setting processing for setting composite shape information as the topographic shape information based on the result of the evaluation. In claim 1,
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A first selection process for selecting a first template having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
An arrangement setting process for setting the first template as the terrain shape information at a given position in the given two-dimensional space;
A second template that selects a second template having a size smaller than the difference between the size of the terrain shape information set in the given two-dimensional space and the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit; Selection process,
When the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward the position where the terrain shape information is set on the given two-dimensional space, and the second template and the terrain shape information overlap each other An evaluation process for generating combined shape information for each direction and evaluating the combined shape information for each direction;
An update setting process for updating the composite shape information for one direction as the topographic shape information based on the result of the evaluation;
A determination process for determining whether the size of the updated terrain shape information satisfies a given condition with respect to the reference size;
A program that repeats the second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process until the given condition is satisfied. In claim 2,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the evaluation process,
The composite shape information for each direction is evaluated according to a size of an overlapping portion between the second template and the terrain shape information. A program for generating terrain shape information that is shape information of a terrain set in an object space,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and / or shapes;
An area number setting unit for setting the number of areas constituting the terrain;
A reference size setting unit for setting a reference size of the terrain shape information of each region for each region;
The computer functions as a terrain shape generation unit that performs the terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on a given two-dimensional space for each of the regions,
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A first selection process for selecting a first template having a size smaller than the reference size for one region from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
An arrangement setting process for setting the first template as terrain shape information of the first region at a given position in the given two-dimensional space;
A second template having a size smaller than the difference between the size of the terrain shape information of the first region set on the given two-dimensional space and the reference size of the first region is stored in the storage unit A second selection process for selecting from a plurality of templates;
In the given two-dimensional space, the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward a position where the terrain shape information of the first area is set, and the terrain of the second template and the first area. Generating the combined shape information when the shape information overlaps for each direction, and an evaluation process for evaluating the combined shape information for each direction;
An update setting process for updating the composite shape information for one direction as the topographic shape information of the one region based on the result of the evaluation;
A determination process for determining whether or not the size of the topographic shape information of the one region after the update satisfies a given condition with respect to the reference size of the one region;
Until the given condition is satisfied for the one region, the second selection process, the evaluation process, the update setting process, and the determination process are repeated.
The terrain shape generation unit
When the given condition is satisfied for the one area, the terrain shape setting process is performed for the next one area, and the terrain shape setting process is repeated until the terrain shape setting process is performed for all the areas. A program characterized by In claim 4,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the topographic shape setting process for the one area,
In the evaluation process,
The composite shape information for each direction is evaluated according to the size of the overlapping portion between the second template and the topographic shape information of the first region,
In the terrain shape setting process for the next one region,
In the evaluation process,
In the given two-dimensional space, the second template is moved from a plurality of directions toward a position where the topographic shape information of the next one region is set, and the second template and the next one are moved. The composite shape information when the topographic shape information of the region overlaps is generated for each direction, and the composite shape information for each direction is obtained by overlapping the second template and the topographic shape information of each region. A program characterized by evaluation according to size. In any one of Claims 3 and 5,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a first evaluation criterion setting unit that sets a first evaluation criterion serving as an evaluation criterion according to the size of the overlapping portion in the evaluation process. In any one of Claims 2 and 4,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the second selection process,
Selecting a plurality of second templates from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
In the evaluation process,
A plurality of the second templates are respectively moved from a plurality of directions toward the position where the topographic shape information is set on the given two-dimensional space, and the second templates are related to the plurality of the second templates. And composite shape information when the topographic shape information overlaps for each direction, evaluate the composite shape information for each direction with respect to a plurality of the second template,
In the update setting process,
Based on the result of the evaluation, a plurality of the combined shape information is selected from the combined shape information regarding the plurality of second templates, and one direction regarding one second template is selected from the plurality of combined shape information. The composite shape information is further selected and updated as the topographic shape information. In any one of Claims 2 and 4,
Further causing a computer to function as a mask setting unit for setting mask information defining a range for setting the terrain shape information on the given two-dimensional space;
The reference size setting unit is
Set the size of the mask information as the reference size,
The terrain shape generation unit
In the arrangement setting process,
The first template is set as the terrain shape information at a given position within the range defined by the mask information,
In the evaluation process,
A program characterized in that the composite shape information for each direction is evaluated according to the size of a non-overlapping portion between the second template and the mask information. In claim 8,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a second evaluation reference setting unit that sets a second evaluation reference size serving as an evaluation reference according to the size of the non-overlapping portion in the evaluation process. In any one of Claims 1-9,
The terrain shape generation unit
A gap for identifying a gap space that is surrounded by the terrain shape information and is smaller than a predetermined size among the spaces in which the terrain shape information is not set on the given two-dimensional space. Spatial discrimination processing;
Correction setting processing for setting the gap space as the terrain shape information;
The program characterized by further performing. In any one of Claims 1-10,
Height information is set in the generated terrain shape information, and a terrain object generation unit for generating a terrain object;
A position determining unit that determines the position of an object to be placed on the terrain object;
An object space setting unit for setting an object including the terrain object in the object space;
A program that further causes a computer to function as a drawing unit that draws an image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to claim 1 is stored. An image generation system for generating terrain shape information, which is terrain shape information set in an object space,
A storage unit that stores a plurality of templates configured by a plurality of pieces of shape information having different sizes and / or shapes;
A reference size setting unit for setting a reference size of the terrain shape information;
A terrain shape generation unit for generating the terrain shape information by performing a terrain shape setting process for setting the template as the terrain shape information on a given two-dimensional space;
The terrain shape generation unit
As the terrain shape setting process,
A selection process for selecting a plurality of templates having a size smaller than the reference size from a plurality of templates stored in the storage unit;
Evaluation processing for moving at least one template among a plurality of selected templates in a given two-dimensional space, generating composite shape information when at least two templates overlap, and evaluating the generated composite shape information; ,
An image generation system characterized by performing a setting process for setting composite shape information as the topographic shape information based on a result of the evaluation.

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