JP2009238245A - Image generation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generation system and an information storage medium capable of performing hidden surface removal of a moving object by a movie by giving depth to the movie. <P>SOLUTION: Movie data for reproducing a movie are made to include a depth value Z1, and the hidden surface removal is performed based on this depth value Z1 and a depth value Z2 of a character 10. An image in which the movie and the character 10 are composited is rendered. The movie data are made to include hit area data (a hit area flag, and a height of the hit area) for specifying a hit area, and a hit check is performed between the character and the hit area based on the hit area data. The movie data are made to include moving pathway data and movement data, and the character is moved based on the moving pathway data and the movement data. The data of the last frame image in the movie reproduction are made to include the depth value Z1, and the hidden surface removal is performed based on the depth value Z1 and the depth value Z2 of the character to render an image in which the last frame image and the character are composited. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

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

  In such an image generation system, what is called a movie (moving image) is reproduced in order to increase the player's motivation and increase the player's excitement at the opening, the intermission, and the ending of the game. In this movie, CG video and live-action video produced by the CG tool are played, so it is more realistic than an image generated by moving a 3D object composed of polygons (primitive surfaces) in real time. Realistic expression is possible.

  However, in conventional image generation systems, movie data that is data for movie playback includes only two-dimensional image data and sound data. Therefore, for example, if an image in which a movie and a character (moving object in a broad sense) are combined is generated, the character is always displayed in front of the movie, and an image lacking realism is generated.

JP-A-8-212379

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and an information storage that can remove a hidden surface of a moving object by a movie by adding depth to the movie. To provide a medium.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, and movie data storage means for storing movie data that is data for movie playback and includes depth value data; And drawing means for drawing an image in which the movie and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the movie data and the second depth value data of the moving object. Features. The information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for realizing (executing) the above means. A program according to the present invention is a program (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) usable by a computer, and includes a processing routine for realizing (executing) the above means.

  According to the present invention, movie data (CG video, live-action video, etc.) that is data for movie playback includes first depth value data. Then, hidden surface removal is performed based on the first depth value data and the second depth value data of the moving object (such as a character). As a result, it is possible to express an image such as a moving object hidden behind a display object constituting the movie. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have an illusion as if the movie, which is a two-dimensional image, has a depth, and to increase the virtual reality of the player. In addition, if the background is represented by a movie, a more realistic and realistic image can be represented, and the cost of the product can be reduced and the development period can be shortened compared to the case where the background is represented by a polygon (primitive surface). Can be realized.

  The hidden surface removal based on the first and second depth value data is preferably performed by a Z buffer method using a Z buffer. The moving object is preferably composed of a plurality of primitive surfaces (polygons, curved surfaces, etc.).

  The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention may be configured such that the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area, and moves based on the hit area data. It includes means for performing a hit check between an object and a hit area (a program and a processing routine for realizing the means). This makes it possible to perform a hit check between the display object in the movie and the moving object. Accordingly, it is possible to create a game situation in which a moving object cannot move due to an obstacle in a display in the movie. This makes it possible to give the player the illusion that the display object in the movie is composed of polygons or the like, thereby enhancing the player's virtual reality.

  In the hit check process, it is preferable to perform a hit check between the hit area and the representative point set at the bottom of the moving object, using the bottom surface of the display object appearing in the movie as a hit area.

  The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention are characterized in that the hit area data includes height data related to the hit area. By doing so, it becomes possible to perform a hit check process in consideration of the height of the display object in the movie.

  As hit area data, in addition to the height data, a hit area flag indicating whether each pixel of the image is a hit area can be considered.

  The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention may be configured such that the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit includes movement path data for determining a movement path of a moving object, and is based on the movement path data. And a means for moving the moving object (a program for realizing the means, a processing routine). In this way, processing such as changing the moving path of the moving object can be performed due to the presence of the display object in the movie, and the moving object can be moved so as to avoid the display object.

  The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention may be configured such that the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement data for moving a moving object, and the moving object is stored based on the movement data. It includes a means for moving (a program for realizing the means, a processing routine). In this way, it is possible to move the moving object in conjunction with the movement of the display object in the movie, or to move the moving object in conjunction with the movement of the entire movie.

  As the movement data, a movement value indicating a movement amount, a movement area flag for specifying a movement area, and the like can be considered.

  The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention are characterized in that the first depth value data included in movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. . Thus, by setting the first depth value data for each pixel of each image (frame image), it is possible to perform more precise and accurate hidden surface removal.

  In the image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention, the image data of the final frame of the movie reproduction includes the first depth value data, and the drawing unit stores the image data of the final frame of the movie reproduction. An image obtained by combining the image of the final frame and the moving object is drawn while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the image and the second depth value data of the moving object. In this way, the game can be started without any breaks after the opening movie or the intermission movie is played, and the player can naturally enter the game world.

It is an example of the block diagram of the image generation system of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of this embodiment. FIG. 3A is an example of an image generated by the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an example of an image generated by a comparative example. It is a figure for demonstrating the production method of the movie data in the case of using a real image | video as movie data. It is a figure shown about the other example of the data structure of movie data. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the hit check method according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of moving a character based on the movement value MV contained in movie data. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of performing hidden surface deletion based on the depth value included in the image data of the last frame of movie reproduction. It is a flowchart shown about the example of the whole process of this embodiment. It is a flowchart shown about the example of a game main process. It is a flowchart shown about the example of a movie play process. It is a flowchart shown about the example of a character movement process. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which can implement | achieve this embodiment. FIGS. 14A, 14 </ b> B, and 14 </ b> C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 110, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 150.

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

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

  Note that all of the functions of the game processing unit 110, the image generation unit 130, and the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  The game processing unit 110 includes a movement / motion calculation unit 112 and a hit check unit 114.

  Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data of each part of the moving object, rotation angle data) of a moving object such as a character, For example, a process of moving or moving the moving object is performed based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a game program, or the like.

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

PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
The hit check unit 114 performs hit check processing between a hit area or a shot (arrow, bullet, etc.) and a moving object. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172 includes hit area data (hit area flag, hit area height, etc.) for specifying a hit area. The hit check unit 114 performs hit check processing based on the hit area data and the position and direction of the moving object. When it is determined that the moving object has hit (entered) the hit area, the moving path of the moving object is corrected.

  When the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172 includes movement route data and movement data (movement value, movement area flag, etc.), the movement / motion calculation unit 112 determines the movement route data and movement data. A process of moving the moving object is performed based on the data.

  The image generation unit 130 includes a geometry processing unit 132 (three-dimensional calculation unit) and a drawing unit 140 (rendering unit).

  Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional calculation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation.

  The drawing unit 140 performs a process of drawing an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space, based on the object and texture data. Then, the drawing unit 140 according to the present embodiment performs movie and moving while performing hidden surface removal based on the depth value Z1 included in the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172 and the depth value Z2 of the moving object such as a character. Draws an image that is combined with the object. In this case, the hidden surface removal unit 142 included in the drawing unit 140 performs hidden surface removal according to the algorithm of the Z buffer method using, for example, the Z buffer 174 in which the depth value is stored.

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

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

2. Features of this embodiment In this embodiment, a depth value Z1 is included in movie data, which is data for movie playback. An image in which the movie and the character are combined is generated while performing hidden surface removal based on the depth value Z1 and the depth value Z2 of the character (moving object in a broad sense).

  More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, each pixel of each frame image constituting the movie includes data of a depth value Z1 in addition to image data (RGB). Then, Z1 is compared with Z2 of the character, and hidden surface removal is performed in accordance with an algorithm such as a Z buffer method to generate an image in which the movie and the character are combined.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 3A, a character can be interrupted in a movie picture. In other words, it is possible to display images such as the character 10 hidden behind the chest 20 (display object) expressed in a movie or the character going out from the entrance 22 expressed in a movie. Alternatively, it is possible to perform image expression such as the character 10 looking into the window 24 from the other side of the window 24.

  In other words, in movies so far, movie data includes only image data and sound data, and does not include depth value data. Therefore, when a composite image of a movie and a character is to be generated, the character 10 is always displayed in front as shown in FIG. 3B, and the real image cannot be generated.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the character 10 may or may not be hidden behind the display object in the movie according to the depth value Z2 of the character 10. Therefore, a more realistic and realistic image can be generated.

  Note that the movie in the present embodiment may be a CG video composed of a series of cell images produced by a CG tool, or a live-action video shot by a camera.

  When a CG video is used as a movie, the depth value data of each pixel generated when the CG is created is included in the movie data without being discarded. That is, the final depth value data stored in the Z buffer of the CG tool is normally discarded, but is not discarded, but is included in the movie data together with the image data (RGB). . In this way, movie data including depth value data can be prepared without much effort.

  On the other hand, when a live-action video is used as a movie, the following is performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when photographing a person 30, a desk 31, a chair 32, or the like as a subject with a photographing camera 50, the person 30, the desk is used by using a plurality of position measuring cameras 52, 54. 31 and the chair 32 are photographed from different directions. Then, numerical calculation is performed using the obtained image, and depth values (positions) of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 are obtained by the principle of triangulation. Then, the obtained depth value is included in the movie data (actual video data) obtained by the camera 50 for photographing.

  If it is sufficient to know the approximate depth values of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32, that is, whether the character is positioned in front of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 or hidden behind it. If it is sufficient, you can do the following: That is, by attaching targets 33 to 40 such as ping-pong balls to the representative points of these subjects and measuring the positions of these targets 33 to 40 with the cameras 52 and 54, the depth value of the subject is specified.

  In this case, it is desirable that the targets 33 to 40 are attached at positions where they cannot be seen from the camera 50 for photographing. For example, in the case of the person 30, the target is attached to the back of the person 30 and the back. Then, the position measurement cameras 52 and 54 are installed behind or above the person 30 to photograph the person 30 and specify the depth value of the person 30.

  Further, when shooting with the camera 50, the wall 60 may be blue (blue back), and the background prepared separately and the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 may be chroma key-combined. In this case, the depth value of the background prepared separately is set to infinity, for example, and the depth values of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 are set to values obtained by measurement by the cameras 52 and 54. In this way, a more accurate depth value can be set.

  Further, instead of using the cameras 52 and 54, the depth value may be obtained using ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves and a receiver that receives the ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves. For example, ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the target and received by one or a plurality of receivers installed at positions different from the target. Then, the depth value (position) is obtained based on arrival times of ultrasonic waves and electromagnetic waves to the receiver, arrival times to the plurality of receivers, and phase differences.

  Note that the depth value may be set for all frame images, or only for some frame images. Further, the depth value may be set for all the pixels of the frame image constituting the movie, or may be set only for some pixels. Further, the depth value data may be compressed and included in the movie data.

  Further, the movie may be used as a background as shown in FIG. 3A, or may be used to express an enemy boss (moving object) or the like. In this case, for example, a virtual screen for movie display is prepared, and an enemy boss movie is projected onto the virtual screen. Alternatively, a polygon (primitive surface) for movie display may be prepared, and the movie may be mapped to the polygon as a texture.

  Various data other than the depth value Z1 can be considered as data included in the movie data.

  For example, in FIG. 5, in addition to the image data (RGB) and the depth value Z1, in addition to the image data (RGB), the hit area flag HF, the height HH (the height of the hit area), the movement route MR, the movement value MV (movement data) ), Data of the normal vector NV is included.

  By including data such as the hit area flag HF and the height HH in the movie data, it is possible to perform a hit check between the character and the hit area.

  That is, in FIG. 6A, the character 10 operated by the player using the lever 70 and the button 72 is walking toward the display object (obstacle) 74 expressed in the movie. In this case, the bottom surface of the display object 74 is defined as the hit area 76, and the position and size of the hit area 76 are specified by the hit area flag HF. For example, a pixel set with HF = 1 is determined to be a pixel within the hit area 76, and a pixel set with HF = 0 is determined to be a pixel outside the hit area 76.

  Then, a hit check between the representative point P (XP, YP) set at the foot of the character 10 and the hit area 76 is performed. When it is determined that the representative point P has hit (entered) the hit area 76, the movement path of the character 10 is corrected or the movement of the character 10 is restricted.

  When performing a more advanced hit check, the height HH of the hit area 76 is also used. When the player hits the jump button 72 when the character 10 hits the hit area 76, whether or not the character 10 can jump on the display object 74 is determined based on the height HH. Try to judge.

  Also, by including the data of the movement route MR in the movie data, the movement of the character 10 after the hit to the hit area 76 can be easily controlled. For example, after the character 10 hits the hit area 76, when the player tilts the lever 70 to the back side, the character 10 is moved along the movement path 78. Further, after the hit, when the player tilts the lever 70 to the right side and presses the jump button 72, the character 10 is moved along the movement path 80. Further, after the hit, when the player tilts the lever 70 toward the front side, the character 10 is moved along the movement path 82.

  In this case, data for specifying the movement paths 78, 80, and 82 (movement path direction data and the like) is included in the movie data as the movement path MR. By doing so, the character 10 can be moved along an optimal movement route according to the shape of the display object 74.

  Also, by including movement value MV data (moving data in a broad sense) in the movie data, the character (moving object) can be moved in accordance with the movement of the display object in the movie and the movement of the entire movie. Is possible.

  For example, in FIG. 7, the character 10 is on the escalator 84 expressed in a movie. In this case, the movement value MV (movement amount, movement vector component, etc.) at the position (pixel) of the representative point P (XP, YP) set at the foot of the character 10 or the like is acquired. Then, the character 10 is moved based on the acquired movement value MV. By doing so, the character 10 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the escalator 84 that is a display object in the movie. Therefore, the character image and the movie appear to be synthesized more naturally, and an unprecedented real image can be generated with a small processing load.

  As the movement data included in the movie data, a movement area flag for specifying a movement area can be considered in addition to the movement value MV. That is, whether or not the character is located in the moving area is determined by the moving area flag set at the position (pixel) of the representative point P (XP, YP) of the character. If the moving area flag at that position is 1, for example, processing for moving the character is performed. When the movie data includes the movement value MV, the character is moved by the movement amount according to the movement value MV.

  Also, the character may be moved using the movement value MV even when the entire movie moves, such as when the background represented by the movie scrolls. For example, when the background represented by the movie scrolls to the left, the character is moved to the right on the screen in accordance with the scroll. In this case, the movement value MV may be given in image units instead of pixel units.

  In the present embodiment, the depth data Z1 is included in the image data of the final frame of movie playback (a kind of movie data), and hidden surface erasure is performed based on the depth value Z1 and the character depth value Z2. May be.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an opening movie or a curtain movie prepared in advance is played at a game opening or curtain. Then, a depth value Z1 is set for each pixel of the image 86 (still image) of the final frame of movie playback. The final frame image 86 is used as a background, and hidden surface erasure is performed while comparing the depth value Z1 of the final frame image 86 with the depth value Z2 of the character 10, thereby drawing an image.

  In this way, the game starts without a break after a series of movies are played. Therefore, a player whose game motivation is excited by the opening or the movie between the curtains can naturally enter the game world while maintaining the game motivation. As a result, the virtual reality of the player can be dramatically improved.

3. Processing of this embodiment Next, a detailed example of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to the overall processing.

  When the image generation system is reset, hardware initialization processing is performed (step S1). Then, MODE (system main mode) is set to ATTR (attraction) (step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a frame start interrupt has occurred (step S3). If it has occurred, the frame buffer is switched (step S4). That is, the frame buffer in which the image is drawn in the previous frame is switched to the display frame buffer, and the frame buffer in which the image is displayed in the previous frame is switched to the drawing frame buffer.

  Next, it is determined whether MODE is set to ATTR, INIT, GAME, or ENDING (steps S5 to S8). If ATTR, INIT, GAME, and ENDING are set, the process proceeds to attraction, game initialization, game main, and ending, respectively (steps S9 to S12). If MODE is set to OVER, the process proceeds to game over processing (step S13).

  Then, after the above process ends, a drawing process is performed (step S14). In this case, in this embodiment, hidden surface removal is performed by the Z buffer method using the Z buffer based on the depth value Z1 included in the movie data and the depth value Z2 of the moving object.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the game main process in step S11 of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether MODESUB (system submode) is set to SEL, INTRO, MOVIE, or WIN (steps S20 to S23). If SEL, INTRO, MOVIE, and WIN are set, the process proceeds to character selection, introduction, movie play, and victory, respectively (steps S24 to S27). If MODESUB is set to LOSE, the process proceeds to defeat processing (S28).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the movie play process in step S26 of FIG.

  First, the movie data stream described with reference to FIG. 5 is read into the main memory (step S30). Then, the read movie data is developed in the work buffer (step S31). More specifically, RGB, depth value Z1, hit area flag HF, height HH, movement path MR, movement value MV, normal vector NV, and sound SD data are respectively RGB, Z1, HF, HH, Expand to MR, MV, NV, SD work buffers.

  Next, a movement process of the character (player character operated by the player) is performed (step S32), and an enemy character movement process is performed (step S33). Then, a win / loss determination process is performed (step S34). Then, it is determined whether or not the player has won (step S35). If the player has won, WIN is set in MODESUB (step S36). On the other hand, if the player has not won, it is determined whether or not the player has lost (step S37). If the player has lost, MODESUB is set to LOSE (step S38).

  Next, a drawing list (a list of polygon data, texture data, environment (light source, virtual camera) setting data, etc.) is created based on the processing results of steps S31 to S34 (step S39). The drawing process is performed based on this drawing list.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the character movement process in step S32 of FIG.

  First, operation data from the operation unit (controller) is acquired (step S40). 6A and 6B, it is possible to know the direction in which the lever 70 is tilted, the timing when the lever 70 is tilted, the timing when the button 72 is pressed, and the like. Based on the acquired operation data, the temporary movement position of the character is calculated (step S41).

  Next, the temporary movement position calculated in step S41 is corrected based on the movement value MV developed in the MV work buffer in step S31 of FIG. 11 (step S42). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 7, when the character gets on the escalator, the character is moved in the direction in which the escalator moves.

  Next, hit check processing is performed based on the temporary movement position, the hit area flag HF from the HF work buffer, and the height HH from the HH work buffer (step S43). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 6B, it is determined by the hit area flag HF whether or not the temporary movement position of P (XP, YP) has entered the hit area. When the jump button is pressed, it is determined based on the data of the hit area height HH whether the character can jump over the display.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the character has hit the hit area (step S44). If it is determined that the character has hit, the temporary movement position is corrected based on the data of the movement route MR from the MR work buffer ( Step S45). That is, in FIG. 6B, the temporary movement position of P (XP, YP) is corrected so that P (XP, YP) moves along one of the movement paths 78, 80, 82.

  By performing the processing described above for each frame, hidden surface removal based on the depth value of the movie and the depth value of the character, hit check between the display object and the character in the movie, and the like can be performed.

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

  The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of information storage media). Various processes such as processing, image processing, and sound processing are executed.

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

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and performs matrix computation (vector computation). Run fast. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

  The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a movie (moving image) compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, or a game screen. Note that the image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

  The drawing processor 910 performs drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass the object data to the drawing processor 910 and transfer the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the rendering processor 910 renders the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

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

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

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

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

  The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).

  The CD drive 980 drives a CD 982 (information storage medium) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored, and enables access to these programs and data.

  The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, as a network connected to the communication interface 990, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like can be considered. By using a communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between other image generation systems and other game systems becomes possible.

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

  When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Become. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which is hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc. executes each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

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

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

  FIG. 14C shows a host apparatus 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host apparatus 1300 via a network 1302 (a small-scale network such as a LAN or a wide area network such as the Internet). An example of applying this embodiment to a system including In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program and the like for generating game images and game sounds from the terminal 1304-. 1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14C, each unit of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. The storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the terminal.

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

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

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

  The moving object of the present invention is particularly preferably a character appearing in a fighting game, a role playing game, or the like, but the moving object of the present invention is not limited to this.

  The data structure of the movie data is particularly preferably the structure described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, but is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

  Further, the first depth value data, hit area data, movement path data, and movement data may be set for all pixels of each image (frame image) constituting the movie, or only for some pixels. May be. Or you may make it set with respect to each image.

  The hidden surface removal method is particularly preferably the Z buffer method, but other methods may be adopted.

  The first and second depth value data, hit area data (hit area flag, height), movement route data, and movement data (movement value, movement area flag) are also data in the form described in this embodiment. Although it is particularly desirable, there is no limitation to this.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to various games (role playing game, action game, shooting game, fighting game, robot battle game, sports game, competition game, music performance game, dance game, etc.).

  Further, the present invention can be 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, and a system board for generating game images.

10 character 20 stance 22 doorway 24 window 30 character 31 desk 32 chair 33-40 target (ping-pong ball)
50 Cameras 52 and 54 Cameras for Positioning 60 Wall 70 Lever 72 Button 74 Display Object 76 Hit Area 78, 80, 82 Movement Path 84 Escalator 100 Processing Unit 110 Game Processing Unit 112 Movement / Motion Calculation Unit 114 Hit Check Unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 142 hidden surface removal unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 movie data storage unit 174 Z buffer 180 information storage medium 190 display unit 192 sound output unit 194 portable information storage Device 196 communication unit

Claims (14)

An image generation system for generating an image,
Movie data storage means for storing movie data that is data for movie playback and includes depth value data;
Rendering means for rendering an image in which the movie and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the movie data and the second depth value data of the moving object;
An image generation system comprising: In claim 1,
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area,
An image generation system comprising means for performing a hit check between a moving object and a hit area based on the hit area data. In claim 2,
The image generation system, wherein the hit area data includes height data related to the hit area. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement path data for determining a movement path of a moving object,
An image generation system comprising means for moving a moving object based on the moving path data. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement data for moving a moving object,
An image generation system comprising means for moving a moving object based on the movement data. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The image generation system according to claim 1, wherein the first depth value data included in the movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
The image data of the last frame of the movie playback includes the first depth value data,
The drawing means;
An image in which the image of the final frame and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the image data of the final frame of movie playback and the second depth value data of the moving object. An image generation system characterized by drawing. An information storage medium usable by a computer,
Movie data storage means for storing movie data including depth value data that is data for movie playback;
Drawing means for drawing an image in which the movie and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the movie data and the second depth value data of the moving object;
An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing the above. In claim 8,
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area,
An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing means for performing a hit check between a moving object and a hit area based on the hit area data. In claim 9,
The information storage medium, wherein the hit area data includes height data related to the hit area. In any one of Claims 8 thru | or 10.
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement path data for determining a movement path of a moving object,
An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing means for moving a moving object based on the moving route data. In any of claims 8 to 11,
Movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement data for moving a moving object,
An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing means for moving a moving object based on the movement data. In any one of Claims 8 thru | or 12.
An information storage medium, wherein the first depth value data included in movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. In any one of Claims 8 thru | or 13.
The image data of the last frame of the movie playback includes the first depth value data,
The drawing means;
An image in which the image of the final frame and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the image data of the final frame of movie playback and the second depth value data of the moving object. An information storage medium characterized by drawing.

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