JP2010237883A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program and an image generation system by which an image expressed in the real movement of the possession object or region object of a character is generated. <P>SOLUTION: The image generation system includes a motion storage part and a motion processing part and a character control part. The motion storage part stores a plurality of reference motions for first height when the height of the possession object or region object of a characters is first height and at least one reference motion for second height when the height of the possession object or the region object is second height. A motion processing part synthesizes a plurality of reference motions for first height with at least one reference motion for second height to generate the motion of the character. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character imitating a sports player is placed and set Is known and is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a tennis game as an example, a player operates his / her character using an operation unit such as a controller and plays a ball shot by an opponent character operated by another player or a computer. Enjoy the game by hitting it back with a racket. As a conventional technique of an image generation system that can enjoy such a tennis game, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. This image generation system moves a character by performing motion processing based on motion data.

  However, in conventional image generation systems, motion processing that aims to make the trajectory of an object possessed by a character such as a racket an appropriate trajectory has not been performed. For this reason, realistic expressions such as a character's racket swing are insufficient.

  Further, in the image generation systems so far, the rotation state of the ball hit back by a racket or the like has not been set based on the rotation angle information of the controller. For this reason, it has not been possible to give the player the feeling of actually operating the racket surface and hitting top spin shots and slice shots.

JP 2008-307166 A

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, and the like that can generate an image in which a realistic movement of a possessed object or part object of a character is expressed.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a motion storage unit that stores a plurality of reference motions, a motion processing unit that generates a motion of a character by combining the plurality of reference motions, and the motion based on the generated motions, A character control unit that performs control for moving the character; and an image generation unit that generates an image. The motion storage unit has a first height of a possessed object possessed by the character or a part object constituting the character. A plurality of first height reference motions that are reference motions for the case where the possessed object or the part object is at a second height, 2 reference motions for height, and the motion processing unit is for the plurality of first heights. And quasi motion, said synthesized at least one of the second height reference motion, related to the image generation system for generating a motion of the character. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the first reference motion for height when the possessed object or the part object of the character has the first height and the second motion for when the character has the second height are used. A reference motion for height is prepared. Then, the first height reference motion and the second height reference motion are combined to generate a character motion. Therefore, since the motion can be synthesized based on the height of the possessed object or the part object of the character, an image expressing the realistic movement of the possessed object or the part object can be generated.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the coordinate axis set along the major axis direction of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes, An operation information acquisition unit that acquires first and second rotation angle information, which are rotation angle information around the first and second coordinates, as operation information; and the motion processing unit includes the first and second motion information. A motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the rotation angle information, and the plurality of first height reference motions and the at least one second height reference motion are synthesized with the obtained motion synthesis rate. The motion of the character may be generated.

  In this way, the first height reference motion and the second height are used at the motion synthesis rate according to the first and second rotation angle information about the first and second coordinate axes of the controller. The reference motion is combined to generate a character motion. Therefore, it is possible to perform motion synthesis reflecting the first and second rotation angle information of the controller.

  In the aspect of the invention, the motion storage unit may use the first rotation angle information as α = αi and the second rotation angle information as β = βj as the first reference motion for height. A first reference motion that is a reference motion in the case of, and a second reference motion that is a reference motion in which the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj. The reference motion in the case where the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1 is used as the second height reference motion. A third reference motion, and a fourth reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1, The motion When the acquired first rotation angle information α is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the acquired second rotation angle information β is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the processing unit The motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the second rotation angle information α, β, and the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions are synthesized with the obtained motion synthesis rate to obtain the motion of the character. May be generated.

  In this way, when the first and second rotation angle information is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, motion synthesis is performed based on the first and second rotation angle information α and β. The rate is determined and the first, second, third and fourth reference motions are synthesized. Accordingly, it is possible to perform motion synthesis according to the first and second rotation angle information α and β.

  In the aspect of the invention, the motion storage unit may use the first rotation angle information as α = αi and the second rotation angle information as β = βj as the first reference motion for height. A first reference motion that is a reference motion in the case of, and a second reference motion that is a reference motion in which the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj. And a third reference motion that is a reference motion when the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1 is stored as the second height reference motion, and the motion processing unit Is obtained when the obtained first rotation angle information α is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the obtained second rotation angle information β is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1. Based on rotation angle information α, β Then, the motion synthesis rate may be obtained, and the first, second, and third reference motions may be synthesized at the obtained motion synthesis rate to generate a character motion.

  In this way, when the first and second rotation angle information is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, motion synthesis is performed based on the first and second rotation angle information α and β. A rate is determined and the first, second, and third reference motions are combined. Accordingly, it is possible to perform motion synthesis according to the first and second rotation angle information α and β.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires third rotation angle information that is rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis, and the motion processing unit acquires the generated character of the character. The motion may be corrected based on the third rotation angle information.

  In this way, it is possible to realize motion synthesis that reflects the third rotation angle information of the controller.

  In the aspect of the invention, the motion processing unit may perform motion synthesis using a reference motion corresponding to the angle limit value when the first rotation angle information exceeds the angle limit value. Good.

  In this way, it is possible to eliminate problems that occur when the first rotation angle information exceeds the angle limit value.

  In the aspect of the invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires third rotation angle information that is rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis, and is based on the acquired third rotation angle information. In addition, a hit calculation processing unit that performs hit calculation processing for setting at least one of the moving direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object hit by the hit object may be included.

  In this way, hit calculation processing reflecting the third rotation angle information of the controller becomes possible, and hit calculation processing that has never been achieved can be realized.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may move the hit object after the hit based on the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing of the hit object by the hit object. You may set at least one of a direction and a rotation state.

  In this way, it is possible to reflect the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing in the moving direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis, and the hit calculation processing unit is in a direction along the third coordinate axis. Based on the acceleration information, hit strength information of the hit object by the hit body may be set.

  In this way, the movement direction and rotation state of the hit object are set by the third rotation angle information of the controller, while the hit object hit strength by the hit object is set on the third coordinate axis. It becomes possible to set by the acceleration information in the direction along.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may determine at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. It may be set.

  In this way, it is possible to realize a hit calculation process in which the third rotation angle information of the controller acquired in the hit determination period is reflected in the movement direction and rotation state of the hit object.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the hit calculation processing unit is configured to determine a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on change information of the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. At least one of these may be set.

  In this way, the change in the third rotation angle information of the controller during the hit determination period can be reflected in the hit calculation process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the hit calculation processing unit may include the third rotation angle information at the first timing of the hit determination period and the third rotation angle at the second timing of the hit determination period. Based on the information, at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after the hit of the hit object may be set.

  In this way, the hit object moves based on the third rotation angle information at the first timing before the hit timing and the third rotation angle information at the second timing after the hit timing. The direction and rotation state are set, and more intelligent and accurate hit calculation processing can be realized.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation information acquisition unit acquires acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis, and the hit calculation processing unit includes the first timing and the second timing. The hit strength information of the hit object by the hit body may be set based on acceleration information in the direction along the third coordinate axis at the hit timing between.

  In this way, the third coordinate axis at the hit timing is set while setting the moving direction and the rotation state of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis at the first and second timings. The hit strength of the hit object by the hit body can be set based on the acceleration information in the direction along.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a control unit includes a reference position detection unit that detects that the controller is set to a reference position, and the operation information acquisition unit is set to an initial value when the controller is set to the reference position. The first and second rotation angle information may be acquired.

  This makes it possible to acquire the first and second rotation angle information with the initial value set at the reference position as a reference.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the reference position detection unit may be set to the reference position when a player performs a predetermined operation notifying that the controller has been set to the reference position. It may be determined that it has been set.

  In this way, it is possible to set the initial values of the first and second rotation angle information by detecting that the controller is at the reference position with a simple operation of the player.

1 is a configuration example of an image generation system according to the present embodiment. Explanatory drawing of operation of the controller by a player. 3A and 3B are configuration examples of the controller. Explanatory drawing of the rotation angle information around each coordinate axis of a controller. 5A and 5B show examples of the character's swing motion. An example of the swing motion of the character. Explanatory drawing of motion composition. Explanatory drawing of motion data. 9A and 9B show examples of reference motion. 10A and 10B show examples of reference motion. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of rotation angle information of the controller. Explanatory drawing of the motion synthetic | combination method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the motion synthetic | combination method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the motion synthetic | combination method of this embodiment. 15A and 15B show detailed setting examples of the reference motion. FIGS. 16A and 16B show examples of reference motion. 17A and 17B show examples of reference motion. 18A and 18B show examples of reference motion. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams of processing when the rotation angle exceeds the angle limit value. 20A to 20C are explanatory diagrams of hit calculation processing based on rotation angle information at the time of a hit. FIGS. 21A to 21C are explanatory diagrams of hit calculation processing based on rotation angle information acquired in the hit determination section. 22 (A) to 22 (D) are explanatory views of the moving state and the operating state of the ball after the hit. Explanatory drawing of the setting method of the hit strength information of a ball based on acceleration information. Explanatory drawing of the detection method of a reference | standard position. FIGS. 25A to 25F are explanatory diagrams of a hit determination area setting method. FIG. 26A to FIG. 26C are explanatory diagrams for various application examples of this embodiment. The flowchart of the detailed process example of this embodiment. The flowchart of the detailed process example of this embodiment.

  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. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel display. It can be realized by.

  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 (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof by an optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), and the like. realizable. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, a touch panel display, an 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 auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another image generation system, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC, a communication processor, or the like. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using 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, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an operation information acquisition unit 101, a game calculation unit 102, an object space setting unit 104, a hit calculation processing unit 106, a reference position detection unit 108, a hit determination area setting unit 110, a motion processing unit 112, and a character control unit 114. , A virtual camera control unit 116, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  When the player performs various operations using the operation unit 160, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires the operation information. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a controller (see FIG. 2) having a sensor (for example, an angular velocity sensor or an acceleration sensor) is prepared as the operation unit 160. Then, the operation information acquisition unit 101 is a controller around a predetermined coordinate axis (at least around one coordinate axis) based on sensor information from the controller (output signal of the sensor or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the output signal). Rotation angle information (rotation angle, parameter equivalent to the rotation angle) is acquired as operation information. For example, it is assumed that the coordinate axis set along the longitudinal direction (long axis direction) of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires first and second rotation angle information that is rotation angle information about the first and second coordinate axes. Alternatively, third rotation angle information that is rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis is acquired. For example, first, second, and third rotation angle information is acquired based on sensor information of an angular velocity sensor included in the controller. If the controller has an acceleration sensor, acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis is acquired, for example. Alternatively, acceleration information in directions along the first and second coordinate axes may be acquired.

  The game calculation unit 102 performs game calculation processing. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The object space setting unit 104 displays various display objects such as model objects (moving objects such as people, robots, cars, fighters, missiles, bullets, etc.), maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, and walls. Processing for setting an object (an object composed of a primitive surface such as a polygon, a free-form surface, or a subdivision surface) in the object space is performed. 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). Place the object. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as object position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction and the like in association with the object number.

  The hit calculation processing unit 106 performs hit calculation processing for hit objects and hit objects. For example, based on the rotation angle information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101, at least one of the movement state and the operation state after the hit of the hit object hit by the hit body is set.

  Here, the hit body is an object for hitting a hit target, and for example, a possessed object (gripped object) possessed (gripped) by a character or a part object constituting the character can be assumed. As the possessed object of the character, for example, a racket such as tennis, table tennis, or badminton, a baseball bat, a golf club, a weapon such as a sword, an instrument such as a maraca, a drum stick, or the like can be assumed. As a part object of a character, parts such as a hand, a foot, a head, and a torso can be assumed. The hit object is hit by the hit body. Examples of the hit object include a ball, a weapon of another character, a fixed object such as a wall and a floor, a hand, a foot, a head, and a body of another character. Can be assumed.

  The movement state of the hit object after the hit is, for example, the movement direction, the movement speed, or the movement acceleration of the hit object after the hit. The operation state after the hit of the hit object is, for example, the rotation state or the motion state of the hit object after the hit. The rotation state is the rotation direction, rotation speed (angular velocity), or rotation acceleration (angular acceleration) of the hit object, and the motion state is various states when the hit object is operated by motion data or the like.

  In addition, the hit calculation processing unit 106 determines the movement direction of the hit object after the hit (based on the third rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis of the controller at the hit timing (at the time of hit) of the hit object by the hit object ( At least one of a movement state in a broad sense and a rotation state (an operation state in a broad sense) is set. When the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires acceleration information (centrifugal information) in a direction along the third coordinate axis, the hit strength of the hit object by the hit body is based on the acquired acceleration information. Set information (hit power, hit acceleration).

  Further, the hit calculation processing unit 106 may set the moving direction and the rotation state of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. Here, the hit determination period is a period including hit timing. For example, the hit calculation processing unit 106 sets the movement direction and the rotation state of the hit object based on the change information of the third rotation angle information in the hit determination period. For example, the third rotation angle information at the first timing of the hit determination period (timing before the hit timing), and the third rotation angle information at the second timing of the hit determination period (timing after the hit timing) The movement direction and rotation state of the hit object are set based on the above. Also, hit strength information of the hit object by the hit body is set based on the acceleration information in the direction along the third coordinate axis at the hit timing between the first timing and the second timing.

  The reference position detection unit 108 performs processing for detecting that the controller is set to the reference position. For example, when a player performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing a button) notifying that the controller has been set to the reference position, the controller determines that the reference position has been set. For example, when the sensor built in the controller is an angular velocity sensor, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires rotation angle information set to an initial value (for example, 0 degrees) when the controller is set to the reference position. Here, the reference position is a position for setting, for example, rotation angle information about the first, second, or third coordinate axes of the controller to an initial value (reference value).

  The hit determination area setting unit 110 performs a process for setting a hit determination area (hit volume) of a hit object by a hit object. For example, the hit determination area setting unit 110 sets a hit determination area based on the rotation angle information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101. This hit determination area is an area (volume) for determining a hit of a hit object by a hit body, for example, an area including a hit body (part or all). When the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires the first and second rotation angle information about the first and second coordinate axes of the controller, the hit determination area setting unit 110 acquires the first, A hit determination area is set based on the second rotation angle information. For example, the position and direction of the hit determination area in the object space are set based on the first and second rotation angle information.

  The motion processing unit 112 performs various types of motion processing for operating the character (model object). For example, motion generation processing and playback processing are performed based on motion (motion data) stored in the motion data storage unit 174. Specifically, the motion storage unit 174 stores a plurality of reference motions (reference motion data). Then, the motion processing unit 112 combines the plurality of reference motions to generate a character motion.

  More specifically, the motion storage unit 174 is a reference motion for the case where the height of the character's possessed object (racquet, club, bat, etc.) or part object (foot, hand, etc.) is the first height. A plurality of first reference motions for height are stored. Further, at least one second height reference motion that is a reference motion for the case where the possessed object or the part object has the second height is stored. The motion processing unit 112 then synthesizes the first height reference motion and the second height reference motion to generate a character motion.

  For example, it is assumed that the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires first and second rotation angle information, which are rotation angle information around the first and second coordinates, as operation information. In this case, the motion processing unit 112 obtains a motion synthesis rate based on the first and second rotation angle information. For example, the motion composition rate is obtained based on the relationship between the angle range to which the reference motion is associated and the first and second rotation angle information. Then, a plurality of first height reference motions and at least one second height reference motion (one or a plurality of second height reference motions) are synthesized at the calculated motion synthesis rate. To generate character motion.

  For example, the motion storage unit 174 uses the first reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj as the first height reference motion. The second reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj is stored. In addition, as the second height reference motion, the third reference motion in the case where the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1, and the first rotation A fourth reference motion when the angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1 is stored. Then, when the first rotation angle information α is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information β is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the motion processing unit 112 outputs the first and second rotation angle information. The motion synthesis rate is obtained based on α and β. Then, the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions are synthesized at the calculated motion synthesis rate to generate a character motion.

  The motion storage unit 174 may store a third reference motion that is a reference motion when the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1 as the second height reference motion. In this case, the motion processing unit 112 calculates a motion synthesis rate based on the first and second rotation angle information α and β, and calculates the first, second, and third reference motions with the calculated motion synthesis rate. Compositing to generate character motion.

  Further, it is assumed that the operation information acquisition unit 101 has acquired the third rotation angle information around the third coordinate axis. In this case, the motion processing unit 112 corrects the motion of the character generated by the first to fourth reference motions or the first to third reference motions based on the third rotation angle information. Good. For example, the rotation angle or the like of the character part object or the possessed object is corrected based on the acquired third rotation angle information.

  In addition, when the first rotation angle information exceeds the angle limit value, the motion processing unit 112 may perform motion synthesis using a reference motion corresponding to the angle limit value. For example, the character is operated with a motion synthesized by a reference motion used when the first rotation angle information is an angle limit value.

  The character control unit 114 performs character control processing. The character is a moving body such as a person, robot, or animal appearing in the game. Specifically, the character control unit 114 performs a calculation for moving the character (model object). Alternatively, calculation for moving the character is performed. That is, based on the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the character is moved in the object space, or the character is moved (motion, Animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining character movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (part object position or rotation angle) for each frame (1/60 second). Do. A frame is a unit of time for performing movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  In this embodiment, the character control unit 114 performs control to move the character with a motion obtained based on the rotation angle information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 101. For example, when the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires the first and second rotation angle information about the first and second coordinate axes of the controller, the operation information acquisition unit 101 is based on the acquired first and second rotation angle information. Control to move the character with the required motion. For example, when the motion processing unit 112 generates a character motion by combining the reference motion based on the first and second rotation angle information, the character control unit 114 causes the character to move with the generated motion. For example, by moving each part object (bone) of the character by using motion data including the position or rotation angle (direction) of each part object (bone constituting the skeleton) constituting the character (skeleton) (transforming the skeleton shape) To move the character.

  The virtual camera control unit 116 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing and simulation processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometry processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is converted into image data in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 176 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. The drawing process may be realized by a vertex shader process or a pixel shader process.

  The sound generation unit 130 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.

2. 2. Technique of this embodiment 2.1 Motion synthesis using first and second reference motions for height In FIG. 2, the player holds the controller 200 (game controller) with one hand and looks like a tennis racket The controller 200 is swung to swing. A character CH operated by the player is displayed on the display unit 190 on which an image generated by the game apparatus 300 (image generation system) is displayed. When the player swings with the controller 200, the character CH on the screen also swings according to the player's swing. For example, when the player swings a flat shot, the character CH also swings a flat shot, and when the player swings a top spin shot or slice shot, the character CH also swings a top spin shot or slice shot. Then, when the character CH on the screen hits the ball BL hit by the opponent character CC, the player enjoys the tennis game.

  In the following, a case where the present embodiment is applied to a tennis game will be mainly described as an example. In this tennis game, the hit body becomes a racket, and the hit object becomes a ball. However, this embodiment can be applied to sports games other than tennis games (for example, table tennis, badminton, baseball, soccer, volleyball, etc.) and various games other than sports games (for example, fighting games, battle games, role playing games, etc.).

  3A and 3B show configuration examples of the controller 200. FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view of the controller 200 viewed from the front, and FIG. 3B is a right side view of the controller 200 viewed from the right side. The controller 200 has a rod-like shape with a chamfered substantially square cross section, and the player operates the controller 200 with one hand in the manner of gripping the rod.

  Various switches (input devices) such as a direction instruction key 210 and an A button 212 are provided on the front side (operation side) of the controller 200. A trigger button 214 is provided on the back side (back side) of the controller 200.

  The controller 200 includes an image sensor 220, a wireless communication module 222, an acceleration sensor 224, and an angular velocity sensor 230. The controller 200 also includes a controller control unit, a vibrator (vibration mechanism), a speaker, and the like (not shown). The controller control unit includes, for example, a control IC (CPU, ASIC) and a memory, and performs overall control of the controller 200 and various processes. The vibrator generates vibration in accordance with a vibration control signal from the controller control unit, and causes the player's hand holding the controller 200 to feel the vibration. The speaker outputs a sound corresponding to the sound signal output from the controller control unit.

  The image pickup element 220 is realized by a CCD, a CMOS sensor, or the like, and picks up an image of the front side of the controller 200 in the longitudinal direction (long axis direction).

  The wireless communication module 222 is for performing wireless communication (proximity wireless communication) with the game apparatus 300 (game apparatus main body) of FIG. For example, operation information input by the direction instruction key 210, the A button 212, etc., imaging information obtained by the imaging element 220, sensor information (acceleration information, angular velocity information) obtained by the acceleration sensor 224 and the angular velocity sensor 230 are: Wireless communication with the game apparatus 300 is performed by the wireless communication module 222.

  The acceleration sensor 224 is a sensor that detects acceleration information when the user moves (shakes) the controller 200. For example, the acceleration sensor 224 detects each piece of acceleration information in the orthogonal three-axis directions. For example, in FIG. 4, the coordinate axis set along the long side direction of the controller 200 is the Z axis (third coordinate axis in a broad sense), the coordinate axis orthogonal to the Z axis is the X axis, and the Y axis (first in the broad sense is the first axis). , The second coordinate axis). In this case, the acceleration sensor 224 detects, for example, first acceleration information along the X-axis direction, second acceleration information along the Y-axis direction, and third acceleration information along the Z-axis direction, Output as sensor information.

  The angular velocity sensor 230 is a sensor that detects angular velocity information when the user moves (rotates) the controller 200. For example, the angular velocity sensor 230 is a sensor that detects angular velocity information about three orthogonal axes, and detects angular velocity information about the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis of the controller 200. Specifically, in FIG. 4, assuming that the rotation angle around the X axis is α, the rotation angle around the Y axis is β, and the rotation angle around the Z axis is γ, the angular velocities for these α, β, and γ are detected. . Note that the positive and negative directions of the X, Y, and Z coordinate axes and the rotation directions of α, β, and γ are not limited to those in FIG. 4 and can be set as appropriate. The angular velocity sensor 230 can be realized by, for example, a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope. Specifically, it can be realized by a multi-axis angular velocity sensing gyroscope having a MEMS structure.

  The angular velocity sensor 230 is provided in the extension unit 202 connected to the extension terminal of the main body of the controller 200, but may be provided in the main body of the controller 200. Further, in the following, in order to simplify the description, the controller main body and the expansion unit are illustrated as being integrally formed.

  The controller 200 can be held (gripped and attached) by the player, and preferably has a shape that can be rotated by a coordinate axis along the longitudinal direction, for example, but the shape of FIGS. 3A and 3B ( It is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (the cut surface along the longitudinal direction is a substantially rectangular shape). For example, various modifications may be made such that a part of the shape of FIGS. 3A and 3B is different, or a case in which the controller 200 is stored is provided.

  FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6 show examples of the motion (reference motion) of the character CH operated by the controller 200. FIG. FIG. 5A shows an example of the motion (posture) of the character CH at the reference position. FIG. 5B shows an example of motion during takeback, and FIG. 6 shows an example of motion when a ball hits (impact). When the player holds the controller 200 as shown in FIG. 2 and swings by swinging the controller 200 like a tennis racket, the character CH on the screen also swings as shown in FIGS. Do.

  Now, in order to realize a more realistic tennis game, it is desirable to realistically represent the swing of the character CH shown in FIGS. For example, in FIG. 2, when the player uses the controller 200 to perform a swing at a low hitting point (low trajectory swing), the character CH on the screen also performs a low hitting point swing. When the player swings with a high hitting point (a swing with a high trajectory), the character CH on the screen also performs a swing with a high hitting point. Alternatively, when the player uses the controller 200 to perform a serve or smash swing, the character CH automatically performs a serve or smash swing.

  However, if the swing of the character CH is to be realized by motion processing, there is a problem that the amount of motion data becomes enormous.

  In addition, a method of realizing switching of the swing trajectory and switching of the swing to serve by pressing a button of the controller 200 or the like is also conceivable.

  However, this method has a problem that it requires the user to perform an operation different from that of real-world tennis, and the user's operation becomes complicated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a reference motion corresponding to the height of the possessed object or part object of the character is prepared. For example, a possession object such as a racket, or a part object such as a hand or a foot has a first height reference motion for the case where it is the first height and a second motion for the case where it is the second height. Prepare a reference motion for height. Then, the first reference motion for height and the second reference motion for height are synthesized to generate a motion of the character, and the character is operated with the generated motion. For example, the motion synthesis rate (motion blend rate) is obtained based on the rotation angles α, β (first and second rotation angle information) about the X axis and the Y axis of the controller 200. Then, the motion of the character is generated by synthesizing the first and second reference motions for height at the obtained motion synthesis rate.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the principle of motion synthesis (motion blending). In FIG. 7, the reference motion M1 and the reference motion M2 are combined to generate a motion MB. This motion synthesis can be expressed by the equation MB = M1 × K1 + M2 × K2. Here, K1 and K2 correspond to the motion synthesis rate, and the relationship of K1 + K2 = 1 holds.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the character is composed of a plurality of part objects (part objects) PB0 to PB15. The position and direction of each part object depend on the positions of the bones B0 to B19 (the positions of the joints J0 to J15) and the rotation angle (the relative rotation angle of the child bone with respect to the parent bone) constituting the character's skeleton model. Identified. The motion storage unit 174 in FIG. 1 stores the bone position and rotation angle data as character motion data. 7 can be realized by performing processing represented by MB = M1 × K1 + M2 × K2 on the data (matrix data) of each bone of the skeleton. Only the rotation angle of the bone may be included in the motion data, and the position of the bone (joint position) may be included in the model object data of the character.

  In this embodiment, a reference motion corresponding to the height of the object (PR in FIG. 8) or the part object of the character such as a racket is prepared, and these reference motions are synthesized by the motion synthesis in FIG. The character's motion is generated.

  Specifically, the motion storage unit 174 in FIG. 1 has a plurality of first heights that are reference motions for the case where the height of the possessed object (or part object; hereinafter the same) of the character is the first height. The reference motion is stored. Also, at least one second height reference motion that is a reference motion for the case where the possessed object has the second height is stored. Then, the motion processing unit 112 synthesizes the plurality of first height reference motions and at least one second height reference motion to generate a character motion.

  Here, the first reference motion for height is a motion prepared assuming that the possessed object (part object) is at the first height. Note that it is not necessary for the height of the possessed object to exactly match among the plurality of first height reference motions. The second reference motion for height is a motion prepared assuming that the possessed object (part object) is at the second height (a height different from the first height). Note that it is not necessary for the height of the possessed object to exactly match the plurality of second height reference motions.

  FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show examples of the first reference motion for height. These reference motions are motions when the racket RK is at a low position. FIG. 9A shows the motion at the time of impact (when the ball hits), and FIG. 9B shows the motion at the time of takeback. 9A and 9B are different in the viewpoint position (the position of the virtual camera) for viewing the character CH, and FIG. 9A is a view of the character CH viewed from the front side. (B) is the figure which looked at the character CH from the right side.

  FIGS. 10A and 10B show examples of the second reference motion for height. These reference motions are motions when the racket RK is at a position higher than those in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Further, FIG. 10A shows a motion at the time of impact as in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 10B shows a motion at the time of takeback as in FIG. 9B.

  As apparent from a comparison between FIG. 10A and FIG. 9A, the position of the racket RK is higher in FIG. 10A than in FIG. 9A. Similarly, as apparent from a comparison between FIG. 10B and FIG. 9B, the position of the racket RK is higher in FIG. 10B than in FIG. 9B.

  In the present embodiment, the first height reference motion shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and the second height reference motion shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B are used. The motion of the character CH is generated by combining with the motion combining method described with reference to FIG. Specifically, when the rotation angles α and β (first and second rotation angle information about the first and second coordinates) about the X axis and the Y axis of the controller 200 are acquired, Based on these rotation angles α and β, the motion synthesis rate is obtained. Then, with the calculated motion synthesis rate, the first height reference motion of FIGS. 9A and 9B and the second height of FIGS. 10A and 10B are used. The motion of the character CH is generated by combining the reference motion.

  For example, in C1 of FIG. 11A, the rotation angle of the controller 200 around the X axis with respect to the reference direction DR is α = αi. In C2 of FIG. 11A, the rotation angle of the controller 200 around the X axis with respect to the reference direction DR is α = αi + 1.

  On the other hand, in C3 of FIG. 11B, the rotation angle of the controller 200 around the Y axis with respect to the reference direction DR is β = βj. In C4 of FIG. 11B, the rotation angle of the controller 200 around the Y axis with respect to the reference direction DR is β = βj + 1.

  In FIG. 12, as the first reference motion for height, the rotation angle around the X axis (first rotation angle information in a broad sense) is α = αi, and the rotation angle around the Y axis (in a broad sense) Is a reference motion when the second rotation angle information) is β = βj, a first reference motion M (i, j) is prepared. As a first reference motion for height, a second reference motion M that is a reference motion when the rotation angle around the X axis is α = αi + 1 and the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj. (I + 1, j) is prepared.

  The first and second reference motions M (i, j) and M (i + 1, j) for the first height have a low racket RK shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, for example. This corresponds to the reference motion in the case. The data of these motions M (i, j) and M (i + 1, j) are stored in the motion storage unit 174.

  In FIG. 12, as the second reference motion for height, the third motion which is a reference motion when the rotation angle around the X axis is α = αi and the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj + 1. The reference motion M (i, j + 1) is prepared. As the second reference motion for height, a fourth reference motion M that is a reference motion when the rotation angle around the X axis is α = αi + 1 and the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj + 1. (I + 1, j + 1) are prepared.

  For example, the third and fourth reference motions M (i, j + 1) and M (i + 1, j + 1) for the second height have a high racket RK shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Corresponds to the motion of the case. The data of these motions M (i, j + 1) and M (i + 1, j + 1) are stored in the motion storage unit 174.

  When the rotation angle α in the X-axis direction of the controller 200 is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the rotation angle β in the Y-axis direction is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the reference motion that is the target of motion synthesis is , First, second, third, and fourth reference motions M (i, j), M (i + 1, j), M (i, j + 1), and M (i + 1, j + 1) are selected. Also, a motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the rotation angles α and β. Then, the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions M (i, j), M (i + 1, j), M (i, j + 1), M (i + 1, j + 1) are obtained at the calculated motion synthesis rate. ) To generate a motion MB of the character.

  Specifically, for example, the first reference motion M (i, j) and the second reference motion M (i + 1, j) are synthesized, and the motion MB1 = K1 × M (i, j) + K2 × M (i + 1) , J). Also, the third reference motion M (i, j + 1) and the fourth reference motion M (i + 1, j + 1) are synthesized to obtain a motion MB2 = K1 × M (i, j + 1) + K2 × M (i + 1, j + 1). . Then, the motions MB1 and MB2 are synthesized to obtain the final character motion MB = K3 × MB1 + K4 × MB2.

  Here, the relationship of K1 + K2 = 1 and K3 + K4 = 1 holds. K1 and K2 (= 1−K1) are obtained from the relationship between the rotation angle α of the controller 200 and αi and αi + 1. For example, when α = αi, K1 = 1 and K2 = 0, and when α = αi + 1, K1 = 0 and K2 = 1. If α is an angle between αi and αi + 1 (middle), K1 = K2 = 1/2.

  Similarly, K3 and K4 (= 1−K3) are obtained from the relationship between the rotation angle β of the controller 200 and βj and βj + 1. For example, when β = βj, K3 = 1 and K4 = 0, and when β = βj + 1, K3 = 0 and K4 = 1. Further, when β is an angle (middle) between βj and βj + 1, K3 = K4 = 1/2.

  In FIG. 12, a case has been described in which there are two second height reference motions for motion synthesis, such as M (i, j + 1) and M (i + 1, j + 1). There may be one second reference motion for height. An example in that case is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, as in FIG. 12, as the first reference motion for height, the rotation angle around the X axis is α = αi, and the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj. 1 reference motion M (i, j) and the second reference motion M (i + 1, j) when the rotation angle around the X axis is α = αi + 1 and the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj. j) is prepared.

  In FIG. 13, a third reference motion M (j + 1) in the case where the rotation angle around the Y axis is β = βj + 1 is prepared as the second reference motion for height. As the third reference motion M (j + 1), for example, a serve motion or a smash motion in which the character racket is vertical can be assumed.

  When the rotation angle α in the X-axis direction of the controller 200 is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the rotation angle β in the Y-axis direction is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the first, second, and third Reference motions M (i, j), M (i + 1, j), and M (j + 1) are selected. Also, a motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the rotation angles α and β. Then, the first, second, and third reference motions M (i, j), M (i + 1, j), and M (j + 1) are synthesized at the calculated motion synthesis rate to generate a character motion MB. To do.

  Specifically, for example, the first reference motion M (i, j) and the second reference motion M (i + 1, j) are synthesized, and the motion MB1 = K1 × M (i, j) + K2 × M (i + 1) , J). Then, the motion MB1 and the third reference motion M (j + 1) are synthesized to obtain the final character motion MB = K3 × MB1 + K4 × M (j + 1).

  Here, the relationship of K1 + K2 = 1 and K3 + K4 = 1 holds. K1 and K2 are obtained from the relationship between the rotation angle α of the controller 200 and αi and αi + 1. Similarly, K3 and K4 are obtained from the relationship between the rotation angle β of the controller 200 and βj and βj + 1.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first height reference motion and the second height reference motion corresponding to the height of the possessed object (part object) of the character are prepared. Then, the motion of the character is generated by combining the first reference motion for height and the second reference motion for height. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform motion synthesis based on the possessed object of the character. For example, the trajectory of the possessed object (for example, the trajectory of the swing) can be appropriately expressed, and an unprecedented type of motion synthesis can be realized.

  In this embodiment, the motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the rotation angle information of the controller, and the motion synthesis of the first height reference motion and the second height reference motion is performed at the obtained motion synthesis rate. . In this way, it is possible to generate a motion in which the height of the possessed object (part object) of the character is set to a height corresponding to the rotation angle information of the controller. Accordingly, it is possible to generate a motion in which the trajectory or the like of the possessed object changes according to the rotation operation of the controller, and more realistic motion generation is possible.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to represent a realistic trajectory or the like of a character's possessed object or part object while minimizing the amount of reference motion data. Therefore, realistic image expression can be realized with a small amount of motion data.

  When the rotation angle γ (third rotation angle information) about the Z axis of the controller 200 is acquired as the operation information, it is desirable to perform character motion control that also reflects the rotation angle γ. For example, when the rotation angle γ of the controller 200 corresponds to the angle of the racket surface of the flat shot, a flat shot motion is performed, and when the rotation angle γ corresponds to the angle of the racket surface of the top spin shot, the top spin Control the character to make a shot motion. When the rotation angle γ corresponds to the angle of the racket surface of the slice shot, the character is controlled to perform the slice shot motion.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the first reference motion M (i, j, m) when the rotation angle is α = αi, β = βj, and γ = γm, and the rotation angle is α = αi + 1. , Β = βj, γ = γm, a second reference motion M (i + 1, j, m), and a third reference motion M (when rotation angles are α = αi, β = βj + 1, γ = γm) i, j + 1, m) and the fourth reference motion M (i + 1, j + 1, m) when the rotation angles are α = αi + 1, β = βj + 1, and γ = γm are stored in the motion storage unit 174. These first, second, third and fourth reference motions M (i, j, m), M (i + 1, j, m), M (i, j + 1, m), M (i + 1, j + 1, m) may be combined to generate the motion of the character.

  Similarly to the case of FIG. 12, the motion synthesis rate may be obtained from the relationship between α and αi, αi + 1, the relationship between β and βj, βj + 1, and the like. As in the case of FIG. 13, the first, second, and third reference motions M (i, j, m), M (i + 1, j, m), M (i, j + 1, m), M (j + 1) , M) may be combined to generate a character motion.

  For the rotation angle γ, for example, a plurality of angle ranges corresponding to each shot such as flat, top spin, and slice are provided, and the first, second, third, and fourth corresponding to each angle range are provided. Prepare a reference motion. For example, the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions for the first angle range, and the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions for the second angle range. First, second, third, and fourth reference motions are prepared for each range. The first, second, third, and fourth reference motions corresponding to the rotation angle γ may be selected based on which of these angle ranges the rotation angle γ belongs to.

  Alternatively, the motion of the final character may be generated by correcting the motion generated based on the rotation angles α and β based on the rotation angle γ by the method shown in FIGS. For example, after the motion is generated based on the rotation angles α and β, the rotation angle (relative rotation angle) of the arm bone B5 with respect to the shoulder bone B4 in FIG. 8 is corrected based on the rotation angle γ of the controller 200. . For example, in the case of a flat shot, the rotation angle of the bone B5 with respect to the bone B4 is corrected based on the rotation angle γ so as to swing the arm corresponding to the flat shot. Similarly, in the case of the top spin shot and the slice shot, the rotation angle of the bone B5 with respect to the bone B4 may be corrected based on the rotation angle γ so as to swing the arm corresponding to the top spin shot and the slice shot.

  Alternatively, the rotation angle of the racket bone B20 with respect to the hand bone B7 of FIG. 8 may be corrected based on the rotation angle γ of the controller 200. That is, the rotation angle of the bone B20 with respect to the bone B7 is corrected so that each shot of the flat shot, the top spin, and the slice shot is swung.

  As described above, if the motion correction based on the rotation angle γ is performed, the amount of motion data can be reduced as compared with the method of FIG. 14, and a realistic motion expression can be realized with a small amount of data.

  In the present embodiment, the motion control may be performed using not only the rotation angle γ of the controller 200 but also the reference motion corresponding to the strength of shaking the controller 200 and the game situation (the situation during the game).

  For example, when the player shakes the controller 200 strongly, a reference motion such as a character holding a racket with both hands is used. Specifically, the character performs a breathing motion in which the racket held with both hands is directed in each direction (predetermined direction).

  In the game situation where the character is in a position near the net, the reference motion for volley movement is used. Specifically, the character performs a breathing motion with the racket directed in each direction near the net.

  Also, when the character follows the ball, the moving reference motion is used. Specifically, a running motion that follows the ball is performed with the racket pointing in each direction.

  Also, it is desirable to perform motion blending (motion synthesis) when switching the reference motion to be used.

  For example, when the character starts to run with the racket to chase the ball, the standard motion of the posture is gradually shifted to the standard motion for movement by motion blending. Moreover, the motion of movement expresses the middle of them by blending two reference motions. For example, by blending the reference motion for moving in the forward direction and the reference motion for moving in the right diagonally forward direction, a reference motion for moving in the middle between the forward direction and the diagonally forward right direction is generated. .

  In this case, since each motion is generated with each reference motion, the motion can be transferred while taking over the control based on the rotation angle information of the controller from before the blending to after the blending. Therefore, the character can be controlled more intuitively.

  In addition, each reference motion described in the present embodiment is moving, and is a motion that changes with time. Then, by blending the reference motions that change with time, a swing trajectory is created and the character is set in an arbitrary direction.

  As a result, when the controller 200 is shaken or stopped, the character does not perform a mechanical operation like a robot, but performs a dynamic operation. In addition, since arbitrary frames of the reference motion are blended (synthesized), it is possible to reproduce the animated motion under the control of the controller 200 instead of reproducing the prepared motion on the screen. Therefore, the character can be controlled more intuitively while leaving the elements necessary for the game of motion.

2.2 Detailed Setting Example of Reference Motion FIGS. 15A and 15B show detailed setting examples of the reference motion. FIG. 15A is a diagram of the character CH viewed from the right side, and FIG. 15B is a diagram of the character CH viewed from the left side.

  15A and 15B, MD1 to MD8 are prepared as the first reference motion for height, and ML1 to ML8 are prepared as the second reference motion for height. Further, MU1 to MU8 are prepared as the third height reference motion, and MUU is prepared as the fourth height reference motion. In other words, these reference motion data are stored in the motion storage unit 174.

  For example, FIG. 16A shows an example of a fourth reference motion MUU for height. By using the reference motion MUU in FIG. 16A, it is possible to represent the serve swing and smash swing of the character CH. On the other hand, FIG. 16B shows an example of the third reference motion MU1 for height. By using the reference motion MU1 in FIG. 16B, a swing at a high hitting point close to a smash can be expressed.

  For example, the reference motion MUU in FIG. 16A is used as the reference motion M (j + 1) in FIG. 13, and the reference motion MU1 in FIG. 16B is used as the reference motion M (i, j) in FIG. Further, the reference motion MU2 of FIG. 15A is used as the reference motion M (i + 1, j) of FIG.

  Then, by combining the reference motions of M (j + 1) = MUU, M (i, j) = MU1, and M (i + 1, j) = MU2 by the method described in FIG. The motion of the character CH in the angle range corresponding to the reference motions MUU, MU1, and MU2 can be generated.

  FIG. 17A shows an example of the second height reference motion ML1. On the other hand, FIG. 17B shows an example of the second height reference motion ML3. These reference motions ML1 and ML3 are reference motions for the case where the height of the racket RK is the second height.

  FIG. 18A shows an example of the first height reference motion MD1. This reference motion MD1 is a reference motion for the case where the height of the racket RK is the first height. As apparent from a comparison between FIG. 17A and FIG. 18A, the height of the racket RK is lower in FIG. 18A than in FIG. 17A.

  FIG. 18B shows an example of the second reference motion ML7 for height. This reference motion ML7 is a backswing reference motion, unlike the fore swing reference motion ML3 of FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, a plurality of angle ranges corresponding to three or four reference motions are prepared for each angle range. For example, a first angle range corresponding to the reference motions of MU1, MU2, and MUU in FIG. 15A and a second angle range corresponding to the reference motions of ML1, ML2, MU1, and MU2 are prepared. Then, an angle range to which the rotation angles α and β of the controller 200 belong is specified from the plurality of angle ranges, a reference motion corresponding to the specified angle range is read, and motion synthesis is performed.

  For example, when it is determined that the rotation angles α and β belong to the first angle range corresponding to MU1, MU2, and MUU, the reference motions MU1, MU2, and MUU are read, the motion synthesis is performed, and the character CH Generate motion. When it is determined that the rotation angles α and β belong to the second angle range corresponding to ML1, ML2, MU1, and MU2, the reference motions ML1, ML2, MU1, and MU2 are read and the motion synthesis is performed. The motion of the character CH is generated.

  In this manner, for example, when the player swings the controller 200 like a racket in FIG. 2, an appropriate motion corresponding to the position of the controller 200 is synthesized based on the rotation angles α and β of the controller 200. Character motion will be generated. For example, when the player swings up the controller 200 like a serve, the motion of the character CH is also as shown in FIG. When the player swings the controller 200 in a high hitting point trajectory, the motion of the character CH also becomes a high hitting point swing motion as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the swing trajectory of the controller 200 corresponds to the swing trajectory of the racket RK of the character CH, and a more realistic motion expression can be realized.

  In addition, when the reference motion is set as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the following problems may occur. For example, it is assumed that after the player swings the controller 200 and the character CH is in the fore swing take-back position as shown in FIG. 5B, the controller 200 is further pulled backward. Then, there is a possibility that the motion of the character CH becomes a back swing posture as shown in FIG. The same applies to the case where the controller 200 is further pulled backward after the character CH has performed the back swing take-back.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rotation angle α (first rotation angle information) exceeds the angle limit value, the motion synthesis is performed using the reference motion corresponding to the angle limit value. For example, in FIG. 19A, the rotation angle α exceeds the angle limit value αLM = 180 degrees. In FIG. 19B, the rotation angle α exceeds the angle limit value αLM = −180 degrees. In this case, the motion synthesis is performed using the reference motions MD5, ML5, MU5, etc. corresponding to the angle limit value αLM among the reference motions of FIGS. 15A and 15B. For example, the motion (synthesized motion) used when the rotation angle α exceeds the angle limit value αLM is used as it is.

  By doing this, even when the player pulls the controller 200 further rearward after takeback, the player swings unnaturally from the fore swing to the back swing, or unnaturally switches from the back swing to the fore swing. Can be prevented.

2.3 Hit Calculation Processing Based on Controller Rotation Angle Information Now, in the real world tennis, there are various shots such as top spin and slice other than the flat shot as shown in FIG. For example, in the top spin shot, compared to the flat shot of FIG. 6, the direction of the racket surface is downward when the ball impacts (the angle with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than 90 degrees), and the forward rotation with respect to the ball is performed. Take it. On the other hand, in the slice shot, compared to the flat shot in FIG. 6, the racket surface is directed upward (the angle with respect to the horizontal plane is greater than 90 degrees) at the time of impact of the ball, and a reverse rotation is applied to the ball. .

  However, in conventional tennis games, it has been difficult to realize such various shots such as topspin and slice by an operation that does not make the player feel uncomfortable. For example, a method of performing top spin and slice classification by operating a direction instruction key or a button can be considered. Specifically, when the lower side is instructed by the direction instruction key, the top spin shot is selected, and when the upper side is instructed, the slice shot is selected. However, such an operation is different from the sense of tennis swing in the real world, and such an operation may give the player a virtual reality that the player is actually playing tennis. difficult.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 2, when the player swings the controller 200 like a tennis racket and the character CH on the screen swings and hits the ball BL, a shot using such a direction instruction key or the like is used. In this arrangement, the virtual reality of the player cannot be improved. That is, the operation of swinging the controller 200 is the same as in the real world tennis, but the top spin and slice allocation is different from the real world, meaning that the game operation as shown in FIG. 2 is realized. It will fade.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, rotation angle information about a predetermined coordinate axis of the controller 200, for example, rotation angle information about the Z axis (third coordinate axis) is acquired. Then, based on the obtained rotation angle information, the movement state and movement state (movement direction and rotation state) of the ball BL (hit object in a broad sense) hit by the racket RK (hit in the broad sense) are set. Perform hit calculation processing.

  For example, in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the movement state and the operation state of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information of the controller 200 at the hit timing of the ball BL by the racket RK.

  Specifically, in FIG. 20A, the rotation angle γ around the Z axis of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is set to γ = 0 when the initial value at the reference position is set to 0 (degrees), for example. It has become. As described above, when the rotation angle around the Z-axis at the hit timing TH is γ = 0, it is determined that the surface of the racket RK is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and the ball BL Set the movement direction and rotation state. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies on a flat shot trajectory at a relatively high speed with almost no rotation.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 20B, the rotation angle of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is γ = γA. Accordingly, the angle formed by the racket surface and the horizontal plane is smaller than 90 degrees, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is downward, and for example, the movement direction and the rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a top spin shot. Set. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies in the top spin shot orbit by forward rotation.

  In FIG. 20C, the rotation angle of the controller 200 at the hit timing TH is γ = −γB. Therefore, the angle formed by the racket surface and the horizontal plane is larger than 90 degrees, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is upward, and for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to become a slice shot. To do. For example, the movement calculation process of the ball BL is performed so that the ball BL flies in the path of the slice shot with the rotation in the reverse direction.

  20A to 20C can be realized by determining the angle range to which the rotation angle γ belongs, for example. As an example, when -γ1 ≦ γ ≦ γ1, it is determined that the shot is a flat shot, and when γ1 <γ <γ2, it is determined that it is a top spin shot, and −γ2 <γ <−γ1. In some cases, a slice shot may be determined.

  21A to 21C, the movement state and the operation state after the hit of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information of the controller 200 in the hit determination period. Specifically, based on the change information of the rotation angle information in the hit determination period, the movement state and the operation state after the hit of the ball BL are set. For example, the movement state and the operation state of the ball BL are set based on the rotation angle information at the first timing and the rotation angle information at the second timing.

  For example, in FIG. 21A, the rotation angle around the Z-axis at the first timing TM1 before the hit timing TH is γ = 0, and the racket surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. To be judged. Further, at the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is downward compared to the timing TM1. Further, at the second timing TM2 after the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = γB> γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is further downward compared to the hit timing TH. . As described above, when the direction of the racket surface changes downward before and after the hit timing, for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a top spin shot. When the change in the rotation angle before and after the hit timing is large, for example, the rotation speed (rotation amount) of the top spin may be increased.

  In FIG. 21B, the rotation angle around the Z-axis at the first timing TM1 before the hit timing TH is γ = 0, and the racket surface is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. To be judged. Further, at the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = −γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is upward compared to the timing TM1. Further, at the second timing TM2 after the hit timing TH, the rotation angle is γ = −γB <−γA, and it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is further upward than the hit timing TH. Is done. As described above, when the direction of the racket surface changes upward before and after the hit timing, for example, the moving direction and rotation state of the ball BL are set so as to be a slice shot. When the change in the rotation angle before and after the hit timing is large, the slice rotation speed (rotation amount) may be increased.

  Further, in FIG. 21C, it is determined that the direction of the racket surface is directed upward at timings TM1, TH, and TM2. Further, for example, based on the rotation angle β around the Y axis, it is determined that the position of the racket RK is gradually moving upward. Therefore, in this case, the movement direction, rotation state, and the like of the ball BL are set so that the ball BL is a lob shot that flies upward.

  In this way, in FIGS. 20A to 20C, only the rotation angle at the hit timing TH is used, whereas in FIGS. 21A to 21C, the hit timing TH is used. The movement direction, rotation state, etc. of the ball BL are set by reflecting the rotation angles at the timings TM1, TM2 before and after. In this way, the trajectory of the ball BL after the hit can be brought closer to the trajectory of the real world, and the player's virtual reality can be further improved. In addition, not only the hit timing but also the rotation angle of the controller at the timing before and after it is reflected, so that it is possible to make a shot reflecting the angle of the racket surface in follow-through or takeback.

  22A to 22D show setting examples of the rotation direction and movement direction of each shot of flat, top spin, slice, and lob. As shown in the figure, in the flat or lob, the ball BL flies almost without rotation, the top spin rotates in the forward direction, and the slice spin rotates in the reverse direction. On the other hand, in the flat, the ball BL flies horizontally, whereas in the lob, it flies upward. The setting of the rotation direction and movement direction of the ball BL is not limited to FIGS. 22A to 22D, and various modifications can be made. For example, a top spin lob that flies upward while rotating in the forward direction may be reproduced. Further, the trajectory of the shot of the ball BL after the hit may be obtained by performing a physical simulation process based on the movement state and the motion state set at the time of the hit, or is set at the time of hitting from a plurality of shot trajectories. Alternatively, it may be obtained by selecting a shot trajectory according to the moving state or the operating state. Also, it is desirable that the trajectory after the shot ball BL bounces on the ground (field) is set to a trajectory corresponding to the type of each shot. Specifically, the trajectory is set to reflect the rotation state such as the rotation direction and rotation speed at the time of hit. For example, in the case of a top spin shot, the trajectory is set so that it jumps high after bouncing. For flat shots, the trajectory should bounce at the same angle. In the case of slice shots, for example, the trajectory is set such that the ball bounces low and extends so as to slide on the ground. As described above, in this embodiment, hit calculation processing is executed using rotation angle information about the predetermined coordinate axis of the controller 200. In this way, for example, the control of the tennis racket surface can be realized by the rotation operation of the controller 200 around the predetermined coordinate axis. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an operation interface environment that is difficult to realize in a conventional sports game and the like, and the operation of the controller 200 matches the movement of the character, so that the virtual reality of the player can be improved.

  For example, conventionally, an acceleration sensor 224 provided in the controller 200 is used to detect that the player has shaken the controller 200. In such a method using only the acceleration sensor 224, it is difficult to accurately obtain an absolute rotation angle around each coordinate axis. Further, in the acceleration sensor 224, it is difficult to obtain the rotation angle around the Z axis along the longitudinal direction of the controller 200.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, the angular velocity sensor 230 is used to obtain the rotation angle around each coordinate axis of the controller 200, and the hit calculation processing is realized using this rotation angle. Therefore, more intelligent and accurate hit calculation processing can be realized as compared with the conventional method using only the acceleration sensor 224. It should be noted that a sensor other than the angular velocity sensor 230 may be employed as a sensor for obtaining the rotation angle around each coordinate axis of the controller 200.

2.4 Setting the Hit Strength As described above, in this embodiment, the rotation angle around the predetermined coordinate axis is obtained using the angular velocity sensor 230 of the controller 200, and the hit calculation process is executed. At this time, the hit strength (hit force, hit acceleration) of the ball BL may be set using the acceleration obtained by the acceleration sensor 224, for example.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the acceleration sensor 224 detects the acceleration AV in the direction along the Z axis (direction along the third coordinate axis). This acceleration AV is an acceleration corresponding to a centrifugal force (precisely, a resultant force of centrifugal force and gravity) generated in the Z-axis direction by swinging the controller 200. Then, based on the detected acceleration AV, the strength of the hit when the ball BL is hit by the racket RK is set.

  For example, when the player swings the controller 200 at a high speed, the acceleration AV corresponding to the centrifugal force in the Z-axis direction increases. Therefore, in this case, the ball BL is strongly hit. For example, the acceleration in the hit direction of the ball BL is set to a large value. On the other hand, when the player swings the controller 200 at a slow speed, the acceleration AV corresponding to the centrifugal force in the Z-axis direction also decreases. Accordingly, in this case, the ball BL is hit weakly. For example, the acceleration in the hit direction of the ball BL is set to a small value.

  In this way, the swing speed and the strength of the hit are proportional, and the shot of the real world ball BL can be reproduced more faithfully. That is, the angular velocity sensor 230 and the acceleration sensor 224 can be used properly to realize the hit calculation processing of the ball BL by the racket RK. Note that the strength of hitting the ball BL may be set by reflecting, for example, the rotational speed around the X axis. For example, when the rotational speed around the X axis is fast, the strength of hitting the ball BL is also increased.

    Further, based on the acceleration AV, the swing speed (motion speed) at which the character swings the racket RK (possible object, part object) may be set. For example, when the acceleration AV is large, the character is caused to perform a motion that makes the racket RK swing faster, and when the acceleration AV is small, the character is caused to perform a motion that causes the racket RK to swing slowly. In this way, a more realistic image can be generated.

2.5 Reference Position When the angular velocity sensor 230 is used, information obtained from the sensor is an angular velocity. Therefore, when an absolute rotation angle is obtained, it is desirable to set an initial value of the rotation angle because an angular velocity integration process or the like is performed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference position detection unit 108 detects the reference position of the controller 200. This reference position is a position for setting initial values of the rotation angles α, β, γ around the X, Y, Z axes of the controller 200, for example.

  Various methods can be considered as the method for detecting the reference position. In this embodiment, the reference position is set when the player performs a predetermined operation notifying that the controller 200 has been set to the reference position. Judging. Specifically, in FIG. 24, the player holds the controller 200 corresponding to the racket on the front side of the body and takes the posture of the reference position similar to that of tennis. Then, by pressing the trigger button 214, the game apparatus 300 is informed that the controller 200 has been set to the reference position. Then, the rotation angles α, β, γ of the controller 200 are set to initial values (for example, 0 degrees). Thereafter, when the player swings with the controller 200 regarded as a racket, the rotation angles α, β, and γ are changed from the initial values based on the angular velocities detected by the angular velocity sensor 230, and the rotation from the reference position is performed. An angle is obtained. Then, the character CH swings as shown in FIGS. 5A to 6 to make a shot of the ball BL.

  In this way, the player repeats the action of pushing the trigger button 214 and swinging after holding the controller 200 corresponding to the racket on the front side of the body in the same manner as in actual tennis, so that the opponent character CC You can enjoy the rally. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the tennis game with an operation in which the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  The reference position detection method is not limited to the method shown in FIG. For example, the operation of a button other than the trigger button 214 may be used to notify the reference position. Alternatively, the reference position may be detected by detecting a light emitting element or the like attached to the display portion 190 by imaging with the imaging element 220 in FIG. For example, the reference position is detected when the player points the image sensor 220 toward the screen side of the display unit 190.

2.6 Setting of Hit Determination Area In this embodiment, the angle of the surface of the racket RK is set based on the rotation angle γ of the controller 200 acquired by the angular velocity sensor 230. On the other hand, the hit determination area may be set based on the rotation angles α and β of the controller 200 acquired by the angular velocity sensor 230.

  For example, in FIG. 25A, the controller 200 is rotated by α = αi around the X axis with respect to the reference direction DR (direction in the case of the reference position). In this case, as shown in FIG. 25B, the hit determination area HA is also set to a position rotated by α = αi with respect to the reference direction. For example, assuming that there is a racket RK at a predetermined radial position from the center of the character CH, a hit determination area HA (hit volume) including this racket RK (racquet surface) is set. Then, whether or not the ball BL is hit by the racket RK is determined by performing a hit check process between the hit determination area HA and the ball BL.

  In FIG. 25C, the controller 200 rotates by β = βj around the Y axis with respect to the reference direction DR. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25D, the hit determination area HA is also set to a position rotated by β = βj with respect to the reference direction.

  In this way, when the player swings the controller 200 like a racket, the racket RK is arranged at a position corresponding to each position when the controller 200 is swung, and the hit determination area HA and the ball BL including the racket RK The hit check process is performed. Therefore, the player can shot the ball BL by swinging the controller 200 like in actual tennis, and can realize a tennis game faithful to the real world.

  In setting the hit determination area HA, the rotation angle γ around the Z axis may be reflected. For example, when the hit determination area HA has a plate shape, the angle of the plate-shaped surface may be set by a rotation angle γ around the Z axis.

  Further, the size of the hit determination area HA may be changed based on the ability parameter and status parameter of the character. For example, in FIG. 25E, since the character CH1 is a character with a low ability parameter, the size of the hit determination area HA set on the racket RK (racquet surface) is also small. Therefore, when the character CH1 swings, it is difficult for the ball BL to hit, and it can be reflected in the game result that the ability of the character CH1 is low.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 25F, since the character CH2 is a character having a high ability parameter, the size of the hit determination area HA is large. Accordingly, when the character CH2 swings, the ball BL is more easily hit than in the case of the character CH1, so that it is possible to reflect the high ability of the character CH2 in the game result.

  Note that the size of the hit determination area HA may be changed according to the status parameter indicating the current tone of the character. Or you may set the magnitude | size of the hit determination area HA according to the difficulty level setting set in the case of a game play. For example, in the case of a beginner player, the size of the hit determination area HA is increased, and in the case of an advanced player, the size of the hit determination area HA is decreased. This makes it possible to set the difficulty level with a simple process.

  In addition, although the case where the method of this embodiment was applied to the tennis game was demonstrated above, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a baseball game as shown in FIG. In this case, the hit body is a bat held (held) by the character, and the hit object is a baseball. In this case, a reference motion corresponding to the height of the bat may be prepared and synthesized. Alternatively, the rotation state of the ball hit by the bat may be set based on the rotation angle γ around the Z axis of the controller 200. When applied to a golf game, the hit body becomes a club possessed by the character, and the hit object becomes a golf ball. Also in this case, a reference motion corresponding to the club height may be prepared and synthesized. Alternatively, the rotation state of the ball may be set based on the rotation angle γ.

  Further, it can be applied to a sword fighting game as shown in FIG. In this case, the hit body is a sword possessed by the character, and the hit object is an opponent character (each part of the opponent character) or the like. In this case, a reference motion corresponding to the sword height may be prepared and synthesized. Alternatively, the direction in which the blade of the sword faces is set based on the rotation angle γ around the Z axis of the controller 200. For example, when the rotation angle γ is appropriate and the direction in which the blade of the sword faces is appropriate, the sharpness of the sword becomes sharp. Alternatively, by controlling the direction in which the sword faces by the rotation angle γ, so-called peaking or the like can be expressed.

  In addition, the hit body is not limited to the possession (grip) of the character as shown in FIGS. 26 (A) and 26 (B), and may be a part such as a hand or a foot constituting the character. For example, in the soccer game of FIG. 26C, the leg and head of the character become the hit body, and the soccer ball becomes the hit object. In this case as well, a reference motion corresponding to the height of the foot or head part may be prepared and synthesized. Alternatively, the twist angle of the foot when the ball is kicked may be expressed by the rotation angle γ around the Z axis of the controller 200, and the rotation state of the ball after kicking may be set. Also, for example, in a volleyball game, a part of the character's hand becomes a hit body, and a volleyball ball becomes a hit object. In this case, a reference motion corresponding to the height of the hand part may be prepared and synthesized. Alternatively, based on the rotation angle γ around the Z axis of the controller 200, the rotation state of the ball at the time of attack or at the time of serving may be set.

  In the baseball game and the sword fighting game shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the controller 200 may be housed in a case simulating a baseball bat or sword. In the soccer game of FIG. 26C, the controller 200 may be attached to the player's foot using a band or the like.

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

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the hit calculation process. First, it is determined whether or not the reference position setting operation as described with reference to FIG. 24 has been performed by the player (step S1). When the reference position setting operation is performed, the rotation angle is instructed (step S2). Thereby, for example, the rotation angles (α, β, γ) of the controller 200 are set to initial values. And the rotation angle and acceleration of the controller 200 are acquired, and the acquired rotation angle and acceleration are preserve | saved at the memory | storage part 170 (step S3, S4).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the ball hits the racket. If the ball hits, the rotation angle obtained after the hit is stored until a predetermined frame (for example, several frames) elapses (steps S5 and S6). , S7). Thereby, the rotation angle acquired in the hit determination section including the timing before and after the hit timing is stored.

  Next, as described in FIGS. 21A to 21C, based on the change information of the rotation angle before and after the ball hit timing (first and second timing), the rotation direction of the ball, A rotation speed and the like are set (step S8). For example, the rotation direction is set so that the rotation is forward in the case of top spin, and the reverse rotation in the case of slice. Further, when the change in the rotation angle (γ) before and after the hit timing is large, the rotation speed (rotation amount) of the ball is increased.

  Next, the hit direction of the ball is set based on the rotation angle of the controller 200, change information of the rotation angle, and hit timing (step S9). For example, the ball hit direction is set to the right, for example, in the case of a hit delay timing, and the ball hit direction is set, for example, to the left in the case of a fast hit timing. Then, as described in FIG. 23, the hit strength of the ball is set based on the acceleration along the Z-axis direction at the hit timing (step S10).

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart of motion processing. First, the rotation angle (α, β) of the controller 200 is acquired (step S11). Then, as described in FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, etc., the angle range to which the acquired rotation angle belongs is specified (step S12).

  Next, the reference motion corresponding to the specified angle range is read (step S13). Taking FIG. 12 as an example, the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions M (i, j) as the reference motions corresponding to the angle ranges of αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, M (i + 1, j), M (i, j + 1), and M (i + 1, j + 1) are read out. Further, based on the obtained rotation angles (α, β), the motion synthesis rate (K1, K2, K3, K4) is obtained (step S14). Then, the read reference motion is synthesized at the calculated motion synthesis rate to generate a character motion (step S15). At this time, for example, motion correction based on the rotation angle (γ) is performed. Then, the character is operated with the generated motion (corrected motion) (step S16).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, a term (racket, ball, etc.) described together with a different term (hit body, hit object, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning at least once in the specification or drawing is used anywhere in the specification or drawing. It can be replaced by that different term. Moreover, hit calculation processing, motion processing, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention. 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.

100 processing unit, 101 operation information acquisition unit, 102 game calculation unit,
104 object space setting unit, 106 hit calculation processing unit,
108 reference position detection unit, 110 hit determination area setting unit,
112 motion processing unit, 114 character control unit, 116 virtual camera control unit,
120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit,
172 Object data storage unit, 174 Motion storage unit, 176 Drawing buffer,
180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit, 194 auxiliary storage device,
196 communication unit, 200 controller, 202 expansion unit, 210 direction instruction key,
212 A button, 214 Trigger button, 220 Image sensor,
222 wireless communication module, 224 acceleration sensor, 230 angular velocity sensor

Claims (17)

A motion storage unit for storing a plurality of reference motions;
A motion processing unit that generates a character motion by combining the plurality of reference motions;
A character control unit that performs control to move the character based on the generated motion;
As an image generator that generates images,
Make the computer work,
The motion storage unit
A plurality of first reference motions for height that are reference motions when the height of the possessed object possessed by the character or the part object constituting the character is the first height;
Storing at least one second height reference motion that is a reference motion when the possessing object or the part object is at a second height;
The motion processing unit
The program for generating the motion of the character by combining the plurality of first height reference motions and the at least one second height reference motion. In claim 1,
When the coordinate axis set along the major axis direction of the controller is the third coordinate axis, and the coordinate axes orthogonal to the third coordinate axis are the first and second coordinate axes, the first and second coordinate rotations As an operation information acquisition unit for acquiring the first and second rotation angle information, which is rotation angle information, as operation information,
Make the computer work better,
The motion processing unit
A motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the first and second rotation angle information, and the plurality of first height reference motions and the at least one second height are obtained at the obtained motion synthesis rate. A program characterized by generating a motion of a character by synthesizing a reference motion. In claim 2,
The motion storage unit
As the first height reference motion, a first reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj; Storing a second reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj;
As the second reference motion for height, a third reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1; Storing a fourth reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1,
The motion processing unit
When the acquired first rotation angle information α is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the acquired second rotation angle information β is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the first and second rotations are performed. The motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the angle information α and β, and the first, second, third, and fourth reference motions are synthesized with the obtained motion synthesis rate to generate a character motion. A program characterized by In claim 2,
The motion storage unit
As the first height reference motion, a first reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi and the second rotation angle information is β = βj; Storing a second reference motion that is a reference motion when the first rotation angle information is α = αi + 1 and the second rotation angle information is β = βj;
As the second height reference motion, a third reference motion that is a reference motion when the second rotation angle information is β = βj + 1 is stored,
The motion processing unit
When the acquired first rotation angle information α is αi ≦ α ≦ αi + 1 and the acquired second rotation angle information β is βj ≦ β ≦ βj + 1, the first and second rotations are performed. The motion synthesis rate is obtained based on the angle information α and β, and the character motion is generated by synthesizing the first, second, and third reference motions with the obtained motion synthesis rate. Program to do. In any of claims 2 to 4,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining third rotation angle information which is rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis;
The motion processing unit
A program for correcting the generated motion of the character based on the third rotation angle information. In any of claims 2 to 5,
The motion processing unit
A program characterized in that when the first rotation angle information exceeds an angle limit value, motion synthesis is performed using a reference motion corresponding to the angle limit value. In any one of Claims 2 thru | or 6.
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining third rotation angle information which is rotation angle information about the third coordinate axis;
Based on the acquired third rotation angle information, as a hit calculation processing unit that performs hit calculation processing for setting at least one of the movement direction and the rotation state after hit of the hit object hit by the hit body,
Further, a program for causing a computer to function. In claim 7,
The hit calculation processing unit
Based on the third rotation angle information of the controller at the hit timing of the hit object by the hit object, at least one of a moving direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object is set. program. In claim 8,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis;
The hit calculation processing unit
A program for setting hit strength information of the hit object by the hit body based on the acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis. In any one of Claims 7 thru | or 9,
The hit calculation processing unit
A program that sets at least one of a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on the third rotation angle information of the controller in a hit determination period. In claim 10,
The hit calculation processing unit
A program that sets at least one of a movement direction and a rotation state after the hit of the hit object based on change information of the third rotation angle information of the controller in the hit determination period. In claim 11,
The hit calculation processing unit
Based on the third rotation angle information at the first timing of the hit determination period and the third rotation angle information at the second timing of the hit determination period, the hit object moves after the hit. A program that sets at least one of a direction and a rotation state. In claim 12,
The operation information acquisition unit
Obtaining acceleration information in a direction along the third coordinate axis;
The hit calculation processing unit
Based on the acceleration information in the direction along the third coordinate axis at the hit timing between the first timing and the second timing, the hit strength information of the hit object by the hit body is set. A program characterized by that. In any of claims 2 to 13,
Further causing the computer to function as a reference position detector for detecting that the controller is set to a reference position;
The operation information acquisition unit
A program for obtaining the first and second rotation angle information set to an initial value when the controller is set to the reference position. In claim 14,
The reference position detector is
A program for determining that the controller is set to the reference position when a player performs a predetermined operation for notifying that the controller is set to the reference position by the controller.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is stored. A motion storage unit for storing a plurality of reference motions;
A motion processing unit that generates a character motion by combining the plurality of reference motions;
A character control unit that performs control to move the character based on the generated motion;
An image generation unit for generating an image,
The motion storage unit
A plurality of first reference motions for height that are reference motions when the height of the possessed object possessed by the character or the part object constituting the character is the first height;
Storing at least one second height reference motion that is a reference motion when the possessing object or the part object is at a second height;
The motion processing unit
The image generation system, wherein the plurality of first height reference motions and the at least one second height reference motion are combined to generate the character motion.