JP2011053838A - Program, information storage medium, and image generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation device for determining an object to be processed, and for performing prescribed arithmetic processing on the object by more reducing a processing load than a conventional manner. <P>SOLUTION: On the basis of pixel data for identifying each of a plurality of objects, processing for generating an image including the plurality of objects is performed, and on the basis of input information from an input part, the instruction position of the image is obtained, and on the basis of the pixel data of pixels corresponding to the instruction position, processing for determining the objects shown by the pixels is performed, and prescribed arithmetic processing corresponding to the determined objects is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventionally, there has been known an image generation device (game system) that generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character is set. It is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality.

  For example, there is an image generation apparatus in which a player uses an input unit to generate an image of a shooting game in which a bullet is fired to shoot an enemy character in an object space (three-dimensional space).

JP-A-11-259686

  In such a conventional image generating apparatus, hit processing between a ray (line) indicating a movement path of a bullet and an enemy object based on the movement speed and movement direction of the bullet in the object space (an example of given calculation processing) It is carried out. That is, the conventional hit processing has a problem that the processing load is high because the hit processing between the ray and the enemy object is performed while calculating the moving speed and moving direction of the bullet in the three-dimensional space every frame.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a program and an information storage medium capable of reducing a processing load as compared to the conventional method, determining an object to be processed, and performing a given arithmetic process on the object And providing an image generation apparatus.

  (1) The present invention is a program that performs a given calculation process, and based on pixel data that identifies each of a plurality of objects, an image generation unit that performs a process of generating an image including the plurality of objects; An acquisition unit that acquires an indicated position of the image based on input information from the input unit; and a determination unit that performs a process of determining an object indicated by the pixel based on pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as an arithmetic processing unit that performs a given arithmetic processing according to the object determined by the determining unit.

  The present invention relates to a computer-readable information storage medium, and relates to an information storage medium that stores a program that causes a computer to function as each unit, and an image generation apparatus that includes each unit.

  According to the present invention, the processing for determining the object is performed based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position, and the given arithmetic processing is performed according to the determined object, so that the processing load is reduced as compared with the conventional case. Thus, it is possible to determine the object to be processed and perform a given arithmetic process on the object. For example, a given calculation process includes a determination process for determining whether or not a determined object is a given object, an effect process (operation process) for the determined object, and a parameter corresponding to the determined object. Control, etc.

  (2) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the pixel data includes color information or translucent information, and each of the plurality of objects is identified by the color information or translucent information. It may be. According to the present invention, an image that can identify each of a plurality of objects is generated using color information (for example, three primary colors of RGB) and translucent information (A value (α value)). Each object can be identified.

  (3) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit generates the image based on pixel data defining a depth value, and the determination unit The object may be determined based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to. According to the present invention, since the process of determining an object in consideration of the depth is performed, the processing efficiency is increased and the processing load can be further reduced.

  (4) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit generates the image based on pixel data that identifies each of a plurality of parts constituting the object, and determines the determination. The unit performs a process of determining one of a plurality of parts constituting the object based on pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the designated position, and the arithmetic processing unit is determined by the determination unit. Alternatively, a given calculation process corresponding to the part may be performed. According to the present invention, since a given calculation process is performed according to the part determined based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position, the part to be processed is determined while reducing the processing load compared to the conventional method. Thus, it is possible to perform a given calculation process according to the part.

  (5) Further, in the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit generates the display output image and generates the image based on the pixel data defining the depth value. The arithmetic processing unit, when the object determined by the determination unit is a given object, in the display output image, based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the indicated position, Effect processing may be performed on the object. According to the present invention, since the effect processing is performed based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position of the image, it is possible to reduce the processing load and express the effect in consideration of the depth.

  (6) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit generates the display output image and generates the image based on pixel data defining a normal vector. When the object determined by the determining unit is a given object, the arithmetic processing unit generates a normal vector indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position in the display output image. Based on this, effect processing may be performed on the object. According to the present invention, since the effect processing is performed based on the normal vector indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position of the image, it is possible to reduce the processing load and express the effect in consideration of the normal vector. it can.

  (7) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device according to the present invention, the image generation unit generates the display output image and generates the image based on pixel data defining attribute information. When the object determined by the determining unit is a given object, the arithmetic processing unit is based on attribute information indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position in the display output image. The effect processing may be performed on the object. According to the present invention, since the effect processing is performed based on the attribute information indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position of the image, it is possible to reduce the processing load and express the effect in consideration of the attribute information. For example, the attribute information can be material information.

  (8) Further, the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention further cause a computer to function as a setting unit that sets a predetermined range in the image based on the designated position, and the determination unit A process for determining one or a plurality of objects is performed based on pixel data of one or a plurality of pixels within a predetermined range, and the arithmetic processing unit is configured for each of the one or a plurality of the objects determined by the determination unit. A given calculation process may be performed. According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to easily determine one or a plurality of objects to be given a calculation processing target.

  (9) Further, in the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit performs a process of generating a display output image in which an instruction marker corresponding to the instruction position is drawn, and the setting unit However, a predetermined range may be set according to at least one of the shape and size of the pointing marker. According to the present invention, since the predetermined range is set according to at least one of the shape and size of the marker drawn in the display output image, the shape and size of the instruction marker displayed in the display output image are set. A given calculation process reflecting at least one can be performed.

  (10) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, when the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of specified positions, generates a common specified position based on a positional relationship between the specified positions. The computer further functions as an instruction position control unit for determining whether or not, and when the determination unit determines to generate the common instruction position, based on pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the common instruction position You may make it perform the process which determines an object.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an environment in which each player cooperates with each other, and to encourage the player to participate in multiplayer.

  (11) Further, the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention cause the computer to further function as a setting unit that sets a second predetermined range in the image based on the common designated position, and When the unit is determined to generate the common indication position, the unit performs processing for determining one or a plurality of objects based on pixel data of one or a plurality of pixels within the second predetermined range, The arithmetic processing unit may perform given arithmetic processing for each of the one or more objects determined by the determining unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the environment which performs the specific calculation process peculiar in multiplayer mode can be provided, and a player can be encouraged to participate in multiplayer.

  (12) In the program, the information storage medium, and the image generation device of the present invention, the image generation unit performs a process of drawing a display output image in a display output image buffer, and displays the image as the display You may make it perform the process drawn in the image buffer for reduction which reduced the image buffer for output. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the processing load when generating an image.

The example of a functional block diagram of the image generation device of this embodiment. 1 is an external view of an image generation apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3A shows an example of a display output image. FIG. 3B shows an example of an arithmetic processing image. FIG. 4A shows an example of an object used in the display output image. FIG. 4B shows an example of an object used in the arithmetic processing image. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining identification of a plurality of objects by color information or translucent information. FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an image buffer and a Z buffer for storing a display output image. FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of an image buffer and a Z buffer for storing an arithmetic processing image. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of a method for acquiring a designated position. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of a technique for selecting a hit area and a pixel. 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams of a conventional hit technique. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of normal vectors. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of normal vectors and attributes based on color information or translucent information. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a method for acquiring a common designated position. FIG. 13A shows an example of a display output image. FIG. 13B shows an example of an arithmetic processing image. 14A and 14B show examples of enemy objects. FIG. 15A shows a Z image of the display output image. FIG. 15B shows a Z image of the calculation processing image. FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an example in which hit processing is performed by physical calculation. The flowchart figure of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the application example of this embodiment. FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams of images for arithmetic processing.

  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 functional block diagram of an image generation device (computer, terminal, game device) of this embodiment. Note that the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The input unit 160 is a device for inputting input information from the player, and outputs the input information of the player to the processing unit. The input unit 160 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 162 that detects input information (input signal) of the player. The input unit 160 includes, for example, a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, and the like. Further, the input unit 160 may include a vibrating unit that performs a process of vibrating based on a predetermined vibration signal.

  The input unit 160 may be an input device including an acceleration sensor that detects triaxial acceleration, a gyro sensor that detects angular velocity, and an imaging unit. For example, the input device may be one that the player holds and moves, or one that the player wears and moves. Input devices also include controllers made by imitating actual tools such as sword-type controllers and gun-type controllers held by players, or glove-type controllers worn by players (attached to hands by players) It is. The input device also includes an image generation device, a portable image generation device, a mobile phone, and the like that are integrated with the input device.

  The detection unit 162 performs processing for detecting input information from the input unit 160. For example, the detection unit 162 detects an input signal generated when a trigger (trigger) of the input unit 160 is pulled as input information (attack input information). For example, the detection unit 162 detects input information (instruction input information) indicating the position of the aim (gun site) from the input unit 160.

  For example, when the input unit 160 is a touch panel type display in which a liquid crystal display and a touch panel for detecting the contact position of the player are stacked, the input information of the instruction input device such as a touch pen or the contact position information of the fingertip is input. Detect as.

  Further, when the input unit 160 is an input device including an imaging unit, instruction position information in the captured image is detected as input information. More specifically, the imaging unit includes an infrared filter, a lens, an imaging element (image sensor), and an image processing circuit. Here, the infrared filter is disposed in front of the input device, and allows only infrared light to pass through from light incident from light sources (two light sources) disposed in association with the display unit 190. The lens condenses the infrared light transmitted through the infrared filter and emits it to the image sensor. The imaging device is a solid-state imaging device such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD, for example, and images captured infrared light collected by the lens to generate a captured image. The captured image generated by the image sensor is processed by the image processing circuit. For example, an input device including an imaging unit processes a captured image obtained from an imaging element to detect a high-luminance portion, and detects position information (indicated position information) of a light source in the captured image as input information.

  The storage unit 200 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its functions can be realized by a RAM, a VRAM, or the like.

  The storage unit 200 includes an image buffer that stores an image and a Z buffer that stores a depth value (depth value, Z value) of each pixel of the image. The image buffer 221 stores (R, G, B, A) (RGB color value and α value (A value)) of each pixel of the display output image. That is, the color information (R, G, B) and translucent information (α value (also referred to as A value)) of each pixel of the display output image are stored in the image buffer 221. The Z buffer 222 stores the depth value of each pixel rendered in the image buffer 221.

  The image buffer 231 (drawing surface A) stores (R, G, B, A) of each pixel of the calculation processing image. The arithmetic processing image stored in the image buffer 231 stores information (R, G, B, A) indicating information such as an object ID (hit ID), an object part, and an object hit type. The image buffer 232 (drawing surface B) also stores (R, G, B, A) of each pixel of the calculation processing image. The arithmetic processing image stored in the image buffer 232 stores a normal vector and (R, G, B, A) indicating attribute information (such as information on the material of the object). The Z buffer 233 (drawing plane C) stores the depth value of each pixel drawn in the image buffers 231 and 232. Note that the image buffers 231 and 232 and the Z buffer 233 are buffers for reduction, respectively. The size of the image buffers 231 and 232 and the Z buffer 233 is 1/8 that of the image buffer 221 and the Z buffer 222. is there.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. The information storage medium 180 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, another image generation apparatus), and the function is realized by various processors or hardware such as a communication ASIC, a program, or the like. it can.

  Note that a program or data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment stored in the information storage medium or storage unit of the server is received via the network, and the received program or data is received by the information storage medium 180. Or may be stored in the storage unit 200. The case of receiving the program and data and causing the image generating apparatus to function is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input information from the input unit 160, a program, and the like.

  The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 210 in the storage unit 200 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a calculation processing unit 113, a movement / motion processing unit 114, a game calculation unit 115, a setting unit 116, an indicated position control unit 117, an image generation unit ( A drawing unit 120 and a sound processing unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  In addition to the character (enemy object), the object space setting unit 110 performs a process of arranging and setting display objects such as a building, a stadium, a car, a tree, a pillar, a wall, and a map (terrain) in the object space.

  Here, the object space is a virtual game space and includes both a two-dimensional space and a three-dimensional space. The two-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged at, for example, two-dimensional coordinates (X, Y), and the three-dimensional space is a space in which an object is arranged at, for example, three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z). is there.

  For example, when the object space is a three-dimensional space, the object space setting unit 110 arranges an object (an object composed of a primitive such as a polygon, a free-form surface, or a subdivision surface) in the world coordinate system. Also, for example, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with direction and direction) of the object in the world coordinate system is determined, and the rotation angle (X, Y, Z axis rotation) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Position the object at (Angle).

  The acquisition unit 111 performs processing for acquiring an indicated position (cursor position) of an image (calculation processing image) based on input information from the input unit 160. For example, the acquisition unit 111 may perform a process of acquiring the indicated position of the display output image based on input information from the input unit 160. For example, the acquisition unit 111 performs a process of acquiring the designated position detected by the input unit 160 as the designated position of the image (arithmetic processing image).

  The determination unit 112 is a pixel unit such as pixel data (pixel data, voxel data, color information (R, G, B), α value, Z value, luminance) of a pixel corresponding to the designated position of the image (arithmetic processing image). Based on the data indicating the value of (), processing for determining the object indicated by the pixel is performed. For example, the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position includes pixel data of the pixel at the designated position, pixel data of the pixels around the designated position, and pixel data of one or more pixels included in a predetermined range based on the designated position. There can be at least one. The pixel data may be defined as a value in a predetermined value range (0 to 127, or a value range from 0.0 to 1.0).

  Further, the determination unit 112 performs a process of determining one or a plurality of objects based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position.

  Further, the determination unit 112 performs a process of determining any one or a plurality of parts among a plurality of parts constituting the object based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position. That is, the determination unit 112 may further determine the part of the determined object based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position.

  Further, the determination unit 112 performs a process of determining one or more objects based on the pixel data of one or more pixels within a predetermined range.

  Further, when it is determined that the common designated position is to be generated, the determination unit 112 performs a process of determining one or a plurality of objects among the plurality of objects based on the pixel data of the pixels corresponding to the common designated position. . If it is determined that the common designated position is to be generated, the determining unit 112 may further determine the part of the determined object based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the common designated position. Good.

  The determination unit 112 performs a process of determining one or a plurality of objects based on the pixel data of one or a plurality of pixels within the second predetermined range when it is determined that the common designated position is generated. Do.

  The arithmetic processing unit 113 performs given arithmetic processing corresponding to the object determined by the determining unit 112. In addition, the arithmetic processing unit 113 performs given arithmetic processing according to the part of the object determined by the determining unit 112. For example, the given arithmetic processing includes processing for determining whether or not the determined object is a given object (for example, an enemy object), effect processing (operation processing) performed on the determined object, For example, parameter control processing for the determined object.

  More specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 113 includes a hit determination unit 113-1 and an effect processing unit 113-2.

  For example, the hit determination unit 113-1 determines whether or not the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object. For example, when it is determined that the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object (for example, an enemy object), it is determined that a specific object (for example, a bullet object) has hit the given object. Perform the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the object determined by the determination unit 112 is not the given object, processing is performed to determine that the specific object does not hit the given object. Note that the specific object may or may not exist in the object space.

  In addition, when the hit determination unit 113-1 determines that the part of the object determined by the determination unit 112 is the part of the given object (for example, the head of an enemy object), the specific object is When it is determined that the part has been hit and the part of the object determined by the determination unit 112 is not the part of the given object (for example, the head of an enemy object), the specific object is the part. A process for determining that no hit occurs may be performed.

  Further, the hit determination unit 113-1 may perform a given calculation process according to the object determined by the determination unit 112 based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position. . For example, the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object (for example, an enemy object), and the depth value Za indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position is within a predetermined depth range (for example, Z1 ≦ Za). If ≦ Z2), a process of determining that a specific object (for example, bullet object) hits the object (enemy object) is performed. On the other hand, if the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object (for example, an enemy object) and the depth value Za indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position is not within the predetermined depth range, the specified Processing for determining that an object (for example, a bullet object) does not hit the object (enemy object) is performed.

  For example, when the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object, the effect processing unit 113-2 is based on the depth value indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position in the display output image. Then, effect processing is performed on the object.

  Further, when the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object, the effect processing unit 113-2 is based on the normal vector indicated by the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position in the display output image. Then, effect processing is performed on the object.

  Further, when the object determined by the determination unit 112 is a given object, the effect processing unit 113-2 is based on attribute information indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the designated position in the display output image. Then, effect processing is performed on the object.

  The movement / motion processing unit 114 performs processing for moving / moving an object in the object space. That is, based on input information input from the input unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the object is moved in the object space, or the object is moved (motion, animation). Process. Specifically, object movement information (movement parameters such as position, rotation angle, movement speed, acceleration, movement amount, movement direction) and operation information (positions or rotation angles of parts constituting the object) are set to 1 A process of sequentially obtaining each frame (for example, 1/60 second) is performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing and image generation processing.

  The game calculation unit 115 performs various game processes. For example, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for ending a game when the game end condition is satisfied, and an ending when the final stage is cleared There is processing.

  In addition, the game calculation unit 115 determines whether or not the given parameter (physical strength value) of the player character has reached a predetermined value (0), and the given parameter (physical strength value) of the player character is When the predetermined value (0) is reached, a process for determining that the game has ended is performed.

  The setting unit 116 performs processing for setting a predetermined range (hit area) in the image (arithmetic processing image) based on the designated position. The setting unit 116 performs a process of setting a predetermined range according to at least one of the shape and size of the instruction marker drawn on the display output image. The setting unit 116 performs processing for setting a second predetermined range (second hit area) in the image (calculation processing image) based on the common instruction position.

  The designated position control unit 117 performs processing for determining whether or not to generate a common designated position based on the positional relationship between the designated positions when the obtaining unit 111 obtains a plurality of designated positions.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. The image generated by the image generation unit 120 may be a so-called two-dimensional image or a so-called three-dimensional image.

  In the case of generating a two-dimensional image, for example, a priority is set for each object (sprite), and rendering is performed in order from an object having a lower priority. When objects overlap, an object with a high priority is drawn on an object with a low priority.

When generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, object data (model data) including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the object (model) ) Is input, and vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed based on the vertex data included in the input object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation, for example, world coordinate transformation, visual field transformation (camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation (projection transformation) ), Geometry processing such as viewport conversion is performed, and based on the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted).

  Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to a drawing buffer (a buffer that can store image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing pixel data (color (RGB), α value, Z value, luminance, etc.) such as pixel data and voxel data in units of pixels is performed. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), it is possible to generate an image that can be seen from each virtual camera.

  The image generation unit 120 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, when generating a three-dimensional image, the virtual camera position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (for example, from the positive direction of each of the X, Y, and Z axes) in the world coordinate system is used. (Rotation angle when turning clockwise) is controlled. In short, processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the angle of view is performed. The image generation unit 120 may rotate the virtual camera at a predetermined rotation angle. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  In the present embodiment, an image is generated based on the player character's viewpoint (first person viewpoint) (a so-called first person shooting game). In this embodiment, the movement, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera may be controlled by a program, or the movement, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera may be controlled based on input information from the input unit 160. .

  For example, when an object (for example, a player character) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position of the virtual camera and the orientation of the virtual camera are controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position and orientation of the object. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, orientation, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 114. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be set in a predetermined direction or may be controlled to move along a predetermined movement route. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or orientation of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

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

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

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, the object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the storage unit 200. .

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the storage unit 200 to an object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the storage unit 200 using texture coordinates or the like set (given) to the vertex of the object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

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

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value).

  The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  Note that the image generation unit 120 of the present embodiment performs a process of generating a display output image and an arithmetic processing image. The image generation unit 120 of the present embodiment controls the pixel processing (per-pixel processing by the pixel shader) not to be performed when generating the calculation processing image. Depending on the above, the pixel processing may be performed. Further, when determining the Z value for arithmetic processing, the Z value may be changed based on a predetermined depth relationship between a plurality of objects.

  The sound processing unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates a game sound such as BGM, sound effect, or sound, and outputs the game sound to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment may be an apparatus for a single player mode that can be played by only one player, or an apparatus that has a multiplayer mode that can be played by a plurality of players.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the multiplayer mode, input units 160-1 and 160-2 for each player are prepared, and based on the aiming positions indicated by the input units 160-1 and 160-2. To hit the enemy characters. In the present embodiment, in the multiplayer mode, data provided to a plurality of players, display output images, arithmetic processing images, and game sounds are generated using a single image generation device. It should be noted that the image generation apparatus transmits / receives data such as input information to / from other image generation apparatuses via the network, and performs image generation processing based on the received data and input information from the input unit 160. Good.

2. A technique for hit processing using pixel data
(1) Overview The image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment performs processing related to a shooting game in which an enemy character is hit by hitting a bullet (an example of a specific object) in an object space.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the image generation apparatus according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the input unit 160 (160-1, 160-2) is provided, and the display output image generated by the image generation device is displayed on the display unit 190. That is, the shooting game of the present embodiment is a game in which the player pulls a trigger (trigger) set in the input unit 160, attacks a large number of appearing enemy characters, and advances the game while defeating the enemy characters. .

  Then, the image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment generates a display output image D to be displayed on the display unit 190, generates calculation processing images E (E1 to E3), and hits based on the calculation processing image E Process.

  That is, in the present embodiment, an arithmetic processing image E is generated that is an object other than a bullet object and is color-coded for a plurality of objects such as enemy objects and background objects existing in the object space. Then, in the calculation processing image E, when a pixel within a predetermined range corresponding to the designated position (aiming position) is selected, and the color of the selected pixel is a color indicating an enemy object, the enemy object is hit. Processing to determine. In this way, the processing load can be reduced compared to the conventional method of performing hit processing between a trajectory (ray) of a bullet and an object in a three-dimensional object space.

(2) Method for Generating Image In this embodiment, a method for generating a display output image D and an arithmetic processing image E1 (hit processing image E1) will be described. That is, in the present embodiment, the display output image D shown in FIG. 3A and the arithmetic processing image E1 shown in FIG. 3B are generated for each frame (for example, in units of 1/60 seconds). Perform the process.

  4A and 4B show object data (model data) of the enemy object OB1. FIG. 4A illustrates the object data of the enemy object OB1-1 used in the display output image D. On the other hand, FIG. 4B illustrates object data of the enemy object EOB1-2 used in the calculation processing image E1. That is, the object (model) used in the calculation processing image E1 is a simple object in which the number of vertices of the object is smaller than the number of vertices of the object used in the display output image D. For example, in the present embodiment, when the display output image D is generated, a process of generating using the enemy object OB1-1 is performed. On the other hand, when the calculation processing image E1 is drawn, the enemy object OB1-2 in which the number of vertices of the enemy object OB1-1 is reduced is used instead of the enemy object OB1-1 used in the display output image D. Processing to draw. The reason is that the calculation processing image E1 is an image used for performing processing related to hit processing, and therefore, considering the reduction in processing load and efficiency of hit processing, it is more than the object used in the display output image D. This is because it is more suitable to use a simple object with a reduced number of vertices.

  By the way, in this embodiment, when generating the processing image E1, the vertex data (R, G, B, A) of each object can be specified (identified) (R, G). , B, A). Further, for an object composed of a plurality of parts, it is determined that the parts constituting the object can be specified (identified) (R, G, B, A). Then, based on the determined vertex data (R, G, B, A) of the object, processing for generating the calculation processing image E1 is performed.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when the calculation processing image E1 is generated, a process of color-coding in units of a plurality of objects and color-coding in units of parts of the objects is performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the ID for identifying each object is determined by the R value and the G value, the part of the object is determined by the B value, and the hit type is determined by the A value. This hit type is a group of a plurality of objects. For example, the hit type can be divided into three groups: “character” group, “background” group, and “character, object other than background”. it can.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the head object of the enemy character OB1-2 has ID = 1, part = 1, hit type = 1, and therefore the head object F1 of the enemy character OB1-2. The vertex data (R, G, B, A) is determined as (1, 1, 1, 1).

  As described above, (R, G, B, A) is determined in units of objects, and (R, G, B, A) in units of parts when the object is composed of a plurality of parts. Is determined. Then, an arithmetic processing image E1 is generated based on the determined (R, G, B, A).

  That is, in this embodiment, the image generation unit 120 generates the display output image D and the calculation processing image E1 as follows. First, in the present embodiment, a process of placing a display output object (for example, OB1-1) in the world coordinate system (three-dimensional object space) and drawing a display output image D using a virtual camera. I do. Similarly, an object for arithmetic processing (for example, OB1-2) is arranged in the world coordinate system, and processing for rendering the arithmetic processing image E1 is performed using a virtual camera. In the present embodiment, processing for generating the display output image D and the arithmetic processing image E1 is performed based on the position, orientation, and angle of view of the same virtual camera.

  Note that when the calculation processing image E1 is generated, the image may be drawn with a wider angle of view than the display output image D. In this way, hit determination can be performed over a wide range.

  In the present embodiment, when the calculation processing image E1 is generated, a process of generating an image is performed so as not to include the bullet object (specific object) that is the attacking object. This is because it is necessary to determine whether or not the bullet object has hit an object other than the bullet object.

  Then, when the display output image D is generated, pixel processing after vertex processing is performed. On the other hand, when generating the calculation processing image E1, the pixel processing after the vertex processing is not performed, and the color classification in the object unit (part object unit) is maintained. That is, the vertex colors of the polygons in the object unit (part object unit) of the calculation processing image are all the same, and the polygon color in the object unit is controlled to be uniform. This is because if the color is changed in pixel units by pixel processing, accurate hit determination processing cannot be performed.

  In this embodiment, the display output image D is drawn in the image buffer 221 as shown in FIG. 6A, and the arithmetic processing image E1 is used as the arithmetic processing image as shown in FIG. 6B. The image is drawn in the buffer 231. In this embodiment, since the image buffer 231 for arithmetic processing (same for 232 and 233) is a reduction buffer (1/8 frame buffer), the resolution of the arithmetic processing image E is equal to that of the display output image D. It becomes lower than the resolution. However, the image for arithmetic processing does not cause a problem because it can perform hit processing to the extent that the player does not feel uncomfortable. Further, if the reduction buffer is used, there is an advantage that the drawing processing (GPU processing load) can be reduced because the calculation processing image E is generated.

  Further, the Z buffer 222 shown in FIG. 6A stores the Z value (depth value, depth value) of each pixel of the display output image D, and the Z buffer 233 shown in FIG. The Z value of each pixel of the calculation processing image E1 is stored.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, a process of drawing an aim (an example of an instruction marker) M at the indicated position P indicated by the input unit 160 on the display output image D is performed. That is, the player performs an input operation for controlling the aim M while aiming at the shooting target while viewing the display output image D. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the aim M is not drawn in the arithmetic processing image E1. This is because the hit processing is affected.

  Note that the vertex data (R, G, B, A) of each vertex of the object constituting the model data shown in FIG. 4 (A) is defined in advance as shown in FIG. 5 (B) (R, G, You may define so that the information (or some information) of B, A) may be included.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the display output image D and the arithmetic processing image E1 are generated.

(3) Hit processing Next, hit processing in the present embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in the processing image E1, a process of selecting (extracting) one or a plurality of pixels in a hit area (predetermined range) N based on the designated position Q is performed, and the color information or half of the selected pixel is selected. Based on the transparency information (R, G, B, A), a process is performed to determine whether or not the bullet object hits a given object.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, based on the input information from the input unit 160, the indication position P in the display output image D and the indication in the calculation processing image E1 A designated position Q corresponding to the position P is acquired. Note that the indication position P on the display output image D may be obtained by performing processing for converting the indication position P into the indication position Q on the calculation processing image E1. For example, since the size of the calculation processing image E1 is 1/8 the size of the display output image D, the indicated position Q can be obtained based on the size ratio.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, a plurality of pixels are selected in the hit area N centered on the designated position Q in the calculation processing image E1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, pixels may be selected at a predetermined interval. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the hit area N, a predetermined number of pixels may be selected at random.

  In the present embodiment, the hit area N is set based on at least one of the shape and size of the aim M. Therefore, it is possible to control the object corresponding to the size of the shape of the aim M targeted by the player in the display output image D to be hit.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the case of a circular aim M, the hit area N is circular.

  When the shape of the aim M displayed in the display output image D is a rhombus, the hit area N is a rhombus, as shown in FIG. In such a case, the pixel at the designated position Q and the pixel at the rhombus apex (near the apex) may be selected in the calculation processing image E1.

  In this embodiment, when a pixel is selected from the hit area, a hit between a bullet object and a given object is based on (R, G, B, A) (an example of pixel data) of the pixel. Make a decision.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, if the selected pixels are K1 to K9, it is determined that the object specified based on (R, G, B, A) of each of the pixels K1 to K9 has been hit. To do. Further, the hit portion of the object determined to be hit is determined based on (R, G, B, A) of each of the pixels K1 to K9.

  For example, if the color information (R, G) = (1, 1) of the pixel K1, as shown in FIG. 5B, the color information (R, G) = (1, 1) is ID = Since it is one object, it can be determined that it is the enemy object OB1. That is, based on the color information of the pixel K1, it can be determined that the object indicated by the pixel K1 is the enemy object OB1. In this embodiment, it is determined that the bullet object hits the determined enemy object OB1. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the color information B value of the pixel K1 = 1, it can be determined that the head F1. That is, based on the color information of the pixel K1, it can be determined that the object indicated by the pixel K1 is the head F1 of the enemy object OB1. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined that the bullet object has hit the head F1 of the enemy object OB1. That is, when the color information and the translucent information (R, G, B, A) of the pixel K1 are (1, 1, 1, 1), as shown in FIG. Processing for determining that the head F1 of OB1 is hit is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the depth values of the pixels K1 to K9 of the Z buffer 233 are referred to, and for each hit type, the object closest to the projection plane (most closest to the viewpoint) is hit. You may judge.

  For example, the pixels K1 to K9 are classified for each hit type based on the translucent information A of the pixels K1 to K9. For example, if the “character” hit type (A = 1) pixels are K1 and K2, the depth values of the pixel K1 and the pixel K2 are referred to, and the pixel in front of the virtual camera is If it is the pixel K1, it is determined that the character determined by (R, G, B, A) of the pixel K1 has been hit. Similarly, with respect to the hit type of the background (A = 2) and the hit type of other objects (A = 3), it is determined which object has been hit.

  In the present embodiment, hit determination processing is performed at the timing when the trigger of the input unit 160 is pulled (at the timing when attack input information is detected). That is, it is considered that the bullet hits the object in the object space at the timing when the trigger is pulled.

  In the present embodiment, when the object indicated by (R, G, B, A) of the selected pixel is an enemy object, a given calculation process according to the enemy object is performed. For example, hit processing in which an enemy object receives a hit attack is performed. More specifically, processing (for example, subtraction processing) for controlling parameters such as a physical strength value of the enemy object, and effect processing (operation processing for receiving an attack) in which the enemy object is attacked are performed. In addition, a process for generating a display output image for causing the bullet object to hit the enemy object is performed. It should be noted that processing such as adding a player character's score is performed by hitting an enemy object.

  As described above, according to the hit processing of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the load of hit determination in a wide range. For example, in the conventional method, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the aim M based on the indicated position P is displayed on the display output image, as shown in FIG. The hit determination between the object space ray V and the object is performed, or as shown in FIG. 9C, the hit determination between the hit volume SV and the object is performed. Such a calculation using a trajectory in a three-dimensional object space or a hit volume has a problem that the processing load is high.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the hit between the bullet and the object is made based on the (R, G, B, A) of the selected pixel without performing the hit judgment between the bullet and each object in the three-dimensional space. Judgment processing can be performed. Therefore, according to the method of the present embodiment, three-dimensional arithmetic processing is not necessary, so that there is an effect that the processing load is reduced as compared with the conventional method.

  In the present embodiment, hit processing may be performed without the bullet object existing in the object space. That is, the hit determination process may be performed on the basis of (R, G, B, A) of the pixel selected in the arithmetic processing image, assuming that the bullet object hits a given object.

(4) Effect processing In this embodiment, when it is determined that a bullet object hits a given object such as an enemy object or a box, effect processing (operation processing) is performed on the display output image D. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that a bullet hits the box object TOB, the polygons constituting the box object TOB are destroyed based on their normal vectors NV1 to NV6. Perform effect processing. For example, in the present embodiment, an effect process is performed in which the fragment objects (particles) are dispersed in an appropriate direction based on the normal vectors NV1 to NV6.

  In the present embodiment, effect processing is performed based on attribute information (material information such as wood, metal, cloth, etc.) of the object at the hit position. For example, when the material of the box object TOB is wood, an effect process is performed to separate the wood fragment objects in place of the box object TOB.

  In the present embodiment, an arithmetic processing image (effect image) E2 is generated based on (R, G, B, A) defining these normal vectors and attribute information. Then, when it is determined that the bullet object hits the given object, effect processing is performed based on (R, G, B, A) of the pixel corresponding to the designated position Q of the calculation processing image E2. .

  The arithmetic processing image E2 is generated in the same manner as the arithmetic processing image E1, but the vertex data (R, G, B, A) of the object defines normal vectors and attribute information (R, G, B, A).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, (R, G, B) at the vertex (R, G, B, A) of the object is (x, x) of the normal vector of the polygon constituting the object. , Y, z), and the A value corresponds to attribute information. As shown in FIG. 11B, the normal vector (x, y, z) = (5, 10, 12) and the vertex data (R, G, B, A) is determined as (5, 10, 12, 1).

  In this embodiment, the effect process is performed as follows. For example, when it is determined that the bullet object is hit by, for example, the box object TOB based on (R, G, B, A) of the pixel K1 selected based on the designated position Q of the calculation processing image E1, the calculation is performed. Based on (R, G, B, A) of the pixel K1 selected based on the designated position Q of the processing image E2, a normal vector of the box object TOB is obtained, and attribute information is determined. For example, a normal vector of the box object TOB is obtained based on (R, G, B) of the pixel K1, and attribute information of the box object TOB is determined based on the A value of the pixel K1. Then, based on the obtained normal vector and the determined attribute information, an effect process is performed to separate the fragment object instead of the box object TOB.

  In this way, information necessary for the effect processing can be held in the (R, G, B, A) data of the pixel, and the effect processing according to the hit processing can be easily performed.

  In the present embodiment, sound processing may be performed using the arithmetic processing image E2 so as to generate a breaking sound that destroys an object hit by a bullet. For example, when a bullet hits the box object TOB, it corresponds to the direction of the normal vector indicated by (R, G, B, A) of the pixel K1 selected based on the designated position Q of the calculation processing image E2. Sound may be generated.

  Further, a sound corresponding to the attribute information indicated by A of the pixel K1 selected based on the designated position Q of the calculation processing image E2 may be generated. In this way, it is possible to provide an effect full of realism.

  In the present embodiment, the effect processing may be performed with reference to the depth value stored in the Z buffer 233. For example, when it is determined that the bullet has hit the box object TOB based on the pixel K1 selected based on the designated position in the arithmetic processing image E1, the depth value of the pixel K1 in the Z buffer 233 is referred to A process of placing a shard object (effect object) at the set depth value is performed. In this way, effect processing according to depth can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, an image generation process related to the effect process is performed on the display output image D. This is because if the effect processing is performed on the arithmetic processing image E, the color information and the like are changed in units of pixels, and accurate hit processing cannot be performed.

(5) Multiplayer mode In this embodiment, an environment is provided in which a plurality of players cooperate to attack an enemy object.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if the designated position of the first player is P1 and the designated position of the second player is P2, the common instruction is given when the distance from the designated position P1 to the designated position P2 is within a predetermined distance. A position PA is generated. That is, in the display output image D, a process of drawing the common aim (common gun site) MA at the common designated position PA is performed.

  In the present embodiment, when determining whether or not a bullet object hits a given object based on the common aiming MA, the hit area (the first area based on the common designated position QA of the calculation processing image E) is determined. 2) A pixel within the NA is selected, and whether or not the bullet object hits the given object is determined based on (R, G, B, A) of each of the selected plurality of pixels. Process.

  In the present embodiment, the size of the common aiming MA is larger than the aiming M1 and M2. In this embodiment, the hit area NA of the arithmetic processing image E is determined according to the size of the common aiming MA, so that each player alone hits the aiming areas M1 and M2 and hit areas N1 and N2 that are hit areas. When the NA increases and the common aiming MA appears, the probability (hit level) of hitting an enemy object increases.

(6) Example of Overdrawing Drawing of Polygon In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when a predetermined game situation is reached, a predetermined area TM for guiding the aim of the enemy object is drawn in the display output image D. Thus, the player is prompted to hit the predetermined area TM. When a bullet hits the predetermined area TM, the enemy object can be defeated with great damage.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 13B, color information and translucent information (R) corresponding to the predetermined area TM are obtained for all the pixels in the area S1 corresponding to the predetermined area TM in the calculation processing image E1. , G, B, A) are overwritten. That is, at the final stage of generating the arithmetic processing image, processing for drawing the same color and the same α value is performed for all the pixels in the area S1. In this way, when the predetermined area TM is displayed in the display output image D, it is possible to reliably realize hit processing for the predetermined area TM regardless of the operation of the enemy object OB1.

(7) Control of Z value In this embodiment, when the depth value for arithmetic processing is stored in the Z buffer, processing for storing a value different from the depth value in the three-dimensional object space according to the game situation. It is carried out.

  For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the part C1 (arm part) has a defense function (that is, no damage is received even if a bullet is hit), and the part C2 is a weak part. An object OB3 (that is, a damage is greatly received when a bullet hits) is placed in the object space. Then, for example, the enemy character OB3 performs a process of moving the part C1 as shown in FIGS. In such a case, the player needs an input operation for controlling the designated position so as to aim at the part C2 instead of the part C1. In the present embodiment, the Z value of the arithmetic processing image is controlled as follows so that a player who is poor in operation can easily attack.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the case where the part C1 is open (the state shown in FIG. 14A) will be described. In such a case, since the part C1 is open, the player tries to attack the part C2.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, in the object space, the part C1 is closer to the viewpoint than the part C2, and therefore when the display output image D is generated, the part C1 is more than the part C2. Draw to the front. That is, as shown in FIG. 15 (A), the hidden image removal (depth sort) is performed on the Z image D2 of the display output image D so that the part C1 is closer to the part C2. On the other hand, when generating the Z image E3 of the calculation processing image E (E1, E2), even though the part C1 is closer to the viewpoint than the part C2 in the object space, the part C2 is more than the part C1. Also draw so that it is in front of the viewpoint. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B, the hidden surface removal is performed on the Z image E3 of the calculation processing images E1 and E2 so that the part C2 is closer to the part C1.

  In this way, the player can make a hit attack even on a part of C2 that cannot be seen in the display output image D, so that it becomes easier to aim at the weak part C2 of the enemy character OB3. Can effectively defeat the enemy.

(8) Switching to Physical Calculation In the present embodiment, hit processing based on physical calculation and hit processing using the image E for calculation processing are switched according to the weapon.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, in the case of an attack method in which a bullet SOB fired from the cannon GOB is landed on the object OB4, the bullet SOB moves a predetermined distance L in the object space. .

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when hit processing is performed using the arithmetic processing image E, the hit determination between the bullet and the object is performed at the timing when the trigger is pulled regardless of the bullet firing speed or the like. Yes. Therefore, hit processing using the calculation processing image E is not suitable for an attack using a weapon such as a cannon GOB whose bullet moves a predetermined distance L. This is because in the case of the cannon GOB, it is desirable to determine whether or not the bullet hits the object at the moment when it hits the object according to the bullet firing speed or the like.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, switching between hit processing using the calculation processing image E and hit processing based on physical calculation is performed according to the type of weapon.

  For example, in this embodiment, in a scene where a weapon used by the player character attacks with a weapon (first attack object) having a distance such as a cannon GOB (missile), a program (first program) that physically executes hit processing 1 hit processing program). On the other hand, when the weapon used by the player character attacks with a short-range weapon (second attack object) such as a hand gun, shot gun, or machine gun, hit processing using the calculation processing image E is executed. A program (second hit processing program) is executed. That is, a process for switching the hit processing program is performed according to the weapon used by the player character.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, an appropriate hit process is performed while measuring the balance of the processing calculation load according to the weapon, so that the player can play the game without feeling uncomfortable.

3. Flowchart The processing flow of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, in the process on the CPU side, when each model is initialized, a process of assigning a hit ID and hit type to each model data is performed. Note that an attribute value and a value for specifying a part are set for each vertex color of the polygon constituting the model data. The range of values that these values can actually take is 0 to 127, but values obtained by mapping 0 to 127 to 0.0 to 1.0 (values in the range of 0 to 127 are 0.0 to 1.0). The value converted into a value in the range (1) is set as each vertex color of the polygon constituting each model data. The hit ID is set to a value that can identify each model data.

  A drawing process in the Nth frame will be described. First, in the drawing process on the CPU side, a process for drawing each model data is performed (step S11). When rendering each model data, a process of transferring the hit ID and hit type assigned to each model data to the GPU (shader) at the timing of rendering each model data. Then, it is determined whether or not the drawing of the model has been completed (step S12). If the drawing of the model has not ended (N in step S12), the process returns to step S11. If the drawing of the model has ended (Y in step S12), the CPU side drawing process for the Nth frame Process to end

  In step S11, when each model data is drawn, each time the model data is drawn, the hit ID and hit type values are transferred to the GPU, and the drawing process on the GPU (shader) side is performed. That is, when the GPU receives a drawing request from the CPU side, it performs drawing processing (steps S21, S22, S23) on the drawing surfaces A to C.

  First, a process of drawing the hit ID, hit type, and part on the drawing surface A (frame buffer 231) is performed (step S21). That is, the color information based on the hit ID, the hit type, and the value of the part included in the model data is drawn on the drawing surface A using the model shape.

  Then, a process of drawing attributes and normals on the drawing surface B (the frame buffer 232) is performed (step S22). That is, the attribute value included in the model data and the normal information for each drawing point of the model to be actually drawn are used as color information, and drawing processing is performed on the drawing surface B using the model shape.

  Then, a process of drawing the depth value (depth value) on the drawing surface C (Z buffer 233) is performed (step S23). That is, the depth information is drawn on the drawing surface C using the model shape.

  Next, the hit process in the (N + 1) th frame on the CPU side will be described. The following description is an example in which processing is performed assuming that only one location hits each hit type.

  First, the pixels within the designated range (hit area) are scanned (step S31). Then, a pixel close to the projection plane is determined (selected) from the depth value (step S32). That is, in the drawing surface C drawn in the Nth frame, pixels close to the projection surface are determined based on the depth value among the pixels within the designated range. Then, the screen coordinates of the points close to the projection plane are held for each hit type (step S33). Then, the scanning is finished (step S34).

  Next, the process proceeds to the process for each hit type (step S35). First, a process of extracting a hit ID with reference to the drawing surface A drawn in the Nth frame in the screen coordinates of the hit type held in step S33 (step S36). That is, it is determined that there is a hit in the model data corresponding to the extracted hit ID.

  Next, the Z value (three-dimensional depth value) is obtained from the depth value (value in the range of 0.0 to 1.0) (step S37), and the screen coordinates and the Z value of the hit type held in step S33. Then, reverse perspective transformation is performed to obtain 3D coordinates (step S38). Then, with reference to the drawing surface B drawn in the Nth frame, the normal line in the 3D coordinates obtained in step S38 is calculated (step S39). Then, with reference to the drawing surface B drawn in the Nth frame, the attribute in the 3D coordinate obtained in step S38 is obtained. Then, effect processing is performed based on the obtained normal and attribute, and sound processing for sound generation is performed based on the normal and attribute (step S41). The process ends here.

4). Application examples (1) Application to other games In this embodiment, hit processing related to a shooting game has been described, but it may be applied to hit processing of other games. For example, the present invention may be applied to hit processing in various games such as a fighting fighting game, a racing game, a role playing game, a sports game, an action game, a music game, and a simulation game.

  For example, in the case of a battle fighting game in which a player character and an enemy character battle each other, an image E for hit processing including the opponent character is generated for the player character and the enemy character.

  Normally, in the competitive fighting game, as shown in FIG. 18, an image including the player character CH1 and the enemy character CH2 is generated from the third person viewpoint (virtual camera VC), and the generated image is displayed as a display output image. Display on the screen.

  When applying the hit processing of the present embodiment in a competitive fighting game, an image for arithmetic processing that is visible from the viewpoint of each character is generated. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the player character CH1 performs a hit process with the enemy character CH2, the calculation including the enemy character CH2 is performed based on the player character virtual camera VC1 (first-person viewpoint). A processing image E1-1 is generated. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the enemy character CH2 performs a hit process with the player character CH1, the player character CH1 is included based on the virtual camera VC2 (first person viewpoint) for the enemy character CH2. An arithmetic processing image E1-2 is generated.

  When the player character CH1 receives input information related to the attack from the input unit, the player character CH1 obtains an attack position I1 against the enemy character CH2 based on the input information, and the pixel of the attack position I1 of the arithmetic processing image E1-1. Based on pixel data (R, G, B, A) of J1 (may be one or a plurality of pixels J1 to Jk in the hit area based on the attack position I1) and the depth value of the pixel J1 (J1 to Jk) Thus, it is determined whether or not the player character CH1 and the enemy character CH2 are hit.

  For example, when the pixel data of the pixel selected based on the attack position I1 is pixel data for identifying an enemy character, it is determined that the player character CH1 has hit the enemy character CH2, and the pixel data for identifying the enemy character If not, it is determined that there is no hit. When the pixel data of the pixel selected based on the attack position I1 is pixel data for identifying an enemy character, and the depth value of the pixel selected based on the attack position I1 is a value within a predetermined depth range. Alternatively, it may be determined that the player character CH1 has hit the enemy character CH2.

  On the other hand, whether or not the enemy character CH2 hits the player character CH1 due to the attack of the enemy character CH2 is also determined based on the arithmetic processing image E1-2. In this way, hit processing can be performed instantaneously.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the processing for generating the arithmetic processing images E1, E2, and the Z image E3 has been described. However, in one arithmetic processing image, information for identifying an object, information for identifying a part, Each of the normal vector, attribute information, and depth value may be defined. Further, the arithmetic processing image may be drawn in a buffer having the same size as the display output image. One image may be generated, and the generated image may be used for display processing and calculation processing.

(3) Touch Panel Type Display In this embodiment, processing may be performed using a touch panel type display that also functions as the display unit 190 together with the input unit 160. Note that the touch operation on the touch panel display may be performed using an input device such as a touch pen, or may be performed using a fingertip. For example, the contact position detected by the touch panel display may be acquired as the designated position (aiming position).

  For example, a two-dimensional object is drawn using color information corresponding to an ID (hit ID) for identifying each two-dimensional object (sprite). That is, each two-dimensional object is drawn with different colors according to color information for identifying each two-dimensional object.

  Then, the contact position detected on the touch panel display is used as the designated position, and a pixel corresponding to the designated position (one or a plurality of pixels within a predetermined range based on the designated position) is scanned and based on the color information of the scanned pixel. To determine the object.

  If the determined object is, for example, an enemy object, processing for controlling the parameters of the enemy object, operation processing for the enemy object to be attacked, effect processing for the enemy object, and the like are performed. In this way, even if the enemy object has a complicated shape, the enemy object can be specified based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the indicated position, so that the processing load is reduced and the shape of the enemy object can be reduced. Detailed processing can be performed.

100 processing unit, 110 object space setting unit, 111 acquisition unit, 112 determination unit, 113 arithmetic processing unit, 113-1 hit determination unit, 113-2 effect processing unit,
114 movement / motion processing unit, 115 game calculation unit,
116 setting unit, 117 pointing position control unit,
120 image generation unit, 130 sound processing unit,
160 input unit, 162 detection unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit,
192 sound output unit, 196 communication unit,
200 storage unit, 210 main storage unit,
221 image buffer, 222 Z buffer,
231 Image buffer (drawing surface A), 232 Image buffer (drawing surface B),
231 Z buffer (drawing surface C)

Claims (14)

A program that performs a given calculation process,
An image generation unit that performs processing for generating an image including the plurality of objects based on pixel data for identifying each of the plurality of objects;
An acquisition unit that acquires an indicated position of the image based on input information from the input unit;
A determination unit that performs a process of determining an object indicated by the pixel based on pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position;
A program that causes a computer to function as an arithmetic processing unit that performs given arithmetic processing according to the object determined by the determining unit. In claim 1,
The pixel data includes color information or translucent information,
A program for identifying each of a plurality of objects by the color information or translucent information. In claim 1 or 2,
The image generator
Generating the image based on pixel data defining a depth value;
The determination unit is
The program which performs the process which determines an object based on the depth value which the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the said indication position shows. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The image generator
Based on pixel data identifying each of a plurality of parts constituting the object, the image is generated,
The determination unit is
Based on the pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the indicated position, performing a process of determining any one of a plurality of parts constituting the object,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A program for performing given arithmetic processing according to the part determined by the determination unit. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The image generator
In addition to generating a display output image,
Generating the image based on pixel data defining a depth value;
The arithmetic processing unit is
When the object determined by the determining unit is a given object, an effect is applied to the object based on a depth value indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position in the display output image. A program characterized by performing processing. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The image generator
In addition to generating a display output image,
Generating the image based on pixel data defining a normal vector;
The arithmetic processing unit is
When the object determined by the determining unit is a given object, the object for the display is based on a normal vector indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position in the display output image. A program characterized by effect processing. In any one of Claims 1-6,
The image generator
In addition to generating a display output image,
Based on pixel data defining attribute information, the image is generated,
The arithmetic processing unit is
When the object determined by the determining unit is a given object, an effect is applied to the object based on attribute information indicated by pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the indicated position in the display output image. A program characterized by performing processing. In any one of Claims 1-7,
Based on the indicated position, the computer further functions as a setting unit for setting a predetermined range in the image,
The determination unit is
Performing a process of determining one or more objects based on pixel data of one or more pixels within the predetermined range;
The arithmetic processing unit is
A program that performs given arithmetic processing on each of the one or more objects determined by the determination unit. In claim 8,
The image generator
A process of generating a display output image in which an indication marker corresponding to the indication position is drawn,
The setting unit
A program that sets a predetermined range corresponding to at least one of the shape and size of the indication marker. In any one of Claims 1-9,
When the acquisition unit acquires a plurality of designated positions, the computer further functions as a designated position control unit that determines whether to generate a common designated position based on a positional relationship between the designated positions,
The determination unit is
A program for performing processing for determining an object based on pixel data of a pixel corresponding to the common designated position when it is determined that the common designated position is generated. In claim 10,
Based on the common designated position, the computer further functions as a setting unit for setting a second predetermined range in the image,
The determination unit is
When it is determined that the common designated position is generated, a process of determining one or a plurality of objects is performed based on pixel data of one or a plurality of pixels within the second predetermined range,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A program that performs given arithmetic processing on each of the one or more objects determined by the determination unit. In any one of Claims 1-11,
The image generator
Draw the display output image in the display output image buffer,
A program for performing a process of drawing the image in a reduction image buffer obtained by reducing the display output image buffer.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is stored. An image generation device that performs a given calculation process,
An image generation unit that performs processing for generating an image including the plurality of objects based on pixel data for identifying each of the plurality of objects;
An acquisition unit that acquires an indicated position of the image based on input information from the input unit;
A determination unit that performs a process of determining an object indicated by the pixel based on pixel data of the pixel corresponding to the designated position;
An image generation apparatus comprising: an arithmetic processing unit that performs a given arithmetic process according to the object determined by the determination unit.

Images