JP5480183B2 - GAME DEVICE, IMAGE GENERATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus, an image generation method, and a program capable of appropriately improving the visibility in the depth direction of a moving object.

Conventionally, various games (software or the like) that are executed on a business or home game device have been developed. Among them, games collectively called music games (including dance games and the like) are very popular and are supported by players of a wide range of ages.
This music game is a type of game in which a player competes for a high score by performing an operation that matches the rhythm or musical scale of a musical piece to be played with good timing.

  Specifically, in an music game, an object that appears as appropriate from the starting point of the moving lane moves toward the end point of the moving lane in accordance with the music being played. When the player performs an appropriate button operation (pressing the button corresponding to the type of object or the moving lane) at the timing when the moving object reaches the determination line or the like, a score can be obtained. .

  Recently, an attempt has been made to display such a music game using three-dimensional graphics. In other words, the music game so far used to express how a planar object moves in a two-dimensional virtual space, but let's express this as if a three-dimensional object moves in a three-dimensional virtual space. That's it. For example, it is possible to provide a music game that increases the sense of realism by moving an object so as to approach from the distance to the vicinity.

  As an example of a music game in which an object (target) moves in such a three-dimensional virtual space, an invention of a game device that can appropriately indicate the operation input timing to a player is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-158819 (pages 7-15, FIG. 4)

  In a music game in which an object moves in a three-dimensional virtual space as described above, many players feel that it is difficult to grasp the position (and change in position) of the object in the depth direction. Specifically, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the timing at which an object approaching from the distance to the vicinity reaches the determination line or the like. This is because the position of the moving object in the depth direction has to be inferred from only the size (and change in size) of the object.

  For these reasons, there has been a demand for the development of a game device that can improve the visibility in the depth direction of a moving object by a more useful display.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a game device, an image generation method, and a program that can appropriately improve the visibility of a moving object in the depth direction.

  The game device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a game apparatus for a player who moves an object in accordance with music in a three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position (for example, a determination line). A game device that evaluates an operation, and includes a moving unit, a setting unit, and a generating unit.

  First, the moving unit moves an object (for example, a target object for designating the player's operation) from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera. The setting unit sets the visibility of the moving object based on the distance between the position of the object and a reference position (determination line or the like). For example, the setting unit sets the object intelligibility to be different based on the distance from the current object position to the determination line. Specifically, the greater the distance to the determination line, the lower the intelligibility of the object by applying a large amount of wrinkles. On the other hand, as the distance to the determination line decreases, the amount of wrinkles is reduced to increase the object clarity. And a production | generation part produces | generates a game image by drawing an object by the visibility set in that way.

As a result, an object far from the reference position (for example, the determination line) is displayed with low clarity and blurryness. However, as the reference position is approached, the clarity increases and the object can be clearly seen. become.
As a result, the visibility of the moving object in the depth direction can be appropriately improved.

In the above game device, the object may be composed of a plurality of members, and the setting unit may set the visibility of the object by changing the interval between the parts of the object. For example, as the distance to the determination line increases, the setting unit increases the interval between the parts and sets the object intelligibility low. On the other hand, as the distance to the determination line becomes smaller, the interval between each part is narrowed to increase the object clarity.
In this case, an object far from the reference position (for example, a determination line) is displayed indistinctly because the distance between the members is wide. However, as the distance from the reference position is approached, the distance between the objects decreases and the object is closer to the original object. Thus, the object can be clearly seen. Thereby, the visibility of the depth direction of the moving object can be improved appropriately.

In the above game device, after the object reaches the reference position, the setting unit may extinguish the object by widening the intervals between the parts and spreading the object. For example, the object explodes and disappears so that it is scattered.
In this case, the end of the object can be expressed more dramatically.

In the above game device, the moving unit moves the object in a state where the filter whose transmittance can be changed is arranged in the moving direction of the object, and the setting unit changes the transmittance of the filter, thereby Visibility may be set. For example, the setting unit sets the object intelligibility low by lowering the transmittance of the filter as the distance to the determination line increases. On the other hand, as the distance to the determination line decreases, the filter is set to increase the transmittance and increase the clarity of the object.
In this case, an object far from the reference position (for example, a determination line) is displayed indistinctly because the transmittance is low. However, as the reference position is approached, the transmittance increases and the object can be clearly recognized. It becomes like this. Thereby, the visibility of the depth direction of the moving object can be improved appropriately.

In the above game device, the setting unit may change the transmittance of the filter in accordance with the break of the music piece to be played. For example, the setting unit arranges filters having different transmittances corresponding to the breaks (starts) of the bars, thereby changing the visibility of objects in the bars for each bar.
In this case, the visibility of the target object can be changed in units of measures in accordance with the progress of the music to be played.

In the game device, a plurality of different textures are associated with the object, and the setting unit selects any one of the textures from the plurality of textures associated with the object according to the distance between the position of the object and the reference position. The visibility of the object may be set by selecting and the generation unit may draw the object with the selected texture. For example, the setting unit selects a texture of an unclear image and sets the object intelligibility low as the distance to the determination line increases. On the other hand, as the distance to the determination line decreases, a clearer image texture is selected, and the object is set to increase the clarity.
In this case, an object far from the reference position (for example, a determination line) is displayed with an unclear image texture pasted, but as this approaches the reference position, a clear image texture is pasted. Therefore, the object can be visually recognized clearly. Thereby, the visibility of the depth direction of the moving object can be improved appropriately.

  An image generation method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a moving unit, a setting unit, and a generation unit, and a three-dimensional image in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position (for example, a determination line). An image generation method executed by a game device in a game device that evaluates a player's operation on an object that moves in accordance with music in a virtual space, and includes a moving step, a setting step, and a generating step. .

  First, in the moving step, an object (for example, a target object for designating the player's operation) is moved from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera. In the setting step, the visibility of the moving object is set based on the distance between the position of the object and a reference position (determination line or the like). For example, in the setting step, the object is set to have different clarity based on the distance from the current object position to the determination line. Specifically, the greater the distance to the determination line, the lower the intelligibility of the object by applying a large amount of wrinkles. On the other hand, as the distance to the determination line decreases, the amount of wrinkles is reduced to increase the object clarity. In the generation step, the game image is generated by drawing the object with the visibility set as described above.

As a result, an object far from the reference position (for example, the determination line) is displayed with low clarity and blurryness. However, as the reference position is approached, the clarity increases and the object can be clearly seen. become.
As a result, the visibility of the moving object in the depth direction can be appropriately improved.

  A program according to a third aspect of the present invention is a computer (electronic device) that evaluates a player's operation on an object that moves according to music in a three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position. Is configured to function as the above-described game device.

  This program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately improve the visibility of a moving object in the depth direction.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the typical information processor with which the game device concerning this embodiment is realized. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the schematic structure of the game device which concerns on this embodiment. (A)-(d) is all the schematic diagrams which show an example of the target object of a three-dimensional shape. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a game image, (b), (c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the relationship between a viewpoint and each target object. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the distance etc. of a determination line and each target object. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game control process which concerns on this embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that a filter is arrange | positioned in front of a target object, and a visibility is changed, A mode that (b) changes a visibility by changing the texture of a target object. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating, (c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating changing the transmittance | permeability of a filter corresponding to the break of the bar of a music. (A), (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the target object comprised from a some member, (c) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that the space | interval of each member changes, ( It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a mode that each member scatters after d) passes the determination line.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an information processing apparatus will be described. However, the present invention is similarly applied to information processing apparatuses such as various computers, PDAs, and mobile phones. Can do. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a game device according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and a DVD (Digital Versatile). Disc) -ROM drive 107, image processing unit 108, audio processing unit 109, and NIC (Network Interface Card) 110.

  Note that a DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program. Realized.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes the game. For example, the controller 105 accepts input of a character string (message) or the like according to the operation input.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating the progress of the game, chat communication log (record) data, and the like in a rewritable manner. The user can record these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal (video signal) at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.
In addition, the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various kinds of texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendered image is obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and supplies the analog audio signal to an external speaker to output the audio. For example, the sound processing unit 109 generates sound effects and music data to be generated during the game under the control of the CPU 101, and outputs sound corresponding to the sound effects from the speaker.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). Or modems that connect to the Internet using telephone lines, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modems, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modems, and cables that connect to the Internet using cable television lines A modem or the like, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between them and the CPU 101 are configured.

In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like. You may comprise.
Further, it is possible to adopt a form in which a keyboard for accepting a character string editing input from a user, a mouse for accepting various position designations and selection inputs, and the like are connected.

  Further, instead of the information processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general-purpose personal computer or the like) can be used as a game apparatus. For example, a general computer, like the information processing apparatus 100, includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC, and an image processing unit that has a simpler function than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is used as an input device instead of a controller. Then, after the game program is installed, when the program is executed, it functions as a game device.

(Outline of game device)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the game apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. As an example, the game apparatus 200 provides a music game with a three-dimensional graphics display. When a predetermined object moves in a three-dimensional virtual space, the player can easily determine the position of the object in the depth direction. It is characterized by being displayed so that it can be easily grasped. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The game device 200 includes an object information storage unit 210, an image generation unit 220, an operation reception unit 230, a processing control unit 240, a music information storage unit 250, and a music playback unit 260.

First, the object information storage unit 210 stores information (image information, position information, etc.) such as various objects constituting a display image of a music game.
For example, various pieces of information such as a target object for designating a player's operation (for example, a button operation), a movement lane serving as a movement path of the target object, and a determination line serving as a standard for the player's operation timing are stored.
As an example, this target object is a target object OBJ having a three-dimensional shape with different orientations as shown in FIGS. These four types of target objects OBJ are controlled to move along the movement lane by the processing control unit 240 (moving unit 241 described later) during the game. Therefore, the object information storage unit 210 also stores position information of the target object OBJ that is updated as appropriate during the game.
Note that the shape, type, and the like of the target object are examples, and can be changed as appropriate according to the game concept.
The DVD-ROM mounted on the above-described DVD-ROM drive 107, the RAM 103, and the like can function as such an object information storage unit 210.

Returning to FIG. 2, the image generation unit 220 is controlled by the processing control unit 240 to generate a display image (game image or the like) of the music game.
For example, the image generation unit 220 appropriately reads information such as various objects stored in the object information storage unit 210 and generates a game image.
Specifically, the image generation unit 220 generates a game image as shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a state in which each target object OBJ moves on the moving lane L from a distance to a vicinity in synchronization with the rhythm of the music to be played.
Each of these target objects OBJ is more blurred as it is located farther away, and becomes clearer as it moves closer, so that the target object can be clearly recognized. Each target object OBJ is controlled by the processing control unit 240.
More specifically, the movement and clarity of each target object OBJ are controlled by the processing control unit 240 (a moving unit 241 and a setting unit 242 described later). First, the movement of the target object OBJ is controlled by the appearance of the moving lane L from the far end (starting point), the moving from the far side to the near side on the moving lane L, and the disappearance from the near end (end point) of the moving lane L. Is done. The target object OBJ whose movement is controlled is set with different clarity based on the distance to the determination line HL on the movement lane L. In other words, the greater the distance to the determination line HL, the lower the clarity, while the smaller the distance to the determination line HL, the higher the clarity.
Such control of the target object OBJ will be described again in detail in the description of the processing control unit 240 (the moving unit 241 and the setting unit 242) described later.

  The player plays while watching the game image as shown in FIG. During play, the player is required to press a button corresponding to the type of object (the direction of the arrow) at the timing when any one of the target objects OBJ (which may be plural) reaches the determination line HL. . That is, when the target object OBJ reaches the determination line HL, the corresponding button is required to be pressed.

By the way, in the game image of FIG. 4A, the case of moving from the upper side (far) to the lower side (near) of the screen is shown as an example. That is, when the three-dimensional virtual space is viewed from the side with respect to the viewing direction of the virtual viewpoint (virtual camera), as shown in FIG. 4B, each target object OBJ, moving lane L, and The game image in the case of looking down at the judgment line HL is shown. However, the game image is not limited to the image when looking down on each of the target objects OBJ and the like, and is arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, a game image for looking up each target object OBJ, moving lane L, and determination line HL from the viewpoint VP may be generated. In this case, a game image that moves from the lower side (far) to the upper side (near) of the screen is generated. In addition, the game image may be drawn in the horizontal direction, and each target object OBJ may be moved laterally (for example, from the right side (far) to the left side (near)) of the screen.
Further, instead of the determination line HL, a determination area in which objects having the same shape are arranged may be displayed as a guideline for the operation. The moving lane L may be hidden in the game image.
Note that the above-described image processing unit 108 and the like can function as such an image generation unit 220.

Returning to FIG. 2, the operation receiving unit 230 receives various operations by the player.
For example, the operation reception unit 230 sequentially receives button operations performed by the player after the music game is started. That is, during the play in which the game image as shown in FIG. 4A is displayed, the player reaches the determination line HL while following the target object OBJ that moves according to the music to be played. The button corresponding to the type of object (the direction of the arrow) is pressed. Therefore, the operation receiving unit 230 sequentially receives such player button operations.
Then, when accepting such a button operation, the operation accepting unit 230 supplies operation information indicating the content (which button has been pressed, etc.) to the processing control unit 240.
Note that the controller 105 described above can function as such an operation receiving unit 230.

The process control unit 240 controls the entire game device 200. That is, the image generation unit 220 is controlled to generate a game image or the like, and the music playback unit 260 is controlled to play back the music sound that accompanies the music game. Then, the player's operation performed during the game is evaluated.
Specifically, the processing control unit 240 includes a moving unit 241, a setting unit 242, and an evaluation unit 243.

  The moving unit 241 moves the target object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional virtual space. That is, as shown in the above-described game image of FIG. 4A, the target object OBJ appears from a distant place (the far end of the moving lane L) in the three-dimensional virtual space, and the rhythm of the music is moved on the moving lane L. Move toward the vicinity according to the above. Then, the target object OBJ that has moved to the nearest position (near end of the moving lane L) is erased (disappears) from the game image.

The setting unit 242 sets the clarity of the moving object based on the distance between the object position and the reference position.
For example, the setting unit 242 obtains the distance from the current position of the target object OBJ to the determination line HL. Then, the image generation unit 220 is set so that the clarity of the target object OBJ decreases as the distance increases, and the clarity of the target object OBJ increases as the distance decreases. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, distances D1 and D2 from the position of the target objects OBJ1 and OBJ2 on the moving lane L to the determination line HL are obtained. The clarity is set low for the target object OBJ2 with the distance D2 (large distance), while the clarity is set high for the target object OBJ1 with the distance D1 (small distance).
According to the clarity set in this way, the image generation unit 220 synthesizes and draws a predetermined amount (predetermined ratio) of haze (or fog) on the target object OBJ, thereby rendering the target object OBJ clear. Change the degree. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the target object OBJ2 with low clarity is drawn with a large amount of haze (or fog), thereby reducing the clarity of the displayed target object OBJ2. . On the other hand, the target object OBJ1 set with high clarity is drawn with a small amount of wrinkles to increase the clarity of the displayed target object OBJ1.
As a result, the target object OBJ1 close to the determination line HL is clear because it is hardly hazy, but the target object OBJ2 far from the determination line HL is considerably hazy and unclear (blurred). ).

Returning to FIG. 2, the evaluation unit 243 evaluates the operation based on the positional relationship between the target object and the determination line at the timing when the operation of the player is received.
That is, when the evaluation unit 243 receives a player's button operation, the evaluation unit 243 evaluates the player's operation depending on whether or not the target object corresponding to the button operation is located on the determination line.
Note that the CPU 101 and the like described above can function as such a processing control unit 240.

The music information storage unit 250 stores a plurality of pieces of music information played as accompaniment to the music game. For example, music information in a predetermined format such as MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data is stored. Then, the player can select a favorite music piece from the stored music piece information and can play a music game in accordance with the reproduced sound (music sound).
The music information storage unit 250 also stores music related information such as rhythm (tempo) and playback time for each music.
Note that the DVD-ROM, the RAM 103, and the like mounted on the VD-ROM drive 107 described above can function as such a music information storage unit 250.

The music playback unit 260 is controlled by the processing control unit 240 and plays back the music sound of the music game.
For example, the music playback unit 260 reads the music information selected by the player from the music information storage unit 250 before the game starts (before play), and plays back this music information after the game starts (during play). Output the music sound.
Note that the music reproduction method is not limited to this, and is arbitrary. For example, the music information may be reproduced while being read sequentially during play.
The above-described audio processing unit 109 and the like can function as such a music reproducing unit 260.

(Overview of game device operation)
Hereinafter, the operation of the game apparatus 200 having such a configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of game control processing executed by the game apparatus 200. This game control process is started after a player who plays a music game selects a desired music piece.

First, the game device 200 starts playing a music piece (step S301).
That is, the music playback unit 260 reads the music information selected by the player from the music information storage unit 250 and plays back the music sound. The image generation unit 220 generates an initial game image (for example, a countdown image).

The game device 200 moves each target object according to the music to be played (step S302).
That is, the moving unit 241 moves the target object so as to synchronize with the rhythm of the music to be reproduced. That is, each target object is moved as appropriate from a distance to a vicinity in the virtual space.
Specifically, the moving unit 241 causes the target object OBJ to appear from the far end (starting point) of the moving lane L as shown in the game image of FIG. Move from a distance to the vicinity according to the situation. If there is a target object OBJ moved to the near end (end point) of the movement lane L, it is deleted from the game image.

The game device 200 calculates the distance to the determination line for each target object (step S303).
That is, the setting unit 242 obtains the distance from the current target object position to the determination line. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 described above, distances D1, D2, etc. from the target objects OBJ1, OBJ2 to the determination line HL are obtained.

The game device 200 sets the intelligibility for the target object according to the obtained distance (step S304).
That is, the setting unit 242 causes the image generation unit 220 to increase the clarity of the target object so that the clarity of the target object decreases as the calculated distance increases, and conversely, as the distance decreases, the clarity of the target object increases. Set. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 described above, the clarity is set low for the target object OBJ2 having the distance D2 (large distance), while the clarity is set high for the target object OBJ1 having the distance D1 (small distance). Set. In this case, the target object OBJ1 close to the determination line HL is drawn clearly, but the target object OBJ2 far from the determination line HL is drawn quite unclearly.

The game device 200 generates a game image including each target object (step S305).
In other words, the image generation unit 220 generates a game image in which each target object is drawn with the set clarity. Specifically, a game image as shown in FIG. 4A is generated. In the case of this game image, the target object OBJ close to the determination line HL has high clarity, but the target object OBJ far from the determination line HL has low clarity and is blurred. In other words, as the target object OBJ that has a large amount of wrinkles at the time of appearance approaches the determination line HL, the clarity increases so that the wrinkles become clear.

The game device 200 determines whether or not there has been an operation by the player (step S306).
That is, the operation accepting unit 230 determines whether or not the operation accepting unit 230 accepts a player's button operation.
If the game device 200 determines that there is no operation by the player (step S306; No), the process proceeds to step S310 to be described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the player's operation has been performed (step S306; Yes), the game device 200 determines whether or not the received operation is valid (step S307).
That is, the evaluation unit 243 evaluates the operation based on the positional relationship between the target object and the determination line at the timing when the player's operation is received. That is, when the player's button operation is accepted, if the target object corresponding to the button operation is located on the determination line, it is determined that the player's operation is valid. In other cases, it is determined that the player's operation is not valid (incorrect operation).

When it is determined that the player's operation is not valid (step S307; No), the game device 200 subtracts the life value (life point) and notifies an erroneous operation (step S308).
That is, the processing control unit 240 subtracts the life value and controls the image generation unit 220 to synthesize a message image or the like for notifying an erroneous operation with the game image because the button or timing operated by the player is incorrect. To display.
Note that the processing control unit 240 may end the game halfway when the life value runs out (decreases to zero).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the player's operation is valid (step S307; Yes), the game apparatus 200 adds a score and the like and notifies the valid operation (step S309).
That is, since the button operated by the player and the timing thereof are correct, the processing control unit 240 adds a score and a life value, controls the image generation unit 220, and synthesizes a message image or the like for notifying a legitimate operation with the game image. To display.

After the above-described step S306; No, S308, S309, the game device 200 determines whether or not the game is over (step S310).
That is, the process control unit 240 determines whether or not one music game (one music) has been completed.
If it is determined that the game has not ended (step S310; No), the game device 200 returns the process to step S302 described above. And the process of step S302-S310 is repeatedly performed.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the game has ended (step S310; Yes), the game device 200 displays a predetermined end message, a total score, and the like, and then ends the game control process.

  In such a game control process, although the target object having a large distance from the determination line is drawn with low clarity, the clarity increases as the target object approaches the determination line. In other words, the position of the target object in the depth direction can be easily grasped by changing and displaying the clarity of the target object.

  As a result, the visibility of the moving object in the depth direction can be appropriately improved.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the case where the image generation unit 220 applies a habit to the target object based on the intelligibility set by the setting unit 242 has been described, but the method of changing the intelligibility is not limited to this and is arbitrary. is there. For example, by placing a filter (for example, an image made of a plane polygon or the like that can change the transmittance) on the front surface (viewpoint side) of the target object and changing the transmittance of the filter. The visibility may be changed.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, a filter FL1 having a high transmittance is arranged in front of the target object OBJ1 close to the determination line HL (on the virtual camera VP side). On the other hand, a low-transmittance filter FL2 is disposed in front of the target object OBJ2 far from the determination line HL. The filters FL1 and FL2 move together with the objects OBJ1 and OBJ2 and sequentially change the transmittance accordingly (the transmittance is gradually increased).
That is, as the target object approaches the determination line, the transmittance of the filter disposed on the front surface increases, and the visibility of the target object increases.

Further, instead of arranging such a filter, the visibility may be changed by changing the texture of the target object.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the target object OBJ1 close to the determination line HL has a highly visible texture TX1 (for example, a texture or a texture different from the background color of the game image). Paste. On the other hand, a low-visibility texture TX2 (for example, a texture or a texture that approximates the background color of the game image) is pasted to the target object OBJ2 that is far from the determination line HL.
That is, as the target object approaches the determination line, the texture of the target object is sequentially changed to a texture with high visibility, thereby improving the visibility of the target object.

Note that the visibility of the target object may be changed in units of measures by arranging (changing) such filters and textures corresponding to the breaks in the music.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7C, filters FL1 and FL2 having different transmittances are arranged corresponding to the breaks in the bars. That is, the filter FL1 having a high transmittance is arranged at the head of the bar n, and the filter FL2 having a low transmittance is arranged at the head of the bar n + 1. Thereby, the target objects OBJ1 and OBJ2 of the bar n are displayed with high visibility by the filter FL1 having high transmittance, while the target objects OBJ3 and OBJ4 of the bar n + 1 are low in visibility by the filter FL2 having low transmittance. Is displayed.
In this case, the transmittance of the filter changes for each bar in the music, and the visibility of the target object can be increased in units of bars as the music progresses.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the visibility is changed depending on how the target object is displayed (showing) has been described. However, the visibility may be changed by changing the shape or the like of the target object itself. .
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, a target object OBJ formed from a plurality of members (parts) is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 8B, the target object OBJ is an assembly of members, and the intervals between the members can be appropriately separated.
And as shown in FIG.8 (c), the target object OBJ1 close | similar to the determination line HL is arrange | positioned, narrowing the space | interval of each member. On the other hand, the target object OBJ2 far from the determination line HL is arranged with a space between the members. In addition, the interval of each member does not need to be equal intervals.
In this case, as the target object approaches the determination line, the interval between the members constituting the target object is reduced, and the visibility is increased.
Moreover, you may change visibility by changing not only the space | interval of each member but the display color of each member, respectively. For example, the target object OBJ2 far from the determination line HL changes the display color of each member at random. On the other hand, the target object OBJ1 close to the determination line HL is displayed with the display color of each member unified to the approximate color.
In this case, as the target object approaches the determination line, the display colors of the members constituting the target object are unified, and the visibility is increased.
Furthermore, instead of simply erasing the target object to which the determination line is added, control may be performed so that each member is scattered and disappears. For example, as shown in FIG. 8D, the target object OBJ3 exceeding the determination line is extinguished and disappears so as to be dispersed in the cocoon.
In this case, the end of the target object can be expressed more dramatically.

  In the above-described embodiment, the music game has been described as an example, but the present invention can be appropriately applied to other than the music game. For example, in a sports game such as baseball or soccer, the present invention can be appropriately applied to a display when an object (such as a ball) approaches from the distance to the vicinity.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game device, an image generation method, and a program that can appropriately improve the visibility in the depth direction of a moving object.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
200 Game Device 210 Object Information Storage Unit 220 Image Generation Unit 230 Operation Accepting Unit 240 Processing Control Unit 250 Music Information Storage Unit 260 Music Playback Unit

Claims (7)

A three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position is stored in a storage device, and a game image including an object that moves in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on a display device. A game device for receiving and evaluating a player's operation on an object from an input device ,
A moving unit that moves the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting unit for setting the visibility of the moving object based on the distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
A generator that generates a game image by drawing the object with the set visibility , and
The object is composed of a plurality of members,
The setting unit sets the visibility of the object so that the interval between the parts of the object is narrowed as the object approaches.
A game device characterized by that. The game device according to claim 1 ,
After the object has reached the reference position, the setting unit extinguishes the object by widening the intervals between the parts and spreading the object.
A game device characterized by that. A three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position is stored in a storage device, and a game image including an object that moves in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on a display device. A game device for receiving and evaluating a player's operation on an object from an input device,
A moving unit that moves the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting unit for setting the visibility of the moving object based on the distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
A generator that generates a game image by drawing the object with the set visibility, and
The moving unit moves the object in a state where a filter capable of changing the transmittance is arranged in front of the moving direction of the object corresponding to the break of the musical piece,
The setting unit changes the visibility of the object in bar units by setting the transmittance of each filter to be different.
A game device characterized by that. A three-dimensional virtual space having a moving unit, a setting unit, and a generating unit, in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position, is stored in a storage device, and moved in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space An image generation method in a game device for displaying a game image including an object to be displayed on a display device, and receiving and evaluating a player's operation on the object from an input device ,
A moving step in which the moving unit moves the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting step in which the setting unit sets the visibility of the moving object based on a distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a game image by drawing the object with the set visibility ,
The object is composed of a plurality of members,
In the setting step, the visibility of the object is set so that the interval between the parts of the object is narrowed as the object approaches.
An image generation method characterized by the above. A three-dimensional virtual space having a moving unit, a setting unit, and a generating unit, in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position, is stored in a storage device, and moved in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space An image generation method in a game device for displaying a game image including an object to be displayed on a display device, and receiving and evaluating a player's operation on the object from an input device,
A moving step in which the moving unit moves the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting step in which the setting unit sets the visibility of the moving object based on a distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
The generation unit includes a generation step of generating a game image by drawing the object with the set visibility,
In the moving step, the object is moved in a state in which a filter capable of changing the transmittance is arranged in front of the moving direction of the object corresponding to the break of the measure of the music,
In the setting step, the visibility of the object is changed in bar units by setting the transmittance of each filter to be different.
An image generation method characterized by the above. A three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position is stored in a storage device, and a game image including an object that moves in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on a display device. A computer for receiving and evaluating a player's operation on an object from an input device ;
A moving unit for moving the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting unit that sets the visibility of the moving object based on the distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
By drawing the object with the set visibility, it functions as a generation unit that generates a game image ,
The object is composed of a plurality of members,
The setting unit sets the visibility of the object so that the interval between the parts of the object is narrowed as the object approaches.
Program for causing to function as. A three-dimensional virtual space in which a virtual camera is arranged toward a predetermined reference position is stored in a storage device, and a game image including an object that moves in accordance with the music in the three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on a display device. A computer for receiving and evaluating a player's operation on an object from an input device;
A moving unit for moving the object from a distance to a vicinity of the virtual camera;
A setting unit that sets the visibility of the moving object based on the distance between the position of the object and the reference position;
By drawing the object with the set visibility, it functions as a generation unit that generates a game image,
The moving unit moves the object in a state where a filter capable of changing the transmittance is arranged in front of the moving direction of the object corresponding to the break of the musical piece,
The setting unit changes the visibility of the object in bar units by setting the transmittance of each filter to be different.
A program characterized by functioning as follows.

Images