JP2000218039A - Game device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate images capable of more really feeling speed or the like with less processing burdens by making first and second viewing angles used at the time of see-through conversion for first and second display objects in plural display objects be different from each other and generating the images in a fighter game device or the like. SOLUTION: In a fighter game (flight simulator), a player maneuvers his/her own fighter 22 while viewing a game image, flies it within an object space, competes with the fighters maneuvered by the other player or a computer and plays a game. At the time, an air stream (flowing cloud) 20 which looks like flowing out from the vicinity of the watching point (center) of a screen is expressed and the viewing angle θ1 used at the time of the see-through conversion for the air stream 20 is set wider than the viewing angle θ2 used at the time of the see-through conversion for the fighter 22 and a map (island, lake and building) 24. Thus, the air stream 20 looks like flowing out from the vicinity of the watching point and the reality of the image is increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game apparatus which arranges a plurality of objects in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space and generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. Is known, and is popular as an experience of so-called virtual reality. For example, in the case of a game device capable of enjoying the control of a fighter, a player can fly a fighter controlled by himself in object space and play a game by fighting a fighter controlled by another player or a computer. have fun.

[0003] In such a game apparatus, generating a more realistic image is an important technical problem in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. Therefore,
For example, it is desired to generate an image that can realistically express the sense of speed and the airflow (flowing clouds) of a fighter flying at high speed.

[0004] However, if the realism of the image is excessively pursued, there arises a problem that the processing load of image generation becomes extremely heavy. In particular, in a game device that needs to generate an image in real time in response to an operation of a player or the like, if the processing load of image generation increases, it becomes impossible to draw all display objects in one frame.
Problems such as a missing image occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game capable of generating a real image with a reduced feeling of speed with a small processing load. An object is to provide an apparatus and an information storage medium.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a game device for generating an image, wherein the game device performs perspective transformation of a first display object among a plurality of display objects. The first angle of view used at the time of the display and the second angle used at the time of the perspective transformation of the second display object among the plurality of display objects
And a means for generating an image of a display object including the first and second display objects so that the angle of view is different from the angle of view. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention includes information for realizing the above means.

According to the present invention, the first angle of view is used for the perspective transformation of the first display object, and the second angle of view is used for the perspective transformation of the second display object. used.
Therefore, the first, which is perspective-transformed at different angles of view,
The second display object can be displayed in a mixed manner on the screen. Then, for example, the first angle of view is reduced,
If the angle of view is set to the normal angle of view, the first display object is gathered and displayed near the gazing point, and the image is generated at the normal angle of view for the second display object. Become. Therefore, it is possible to generate a real image from which the sense of speed and the like can be more perceived without significantly increasing the processing load of image generation.

It is desirable that the first and second display objects are displayed on the same screen. Also, the first, second, third,.
The case where the third angle of view is different is also included in the scope of the present invention.

In the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the first angle of view may be increased as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. With this configuration, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the first display object is more concentratedly displayed near the point of interest on the screen. As a result, the sense of speed felt by the player can be further improved.

[0010] The game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention may be arranged such that the first moving speed of the viewpoint increases as the first moving speed increases.
The image of the first display object is changed so that the visibility of the display object is increased. If you do this,
As the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the image (color, luminance, and the like) of the first display object changes, and the first display object becomes more conspicuous. Therefore, a synergistic effect with the method of making the first and second angles of view different can further improve the sense of speed perceived by the player.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a viewpoint moving in an object space; and a plurality of display objects as the viewpoint moving speed increases. Means for changing the image of the first display object so as to increase the visibility of the first display object therein; and means for generating an image of the display object including the first display object It is characterized by including. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention includes information for realizing the above means.

According to the present invention, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the first display object becomes more conspicuous, and the player feels that the viewpoint (moving body) is moving at high speed. It will be possible to tell. In the present invention, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the image of the first display object is changed so as to increase the visibility, while the image of the second display object is not changed. Is desirable.

[0013] The game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention may be arranged such that the first point of view increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases.
By making the characteristic color of the displayed object appear dark, the visibility of the first displayed object is enhanced. In this way, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases,
The characteristic color of the first display object becomes more conspicuous, and the feeling that the viewpoint is moving can be more effectively transmitted to the player.

In the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, as the moving speed of a viewpoint increases, the first
Is characterized in that it appears to be stretched in the direction of the viewpoint movement vector. According to this configuration, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, it appears as if the first display object flows in the direction of the moving vector of the viewpoint, further increasing the sense of movement that the viewpoint is moving. Can be.

Further, the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention are arranged such that the viewpoint moving speed is faster than a given first speed and the viewpoint moving speed is slower than a given second speed. In at least one of the cases, the first
Is characterized in that the image generation processing of the displayed object is omitted. In this way, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which an unnatural image is generated when the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes very fast or very slow.

Further, the present invention is a game device for generating an image, wherein a first point and a second point are obtained based on a given point and a viewpoint movement vector, and the first and second points are determined. Are perspective-transformed to obtain first 'and second' points in the screen coordinate system, and first and second widths are obtained based on the depth values of the first and second points. The third 'and fourth' points in the screen coordinate system are determined based on the point 'and the first width, and the screen coordinates are determined in the screen coordinate system based on the second' point and the second width. Means for performing processing for obtaining the fifth 'and sixth' points, and the third ', fourth', fifth 'and sixth'
Means for generating an image of a display object including the first display object specified by the above point. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention includes information for realizing the above means.

According to the present invention, a given point for obtaining the first and second points (the first or second point and the given point may be the same point) is prepared. By simply storing, the image of the first display object can be generated. And the first and second
Is determined based on the viewpoint movement vector,
The positional relationship between the first and second points (that is, the shape of the first display object)
Can reflect the magnitude and direction of the viewpoint movement vector. Therefore, it is possible to realize a realistic representation of a display object or the like that appears to flow along with the movement of the viewpoint with a small processing load. The first and second widths are the first and second widths.
Since it is obtained based on the depth value of the point, it is also possible to give an appropriate perspective to the first display object.

In the game apparatus and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the third 'and fourth' points are orthogonal to a line connecting the first 'and second' points and the first 'and second' points are orthogonal to each other. In two regions defined by a first line passing through a point, the second '
The fifth point and the sixth point are orthogonal to a line connecting the first point and the second point and pass through the second point. 2 divided by 2 lines
The first point is provided in a region to which the first point does not belong. With this configuration, the situation where the visibility of the first display object becomes extremely low due to the short distance between the first and second points can be effectively eliminated.

Further, in the game apparatus and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the angle of view used in the perspective transformation of the first display object may be the same as that of the second display object among the plurality of display objects. It is characterized in that it is wider than the angle of view used for perspective transformation. With this configuration, the first display object can be displayed in a concentrated manner near the gazing point on the screen, and the sense of speed that the player can perceive can be further improved.

[0020] The game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention may be arranged such that an image of the first display object is displayed such that the visibility of the first display object increases as the length of the viewpoint movement vector increases. Is changed. By doing so, as the length of the viewpoint vector becomes longer (as the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes faster), the first display object becomes more conspicuous, and the feeling that the viewpoint moves at a higher speed. Can be effectively transmitted to the player. Note that it is particularly preferable that the visibility of the first display object be increased by making the characteristic color of the first display object appear darker as the length of the viewpoint movement vector increases.

[0021]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a fighter game (flight simulator) will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various games.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In the figure, the game device of the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 1).
40, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 140, and the information storage medium 150), and other blocks (for example, the operation unit 130, the image generation unit 160, the display unit 162, the sound generation unit 170, the sound output unit 172, The communication unit 174, the I / F unit 176, the memory card 180, and the like) can be optional components.

Here, the processing section 100 controls the entire apparatus,
It performs various processes such as instruction of commands to each block in the device and game calculation.
It can be realized by hardware such as ISC type, RISC type), DSP, or ASIC (gate array or the like), or a given program (game program).

The operation section 130 is for the player to input operation information, and its function can be realized by hardware such as levers and buttons.

The storage section 140 includes a processing section 100, an image generation section 160, a sound generation section 170, a communication section 174, and an I / F section 1.
It is a work area such as 76, and its function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (a storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD) or a magneto-optical disk (MO). ),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information for realizing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in the program includes program codes, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information for performing the processing of the present invention, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. And at least one of information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.

The image generating section 160 generates various images according to an instruction from the processing section 100 and the like, and
The function is the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, or DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 172. The functions of the sound generation section 170 include a sound generation ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data and the like).

The communication unit 174 performs various controls for performing communication with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device).
C or hardware such as a CPU or a given program (communication program).

Information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Is also good. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Some or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be performed by the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 1.
74 may be realized. Or,
Image generation unit 160, sound generation unit 170, or communication unit 174
Some or all of the functions may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.

The I / F unit 176 exchanges information with a memory card (broadly speaking, a portable information storage device including a portable mini game device) 180 in accordance with an instruction from the processing unit 100 or the like. The function can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a controller IC for data writing / reading, and the like. In addition, memory card 1
In a case where information exchange with the device 80 is realized using wireless communication such as infrared light, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The processing section 100 includes a game operation section 110.

Here, the game calculation section 110 performs a coin (price) receiving process, a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, a moving object (fighter,
Processing to determine the position and direction of bullets, fire, etc.), processing to determine the viewpoint position and line of sight, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space,
Various game calculation processes such as a hit check process, a process of calculating a game result (achievement), a process for a plurality of players playing in a common game space, and a game over process are performed by operating information from the operation unit 130, This is performed based on information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like. When the present invention is applied to games other than fighter aircraft games, moving objects include airplanes, ships (boats, battleships, submarines, yachts, motorboats, etc.), water bikes, water skis, and surfboards other than fighters. ,car,
Various things can be considered, such as motorcycles, tanks, robots, spaceships, and characters.

The game operation unit 110 includes a moving object operation unit 11
2, including a viewpoint control unit 114, an angle-of-view setting unit 116, an image changing unit 118, and a display object expanding unit 120.

Here, the moving body calculation section 112 calculates movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of a moving body such as a fighter, and for example, operates information input from the operation section 130 or given given information. Based on the program, processing for moving the moving object in the object space is performed. That is, based on operation information from the player (the player itself or another player) or an instruction (a given movement control algorithm) from a computer, a process of moving the moving object in the object space is performed.

More specifically, the moving body calculation unit 112
The position and direction of the moving object is, for example, one frame (1/60 second)
The required process is performed every time. For example, in the (k-1) frame, the position of the moving object is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, and the acceleration is AM.
Let k-1 be the time of one frame, Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The viewpoint control unit 114 obtains the position and direction of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 112. Based on this information, a process of obtaining a viewpoint position, a line of sight direction, and the like is performed. More specifically, for example, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction so as to follow the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed. In this case, it is desirable to cause the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction to follow the position or the direction of the moving body while having inertia, for example. The image generation unit 150 uses the viewpoint control unit 1
It will generate an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by.

The angle-of-view setting unit 116 performs a process of setting the angle of view used in the perspective transformation by the perspective transformation unit 164 in the image generation unit 160. More specifically, a first angle of view used in perspective transformation of a first display object (a display object that flows relatively as the viewpoint moves, for example, an air flow), and a second display angle It is used for perspective transformation of an object (a display object that does not seem to flow relatively as the viewpoint moves, or a display object whose flow degree appears to be slower than the first display object, such as a fighter or a map). The angle of view is set so as to be different from the second angle of view. As described above, by setting the angle of view different between the first display object and the second display object displayed on the same screen (the first and second display objects having different angles of view are set to be the same). By mixing them in the screen),
It is possible to generate an image with which a sense of speed can be sensed with a small processing load.

In this case, the first angle of view may be increased as the moving speed of the viewpoint (moving body) increases.

The image changing unit 118 performs a process for changing the image of the first display object (for example, the airflow) so that the visibility of the first display object (for example, airflow) increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. Do. More specifically, for example, by controlling the translucency coefficient in the translucency processing of the background display object and the first display object, the first movement is performed as the viewpoint moving speed increases.
To make the characteristic color of the displayed object darker. By doing so, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the first
Can be more conspicuous, and the sense of movement can be further improved.

The display object expanding section 120 performs processing for making the first display object expand in the direction of the viewpoint movement vector as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. By doing so, the first display object appears to flow from the back of the screen, and the sense of speed felt by the player can be further improved.

The game device according to the present embodiment is capable of performing both game play in a single player mode in which one player plays and game play in a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players play.

When a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one game device, or may be generated using a plurality of game devices connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. May be.

2. 2. Features of the Embodiment FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 show examples of game images generated by the embodiment.

In the fighter game realized by the present embodiment, the player controls his fighter 22 and flies in the object space while watching the game image as shown in FIG. Then, the player enjoys the game by fighting against fighters operated by other players or computers.

FIG. 2A is an example of a game image from the rear viewpoint (behind view, third person viewpoint) of the fighter 22. As shown in the figure, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to express an air flow (flowing cloud) 20 that appears to flow out from the vicinity of the gazing point (center) of the screen. Thereby, the sense of speed felt by the player can be improved.

FIG. 2B is an example of a game image when the viewpoint is set to the right of the fighter 22, and FIG. 3 is an example of a game image when the viewpoint is set to the front right of the fighter 22. is there. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the airflow 20 extending along the moving direction of the viewpoint (fighter) can be expressed regardless of the set position of the viewpoint.

In the present embodiment, the following processing is performed to represent such an air flow (flowing clouds).

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the angle of view θ1 used in the perspective transformation of the airflow 20 is changed to the image angle used in the perspective transformation of the fighter 22 and the map (island, lake, building) 24. It is wider than the angle θ2. That is, the screen distance (distance between the viewpoint VP and the screen 30) SD1 used in the perspective transformation of the airflow 20 is set to the fighter aircraft 22,
The screen distance SD2 used in the perspective transformation of the map 24 is set smaller.

For example, when the angle of view is set so that the angle of view θ1 and the angle of view θ2 are the same, a game image as shown in FIG. 5A is generated. However, in this game image, since the airflow 20 does not concentrate near the point of gaze (the center of the screen), a realistic image expression cannot be realized.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the angle of view θ1 is wider than the angle of view θ2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the airflow 20 appears to flow out from the vicinity of the gazing point. For this reason, the realism of the image can be significantly increased.

Further, in the present embodiment, for the display objects other than the airflow 20, for example, the fighter 22 and the map 24, the perspective transformation is performed using an angle of view θ2 smaller than the angle of view θ1. Therefore, it is possible to realize a realistic image expression without significantly increasing the processing load.

That is, in this type of game device, it is necessary to generate an image in real time according to the operation of the player. However, not only the angle of view θ1 of the airflow 20 but also a display object other than the airflow 20 (fighter 22, map 24)
If the angle of view θ2 is widened, the number (range) of display objects to be subjected to perspective transformation and drawing increases.
Therefore, the processing load of image generation is extremely increased, and it becomes impossible to draw all display objects within one frame. As a result, a display object that cannot be drawn occurs, and a problem such as a missing image occurs.

In this embodiment, a wide angle of view θ1 is used for the airflow 20, while a normal angle of view θ2 is used for the other displayed objects. Therefore, the airflow 20 can be increased from near the point of gaze without significantly increasing the processing load of image generation.
Can be realized.

As shown in FIG. 6, the angle of view θ1 with respect to the airflow 20 may be increased as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. In this way, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the airflow 20 is displayed more concentratedly near the point of interest. As a result, the sense of speed felt by the player can be further improved.

For example, as a technique for improving the sense of speed of the player, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the airflow 2
It is possible to consider a method of widening the angle of view for all the displayed objects such as 0, the fighter 22, the map 24, and the like. However, in this method, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the number of display objects to be subjected to perspective transformation and drawing increases significantly, and the processing load of image generation becomes extremely heavy.

On the other hand, in the method shown in FIG. 6, since only the angle of view θ1 is increased in accordance with the moving speed, the number of display objects to be subjected to perspective transformation or drawing can be reduced, and a real image can be reduced with a small processing load. Expression becomes possible.

In this embodiment, the image of the airflow is changed so that the visibility of the airflow (first display object) increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint (fighter) increases.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the air current 2
The feature color of 0 is made to appear darker. Thus, as the moving speed increases, the airflow 20 becomes more conspicuous, and the presence of the airflow 20 becomes more felt by the player. Therefore, as described above, the sense of speed perceived by the player can be further improved by a synergistic effect with the video effect in which the airflow 20 appears to flow out from the vicinity of the gazing point as the viewpoint moves.

As a technique for making the characteristic color of the air flow appear darker as the viewpoint moving speed increases, a translucent addition process (a semi-transparent process in a broad sense) between the background display object (for example, the sky) and the air flow (the first display object) is performed. This can be realized by controlling the translucent coefficient in the (transparent processing).

That is, the translucent addition processing can be represented by, for example, the following equations (3), (4), and (5).

XR = BR + α × CR (3) XG = BG + α × CG (4) XB = BB + α × CB (5) where BR, BG, and BB are R, R, of the color information of the background display object.
G, B components, CR, CG, CB are R, G, B components of airflow color information (airflow characteristic color), XR, X
G and XB are R, G, and B components of the color information of the output image obtained by the translucent addition processing. Α is a translucent coefficient in the translucent addition processing (luminance in the luminance addition processing).

According to the above equations (3), (4) and (5), the air flow can be hidden by setting the translucency coefficient α = 0. Also, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, α
Is increased, it becomes possible to make the characteristic colors (CR, CG, CB) of the airflow appear darker as the moving speed increases.

In equations (3), (4), and (5), a translucent addition process is employed to realize a technique for making the characteristic color of the airflow appear darker as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. Alternatively, a translucent blending process may be employed. In this case, each of BR, BG, and BB is multiplied by, for example, (1−α).

In the present embodiment, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the airflow (the first display object) is made to appear in the direction of the moving vector of the viewpoint.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases, the length of the airflow 20 in the direction of the moving vector of the viewpoint increases. I have. By doing so, it is possible to more realistically express how the airflow 20 flows out.
Further, the sense of speed felt by the player can be further improved.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the air current 2
In the case where 0 is extended, it is desirable that the width of the airflow 20 be reduced as it goes farther from the screen (as the depth value increases). By doing so, the appropriate perspective of the airflow 20 can be expressed.

In the present embodiment, when the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes faster than the given first speed VVU or becomes slower than the given second speed VVL, Is omitted.

For example, in FIG. 8A, the viewpoint VP behind the player's fighter 22 is moving behind the enemy fighter 23. In this case, the moving speed of the viewpoint VP is very high (faster than VVU). Accordingly, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 6, the processing of changing the angle of view θ1 according to the moving speed of the viewpoint VP, the processing of FIG.
If a process of increasing the visibility of the airflow 20 or a process of expanding the airflow 20 according to the moving speed of the viewpoint VP as in (B) is performed, an unnatural image may be generated. For example,
The angle of view θ1 becomes too wide, the visibility (characteristic color) of the airflow 20 is emphasized too much, and the airflow 20 is stretched too much in the direction of the viewpoint movement vector.

In FIG. 8B, the viewpoint VP is stopped. In such a case, even if the angle of view, the visibility of the airflow, and the degree of expansion of the airflow are changed according to the moving speed of the viewpoint VP, an unnatural image may still be generated. There is.

Therefore, the present embodiment employs a method of omitting the image generation processing of the airflow when the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes faster than VVU or becomes smaller than VVL. By doing so, a situation in which an unnatural image is generated can be prevented. In particular, if this method is combined with a method of changing the shading of the characteristic color of the airflow according to the moving speed of the viewpoint, the characteristic color of the airflow becomes lighter as the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes slower, and the moving speed is lower than VVL. At a later time, the airflow becomes invisible. Therefore, a more natural image can be generated.

3. Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, as shown in FIG.
A movement vector EVP of P (for example, a vector connecting the viewpoint position one or more frames before and the current viewpoint position) is obtained (step S1).

Next, the length LV of the viewpoint movement vector EVP
It is determined whether P (corresponding to the moving speed of the viewpoint) is higher than the speed VVU (first speed) or lower than the speed VVL (second speed) (step S2). Then, as described in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the LVP is
If it is larger than VVU or smaller than VVL, the subsequent steps S3 to S14 are omitted.

Next, the length LV of the viewpoint movement vector EVP
Based on P (movement speed of viewpoint), translucency coefficient α of airflow
(See the above equations (3), (4) and (5)) (step S3). More specifically, if LVP is long, α is increased, and if LVP is short, α is decreased. In this way, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the visibility of the airflow 20 (the density of the characteristic color of the airflow 20) can be increased as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. become.

Next, the angle of view is set to be wider than the normal angle of view (step S4). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the angle of view θ1 for airflow is made wider than the normal angle of view θ2. By doing so, FIGS. 5A and 5B
As described above, a realistic expression that the airflow 20 appears to flow from the vicinity of the gazing point on the screen can be realized, and the sense of speed felt by the player can be improved.

Next, based on the viewpoint position and the line of sight, FIG.
A center position (representative position) CP of the coordinate loop region CLR as shown in FIG. 1 (B) is obtained (step S5). That is, the offset distance DO along the line of sight from the position of the viewpoint VP
A position separated by FF is defined as CP.

Next, the center position C of the coordinate loop area CLR
Based on the coordinates of P and a given random number table, the coordinates (airflow coordinates) of a given point PN in the coordinate loop area CLR are obtained (step S6). This point PN is a point whose position is fixed (stationary point) in the world (absolute) coordinate system.

In this embodiment, even if the viewpoint VP moves as shown in FIG. 12 or the line of sight changes as shown in FIG. 13, the point PN (for example, P1 to P8) is always within the coordinate loop area CLR. The coordinate loop process is performed so that the point becomes. For example, as shown by G1, G2, G3, and G4 in FIG. 12, let us consider a case where the points P7 and P8 move outside the coordinate loop region CLR due to the movement of the viewpoint VP. Also in this case, G
5, the coordinate loop processing is performed so that the points P7 and P8 are again points in the coordinate loop area CLR, as indicated by G6.

In the present embodiment, the center position CP of the coordinate loop area CLR is not the position of the viewpoint VP but the offset distance DO along the line of sight from the position of the viewpoint VP.
It is set at a position separated by FF. Therefore, more points PN (airflow) come within the visual field range as compared with the case where the center position CP is set to the position of the viewpoint VP.
The degree of realism of an image can be increased with a small processing load.

Next, based on the movement vector EVP of the viewpoint obtained in step S1 and the point PN obtained in step S6, the points PN1 and PN2 shown in FIG.
(First and second points) are obtained (step S7). In this manner, as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases (as the length LVP of the moving vector EVP increases), the moving vector EVP of the viewpoint increases. The airflow 20 is seen to expand along the direction.

Next, as shown in FIG.
1. The points PT1 and PT2 (first 'and second' points) in the coordinate system of the screen 30 are obtained by performing perspective transformation of PN2 (step S8). The perspective transformation in this case is
This is performed using the angle of view (θ1 in FIG. 4) set in step S4.

Next, it is determined whether or not both the points PT1 and PT2 are outside the screen 30 (step S9). If both are outside, the following steps S10 to S1 are performed.
Step 3 is omitted.

Next, widths W1 and W2 (first and second widths) are obtained based on the depth values (Z coordinates) of the points PN1 and PN2 (step S10). The widths W1 and W2 become larger as the depth values of the points PN1 and PN2 become larger (points PN1 and P2, respectively).
The value becomes smaller as N2 moves away from the viewpoint VP). By setting the widths W1 and W2 to such values, it is possible to appropriately express the perspective of the airflow.

Next, the point PT in the coordinate system of the screen 30
1, PT2 and the widths W1, W2 obtained in step S10.
Based on the above, as shown in FIG.
Points PT3, PT4, PT5, and PT6 (third, fourth, fifth, and sixth points) in the zero coordinate system are obtained (step S11). Then, as shown in FIG.
Polygon 4 with vertices at T3, PT4, PT5, PT6
0 (primitive surface) is generated (specified) (Step S)
12). By mapping the texture 42 of the picture of the airflow (flowing clouds) onto the polygon 40, the texture shown in FIGS.
An image of the airflow 20 as shown in FIG. 3 can be generated.

Next, all (N) PNs (P1 to P8)
It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (step S
13) If not finished, return to step S6,
When the processing is completed, the angle of view is returned to the normal angle of view (step S14). That is, the angle of view is returned to the angle of view θ2 in FIG.

Various methods can be considered for obtaining the points PT3, PT4, PT5 and PT6 from the points PT1 and PT2 and the widths W1 and W2.

For example, in FIG. 16A, from the point PT1,
PT3 and PT4 are points separated by W1 in a direction orthogonal to the line 50 connecting the points PT1 and PT2. Also point PT2
, A point separated by W2 in the direction orthogonal to the line 50 from PT
5, PT6.

However, in this method, FIG.
When the distance between the points PT1 and PT2 is short, as shown in (B), the generated polygon 40 becomes extremely thin, and the polygon 40 (airflow) becomes invisible to the player (extremely high visibility). Lower).

On the other hand, in FIG. 16C, the points PT1, PT
A point PT is assigned to a region AR2 to which the point PT2 does not belong among two regions AR1 and AR2 which are defined by a line 52 (first line) orthogonal to the line 50 connecting the points 2 and passing the point PT1.
3, PT4 is located. In addition, of the two areas AR3 and AR4 defined by a line 54 (second line) orthogonal to the line 50 and passing through the point PT2, the points PT5 and PT6 are located in the area AR3 to which the point PT1 does not belong. It is located. That is, a line 5 connecting the points PT1 and PT2
The polygon 40 is extended along the 0 direction. In this way, as shown in FIG.
Even when the distance between the PTs 2 is short, the situation in which the polygon 40 becomes extremely thin and the polygon 40 becomes invisible can be effectively prevented by simple processing.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the device shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4. Information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received therebetween. And the image generation IC 1010
Is connected to the display 1018, and the sound generation IC 10
08 is connected to a speaker 1020, and the I / O port 1
012 is connected to the control device 1022,
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing objects to be displayed, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-R is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program and the like.
OMs, game cassettes, DVDs and the like are used. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is the ROM 1002.

The control device 1022 is equivalent to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by a player in accordance with the progress of a game to the main body of the device.

The program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program (initialization information of the apparatus main body) stored in the ROM 1002, the control apparatus 102
CPU 1000 according to a signal input by
Controls the entire apparatus and performs various data processing. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes storage means used as a work area or the like of the CPU 1000. The information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 10
02, or the calculation result of the CPU 1000 or the like is stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

Further, this type of device includes a sound generation IC 100
8 and an image generating IC 1010 are provided so that a suitable output of game sounds and game images can be performed.
The sound generation IC 1008 includes the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1
This is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
An integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Note that a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used as the display 1018.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to another game device to transmit and receive given information according to the game program. It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as a game program via a communication line.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16D are performed by an information storage medium 1006 storing information such as programs and data, a CPU 1000 operating based on information from the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Image generation I
This is realized by the C1010, the sound generation IC 1008, or the like. Note that the image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008
The processing performed by the CPU 1000 or the general-purpose D
It may be performed by software such as SP.

FIG. 18A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted on a system board (circuit board) 1106 built in the apparatus. Then, information for executing (realizing) the processing of the present embodiment (means of the present invention) is stored in a semiconductor memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 18B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
The game controller 1202 and 1204 are operated to enjoy the game. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, memory cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

FIG. 18C shows a host device 1300,
A terminal 1304-1 connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line (small network such as LAN or wide area network such as the Internet) 1302.
An example in a case where the present embodiment is applied to a system including 1304-n. In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a semiconductor memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are CPs
U, an image generation IC, a sound processing IC, and a game image and a game sound that can be generated stand-alone, a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound are output from the host device 1300. Terminal 1304-1
~ 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
4-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 18C, the processing of the present invention is performed in a distributed manner between the host device and the terminal (or the host device, the server and the terminal when a server is provided). It may be. Further, the storage information for realizing the present invention is distributed to the information storage medium of the host device and the information storage medium of the terminal (or the information storage medium of the host device, the information storage medium of the server, and the information storage medium of the terminal). May be stored.

The terminal connected to the communication line may be a home game device or an arcade game device. When the arcade game device is connected to a communication line, information can be exchanged with the arcade game device and the portable information storage device can exchange information with the home game device. Equipment (memory card,
It is desirable to use a portable game device).

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

For example, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where the angle of view θ1 for the first display object and the angle of view θ2 for the second display object are different. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the angle of view θ for the first display object
1, the angle of view θ2 for the second display object, the angle of view θ3 for the third display object,... The case where the angle of view θN for the Nth display object is varied is also included in the scope of the present invention. It is.

In the present embodiment, the case where the first display object is an airflow (flowing clouds) and the second display object is a fighter or a map has been described as an example.
The second display object is not limited to this. For example, as the first display object, a display object that appears to flow relatively as the viewpoint (moving body) moves is particularly desirable. In addition to the airflow, various displays such as rain, snow, stars, and fog are displayed. You can think of things. It is particularly preferable that the second display object is a display object that does not flow and is relatively invisible as the viewpoint moves, or a display object whose flow rate appears to be slower than that of the second display object. Various display objects can be considered in addition to the device and the map.

In the present embodiment, the case where the angle of view is directly set has been described. However, a case where a parameter (eg, a screen distance) equivalent to (eg, mathematically equivalent to) the angle of view is set is also within the scope of the present invention. include.

Further, the first angle of view, the visibility of the first display object, or the degree of expansion of the first display object is determined not based on the viewpoint movement speed itself but on a parameter equivalent to the viewpoint movement speed. Variations are also included within the scope of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, a method has been described in which only the representative position (point PN) of the first display object is arranged in the object space (world coordinate system). Such a method of arranging only the representative positions is particularly desirable from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load. However, the three-dimensional first display object itself may be arranged in the object space.

A method of increasing the visibility of the first display object as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases is shown in FIG.
The method described in (B) is particularly desirable, but is not limited to this.

The present invention is also applicable to various games other than fighter aircraft games (airplane games other than fighter aircraft, spaceship games,
Competition games, fighting games, robot battle games, sports games, shooting games, role playing games, etc.).

The present invention also provides various games such as arcade game machines, home game machines, large attraction devices in which a large number of players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, image generation devices, and system boards for generating game images. Applicable to equipment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating examples of a game image generated according to the embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game image generated by the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of making the angles of view θ1 and θ2 different.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an image generated when the angles of view θ1 and θ2 are different.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing an angle of view θ1 according to a moving speed of a viewpoint.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a method of changing the visibility and expansion degree of an airflow according to a moving speed of a viewpoint.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a case where a moving speed of a viewpoint is higher than a speed VVU or lower than a speed VVL;
It is a figure for explaining a technique of omitting the image generation processing of the air current.

FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a movement vector of a viewpoint and a coordinate loop area.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing coordinate loop processing in a coordinate loop area.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing coordinate loop processing in a coordinate loop area.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show PN to PN1,
PN2 is calculated, and PT on the screen is calculated from PN1 and PN2.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of obtaining PT2.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a method of obtaining PT3 to PT6 from PT1, PT2 and W1, W2, and generating a polygon for expressing an air flow.

FIG. 16A, FIG. 16B, FIG. 16C, FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining various methods for obtaining PT3 to PT6 from PT1, PT2 and W1, W2.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 20 airflow (flowing cloud) 22 fighter 23 enemy fighter 24 map 30 screen 40 polygon 42 texture 50 line connecting PT1 and PT2 52 first line 54 second line 100 processing unit 110 game calculation unit 112 moving body calculation Unit 114 viewpoint control unit 116 angle of view setting unit 118 image changing unit 120 display object expanding unit 130 operation unit 140 storage unit 150 information storage medium 160 image generation unit 162 display unit 164 perspective conversion unit 170 sound generation unit 172 sound output unit 174 communication Section 176 I / F section 180 Memory card

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A game device for generating an image, comprising: a first angle of view used in a perspective transformation of a first display object among a plurality of display objects; The second in
Means for setting the angle of view so that the second angle of view used in the perspective transformation of the display object is different from the second angle of view, and an image of the display object including the first and second display objects A game device, comprising: means for generating. 2. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the first angle of view increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. 3. The image of the first display object according to claim 1, wherein the image of the first display object changes so that the visibility of the first display object increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. Game device. 4. A game device for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a viewpoint moving in an object space; and a plurality of display objects in a plurality of display objects as the viewpoint moving speed increases. Means for changing the image of the first display object so as to increase the visibility of the first display object; and means for generating an image of the display object including the first display object. A game device characterized by the above-mentioned. 5. The visibility of the first display object according to claim 3, wherein the characteristic color of the first display object is made darker as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. A game device, comprising: 6. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display object appears to extend in the direction of the viewpoint movement vector as the viewpoint movement speed increases. . 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes faster than a given first speed, and the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes slower than a given second speed. In at least one of the cases, the image generation processing of the first display object is omitted. 8. A game device for generating an image, wherein first and second points are obtained based on a given point and a viewpoint movement vector, and the first and second points are perspective-transformed. To obtain the first and second points in the screen coordinate system, and obtain the first and second widths based on the depth values of the first and second points. 3 ′ and 4 ′ points in the screen coordinate system are determined based on the first width and the first width.
Means for performing processing for obtaining the fifth 'and sixth' points in the screen coordinate system based on the third point and the second width; and the third ', fourth', fifth 'and fifth means Means for generating an image of a display object including the first display object specified by the point 6 ′. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the third ′ and fourth ′ points are orthogonal to a line connecting the first ′ and second ′ points and pass through the first ′ point. The two points defined by the line are provided in a region to which the second point does not belong, and the fifth points and the sixth points are the first points and the second points. Are provided in a region which does not belong to the first 'point among two regions defined by a second line passing through the second' point and orthogonal to a line connecting Game equipment. 10. The perspective view according to claim 8, wherein an angle of view used in the perspective transformation of the first display object is in the perspective transformation of the second display object among the plurality of display objects. A game device characterized by being wider than the angle of view used for the game. 11. The image of the first display object according to claim 8, wherein the image of the first display object increases so that the visibility of the first display object increases as the length of the viewpoint movement vector increases. A game device characterized by changing. 12. An information storage medium which can read information by a computer and generates an image, and is used at the time of perspective transformation of a first display object among a plurality of display objects. A first angle of view and a second of the plurality of displayed objects;
Means for setting the angle of view so that the second angle of view used in the perspective transformation of the display object is different from the second angle of view, and an image of the display object including the first and second display objects An information storage medium comprising: means for generating; and information for realizing: 13. The information storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the first angle of view increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. 14. The image according to claim 12, wherein the image of the first display object changes so that the visibility of the first display object increases as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. Information storage medium. 15. An information storage medium for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a viewpoint moving in an object space; and a plurality of display objects as the viewpoint moving speed increases. Means for changing the image of the first display object so that the visibility of the first display object is high; and means for generating an image of the display object including the first display object. An information storage medium comprising information for realizing the information storage medium. 16. The visibility of the first display object according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the characteristic color of the first display object is made to appear darker as the moving speed of the viewpoint increases. An information storage medium characterized in that: 17. The information storage according to claim 12, wherein the first display object appears to extend in the direction of the viewpoint movement vector as the viewpoint movement speed increases. Medium. 18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes faster than a given first speed, and the moving speed of the viewpoint becomes slower than a given second speed. An information storage medium, wherein the image generation processing of the first display object is omitted in at least one of the cases. 19. An information storage medium for generating an image, wherein first and second points are obtained based on a given point and a viewpoint movement vector, and the first and second points are viewed through. By transforming, the first and second points in the screen coordinate system are obtained, and the first and second widths are obtained based on the depth values of the first and second points. A third ′ and fourth ′ point in a screen coordinate system is obtained based on the point and the first width, and the second ′
Means for performing processing for obtaining the fifth 'and sixth' points in the screen coordinate system based on the third point and the second width; and the third ', fourth', fifth 'and fifth' Means for generating an image of the display object including the first display object specified by the point 6 '; and information for realizing the following. 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the third 'and fourth' points are orthogonal to a line connecting the first 'and second' points and pass through the first 'point. The two points defined by the line are provided in a region to which the second point does not belong, and the fifth points and the sixth points are the first points and the second points. Are provided in a region which does not belong to the first 'point among two regions defined by a second line passing through the second' point and orthogonal to a line connecting Information storage medium. 21. The perspective view according to claim 19, wherein the angle of view used in the perspective transformation of the first display object is in the perspective transformation of the second display object among the plurality of display objects. An information storage medium characterized by being wider than an angle of view used for the information storage medium. 22. The image of the first display object according to claim 19, wherein the image of the first display object becomes higher as the length of the viewpoint movement vector becomes longer. An information storage medium characterized by changing.