JP2000306115A - Image forming device and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and an information storage medium which generate a more realistic image from an image seen from a virtual camera with less processing burden. SOLUTION: When a mobile object 20 approaches a virtual camera 30, fluctuations are given to rotations around X, Y, and Z axes and the position of the virtual camera 30 to express the fluctuations due to the wind pressure from the mobile object 20. A fluctuation according with the speed of the mobile object 20 or the distance from the mobile object 20 is given to the virtual camera 30. A fluctuation range is obtained which is made wider according as the speed of the mobile object 20 is higher or the distance is shorter, and fluctuation within the fluctuation range is given to the virtual camera 30. The fluctuation is set to 0 when the speed of the mobile object 20 is equal to or lower than VL or the distance is equal to or longer than DH, and the fluctuation is limited to a limit value when the speed of the mobile object 20 is equal to or higher than VH or the distance is equal to or shorter than DL. A speed parameter NV and a distance parameter ND which change from 0 to one are obtained, the fluctuation is obtained on the basis of NV×ND. If plural mobile object 20 approach, the fluctuation according with the speed and the distance of the moving body from which the distance is shortest is given to the virtual camera.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generating apparatus and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generating apparatus (in a narrow sense) that arranges a plurality of objects in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, and generates an image viewed from the viewpoint of a virtual camera. Is a game device)
Is known, and is popular as an experience of so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation device capable of enjoying a racing game as an example, a player drives a vehicle (own vehicle) driven by the player in an object space, and a vehicle (other vehicle) driven by another player or a computer. Enjoy the game by competing.

In such an image generating apparatus, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player.

However, in such an image generating apparatus, since a computer actually controls the virtual camera, an image viewed from the virtual camera is different from an image obtained when a human takes a real camera in the real world. Must be different. Therefore, the obtained image is still monotonous, and lacks realism.

In particular, in a replay mode in which a player's car driving during game play is reproduced and shown to the player, virtual cameras for replay are fixed at various locations along the course and do not move. Therefore, an image generated in such a replay mode tends to be particularly monotonous.

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 an image which can make an image viewed from a virtual camera a more realistic image with a small processing load. An object of the present invention is to provide a generation device and an information storage medium.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation for moving a moving object in an object space; Means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in space, and rotation of the virtual camera about a given axis and position of the virtual camera when the moving object approaches the virtual camera An image generating apparatus comprising: means for giving a fluctuation to at least one of the above; and means for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes information (program) for realizing (executing) the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer, and is a program for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the moving body moves in the object space based on the operation by the player (operator), the operation by the computer, or the information for reproducing the movement of the moving body. Then, when it is determined that the moving object has approached the virtual camera, the virtual camera fluctuates with respect to the rotation or position around the axis. Then, an image viewed from the virtual camera given the fluctuation is generated. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to give the player an illusion that the virtual camera fluctuates due to wind pressure or the like caused by the traveling of the moving body. Thereby, the virtual reality of the player can be remarkably improved.

Further, the image generation apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide a method of controlling a virtual camera to rotate around a given axis and to fluctuate according to at least one of the speed of the moving body and the distance from the moving body. It is provided for at least one of the positions of the virtual camera. According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not the virtual camera should be fluctuated based on the speed of the moving body or the distance from the moving body, and the fluctuation that changes based on the speed and the distance is transmitted to the virtual camera. And giving it. As a result, a more realistic image can be generated with a small processing load.

The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention obtain a fluctuation range that increases as the speed of the moving body increases or decreases as the moving distance from the moving body decreases. The fluctuation is given to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. With this configuration, the virtual camera can be shaken within a fluctuation range that changes according to the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object. In this case, it is desirable that the fluctuation given to the virtual camera be obtained based on a fluctuation function, a fluctuation value table, or the like.

[0011] The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are capable of reducing fluctuation when the speed of the moving object is lower than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is more than a given distance. It is characterized by being set to zero or almost zero. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an unnatural situation in which the virtual camera shakes while the moving body is stopped or the moving body is far away.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide a method for controlling the fluctuation when the speed of a moving object is higher than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is smaller than a given distance. It is characterized by limiting the increase. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the fluctuation becomes excessively large, for example, when the speed of the moving body becomes extremely high or when the moving body comes close to suddenly.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are arranged such that when the speed of the moving body is equal to or lower than a given speed, it becomes zero or almost zero and when the speed of the moving body is equal to or higher than the given speed. Is determined based on the speed of the moving object, and becomes zero or almost zero when the distance from the moving object is equal to or greater than a given distance, and the distance from the moving object is determined. A distance parameter ND at which an increase in the value is limited when the distance is equal to or less than the given distance is obtained based on the distance from the moving object, and the fluctuation is obtained based on a function of NV and ND. Thus, NV, N
If the fluctuation is obtained based on the function of D (for example, NV × N
If the fluctuation is obtained based on D), it is possible to give the virtual camera fluctuation that reflects both the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object. Further, when the speed of the moving object is equal to or less than the given speed, or when the distance from the moving object is equal to or more than the given distance, the fluctuation given to the virtual camera is made zero or almost zero, or the speed of the moving object is reduced to a certain value. When the speed is higher than the given speed or when the distance from the moving body is equal to or less than the given distance, it is possible to limit the increase in fluctuation.

The image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention select at least one of the plurality of moving objects when the plurality of moving objects approach the virtual camera, and select the selected moving object. Fluctuation according to at least one of the speed of the moving body and the distance from the selected moving body,
The rotation is provided about at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera.
With this configuration, when obtaining the fluctuation, the speed of the selected moving object and the distance from the selected moving object need only be taken into consideration, so that the processing load can be reduced.

[0015] Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are provided based on a distance from a moving object.
The at least one moving object is selected. In this way, the fluctuation of the virtual camera can be expressed with a smaller processing load without causing the player to feel unnatural.

The present invention is also an image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space;
Means for providing a fluctuation according to the distance from the vibration source to at least one of rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and position of the virtual camera, and means for generating an image viewed from the virtual camera It is characterized by. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable by a computer, and includes information (program) for realizing (executing) the above means. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer, and is a program for realizing (executing) the above means.

According to the present invention, the fluctuation corresponding to the distance from the vibration source (vibration source, fluctuation source) is given to the rotation and the position around the axis of the virtual camera. Then, an image viewed from the virtual camera given such a fluctuation is generated. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to give the player an illusion that the virtual camera fluctuates due to the vibration of the vibration source, and it is possible to improve the virtual reality of the player.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention determine a fluctuation range that becomes wider as the distance from the vibration source becomes shorter, and calculate the fluctuation within the fluctuation range.
The rotation is provided about at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera.
In this way, the virtual camera can be shaken within a fluctuation range that changes according to the distance from the vibration source. In this case, it is desirable that the fluctuation given to the virtual camera be obtained based on a fluctuation function, a fluctuation value table, or the like.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that, when the distance from the vibration source is a given distance or more, the fluctuation is set to zero or almost zero. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an unnatural situation in which the virtual camera shakes while the vibration source is far away.

Further, the image generating apparatus, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention select at least one vibration source from a plurality of vibration sources, and virtually change the fluctuation according to the distance from the selected vibration source. The rotation is provided about at least one of the rotation of the camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. With this configuration, when obtaining the fluctuation, it is sufficient to consider the distance from the selected vibration source, so that the processing load can be reduced.

[0021]

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

1. 1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

The player sits on the seat 1040 and looks at the game image displayed on the screen 1050 while watching the steering 1052, the accelerator 1054, and the brake 1056.
Operate. Then, the player sets the steering 1052
Is steered, the car (the moving object in the object space) 1060 projected on the screen 1050 corners right and left. When the player operates the accelerator 1054 and the brake 1056, the car 1060 accelerates or decelerates. The player then proceeds to the vehicle 1060
To compete with a car operated by another player sitting on the seats 1042, 1044, and 1046 or a car operated by a computer for the order and lap time, and enjoy a competitive game.

A CCD camera (photographing means) 1062
Is for photographing a face image (player identification image) of the player. By associating the face image captured by the CCD camera 1062 with the car operated by the player, it is possible to easily recognize which player is operating which car. Also, the relay display 1
At 064, a relay screen 1066 is displayed for a third party who does not participate in the game to watch the state of the multi-player game or to replay the state of driving of the car driven by the player. The slot 1072 is for inserting a memory card (portable information storage device) 1070. This memory card 1070 can be used in a home-use game device.
Through 70, information can be exchanged between the arcade game device and the home game device.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or 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 used by the player to input operation information. The functions of the operation section 130 are the steering 1052, the accelerator 1054, the brake 1056,
It can be realized by hardware such as operation 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 usable by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or 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 an instruction from the processing section 100 and outputs the generated sounds to the sound output section 172. The function of the sound generation section 170 is as follows.
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).

The information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) is obtained from the information storage medium of the host device via the network and the communication unit 174 through the information stored in the game device (image generation device in a broad sense). You may make it distribute to a storage medium. 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 (portable information storage device including a portable mini game device in a broad sense) 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 calculation section 110.

Here, the game calculation section 110 performs processing for accepting coins (price), processing for setting a game mode, processing for proceeding with a game, processing for setting a selection screen, processing for determining the position and direction of a moving object (vehicle or the like), Processing to determine the viewpoint position and gaze direction, processing to reproduce the motion of the moving object, processing to place objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate game results (achievements), multiple players in a common game space Various game calculation processes such as a process for playing or a game over process are performed based on operation information from the operation unit 130, information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like. In addition,
When the present invention is applied to a game other than a car game, various moving objects can be considered, such as a character, a motorcycle, an airplane, a ship, a water ski, a surfboard, a tank, a robot, and a spaceship.

The game operation unit 110 is a mobile object operation unit 11
2. Includes a virtual camera control unit 114.

Here, the moving body calculation section 112 calculates movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of a moving body such as a car. For example, operation information input from the operation section 130 or a given program Based on the calculation, an operation of moving the moving object in the object space is performed. That is, based on an operation by a player (own player or another player) or an operation by a computer (given movement control algorithm), an operation of moving a moving object in an object space is performed.

More specifically, the moving body operation 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 virtual camera control unit 114 generates an image at a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. For controlling the virtual camera for generating the image. In other words, the virtual camera performs a rotation about a given axis (for example, X, Y, Z axis) and a process of controlling the position of the virtual camera (a process of controlling a viewpoint position and a line of sight direction).

For example, when photographing a moving object from behind using a virtual camera, the virtual camera rotates around the axis (direction of the virtual camera) so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position and direction of the moving object. And controlling the position of the virtual camera. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on information such as the position, direction, or speed of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 112.

On the other hand, in the replay mode in which the moving body of the excellent player is replayed, the virtual camera control unit 114 firstly selects a plurality of virtual cameras set along the course (side the course) from the plurality of virtual cameras. A virtual camera close to the moving object is selected. Then, while controlling the selected virtual camera based on information such as the position, direction or speed of the moving object to be photographed, the moving object to be photographed is photographed by the virtual camera. In this case, information such as the position, direction, or speed of the moving object during normal game play (in a broad sense, information for reproducing the movement of the moving object, which may be operation information of the moving object) is stored in the storage unit. Accumulate. In the replay mode, the traveling (movement) of the moving object is replayed based on the stored information.

The virtual camera control section 114 includes a fluctuation (vibration) setting section 116.

Here, the fluctuation setting unit 116 performs a process for giving a fluctuation to the virtual camera (a process for vibrating the virtual camera) when the moving body approaches the virtual camera, that is, a given virtual camera. To rotate around the axis (for example, the X, Y or Z axis) and to give fluctuation to the position of the virtual camera.

More specifically, a fluctuation corresponding to the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object is given to the virtual camera. For example, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation is given to the virtual camera based on the speed and the distance, or the fluctuation whose magnitude is determined by the speed and the distance is given to the virtual camera.

In this case, for example, a fluctuation range that increases as the speed of the moving object increases or increases as the distance from the moving object (for example, the distance between the moving object and the virtual camera) decreases, and falls within this fluctuation range. It is desirable that such a fluctuation is obtained based on a fluctuation function or a fluctuation value table and given to the virtual camera.

Further, the fluctuation setting section 116 sets the fluctuation to zero (or almost zero) when the speed of the moving body is lower than a given speed or when the distance from the moving body is longer than a given distance. I do. Furthermore, when the speed of the moving body is equal to or higher than a given speed or when the distance from the moving body is equal to or less than the given distance, a process of setting the fluctuation to a limit value (a process of restricting an increase in the fluctuation in a broad sense) Also).

The moving object selection unit 118 included in the fluctuation setting unit 116 performs processing for selecting a moving object to be subjected to fluctuation processing from among the plurality of moving objects when the plurality of moving objects approaches the virtual camera. . As a result, fluctuations according to the speed of the selected moving object and the distance from the selected moving object are given to the virtual camera.

In this embodiment, 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 are possible.

When a plurality of players play,
The images and sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated by using a single game device (image generation device in a broad sense) or may be generated by a plurality of devices connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. It may be generated using a game device.

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

FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of images generated in the replay mode (one of the attract modes). That is, in the present embodiment, when the player has an excellent result, after the game is over, a replay image is displayed in order to show the player how the car that the player has driven is running. This replay image is an image viewed from the replay virtual camera set along the course.
That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of virtual cameras for replay are installed along the course. Then, one virtual camera is selected from the plurality of virtual cameras for replay based on the position of the player's car, and the state of the player's car running is photographed by this virtual camera.

In FIG. 3A, as shown in FIG. 4A, a moving body (player's car) 20 is a virtual camera (viewpoint) 30.
Far away from

On the other hand, in FIG. 3B, the moving body 20 is approaching the virtual camera 30 as shown in FIG. In this case, in the present embodiment, the fluctuation is given to the virtual camera 30 as shown in FIG. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4C, the X-axis of the virtual camera 30;
Fluctuation is given to the rotation (rotation angle) α, β, or γ around the Y axis or the Z axis, or the position PC of the virtual camera 30. As a result, the screen fluctuates as shown in FIG. 3B, and an illusion can be given to the player as if the virtual camera 30 was vibrated by the wind pressure caused by the passage of the moving body 20. As a result, the sense of realism and realism of the image can be significantly improved.

That is, the conventional virtual camera for replay is fixed to the side of the course and does not move.
For this reason, the image is fixed irrespective of the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object, and the obtained image tends to be monotonous. In addition, it gives the player an unnatural feeling of images taken by a computer. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is not possible to enhance the realism and the sense of reality of the replay image.

As one technique for solving such a problem, a technique of physically faithfully simulating a phenomenon in which a wind is generated by traveling of a moving body or a phenomenon in which a virtual camera fluctuates due to the wind pressure is considered. However, such a method using physical simulation has a problem that the processing load is very heavy.
Therefore, the method using this physical simulation is
A CG movie or the like that does not require real-time processing is effective for improving the realism of an image. However, in a game device of this type that requires real-time processing,
It is not desirable because necessary processing may not be completed within one frame.

According to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the moving object has approached the virtual camera based on, for example, the position of the moving object, the virtual camera is made to fluctuate. Therefore, the fluctuation of the virtual camera due to the wind pressure from the moving body can be simulated with a processing load much smaller than the method using the physical simulation. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, unlike a CG movie or the like, the degree of fluctuation of the virtual camera can be changed according to the traveling state of the moving object. Therefore, a more realistic image can be generated with a small processing load.

In the present embodiment, the speed of the moving object or the distance from the moving object (for example, the distance between the moving object and the virtual camera)
Is applied to the virtual camera (rotation around the axis and position of the virtual camera).

For example, as shown in FIG.
When the speed of 0 is high, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is increased. Even when the distance from the moving body 20 is short, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is increased.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
When the speed of 0 is slow, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is reduced. Further, even when the distance from the moving body 20 is long, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 is reduced.

For example, in a CG movie, the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object are not considered at all. Therefore, a uniform image is displayed regardless of the magnitude of the speed and the magnitude of the distance.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the generated image looks different depending on the magnitude of the speed of the moving body and the magnitude of the distance from the moving body. That is, the virtual camera shakes during a certain player's running replay.
Then, the shaking of the virtual camera during another player's running replay is different, and the generated replay image also looks different.

For example, a moving object (car) driven by a senior player generally passes through a place where a virtual camera is arranged at a higher speed. Therefore, the swing of the virtual camera is increased, and the replay image is also powerful. And
The player who has watched the replay image can feel the sense of speed of the moving body that he / she has driven through the shaking of the virtual camera, so that the player feels satisfied.

As described above, by employing the methods shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the present embodiment, the degree of variety and the degree of realism of the generated image can be significantly increased.

In FIGS. 5A and 5B, not the speed itself of the moving body 20 nor the distance itself from the moving body 20 but a parameter equivalent to the above-mentioned speed or a parameter equivalent to the above-mentioned distance. Virtual camera 30
The control of the fluctuation of is also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the fluctuation of the virtual camera 30 may be controlled based on the relative speed between the moving body 20 and the virtual camera 30 instead of the absolute speed of the moving body 20. Also, not the linear distance between the moving body 20 and the virtual camera 30 but the moving body 20 and the virtual camera 30
May be controlled based on the depth distance of the virtual camera 30. Further, the fluctuation of the virtual camera may be controlled based on the distance between the moving object 20 and another moving object near the position of the virtual camera 30 instead of the distance between the moving object 20 and the virtual camera 30.

In the present embodiment, a fluctuation range that changes according to the speed of the moving body and the distance from the moving body is obtained, and the fluctuation within this fluctuation range is given to the virtual camera.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the speed of the moving object is high, the fluctuation range 40
To increase. Further, even when the distance from the moving object is short, the fluctuation range 40 of the virtual camera 30 is increased.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the speed of the moving body is slow, the fluctuation range 40 of the virtual camera 30 is reduced.
Smaller. Further, even when the distance from the moving body is long, the fluctuation range 40 of the virtual camera 30 is reduced.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fluctuation range is determined according to the speed of the moving body and the distance from the moving body. Then, a fluctuation falling within this range is obtained based on a fluctuation function and a fluctuation value table. If you do this,
The fluctuation of the virtual camera according to the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object can be realized by simple processing.

As the fluctuation range, for example, a fluctuation range of the rotation around the axis of the virtual camera, a fluctuation range of the position of the virtual camera, or a fluctuation range of the solid angle in the direction in which the virtual camera is directed can be considered.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the speed of the moving body is equal to or lower than VL, the fluctuation (fluctuation range) of the virtual camera is set to zero (or almost zero). Also, when the distance from the moving body is DH or more, the fluctuation is set to zero.

In this way, for example, the virtual camera shakes even though the moving object is almost stopped, or the virtual object is located in a distant place almost invisible from the virtual camera. It is possible to effectively prevent an unnatural situation such as a camera shake.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the speed of the moving object is equal to or higher than VH, the virtual camera 3
The increase of the fluctuation of 0 (expansion of the fluctuation range) is limited (for example, the fluctuation is set to a limit value). Further, even when the distance from the moving body is equal to or less than the DL, an increase in fluctuation is limited.

In this way, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the virtual camera from becoming excessive when, for example, the speed of the moving object becomes extremely high or when the distance from the moving object becomes very short. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation where the player feels unnatural.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
When a plurality of moving bodies 20-1 to 20-5 approach the virtual camera 30, a plurality of moving bodies 20-1 to 20-5 (moving bodies driven by a player, moving bodies driven by a computer, and the like).
Is selected, for example, the moving object 20-1 to be photographed. Then, a fluctuation corresponding to the speed of the selected moving body 20-1 or the distance from the moving body 20-1 is given to the virtual camera 30.

For example, in the method using physical simulation, when a plurality of moving objects approach the virtual camera, the wind generated by the running of all the moving objects is simulated, and the virtual camera generates a wind based on the wind pressure. Shaking is simulated. Therefore, when the number of moving bodies approaching the virtual camera increases, the processing load increases exponentially accordingly, and when the number of moving bodies approaching is large, the processing load becomes excessive.

On the other hand, according to the method shown in FIG. 8, only the speed of the selected moving body 20-1 and the distance from the moving body 20-1 need to be considered. Therefore, even if the number of moving objects approaching the virtual camera increases, the processing load does not increase so much. Even if the number of moving objects approaching increases, the fluctuation of the virtual camera can be realized with a small processing load. Become like

In FIG. 8, only one moving body is selected, but two or more moving bodies may be selected. In this case, a weighting coefficient or the like is introduced.For example, a large weighting coefficient is used for a moving object having a high speed or a short distance, and a small weighting coefficient is used for a moving object having a low speed or a long distance. I just need.

In FIG. 8, the moving object is selected based on the distance from the moving object. More specifically, the moving object 20-1 closest to the virtual camera 30 is selected. However, the moving object may be selected based on the speed of the moving object. That is, the moving object having the highest speed is selected. Alternatively, the moving object may be selected based on both the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object.

However, in this type of game apparatus, usually, a plurality of moving bodies are almost always running at substantially the same speed. Also, it is considered that it is more natural for the player to shake the virtual camera due to the traveling of the moving object having a short distance than to shake the virtual camera due to the traveling of the moving object having a high speed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, a method of selecting a moving object based on the distance from the moving object is particularly desirable.

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, a rotation matrix MTC of the virtual camera in the frame is obtained (step S1). For example, when the virtual camera is controlled to follow the movement of the moving body, as the moving body moves, the rotation matrix M
TC will change.

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 8, the moving object closest to the virtual camera is selected (step S2). Then, the speed VM of the selected moving body and the distance DMC from the moving body are obtained (step S3).

Next, a speed parameter NV as shown in FIG. 11A is obtained based on the speed VM, and a distance parameter ND as shown in FIG. 11B is obtained based on the distance DMC (step S4).

Here, the speed parameter NV is shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), when the speed VM of the moving body is equal to or lower than VL (for example, 50 km / h), the speed becomes 0.0, and when the speed of the moving body is equal to or higher than VH (for example, 200 km / h), the speed becomes 1. 0.0 (limit value).

The distance parameter ND is shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), when the distance DMC from the moving body is DH (for example, 8.0 m) or more, it becomes 0.0, and when the distance from the moving body is DL (for example, 2.0 m) or less, 1. 0
(Limit value).

Next, a parameter NVD = NV × ND is obtained based on the speed parameter NV and the distance parameter ND (step S5). This NVD is a parameter that determines the fluctuation range of the virtual camera (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

Next, the parameter NVD and the fluctuation function F
A fluctuation angle θ around the X axis and the Y axis based on X and FY.
X = NVD × FX and θY = NVD × FY are obtained (step S6). That is, the fluctuation angle (fluctuation in a broad sense)
It is obtained based on the functions of NV and ND. Note that the fluctuation functions FX and FY are fluctuation functions relating to rotation about the X axis and the Y axis, respectively.

By determining the fluctuation angles θX and θY in this manner, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the speed increases as the speed of the moving body increases, and as the distance from the moving body decreases, the width increases. By setting a certain fluctuation range, it is possible to give a fluctuation within this fluctuation range to the virtual camera. That is,
The fluctuation range of the rotation angle around the X axis and the Y axis is determined by the parameter N
This is because the fluctuation angles θX and θY are determined by VD and within the fluctuation range.

When the speed VM of the moving object is less than VL or when the distance DMC from the moving object is more than DH, the parameter NVD becomes 0.0, and the fluctuation angles θX and θY also become 0.0. . Therefore, as described with reference to FIG.
When VM is below VL or when DMC is above DH,
The fluctuation of the virtual camera becomes 0.0.

When the speed VM is higher than VH or when the distance D
When MC is less than DL, the parameter NVD is set to 1.0.
And the fluctuation angles θX and θY are also restricted. Therefore, as described in FIG. 7B, when the VM is equal to or higher than VH or when the DMC is equal to or lower than DL, the fluctuation of the virtual camera can be limited to the limit value.

Next, based on the fluctuation angles θX and θY,
Find the fluctuation rotation matrix MTθ (step S
7). Then, with respect to the rotation matrix MTC of the virtual camera obtained in step S1, the fluctuation rotation matrix M
Tθ is multiplied (step S8). Then, the virtual camera is rotated based on the obtained rotation matrix MTC = MTC × MTθ (step S9). This makes it possible to give the virtual camera fluctuations in accordance with the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object.

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 a display object, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game apparatus, a DVD,
A CD-ROM, a game cassette, or the like is 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 corresponds 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 kind 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 kinds 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 11B 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.

When the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device as shown in FIG. 1, a system board (circuit board) 1106 built in the device includes a CPU,
An image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted. Various information for realizing (executing) the present embodiment (the present invention) is stored in a semiconductor memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, such information is referred to as stored information.

FIG. 13A 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 storage information is stored in a DVD 1206, memory cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

FIG. 13B 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 that includes 〜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 can be generated stand-alone, a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound 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. 13B, the processing of the present invention is performed in a distributed manner between the host device and the terminal (or, when a server is provided, between the host device, the server and the terminal). 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 a business game device. When the arcade game device is connected to a communication line, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game device and exchanging 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 invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

In the present embodiment, the case where the virtual camera fluctuates due to the approach of the moving body has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the case where the virtual camera fluctuates due to the vibration of a vibration source (vibration source, fluctuation source).

For example, in FIG. 14A, a bullet fired by a tank (for example, a tank operated by a player) 50 hits a tank 52, and the tank 52 explodes. In this case, the tank 52
(Explosion of the tank 52) becomes a vibration source, and the virtual camera fluctuates. By doing so, it is possible to more realistically notify the player that the tank 52 has exploded,
The virtual reality of the player can be enhanced.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 14B, a distance D from the vibration source (tank) 52 (the distance between the vibration source 52 and the virtual camera 30 or the distance between the vibration source 52 and the tank 50) is determined. The fluctuation is given to the virtual camera. In this way, the magnitude of the swing of the virtual camera changes according to the magnitude of the distance D, and the sense of reality and the realism of the image can be enhanced.

Also, when the virtual camera is shaken by the vibration of the vibration source, FIGS.
(B), various methods described with reference to FIG. 8 can be applied. That is, a fluctuation range that becomes wider as the distance from the vibration source becomes shorter may be obtained, and the fluctuation within this fluctuation range may be given to the virtual camera. Further, when the distance from the vibration source is a given distance or more, the fluctuation may be set to zero (or almost zero). Further, when there are a plurality of vibration sources, a vibration source may be selected from the vibration sources, and a fluctuation corresponding to a distance from the selected vibration source may be given to the virtual camera.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to generation of a replay image has been described, but the present invention can naturally be applied to generation of an image during game play. For example, consider a game in which a character (moving object) walks around in a dungeon looking for treasures or the like. In this case, when the character runs toward the virtual camera installed in the dungeon, the virtual camera fluctuates. By doing so, the virtual reality of the player can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the fluctuation of the position of the virtual camera are given has been described. Such a case is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can also be applied to various games other than car games (airplane games, spaceship games, motorcycle games, fighting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, shooting games, role playing games, music playing games, Dance games, quiz games, etc.)
Applicable to

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

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example when the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are examples of images generated according to the embodiment; FIGS.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams for explaining a method of giving a fluctuation to a virtual camera when a moving object approaches.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a method of giving a fluctuation to the virtual camera according to the speed of the moving object and the distance from the moving object.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining a method of changing a fluctuation range in accordance with a speed of a moving object and a distance from the moving object.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a method of reducing the fluctuation of the virtual camera to zero or limiting the fluctuation to a limit value.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a method performed when a plurality of moving objects approach a virtual camera.

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 show speed parameters N;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining V and a distance parameter ND.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining a method of giving a fluctuation to a virtual camera according to a distance from a vibration source.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20, 20-1 to 20-5 Moving object 30 Virtual camera 40 Fluctuation range 50 Tank 52 Tank (vibration source) 100 Processing unit 110 Game operation unit 112 Moving object operation unit 114 Virtual camera control unit 116 Fluctuation setting unit 118 Moving object selection Unit 130 Operation unit 140 Storage unit 150 Information storage medium 160 Image generation unit 162 Display unit 170 Sound generation unit 172 Sound output unit 174 Communication unit 176 I / F unit 180 Memory card

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; and a virtual device for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. Means for controlling the camera, means for rotating the virtual camera around a given axis and / or for fluctuating at least one of the position of the virtual camera when the moving object approaches the virtual camera, An image generating apparatus, comprising: means for generating an image. 2. The virtual camera according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuation according to at least one of the speed of the moving body and the distance from the moving body is performed with respect to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. An image generating apparatus characterized in that: 3. The virtual camera according to claim 1, wherein a fluctuation range that increases as the speed of the moving object increases or increases as the distance from the moving object decreases, and the fluctuation within the fluctuation range is determined by a virtual camera. An image generating apparatus, wherein an image is given to at least one of a rotation around a given axis and a position of a virtual camera. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuation is zero or substantially zero when the speed of the moving object is equal to or less than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is equal to or more than a given distance. An image generating apparatus characterized in that: 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an increase in fluctuation is limited when the speed of the moving object is equal to or higher than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is equal to or less than a given distance. An image generating apparatus, characterized in that: 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the speed of the moving body is zero or almost zero when the speed of the moving body is lower than a given speed, and the value of the value is set when the speed of the moving body is higher than a given speed. The speed parameter NV at which the increase is limited is determined based on the speed of the moving object. When the distance from the moving object is equal to or greater than a given distance, the value becomes zero or almost zero, and the distance from the moving object is equal to or less than the given distance. An image generation apparatus characterized in that a distance parameter ND of which the increase is limited in the case of (1) is obtained based on the distance from the moving body, and the fluctuation is obtained based on a function of NV and ND. 7. The moving object according to claim 1, wherein at least one moving object is selected from the plurality of moving objects when the plurality of moving objects approach the virtual camera, and the speed of the selected moving object is selected. An image generating apparatus, wherein a fluctuation according to at least one of a distance from a selected moving object and a rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and / or a position of the virtual camera is provided. 8. The image generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one moving object is selected based on a distance from the moving object. 9. An image generating apparatus for generating an image, comprising: means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space; An image generating apparatus, comprising: means for giving fluctuation to at least one of rotation of a virtual camera around a given axis and position of the virtual camera; and means for generating an image viewed from the virtual camera. . 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a fluctuation range that becomes wider as the distance from the vibration source is shorter is determined, and the fluctuation within the fluctuation range is determined by rotating the virtual camera around a given axis and determining the position of the virtual camera. An image generation apparatus characterized in that it is given to at least one. 11. The image generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the fluctuation is set to zero or almost zero when the distance from the vibration source is a given distance or more. 12. The virtual camera according to claim 9, wherein at least one vibration source is selected from the plurality of vibration sources, and a fluctuation corresponding to a distance from the selected vibration source is given to the virtual camera. An image generation device for applying the rotation to at least one of the rotation about the axis of the virtual camera and the position of the virtual camera. 13. A computer-usable information storage medium containing information for generating an image, comprising: means for performing an operation of moving a moving object in an object space; and a given viewpoint in the object space. Means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at the camera, and when the moving object approaches the virtual camera, the virtual camera rotates around a given axis and / or fluctuates with respect to the position of the virtual camera. An information storage medium including information for realizing the following: and a means for generating an image visible from the virtual camera. 14. The virtual camera according to claim 13, wherein the fluctuation according to at least one of the speed of the moving body and the distance from the moving body is performed with respect to at least one of the rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera. An information storage medium characterized by giving information. 15. The virtual camera according to claim 13, wherein a fluctuation range that increases as the speed of the moving object increases or increases as the distance from the moving object decreases, and the fluctuation within the fluctuation range is determined by a virtual camera. An information storage medium provided to at least one of rotation about a given axis and a position of a virtual camera. 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fluctuation is zero or almost zero when the speed of the moving object is equal to or less than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is equal to or more than a given distance. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein an increase in fluctuation is limited when the speed of the moving object is equal to or higher than a given speed or when the distance from the moving object is equal to or less than a given distance. An information storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the speed of the moving body is zero or almost zero when the speed of the moving body is equal to or lower than a given speed, and the value of the value is set when the speed of the moving body is equal to or higher than the given speed. The speed parameter NV at which the increase is limited is determined based on the speed of the moving object. When the distance from the moving object is equal to or greater than a given distance, the value becomes zero or almost zero, and the distance from the moving object is equal to or less than the given distance. An information storage medium characterized in that a distance parameter ND of which value increase is limited in the case of (i) is obtained based on the distance from the moving object, and the fluctuation is obtained based on a function of NV and ND. 19. The moving object according to claim 13, wherein at least one moving object is selected from the plurality of moving objects when the plurality of moving objects approach the virtual camera, and the speed of the selected moving object is selected. An information storage medium, wherein a fluctuation corresponding to at least one of a distance from a selected moving body and at least one of a rotation of a virtual camera around a given axis and a position of the virtual camera is given. 20. The information storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the at least one moving object is selected based on a distance from the moving object. 21. A computer-usable information storage medium containing information for generating an image, means for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given viewpoint in object space. Means for giving fluctuation according to the distance from the vibration source to at least one of rotation of the virtual camera around a given axis and the position of the virtual camera, and means for generating an image visible from the virtual camera. An information storage medium comprising information for realizing the information storage medium. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein a fluctuation range that becomes wider as the distance from the vibration source becomes shorter is determined, and the fluctuation within the fluctuation range is determined by rotating the virtual camera around a given axis and by changing the position of the virtual camera. An information storage medium provided to at least one of them. 23. The information storage medium according to claim 21, wherein the fluctuation is set to zero or almost zero when the distance from the vibration source is a given distance or more. 24. The virtual camera according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the plurality of vibration sources is selected from the plurality of vibration sources, and a fluctuation corresponding to a distance from the selected vibration source is given to the virtual camera. An information storage medium is provided for at least one of rotation about an axis of a virtual camera and a position of a virtual camera.