JP2001184523A - Image generating system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generating system and an information storage medium, by which the hidden-surface removal of a moving object is performed in a movie by providing the movie with depth. SOLUTION: A depth value Z1 is included in movie data for reproducing the movie, the hidden-surface removal is performed on the basis of this depth value Z1 and a depth value Z2 of a character, and an image compositing the movie and a character 10 is plotted. Hit area data (such as hit area flag or height of a hit area) for specifying the hit area are contained in the movie data and the hit check of the character and the hit area is performed on the basis of the hit area data. Moving route data or moving data are contained in the movie data, the depth value Z1 is included in the data of an image in the final frame of movie reproducing, the hidden-surface removal is performed on the basis of the depth value Z1 and the depth value Z2 of the character, and an image compositing the final frame image and the character is plotted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generation system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image generation system for generating an image which can be viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. It is popular as an experience.

In such an image generation system, a so-called movie (moving image) is reproduced at the opening, the intermission, and the ending of the game in order to excite the player's desire for the game and to enhance the player's excitement. In this movie, a CG image or a live-action image produced by a CG tool is reproduced, so that the movie is more realistic than an image generated by moving a three-dimensional object composed of polygons (primitive surfaces) in real time. Realistic expression becomes possible.

[0004] However, in the conventional image generation system, movie data, which is data for reproducing a movie, includes only two-dimensional image data and sound data. Therefore, for example, when trying to generate an image in which a movie and a character (moving object in a broad sense) are combined, the character is always displayed in front of the movie, and an image lacking in realism is generated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide an image generation system that allows a movie to have a depth so that the hidden surface of a moving object can be eliminated by the movie. And an information storage medium.

[0006]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image generation system for generating an image, comprising: data for reproducing a movie, the movie data including depth value data; Means for storing a movie and a moving object while performing hidden surface removal based on the first depth value data included in the movie data and the second depth value data of the moving object. And drawing means for drawing. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for implementing (executing) the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for realizing (executing) the above means.

[0007] According to the present invention, movie data (CG video, actual video, etc.) which is data for movie playback
Include the first depth value data. Then, hidden surface elimination is performed based on the first depth value data and the second depth value data of the moving object (such as a character). As a result, it is possible to express an image such that a moving object is hidden behind a display object constituting a movie.
Therefore, the player can be illusioned as if the movie which is a two-dimensional video has depth, and the virtual reality of the player can be enhanced. In addition, when the background is represented by a movie, it is possible to express a more realistic and realistic image than when the background is represented by a polygon (primitive surface), and the cost of the product and the development period are shortened. Can be achieved.

It is preferable that the hidden surface elimination based on the first and second depth value data is performed by a Z buffer method using a Z buffer. Further, it is desirable that the moving object be constituted by a plurality of primitive surfaces (polygons, curved surfaces, etc.).

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area, and It is characterized by including means (a program and a processing routine for realizing the means) for performing a hit check between the moving object and the hit area based on the moving object.
In this way, it is possible to perform a hit check between a display object and a moving object in a movie. Therefore, it is possible to create a game situation in which a display object in the movie becomes an obstacle and the moving object cannot move. This makes it possible to give the player an illusion as if the display object in the movie is composed of polygons and the like, and it is possible to enhance the virtual reality of the player.

In the hit check process, the bottom of a display object appearing in a movie is defined as a hit area, and a hit check is performed between the hit area and a representative point set at the bottom of the moving object. Is desirable.

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the hit area data includes height data relating to the hit area. This makes it possible to perform a hit check process in consideration of the height of the display object in the movie.

As the hit area data, in addition to the height data, a hit area flag indicating whether each pixel of the image is a hit area or the like can be considered.

[0013] In the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes moving path data for determining a moving path of a moving object. It is characterized by including means for moving the moving object based on the data (programs and processing routines for realizing the means). This makes it possible to perform a process such as changing the moving path of the moving object due to the presence of the display object in the movie, and to move the moving object so as to avoid the display object.

[0014] In the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes movement data for moving a moving object, and the movie data is stored on the basis of the movement data. It is characterized by including means for moving the moving object (programs and processing routines for realizing the means). This makes it possible to move the moving object in conjunction with the movement of the display object in the movie, or to move the moving object in conjunction with the movement of the entire movie.

As the movement data, a movement value indicating a movement amount, a movement area flag for specifying a movement area, and the like can be considered.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, wherein the first depth value data included in the movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. Features.
By setting the first depth value data for each pixel of each image (frame image) in this manner, more accurate and accurate hidden surface removal can be performed.

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the data of the image of the last frame of the movie reproduction includes the first depth value data,
The drawing unit performs hidden surface elimination based on the first depth value data included in the data of the image of the last frame of the movie playback and the second depth value data of the moving object, and generates the image of the last frame and the moving object. Is characterized by drawing a combined image. In this way, after the opening movie or the intermission movie is played, the game can be started without a break, and the player can naturally enter the game world.

[0018]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In the figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170 and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 16
0, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be optional components.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction of each block in the system, game processing, image processing, and sound processing. Processor (CPU, DSP)
Or an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is used by a player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium that can be used by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing (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 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
The information stored in 80 is a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, and instructions for the processing. The information includes at least one of information for performing processing according to.

The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment.
LCD or HMD (Head Mount Display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output section 192 outputs the sound generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores personal data and save data of the player, and the portable information storage device 194 may be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. .

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or another image generation system), and has a function of various processors or a communication ASIC. Hardware and programs.

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 130, and a sound generation section 150.

Here, the game processing unit 110 performs processing for accepting coins (price), processing for setting various modes, processing for proceeding with a game, processing for setting a selection screen, the position and rotation angle of an object (one or more primitive surfaces). Processing for calculating (the rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), processing for obtaining the position of the viewpoint (the position of the virtual camera) and the line of sight (the rotation angle of the virtual camera), Such as processing for arranging objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for playing by a plurality of players in a common game space, or game over processing. The game processing is performed by operating data from the operation unit 160 or the portable information storage device 194.
Based on personal data, stored data, and game programs.

The image generation unit 130 is provided with a game processing unit 110
Performs various image processing in accordance with an instruction from the camera, generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190. In addition, the sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing according to instructions from the game processing unit 110 and the like, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs the sounds to the sound output unit 192.

The game processing section 110, the image generation section 1
30, all of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The game processing section 110 includes a movement / motion calculation section 112 and a hit check section 114.

Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 provides movement information (position data,
It calculates rotation angle data) and motion information (position data and rotation angle data of each part of the moving object). For example, based on operation data or a game program input by the player through the operation unit 160, the moving object To move or operate the.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 114
Performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the moving object, for example, every frame (1/60 second). For example, (k
-1) Set the position of the moving object in the frame to PMk-
1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving object in the k frame are, for example, the following expressions (1) and (2)
Is required.

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The hit check unit 114 includes a hit area and a shot (arrow, bullet, etc.) and a moving object. Perform hit check processing between. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172 includes hit area data (hit area flag, hit area height, etc.) for specifying a hit area. Then, the hit check unit 114 performs a hit check process based on the hit area data and the position and direction of the moving object. Then, when it is determined that the moving object has hit (entered) the hit area, the moving path of the moving object is corrected.

If the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172 includes moving route data and moving data (moving value, moving area flag, etc.), the moving / motion calculating unit 112 Processing for moving the moving object is performed based on the data and the moving data.

The image generation unit 130 includes the geometry processing unit 1
32 (three-dimensional operation unit) and a drawing unit 140 (rendering unit).

Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, and light source calculation.

The drawing unit 140 performs a process of drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space based on the data of the object and the texture. Then, the rendering unit 140 of the present embodiment calculates the depth value Z included in the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit 172.
1 and depth value Z2 of a moving object such as a character
While performing hidden surface removal based on the above, an image in which the movie and the moving object are combined is drawn. in this case,
The hidden surface removal unit 142 included in the drawing unit 140 performs hidden surface removal according to the algorithm of the Z buffer method using, for example, the Z buffer 174 in which the depth value is stored.

Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment
A system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system including not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play, may be used.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features of the present embodiment In the present embodiment, the depth value Z1 is included in movie data that is data for movie playback. And
Based on the depth value Z1 and the depth value Z2 of the character (moving object in a broad sense), an image in which the movie and the character are combined is generated while erasing the hidden surface.

More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG.
For each pixel of each frame image constituting the movie, data of the depth value Z1 is included in addition to the image data (RGB). Then, Z1 is compared with Z2 of the character, hidden surface elimination is performed according to an algorithm such as the Z buffer method, and an image in which the movie and the character are combined is generated.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 3A, a character can be inserted into a picture of a movie. That is, it is possible to express an image such that the character 10 is hidden behind a closet 20 (display object) represented by a movie or the character goes out of an entrance 22 represented by a movie. Alternatively, the character 10 can be viewed from the other side of the window 24 represented by the movie.
Image expression such as peeping in is also possible.

That is, in the conventional movie, the movie data includes only image data and sound data, and does not include depth value data. Therefore, when attempting to generate a composite image of a movie and a character, the character 10 is always displayed on the near side as shown in FIG. 3B, and a real image cannot be generated.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), the character 10 is hidden or not hidden behind a display object in the movie depending on the depth value Z2 of the character 10. , It is possible to generate a more realistic and realistic image.

In this embodiment, the movie is C
C composed of a series of cell images created with the G tool
It may be a G video or a live-action video taken by a camera.

When a CG image is used as a movie, the depth value data of each pixel generated when the CG is created is included in the movie data without being discarded. That is, although the final depth value data stored in the Z buffer of the CG tool is normally discarded, the data is not discarded but is included in the movie data together with the image data (RGB). . By doing so, movie data including depth value data can be prepared without much trouble.

On the other hand, when a real image is used as a movie, the following is performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when a person 30, a desk 31, a chair 32, or the like as a subject is photographed by a photographing camera 50, a plurality of position-measuring cameras 52 and 54 are used to photograph the person. 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 are photographed from different directions. Then, numerical calculations are performed using the obtained images, and the depth values (positions) of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 are obtained based on the principle of triangulation. Then, the obtained depth value is included in the movie data (actual video data) obtained by the camera 50 for shooting.

If it is sufficient to know the approximate depth values of the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32,
If it is sufficient to determine whether the character is located in front of the person 30, the desk 31, or the chair 32 or hide behind it, the following may be performed. That is, targets 33 to 40 such as ping-pong balls are attached to representative points of these subjects, and the positions of these targets 33 to 40 are
By measuring at 2 and 54, the depth value of the subject is specified.

In this case, the targets 33 to 40
Is desirably attached to a position invisible from the camera 50 for photographing. For example, in the case of the person 30, the person 30
Attach the target to the back of the head and back. Then, the position measuring cameras 52 and 54 are installed behind or above the person 30 to photograph the person 30 and specify the depth value of the person 30.

When taking a picture with the camera 50, the wall 60 may be colored blue (blue back), and the separately prepared background and the person 30, the desk 31, and the chair 32 may be combined with the chroma key. In this case, the depth value of the separately prepared background is set to, for example, infinity, and the person 30, the desk 3
1. As the depth value of the chair 32, a value obtained by measurement by the cameras 52 and 54 is set. In this way, a more accurate depth value can be set.

Instead of using the cameras 52 and 54, the depth value may be obtained by using an ultrasonic wave or an electromagnetic wave and a receiver for receiving the same. For example, an ultrasonic wave or an electromagnetic wave is transmitted from a target and received by one or a plurality of receivers installed at a position different from the target. Then, the depth value (position) is obtained based on the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave or the electromagnetic wave to the receiver and the difference between the arrival time and the phase of the plurality of receivers.

Note that the depth value may be set for all frame images, or may be set for only some frame images. Further, the depth value may be set for all the pixels of the frame image constituting the movie, or may be set for only some of the pixels. Further, the depth value data may be compressed and included in the movie data.

Although the movie may be used as a background as shown in FIG. 3A, the enemy boss (moving object)
Such expressions may be used. In this case, for example, a virtual screen for movie display is prepared, and the movie of the enemy boss is projected on this virtual screen. Alternatively, a polygon (primitive surface) for displaying a movie may be prepared, and the movie may be mapped to the polygon as a texture.

As data to be included in the movie data, various data other than the depth value Z1 can be considered.

For example, in FIG. 5, for movie data, in addition to image data (RGB) and depth value Z1, hit area flag HF, height HH (height of hit area), movement route MR, movement value MV (Movement data) and data of the normal vector NV.

By including data such as the hit area flag HF and the height HH in the movie data, it is possible to perform a hit check between the character and the hit area.

That is, in FIG. 6A, the character 10 operated by the player using the lever 70 and the button 72 is walking toward a display object (obstacle) 74 represented by a movie. In this case, the bottom surface of the display object 74 is defined as a hit area 76, and the position and size of the hit area 76 are specified by the hit area flag HF.
For example, a pixel for which HF = 1 is determined to be a pixel in the hit area 76, and a pixel for which HF = 0 is determined to be a pixel outside the hit area 76.

Then, a hit check is performed between the representative point P (XP, YP) set below the feet of the character 10 and the hit area 76. If it is determined that the representative point P has hit (entered) the hit area 76, the movement path of the character 10 is corrected or the movement of the character 10 is restricted.

When performing a more advanced hit check, the height HH of the hit area 76 is also used. Then, when the player presses the button 72 for instructing a jump when the character 10 hits the hit area 76, it is determined whether or not the character 10 can jump on the display object 74 based on the height HH. Make a decision.

In addition, by including the data of the movement route MR in the movie data, the movement of the character 10 after hitting the hit area 76 can be easily controlled. For example, if the player tilts the lever 70 to the back after the character 10 hits the hit area 76, the character 10 is moved along the movement path 78. If the player pushes the lever 70 to the right and presses the jump button 72 after the hit,
The character 10 is moved along the movement path 80. In addition, when the player tilts the lever 70 to the near side after the hit, the character 10 is moved along the movement path 82.

In this case, data (direction data of the moving route, etc.) for specifying the moving routes 78, 80, 82 is
The moving route MR is included in the movie data. By doing so, it becomes possible to move the character 10 along an optimal movement path according to the shape of the display object 74.

Further, by including the data of the movement value MV (movement data in a broad sense) in the movie data, the character (moving object) can be moved according to the movement of the display object in the movie or the movement of the whole movie. It can be moved.

For example, in FIG. 7, the character 10 is riding on an escalator 84 represented by a movie. In this case, the movement value MV (movement amount, movement vector component, etc.) at the position (pixel) of the representative point P (XP, YP) set below the feet of the character 10 is acquired. Then, the character 10 is moved based on the obtained movement value MV. By doing so, the character 10 also moves in conjunction with the movement of the escalator 84 which is a display object in the movie. Therefore,
The image of the character and the movie can be seen more naturally synthesized, and an unprecedented realistic image can be generated with a small processing load.

As the moving data included in the movie data, a moving area flag for specifying a moving area can be considered in addition to the moving value MV. That is, whether or not the character is located in the moving area is determined by the moving area flag set at the position (pixel) of the representative point P (XP, YP) of the character. And
If the moving area flag at that position is 1, for example, a process of moving the character is performed. When the movie data includes the movement value MV, the character is moved by a movement amount corresponding to the movement value MV.

Also, when the whole movie moves, such as when the background represented by the movie scrolls, the character may be moved using the movement value MV. For example, when the background represented by the movie scrolls leftward, the character is moved rightward on the screen in accordance with the scrolling. Note that, in this case, the movement value MV may be provided in an image unit instead of a pixel unit.

In the present embodiment, the depth value Z1 is included in the image data (a type of movie data) of the last frame of the movie reproduction, and hidden surface erasure is performed based on the depth value Z1 and the depth value Z2 of the character. It may be performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, an opening movie or an intermission movie prepared in advance is played at the opening or intermission of a game. Then, a depth value Z1 is set for each pixel of the image 86 (still image) of the last frame of the movie reproduction. Then, while using the final frame image 86 as a background, the hidden surface is removed while comparing the depth value Z1 of the final frame image 86 with the depth value Z2 of the character 10,
Draw an image.

In this way, after a series of movies has been reproduced, the game starts without a break. Therefore, a player whose game motivation has risen due to the opening or intermission movie can naturally enter the game world while maintaining the game motivation. Thereby, the virtual reality of the player can be dramatically improved.

3. Next, a detailed example of the processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
0, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart relating to the overall processing.

When the image generation system is reset, hardware initialization processing is performed (step S1).
MODE (main mode of the system) is ATT
R (attraction) is set (step S2).

Next, it is determined whether or not a frame start interrupt has occurred (step S3).
The frame buffer is switched (step S4). That is, the frame buffer in which the image is drawn in the previous frame is switched to the frame buffer for display, and the frame buffer in which the image is displayed in the previous frame is switched to the frame buffer for drawing.

Next, MODE is ATTR, INIT,
It is determined whether GAME or ENDING is set (steps S5 to S8). And ATT
When R, INIT, GAME, and ENDING have been set, the processing shifts to the processing of attraction, game initialization, game main, and ending (steps S9 to S12). If MODE is set to OVER, the process proceeds to a game over process (step S13).

After the above processing is completed, a drawing processing is performed (step S14). In this case, in this embodiment,
Based on the depth value Z1 included in the movie data and the depth value Z2 of the moving object, hidden surface elimination is performed by a Z-buffer method using a Z-buffer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the game main process in step S11 in FIG.

First, it is determined whether MODESUB (system sub mode) is set to SEL, INTRO, MOVIE, or WIN (step S20).
To S23). And SEL, INTRO, MOVI
If E and WIN have been set, respectively, the processing shifts to character selection, introduction, movie play, and victory processing (steps S24 to S27). Note that M
If ODESSUB is set to LOSE, the process proceeds to the defeat processing (S28).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the movie play processing in step S26 in FIG.

First, the movie data stream described with reference to FIG. 5 is read into the main memory (step S3).
0). Then, the read movie data is developed in the work buffer (step S31). More specifically,
RGB, depth value Z1, hit area flag HF, height HH, movement route MR, movement value MV, normal vector NV,
The data of the sound SD are respectively RGB, Z1, HF, HH,
Develop to work buffer of MR, MV, NV, SD.

Next, movement processing of the character (player character operated by the player) is performed (step S3).
2) Perform enemy character movement processing (step S3)
3). Then, a win / loss determination process is performed (step S3).
4). Then, it is determined whether or not the player has won (step S35).
IN is set (step S36). On the other hand, when the player has not won, it is determined whether or not the player has lost (step S37).
The SE is set (step S38).

Next, a drawing list (a list of polygon data, texture data, environment (light source, virtual camera) setting data, etc.) is created based on the processing results of steps S31 to S34 (step S39). The drawing process is performed based on the drawing list.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the character moving process in step S32 in FIG.

First, operation data is obtained from the operation unit (controller) (step S40). 6A and 6B, it is possible to know the direction in which the lever 70 is tilted, the timing of tilting, the timing of pressing the button 72, and the like. Then, based on the obtained operation data, the temporary movement position of the character is calculated (step S41).

Next, the tentative movement position calculated in step S41 is corrected based on the movement value MV developed in the MV work buffer in step S31 in FIG. 11 (step S31).
42). That is, as described in FIG. 7, when the character gets on the escalator, the character is moved in the direction in which the escalator moves.

Next, hit check processing is performed based on the temporary movement position, the hit area flag HF from the HF work buffer, and the height HH from the HH work buffer (step S43). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 6B, it is determined whether or not the tentative movement position of P (XP, YP) has entered the hit area by using the hit area flag HF. When the jump button is pressed, it is determined whether the character can jump over the display object based on the data of the height HH of the hit area.

Next, it is determined whether or not the character has hit the hit area (step S44). If it is determined that the character has hit, the tentative movement position is determined based on the movement path MR data from the MR work buffer. Correction is performed (step S45). That is, in FIG. 6B, P (XP, Y
The provisional movement position of P (XP, YP) is corrected so that P) moves along any of the movement paths 78, 80, 82.

By performing the above-described processing for each frame, hidden surfaces can be eliminated based on the depth value of the movie and the depth value of the character, and a hit check between a display object in the movie and the character can be performed. .

[0092] 4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 includes a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a movie (moving image) compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission (intermission) screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like.
Note that image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982, or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source or the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the game controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

The ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

A CD drive 980 stores a CD 982 for storing programs, image data, sound data, and the like.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another image generation system and another game system becomes possible.

Each of the means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware only, or executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary. Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 910,
930 etc., based on the instruction and the passed data,
Each means of the present invention will be executed.

FIG. 14A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. 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. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 14C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. If the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 outputs the game image and the game sound.
A game program or the like for generating game sounds is transmitted to the terminal 1.
It is delivered to 304-1 to 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.
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 14C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

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.

It is particularly desirable that the moving object of the present invention is a character that appears in a fighting game, a role playing game, or the like, but the moving object of the present invention is not limited to this.

The data structure of the movie data is shown in FIG.
5 and the structure described with reference to FIG. 5 are particularly desirable, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made.

Further, the first depth value data, hit area data, moving route data, and moving data may be set for all pixels of each image (frame image) constituting the movie, or may be set for some pixels. May be set only for. Alternatively, it may be set for each image.

It is particularly desirable that the hidden surface elimination method be the Z-buffer method, but other methods may be employed.

Also, first and second depth value data, hit area data (hit area flag, height), moving route data, moving data (moving value, moving area flag)
Is particularly desirable in the form described in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

The present invention can be applied to various games (role playing games, action games, shooting games, fighting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competition games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention is applied to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which many players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating a game image. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of an image generation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3A is an example of an image generated by the present embodiment, and FIG. 3B is an example of an image generated by a comparative example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a method of creating movie data in the case of using a photographed video as movie data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the data structure of movie data.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining a hit check method according to the embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a method of moving a character based on a movement value MV included in movie data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a technique for performing hidden surface removal based on a depth value included in image data of the last frame of movie playback.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of overall processing according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a game main process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a movie play process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a character moving process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied; FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Character 20 Close 22 Doorway 24 Window 30 Character 31 Desk 32 Chair 33-40 Target (ping-pong ball) 50 Camera for shooting 52, 54 Camera for position measurement 60 Wall 70 Lever 72 Button 74 Display object 76 Hit area 78, 80, 82 travel route 84 escalator 100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 114 hit check unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 142 hidden surface removal unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 Movie data storage unit 174 Z buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising: movie data storage means for storing movie data including data for reproducing a movie and including depth value data; Drawing means for drawing an image in which the movie and the moving object are combined while performing hidden surface removal based on the depth value data and the second depth value data of the moving object. . 2. The movie data storage device according to claim 1, wherein the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area, and a moving object and a hit area are identified based on the hit area data. An image generation system including means for performing a hit check. 3. The image generation system according to claim 2, wherein the hit area data includes height data on a hit area. 4. The movie data according to claim 1, wherein the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes moving route data for determining a moving route of a moving object, and based on the moving route data. An image generation system, comprising: means for moving a moving object. 5. The moving object according to claim 1, wherein the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit includes moving data for moving a moving object, and moving the moving object based on the moving data. An image generation system comprising means for causing the image to be generated. 6. The image according to claim 1, wherein the first depth value data included in the movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. Generation system. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data of the image of the last frame of the movie playback is the first frame.
The depth value data of the first frame included in the image data of the last frame of the movie playback.
An image generation system for drawing an image in which the image of the final frame and the moving object are synthesized while performing hidden surface removal based on the depth value data of the moving object and the second depth value data of the moving object. 8. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: movie data storage means for storing movie data including data for reproducing a movie and including depth value data; and a first depth included in the movie data. Drawing means for drawing an image in which the movie and the moving object are synthesized while performing hidden surface removal based on the value data and the second depth value data of the moving object; and a program for realizing Information storage medium. 9. The movie data according to claim 8, wherein the movie data stored in the movie data storage means includes hit area data for specifying a hit area, and a moving object and a hit area are identified based on the hit area data. An information storage medium comprising a program for realizing means for performing a hit check. 10. The information storage medium according to claim 9, wherein said hit area data includes height data relating to a hit area. 11. The movie data stored in the movie data storage means according to claim 8, wherein the movie data includes moving route data for determining a moving route of a moving object, and based on the moving route data. An information storage medium including a program for realizing means for moving a moving object. 12. The moving object according to claim 8, wherein the movie data stored in the movie data storage unit includes moving data for moving a moving object, and moving the moving object based on the moving data. An information storage medium including a program for realizing means for causing the information to be stored. 13. The information according to claim 8, wherein the first depth value data included in the movie data is set for each pixel of each image constituting the movie. Storage medium. 14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the image data of the last frame of the movie playback is the first frame.
The depth value data of the first frame included in the image data of the last frame of the movie playback.
An information storage medium for drawing an image in which an image of a final frame and a moving object are synthesized while performing hidden surface removal based on the depth value data of the moving object and the second depth value data of the moving object.