JP2001250129A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium which can accurately perform decision processing such as a hit check using a simple object. SOLUTION: The first and second numbers of divisions are so controlled that the 2nd number of divisions of the simple object vary with the 1st number of divisions of a display body (the 2nd number of divisions is less than the 1st number of divisions) and according to the 1st and 2nd numbers of divisions which are varying, constitution points of the display body and simple object are generated in real time. The simple object generated according to a given specific division number and control points of the display body is prepared (read in from an information storage medium or generated in real time) and the prepared simple object is used to perform decision processing. For hit check processing, an object having as constitution points points generated according to the given division number and the control points of the display body is used as the simple object and for clipping processing, a bounding box is used as the simple object.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a game system for generating an image which can be viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. Popular as something you can do. Taking a game system that can enjoy a fighting game as an example, a player (operator) operates a character (model) to play a game by playing against another player or a character operated by a computer.

Now, in such a game system, it is necessary to perform a hit check process for determining whether or not another character has hit the character.

In the conventional game system, a bounding box containing a character is prepared in advance, and it is determined whether or not a fist of another character hits (collides) with the bounding box. Was realized.

However, since such a bounding box is made larger than the character, it is actually determined that a punch has been hit even though the fist of another character is not in contact with the body of the character. There was a problem that was done.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a game system and an information processing system capable of accurately performing a judgment process such as a hit check using a simple object. It is to provide a storage medium.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, the number of divisions for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen. Based on the number of divisions variably controlled, the number of divisions variably controlled, and a control point that is a point for defining the shape of the display object, at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions. And a component point generating means for generating a component point in real time, wherein the division number control means divides a simple object corresponding to a display object in accordance with a change in a first division number which is a division number of the display object. The first and second division numbers are controlled so that the second division number that is a number also changes, and the first and second division numbers are variably controlled, and The first and second divisions based on a control point of a display object. Display object in generation interval determined by, and generating the configuration point of the simple objects in real time. Further, 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 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 executing the above means.

According to the present invention, the second division number of the simple object changes, for example, seamlessly according to the change of the first division number of the display object. Then, the constituent points of the display object and the simple object are generated based on the changing first and second division numbers and the control points of the display object. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a simple object having an optimum number of divisions according to the number of divisions of a display object. As a result, for example, when a determination process such as a hit check process is performed using this simple object, an accurate determination process can be realized.

It is desirable that the first and second division numbers are changed in accordance with a game processing result such as a distance from a viewpoint.

The present invention is also a game system for generating an image, comprising: a division number control means for variably controlling a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; Based on the number of divisions to be controlled and a control point that is a point for defining the shape of the display object, a constituent point generation unit that generates real-time constituent points of the display object at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, Wherein the division number control means performs the first division so that the second division number that is the division number of the simple object corresponding to the display object is equal to or less than the first division number that is the division number of the display object. , The second division number is variably controlled, and the composing point generation means is configured to variably control the first and second division numbers based on the variably controlled first and second division numbers and a control point of a display object. Display objects and simple objects at generation intervals determined by the number of divisions And generating a configuration point of-objects in real time. Further, 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 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 executing the above means.

According to the present invention, the second simple object
The first and second division numbers change, for example, seamlessly, such that the division number of is equal to or less than the first division number of the display object. Then, the constituent points of the display object and the simple object are generated based on the changing first and second division numbers and the control points of the display object. Therefore, according to the present invention, a simple object having an optimal number of divisions can be obtained as a simple object of a display object. As a result, for example, when a determination process such as a hit check process is performed using this simple object, an accurate determination process can be realized.

It is desirable that the first and second division numbers be changed in accordance with a game processing result such as a distance from a viewpoint.

The present invention also relates to a game system for generating an image, wherein the number of divisions for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen and a control for defining a shape of the display object are provided. Based on the points, a constituent point generating means for generating constituent points of the display object in real time at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, and a simple object generated based on the given number of divisions and the control points of the display object. , A means for preparing in association with a display object, and means for performing a given determination process on the display object using the simple object associated with the display object. Further, 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 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 executing the above means.

According to the present invention, a simple object generated based on a given specific number of divisions and a control point of a display object is prepared, and the simple object is used to perform, for example, a hit check process or a clipping process. A determination process is performed. In this case, since the simple object is generated based on the control points of the display object, it can have a shape close to the shape of the display object. Therefore, by using such a simple object, accurate and appropriate determination processing can be performed.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention read data of a simple object generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of a display object from the information storage medium or via a network. By reading, a simple object as a display object is prepared.

This eliminates the need for a process of generating a simple object as a display object in real time, thereby reducing the processing load.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, a simple object of a display object is prepared by generating a simple object in real time based on a given division number and a control point of the display object. It is characterized by that.

With this configuration, it is not necessary to prepare simple object data as model data, so that resources of the information storage medium and the network can be effectively used.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the second division number, which is the division number of the simple object, changes according to the change of the first division number, which is the division number of the display object. It is characterized by doing.

In this way, it is possible to obtain a simple object having an optimum number of divisions according to the number of divisions of the display object.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the second number of divisions of the simple object is equal to or less than the first number of divisions of the display object. And

In this way, it is possible to obtain a simple object having the optimum number of divisions for the display object determination process.

Further, when the given determination process is a hit check process, the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of a display object. An object having a point as a constituent point is used as a simple object of a display object.

In this way, a more accurate hit check process can be realized as compared with the case where a bounding volume is used.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object when the given determination processing is a clipping processing. The present invention is characterized in that a bounding volume determined by points is used as a simple object of a display object.

In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the inside / outside judgment processing of the display object in the view volume is erroneous.

In the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the control point data is included in model data of a display object, and the model data including the control point data is stored in the information storage medium. Or a means for reading via a network (or a program or a processing routine for executing the means).

In this way, it is possible to reduce the used storage capacity of the information storage medium and the amount of communication data of the network, and to use resources effectively.

[0029]

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

In the following, NURBS (Non Unifor
The following mainly describes the case where an image of a display object is generated using m Rational B-Spline). However, the present invention can be widely applied to a case where an image of a display object is generated using a free-form surface other than NURBS or a so-called subdivision surface.

For example, if the constituent points of the display object (corresponding to the vertices of the polygon after the subdivision) are generated from the control points (corresponding to the vertices of the polygon before the subdivision) using the subdivision surface, unlike the case of NURBS, Since there is no restriction on the arrangement position of the control points and the number of control points and the number of divisions can be locally increased, the design work of the model can be made much more efficient.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of a game system (image generation system) of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170), and the other blocks may be optional components.

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, a microphone, or 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.

The information storage medium 180 (storage medium that can be used by a computer) 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 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
80 includes a program for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, information for performing the processing according to the instruction, and the like. Can be made.

The display section 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 a player's personal data, game save data, and the like. The portable information storage device 194 may be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. Can be.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system), and has a function of various processors or a communication ASIC. This can be realized by hardware, a program, or the like.

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 (processor) includes the operation section 1
Various processes such as a game process, an image generation process, and a sound generation process are performed based on the operation data from 60 or a given program. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a given program (game program).

Note that all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be realized by hardware, or all of the functions may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 102, a model data reading section 110, a transformation section 112, an affine transformation section 114, a division number control section 120, and a component point generation section 13.
0 (curved surface calculation unit, tessellation unit), simple object setting unit 140, hit check processing unit 142, clipping processing unit 144, and drawing unit 150.

The game processing section 102 stores operation data from the operation section 160 and a given program (game program).
Based on the above, various game processes are performed.

Here, the game process is performed as a preceding process in order to generate a game image and a game sound in each frame. That is, the processing unit 100
Generates a game image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space, for example, based on the game processing result of the game processing unit 102 and outputs the game image to the display unit 190. Further, the processing unit 100 performs various types of sound processing based on the game processing result, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices, and outputs the generated game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

The game processing performed by the game processing unit 102 includes, specifically, coin (price) reception processing, various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, object (one or more) Primitive surface)
For determining the position and rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis) of the object, processing for moving the object (motion processing), and the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and viewing angle (virtual camera rotation angle) Required processing, processing for arranging objects such as map objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, or game over Processing can be considered.

The game processing result in the game processing unit 102 may be used as a source of various judgments in the game processing, or values of various parameters updated by the game processing. Alternatively, the current processing load of the processing unit 100 (processor) can be considered as the game processing result.

As a result of the game processing, in the case of a car game, for example, the position, rotation angle, speed and acceleration of the car obtained in each frame, the position of the viewpoint, the line of sight angle and the angle of view,
There are used course data, the type of vehicle selected by the player, and the like. Taking a role playing game as an example, there are status parameters such as a character's level, physical strength, attack power, and defensive power, items acquired by the player, types of events that have occurred, and the like. Taking a fighting game as an example, there are the number of game stage clears, the number of wins, the number and types of special techniques that have been successfully advanced.

The model data reading section 110 reads model data for generating an image of a display object from the information storage medium 180, and uses a communication section 196 to connect to a network (for connection to another game system or host device). (A transmission line, a communication line).

Here, in this embodiment, the model data of the display object includes the data of the control points. The model data includes various attribute data (color, texture, luminance, α value, etc.) for generating an image of a display object. Further, when the display object is represented by a free-form surface such as NURBS, the model data also includes knot vector data.

When the simple object is not generated in real time, the data of the simple object is also included in the model data. Then, the data of the simple object is read from the information storage medium 180 or read from the outside via a network.

In this embodiment, control point data is used as shape data of a display object included in the model data. The control point data has a small data amount, and the data amount does not depend on the precision of the display object. Therefore, by using the control point data as the shape data included in the model data, the resources can be effectively used. More specifically, the used storage capacity of the information storage medium 180 and the amount of communication data of the network can be saved.

The deforming unit 112 performs a process for deforming a display object in real time. This can be realized, for example, by changing the relative positional relationship between the control points of the display object. More specifically, based on motion data,
Move each bone (arc) that makes up the skeleton model,
Move the control points to follow this bone. Or NU
In the case of RBS, the display object may be deformed by controlling the weight value set for each control point.

When the display object is deformed, it is desirable to change the number of divisions of the display object or the simple object according to the deformation of the display object. More specifically, the greater the bending of the display object, the greater the number of divisions of the display object and the simple object.

The affine transformation unit 114 performs affine transformation on control points defining the shape of a display object, constituent points of the display object, constituent points of a simple object (such as a bounding volume containing the display object), and the like. By this affine transformation, for example, coordinate transformation from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system, coordinate transformation from the world coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system, coordinate transformation from the viewpoint coordinate system to the screen coordinate system (perspective transformation), and the like can be performed. Become.

The number-of-divisions control unit 120 controls the game processing unit 10
A process of variably controlling the number of divisions of the display object in accordance with the game processing result in 2 is performed.

More specifically, the division number control unit 120
The division number of the display object and the simple object is changed so that the second division number which is the division number of the simple object corresponding to the display object also changes according to the change of the first division number which is the division number of the display object. Change to seamless. Alternatively, the second division number of the simple object is the first division number of the display object.
The number of divisions of the display object and the simple object is changed seamlessly so as to be equal to or less than the number of divisions.

The number of divisions is a parameter that determines the generation interval of constituent points when generating constituent points of a display object from control points that define the shape of the display object. In other words, it is a parameter corresponding to a ratio between the number of control points and the number of constituent points generated by the control points.

It is desirable that the first and second division numbers of the display object and the simple object are changed according to, for example, the distance from the viewpoint. The distance from this viewpoint is determined by the division number control unit 1
The distance calculation unit 122 included in 20 calculates.

In this case, the distance from the viewpoint may be the distance between the representative point of the display object and the viewpoint, or a point specified by the control point of the display object (a point selected from the control points, a representative point of the control point). Etc.) and the distance from the viewpoint. Alternatively, it may be a point specified by a simple object (such as a bounding volume) of a display object (a point selected from the constituent points of the simple object, or a representative point of the constituent points of the simple object).

The distance from the viewpoint may be a linear distance from the viewpoint or a depth distance.

It is to be noted that the first of display objects and simple objects,
The second division number can be changed based on something other than the distance from the viewpoint. That is, the first and second division numbers of the display object and the simple object can be changed according to the game processing result or the like.

For example, when the display object is a character of a role playing game, the first and second division numbers may be changed in accordance with the character's level, physical strength, attack power, defensive power, and other status parameters. Good. If the display object is a car object in a car game,
The first and second division numbers may be changed according to the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. When the display object is a character in a fighting game, the first and second division numbers may be changed according to the number of game stage clears, the number of wins, and the like.

The component point generation unit 130 is provided with the division number control unit 12
Based on the number of divisions variably controlled by 0 and the control points of the display object, processing is performed to generate constituent points of the display object in real time at generation intervals determined by the number of divisions. For example,
When the display object is represented by a free-form surface such as NURBS, a process for sequentially obtaining each constituent point on the free-form surface while changing parameters is performed. The generated data of the constituent points is stored in the main storage unit 172.

In this case, in this embodiment, based on the variably controlled first and second division numbers of the display object and the simple object and the control points included in the model data of the display object,
Generate the constituent points of the display object. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate an image of a display object in which the number of divisions changes in real time while using the same control point (model data). In addition, a simple object can be generated using the same control points as the display object.

The simple object setting section 140 performs processing for preparing a simple object generated based on a given specific number of divisions and control points of a display object in association with the display object.

In this case, the simple object may be prepared by reading data of the simple object corresponding to the display object via an information storage medium (or a network), or may be provided with a given specific number of divisions and display. The constituent point generating unit 130 may prepare the simple object in real time based on the control points of the object.

The simple object may be an object in which a point generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object is directly a constituent point. For example, when used for hit check processing, such a simple object is desirable.

The simple object may be a bounding volume (containing a display object, in a narrow sense, a bounding box) determined by points generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of the display object. .
For example, when used for clipping processing, such a simple object is desirable.

The hit check processing unit 142 performs a hit check process (collision determination) between displayed objects using the simple object set by the simple object setting unit 140. Taking a fighting game as an example, it is determined whether or not a fist of another character has hit the character. Further, taking a car game as an example, it is determined whether or not the car has hit another car or a wall.

If it is determined that a hit has occurred,
Performs the process prepared for hit. Taking a fighting game as an example, processing is performed to decrease the value of the physical strength parameter of the hit character or to stagger the character in the hit direction. Taking a car game as an example, a process of deforming the car or moving the car in a direction opposite to the collision direction is performed by a collision with another car or a wall.

The clipping processing section 144 uses the simple object set by the simple object setting section 140 and the view volume to perform clipping processing on the display object to which the simple object is associated. For example, when it is determined that the simple object is outside the view volume, drawing (display) of the display object is omitted. If it is determined that the simple object intersects the boundary of the view volume, a process of cutting out the portion of the display object that protrudes outside the view volume is performed. When it is determined that the simple object is completely included in the view volume, the display object is drawn.

The drawing section 150 performs processing for drawing the primitive after the geometry processing in the drawing area 174 (frame buffer or the like). More specifically, a polygon having the vertices of the constituent points generated by the constituent point generating unit 130 is generated (the tessellation for converting a free-form surface into a polygon is performed), and the polygon is drawn in the drawing area 174.

If the drawing unit 150 has a function of drawing not only polygons but also free-form surfaces, the generated free-form surfaces may be drawn directly in the drawing area 174.

Note that the game system of the present embodiment
The system may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multi-player mode in which a plurality of players can play.

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. 2. Features of this embodiment 2.1 B-spline and NURBS First, the B-spline curve will be described.

A fourth-order (cubic) B-spline curve is generated from four control points. Each control point is defined as Q ₀ , Q ₁ , Q ₂ , Q ₃
When, B-spline formula P (t) is the _{curve, P (t) = N 0,4} (t) Q 0 + N 1,4 (t) Q 1 + N 2,4 (t) Q 2 + N 3,4 (t) Q ₃ (1)

N _{0,4 to} N _3,4 in the equation (1) are called a blending function, and in the case of a fourth-order B-spline curve, the following equation is used.

[0081]

(Equation 1)

The mixing functions N _{0,4 to} N _3,4 are obtained based on a knot vector which is a vector that gives a parameter node as a sequence of numerical values. When the knot interval of the knot vector (the numerical difference between adjacent elements of the knot vector) is constant, a uniform (Uniform)
When the knot interval is not constant, it is called a non-uniform free curve.

For example, the knot vector T of a uniform B-spline curve of the fourth order with four control points is as follows.

T = [− 3 −2 −10 0 1 2 3 4] (3) In equation (3), the numerical difference between adjacent elements of the knot vector is always 1, and the uniform knot vector It has become.

The relational expression of (number of elements) = (number of control points) + (number of floors) holds for the number of elements, the number of control points, and the number of ranks of the knot vector.

FIG. 2A shows an example of a uniform B-spline curve whose shape is specified based on the control points Q _{0 to} Q ₃ and the knot vector of the above equation (3). When the parameter t of the equation P (t) of the B-spline curve changes from 0 to 1, a curve as shown in FIG. 2A is drawn.

Now, the blending function of the B spline is
It can be represented by a recurrence formula of recursive expression (DeBoorCox recurrence formula) as shown below.

[0088]

(Equation 2)

Here, the knot vector T is generally expressed as follows: T = [t ₀ t ₁ t ₂ ... T _{M + N−1} ] N: Number of Control Points M: Rank (Order + 1) (5) .

Then, the blending function (basis function) N
_0, M to N _n, from _M control points Q ₀ ~Q _n, B formula P spline curve (t) is _{generally, P (t) = N 0} , M (t) Q 0 + N 1, M (t) Q ₁ +... + N _{n, M} (t) Q _n (6)

As is apparent from the above equation (6), the j-th control point Q _j has a blending function N _{J, M.} And N
_{J and M} are functions extending from the knot t _j to the M (floor) section.

FIG. 2B shows an example of a B-spline curve when the control points are Q _{0 to} Q ₄ and the number of elements of the knot vector T is eight.

The shape of the curve segment 10 is specified by the control points Q _{0 to} Q ₃ and the elements t _{0 to} t ₆ of the knot vector T, and the parameter t changes in the domain t ₃ ≦ t <t _4. , Each point on the curve segment 10 is determined.

On the other hand, the curve segment 12 corresponds to the control point Q ₁
The shape is specified by 〜Q ₄ and the elements t _{1 to} t ₇ of the knot vector T, and each point on the curve segment 12 is obtained by changing the parameter t in the domain of t ₄ ≦ t <t ₅ .

A non-uniform, Rationalized B-spline is represented by NURBS
(Non Uniform Rational B-Spline).

That is, since the NURBS is non-uniform, the knot intervals of the knot vector T in the above equation (5) are not constant. Therefore, the derivative of the curve (curved surface) can be corrected by the ratio of the knot intervals, and various curves (Bézier, Hermite, etc.) other than the B-spline can be expressed.

Further, in NURBS, rationalization (center projection using homogeneous coordinates) is performed, so that a weight value for a control point can be set. Therefore, it is possible to draw a perfect circle and the like that cannot be drawn by the B spline that is not made advantageous.

2.2 Coefficient Matrix (Base Matrix) The above De used to determine the value of the blending function
BoorCox's recurrence equation (4) is a recursive expression.
Therefore, it is convenient to make a computer calculate.

However, on the other hand, the recurrence formula (4)
Includes many division processes with a heavy processing load, and requires a conditional judgment for each recursive loop. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing speed is reduced.

In this embodiment, therefore, the recurrence equation (4) is not recursively solved but is expanded into a general cubic equation under the condition of the fourth order, whereby the value of the blending function is obtained at high speed. Have been successful.

By expanding the recurrence equation (4) into a general cubic equation, the mixing function becomes as shown below.

N _0,4 = at ³ + bt ² + ct + d N _1,4 = et ³ + ft ² + gt + h N _2,4 = it ³ + jt ² + kt + 1 N _3,4 = mt ³ + nt ² + ot + p (7) For example, mixing The expansion expression of the matching function N _1,4 is as follows.

[0103]

(Equation 3)

[0104]

(Equation 4)

As is apparent from the above equation (9), by substituting the values of the elements t _{1 to} t ₅ of the knot vector, the values of the coefficient sets e, f, g, and h of the blending function N _1,4 are obtained. Can be obtained in advance.

Similarly, the mixing functions N _0,4 , N _2,4 , N
_3,4 coefficient sets a, b, c, d, i, j, k, l,
m, n, o, and p can also be obtained in advance by substituting the values of knot vector elements.

The above equation (7) is

[0108]

(Equation 5)

Thus, it can be described in the form of a matrix. Thus, the value of the blending function can be obtained by a high-speed matrix operation.

Hereinafter, M ₁ in the above equation (10) will be referred to as a coefficient matrix (base matrix; coefficient set in a broad sense).

The coefficient matrix M ₁ and the control point Q
^{_{0 (Q 0 x, Q 0}} y, Q 0 z) ~Q 3 (Q 3 x, Q 3 y, Q 3 z) based on each point on the free curve according to the following equation (P ^x (t), P
^y (t), ^Pz (t)).

[0112] _{^{P x (t) = N 0,4}} (t) Q 0 x + N 1,4 (t) Q 1 x + N 2,4 (t) Q 2 x + N 3,4 (t) Q 3 x P _{^{y (t) = N 0,4 (}} t) Q 0 y + N 1,4 (t) Q 1 y + N 2,4 (t) Q 2 y + N 3,4 (t) Q 3 y P z (t) _{= N 0,4 (t) Q 0} z + N 1,4 (t) Q 1 z + N 2,4 (t) Q 2 z + N 3,4 (t) Q 3 z ... (11) Now, the coefficient matrix M Elements a to p of ₁ (coefficient set)
Is unique to each control point and is invariant unless the knot vector changes.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the processing prior to the processing for generating the constituent points of the display object in real time,
A coefficient matrix is obtained in advance based on the knot vector (or read from an information storage medium or a network), and the calculation of the coefficient matrix is not performed during the constituent point generation processing. By doing so, the load of the configuration point generation processing can be significantly reduced, and the processing speed can be increased.

2.3 Rationalization Center projection using homogeneous coordinates is performed, and control points Q (x, y,
The rationalization is that z) can have a weight value w.

For example, the rationalization of the expression of the x component in the above expression (11) gives the following expression.

[0116]

(Equation 6)

The knot vector is made non-uniform,
By using a rationalized equation, the B spline can be converted to NUR
Can be BS.

For example, when the above equation (11) is expressed in the form of a matrix using the above equation (10), the following equation is obtained.

[0119]

(Equation 7)

When the above equation (13) is made advantageous, the following equation is obtained.

[0121]

(Equation 8)

When rationalization is performed, each element P ^x (t) P ^w (t), P ^y (t) P ^w (t), P
^{After obtaining z} (t) ^Pw (t), each of these elements is referred to as ^Pw
A process of dividing by (t) is required.

However, when rationalization is not particularly necessary,
The advantage does not have to be forced. If rationalization is not performed, a perfect circle or the like cannot be expressed, but division processing by P ^w (t) becomes unnecessary, so that processing can be speeded up.

2.4 Regarding Curved Surface For the sake of simplicity, the calculation method for a curved line has been mainly described. When extending to a curved surface, the same processing as in the case of a curve may be performed on each component of the parameters u and v.

For example, the blending function for each component of the parameters u and v is as follows.

[0126]

(Equation 9)

[0127]

(Equation 10)

In the above equations (15) and (16), Mu is a coefficient (base) matrix for the u component, and Mv is a coefficient matrix for the v component.

From the above equations (15) and (16), the point P on the curved surface
P ^x uv (u, v), which is the x component of uv (u, v), is obtained by the following equation.

[0130]

[Equation 11]

Then, when the advantage is obtained (NURB
S) includes P ^x uv, as in the rationalization for curves.
(U, v) P ^w uv (u, v) is obtained as in the following equation.

[0132]

(Equation 12)

The processing for obtaining the constituent points on the curved surface is summarized as follows. (Processing A) Coefficient matrices Mu, M for finding a blending function for each control point based on a knot vector
Find v. (Process B) Affine transform control points (Process C) Mixing functions Nu and Nv are obtained based on coefficient matrices Mu and Mv and parameters u and v set to values according to the number of divisions of the curved surface.

Although these blending functions are unique to each control point, if the number of divisions changes actively, the blending function is determined again each time the number of divisions changes. (Process D) Puv (u, v) based on parameters u and v
Find P ^W uv (u, v). (Process E) Control point set to be used (combination of control points)
If does not change, the process D is repeated while sequentially changing the parameters u and v. (Process F) When the control point set to be used changes, the process returns to process C.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a curved surface patch 20 generated by the method of the present embodiment.

Here, the k-vector in the u direction is represented by U [u
₀ , u ₁ , u ₂ ... U ₆ , u ₇ ...], And the k-vector in the v direction is V [v ₀ , v ₁ , v ₂ ... V ₆ , v ₇ . Then, the coefficient matrices Mu and Mv used for generating the surface patch 20 are respectively knot vector elements u _{0 to} u ₆ ,
v obtained based on _{0 ~v 6.}

As apparent from the above equation (18),
Each point on the surface patch 20 is a control point Q ₀₀~ Q₃₃Mix with
Function Nu_0,4~ Nu_3,4, Nv_0,4~ Nv_3,4Based on
Can be In this case, the domain of the parameter u is u_Three≦ u <
u_FourAnd the domain of the parameter v is v_Three≦ v <v_FourNana
You.

On the other hand, when generating the surface patch 22
Means that the set of control points to use is Q₀₀~ Q₃₃To Q₀₁~
Q₃₄Changes to Each point on the surface patch 22 is controlled.
Your point Q ₀₁~ Q₃₄And the function Nu_1,4~ Nu_4,4, N
v_0,4~ Nv_3,4It is required based on. In this case,
The domain of data u is u_Four≦ u <u_FiveAnd the change of the parameter v
The area is v_Three≦ v <v_Fourbecome.

The surface patch 2 generated according to the present embodiment
The constituent point of 0 is set to the vertices of the polygon, and the polygon constituted by these vertices is displayed on the screen.

2.5 Variable control of the number of divisions In this embodiment, the number of divisions of the display object is changed seamlessly according to, for example, the distance from the viewpoint (game processing result in a broad sense). .

Here, the number of divisions is a parameter for determining a generation interval of constituent points when generating constituent points based on control points. In the present embodiment, when calculating the respective constituent points of the free-form surface by sequentially changing the parameters u and v in the above equation (17), the small change amounts △ u and △ v of the parameters u and v are obtained.
Is used as a parameter of the number of divisions. Then, these △ u and △ v are changed seamlessly according to the distance from the viewpoint or the like.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of divisions (precision) varies seamlessly based on the number of divisions that change according to the distance from the viewpoint and the like and the control points included in the model data. Then, the constituent points of the display object are generated.

Thus, for example, when the distance between the viewpoint and the display object is long, a display object with a small number of divisions as shown in A1 in FIG. 4 is displayed, and when the distance is medium, the display object in A2 in FIG.
A display object with a medium division number as shown in FIG.
When the distance between the viewpoint and the display object is short, A3 in FIG.
A display object having a large number of divisions as shown in FIG.

For example, in the LOD of a conventional polygon model, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of models such as a short-distance model, a medium-distance model, and a long-distance model are displayed as models representing displayed objects. They prepared and switched the model to be used according to the distance from the viewpoint.

However, in this conventional example, FIG.
As shown in (1), model data is required for the number of prepared models. Therefore, the used storage capacity of the model data increases.

Further, there is also a problem that the shock of the screen at the time of model switching is large and the player notices that the model has been switched. If the number of models is further increased in order to solve this problem, the problem of increasing the amount of model data becomes more serious.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, A in FIG.
Images of display objects having different numbers of divisions (precision degrees) as shown in 1, A2, and A3 can be generated based on the same control point data included in the model data. Therefore, the data amount of the model data including the control point data can be reduced, and resources such as an information storage medium for storing the model data and a network for transmitting the model data can be used efficiently.

According to the present embodiment, the precision of the displayed object can be changed seamlessly by changing the number of divisions seamlessly. Therefore, unlike the conventional example of FIG. 5A, even when the number of divisions changes, no shock occurs on the screen, and the player does not need to notice that the number of divisions has changed. In addition, even when the number of divisions is changed seamlessly in this way, since the data amount of the control point remains unchanged,
There is no problem that the data amount of the model data is extremely increased as shown in FIG.

According to the present embodiment, by increasing the number of divisions, an image of a display object having a very smooth curved surface can be generated. In particular, as described above, a coefficient set (coefficient matrix) of a function of a non-uniform free-form surface (free-form curve) is prepared at a stage prior to a process of sequentially generating each constituent point of the free-form surface while changing parameters. By doing so, the processing for generating the constituent points can be significantly accelerated. Therefore, an image of a display object with high precision, which cannot be generated by a game system using a conventional polygon model, can be generated in real time.

2.6 Hit Check The conventional game system has the following problems when performing a hit check between displayed objects.

For example, in FIG. 6A, the display object OB1
When checking whether or not the display object OB2 (another character) has hit the (character),
Conventionally, a bounding box (hereinafter, referred to as BBOX) including the display object OB1 is prepared in advance in association with the display object OB1. And OB2 in this BBOX
The hit check process is realized by determining whether or not a fist hits (collides).

However, as is clear from FIG. 6A, the BBOX is made larger than the display object OB1. For this reason, it is actually determined that a punch has been hit even though the fist of the display object OB2 is not in contact with the body of the display object OB1. Therefore, the player feels unnatural and impairs the virtual reality of the player. In this case, for example, BBOX for each part of the display object
Can be considered, but it is difficult to realize accurate determination processing even if this method is adopted.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A simple object SOB generated by a given specific number of divisions and a control point of the display object OB1 is prepared in association with the display object. Then, by determining whether or not the fist of the display object OB2 hits the simple object SOB, a hit check process is realized.

As described above, if the simple object SOB is generated based on the given number of divisions and the control points of the display object OB1, the simple object SOB having a shape close to the shape of the object OB1 can be obtained. Therefore, as is apparent from FIG. 6B, when the fist of the display object OB2 actually contacts the body of the display object OB1, it is determined that a punch has been hit. Therefore, the player does not feel unnatural and can enhance the virtual reality of the player.

Now, when the above method is adopted,
One issue is how to control the number of divided simple objects.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first and second division numbers are controlled so that the second division number of the simple object changes according to the change of the first division number of the display object.
Alternatively, the first and second division numbers are controlled such that the second division number of the simple object is equal to or less than the first division number of the display object.

For example, in FIG. 7, the constituent points of the display object and the corresponding simple object are generated by the same control point. More specifically, the constituent point generation unit 130 in FIG. 1 generates both constituent points of the display object and the simple object based on the same control point and a given number of divisions.

When the number of divisions of the display object is medium as shown by B1 in FIG. 7, an object having a small number of divisions as shown by B2 is used as a simple object of the display object.

On the other hand, for example, when the distance between the viewpoint and the display object becomes short and the number of divisions of the display object increases as shown by B3 in FIG. 7, the number of divisions of the simple object also increases as shown by B4. Then, the number of divisions of the simple object is set to a medium number.

When the distance between the viewpoint and the display object becomes shorter, the player can more easily recognize whether or not the opponent's attack has hit. In such a case,
When a simple object having a small number of divisions as shown in B2 of FIG. 7 is used, it is determined that an attack of an opponent who does not hit the appearance of the player hits the display object. Therefore, the player feels unnatural and impairs the virtual reality of the player.

In the present embodiment, when the distance between the viewpoint and the display object becomes short as described above and the number of divisions of the display object increases as shown by B3 in FIG. Is also increased.
Therefore, the hit check process with the opponent's attack is performed more accurately than when the simple object shown in B2 is used. As a result, the player does not feel unnatural, and the virtual reality of the player can be improved.

On the other hand, when the distance between the viewpoint and the display object is long, the player can determine whether or not the opponent hits even if a simple object with a small number of divisions as shown in B2 of FIG. 7 is used. There is no problem because it cannot be distinguished.

When the distance between the viewpoint and the display object is long, the number of the primitive surfaces to be drawn is reduced by reducing the number of divisions of the display object and the simple object. Can be responded to a request for real-time processing to complete the image generation processing.

It is not necessary to completely link the change in the number of divisions of the display object with the change in the number of divisions of the simple object. For example, when the number of divisions of the display object changes from N1 to N2, the division of the simple object is not changed until the division number of the display object changes from N2 to N3. The number may be changed.

The processing condition for changing the number of divisions of the display object and the processing condition for changing the simple object may be set independently and separately. For example, a parameter for changing the number of divisions of the display object is different from a parameter for changing the number of divisions of the simple object, so that the timing at which the number of divisions of the display object changes and the timing at which the number of divisions of the simple object change are shifted. You may.

Further, it is not necessary to always make the number of divisions of the simple object smaller than the number of divisions of the display object. For example, when the distance from the viewpoint is long, the number of divisions of the simple object and the division of the display object are made the same (for example, the display object itself is used as the simple object), and only when the distance from the viewpoint is short, The number of divisions of the simple object may be made smaller than that of the display object.

On the other hand, under specific conditions, the number of divisions of the simple object may be made larger than the number of divisions of the display object. For example, when the distance is far from the viewpoint, the number of divisions of the simple object is smaller than the number of divisions of the display object, and when the distance is close to the viewpoint, the number of divisions of the simple object is larger than the number of divisions of the display object. It may be.

In the above description, the case where the number of divisions of the display object and the simple object is changed based on the distance from the viewpoint, but the display object and the simple object are changed based on the game processing result other than the distance from the viewpoint. The division number of the object may be changed.

2.7 Setting of Simple Object One feature of the present embodiment is that a simple object generated based on a given specific number of divisions and a control point of a display object is associated with the display object. Prepared and using this simple object, various judgment processes (hit check, clipping process, etc.) on the display object are performed.

In this case, as a method for preparing a simple object, the following method can be considered.

For example, in FIG. 8, a display object is generated in real time based on a given number of divisions and control points as indicated by C1. Here, the display object in FIG. 8 is a display object representing a terrain (map) such as a mountain.

In FIG. 8, as indicated by C2, data of a simple object generated based on a given specific number of divisions and control points of a display object is read from an information storage medium or a network, thereby simplifying the operation. Prepare an object. Then, using the prepared simple object, various determination processes for a display object such as a hit check and a clipping process are performed.

In this case, since the simple object is generated based on the control points of the display object, the simple object has a shape close to the shape of the display object. Therefore, more accurate determination processing can be performed by using such a simple object.

In order to effectively use the resources of the information storage medium and the network, it is desirable to reduce the number of divided simple objects to be prepared.

In FIG. 9, a display object is generated in real time based on the control points and a given number of divisions as indicated by D1.

In FIG. 9, as shown at D2, a simple object is prepared by generating a simple object in real time based on a given specific number of divisions and control points of a display object. Then, using the prepared simple object, various determination processes for a display object such as a hit check and a clipping process are performed.

In this case, since the simple object has a shape close to the shape of the display object, more accurate determination processing can be performed.

In order to speed up the processing and meet the demand for real-time processing, it is desirable to reduce the number of divided simple objects to be prepared.

Further, it is desirable to change the number of divisions of the simple object in accordance with the change of the number of divisions of the display object.
Further, it is desirable that the number of divisions of the simple object be equal to or less than the number of divisions of the display object.

For example, when data of a simple object is read from an information storage medium (network) as described with reference to FIG. 8, a plurality of simple objects having different numbers of divisions are prepared in association with one display object. Then, the simple object to be used may be switched according to the change in the number of divisions of the display object.

On the other hand, when the simple object is generated in real time as described with reference to FIG. 9, the simple object division number is changed in real time according to the change in the display object division number as described with reference to FIG. It should be done.

Now, as the simple object, an object which directly constitutes a point generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object, or a given number of divisions and display A bounding box BBOX (bounding volume in a broad sense) generated based on the control points of an object may be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when hit check processing is performed using a simple object, E1
It is desirable to use, as a simple object, an object having a point generated directly based on a given division number and a control point of a display object as shown in FIG. This is because, if such a simple object is used, a more accurate hit check process can be realized as compared with the case where a BBOX is used, as described in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

In this case, it is desirable to use a simple object with a small number of divisions in order to effectively use resources such as an information storage medium and a network, or to meet a demand for real-time processing.

As shown in FIG. 11, when clipping processing is performed using a simple object, a BBOX generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object is used.
Is desirably used as a simple object. This is because in the clipping process, it is desirable to use a simple object that completely includes the display object so that no error occurs in the inside / outside determination process of the display object in the view volume.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a method for generating a BBOX.

In FIG. 12, first, the maximum values XMAX, YMAX, ZMAX, and the minimum values XMIN, XMIN, XMAX of the X, Y, Z coordinates of the constituent points of the display object generated by the given number of divisions and control points.
Find YMIN and ZMIN. And these (XM
AX, YMAX, ZMAX), (XMIN, YMIN,
ZMIN) for each of the eight coordinate points BP0 to BP
By obtaining P7, a BBOX including a display object as shown in FIG. 12 is obtained.

It is desirable that the BBOX is generated based on the constituent points of the display object having a large number of divisions as shown by F1 in FIG. This is because even if the number of divisions of the display object changes seamlessly, it is possible to guarantee that the display object is included in the BBOX.

However, if the BBOX is not included in the model data but is generated in real time during the game based on the obtained constituent points, the BBOX is based on the constituent points of the display object having a small number of divisions. It is desirable to generate This is because a display object with a small number of divisions has a small number of constituent points, so that the burden of processing for obtaining a BBOX constituent point from the constituent points of the display object is small, and a request for real-time processing can be satisfied.

Further, the BBOX may be generated based on the control points of the display object instead of the constituent points of the display object. In this way, the constituent points of the BBOX can be obtained based on the small number of control points.
Can be reduced.

[0191] 3. Processing of the Present Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to a process for variably controlling the number of divisions between a display object and a simple object.

First, model data including control point data and the like is read (step S1). Then, affine transformation is performed on, for example, control points (step S2).

Next, the number of divisions of the display object and the number of divisions of the simple object are determined by the method described with reference to FIG. 7 and the like (step S3).

Next, constituent points of the display object are generated based on the number of divisions of the display object determined in step S3 and the control points of the display object after the affine transformation (step S4). Further, based on the number of divisions of the simple object determined in step S3 and the control points of the display object after the affine transformation,
Generate the constituent points of the simple object (step S
5).

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 11, a clipping process is performed using the view volume and a simple object (such as BBOX) (step S6). If it is determined that part or all of the display object is within the view volume by the clipping process, a process of drawing the display object in a drawing area (frame buffer) is performed (step S7).

Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 6B and 10, a hit check process with another display object is performed using the simple object (step S8). Then, it is determined whether or not a hit has been made with another display object (step S9). If it is determined that a hit has occurred, a process for hitting (a process of decreasing the value of the physical strength parameter, a hitting direction) is performed. Processing, etc.) (step S10).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart relating to the processing for determining the number of divisions in step S3 in FIG.

First, the distance L between the display object and the viewpoint is obtained (step S11). In this case, the points for which the distance from the viewpoint is to be obtained include a representative point preset on the display object, a point specified by a control point of the display object, a point specified by a simple object of the display object, and the like. You can think.

Next, the distance L obtained in step S11
Is a parameter representing the number of divisions of the display object based on
u0 and △ v0 are obtained (step S12). Next, based on the distance L, parameters △ u1 and △ v1 representing the number of divisions of the simple object are obtained (step S1).
3). In this case, as described in FIG. 7, △ u is set so that the division number of the simple object is equal to or less than the division number of the display object.
The relational expressions of 1 ≧ △ u0 and △ v1 ≧ △ v0 are established.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts relating to the processing for generating a BBOX.

First, N = 0 is set (step S3).
2).

Next, it is determined whether or not N = NEND (step S33). If not, the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the constituent point P [N] of the display object are read (step S34). .

Next, it is determined whether or not N = 0 (step S).
35), when N = 0, XMAX = XMIN = X,
YMAX = YMIN = Y and ZMAX = ZMIN = Z are set (step S36).

On the other hand, if N = 0 is not satisfied, step S
The flow shifts to 37, where it is determined whether XMAX <X or not, or XMIN> X. If XMAX <X, XM
AX = X is set, and when XMIN> X, XMIN = X
Set to. Then, the same processing is performed for the Y and Z coordinates.

Next, N is incremented by 1 and the processing of steps S33 to S38 is repeated (step S3).
8). Then, when it is determined that N = NEND in step S33, finally obtained (XMAX, YMA
X, ZMAX) and (XMIN, YMIN, ZMIN), the constituent points BP0 to BP7 of the BBOX are as follows.
(Step S39 in FIG. 16).

BP0 = (XMAX, YMAX, ZMAX) BP1 = (XMAX, YMAX, ZMIN) BP2 = (XMAX, YMIN, ZMAX) BP3 = (XMAX, YMIN, ZMIN) BP4 = (XMIN, YMAX, ZMAX) BP (XMIN, YMAX, ZMIN) BP6 = (XMIN, YMIN, ZMAX) BP7 = (XMIN, YMIN, ZMIN) As described above, a BBOX including a display object can be generated as described with reference to FIG. .

FIG. 17 shows a process for generating constituent points of a display object and a simple object (free-form surface) (step S in FIG. 13).
4 is a flowchart relating to S5).

First, parameters u and v are set as u = usta
rt, v = vstart (step S4)
0). In the example of FIG. 18, start = u ₃ , vsta
become rt = v _3.

Next, it is determined whether or not v = vend.
If not vend, it is determined whether u = uend (steps S41, S42). In the example of FIG.
nd = u ₆ and vend = v ₆ .

If u is not u = end, the current u,
A coefficient matrix and a control point corresponding to the domain to which the value of v belongs are read (step S43).

Next, tessellation processing for obtaining the NURBS constituent point P at the current values of u and v is performed in accordance with the above-mentioned equation (18) (step S44).

Next, the number u of division parameters in the u direction is added to the parameter u to change u (step S4).
5) Return to step S42. Note that this Δu is shown in FIG.
4 (Steps S12 and S13) (△ u = △ u0 for a display object, △ u for a simple object)
= △ u1).

If it is determined in step S42 that u = end, the value is returned to u = start, and the number-of-divisions parameter △ v in the v direction is added to the parameter v.
Is changed (step S46). Note that this Δv is
This is obtained in steps S12 and S13 in FIG. 14 (△ v = △ v0 for a display object, △ for a simple object).
v = △ v1). Then, it is determined whether or not v = vend (step S41), and the processing of steps S42 to S46 is repeated until v = vend.

For example, as shown by G1 in FIG. 19, when the range of u and v is u ₃ ≦ u <u ₄ and v ₃ ≦ v <v ₄ , N
From the URBS object data, the control points Q ₀₀ to
Q ₃₃ , the data of the coefficient matrices Mu0 and Mv0 are read. Then, these control points Q ₀₀ to Q _33, based on the coefficient matrix MU0, MV0, construction point of surface patches 30 shown in FIG. 20 is obtained.

Further, as shown by G2 in FIG.
Area is u_Four≦ u <u_Five, V_Three≦ v <v_FourIf NU
From the RBS object data, the control point Q₀₁~ Q₃₄,
The data of the coefficient matrices Mu1, Mv0 is read out.
You. And these control points Q ₀₁~ Q₃₄, Coefficient matrix
Based on the data Mu1, Mv0, the surface patch shown in FIG.
32 constituent points are required.

As shown by G3 in FIG. 19, when the range of u and v is u ₅ ≦ u <u ₆ and v ₃ ≦ v <v ₄ , N
From the URBS object data, the control points Q ₀₂ to
Q ₃₅ , the data of the coefficient matrices Mu2 and Mv0 are read. Then, based on these control points Q _{02 to} Q ₃₅ and the coefficient matrices Mu2 and Mv0, the constituent points of the curved surface patch 34 shown in FIG. 20 are obtained.

As described above, the constituent points of all the surface patches 30 to 46 to be generated by the control points Q _{00 to} Q ₅₅ are obtained.

[0219] 4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 has 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 or 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 operation, and performs a matrix operation (vector operation). 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 moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950,
It is stored on a CD 982 or transferred from outside via a 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 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and 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.

A 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.

[0229] The DMA controller 970 provides a DM between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

[0230] The CD drive 980 stores a CD982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

[0231] 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 with another game system becomes possible.

It is to be noted that each means of the present invention may be entirely executed only by hardware, 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. 22A 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. 22B 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. 22C 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. 22C, 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 those described in the above embodiments, 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 of NURBS has been mainly described. However, the present invention can be applied to a free-form surface other than NURBS, a subdivision surface, and the like.

In this embodiment, the case where the number of divisions of the display object and the simple object is changed according to the distance from the viewpoint is mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited to this. The number of divisions of display objects and simple objects can be changed accordingly.

Further, a case where a parameter equivalent to the number of divisions is changed according to a game processing result or the like is also included in the scope of the present invention.

As the judgment processing using the simple object, hit check processing, clipping processing and the like are particularly desirable, but the judgment processing to which the present invention is applied is not limited to these.

Also, the method described in the present embodiment is particularly desirable as a method of setting a simple object and a method of deforming a display object, but is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the image is drawn by setting the obtained constituent points to the vertices of the polygon. However, the obtained constituent points of the curved surface may be drawn directly.

Further, the present invention provides various games (fighting games,
Shooting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

The present invention also provides various game systems (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 game images. System).

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing examples of a B-spline curve.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a curved surface patch generated according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing the number of divisions of a display object according to a distance from a viewpoint.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a conventional LOD method using a polygon model.

FIG. 6A is a diagram for describing a problem of a conventional hit check process, and FIG.
It is a figure for explaining hit check processing of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing the number of divisions of a simple object according to a change in the number of divisions of a display object.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a method of preparing a simple object corresponding to a display object by reading data of a simple object from an information storage medium or a network.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing a method of preparing a simple object corresponding to a display object by generating a simple object in real time.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a simple object optimal for hit check processing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a simple object optimal for clipping processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a method of generating a BBOX.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a control point, a coefficient matrix, and a knot vector.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a method of reading out a control point and a coefficient matrix based on a domain to which a parameter value belongs.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a curved surface patch generated according to the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied; FIGS.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 12 Curve segment 20, 22 Surface patch 30-46 Surface patch OB1, OB2 Display object SOB Simple object 100 Processing unit 102 Game processing unit 110 Model data reading unit 112 Deformation unit 114 Affine transformation unit 120 Division number control unit 122 Distance calculation Unit 130 constituent point generation unit 140 simple object setting unit 142 hit check processing unit 144 clipping processing unit 150 drawing unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main storage unit 174 drawing area 180 information storage medium 190 display unit 192 sound output unit 194 portable type Information storage device 196 Communication unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C001 AA06 AA09 AA11 AA14 AA16 AA17 BA01 BA03 BA05 BA06 CB01 CB03 CB08 CC02 CC03 5B050 AA08 BA08 CA07 EA07 EA24 EA28 FA02 FA10 5B080 AA10 BA03 BA08 DA08 EA04 FA089A001

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: a division number control means for variably controlling a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; Based on the number of divisions and a control point that is a point for defining the shape of the display object, including a configuration point generation unit that generates real-time component points of the display object at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, The division number control means is configured to change the second division number, which is the division number of the simple object corresponding to the display object, according to the change of the first division number, which is the division number of the display object. The first and second division numbers are controlled based on the first and second division numbers that are variably controlled and the control points of the display object, and the first and second division numbers are controlled based on the first and second division numbers. Display objects and simple objects at generation intervals determined by the number of divisions A game system for generating constituent points of a game in real time. 2. A game system for generating an image, comprising: a division number control means for variably controlling a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; Based on the number of divisions and a control point that is a point for defining the shape of the display object, including a configuration point generation unit that generates real-time component points of the display object at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, A second control unit configured to control a division number of the simple object corresponding to the display object;
The first and second division numbers are variably controlled so that the number of divisions is equal to or less than the first division number that is the number of divisions of the display object, and the constituent point generation unit is variably controlled. Based on the first and second division numbers and the control points of the display object, generating the constituent points of the display object and the simple object at a generation interval determined by the first and second division numbers in real time. A unique game system. 3. A game system for generating an image, comprising: a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; and a control point which is a point for defining a shape of the display object. A component point generating means for generating component points of a display object in real time at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, and a simple object generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of the display object. And a means for performing a given determination process on a display object using the simple object associated with the display object. 4. The simplified display object according to claim 3, wherein the data of the simple object generated based on the given number of divisions and the control points of the display object is read from an information storage medium or read via a network. A game system wherein objects are prepared. 5. The game system according to claim 3, wherein a simple object of a display object is prepared by generating a simple object in real time based on a given division number and a control point of the display object. . 6. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second number of divisions of the simple object also changes according to the change of the first number of divisions of the display object. A unique game system. 7. The game according to claim 3, wherein the second number of divisions of the simple object is equal to or less than the first number of divisions of the display object. system. 8. The method according to claim 3, wherein when the given determination process is a hit check process, a point generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object is determined. A game system, wherein an object serving as a constituent point is used as a simple object of a display object. 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein in the case where the given determination process is a clipping process, a point generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object is obtained. A game system wherein a bounding volume to be used is used as a simple object of a display object. 10. The data according to claim 1, wherein the data of the control point is included in model data of a display object, and the model data including the data of the control point is read from an information storage medium. A game system comprising: means for reading via a network. 11. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: a division number control means for variably controlling a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; Based on the number of divisions, based on the control points which are points for defining the shape of the display object, a constituent point generating means for generating constituent points of the display object in real time at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, The program further includes a program for executing the second division, which is a division number of a simple object corresponding to the display object, according to a change in the first division number that is the division number of the display object. The first and second division numbers are controlled so that the numbers also change, and the constituent point generation unit determines the first and second division numbers that are variably controlled and the control points of the display object. Based on the first and second division numbers Display object in generation interval is because, information storage medium and generating the configuration point of the simple objects in real time. 12. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: a division number control means for variably controlling a division number for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; Based on the number of divisions, based on the control points which are points for defining the shape of the display object, a constituent point generating means for generating constituent points of the display object in real time at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, And a division number control unit configured to execute a second division number that is a division number of a simple object corresponding to a display object.
The first and second division numbers are variably controlled so that the number of divisions is equal to or less than the first division number that is the number of divisions of the display object, and the constituent point generation unit is variably controlled. Based on the first and second division numbers and the control points of the display object, generating the constituent points of the display object and the simple object at a generation interval determined by the first and second division numbers in real time. Characteristic information storage medium. 13. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: a number of divisions for determining a generation interval of constituent points of a display object displayed on a screen; and a control point for defining a shape of the display object. Based on the above, a constituent point generating means for generating constituent points of a display object in real time at a generation interval determined by the number of divisions, and a simple object generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of the display object, Means for preparing in association with a display object, means for performing a given determination process on the display object using the simple object associated with the display object, and a program for executing Information storage medium. 14. The simplified display object according to claim 13, wherein data of a simple object generated based on a given number of divisions and control points of the display object is read from an information storage medium or read via a network. An information storage medium, wherein an object is prepared. 15. An information storage according to claim 13, wherein a simple object of a display object is prepared by generating a simple object in real time based on a given division number and a control point of the display object. Medium. 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the second number of divisions of the simple object also changes according to the change of the first number of divisions of the display object. Characteristic information storage medium. 17. The information according to claim 13, wherein the second number of divisions of the simple object is equal to or less than the first number of divisions of the display object. Storage medium. 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, when the given determination process is a hit check process, a point generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object. An information storage medium, wherein an object serving as a constituent point is used as a simple object of a display object. 19. The method according to claim 13, wherein in the case where the given determination processing is a clipping processing, a point is generated based on a given number of divisions and a control point of a display object. An information storage medium characterized in that a bounding volume to be used is used as a simple object for display. 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the control point data is included in model data of a display object, and the model data including the control point data is read from an information storage medium. An information storage medium comprising a program for executing means for reading via a network.