JP2001325605A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium with which a strong highlight effect generated by the reflection of light can be expressed on an object with a little arithmetic load. SOLUTION: Concerning the game system for generating an image, a highlight effect processing part 120 performs processing for: determining a position to locate a highlight effect object for generating an image of highlight generated on the object by the reflection of light on the basis of the reflecting point of light on the surface of the object; and locating the highlight effect object at the determined locating position. In this case, it is preferable that the highlight effect object is to be disposed so as to generate an image overlapped by protruding part of a highlight effect image out of an object image. In another embodiment, the reflecting point is previously defined and, when prescribed conditions are satisfied, the highlight effect image is generated at the reflecting point as well.

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.

[0003] In such a game system, generating a more realistic image is an important technical problem in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. Here, since the effect of light is important to generate a more realistic image, light source processing is performed according to the image to be expressed, and the three-dimensional effect and texture of the object are more realistically expressed.

[0004] For example, the spherical object in FIG. 1A is an example of an image subjected to glow shading in consideration of a light source in the upper left direction. In this method, a sphere is approximated by a polygon, brightness is calculated at each vertex of the polygon by taking into account a light source in the upper left direction, and brightness is calculated for each point in the polygon by complementation processing.

[0005] When it is desired to express stronger light reflection, an image in which a highlight is generated on a part of the surface of the spherical object is generated as shown in FIG. Calculating the luminance value due to specular reflection for each point in the spherical object requires an enormous computational load. For example, environment mapping is performed to express a highlight as shown in FIG. 1B.

In such a light source processing method, the intensity of reflection is expressed by changing the size and brightness of highlights in an object. However, in this case, it was not possible to express a state in which the object glows as if the object itself emits light due to strong reflection.

[0007] In either case of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the light source calculation is required at the vertices of the spherical object, and the calculation load is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a game system and a game system capable of expressing a strong highlight effect caused by light reflection on an object with a small calculation load. An information storage medium may be provided.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a game system for generating an image, which is for generating an image of a highlight generated on an object by light reflection based on a light reflection point on the surface of the object. Means for determining an arrangement position of the highlight effect object, and means for arranging the highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which the highlight effect image overlaps the object. Features.

The reflection point of light on the surface of the object may be calculated by a predetermined algorithm, or may be a point set as a reflection point in advance.

Here, the highlight effect object may be constituted by a polygon object, a free-form surface, a sprite, or another method.

The coordinates of the reflection point may be given along with the object, or a predetermined point in space may be given. It may be given by three-dimensional coordinates, or 2
It may be given in dimensional coordinates.

For example, in the case of a polygon object, the three-dimensional coordinates of the reflection point may be used as the arrangement position. In the case of a sprite, two-dimensional coordinates obtained by converting the reflection point into a screen coordinate system may be used as the arrangement position.

According to the present invention, a highlight effect object is provided separately from a light reflecting object.
Then, by placing a highlight effect object on the object that reflects light to express the reflection of light, it creates an image that shines as if the object itself is emitting light beyond the drawing area of the object can do.

Further, since the calculation of the light source at the vertices of the object or the like is unnecessary, an image in which light is reflected can be realized with a small calculation load.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of expressing a strong highlight effect caused by light reflection on an object with a small calculation load.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image to generate an overlapped image.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which the highlight effect image protrudes from the object. Therefore, strong light reflection on the surface of the object can be expressed.

The present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, wherein when a strong reflection of light on the surface of an object is expressed, a part of a highlight effect image protrudes from the object image and overlaps the object image. And means for generating a highlight effect image.

The 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.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention define at least one point on an object as a reflection point in advance, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a highlight effect object is defined based on the reflection point. The arrangement position is determined, and an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object is generated.

The highlight set point is the shape of the object,
It is preferable to set according to the properties. The predetermined condition may be, for example, a case where a reflection point, a light source, and a viewpoint have a predetermined positional relationship, or a case where a reflection timing is set and coincides with the timing.

In this case, the calculation of the light source for setting the reflection point becomes unnecessary, so that the calculation impossible can be reduced. Moreover, since the reflection is performed when the predetermined reflection point satisfies a predetermined condition, the reflection of light can be simulated in a mode suitable for the game condition.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention further comprise means for calculating the intensity of the reflected light of the object according to a predetermined algorithm, and a method for calculating a highlight effect image based on the intensity of the reflected light. It is characterized by including means for determining at least one of the presence or absence of addition, the brightness of the highlight effect image, and the size of the highlight effect image.

According to the present invention, at least one of the presence or absence of a highlight effect image, the brightness of the highlight effect image, and the size of the highlight effect image is determined based on the intensity of the reflected light. The expression of the reflected light is not monotonous, and a reflected image with more variety can be generated.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an image is generated in which the presence or absence of a highlight effect image on an object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light. And

According to the present invention, the object is highlighted or not depending on the change in the intensity of the reflected light, which is effective when expressing the change in the intensity of the reflected light.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, at least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image overlapping the object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light. It is characterized by generating an image.

According to the present invention, the change in the intensity of the reflected light is represented because at least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image overlapping the object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light. It is effective in the case.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an image of an object in which a lens flare image overlaps with a highlight effect image is generated.

According to the present invention, an image of an object in which a lens flare image overlaps with a highlight effect image can be generated, which is effective in expressing strong reflected light.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are arranged such that the intensity of the reflected light is determined based on the angle between the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the light vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point and the line-of-sight vector. Is calculated.

The case where the intensity of the reflected light is calculated on the basis of the angle between the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the line-of-sight vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point and the ray vector is also included in the scope of the present invention.

For example, when the light source is a point light source, a vector having a direction connecting the point light source and the reflection point with respect to the reflection point can be used as the light beam vector. Further, for example, when the light source is a parallel light source, a vector having a direction of a parallel light beam with the reflection point as a viewpoint can be used as a light beam vector.

The reflection vector of the ray vector can be obtained by, for example, reflecting the ray vector around the normal set at the reflection point.

In the present invention, as the angle between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is closer to 0, stronger reflected light can be expressed. Generally, as the angle between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector becomes closer to 0, the specular reflection becomes stronger. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to express the highlight by the specular reflection reflecting the light source, the reflection point, and the viewpoint position.

In the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, at least one of the reflection point and the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point is determined based on a luminance value obtained when a light source of the object is calculated. It is characterized by doing.

In general, luminance is obtained when shading an object. In the present invention, at least one of a reflection point and the intensity of reflected light at the reflection point is determined by using the luminance. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform a new calculation to obtain the reflection point or the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point, so that a highlight effect image corresponding to the reflected light is generated at an optimum position without causing a small increase in calculation load. can do.

In the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, when a plurality of reflection points are present in close proximity, a highlight effect image in which highlights at each reflection point are integrated is overlapped with the object. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, a highlight having a natural shape can be displayed in an area including a close reflection point, as compared with a case where a highlight effect image is individually set for each point.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an image in which a reflection area of an object is flared is generated as a highlight effect image overlapping the reflection area.

According to the present invention, a highlight effect image having a shape corresponding to the reflection area can be generated.

The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the reflection position specifying information is embedded in the texture to be mapped to the highlight effect object.

[0044]

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

1. Configuration FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100, and the other blocks can be optional components.

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

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

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

An information storage medium (a storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
The information stored in 80 is a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, and instructions for the processing. The information includes at least one of information for performing processing according to.

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

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

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

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for performing communication 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 an information storage medium of a host device (server) to an information storage medium 180 via a network and a communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

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

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

The highlight effect processing unit 120 determines the arrangement position of the highlight effect object for generating a highlight image generated on the object due to the reflection of the light, based on the light reflection point on the surface of the object. A process of arranging the highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position is performed.

Here, it is preferable to arrange the highlight effect objects so that a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image to generate an overlapped image.

At least one point on the object may be defined in advance as a reflection point, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the arrangement position of the highlight effect object may be determined based on the reflection point.

The intensity of the reflected light of the object is calculated according to a predetermined algorithm, and based on the calculated intensity of the reflected light, whether a highlight effect image is added, the brightness of the highlight effect image, the highlight effect At least one of the sizes of the image may be determined.

The presence or absence of the highlight effect image to the object may be changed according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light.

[0063] At least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image overlapping the object may be changed according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light.

The lens flare image may overlap the object together with the highlight effect image.

The intensity of the reflected light may be calculated on the basis of the angle between the line-of-sight vector and the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the light vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point.

[0066] At least one of the reflection point and the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point may be determined based on the luminance value obtained when the light source of the object is calculated.

When a plurality of reflection points exist close to each other, a highlight effect image in which highlights at each reflection point are integrated may be overlapped with the object.

Processing required to generate an image in which the reflection area of the object is flared as a highlight effect image may be performed.

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

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

The game processing section 110 includes a movement / motion calculation section 112.

Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data, rotation angle data of each part of the object) of an object such as a car. For example,
Based on operation data, a game program, and the like input by the player via the operation unit 160, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 112
Performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object, for example, for each frame (1/60 second). For example, (k-
1) The position of the object in the frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt.
And Then, the position PM of the object at the k frame
k and the speed VMk are obtained, for example, as in the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The image generation unit 130 includes a geometry processing unit 132 and a drawing unit 134.

Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, and light source calculation. Then, the object data (shape data such as vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) after the geometry processing (after the perspective transformation) is stored in the storage unit 17.
0 in the main memory 172.

The drawing section 134 performs processing for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174.

Note that the game system according to 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. FIG. 3 is an image example of a spherical object in which the highlight effect images overlap in the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, it is possible to generate an overlapped image in which a part of the highlight effect image 10 protrudes from the spherical object image.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to express a state in which the object itself shines as if it is emitting light. Therefore, it is necessary to express strong reflection of light on the surface of the object. Can be.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of generating a highlight effect image when a plate polygon is used as a highlight effect object.

As shown in the figure, the light reflection point 220 on the surface of the spherical object 210 arranged in the viewpoint coordinate system (three-dimensional space) is determined as the arrangement position of the plate polygon 230, and the plate polygon 230 is arranged. I do. Here, the reflection point 220 may be set in advance to, for example, a point where the reflection is desired or a point where the reflection easily occurs. Further, based on the viewpoint position and the light source position, a point where mirror reflection is most likely to occur may be calculated in real time and set as a reflection point.

Then, the spherical object and the plate polygon are set to 3
By drawing using the technique of generating a two-dimensional image, it is possible to generate an image of a spherical object in which highlight effect images overlap as shown in FIG.

According to the method of the present embodiment, after arranging a plate polygon for generating a highlight effect image at a reflection point, it is only necessary to generate a normal three-dimensional image. In other words, if a reflection point is given, light source calculation at the vertices of the spherical object or the like is unnecessary, so that light reflection can be expressed with a small calculation load.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of generating a highlight effect image when a sprite is used as a highlight effect object.

As shown in the figure, a drawing area (two-dimensional space)
The position of the sprite 280 is determined at the light reflection point 270 on the image 260 of the spherical object drawn on the 250, and the sprite 280 is arranged.

If the reflection point is given, for example, three-dimensionally, the reflection point is converted to a screen coordinate system to obtain a light reflection point 270 on the drawing area.

As shown in the figure, the sprite 280 on which the texture for the highlight effect image is mapped is drawn so as to overlap the image 260 of the sphere object, so that the highlight as shown in FIG. An image of the sphere object can be generated.

According to the method of this embodiment, it is only necessary to arrange a sprite for generating a highlight effect image at a reflection point, and it is not necessary to perform a light source operation at a vertex or the like of a spherical object. Therefore, the reflection of light can be expressed without increasing the calculation load.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for obtaining the intensity of reflection at a reflection point of light in the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 320 denotes a reflection point provided on the spherical object 310, and the light source 340 is a point light source.
A normal vector 350 is set at the reflection point 320.

Since the light source 340 is a point light source, the reflection point 3
A vector whose starting point is 20 and whose direction is a direction connecting the reflection point 320 and the light source 340 is defined as a ray vector 370.
Then, the light vector 370 is reflected around the normal line (normal vector 350) set at the reflection point 320 to obtain a reflection vector 360.

The reflection point 320 is set as a starting point,
A vector having the direction connecting 0 and the viewpoint 330 as the direction is defined as a line-of-sight vector 380.

In this embodiment, the reflection vector 360
Is set so that the intensity of the reflected light increases as the angle between the line of sight and the line-of-sight vector 380 approaches zero.

In the real world, as the angle between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector becomes closer to 0, the specular reflection becomes stronger. Therefore, by setting in this way, the light source 340 and the reflection point 320
And the highlight due to specular reflection reflecting the position of the viewpoint 330.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method of setting a reflection point.

For example, when an image of a fighter aircraft object as shown in FIG. 7 is generated, a glass window portion is the portion where light reflection is most likely to occur in the fighter aircraft.

Therefore, for example, a glass window portion is set as a reflection area 450, and a plurality of reflection points 46 are set in the reflection area.
0 is set. Then, for example, a highlight effect image may be set when the intensity of reflection at the reflection point reaches a predetermined value.

In this way, by estimating the reflection area in which the specular reflection is most likely to occur based on the material and shape of the object and setting the reflection point there to generate a highlight effect image, it is possible to easily realize a simple real It is possible to generate a reflection image.

For example, the area of a glass window may be set as a reflection area, and an image in which the reflection area is flared may be generated as a highlight effect image overlapping the reflection area.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining a change in the highlight effect image according to the intensity of the reflected light.

FIG. 8A shows a case where the reflected light is weak.
8B shows a case where the reflected light is strong, and FIG. 8C shows a case where the reflected light is very strong.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the size and brightness of the highlight effect image are increased as the reflected light becomes stronger.

For example, a plurality of sprites for generating highlight effect images having different sizes are prepared, and an optimal sprite is selected according to the intensity of the reflected light obtained by the method shown in FIG. A highlight effect image may be generated.

By changing the size and the like of the highlight effect image in this way, it is possible to simulate a state in which the reflected light becomes strong.

In this embodiment, when the reflected light is further intensified, an image of the object in which the lens flare image is overlapped with the highlight effect image is generated as shown in FIG. 8C.

As a result, a state in which the reflected light is very strong can be simulated.

FIG. 9 is an example of a highlight effect image in which highlight effect images at a plurality of reflection points are integrated.

In this embodiment, when a plurality of adjacent points 410 and 420 are set as reflection points,
A highlight effect image in which the highlight effect images set at each reflection point as shown at 430 are integrated.

By doing so, it is possible to generate a highlight effect image having a more natural shape as compared with a case where a highlight effect image is individually set for each point.

3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which the highlight effect image overlaps.

First, when generating model information, a reflection point is set for an object, and the reflection point information is prepared as model information (step S10). Here, a plurality of reflection points may be set. The reflection point may be set to a point at which specular reflection is likely to occur based on the shape and the material of the object.

The reflection point information includes, for example, the coordinates P (X, Y, Z) of the reflection point, a normal vector at the reflection point,
Highlight attributes (type, pow, c) and the like are set in advance. Here, type is a sprite type and indicates a sprite type used to generate a highlight effect image. pow is the highlight intensity and is used as a coefficient when calculating the size and brightness of the highlight in the highlight effect image. C is a threshold value of θ when determining whether or not to generate a highlight effect image at the reflection point.

Next, in the process of image generation, step S1
Steps S20 to S90 are repeated until the processing is completed for all the reflection points set at 0.

That is, first, a ray vector having the reflection point as the starting point and the direction connecting the reflection point and the light source is determined (step S20, see 370 in FIG. 6).

A reflection vector is obtained by reflecting the ray vector around the normal vector set as the reflection point information at the reflection point (step S30, see 360 in FIG. 6).

A vector whose starting point is the reflection point and whose direction is the direction connecting the reflection point and the viewpoint is a line-of-sight vector 380.
(Step S40, see 380 in FIG. 6).

Then, the angle θ between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is determined (step S50).

When θ is equal to or smaller than the threshold value set in the reflection point information, the size of the highlight of the highlight effect image is determined based on the value of θ and the highlight intensity set as the reflection point information at the reflection point. The brightness and the brightness are calculated (steps S60 and S70).

The sprite having the calculated size and brightness for generating a highlight effect image is set as a reflection point (step S80).

If the above processing has not been completed for all the set reflection points, the processing of steps S20 to S90 is performed for the next reflection point, and the above processing has been completed for all the set reflection points. Ends the processing.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which highlight effect images are overlapped by a curve (two points) equation.

First, when model information is generated, a reflection region R connecting two reflection points (P0, P1) is set in an object, and reflection region information is prepared as model information (step S110). Here, a plurality of reflection areas may be set. Note that the reflection area may be set to an area where specular reflection is likely to occur, for example, based on the shape and material of the object.

As the reflection area information, the reflection point (P
A normal vector (n0, n1) of 0, P1), a highlight attribute (sprite type, intensity, threshold value) and the like are set in advance. Here, two normal vectors (n0, n1)
Are set not to be parallel.

Next, in the process of image generation, step S1
Steps S120 to S160 are repeated until the processing is completed for all the reflection areas set in step S10.

First, a reflection point Pt at which the angle θ formed between the line-of-sight vector and the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the ray vector in the reflection region R is calculated (step S120).

That is, each point on the reflection area R is shown in FIG.
0 is obtained by the same method as in steps S20 to S50 of 0,
The point at which the obtained θ is the smallest is defined as a reflection point Pt. Here, each point on the reflection region R is regarded as a point on a continuous curve sandwiched between (P0, P1), and the calculation is performed assuming continuous values in a range of a normal vector (n0 to n1) of each point. I do.

When θ is equal to or smaller than the threshold value set in the reflection area information, the size of the highlight of the highlight effect image is determined based on the value of θ and the highlight intensity set as the reflection point information at the relevant reflection point. The brightness and the brightness are calculated (steps S130 and S140).

The sprite having the calculated size and brightness for generating a highlight effect image is assigned to the reflection point P.
It is set to t (step S150). In this case, the shape of the highlight is preferably a shape integrally formed along a line connecting two points as shown in FIG. 9, for example.

If the above processing has not been completed for all of the set reflection areas, the processing of steps S120 to S160 is performed for the next reflection area, and the above processing has been completed for all of the set reflection areas. Ends the processing.

The object has three reflection points (P0,
By setting the reflection area R surrounded by P1 and P2), it is possible to generate an image of an object in which a highlight effect image based on a curved surface (three points) formula is overlapped. Here, the normal vectors (n0, n1, n3) of (P0, P1, P2) are set so as not to be parallel to each other.

In the case of the curved surface (three-point) equation, three reflection points (P0, P1,
In the reflection area R surrounded by P2), the reflection point Pt at which the angle θ between the reflection vector reflecting the light vector and the line-of-sight vector is minimized may be calculated. Here, the normal vector of each point may be obtained by regarding the reflection region R as a smooth curved surface surrounded by (P0, P1, P2).

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 computation, and performs matrix computation (vector 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 compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. Thus, a moving image compressed by a given image compression method 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 95.
0, stored in the CD 982, or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.

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

[0144] The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

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

[0146] 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. Also, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another game system and 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. 13A 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. 13B 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. 13C 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. 13C, 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 save information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

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

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

Also, in the present embodiment, the case where the highlight effect object is a sprite or a plate polygon has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be composed of a polygon object composed of a plurality of polygons, or may be composed of a free-form surface or the like.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described where a reflection point is provided as model information of an object, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reflection position specifying information may be embedded in the texture to be mapped to the highlight effect object.

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

The present invention can be applied to various game systems such as arcade game systems, home game systems, large attraction systems in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, and system boards for generating game images. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining conventional light source processing.

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

FIG. 3 is an image example of a sphere object in which a highlight effect image overlaps in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of generating a highlight effect image when a board polygon is used as a highlight effect object.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of generating a highlight effect image when a sprite is used as a highlight effect object.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for obtaining the intensity of reflection at a reflection point of light in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a method of setting a reflection point.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining a change in a highlight effect image according to the intensity of the reflected light.

FIG. 9 is an example of a highlight effect image in which highlight effect images at a plurality of reflection points are integrated.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which a highlight effect image overlaps.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which a highlight effect image based on a curve (two points) equation overlaps;

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

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

[Description of Signs] 100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 120 highlight effect processing unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 134 drawing unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main memory 174 frame Buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Save information storage device 196 Communication unit

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating an image of a highlight generated on an object by light reflection based on a light reflection point on a surface of the object; And a means for arranging the highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which the highlight effect image overlaps the object. 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image to generate an overlapped image. 3. A game system for generating an image, wherein when a strong reflection of light on the surface of an object is expressed, a part of a highlight effect image protrudes from the object image, and A game system comprising means for generating a highlight effect image. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one point on the object is defined as a reflection point in advance, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the arrangement position of the highlight effect object is determined based on the reflection point. A game system comprising: determining an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object. 5. The means according to claim 1, wherein a means for calculating the intensity of the reflected light of the object according to a predetermined algorithm, and whether or not a highlight effect image is added based on the intensity of the reflected light. And a means for determining at least one of the brightness of the highlight effect image and the size of the highlight effect image. 6. The game according to claim 1, wherein an image in which presence or absence of a highlight effect image added to an object changes according to a change in the intensity of the reflected light. system. 7. The image according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the brightness and the size of a highlight effect image overlapping the object changes in accordance with the change in the intensity of the reflected light. A game system characterized by: 8. The game system according to claim 1, wherein an image of the object in which the lens flare image overlaps with the highlight effect image is generated. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity of the reflected light is calculated based on an angle between a reflection vector obtained by reflecting a light vector based on a normal vector at the reflection point and a line-of-sight vector. A game system, characterized in that: 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the reflection point and the intensity of reflected light at the reflection point is determined based on a luminance value obtained when a light source calculation of an object is performed. A unique game system. 11. The object according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of reflection points are present close to each other, a highlight effect image in which highlights at each reflection point are integrated is overlapped with the object. And a game system. 12. The game system according to claim 1, wherein an image in which the reflection area of the object is flared is generated as a highlight effect image overlapping the reflection area. 13. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the reflection position specifying information is embedded in a texture to be mapped to the highlight effect object. 14. A computer-usable information storage medium, comprising: a highlight effect object for generating an image of a highlight generated on an object by reflection of light based on a reflection point of light on the surface of the object. Means for determining an arrangement position, and means for arranging a highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which the highlight effect image overlaps the object. An information storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 15. The information storage medium according to claim 14, further comprising a program for generating an overlapped image in which a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image. 16. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein when a strong light reflection on the surface of an object is expressed, a part of the highlight effect image is protruded from the object image and overlaps the object. An information storage medium including a program for executing means for generating an image and a highlight effect image. 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one point on the object is defined in advance as a reflection point, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the arrangement position of the highlight effect object is determined based on the reflection point. An information storage medium including a program for determining and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object. 18. The means according to claim 14, wherein a means for calculating the intensity of the reflected light of the object according to a predetermined algorithm, and whether or not a highlight effect image is added based on the intensity of the reflected light. An information storage medium including a program for executing means for determining at least one of brightness of a highlight effect image and size of the highlight effect image. 19. A program according to claim 14, further comprising a program for generating an image in which presence or absence of addition of a highlight effect image to an object changes according to a change in the intensity of the reflected light. An information storage medium characterized by the following. 20. The image according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image overlapping the object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for performing 21. An information storage medium according to claim 14, further comprising a program for generating an image of an object in which a lens flare image overlaps with a highlight effect image. 22. The method according to claim 14, wherein the intensity of the reflected light is calculated based on an angle between a reflection vector obtained by reflecting a light vector based on a normal vector at the reflection point and a line-of-sight vector. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for storing information. 23. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the reflection point and the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point is determined based on a luminance value obtained when a light source of the object is calculated. An information storage medium containing a program. 24. The program according to claim 14, wherein when a plurality of reflection points are close to each other, a highlight effect image in which highlights at the respective reflection points are integrated is overlapped with the object. An information storage medium comprising: 25. The program according to claim 14, further comprising a program for generating an image in which the reflection area of the object is flared as a highlight effect image overlapping the reflection area. Information storage medium. 26. The information storage medium according to claim 14, wherein reflection position specifying information is embedded in a texture to be mapped to a highlight effect object.