JP2002042176A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and information storage medium allowing generation of various realistic motions and smooth switching between them with less data quantity. SOLUTION: This game system comprises a motion data storage part 176 and a motion generation part 112. As to a data item taking an invariable value through a plurality of serial frames among motion data for generating a predetermined motion, the motion data storage part 176 stores motion data formed by compressing the invariable value into data of a single frame. When the item taking the invariable value through a plurality of serial frames is detected on the basis of the compressed motion data, the motion generation part 112 uses the invariable value in common between a plurality of serial frames as to the corresponding item and generates a predetermined motion.

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 gun game as an example, a player (operator) uses a gun-type controller (shooting device) made to imitate a gun or the like to display an enemy character (object) projected on a screen. ) To enjoy a 3D game by shooting target objects.

In such a game system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic and high-quality image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. Therefore, for example, a complex motion of a human body is measured by a motion capture or the like, motion data is generated, and a complex and realistic motion of a character or the like is generated on a game screen based on the motion data.

At this time, in order to further improve the virtual reality, a character or the like is disassembled into a greater number of joints to provide motion data, or a large number of motions are prepared according to various movements of the character. It is preferable to keep it.

[0005] However, in this case, the data amount of the motion data increases, and there is a problem that the data cannot be accommodated in a limited-capacity game system or information storage medium.

Therefore, there is a method of compressing a key frame portion as a representative point. However, when the number of motions increases, there are many cases where the number of motions still does not fit in a limited capacity game system or information storage medium.

When a large number of motions are used, when the character moves from the motion A to the motion B, the character is not smoothly connected, and an unnatural image may be generated. In order to prevent this,
There is also a method of preparing in advance a connecting motion for smoothly connecting the motion A and the motion B, but this increases the number of motions and the data amount.

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 an information storage medium capable of generating realistic and various motions with a small amount of data. It is in.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of smoothly switching various motions with a small amount of data.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image, wherein an item which takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion is described below. Means for storing motion data in a form in which the invariable value is compressed into data for one frame; and detecting an item having an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data, the invariant value is determined for the item. The method is characterized by including means for generating a given motion by sharing a value among the plurality of consecutive frames, and means for generating an image visible at a given starting point in object space.

[0011] An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable 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, for an item that takes an invariant value through a plurality of continuous frames in motion data for generating a given motion, the invariable value is compressed into data for one frame. Since the data is stored, an increase in the amount of motion data can be suppressed.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of generating various and realistic motions with a small amount of data.

Further, according to the present invention, when performing motion generation processing, only invariant value data is extracted, and no interpolation calculation is required. For this reason, there is an effect that the calculation load can be reduced as compared with a method involving an interpolation operation during reproduction, such as a method of compressing a key frame as a representative point.

The present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, wherein an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion. Means for storing motion data in a format in which the representative value is compressed into data for one frame, and detecting an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data. Means for generating a given motion by using the representative value in common for a plurality of consecutive frames for the item, and means for generating an image visible at a given starting point in the object space. It is characterized by the following.

An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable 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, for an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames in the motion data for generating a given motion, the representative value is calculated for one frame. Since the data is stored in a compressed form, an increase in the amount of motion data can be suppressed.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of generating various and realistic motions with a small amount of data.

Further, according to the present invention, when performing motion generation processing, only invariant value data is extracted, and no interpolation calculation is required. For this reason, there is an effect that the calculation load can be reduced as compared with a method involving an interpolation operation during reproduction, such as a method of compressing a key frame as a representative point.

Further, the present invention is a game system for generating an image, wherein the plurality of continuous frames are all frames of the given motion.

According to the present invention, for an item that takes an invariant value throughout all frames in the motion data for generating a given motion, the invariant value is stored in a form in which the invariable value is compressed into data for one frame. Therefore, an increase in the amount of motion data can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since each item is compressed in units of motion, management of compressed data and processing at the time of motion generation become easy.

The present invention is also a game system for generating an image, wherein the item is at least one of a distance, a position, a length, and a rotation angle given to each part constituting the object. And

According to the present invention, a plurality of frames in which at least one of a distance, a position, a length, and a rotation angle given to each part constituting an object in motion data for generating a given motion are continuous. If there is no change in the value or the value change is within a predetermined error range, the data is stored in a format compressed to one frame of data. According to the present invention, for example, when the rotation changes but the position does not change much, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of motion data.

The present invention also relates to a game system for generating an image, wherein when switching from the first motion to the second motion, a predetermined frame of the first motion to a last frame and the second motion are switched. Interpolation is performed at an interpolation rate such that the effect of the first motion is weakened and the effect of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame by associating a frame from the first frame of the motion to a predetermined frame in a time-series manner for each frame. Means for generating a connecting motion, and in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, generating the connecting motion in the connecting section following the first section, and generating the second motion following the connecting section. Means for generating a second motion from the vicinity of a predetermined frame.

The influence of the first motion and the second motion is given by, for example, a ratio at the time of interpolation. Here the first
Since the ratio of each motion is gradually changed while advancing the time of both the motion and the second motion, the first motion and the second motion are smoothly connected,
A natural image without discomfort can be provided.

The present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, wherein when switching from a first motion to a second motion, a predetermined frame of the first motion to a final frame and the second motion are switched. From the first frame to the predetermined frame in time series for each frame, and interpolate and connect at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is reduced and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Means for generating a motion, in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, in the connecting section following the first section, generating the connecting motion, and in the second section, following the connecting section. In the section, means for generating a second motion from the vicinity of a predetermined frame, and generating an image visible at a given starting point in the object space. Characterized in that it comprises a means.

An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable 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 influence of the first motion and the second motion is given by, for example, a ratio at the time of interpolation. Here the first
Since the ratio of each motion is gradually changed while advancing the time of both the motion and the second motion, the first motion and the second motion are smoothly connected,
A natural image without discomfort can be provided.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of smoothly switching various motions with a small amount of data.

The present invention relates to a method for compressing motion data, wherein, for an item which takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion, the invariable value is calculated for one frame. The data is characterized by being compressed.

The present invention also relates to a method for compressing motion data, wherein an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion. , The representative value is compressed into data for one frame.

[0033]

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

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

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, 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 storage unit 170 is a motion data storage unit 1
76. The motion data storage unit 176 stores, for an item that takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion, motion data in a format in which the invariable value is compressed into data for one frame. Is stored.

In the motion data for generating a given motion, for an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames, a representative value is compressed into data of one frame. May be stored.

An information storage medium (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
80 includes a program for performing the processing of the present invention, motion data, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, or information for performing the processing according to the instruction. Etc. can be included.

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

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

The portable information storage device 194 stores 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 performing communication with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system), and has a function of various processors or an ASIC for communication. 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 unit 100 (processor) includes the operation unit 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 program. In this case, the processing unit 100
Various processes are performed using the main storage unit 172 in 0 as a work area.

Here, the game processing performed by the processing unit 100 includes coin (price) reception processing, various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, and objects (one or more primitive planes). Processing for determining the position and rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y or Z axis)
Processing to move objects (motion processing); processing to determine the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and viewing angle (virtual camera rotation angle); processing to place objects such as map objects in object space; hit check processing; A process for calculating a game result (result, performance), a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a game over process, and the like can be considered.

The function of the processing section 100 is more preferably realized by a combination of hardware (a processor such as a CPU or a DSP or an ASIC such as a gate array) and a program (a game program or firmware). . However, 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.

The processing section 100 includes an object space setting section 110, an image generation section 120, and a sound generation section 130.

Here, the object space setting section 110
Performs a predetermined game calculation based on input data, and performs processing for setting various objects (models) such as characters and maps in the object space based on the calculation result. More specifically, the position and rotation angle (direction) of the object in the world coordinate system are determined, and the object is arranged at that position at the rotation angle (X, Y, Z axis rotation).

The object space setting section 110 includes a motion generation section 112.

When the motion generation unit 112 detects an item having an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data, the motion generating unit 112 shares the invariable value with the plurality of continuous frames for the item, and Perform a process of generating a given motion.

When an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range is detected through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data, the representative value is used for the plurality of continuous frames. Then, a process of generating a given motion may be performed.

When switching from the first motion to the second motion, the predetermined motion of the first motion from the predetermined frame to the final motion and the motion of the first motion from the first frame to the predetermined motion of the second motion are time-series for each frame. In the first section, the first motion is interpolated at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is reduced and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Generating a motion of the predetermined section up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, generating the connection motion in a connection section following the first section, and generating a second motion from the vicinity of the predetermined frame in a second section following the connection section. May be performed.

The image generation unit 120 generates an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space based on the game processing result and the like, and outputs the image to the display unit 190.

More specifically, first, geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation is performed, and drawing data (position coordinates assigned to vertices, texture Data including coordinates, color (luminance) data, normal vector, α value, etc.)
Is created.

Then, based on the drawing data, the image generation unit 120 generates an object (1
Or a plurality of primitive surfaces) in the drawing area 174
(A region where image information can be stored in pixel units such as a frame buffer and a work buffer). At this time,
The image generation unit also performs processing for mapping a texture to an object.

The sound generation unit 130 performs various sound processing based on the game processing result and the like, generates sound such as BGM, sound effect, or voice, and outputs the sound to the sound output unit 192.

It should be noted 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 (game machine, mobile phone, etc.) connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. ) May be generated.

[0061] 2. Features and processing of the present embodiment (1) Compression A feature of the present embodiment is that, for an item that takes an invariant value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion, the invariant value is expressed as follows. The point is that a motion is generated using motion data in a format compressed to data for one frame.

A compression format of motion data according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 shows parts 1 (P1) and parts 2 (P1).
2) and a reference state of an object composed of three parts, part 3 (P3). Part 1 (P1)
Is the parent of part 2 (P2), and part 2 (P2) is the parent of part 3 (P3). K1, K2, and K3 are part 1 (P1), part 2 (P2), and part 3 (P
This is a joint (motion bone) corresponding to 3).

In general, when a given motion of an object having m joints is generated in n frames 1 to n, for example, position data and rotation data of each joint in the frame are used as motion data for each frame. Give it.

Here, the position data (tx, ty, t
z) is the position of the starting point of the joint relative to the starting point of the parent joint, given as relative (in the local coordinate system) position information.

For example, the position data of part 2 (P2) is
The relative position data (0, 5, 0) of the start point S2 of the joint K2 with respect to the start point S1 of the parent joint K1 is given.

The position data of the part 3 (P3) is given by relative position data (0, 4.5, 0) of the start point S3 of the joint K3 with respect to the start point S2 of the parent joint K2.

The position data of the uppermost part 1 (P1) is given by relative position data (0, 0, 0) of the starting point S1 of the joint K1 with respect to the reference position of the object (the origin O in FIG. 2). .

The rotation data is given, for example, as rotation data (rx, ry, rz) in three axial directions of the upper joint to which the relevant joint is connected.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing a state in which an object is moved by a motion in which all frames are composed of three frames.

FIG. 3A shows the motion 2 of the first frame.
10 and the motion data 212 for generating the motion. FIG. 3B shows the motion 220 of the second frame and the motion data 222 for generating the motion. Represents motion 230 of the third frame and motion data 232 for generating the motion.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the compression of motion data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows the state of the motion data for three frames of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C before compression.

Here, the rotation data (rx, ry, rz) of the part 1 (P1) takes an invariant value (0, 0, 0) throughout the entire frame of the motion (3 in FIG. 4A).
10). Also, the position data of part 2 (P2) (t
x, ty, tz) takes an invariant value (0, 5, 0) throughout the entire frame of the motion (see 320 in FIG. 4A). Also, rotation data (rx, r) of part 3 (P3)
y, rz) takes an invariable value (0, 0, 0) throughout the entire frame of the motion (see 330 in FIG. 4A).

FIG. 4B shows the state of the motion data of FIG. 4A after compression.

In the present embodiment, reference numerals 310 and 3 in FIG.
Items that take invariable values throughout the entire frame of motion, such as 20, 330, are 312, 32, respectively.
Motion data is generated in a format in which the invariable value is compressed into data of one frame, as shown in FIG.

Then, a compression flag 3 indicating whether or not the position data and the rotation data are compressed for each part
14, 316 and 318 are provided. tf is a compression flag indicating whether or not the position data of the part is compressed, and rf is a compression flag indicating whether or not the rotation data of the part is compressed.

For example, in the motion data of part 1 (P1), rf is 1 because the rotation data is compressed into data of one frame, and in the motion data of part 2 (P2), the position data is 1 frame. Tf is 1 because the data is compressed to
In the motion data 3), rf is 1 because the rotation data is compressed into data for one frame.

In this example, the overall compression ratio is about 66%.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of motion compression processing according to the present embodiment.

First, the variable i is initialized (i = 0) (step S10). Here, i is a variable for counting the parts (joints) constituting the object.

Step S20 until the processing is completed for all parts (joints) constituting the object.
Steps S140 to S140 are repeated.

First, the variable i is updated (step S2).
0).

Next, the position data T1 ‥‥ Tk for all the motion frames of the part Pi are read (step S3).
0).

Next, when T1 ‥‥ Tk takes the same value (invariant value), as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the invariant value of T1 ‥‥ Tk is used as the position data of one frame. T 'and compress the position data compression flag of part Pi to'
1 'is set (steps S40, S50, S6
0).

On the other hand, if T1 ‥‥ Tk do not all take the same value (invariant value), T1 の of the part Pi
No compression is performed for Tk, and '0' is set to the position data compression flag of the part Pi (steps S40 and S40).
70).

Next, the rotation data T1 ‥‥ Tk for all frames of the motion of the part Pi is read (step S8).
0).

Next, when R1 ‥‥ Rk all take the same value (invariant value), as described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the invariant value of R1 ‥‥ Rk is converted to the rotation data of one frame. R 'and set the rotation data compression flag of part Pi to'
1 ′ is set (steps S90, S100, S11)
0).

On the other hand, if all of R1ｋRk do not take the same value (invariant value), the flag is set to '0' (steps S90, S120).

Next, step S20 for the part Pi
Output the motion data (position data, rotation data, compression flag, etc.) for which the compression processing of S130 has been completed.

When the processing has been completed for all parts Pi, the processing is completed (step S14).
0).

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining an example of the motion generation processing using the motion data subjected to the compression processing in the present embodiment.

First, the variable j is initialized (j = 0) (step S210). Here, j is a variable for counting the frames constituting the motion, and the processing of steps S220 to S330 is repeated until the processing is completed for all the frames constituting the motion.

First, the variable j is updated (step S22).
0).

Next, the variable i is initialized (i = 0) (step S230). Here, i is a variable for counting the parts constituting the object, and the processing of steps S240 to S310 is repeated until the motion data of the processing frame is extracted for all parts Pi constituting the object.

First, the variable i is updated (step S24).
0).

Next, when the position data compression flag of the part Pi of the j-th frame is “1”, the invariable value of the data T ′ for one frame is extracted as the position data of the part Pi of the j-th frame (step S250). , S260).

On the other hand, if the position data compression flag of the part Pi of the j-th frame is not "1", position data is extracted from the corresponding part of the part Pi of the j-th frame (steps S250 and S270).

Next, when the rotation data compression flag of the part Pi of the j-th frame is “1”, the invariable value of the data R ′ for one frame is extracted as the rotation data of the part Pi of the j-th frame (step S280). , S290).

On the other hand, if the rotation data compression flag of the part Pi of the j-th frame is not “1”, the rotation data is extracted from the corresponding part of the part Pi of the j-th frame (steps S280 and S300).

After extracting the motion data (position data and rotation data) of the processing frame for all parts Pi, a motion of the j-th frame is generated (steps S310, S320).

If the processing has not been completed for all frames j of the motion, the flow returns to step S220 to perform the processing for the next frame.

As described above, in the case where the motion generation processing is performed using the motion data subjected to the compression processing in the present embodiment, only the invariant value data is extracted, and no interpolation calculation is required. Accordingly, there is an effect that the calculation load is reduced as compared with a method involving an interpolation operation during reproduction, such as a method of compressing a key frame as a representative point.

(2) Generation of Joint Motion Next, generation of a joint motion in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a problem in the case where a transition is made from motion A to motion B.

The motion A (400) represents the motion of the character reproduced by the motion data a prepared in advance. Reference numerals 410 to 490 denote postures of the character in the n-8th frame to the nth frame (final frame).

A motion B (600) represents a motion of a character reproduced by motion data b prepared in advance. Reference numerals 610 to 690 denote postures of the characters in the first to ninth frames (the first frame).

Motion A (400) and Motion B
(600) is a motion that has been created separately and has no continuity, and the posture of the character 490 in the last frame of the motion A and the character in the first frame of the motion B are not smoothly connected.

In such a case, when the motion B (600) is generated following the motion A (400), the image of the character in which both feet are aligned and both hands are raised horizontally as in 490, and one foot is suddenly raised as in 610 The image changes to an image of a character with both hands down. When such a motion jump occurs, the player feels strange and unnatural, and the reality of the game is impaired.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a joint motion is generated by the method described below, thereby generating a smooth motion image that solves such a problem.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating a joint motion according to the present embodiment.

Here, reference numeral 510 denotes an interpolation rate 1 between the n-th frame of the motion A and the first frame of the motion B.
Is a connecting motion generated by interpolation. 52
Reference numeral 0 denotes a joint motion generated by interpolating the n-3rd frame of the motion A and the second frame of the motion B at the interpolation rate 2. 530 is n- of motion A
This is a joint motion generated by interpolating the second frame and the third frame of the motion B at the interpolation rate 3. Reference numeral 540 denotes a connection motion generated by interpolating the (n-1) th frame of the motion A and the fourth frame of the motion B at the interpolation rate 4. Reference numeral 550 denotes a joint motion generated by interpolating the n-th frame of the motion A and the fifth frame of the motion B at an interpolation rate 5.

Here, in the present embodiment, a joint motion is generated by interpolation at an interpolation rate such that the ratio of the second motion increases as the frame progresses.

That is, when the connection motion 510 is generated, the interpolation rate at which the effect of the motion A is strong is used, and the influence of the motion A is weaker as the frame progresses with the connection motions 520,. Use an interpolation rate that is strong.

FIG. 9 shows motion A followed by motion B
FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an interpolation rate when generating a.

Α and β represent the proportion of motion A and the proportion of motion B in each frame.
β = 1−α. The horizontal axis is a time axis representing the progress of the frame.

The first section 730 is a section from the start of the motion A to before the start of the motion B. Here, the motion A is generated from the first frame to the vicinity of a predetermined frame (for example, the n-5th frame in FIG. 8).

Then, the connecting section 7 following the first section 730
Reference numeral 40 denotes a section from the start of the motion B to the end of the motion A. Here, motion A and motion B
Are interpolated at an interpolation rate of α: β corresponding to each frame.

That is, for example, the motion A of a certain part
Is the position data of (txa, tya, tza) and the rotation data is (rxa, rya, rza), and the position data of the motion B of the corresponding frame is (txb, tyb, tza).
tzb) and rotation data (rxb, ryb, rzb). At this time, the position data of the joint motion generated by the interpolation of the motion A and the motion B is (txc, txc).
yc, tzc) and the rotation data are (rxc, ryc, rz
If c), the following equation holds.

Txc = α · txa + (1−α) txb tyc = α · tya + (1−α) tyb tzc = α · tza + (1−α) tzb rxc = α · rxa + (1−α) rxb ryc = α Rya + (1−α) ryb rzc = α · rza + (1−α) rzb For example, the interpolation rates 1 to 5 applied to the generation of the joint motions 510 to 550 in FIG.
The value of α of ５０850 is adopted.

The second section following the connecting section is a section from the end of the motion A to the end of the motion B. Here, the motion B is generated from the vicinity of a predetermined frame of the motion B (for example, the sixth frame in FIG. 8) to the last frame of the motion B.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between each section and the motion to be generated. First section 73
At 0, the frames from the first frame of the motion A to the n-5th frame (see 440) are generated. In the five frames of the connection section 740 following the first section, the generated connection motions 510 to 550 are generated. In the second section following the connection section, the sixth frame of motion B (see 660) to the last frame of motion B are generated.

As shown in FIG. 10, 440, 510, 520, 530,
From 540, 550, and 610, the motion A and the motion B are smoothly connected to form a natural image without a sense of discomfort.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the ratio of the motion A and the motion B is gradually changed while the time of both the motion A and the motion B is advanced, the motion A and the motion B can be connected smoothly.

[0125] 3. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a 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, 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.

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

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

[0135] The DMA controller 970 provides a DM 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.

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.

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

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

FIG. 12A 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. 12B 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. 12C 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 (game machine, mobile phone) will be described. In this case, the storage information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminal 1304
If -1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 13
From 00, game images and game programs for generating game sounds are delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and game sound, transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n, and outputs them.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 12C, 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 may be adopted in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted. 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.

Further, in the present embodiment, for an item that takes an invariant value throughout all frames in the motion data for generating a given motion, the case where the invariant value is compressed into data for one frame is considered. The description has been given by way of example, but is not limited to this.

For example, a constant value may be obtained through a plurality of continuous frames.

In addition to the case where an invariable value is set, the representative value is set to 1 for an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range.
The data may be compressed to frame data.

In the present embodiment, the case where motion data for generating a motion is provided for each frame has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when motion data of a key frame is provided and motion data other than the key frame is generated by interpolation, the motion data of the key frame may be compressed by the compression method of the present invention.

In this way, for an item that is compressed, an invariable value may be used in a frame other than the key frame. Therefore, for this item, interpolation calculation is unnecessary even in frames other than the key frame,
The calculation load at the time of motion generation can be reduced.

The format of the motion data is shown in FIGS.
As described in (A) and (B), the present invention is not limited to the one including the position data and the rotation data.

The interpolation rate used in the present embodiment is not limited to that described with reference to FIG. The interpolation rate may be such that the influence of the first motion is reduced and the influence of the second motion is increased as the frame progresses.

The format of the motion data is shown in FIGS.
As described in (A) and (B), the present invention is not limited to the one including the position data and the rotation data.

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 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 functional block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a compression format of motion data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a compression format of motion data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a compression format of motion data according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of motion compression processing according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a motion generation process using the motion data subjected to the compression process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a problem when a transition is made from motion A to motion B.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a joint motion generation method according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an interpolation rate when a motion B is generated after a motion A.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between each section and a generated motion.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 processing unit 110 object space setting unit 112 motion generation unit 130 image generation processing unit 140 sound generation processing unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main storage unit 174 drawing area 176 motion data storage unit 180 information storage medium 190 display unit 192 sound output Unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C001 AA03 AA06 AA16 AA17 BA01 BC01 BC03 BC08 BD05 CA01 CB02 CB04 CC02 CC03 CC08 5B050 AA10 BA08 BA09 BA11 BA12 CA07 EA10 EA19 EA24 EA28 FA02 FA10

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, wherein, for motion data for generating a given motion, for an item that takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames, the invariable value is calculated for one frame. Means for storing motion data in the form of compressed data; and detecting an item that takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data. And a means for generating a given motion in an object space. 2. A game system for generating an image, wherein, among motion data for generating a given motion, an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames is represented by a representative. Means for storing motion data in a format in which the value is compressed into data for one frame; and detecting an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data. Means for generating a given motion by using the representative value in common for a plurality of consecutive frames for items, and means for generating an image visible at a given starting point in the object space. A unique game system. 3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of continuous frames are all frames of the given motion. 4. The game according to claim 1, wherein the item is at least one of a distance, a position, a length, and a rotation angle given to each part constituting the object. system. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein when switching from the first motion to the second motion, a predetermined frame to a final frame of the first motion and a start of the second motion are set. From a frame to a predetermined frame, the connection motion is interpolated at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is weakened and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Generating means, in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, generating the connecting motion in the connecting section following the first section, and generating the connecting motion in the second section following the connecting section. Means for generating the second motion from the vicinity of the predetermined frame. 6. A game system for generating an image, wherein when switching from a first motion to a second motion, a predetermined frame to a last frame of the first motion and a start of the second motion From a frame to a predetermined frame, the connection motion is interpolated at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is weakened and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Generating means, in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, generating the connecting motion in the connecting section following the first section, and generating the connecting motion in the second section following the connecting section. Means for generating a second motion from near a predetermined frame; means for generating an image visible at a given starting point in object space; A game system comprising: 7. An information storage medium that can be used by a computer, wherein an item having an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion is represented by one frame. Means for storing motion data in a form compressed to minute data; and detecting an item that takes an invariable value through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data; An information storage medium including a program for executing: a means for generating a given motion in common with a frame of the object; and an image for generating an image visible at a given starting point in the object space. . 8. An information storage medium usable by a computer, wherein an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion. Means for storing motion data in a form in which a representative value is compressed into data of one frame, and detecting an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames based on the compressed motion data. Then, for the item, the representative value is shared and used for a plurality of continuous frames, and a means for generating a given motion and a means for generating an image visible at a given starting point in the object space are: An information storage medium including a program to be executed. 9. The information storage medium according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of continuous frames are all frames of the given motion. 10. The information according to claim 7, wherein the item is at least one of a distance, a position, a length, and a rotation angle given to each part constituting the object. Storage medium. 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein when switching from the first motion to the second motion, a predetermined frame to the last frame of the first motion and a start of the second motion are set. From a frame to a predetermined frame, the connection motion is interpolated at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is weakened and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Generating means, in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, generating the connecting motion in the connecting section following the first section, and generating the connecting motion in the second section following the connecting section. An information storage medium comprising: means for generating a second motion from the vicinity of a predetermined frame; and a program for executing: 12. An information storage medium usable by a computer, wherein when switching from a first motion to a second motion, a predetermined frame to a final frame of the first motion and the second motion From the first frame to the predetermined frame in time series for each frame, and interpolate and connect at an interpolation rate such that the influence of the first motion is reduced and the influence of the second motion is increased along with the progress of the frame. Means for generating a motion, in the first section, generating the first motion up to the vicinity of a predetermined frame, in the connecting section following the first section, generating the connecting motion, and in the second section, following the connecting section. Means for generating a second motion from the vicinity of a predetermined frame in a section, and generating an image visible at a given starting point in object space An information storage medium comprising: means for performing the following: and a program for executing: 13. A method for compressing motion data, wherein for an item that takes an invariant value through a plurality of continuous frames among motion data for generating a given motion, the invariable value is converted into data for one frame. A method of compressing motion data, comprising compressing the motion data. 14. A method for compressing motion data, comprising: a motion data for generating a given motion, wherein an item whose value change is within a predetermined error range through a plurality of continuous frames is represented by a representative value. Is compressed into one frame of data. 15. The motion data compression method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of continuous frames are all frames of the given motion. 16. The motion according to claim 13, wherein the item is at least one of a distance, a position, a length, and a rotation angle given to each part constituting the object. Data compression method.