JP2002085826A - Game system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of generating motion information giving various and real movement to an object which connects plural parts by joints, in real time. SOLUTION: The game system generates a picture. A parts arrangement processing part 114 gives arrangement information in the frame of this time to the given parts of the object, which is constituted by connecting the plural parts by the joints, and performs processing for generating the arrangement information of the other parts constituting the object based on the arrangement information of the given parts. Then, among adjacent parts, one which is already given arrangement information in the frame of this time is set to be a master part, the other which is not given it is set to be a slave part and the arrangement information of the frame of this time of the slave parts is generated based on the arrangement information of the frame of this time of the master part and that of the frame of the last time of the slave part.

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. For this reason, for example, it is desirable that various movements of an object such as a snake formed by connecting a plurality of parts through joints can be realistically expressed.

[0004] However, in order to realistically represent such various movements of a snake or the like, it is necessary to prepare a large number of motion data in advance, leading to an increase in the data amount. In addition, since the data that can be prepared in advance is limited, it has been difficult to generate a motion corresponding to various events that occur during the game.

[0005] In addition, when a motion of each part is generated in real time, it is difficult to give a realistic motion to an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by joints.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a motion that gives various and realistic movements to an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by joints. An object of the present invention is to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of generating information in real time.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a game system for generating an image, in which a given part of an object formed by connecting a plurality of parts by joints is provided with arrangement information in a current frame. Means, part arrangement information generating means for generating arrangement information of other parts constituting the object based on the arrangement information of the given part, and an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by a joint based on the arrangement information of each part Means for generating an image of the parent component, wherein the part arrangement information generating means determines the parent part if the arrangement information in the current frame is already provided in the adjacent parts, and the child part if the arrangement information in the adjacent frame is not provided. Based on the placement information of the current frame of the part and the placement information of the previous frame of the child part, And generating the arrangement information.

[0008] 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, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and includes a module for executing the above means.

[0009] Here, the object formed by connecting a plurality of parts by joints may be, for example, a case where a plurality of parts are connected in series in a band shape, or a case where a plurality of parts are connected in a branch shape in a tree shape. May be.

Further, based on the arrangement information of a given part, the arrangement information of all other parts constituting the object may be generated, or the arrangement information of some other parts may be constituted.

The arrangement information is, for example, at least one of position information, rotation (direction) information, and the like, and is information necessary for arrangement in any coordinate system.

According to the present invention, various motions can be given to an object by changing the arrangement information given to a given part. For this reason, since it is not necessary to previously hold motion data of various patterns, the data amount can be reduced, and the control of the motion is facilitated.

Also, by changing the arrangement information given to a given object in real time, it is possible to generate motion information of each part in real time.

According to the present invention, the layout information of the current frame of the child part is generated based on the layout information of the current frame of the parent part and the layout information of the previous frame of the child part. While following, it is possible to make the movement take into account the own arrangement of the previous frame. For this reason, an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by a joint can be made to move smoothly and naturally.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a game system and an information storage medium capable of generating, in real time, motion information for giving various and realistic movements to an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by joints. be able to.

Further, in the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the parts arrangement information generating means may be configured so that the child part's current frame position information based on the parent part's current frame position information and the child part's previous frame position information The position information of the frame is generated.

By doing so, it is possible to follow the position of the parent part and to make the movement take into account the own position of the previous frame. Can be made.

Further, in the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the part arrangement information generating means may be configured such that the position of the current frame of the child part is maintained such that the distance between the parent part and the child part is maintained at a predetermined value. It is characterized by including position information generating means for generating information.

By doing so, it is possible to cause a smooth and natural movement of an object in which a plurality of parts whose distances between the parts are constant are connected by joints.

Further, in the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the part arrangement information generating means determines the first part axis in the current frame based on the positions of the parent part and the child part. Determine the direction of
At least one of a second axis and a third axis for determining the orientation of the parent part and at least one of the second axis and the third axis for determining the orientation of the child part of the previous frame are defined as the first axis. The direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determine the orientation of the child part of the current frame is determined based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane that is orthogonal to the orthogonal plane, Rotation information generating means for generating rotation information of the current frame of the child part based on the determined axes.

Here, a first method for determining the orientation of the part is described.
, The second axis, and the third axis are, for example, rotations of an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis of a local coordinate system where parts are arranged.

By doing so, it is possible to move each part following the parent part, while taking into account the direction of the previous frame.

Further, in the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the parts arrangement information generating means may be arranged in a local coordinate system in which the child parts are arranged in the current frame based on the positions of the parent parts and the child parts. The direction of the first axis is determined, and at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the parent part is arranged, and the second axis of the local coordinate system where the child part of the previous frame is arranged And at least one of the third axis is projected on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, the second of the local coordinate system in which the child part of the current frame is arranged And rotation information generating means for determining the direction of at least one of the third axis and the third axis, and generating rotation information of the current frame of the child part based on each of the determined axes. That.

The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are, for example, a Z axis and a X axis in a local coordinate system where each part is arranged.
Axis, Y axis, and the like.

By determining the direction of the axis of the local coordinate system in which each part is arranged, rotation information of each part can be easily obtained.

In the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the rotation information generating means may include a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged, and a previous axis of the child part. Projecting a second axis and a third axis of the local coordinate system of the frame onto the orthogonal plane,
The direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part is determined based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane.

The current frame of the child part is based on the second and third axes of the local coordinate system on which the parent part is located, and the second and third axes of the local coordinate system of the previous frame of the child part. Since the direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system is determined, the orientation of the child part that looks more natural and realistic can be obtained.

[0028] In the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the rotation information generating means may include one of a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged; One of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the previous frame of the child part is projected on the orthogonal plane, and the local of the child part of the current frame of the child part is based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane. A direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the coordinate system is determined.

One of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged, and one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the previous frame of the child part Since the direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part is determined on the basis of the one, the amount of calculation is reduced, so that the calculation load can be reduced. .

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention give the arrangement information in the current frame, with a part at one end of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected in a strip shape as a given part. It is characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, by defining the first or last movement, the entire object can be moved along it.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the arrangement information in the current frame is given to the given part according to the game situation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image by changing the movement of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by a joint in real time according to a game situation.

[0034]

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

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In 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 used by a player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
2. It functions as the frame buffer 174 (first frame buffer, second frame buffer) and can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.

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
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 player personal data (save data) and the like. As the save information storage device 194, a memory card, a portable game device, or the like can be considered. 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 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 section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 130, and a sound generation section 150.

The game processing unit 110 receives coins (price), sets various modes, progresses the game, sets a selection screen, and sets the position and rotation angle of the object (one or more primitive planes). 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 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 and a parts arrangement processing section 114.

The movement / motion calculation section 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 character car. Yes,
For example, a process of moving or operating an object is performed based on operation data, a game program, or the like input by the player via the operation unit 160.

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) In the present embodiment, the character is configured to move along a preset road. I have.

Also, the part arrangement processing unit 114 gives arrangement information in the current frame to a given part of an object formed by connecting a plurality of parts by joints, and based on the arrangement information of the given part, A process for generating arrangement information of other parts constituting the object is performed. Here, in the adjacent parts, the one that has already been given the placement information in the current frame is the parent part, and the one that is not given is the child part, and the placement information of the current frame of the parent part and the previous frame of the child part are Based on the arrangement information, the arrangement information of the current frame of the child part is generated.

The position information of the child part in the current frame may be generated based on the position information of the parent part in the current frame and the position information of the child part in the previous frame.

The position information of the current frame of the child part may be generated so that the distance between the parent part and the child part is maintained at a predetermined value.

The direction of the first axis for determining the orientation of the child part in the current frame is determined based on the positions of the parent part and the child part, and the second and third axes for determining the orientation of the parent part. And at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determine the orientation of the child part of the previous frame are projected on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis,
Based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, the direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determines the orientation of the child part of the current frame is determined, and the child part is determined based on the determined axes. May be generated.

Further, the direction of the first axis of the local coordinate system in which the child part is arranged in this frame is determined based on the positions of the parent part and the child part, and the second axis of the local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged is determined. At least one of the axis and the third axis and at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the child parts of the previous frame are arranged are projected on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis. The direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system in which the child part of the current frame is located is determined based on the axes projected on the orthogonal plane, and the determined The rotation information of the current frame of the child part may be generated based on the axis.

Alternatively, a part at one end of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected in a belt shape may be set as a given part, and arrangement information in the current frame may be given.

The arrangement information in the current frame may be given to the given part according to the game situation.

The image generation unit 130 includes the geometry processing unit 1
32, and a drawing unit 140.

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 unit 140 performs processing for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174.

As the object, a polygon having a display screen size may be used, or a polygon having a size of a block obtained by dividing the display screen may be used.

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 connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features and processing of the present embodiment Features and processing of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by joints.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a string-like object in which a plurality of parts 1 (210), parts 1 (210),... Are connected in series by joints.

Reference numerals 212, 222, 232, and 252 are reference points for parts 1 to 5, respectively. 214, 2
Reference numerals 24, 234, and 254 denote x axes of a local coordinate system in which parts 1 to 5 are defined.
Reference numerals 6, 236, and 256 denote y-axes of a local coordinate system that define the arrangement of the parts 1 to 5, respectively.
28, 238, and 258 are z axes of a local coordinate system that define parts 1 to 5, respectively.

Each part is arranged in the world coordinate system by giving positional information of the reference point and rotation information of each axis of the local coordinate system defining each part. Here, by changing the position coordinates and the rotation coordinates for each frame, it is possible to cause the string-shaped object to perform a predetermined operation.

In the present embodiment, position information and rotation information according to the game situation are given to one end part of the string-shaped object, and other parts constituting the object are provided based on the position information and rotation information of this part. Generate position information and rotation information of

FIGS. 3A to 3E are views for explaining an example of the generation processing of the position information of the part object.

FIG. 3A shows the arrangement of the joints of the string object in the reference state. K1 to K5 represent joint positions, and are shown in FIG.
(210).. Corresponds to the position of the reference point. L1
L4 indicates the distance between the joints. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the distance between the joints is constant without expanding and contracting.

FIG. 3B shows the joint position of each part when positional information is given to the left end part (part 1) and the left end part is moved. As a result, the joint position of part 1 has moved from K1 to K1 '.

At this time, assuming that a line segment connecting K2 and K1 'is m1, the part 2 adjacent to the part 1 moves to a position on m1 and at a distance L1 from the part 1. Thereby, the joint position of the part 2 moves from K2 to K2 ′ (see FIG. 3C).

At this time, assuming that a line segment connecting K3 and K2 'is m2, the part 1 adjacent to the part 2 moves to a position on m2 and at a distance L2 from the part 2. Thereby, the joint position of the part 3 moves from K3 to K3 '(see FIG. 3D).

Similarly, for the parts 4 and 5, the distance between the adjacent reference point (joint position) of the adjacent part after movement and the current reference point (joint position) of the user is different. It can be moved to positions K4 'and K5', which are L3 and L4, respectively (FIG. 3E).
reference).

As described above, in the adjacent parts, the one to which the arrangement information in the current frame is already given is the parent part, and the one to which the arrangement information is not given is the child part.
The position information of the child part in the current frame can be generated based on the position information of the parent part in the current frame and the position information of the child part in the previous frame.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of a process of generating rotation information of a part object.

Reference numerals 310 and 220 denote the directions of three axes (hereinafter referred to as “directions”) that define an example of local coordinates of two adjacent parts. Reference numeral 310 denotes a direction which has already reflected the rotation information of the current frame, and reference numeral 320 denotes the previous direction of the player.

Here, in the adjacent parts, the rotation information 310 of the current frame is already given, and the direction 310 of the parent part (rotation information) is set as the direction of the parent part. Based on the current frame direction 310 of the parent part and the previous frame direction (rotation information) of the child part, the current frame direction (rotation information) of the child part is generated as follows.

Here, K1 'is a reference point (joint position) K1' of the parent part of the current frame, and K2 is a reference point (joint position) of its own (child part) of the previous frame. K2 'is the reference point (joint position) K2' of the self (child part) of the current frame obtained by the method described with reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C.

First, the direction connecting K1 ′ and K2 ′ with K2 ′ as the origin is the Z axis (z
2 ').

An orthogonal plane 34 orthogonal to the Z axis (z2 ') of the self (child part) of the current frame at the origin K2'.
0, the X axis (x1 ') and Y axis (y1') of the current frame of the parent part, the X axis (x2) of the previous frame of the child part,
Project the Y-axis (y2) and place wx on orthogonal plane 340.
1 ′, wy1′wx2, wy2 are generated.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process for obtaining the x-axis and y-axis of the current frame of the child part based on each vector projected on the orthogonal plane.

First, if the X axis (wx2) of the previous frame of the child part projected on the orthogonal plane is not a zero vector, wx2 is set as the temporary X axis (wx2 ') of the child part (steps S10 and S20). .

If the X axis (wx2) of the previous frame of the child part projected on the orthogonal plane is a zero vector, the Y axis (w
A value obtained by rotating y2) by −90 ° is set as a temporary X axis (wx2 ′) of the child part (steps S10 and S30).

Next, the angle (Δθ) formed by the X axis (wx1 ′) of the current frame of the parent part projected on the orthogonal plane is obtained,
The temporary X axis (wx2 ′) is rotated based on this value (step S40).

Next, the angle (Δθ) between the temporary X axis (wx2 ′) and the X axis (wx1 ′) of the current frame of the parent part projected on the orthogonal plane is determined, and the temporary X axis is determined based on this value. Axis (wx
2 ′) is rotated (step S40).

For example, it is preferable to rotate by 1/10 of Δθ.

Next, the angle (Δ) formed between the Y axis (wy2 ′) of the previous frame of the child part projected on the orthogonal plane and the Y axis (wy1 ′) of the current frame of the parent part projected on the orthogonal plane.
Ф) is obtained, and the provisional X axis (wx2 ′) is further rotated based on this value (step S50).

For example, it is preferable to rotate by 1/10 of ΔФ.

Then, the temporary X axis (wx2 ′) is set as the X axis of the current frame of the child part (step S60).

Then, the Y axis of the current frame of the child part is obtained based on the Z axis (z2 'in FIG. 4A) and the X axis of the current frame of the child part. Since the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other, the Y axis of the current frame of the child part is in a direction perpendicular to the X axis and Z axis of the current frame of the child part.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the overall flow of the process of generating an image of a string object. It is assumed that the string-shaped object is an object in which N parts objects are connected in series by joints.

First, the positions of all parts of the string object,
The direction (rotation) is initialized (step S110). Here, the initialization means, for example, setting to a reference state as shown in FIG.

Next, step S11 is performed until the processing is completed.
The processing from S0 to S230 is repeated.

First, arrangement information is given to the first part (i = 1), and the parts are arranged at an arbitrary position and orientation (rotation) (step S120). Here, the first part can be, for example, a part located at an end of the string-shaped object. In this way, other parts can be moved in conjunction with the leading part, so that a snake-like movement can be generated.

Next, in steps S130 to S170, the positions of other parts constituting the string object are calculated.

First, assuming that i = 2, the position information of the i-th part is determined (steps S130 and S140). Here, the position information of the i-th part is, for example, as shown in FIG.
This will be described using the method described in (E).

Next, the direction of the Z-axis of the current frame of the i-th part is determined (step S150). Here, the direction of the Z axis of the current frame of the i-th part is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is determined by the method described in (A).

Next, the value of i is updated (i = i + 1) (step S160).

Then, it is determined whether or not the processing has been completed for all parts (i> N?). If not, the flow returns to step S140 (step S170).

Next, in steps S180 to S220, the orientation (rotation information) of the other parts constituting the string object is calculated.

First, assuming that i = 2, the X-axis of the current frame of the i-th part is obtained based on a vector obtained by projecting the X-axis and Y-axis of the previous frame on an orthogonal plane (step S18).
0, S190). Here, the position of the i-th part on the X-axis of the current frame can be obtained by, for example, the method described in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the value of i is updated (i = i + 1) (step S200).

Next, it is determined whether or not processing has been completed for all parts (i> N?). If not, the flow returns to step S190 (step S170).

Next, the parts are arranged based on the position and orientation (rotation) to generate an image of the string-like object (step S220).

3. 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 CD 982
(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-accumulator 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. Thereby, 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 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

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

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

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

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

A CD drive 980 stores a CD 982 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. Also, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another game system and another game system becomes possible.

Each of the means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware alone, 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, the information storage medium stores a program for executing each means of the present invention by using hardware. 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. 8A 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. The information (program or data) for executing each means of the present invention is stored in the system board 1.
It is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on 106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 8B 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. 8C shows a host device 1300, a host device 1300 and a network 1302 (LAN).
Terminal 1304 connected via a small network such as the Internet or a wide area network such as the Internet.
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including -1 to 1304-n 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. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of generating a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound are transmitted from the host device 1300 to the terminal 13.
04-1 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 sends them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
The data is transmitted to the terminal 304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 8C, each means of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner 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 those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

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

In the present embodiment, the case where a string-like object is generated has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image of a snake or a fish may be generated. Further, a part of the object may be in the form of a string like a leg.

In the present embodiment, the case where the position and rotation of each part are calculated as values in the world coordinate system has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the calculation may be performed as a value relative to the parent part.

In the present embodiment, the direction of the first axis of the local coordinate system in which the child part is arranged in the current frame is determined based on the positions of the parent part and the child part, and the local coordinates where the parent part is arranged are determined. At least one of the second axis and the third axis of the system and at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the previous frame of the child part are set on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis. The direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part is determined based on the projected axes and the axes projected on the orthogonal plane. Although the case where the rotation information is generated has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. Other methods may be used as long as the arrangement information of the current frame of the child part is generated based on the arrangement information of the current frame of the parent part and the arrangement information of the previous frame of the child part.

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]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing an example of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by joints.

FIGS. 3A to 3E are diagrams for explaining an example of a process of generating position information of a part object;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining an example of a process of generating rotation information of a part object;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process for obtaining an x-axis and a y-axis of a root frame of a child part based on each vector projected on an orthogonal plane.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall flow of a process of generating an image of a string-shaped object.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the embodiment;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C 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 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 114 parts arrangement processing unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 142 texture setting unit 144 mapping processing 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 (18)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: means for giving, to a given part of an object formed by connecting a plurality of parts by joints, arrangement information in a current frame; A part arrangement information generating unit that generates arrangement information of other parts constituting the object based on the arrangement information of the object; and a unit that generates an image of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by a joint based on the arrangement information of each part. The part arrangement information generating means may include, as a parent part, the arrangement information of the parent part in which the arrangement information in the current frame is already provided in the adjacent parts, and the child part in which the arrangement information of the adjacent part is not provided. And child part current frame layout information based on child part previous frame layout information Game system, wherein the door. 2. The part placement information generating means according to claim 1, wherein said part arrangement information generating means generates position information of a current frame of a child part based on position information of a current frame of a parent part and position information of a previous frame of the child part. A game system, characterized in that: 3. The part arrangement information generating means according to claim 1, wherein the part arrangement information generating means generates position information of a current frame of the child part such that a distance between the parent part and the child part is maintained at a predetermined value. A game system comprising: 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the part arrangement information generating means determines a direction of a first axis for determining a child part direction in a current frame based on the positions of the parent part and the child part. At least one of a second axis and a third axis that determine the orientation of the parent part and at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determine the orientation of the child part of the previous frame. Is projected onto an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the axis of the axis, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, the direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determines the orientation of the child part of the current frame is changed. And a rotation information generating means for generating rotation information of the current frame of the child part based on each of the determined axes. 5. The first axis of a local coordinate system for arranging a child part in a current frame based on the positions of a parent part and a child part, wherein the parts arrangement information generating means is configured to: Is determined, and at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the parent part is arranged, and the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the child part of the previous frame are arranged Are projected on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, a second axis of a local coordinate system in which child parts of the current frame are arranged and A rotation information generating unit that determines the direction of at least one of the third axes and generates rotation information of the current frame of the child part based on the determined axes. 6. The rotation information generating unit according to claim 5, wherein the rotation information generating unit includes: a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged; And the third axis are projected on the orthogonal plane, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part. A game system for determining the direction of an axis. 7. The local coordinate system according to claim 5, wherein the rotation information generating means is configured to output one of a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system where the parent part is arranged, and a local coordinate of a previous frame of the child part. One of the second axis and the third axis of the system is projected on the orthogonal plane, and the second axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part and A game system, wherein the direction of at least one of the third axes is determined. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part at one end of the object in which a plurality of parts are connected in a belt shape is given as a given part, and the arrangement information in the current frame is given. And a game system. 9. The game system according to claim 1, wherein arrangement information in a current frame is given to the given part according to a game situation. 10. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for giving arrangement information in a current frame to a given part of an object formed by connecting a plurality of parts by joints; Part arrangement information generating means for generating arrangement information of other parts constituting an object based on the arrangement information of parts, and means for generating an image of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected by a joint based on the arrangement information of each part The part arrangement information generating means includes: a part where the arrangement information in the current frame is already given to adjacent parts as a parent part; Based on the placement information of the current frame of the part and the placement information of the previous frame of the child part, the child part Information storage medium comprising a program for generating arrangement information of the current frame. 11. The part placement information generating means according to claim 10, wherein the part arrangement information generating means generates position information of a current frame of the child part based on position information of a current frame of the parent part and position information of a previous frame of the child part. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for storing information. 12. The part placement information generating means according to claim 10, wherein the part arrangement information generating means generates position information of a current frame of the child part such that a distance between the parent part and the child part is maintained at a predetermined value. An information storage medium characterized by including a program for realizing a position information generating unit that performs the operation. 13. The part placement information generating means according to claim 10, wherein the direction of the first axis for determining the orientation of the child part in the current frame based on the positions of the parent part and the child part. At least one of a second axis and a third axis that determine the orientation of the parent part and at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determine the orientation of the child part of the previous frame. Is projected onto an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the axis of the axis, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, the direction of at least one of the second axis and the third axis that determines the orientation of the child part of the current frame is changed. An information storage medium, comprising: a program for realizing rotation information generation means for generating rotation information of a current frame of a child part based on each determined axis. 14. The first axis of a local coordinate system for arranging child parts in a current frame based on the positions of a parent part and a child part, wherein the parts arrangement information generating means is configured to: Is determined, and at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the parent part is arranged, and the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system where the child part of the previous frame are arranged Are projected on an orthogonal plane orthogonal to the first axis, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, a second axis of a local coordinate system in which child parts of the current frame are arranged and A rotation information generating means for determining the direction of at least one of the third axes and generating rotation information of the current frame of the child part based on the determined axes. Information storage medium for the butterflies. 15. The local coordinate system according to claim 14, wherein the rotation information generating means includes: a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged; And the third axis are projected on the orthogonal plane, and based on each axis projected on the orthogonal plane, at least one of the second axis and the third axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part. An information storage medium including a program for determining an axis direction. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rotation information generating means is configured to output one of a second axis and a third axis of a local coordinate system in which the parent part is arranged, and a local coordinate of a child part in a previous frame. One of the second axis and the third axis of the system is projected on the orthogonal plane, and the second axis of the local coordinate system of the current frame of the child part and An information storage medium comprising a program for determining a direction of at least one of the third axes. 17. The layout information according to claim 10, wherein a part at one end of an object in which a plurality of parts are connected in a strip shape is given as a given part, and the arrangement information in the current frame is given. Information storage medium. 18. The information storage medium according to claim 10, wherein arrangement information in a current frame is given to the given part according to a game situation.