JP2002163671A - Game system, program and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of realizing antialiasing processing with a small processing load, and to provide a program and an information storage medium. SOLUTION: The edge information of an original image OR is extracted and an edge-blurred image of the OR is generated on the basis of the edge information of the OR and a blurred image BM. The edge-blurred image is generated by performing-composition processing of the original image OR and the blurred image BM on the basis of an αvalue included in the edge information and performing comparison processing of a depth value between the OR and the BM on the basis of a depth value included in the edge information. The α value is calculated by applying index color texture mapping to an image size polygon by using a lookup table in which the color of an edge image is set as an index number. The blurred image is generated by mapping the original image to a polygon of an image size by a bilinear filter method with the original image set as texture while shifting texture coordinates. Edge blurring processing is omitted in an overlay object for displaying a score and life.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a game system for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. It is popular for experiencing virtual reality. Taking a game system that can enjoy a fighting game as an example, a player (operator) operates a character (object),
Enjoy the game by playing against another player or a character operated by a computer.

[0003] In such a game system, it is desirable to perform anti-aliasing processing in order to reduce jaggies occurring on the screen. Examples of the anti-aliasing method include a method of performing rendering a plurality of times by slightly moving a projection plane or a virtual camera, and calculating an area where each polygon covers a pixel on a screen, and according to the area. For example, a method of performing rendering can be considered.

[0004] However, these methods increase the burden of three-dimensional processing, and render image rendering in one way.
It is difficult to meet the demand for real-time processing to complete within a frame (1/60 second, 1/30 second).

On the other hand, as a technique for reducing jaggies by two-dimensional processing, a technique for blurring the entire screen can be considered, but this technique has a drawback that the entire screen is blurred.

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, a program, and an information storage medium capable of implementing an anti-aliasing process with a small processing load. It is in.

[0007]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image, comprising: means for extracting edge information which is information for specifying an edge of an original image; Means for generating an image having blurred edges of the original image based on the extracted edge information and the blurred image of the original image. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and is characterized by causing the computer to realize the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means.

According to the present invention, edge information of an original image is extracted, and an image in which edges of the original image are blurred is generated based on the extracted edge information and a blurred image of the original image. Therefore, it is possible to generate an image in which a blurred image is displayed in the edge region of the original image, but an unblurred original image is displayed in other regions, and while realizing the anti-aliasing process, High quality images can be provided.

The edge information can be extracted based on, for example, an original image. Also, it is desirable to generate the blurred image in real time based on the original image,
It may be prepared in advance. Further, as the edge information to be extracted, various information such as an α value and a depth value can be considered, and any information that can specify at least the edge of the original image may be used. The original image is generated, for example, by drawing the object after the geometry processing in the drawing buffer.

Further, in the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the edge information is information of α value in which a different value is set between an edge area of the original image and other areas. An image in which the edge of the original image is blurred is generated by performing the α synthesis processing of the original image and the blurred image of the original image based on the α value included in the edge information.

With this arrangement, a blurred image is displayed by the α synthesis processing (α mask processing) in the edge area of the original image, and the original image is displayed by the α synthesis processing in other areas. An anti-aliasing process can be realized with a processing load.

Further, the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention use the look-up table in which the information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set as the index number, to index color the virtual object. -The information of the α value is obtained by performing texture mapping.

By doing so, the index color texture mapping is performed only once or a plurality of times, and α
Α value for synthesis processing (α value corresponding to edge image information
Value) can be obtained, and the processing load can be reduced.

The virtual object is preferably a primitive surface such as a polygon, but may be a three-dimensional object. Although it is desirable that the virtual object is not displayed on the screen, it may be displayed.

In the game system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the edge information is information of a depth value in which a different value is set between an edge area of the original image and another area. By performing a depth value comparison process between the original image and a blurred image of the original image based on the depth value included in the edge information, an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred is generated.

In this way, a blurred image is displayed in the edge area of the original image by the depth value comparison processing (hidden surface elimination processing, Z test processing), and the original image is displayed in the other areas by the depth value comparison processing. As a result, anti-aliasing processing can be realized with a small processing load.

In the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set in the depth value buffer as the depth value, and the original image is used by using the depth value buffer. In the edge region, the drawing of the original image is not permitted, and the depth comparison process of permitting the drawing of the blurred image is performed.

According to this configuration, for example, when the depth comparison process using the depth buffer can be realized by hardware, an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred can be generated by effectively using the hardware. In addition, the processing load of software can be reduced.

Further, the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention provide an image based on the obtained image and the original image by shifting the original image by a small value in a plurality of different directions so as to overlap the drawing buffer. An edge image of the original image is generated by performing the arithmetic processing, and the edge information is extracted based on the generated edge image.

In this way, the original image is drawn in the drawing buffer by shifting it by a small value in a plurality of different directions, and image calculation processing (eg, image subtraction processing, addition processing, etc.) based on the obtained image and the original image is performed. Or a combination of these)
, An edge image can be generated and edge information can be extracted by a process with a small load of merely performing. The plurality of different directions may be, for example, upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right, upper, lower, left, right, and the like.

The game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention are obtained by setting an original image as a texture and mapping the set texture to a virtual object by a texel interpolation method while shifting texture coordinates. An edge image of the original image is generated by performing image calculation processing based on the generated image and the original image, and the edge information is extracted based on the generated edge image.

In this way, texture mapping is performed one or more times by the texel interpolation method, and image calculation processing (for example, image subtraction processing, addition processing, or a combination thereof) is performed based on the obtained image and the original image. , The edge image can be generated and the edge information can be extracted, and the processing load can be reduced.

Further, the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention set the original image as a texture, and map the set texture to the virtual object by the texel interpolation method while shifting the texture coordinates. A blurred image of the original image is generated.

In this way, a blurred image can be generated only by performing texture mapping by one or more texel interpolation methods.

The texel interpolation method is not particularly limited, but is a method of interpolating texel image information to obtain pixel image information. For example, a bilinear filter method or a trilinear filter method is considered. be able to.

When an edge image or a blurred image is generated by texel interpolation type texture mapping,
It is desirable to shift the texture coordinates by less than one texel (one pixel). After texture mapping is performed in the first shift direction and texture mapping is performed by the texel interpolation method, texture mapping may be performed in the second shift direction and texture mapping is performed by the texel interpolation method. Alternatively, the setting of the shift in the first shift direction and the shift in the second shift direction may be repeated a plurality of times.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image, wherein a first color component of color information included in given image information is set to an index number of a lookup table for index color / texture mapping. And
The first image information generated by performing the index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the look-up table, and the second color component of the color information included in the given image information are indexed. A second image information generated by setting an index number of a lookup table for color / texture mapping and performing an index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the lookup table; Is set to the index number of the lookup table for the index color / texture mapping, and the index color / texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using the lookup table. The first generated by doing Means for generating fourth image information by synthesizing the image information of the first color image information with a predetermined color component of the color information included in the fourth image information by using an index number of a lookup table for index color / texture mapping And performing an index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the lookup table to generate an α value corresponding to the given image information. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and is characterized by causing the computer to realize the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means.

According to the present invention, first, second, and third image information are generated from given image information by using index color texture mapping using a look-up table. Then, fourth image information is generated by combining (eg, adding and combining) these first, second, and third image information. Then, using the index color / texture mapping using the look-up table, the fourth image information is converted into an α value, and an α value corresponding to given image information is generated. In this way, even when hardware that cannot combine α values (additional combination) is used, it is possible to respond to the first, second, and third color components of the color information included in given image information. Can be generated.

According to the present invention, there is provided a game system for generating an image, comprising: means for performing a geometry process on an object; and drawing means for generating an original image composed of the object after the geometry processing and drawing the original image in a drawing buffer. Wherein the drawing means generates an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred based on the original image, draws the image in the drawing buffer, and performs a process of blurring the edge for the overlay object to be overwritten on the original image. It is characterized in that drawing is omitted and drawn in the drawing buffer. Further, a program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and is characterized by causing the computer to realize the above means. An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for causing a computer to realize the above means.

According to the present invention, the edge blur processing is performed on the original image formed by the objects after the geometry processing, while the edge blur processing is not performed on the overlay object. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the overlay object is displayed as an unnatural image, and to improve the quality of the generated image.

In the game system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, edge information which is information for specifying an edge of an original image is extracted, and based on the extracted edge information and a blurred image of the original image. Thus, an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred is generated.

This makes it possible to realize a process of blurring the edge of the original image with a small processing load.

[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.

An information storage medium 180 (a storage medium usable by a computer) stores information such as programs and data, and has a function of an optical disk (C).
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 a program for causing a computer to realize (execute, function) the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment). Or a plurality of modules (including objects in the object orientation).

Some or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
80 includes a program for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, information for performing the processing according to the instruction, and the like. Can be made.

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

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

The portable information storage device 194 stores personal data of a player, save data of a game, 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 a communication ASIC. This can be realized by hardware, a program, or the like.

A program (data) for realizing each unit of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from an information storage medium of a host device (server) to an information storage medium 180 via a network and a communication unit 196. You may make it. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 (processor) includes the operation section 1
Various processes such as a game process, an image generation process, and a sound generation process are performed based on the operation data from 60 or a 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.

Further, the processing section 100 generates an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint (virtual camera) in the object space, for example, based on the result of the game processing, and outputs the generated image to the display section 190.

Further, the processing section 100 performs various kinds of sound processing based on the results of the game processing, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices, and outputs the generated game sounds to the sound output section 192.

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 unit 100 includes a geometry processing unit 11
0, including the drawing unit 120.

Here, the geometry processing unit 110 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation on an object composed of one or more primitive surfaces. Do. The drawing data (position coordinates, texture coordinates, color (brightness) data, normal vector, α value, etc., assigned to the constituent points (vertexes) of the primitive surface) obtained by the geometry processing are stored in, for example, the main storage 170. Storage unit 17
2 is stored.

The drawing unit 120 (edge extraction unit / edge blurring unit) stores the drawing data (primitive surface data)
Object (model) after geometry processing based on
To the drawing buffer 174 (an area where image information can be stored in pixel units such as a frame buffer and a work buffer).
This is to perform processing for drawing on the.

More specifically, the drawing unit 12 of the present embodiment
0 extracts edge information (information for specifying an edge of the original image) of the original image (for example, an image generated by drawing an object after the geometry processing in the drawing buffer), and extracts the extracted edge information and Based on the blurred image of the original image, a process of generating an image with blurred edges of the original image is performed.

The drawing section 120 includes a texture mapping section 130, an α synthesizing section 132, and a hidden surface removing section 134 (depth value comparing section).

Here, the texture mapping unit 130
A process for mapping the texture stored in the texture storage unit 176 to the object is performed. In this case, the texture mapping unit 130 determines that the LUT storage unit 1
Texture mapping using an index color / texture mapping LUT (look-up table) stored at 78 can be performed.

In this embodiment, the texture mapping unit 130 uses image information such as an original image or an edge image (for example, information to be drawn in a drawing buffer, such as color information, α value or depth value) as an index number. Using the set LUT, virtual objects (polygons of display screen size, polygons of divided block size, etc.)
Performs texture mapping on. This makes it possible to realize processing for converting color information into α values and various image conversion processing (gamma correction, negative / positive inversion, posterization, solarization, binarization, monotone filter, sepia filter) with a small processing load.

In the present embodiment, the processing of generating a blurred image or an edge image of the original image is realized by effectively utilizing the texture mapping of the texel interpolation method (bilinear filter method, trilinear filter method).

That is, the texture mapping unit 130
The original image or the like set as a texture is shifted by a value smaller than one pixel (texel), for example, by one pixel (texel) (for example, while shifting from the texture coordinate obtained based on the drawing position of the original image) by the texel interpolation method. Mapping to a virtual object (object having the same shape as the blur area). This makes it possible to generate a blurred image or an edge image of the original image by a simple process of merely shifting the texture coordinates.

The α synthesizing unit 132 (α mask processing unit) performs a process (α blending, α addition or α subtraction) of the original image and its blurred image based on the α value (A value). Do. For example, when the α synthesis is α blending, the original image and the blurred image are synthesized as in the following equation.

R _Q = {1- (α / 255)} × R ₁ + (α / 255) × R ₂ (1) G _Q = {1- (α / 255)} × G ₁ + (α / 255) ) × G ₂ (2) B _Q = {1− (α / 255)} × B ₁ + (α / 255) × B ₂ (3) where R ₁ , G ₁ and B ₁ are the drawing buffer 174 Are the R, G, and B components of the color (luminance) of the original image that has already been drawn, and R ₂ , G ₂ , and B ₂ are the R, G, and B colors of the blurred image.
Component. R _Q , G _Q , and B _Q are the R, G, and B components of the color of the image generated by α blending.

The α value (A value) is information stored in association with each pixel, for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

The hidden surface removing unit 134 outputs a depth value (for example, Z
Using a depth value buffer 179 (for example, a Z-buffer) in which values are stored, hidden surface elimination is performed by a depth value comparison method (for example, a Z-buffer method). It is also possible to sort the primitive surfaces according to the distance from the viewpoint and perform hidden surface elimination by a depth sort method (Z sort method) that draws the primitive surfaces in order from the farthest from the viewpoint.

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.

2. 2. Features of this Embodiment 2.1 Edge Anti-Aliasing As described above, as a method of realizing anti-aliasing for reducing jaggy, rendering is performed a plurality of times by slightly moving the projection plane or the virtual camera. A method can be considered. However, in this method, since anti-aliasing is realized by three-dimensional processing, the processing load depends on the number of polygons and the like, and there is a problem that it is difficult to meet the demand for real-time processing.

On the other hand, a method of reducing jaggies by blurring the entire screen is also conceivable. However, in this method, the entire screen becomes a blurred picture and the quality of the generated image deteriorates. There is a problem.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above problem is solved by a method of blurring only the edge of the original image (the edge of the object).

More specifically, edge (contour) information is extracted from the original image OR as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in F1 of FIG. 2, an edge image EM is extracted from the original image OR, and as shown in F2, the edge image EM (color information) is converted into, for example, an α value. Information, mask information). This α plane is a plane in which different α values are set in an edge region (for example, a region of a given thickness along the edge) of the original image OR and other regions. The α value may be a binary value such as α1 in the edge region and α2 in the other region, or a ternary value such as gradually changing from the edge region to the other region. May be multi-valued.

Next, as shown in F3, for example, the original image O
A blurred image BM is generated based on R. Note that the blurred image BM may be prepared in advance without being generated in real time.

Then, as shown in F4, the generated α
Based on the plane, α synthesis processing (α mask processing) of the original image OR and the blurred image BM is performed. Thereby, F5
As shown in (1), an image in which only the edges of the original image OR are blurred can be generated.

In FIG. 2, the original image OR and the blurred image BM are synthesized using the method of α synthesis processing (α mask processing) to generate an image in which the edges of the original image OR are blurred. As shown in FIG. 3, an image in which the edge of the original image OR is blurred may be generated by using a depth value comparison processing method (such as the Z buffer method).

More specifically, the edge image EM (color information) extracted from the original image OR as shown by G1 in FIG.
As shown in G2, it is converted to a Z value (depth value in a broad sense) to generate a Z plane (edge information and mask information in a broad sense). This Z plane is a plane in which different Z values are set in the edge region of the original image OR and other regions, for example.

Then, as shown in G4, the generated Z
Based on the plane, the original image OR and the blurred image BM (for example, an image generated from the original image OR as shown in G3)
(Z test, hidden surface elimination).
Thereby, as shown in G5, an image in which only the edges of the original image OR are blurred can be generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, anti-aliasing can be realized by two-dimensional processing using a two-dimensional original image obtained by geometry processing. Therefore, there is an advantage that the processing load is light and anti-aliasing can be realized without depending on the number of polygons and the like, as compared with a method of realizing anti-aliasing by three-dimensional processing.

Also, the whole screen is not blurred,
Since only the edge portion of the original image becomes a blurred image, there is an advantage that a more natural and high-quality image can be generated.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an original image to be processed in this embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of an edge portion of the original image. As shown in FIG. 5, the edges of the original image are jagged because pixels are used to approximate an ideal line, and jaggies are noticeable.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an edge image extracted according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, this edge image is used as an α value or a Z value.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a blurred image of the original image. In the blurred image, the jaggedness at the edge portion is not noticeable due to the process of blurring the image, but the image inside the edge and the like is also blurred.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an image generated by the present embodiment in which only the edges of the original image are blurred. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the edges of the original image are blurred, so that the jaggies at the edge portions are not conspicuous, and jaggies can be reduced. On the other hand, an original image that is not blurred is displayed in the inner region of the edge and the like, so that a more natural and high-quality image can be provided.

2.2 Display of Overlay Object As shown in FIG. 9, on the game screen, the score, life, and the like of the player are displayed on an original image composed of objects such as characters, walls, and buildings. Object (two-dimensional object drawn at the screen position) is overwritten.

For objects to be subjected to geometry processing, such as characters, walls, and buildings, see FIG.
It is desired to improve the image quality by performing the edge blurring process described in FIG. 3 and reducing jaggies at the edge portions.

However, when the edge blur processing (edge anti-aliasing) described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 is performed on the overlay object representing the score, life, and the like, the following problem has been found to occur. .

For example, FIG. 10 shows an example of an image when the edge blur processing of the present embodiment is performed on an overlay object representing a character "TEST".

As shown in FIG. 10, an overlay object representing a character differs from an object representing a character or the like in that it has a width of only a few pixels and is generally narrow. Therefore, if the edge blurring processing of the present embodiment is performed on such an overlay object, a problem occurs such that the character line is squashed and becomes difficult to see or disappear.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the edge blur processing described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 is applied to the original image composed of the objects after the geometry processing, while the overlay image is overwritten on the original image. The object (especially, the object whose thickness is several pixels) is not subjected to the edge blurring process.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, for the overlay object, a clear image with no blurred edge is displayed, so that the situation where the player feels unnatural can be effectively prevented. Become.

The overlay object for which the edge blurring processing is omitted is not limited to an object for displaying a score or life. For example, various objects that do not exist in the three-dimensional object space and that represent information that informs the player of the progress of the game and the like (a meter in a racing game, a personal name in a soccer game, a hit mark displayed on a screen, and the like) Can be included.

In this embodiment, in order to realize the edge blurring process described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a method such as an index color / texture mapping method or a bilinear filter type (texel interpolation type) texture mapping method is used. I use. Hereinafter, these methods will be described.

2.3 Use of Index Color / Texture Mapping In the index color texture mapping, in order to save the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit, FIG.
As shown in A1, the index number, not the actual color information (RGB), is stored in association with each texel of the texture. As shown in A2 of FIG. 12, a lookup table LUT (color palette) for index color / texture mapping stores color information and α values designated by index numbers.
When texture mapping is performed on the object, the LUT is referred to based on the index number of each texel of the texture, the corresponding color information and α value are read from the LUT, and the read color information and α value are read. Draws an image in the frame buffer based on

In such a texture mapping in the index color mode, the number of colors that can be used is reduced (for example, 16 colors) as compared with the texture mapping in the normal mode without using the LUT. However, since it is not necessary to store the actual color information (for example, 16 bits) in the texture storage unit, the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit can be greatly reduced.

The present embodiment uses such an index color / texture mapping in an unusual form.

That is, as shown in B1 of FIG. 13, image information (for example, color information) of each pixel (pixel) of an original image drawn in a frame buffer (drawing buffer in a broad sense) is converted into an index color image. It is set as an index number of a look-up table LUT for texture mapping (assumed as an index number). And B
As shown in FIG. 2, index color / texture mapping is performed on a virtual object (for example, a polygon having a display screen size) using an LUT in which image information of the original image is set as an index number, and image information of the original image is obtained. Convert.

In this way, the image information of the original image is
For example, it becomes possible to convert all at once by one texture mapping, and the processing efficiency can be improved.

Further, the index color / texture mapping is executed at high speed by a drawing processor (drawing unit) which is dedicated hardware included in this type of game system. Therefore, the conversion process of the image information can be speeded up.

In FIG. 13, the image information conversion process is realized by texture mapping to a display screen size polygon (virtual object). However, texture mapping is performed to the display screen divided block size polygon. You may do so.

That is, as shown by C1 in FIG. 14, the frame buffer (display screen) is divided into a plurality of blocks,
As shown in FIG. 2, the image information of each block is texture-mapped to a polygon of a divided block size using an LUT.

In this way, for example, texture-mapped polygons are stored in a work buffer (another buffer).
In such a case, the work buffer occupation area on the VRAM can be reduced.

That is, when texture mapping is performed on a polygon having a display screen size as shown in FIG. 13, a work buffer having a display screen size must be secured in the VRAM in order to temporarily draw the polygon having the display screen size. And may hinder other processing.

As shown in FIG. 14, if texture mapping is performed on a polygon having a divided block size, VR
Since a work buffer having a divided block size only needs to be prepared on the AM, the area occupied by the work buffer can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to use limited hardware resources effectively.

A polygon that includes all or a part of the image of the object after the perspective transformation (after conversion to the screen coordinate system) and whose size changes according to the size of the object after the perspective transformation (Virtual object) may be generated and texture mapped to the polygon.

Now, in FIG. 13, the index color
Although the color information R, G, B output based on the LUT for texture mapping is used, the α value output based on the LUT for index color / texture mapping may be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the value of the R plane (or G, B) is set as an index number, texture mapping is performed using an LUT, and an α plane is generated. Then, using the generated α plane, α synthesis processing (α mask processing) is performed.

That is, in FIG. 15, the index number IND
When EX is 0 ≦ INDEX <3, α value (αOUT) is 0
LUT is used such that when 3 ≦ INDEX ≦ 255, the α value becomes 255.

The index numbers of such an LUT are:
Set R, G or B of the image information to be converted and set LUT
Is performed, a pixel having R, G, or B of image information of 0 to 2 has an α value (αO
UT) is set to 0, and an α plane in which the α value is set to 255 can be generated for pixels 3 to 255.

As a result, an optimal α plane can be generated for the α synthesis processing (α mask processing) shown in F4 of FIG.

That is, in the edge region where the image information of the edge image EM exists in FIG.
R, G or B set as UT index number
Does not become 0, but becomes 3 or more in consideration of noise. Therefore, the α value of the pixel in the edge area is set to 255. As a result, as is apparent from the above-described α-blending equations (1), (2), and (3), in the edge region, the original image OR is not displayed, and only the blurred image BM is displayed. .

On the other hand, in areas other than the edge area, there is no image information of the edge image EM, and the values of R, G, and B set as the index numbers of the LUT in FIG. 15 become 0, and noise is considered. Even less than 2. Therefore, the α value of the pixel in the edge area is set to 0. As a result, the above-described equation (1) for α blending,
As is clear from (2) and (3), in the region other than the edge region, the blurred image BM is not displayed and the original image OR
Will only be displayed.

2.4 Utilization of Bilinear Filter Texture Mapping In the present embodiment, the bilinear filter (texel interpolation) texture mapping is effectively used to synthesize the original image OR shown in FIGS. Is generated.

That is, in texture mapping, the position of a pixel may be displaced from the position of a texel.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, in the point sampling method, pixels (sampling points)
The color CP of P (image information in a broad sense) is the color CA of the texel TA closest to P.

On the other hand, in the bilinear filter system, the color CP of P is expressed by texels TA, TB, TC, TD around P.
Of the colors CA, CB, CC, and CD.

More specifically, based on the coordinates of TA to TD and the coordinates of P, the coordinate ratio β: 1−β (0 ≦ β
≦ 1) and the coordinate ratio γ: 1−γ in the Y-axis direction (0 ≦ γ ≦ 1)
Ask for.

In this case, the color CP of P (the output color in the bilinear filter system) is as follows.

CP = (1-β) × (1-γ) × CA + β × (1-γ) × CB + (1-β) × γ × CC + β × γ × CD (4) In the present embodiment, In the bilinear filter method, a blurred image is generated by paying attention to the fact that colors are automatically interpolated.

More specifically, as shown by R1 in FIG. 17, for example, an original image drawn in a frame buffer is set as a texture. Then, when mapping this texture (original image) to the virtual object by the bilinear filter method, the texture coordinates given to the vertex of the virtual object are shifted (shifted) by, for example, (0.5, 0.5) to the lower right. Moving. By doing so, it becomes possible to automatically generate a blurred image in which the colors of the pixels of the original image are blurred around by the interpolation function of the bilinear filter method.

When the entire screen is blurred, the shape of the virtual object for mapping the texture (original image) is set to the same shape as the screen (blurred area). That is, the vertex coordinates of the screen are (X, Y) = (0, 0), (64
(0, 0), (640, 480), (0, 480), the vertex coordinates of the virtual object are also (X, Y) =
(0,0), (640,0), (640,480),
(0, 480).

In this case, the texture coordinates (U, V) given to the vertices VX1, VX2, VX3, VX4 of the virtual object are (0, 0), (640,
If (0), (640, 480), and (0, 480) are set, the position of the pixel on the screen and the position of the texel of the texture match without deviation. Therefore, the image is not blurred.

On the other hand, the vertex V of the virtual object
Texture coordinates (U, V) given to X1, VX2, VX3, and VX4 are (0.5, 0.5), (640.
5, 0.5), (640.5, 480.5), (0.5,
480.5), the position of the pixel on the screen is shifted from the position of the texel of the texture. Therefore, color interpolation is performed by the bilinear filter type interpolation function, and the image becomes blurred.

When blurring a partial area of the screen, the shape of the virtual object may be made the same as the blurred area.

In the present embodiment, as shown by R3 in FIG. 18, the original image is set as a texture, and shifted by 0.5 texels in the lower right direction (first shift direction), for example, and the bilinear filter method is used. Perform texture mapping to generate a first blurred image. Next, R4 in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the first blurred image is set as a texture, and texture mapping is performed by, for example, 0.5 texels in the upper left direction (second shift direction) by the bilinear filter method, and the second blurred image is obtained. Generate
Alternatively, the above processing (lower right shift and upper left shift) is repeated a plurality of times. By doing so, it is possible to generate a more natural blurred image with a strong blurring effect.

Next, the principle of generating a blurred image by the bilinear filter type interpolation function will be described.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, it is assumed that the texture coordinates are shifted in the lower right direction by 0.5 texels to perform texture mapping by the bilinear filter method. In this case, in the above equation (4), β =
Since γ = 1/2, texels T44, T45, T5
4, assuming that the colors of T55 are C44, C45, C54, and C55, the color CP44 of the pixel P44 is as follows.

CP44 = (C44 + C45 + C54 + C55) / 4 (5) As is apparent from the above, the color C44 of the texel T44 (corresponding to the original color of the pixel P44 of the original image before the conversion) by the conversion shown in FIG. ) Indicates the surrounding pixels P3
3, P34, P43, and P44 ooze out by 1/4.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19B, the image obtained in FIG. 19A is used as a texture.
Assume that texture mapping is performed by a bilinear filter method by shifting the texture coordinates by 0.5 texels in the upper left direction. In this case, the pixels P33, P34, P43, and P44 in FIG. 19A correspond to the texels T33, T34, T43, and T44 in FIG. 19B. And P33, P34, P in FIG.
The color C44, which has extruded 1/4 from 43, P44 (T33, T34, T43, T44), is further multiplied by 1/4 and exudes to the surrounding four pixels. That is, after all, the color C44 of the original T44 becomes 1/4 × 1 /
4 = 1 1/16 of the perimeter.

Therefore, by the conversion shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the pixels P33, P34 and P35 have the color C respectively.
44 (pixel P of the original image drawn in the frame buffer
1/16, 2/16, 1/16)
It will exude. Pixels P43 and P4
4, P45 has color C44 of 2/16, 4/1, respectively.
6, 2/16 are exuded, and pixels P53, P54,
P55 has a color C44 of 1/16, 2/16, and 1 respectively.
/ 16 each.

Therefore, the conversion shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B results in a plane filter as shown in FIG. 20A being applied to the original image. According to this plane filter, the color of each pixel of the original image spreads uniformly around it, and an ideal blurred image of the original image can be generated.

If the conversion set in FIGS. 19A and 19B is performed twice, a plane filter as shown in FIG. 20B is applied to the original image. According to this plane filter, a more ideal blurred image can be generated than in FIG.

[0127] 3. Next, a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flowcharts for explaining the processing of the technique (see FIG. 2) for realizing edge blurring by α synthesis processing (α mask processing) of the original image and the blurred image.

First, a work buffer (a drawing buffer in a broad sense) is initialized (step S1). And FIG.
As shown in (A) and (B), the original image OR is shifted one pixel to the upper left on the screen, the color information RGB is multiplied by 1/4 and drawn in the work buffer to generate the image TMP1 (step S2). .

Next, as shown in FIG. 24A, the original image OR is shifted one pixel to the lower left this time, the color information RGB is multiplied by ４, and added and drawn in the work buffer, and the image TMP
2 is generated (step S3).

Similarly, the original image OR is shifted one pixel to the upper right and lower right, the color information RGB is multiplied by １ ／ and added and drawn in the work buffer to generate images TMP3 and TMP4 (steps S4 and S5).

Next, the original image OR shown in FIG.
(OR-TMP) using the image TMP4 of FIG.
4) Perform image calculation processing of + (TMP4-OR) to generate an edge image EM (step S6).

That is, by performing the image operation processing of (OR-TMP4), as shown in FIG. 25A, the edge (contour) of the object (4 × 4 pixel block in which the value of 4 is drawn) is obtained. An edge image (edge emphasized image) can be generated inside. On the other hand, by performing the image calculation processing of (TMP4-OR), an edge image can be generated outside the edge as shown in FIG.

Therefore, (OR-TMP4) + (TMP4
-OR), the image calculation process shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), an edge image can be generated both inside and outside the edge. In addition, (OR-TM
In the image calculation processing of (P4) or (TMP4-OR), when the calculation result becomes negative, it is clamped to 0.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the original image is shifted in the plurality of different directions by a small value to be superimposed on the drawing buffer and drawn, and the image calculation processing of the obtained image and the original image is performed. An edge image of the image is generated. In this way, an edge image can be generated by a light-load process of drawing a two-dimensional original image a plurality of times.

In steps S2 to S5 in FIG. 21, the edge image is obtained by shifting the original image to the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right. However, the original image is shifted to the upper, lower, left, and right. By doing so, an edge image may be obtained. Alternatively, an edge image may be obtained by performing only one of the image calculation processes (OR-TMP4) and (TMP4-OR). However, in order to prevent a situation in which the edge image is cut or thinned, an image calculation process of (OR-TMP4) + (TMP4-OR) is performed, and the edge is calculated on both the inside and outside of the edge. It is desirable to generate an image.

When the edge image EM is generated, the edge image EM is saved in another memory area (step S).
7).

Then, as shown by F3 in FIG. 2 and G3 in FIG. 3, a blurred image BM is generated based on the original image OR (step S8). The generation of the blurred image BM is realized using the bilinear filter type texture mapping as described with reference to FIGS. That is,
By setting the original image OR as a texture and mapping the set texture to a screen-sized polygon (virtual object) by a bilinear filter method (texel interpolation method) while shifting the texture coordinates,
A blurred image BM of the original image OR is generated. By doing so, a blurred image of the original image can be automatically generated by the interpolation function of the bilinear filter method.

Next, the generated blurred image BM is saved in another memory area (step S9). Then, the work buffer is initialized (step S10 in FIG. 22).

Next, when 0 ≦ INDEX (index number) <3, R = G = B = 0, and 3 ≦ INDEX.
A lookup table LUT (see FIG. 15) for index color / texture mapping that satisfies R = G = B = 255 when ≤255 is set (step S1).
1).

Then, the R plane of the edge image EM saved in step S7 of FIG. 21 is set to the INDEX of the LUT as shown by E1 in FIG. , And renders it in the work buffer (step S12).

Next, as shown at E2 in FIG. 27, the G plane of the edge image EM is set to the INDEX of the LUT, texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using this LUT, and additional drawing is performed on the work buffer (step S13). ).

Next, as shown at E3 in FIG. 27, the B plane of the edge image EM is set to the INDEX of the LUT, texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using this LUT, and additional drawing is performed on the work buffer (step S14). , Image EM ').

By doing so, E4 and E4 in FIG.
An image EM ′ (fourth image information) indicated by E7 is generated by adding and combining the images (first, second, and third image information) indicated by E5 and E6.

Then, as shown at E8 in FIG. 27, any one of the R, G, and B planes of the image EM 'is set to the INDEX of the LUT, and texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using the LUT, thereby performing work mapping. Drawing is performed in another area of the buffer (step S15, image EM ″). By doing so, as shown in E9, the edge image E
An α value (α plane) corresponding to M (given image information) can be generated.

The reason why the edge image EM is converted into an α value by the method shown in FIG. 27 is as follows.

That is, it is unknown what values the R, G, and B components of the edge image EM have. Therefore, for example, when only the R component exists in the edge image EM,
There may be a case where only the G component exists or a case where only the B component exists.

Therefore, in order to reliably convert the edge image EM to the α value, it is necessary to convert the R, G, and B planes of the edge image EM into an α value.

However, there is only one entry in the LUT, and only INDEX. Therefore, first, FIG.
As shown in E1, E2, and E3, the R, G, and B planes of the edge image EM are separately set in the INDEX of the LUT to perform texture mapping. Then, by adding and combining the obtained images, an image E is obtained as shown in E7.
M ′ is generated.

At this time, if the α value is also added and synthesized, the α value (α plane) of the image EM ′ can be used as it is as the α value for the α synthesis processing. However, a normal drawing processor does not add and combine α values.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown at E8, any one of the R, G, and B planes of this image EM ′ is set to the INDEX of the LUT, and texture mapping is performed using this LUT. α value (α plane)
Is used as the α value for the α synthesis processing.
In this way, an appropriate α value according to the edge image EM can be obtained even when a drawing processor in which α values are not additively synthesized is used.

Next, the RGB plane of the blurred image BM saved in step S9 of FIG. 21 is set in the RGB plane, and the α plane of the image EM ″ generated in step S15 of FIG. 22 is set in the α plane. The generated image αM is generated (step S16). Then, the image αM is saved in another memory area (step S17).

Next, the original image OR is drawn in the frame buffer (step S18). Then, as described in F4 of FIG. 2, the image αM is drawn on the original image OR by α blending (α synthesis) (step S19). This makes it possible to generate an image in which only the edges of the original image OR are blurred.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart for explaining the processing of the technique (see FIG. 3) for realizing edge blurring by the depth value comparison processing (Z test) between the original image and the blurred image.

First, the work buffer is initialized (step S30). Then, the Z test is turned off (step S31).

Next, as described with reference to R3 in FIG. 18, the original image OR is shifted by the texture coordinates by (0.5, 0.5) and the virtual object (screen image) is shifted by the bilinear filter method (texel interpolation method). (Size polygon) and draw it in the work buffer (step S3)
2). In this way, a blurred image BM1 as shown in FIG. 29B can be obtained from the original image OR as shown in FIG.

Next, as described with reference to R4 in FIG. 18, the blurred image BM1 is represented by the texture coordinates (-0.5,-
The data is shifted by 0.5), mapped to the virtual object by the bilinear filter method, and drawn in another area of the work buffer (step S33). In this way, a blurred image BM2 as shown in FIG. 30A can be obtained.

Then, based on the original image OR and the blurred image BM2, an image operation process of (OR-BM2) + (BM2-OR) is performed to generate an edge image EM as shown in FIG. 30B ( Step S34).

That is, by performing the image operation processing of (OR-BM2), an edge image can be generated inside the edge ED of the original image OR. By performing the image operation processing of (BM2-OR), the edge ED can be obtained. An edge image can be generated outside of.
Therefore, if the image operation processing of (OR−BM2) + (BM2−OR) is performed, the edge ED is obtained as shown in FIG.
Edge images can be generated both inside and outside.

It is to be noted that the edge image is stored in step S2 in FIG.
To S6. Conversely, in FIG. 21, an edge image may be generated by the method of steps S32 to S34 of FIG. 28 instead of the method of steps S2 to S6.

Next, the RGB of the generated edge image EM
The plane is drawn in the Z buffer (step S35).
For example, R, G, and B are each 8 bits, and the Z value is 24 bits.
Bits, R 8 bits, G 8 bits,
The 24-bit data consisting of 8 bits of B is written as it is to the 24-bit Z value. In this way, R,
If 1 is set in any one of the 8 bits of G and B, 1 is also set in the bit of the Z value. When the Z value is 16 bits or 8 bits, the edge image E
The M RGB data may be converted to monochrome data, and the monochrome data may be written to the Z value of the Z buffer.

Next, the blurred image BM2 generated in step S33 is drawn in the frame buffer (step S33).
36). Then, the Z test is turned on (step S3)
7). At this time, the parameters of the Z test are set so that pixels satisfying Z ≧ ZBUF (ZBUF is the Z value of the Z buffer) pass.

Next, the original image OR
Is drawn in the frame buffer (step S38). At this time, if the Z value of each polygon of the original image OR is set to, for example, 0.0 and rendered in the frame buffer, ZBUF =
The original image OR is drawn only in the area of 0.0 (the area where the mask by the edge image EM does not exist), and in the other area (the area where the mask by the edge image EM exists), the original image OR is drawn. Will not be. Accordingly, as described with reference to G4 and G5 in FIG. 3, an image in which only the edges of the original image OR are blurred can be generated.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart for explaining the processing of the technique (see FIGS. 9 to 11) for omitting the edge blur processing for the overlay object.

First, geometry processing is performed on an object (for example, a three-dimensional object to be subjected to edge blurring processing) (step S50). Then, an original image composed of the objects after the geometry processing is generated and drawn in the drawing buffer (step S51).

Next, an image in which the edges of the original image are blurred is generated by the edge blurring method described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and is drawn in the drawing buffer (step S52).

Next, an overlay object (for example, a two-dimensional object not subjected to the edge blur processing) is drawn in the drawing buffer without performing the edge blur processing (step S53).

As described above, the overlay object for displaying the score, life, and the like of the player is not subjected to the edge blur processing as shown in FIG. 10, and is a clear image as shown in FIG. Will be displayed.

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

The main processor 900 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 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 (lever, button, housing, pad-type controller or gun-type controller, etc.), save data from the memory card 944, and personal data 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.

[0179] The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

[0180] The CD drive 980 stores a CD982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

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.

[0182] Each means of the present invention may be realized (executed) only by hardware, or only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. It may be realized. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for realizing 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 realized.

FIG. 33A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the gun-type controller 1102 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. A program (data) for realizing 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 program is called a storage program (storage information).

FIG. 33B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the gun-type controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the storage program (storage information) is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208 which is a removable information storage medium in the main system.
1209 or the like.

FIG. 33C 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 program (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 for generating a game image and a game sound is transmitted from the host device 1300 to the terminal 130.
It is delivered to 4-1 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 these are generated by the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 33 (C), each means of the present invention may be realized in a distributed manner between a host device (server) and a terminal. In addition, the storage program (storage information) for realizing each unit of the present invention includes:
The information may be stored separately in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the 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 embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made.

For example, as a method of extracting edge information and generating an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred based on the extracted edge information and the blurred image of the original image, the method described with reference to FIGS. Is particularly desirable, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made.

The conversion characteristics of the look-up table are not limited to the conversion characteristics shown in FIG. 15 and the like, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the lookup table of FIG. 15, the output αOUT (α value) is binary, but a lookup table (α value having three or more values) in which the conversion characteristic between INDEX and αOUT becomes a curve. Look-up table that becomes a value) may be used. By using such a look-up table, it is possible to control the effect range of anti-aliasing (control of the degree of blurring in the edge area) by changing the characteristics of the curve.

The method for converting an edge image into an α value is also preferably the method described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 27.
The present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

The method of generating a blurred image is also shown in FIG.
The method described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 20B is particularly desirable, but is not limited thereto. For example, a blurred image may be generated by combining an original image and an image obtained by shifting the original image, or combining the original image of the frame and the original image of the previous frame.

Further, 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.

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 is a diagram for describing a method of realizing a process of blurring an edge of an original image using an α synthesis process.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing a method of realizing a process of blurring an edge of an original image using a depth value comparison process.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an original image.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an edge portion of an original image.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of an edge image.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a blurred image.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of an image in which only edges of an original image are blurred.

FIG. 9 is an example of a game screen on which an overlay object is displayed.

FIG. 10 is an example of an image when an edge blurring process is performed on an overlay object.

FIG. 11 is an example of an image when an edge blurring process is not performed on an overlay object.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing index color / texture mapping.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a method of converting an original image by effectively using an LUT for index color / texture mapping.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a method of dividing an original image into a plurality of blocks and texture-mapping an image of each block to a polygon of a divided block size using an LUT.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a method of creating an α plane by performing texture mapping using an LUT.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating texture mapping using a bilinear filter method.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a method of generating a blurred image by effectively utilizing a bilinear filter method.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing a method of generating a blurred image by effectively utilizing a bilinear filter method.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams for explaining the principle of generating a blurred image by an interpolation function of a bilinear filter method.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams for explaining the principle of generating a blurred image by an interpolation function of a bilinear filter method.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 26A and 26B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are diagrams for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 33A, 33B, and 33C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 OR original image EM edge image BM blurred image 100 processing unit 110 geometry processing unit 120 drawing unit (edge extraction unit, edge blurring unit) 130 texture mapping unit 132 α synthesis unit 134 hidden surface elimination unit (depth value comparison unit) 160 operation unit 170 Storage unit 172 Main storage unit 174 Drawing buffer 176 Texture storage unit 178 LUT storage unit 179 Depth value buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Shigeru Tachibana 2-8-5 Tamagawa, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) in Namco 2C001 BC00 BC05 BC06 BC10 CB01 CC02 5B057 CA01 CA08 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB16 CD02 CE05 CE08 CH07 CH09 CH11 DC16 5B080 CA01 FA02 FA03 FA14 FA15 GA22

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: means for extracting edge information that is information for specifying an edge of an original image; and a game system based on the extracted edge information and a blurred image of the original image. A means for generating an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred. 2. The edge information according to claim 1, wherein the edge information is information of an α value in which a different value is set between an edge area of the original image and other areas, and based on the α value included in the edge information. The original image and a blurred image of the original image to generate an image with blurred edges of the original image. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the index color / texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using a lookup table in which information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set as an index number. A game system wherein the information of the α value is obtained. 4. The edge information according to claim 1, wherein the edge information is information of a depth value in which a different value is set between an edge area of the original image and another area, and based on a depth value included in the edge information. A depth value comparison process between an original image and a blurred image of the original image to generate an image with blurred edges of the original image. 5. The original image according to claim 4, wherein information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set as a depth value in a depth value buffer, and the original image is drawn in an edge region of the original image using the depth value buffer. Is not permitted, and a depth comparison process is performed in which the drawing of the blurred image is permitted. 6. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the original image is shifted in the plurality of different directions by a small value and superimposed on the rendering buffer, and the image calculation process is performed based on the obtained image and the original image. A game system wherein an edge image of an original image is generated by performing the processing, and the edge information is extracted based on the generated edge image. 7. The image according to claim 1, wherein an original image is set as a texture, and the set texture is mapped to a virtual object by a texel interpolation method while shifting texture coordinates. A game system, wherein an edge image of an original image is generated by performing an image calculation process based on the original image, and the edge information is extracted based on the generated edge image. 8. The blur of the original image according to claim 1, wherein the original image is set as a texture, and the set texture is mapped to a virtual object by a texel interpolation method while shifting texture coordinates. A game system wherein an image is generated. 9. A game system for generating an image, comprising: setting a first color component of color information included in given image information to an index number of a lookup table for index color / texture mapping; A first image information generated by performing an index color / texture mapping on a virtual object using a look-up table, and a second color component of the color information included in the given image information are represented by an index color Second image information generated by setting an index number of a lookup table for texture mapping and performing index color / texture mapping on a virtual object using the lookup table; The third color component of the color information included in the image information is used as an index color The index number is set to the index number of the look-up table for the texture mapping, and the third image information generated by performing the index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the look-up table is synthesized. Means for generating image information of the following; a given color component of the color information included in the fourth image information is set as an index number of a lookup table for index color / texture mapping, and the lookup table is used. Means for performing an index color / texture mapping on a virtual object to generate an α value corresponding to the given image information. 10. A game system for generating an image, comprising: means for performing geometry processing on an object; and drawing means for generating an original image composed of the object after the geometry processing and drawing the original image in a drawing buffer. The drawing means generates an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred based on the original image, draws the image in the drawing buffer, and omit a process of blurring the edge for the overlay object to be overwritten on the original image. A game system for drawing in a drawing buffer. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein edge information as information for specifying an edge of the original image is extracted, and the edge of the original image is blurred based on the extracted edge information and the blurred image of the original image. A game system, wherein an image is generated. 12. A program usable by a computer, comprising: means for extracting edge information which is information for specifying an edge of an original image; and a program for extracting edge information based on the extracted edge information and a blurred image of the original image. A means for generating an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred, and a computer. 13. The edge information according to claim 12, wherein the edge information is information of an α value in which a different value is set between an edge region of the original image and another region, and based on the α value included in the edge information. The alpha image of the original image and the blurred image of the original image to generate an image with blurred edges of the original image. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the index color / texture mapping is performed on the virtual object using a look-up table in which information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set as an index number. A program wherein information on the α value is obtained. 15. The edge information according to claim 12, wherein the edge information is information of a depth value in which a different value is set between an edge area of the original image and another area, and based on a depth value included in the edge information. A depth value comparison process between an original image and a blurred image of the original image to generate an image with blurred edges of the original image. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein information of the edge image generated based on the original image is set as a depth value in a depth value buffer, and the original image is drawn in an edge region of the original image using the depth value buffer. Is performed, and a depth comparison process is performed in which the drawing of a blurred image is permitted. 17. An image calculation process according to claim 12, wherein the original image is shifted in the plurality of different directions by a small value and superimposed on the rendering buffer, and the image calculation processing based on the obtained image and the original image is performed. A program generating an edge image of the original image, and extracting the edge information based on the generated edge image. 18. An image according to claim 12, wherein the original image is set as a texture, and the set texture is mapped to a virtual object by a texel interpolation method while shifting texture coordinates. A program for generating an edge image of an original image by performing an image calculation process based on the original image and extracting the edge information based on the generated edge image. 19. The blur of the original image according to claim 12, wherein the original image is set as a texture, and the set texture is mapped to a virtual object by a texel interpolation method while shifting texture coordinates. A program for generating an image. 20. A computer-usable program, comprising: setting a first color component of color information included in given image information to an index number of a look-up table for index color / texture mapping; A first image information generated by performing an index color / texture mapping on a virtual object using a look-up table, and a second color component of the color information included in the given image information are represented by an index color Second image information generated by setting an index number of a lookup table for texture mapping and performing index color / texture mapping on a virtual object using the lookup table; The third color component of the color information included in the image information is indexed. Set to the index number of the look-up table for color / texture mapping, and synthesize the third image information generated by performing index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the look-up table; Means for generating fourth image information; and setting a given color component of color information included in the fourth image information to an index number of a look-up table for index color / texture mapping; Means for generating an α value corresponding to the given image information by performing index color / texture mapping on the virtual object using the following. 21. A computer-usable program for causing a computer to implement: a means for performing geometry processing on an object; and a drawing means for generating an original image composed of the object after the geometry processing and drawing the image in a drawing buffer. Wherein the drawing means generates an image in which the edge of the original image is blurred based on the original image, draws the image in the drawing buffer, and blurs the edge of the overlay object to be overwritten on the original image. A program characterized by drawing in a drawing buffer by omitting the. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein edge information, which is information for specifying an edge of the original image, is extracted, and the edge of the original image is blurred based on the extracted edge information and the blurred image of the original image. A program that generates an image. 23. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising the program according to claim 12.