JP2002163676A - Game system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system in which a plurality of movable display objects can be caught within in an image with stable camera work, and to provide a program and an information storage medium. SOLUTION: In the game system to perform image generation, a virtual camera setting part 114 finds a boundary box for decision for including a plurality of objects within a game space, decides whether or not the boundary box for decision is within an image with the preceding setting of a virtual camera, and performs processing that changes at least one setting among the position, direction and viewing angle of the virtual camera so as to make the boundary box for decision to be located within the image in the case the boundary box for decision is not within the image with the preceding setting of the virtual camera.

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 There has been a game system in which a plurality of character objects and moving objects appear in a game space. In the case of such a game system, in order to capture a movable display object such as a plurality of character objects or moving objects on the screen, the virtual camera is set so that the point of interest of the virtual camera is located at an intermediate position or a center of gravity of the display object. The position and the direction of were set.

However, since the gazing point changes each time the movable display object moves, the position, direction, and angle of view of the virtual camera change accordingly, resulting in a vibrating and calm image.

When the distance between movable display objects becomes larger than the angle of view range or when there are extremely distant display objects, all the movable display objects are removed. There has been a problem that it is difficult to capture on the screen.

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 in which a plurality of movable display objects can be captured on a screen by a stable camera work. To provide a system, a program, and an information storage medium.

[0006]

(1) The present invention is a game system for generating an image, in which a determination boundary box containing a plurality of objects in a game space is obtained, and the boundary box is determined by the previous virtual camera setting. Means for determining whether the boundary box for determination is within the screen, and setting the boundary box for determination to be within the screen if the boundary box for determination is not within the screen in the previous virtual camera settings Means for changing at least one setting of the virtual camera position, orientation, and angle of view.

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 in that the above means is realized by a computer. An information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including an information storage medium usable by a computer and a program for causing a computer to realize the above means.

Here, the determination boundary box is used to determine whether or not a plurality of objects in the game space enter the screen, and may include all vertices of the plurality of objects. Alternatively, a case where representative points of a plurality of objects are included may be used. The vertex or the representative point of the object may be included so as to be in contact with the boundary box for determination, or may be completely included. The determination boundary box may have a three-dimensional shape or a two-dimensional shape.

The previous setting of the virtual camera is, for example, the position, orientation, angle of view, etc. of the virtual camera in the previous frame.

According to the present invention, since the boundary box for determination is always within the screen, a plurality of objects can be always captured in the screen.

Further, according to the present invention, if the boundary box for judgment does not enter the screen in the previous setting of the virtual camera, the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are set so that the boundary box for judgment enters the screen. Change at least one of the settings.

That is, for example, even if the positional relationship between a plurality of objects changes, if the determination boundary box generated based on the changed positional relationship between the plurality of objects fits within the screen, the position, orientation, The image is generated with the same settings as the previous time without changing the settings of the virtual camera such as the angle of view.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the position, the direction, and the angle of view of the virtual camera change with each movement of the object, thereby preventing the image from becoming a vibrant and restless image. A game system and an information storage medium that can be captured on a screen with stable camera work can be provided.

(2) A game system according to the present invention,
The information storage medium and the program convert a previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects into a viewpoint coordinate system, and form a quadrangular pyramid including a plurality of objects based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects in the viewpoint coordinate system. Is determined in the viewpoint coordinate system, and based on whether or not the boundary box for determination is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera, the boundary box for determination is displayed on the screen by the setting of the previous virtual camera. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not to enter.

The boundary box for determination may be generated based on all vertices of the plurality of objects, or may be generated based on representative points.

In the viewpoint coordinate system, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped boundary box including a plurality of objects is obtained based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of object vertices or representative points.

In this case, the line connecting the virtual camera and the plurality of objects is the side of the side surface of the quadrangular pyramid-shaped boundary box for determination. Therefore, is this side included in the previous angle of view of the virtual camera? Based on the determination, it can be determined whether or not the boundary box for determination enters the screen with the previous setting of the virtual camera.

(3) A game system according to the present invention,
The information storage medium and the program convert the plurality of objects into a screen coordinate system, obtain a two-dimensional determination boundary box including the plurality of objects in the screen coordinate system, and determine the two-dimensional determination box in the previous virtual camera setting.
It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the dimension determination boundary box enters the screen.

The boundary box for determination may be generated based on all vertices of the plurality of objects, or may be generated based on representative points.

In the screen coordinate system, a two-dimensional determination boundary box including a plurality of objects is obtained based on a line connecting the plurality of object vertices or representative points.

This is convenient because it is possible to two-dimensionally determine whether or not the boundary box for determination falls within the screen.

(4) A game system according to the present invention,
The information storage medium and the program are characterized in that the determination boundary box including the plurality of objects includes a boundary box set for each of the plurality of objects.

According to the present invention, a plurality of objects can be accommodated in the screen without cutting off the edges.

(5) A game system according to the present invention,
The information storage medium and the program are characterized in that the determination boundary box including the plurality of objects is set by adding a given offset to the boundary box including the plurality of objects.

According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a marginal determination boundary box with a margin, and it is easy to collect a plurality of objects near the center of the screen.

(6) A game system according to the present invention,
When setting or changing at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera, the information storage medium and the program store the position, orientation, and image of the virtual camera such that the determination boundary box is inserted with a margin in the screen. At least one of the corners is set or changed.

In this way, even if the boundary frame for the determination of the next frame slightly changes, it is within the screen, so that a more stable game image with less movement of the virtual camera can be generated.

[0028]

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 instructions to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Processor (CPU, DSP)
Or an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

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

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
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 personal data (save data) of the player and the like. The save information storage device 194 may be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. it can.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating 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.

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

The 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, 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 scene switching effect processing section 114.

Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data, rotation angle data of each part of the object) of an object such as a 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) Also, the virtual camera setting unit 114 determines the boundary for determination including a plurality of objects in the game space. A box is determined, and it is determined whether or not the boundary box for determination is included in the screen with the previous virtual camera setting.If the boundary box for determination is not included in the screen with the previous virtual camera setting, the determination is performed. A process is performed to change at least one setting of the virtual camera position, orientation, and angle of view so that the boundary box for use enters the screen.

Further, the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects are converted into a viewpoint coordinate system, and a quadrangular pyramid shape including a plurality of objects is determined based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects in the viewpoint coordinate system. A boundary box is obtained, and in the viewpoint coordinate system, based on whether or not the boundary box for determination is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera, the boundary box for determination enters the screen with the setting of the previous virtual camera. It may also be determined whether or not.

The plurality of objects are converted to a screen coordinate system, a two-dimensional determination boundary box including the plurality of objects is obtained in the screen coordinate system, and the two-dimensional determination boundary box is set in the previous virtual camera setting. It may be determined whether or not is within the screen.

[0050] The determination boundary box including the plurality of objects may be set so as to include the boundary box set for each of the plurality of objects.

The determination boundary box including the plurality of objects may be set by adding a given offset to the boundary box including the plurality of objects.

When setting or changing at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera, at least the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are set so that the boundary box for judgment is inserted with a margin in the screen. One may be set or changed.

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

Note that a polygon having a display screen size may be used as the object, 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 of the present embodiment Features of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the principle of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image of the boundary box for determination. 210, 220,
230 and 240 are movable objects existing in the game space, and are objects to be displayed (hereinafter referred to as “objects”).
“Display target object”).

In the present embodiment, first, a plurality of display target objects 210, 220, 230, 24 in the game space
A determination boundary box 200 containing 0 is obtained. Then, it is determined whether or not the boundary box for determination enters the screen by the previous setting of the virtual camera. Although the boundary box 200 for determination is shown as a two-dimensional image for the sake of simplicity of description, a three-dimensional case is of course included. The shape of the boundary box for determination differs depending on the method of determining whether or not the boundary box is within the screen, and the details will be described later.

In the present embodiment, if the boundary box for determination does not enter the screen in the previous virtual camera setting, the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are set so that the boundary box for determination enters the screen. Of at least one of the settings is changed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example in which the boundary box 200 for determination is included in the screen area 250. FIG. 3A shows a boundary box 20 for determination.
0 is included in the vicinity of the center of the screen area 250 with a margin, and FIG. 3B is a case where the boundary box 200 for determination is included near the end of the screen area 250.

In the present embodiment, when the determination boundary box obtained based on the arrangement of the display object in the current frame is included in the screen area determined by the setting of the virtual camera in the previous frame,
Make the virtual camera settings for the current frame the same as for the previous frame.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the arrangement of the display object changes and the arrangement and shape of the boundary box for judgment change, they are included in the screen area determined by the previous setting of the virtual camera. As long as the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera are not changed. Therefore, it is possible to generate a game image in which the display object is always captured by the stable camera work on the screen.

At the time of initial setting or setting change of the virtual camera, as shown in FIG.
It is preferable to set the position, the orientation, and the angle of view of the virtual camera so that 0 is included in the vicinity of the center of the screen area 250 with a margin.

In this way, even if the arrangement or shape of the determination boundary box changes in the next frame, for example, even if the arrangement of the display object changes in FIG.
This is because the possibility that the determination boundary box is still included in the screen area determined by the setting of the virtual camera in the previous frame as in (B) increases.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example in which the boundary box 200 for determination is smaller than the screen area 250 but is not included in the screen area. FIG. 4A shows that a part of the determination boundary box 200 is displayed on the screen area 25.
FIG. 4B shows a case where the whole of the determination boundary box 200 is out of the screen area 250.

In any case, it is necessary to change the position or orientation of the virtual camera in the current frame so that the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is not contained in the screen area.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a virtual camera position in the previous frame, and reference numeral 320 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the previous frame. Also 330
Is a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

As shown in the figure, the boundary box 3 for determining the current frame is shifted from the screen area 320 of the previous frame.
Since 30 is protruding, for example, 340
As described above, a situation occurs in which a part of the display target object protrudes from the screen area and is not displayed.

In such a case, the position of the virtual camera is moved (310 → 312) so that the boundary box 330 for determination of the current frame enters the screen.

When the boundary box 330 for determination is shifted in the X-axis direction with respect to the screen area 320 as shown in the figure, the position of the virtual camera may be moved in the X-axis direction. Further, for example, the boundary box 33 for determination
If 0 is shifted from the screen area 320 in the Y-axis direction, the position of the virtual camera may be moved in the Y-axis direction.

Reference numeral 314 denotes the position of the virtual camera in the current frame. Reference numeral 324 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the current frame. Also 330
Is a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

By moving the virtual camera in this manner, the boundary box for determination can be contained in the screen.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to determine the position of the virtual camera after the movement so that the boundary box 330 for determination is included with a margin near the center of the screen area 324 of the current frame.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the change (rotation) of the orientation of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is not contained in the screen area.

Reference numeral 410 denotes the position of the virtual camera in the previous frame, and reference numeral 420 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the previous frame. 430
Is a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

As shown in the drawing, the boundary box 4 for judging the current frame is shifted from the screen area 420 of the previous frame.
Since 30 protrudes, for example, 440 in this state
As described above, a situation occurs in which a part of the display target object protrudes from the screen area and is not displayed.

In such a case, the direction of the virtual camera is rotated (410 → 412) so that the boundary box 430 for determination of the current frame enters the screen.

When the boundary box for determination 430 is displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the screen area 420 as shown in the figure, the direction of the virtual camera may be rotated by a Y-axis roll. Also, for example, the boundary box 4 for determination
When 30 is shifted from the screen area 420 in the Y-axis direction, the direction of the virtual camera may be rotated by the X-axis roll.

Reference numeral 414 denotes the direction of the virtual camera in the current frame. Reference numeral 424 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the current frame. Also 43
0 is a boundary box for determination determined by the display object of the current frame.

By rotating the direction of the virtual camera in this manner, the boundary box for determination can be contained in the screen.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable to determine the orientation of the virtual camera after rotation so that the determination boundary box 430 is included with a margin near the center of the screen area 424 of the current frame.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show that the boundary box 200 for determination is larger than the screen area 250 and the screen area 2
50 shows an example that is not included. FIG.
FIG. 7A shows a case where a part of the determination boundary box 200 is protruding from the screen area 250, and FIG.
Indicates that the entirety of the boundary box 200 for determination is the screen area 2
This is the case where it protrudes from 50.

In any case, it is necessary to change the position or the angle of view of the virtual camera in the current frame so that the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a change in the angle of view of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is too large to fit within the screen area.

Θ1 is the virtual camera 5 in the previous frame
10 represents the angle of view, and 520 is a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the previous frame. Also 5
Reference numeral 30 denotes a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

As shown in the figure, the boundary frame 5 for the determination of the current frame is shifted from the screen area 520 of the previous frame.
Since the object 30 is too large and protrudes, a situation may occur in which the display target object protrudes from the screen area and is not displayed as it is, for example, 540, 542, and 544.

In such a case, the angle of view of the virtual camera is changed so that the angle of view of the virtual camera becomes large (θ1 → θ) so that the boundary box 530 for determination of the current frame falls within the screen.
2).

.Theta.3 represents the angle of view of the virtual camera in the current frame, and 524 is a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the current frame. 530
Is a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

By increasing the angle of view of the virtual camera in this way, the boundary box for determination can be contained in the screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a change in the position of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is too large to fit in the screen area.

Reference numeral 610 denotes the position of the virtual camera in the previous frame. Reference numeral 620 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the previous frame. 630
Is a determination boundary box determined by the display object of the current frame.

As shown in the figure, the boundary box 6 for determining the current frame is shifted from the screen area 620 of the previous frame.
Since the object 30 is too large and protrudes, a situation may occur in which the display target object protrudes from the screen area and is not displayed as it is, for example, 640, 642, and 644.

In such a case, the position of the virtual camera is moved away from the boundary box so that the boundary box 630 for determination of the current frame falls within the screen (61).
0 → 612). The angle of view θ1 is not changed.

Reference numeral 614 denotes the position of the virtual camera in the current frame. Reference numeral 624 denotes a screen area determined by the virtual camera in the current frame. 63
0 is a boundary box for determination determined by the display object of the current frame.

As described above, by moving the position of the virtual camera away from the boundary box for determination, the boundary box for determination can be contained in the screen.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the process of changing the setting of the virtual camera.

First, it is determined whether or not the determination boundary box is included in the screen area determined by the previous setting (position, orientation, angle of view) of the virtual camera (step S10).

If the boundary box for determination is included in the screen area determined by the previous setting (position, direction, angle of view) of the virtual camera, the position, direction, and angle of view of the virtual camera are not changed (step S20). For example, FIG.
This is the case described in (A) and (B). In such a case, the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera of the current frame are also set to the same settings as the position, orientation, and angle of view of the virtual camera of the previous frame. An image is generated by arranging it in the game space.

If the boundary box for determination is not included in the screen area determined by the previous setting (position, orientation, angle of view) of the virtual camera, and the boundary box for determination is smaller than the screen area, At least one of the position and the orientation of the virtual camera is changed so that the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area (step S3).
0, S40). For example, this is the case described in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In such a case, the position of the virtual camera is changed as described in FIG. 5, or the orientation of the virtual camera is changed as described in FIG. Or change it.

When the boundary box for determination is not included in the screen area determined by the previous setting (position, orientation, angle of view) of the virtual camera, and when the boundary box for determination is larger than the screen area, At least one of the position and the orientation of the virtual camera is changed so that the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area (step S3).
0, S50). For example, this is the case described in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In such a case, the angle of view of the virtual camera is changed as described in FIG. 8, or the position of the virtual camera is changed as described in FIG. Or change.

Next, in the viewpoint coordinate system, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped determination boundary box including a plurality of objects is obtained based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects, and the determination boundary box is determined in the viewpoint coordinate system. A case will be described in which it is determined whether or not the boundary box for determination falls within the screen based on the setting of the previous virtual camera based on whether or not it is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the arrangement of the display target object in the viewpoint coordinate system and the boundary box.

FIG. 11A shows a virtual camera 700 arranged in the viewpoint coordinate system, display target objects 710, 720, 730 in the viewpoint coordinate system, and a boundary box 740 for determination. 712 and 72 in FIG.
Reference numeral 2,732 denotes a projection target object in the viewpoint coordinate system projected on the screen, and reference numeral 742 denotes a projection boundary box projected on the screen.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), in the screen coordinate system, a quadrangular pyramid-shaped boundary box 740 (hatched portion) including a plurality of objects is assumed. Based on whether it is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera,
It is determined whether or not the boundary box for determination enters the screen in the previous setting of the virtual camera.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the display target object projected on the XZ plane and the angle of view range of the virtual camera. Reference numerals 714, 724, and 734 denote display target objects in the viewpoint coordinate system projected on the XZ plane. The area between 770 and 772 indicates the angle of view range of the virtual camera on the XZ plane. Therefore, in FIG. 12, the area between 770 and 772 is the area that can be displayed on the screen.

Reference numerals 780 and 782 denote boundaries of the display target object on the XZ plane. That is, the hatched area sandwiched between the boundaries 780 and 782 coincides with the area where the rectangular box 740 of the quadrangular pyramid shown in FIG. 11A is projected on the XZ plane. Therefore, in order for the display target object to be displayed on the screen, the shaded area sandwiched between the boundaries 780 and 782 is represented by the view angle range (7
70 and 772).

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the display target object projected on the YZ plane and the angle of view range of the virtual camera. Reference numerals 716, 726, and 736 denote display target objects in the viewpoint coordinate system projected on the YZ plane. The area between 774 and 776 indicates the range of the angle of view of the virtual camera on the YZ plane. Therefore, the area between 774 and 776 in FIG. 13 is an area that can be displayed on the screen.

Reference numerals 790 and 792 represent boundaries of the display target object on the YZ plane. That is, the hatched area sandwiched between the boundaries 790 and 792 corresponds to the area where the square box 740 of the quadrangular pyramid shown in FIG. 11A is projected on the YZ plane. Therefore, in order for the display target object to be displayed on the screen, the shaded area sandwiched between the boundaries 790 and 792 is set to the view angle range (7
74 and 776).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process for determining a change in the setting of the virtual camera in the viewpoint coordinate system.

At the time of the initial setting, the camera is placed at an arbitrary position (steps S110 and S120). Otherwise, the previous setting (position, direction, angle of view) of the virtual camera is taken over (steps S110 and S130). ).

Next, all the display target objects are converted to the viewpoint coordinate system (step S140). Here, when generating the boundary box for determination based on the coordinates of all the vertices of the display target object, the coordinates of all the vertices of the display target object are converted to the viewpoint coordinate system. Also, when generating the boundary box for determination based on the representative point of the display target object, the vertex coordinates of the representative point of the display target object are converted to the viewpoint coordinate system.

Next, angles RXn and RYn formed by all the display target objects and the line of sight of the virtual camera are obtained (step S150). Here, for example, the objects 714 and 7
RYn for 24 and 734 are RY1 and RY, respectively.
2, RY3 (see FIG. 12). Further, for example, RXn for the objects 716, 726, and 736 are RX1, RX2, and RX3, respectively (see FIG. 13).

Next, the maximum angle and the minimum angle of RXn and RYn are searched, and a boundary box for judgment is created (step S160). For example, in FIG.
The maximum angle RYn of 24,734 is RY3, and the minimum angle is RY1. Therefore, the boundary boxes for determination in the XZ plane are the boundary 780 and the boundary 78.
2 is a hatched area.

For example, in FIG.
The maximum angle RXn of 6, 726, 736 is RX2, and the minimum angle is RX3. Therefore, the boundary box for determination on the YZ plane is a hatched area sandwiched between the boundary 790 and the boundary 792.

Next, the values of the angles BX and BY occupied by the determination boundary box itself in the viewpoint coordinate system are obtained (step S180). For example, the angle BY occupied by the judgment boundary box itself in the XZ plane in the viewpoint coordinate system is | RY1 | + | RY3 | (see FIG. 12), and the angle BX occupied by the judgment boundary box itself in the YZ plane in the viewpoint coordinate system is | RX2 | + | RX3 | (see FIG. 13).

Next, the angle of view between BX and the virtual camera is compared.
If X is larger than the angle of view, increase the angle of view of the virtual camera so that the angle of view of the virtual camera is larger than BX, or
Calculate the amount of Z movement of the virtual camera that is within
Inverse transformation to the world coordinate system is made to be the Z coordinate of the new virtual camera (steps S180 and S190).

If BX is not larger than the angle of view, BY
And the angle of view of the virtual camera is compared. If BY is larger than the angle of view, the angle of view of the virtual camera is increased so that the angle of view of the virtual camera is larger than BY. The Z movement amount of the camera is obtained, inversely transformed into the world coordinate system, and set as a new virtual camera Z coordinate (step S2)
00, S190).

If neither BX nor BY is larger than the angle of view, it is determined whether or not RYn for determining the boundary box for determination falls within the angle of view (step S21).
0). RY for determining the boundary box for determination here
n is, for example, RY1 and RY3 in FIG.

If the virtual camera does not fit, the amount of movement of X of the virtual camera or the direction of the Y-axis roll which falls within the angle of view is calculated and inversely transformed into the world coordinate system to change the setting of the virtual camera to a new X.
Coordinates or Y-axis roll direction (step S22)
0).

If it is, it is determined whether or not RXn for determining the determination boundary box is within the angle of view (step S230). Here, RXn for determining the determination boundary box is, for example, RX2 and RX3 in FIG.

If the virtual camera does not fit, the amount of Y movement of the virtual camera or the rotation angle of the X-axis roll that falls within the angle of view is calculated and inversely transformed into the world coordinate system, and the setting of the virtual camera is changed to the new Y-coordinate or X-axis. Roll direction (step S24)
0).

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a process for determining a change in the setting of the virtual camera in the screen coordinate system by performing a perspective transformation.

At the time of the initial setting, the camera is placed at an arbitrary position (steps S310, S320). Otherwise, the previous setting (position, direction, angle of view) of the virtual camera is taken over (steps S310, S330). ).

Next, all the display objects are perspective-transformed and converted to the screen coordinate system (step S34).
0). Here, when generating the boundary box for determination based on the coordinates of all the vertices of the display target object, the coordinates of all the vertices of the display target object are converted to the viewpoint coordinate system. In addition, when generating the boundary box for determination based on the representative point of the display target object,
The vertex coordinates of the representative point of the display target object are converted to the viewpoint coordinate system.

Next, the maximum and minimum values of the screen coordinate values X and Y of all the display target objects are searched, and a boundary box for determination is generated on the screen plane (step S350). For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the screen coordinate values (X, Y) of the objects 712, 722, 732 are set to (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), (X
3, Y3), the maximum value of X is X3 and the minimum value is X
The maximum value of 1, Y is X2 and the minimum value is Y3. Then, a boundary box for determination 742 is generated on the screen plane based on these.

Next, the size of the boundary box for determination on the screen plane is compared with the size of the screen area. If the size of the boundary box for determination is larger, the angle of view of the virtual camera is increased so as to fall within the angle of view of the virtual camera. Alternatively, the amount of movement of the Z of the virtual camera that falls within the angle of view is obtained, inversely transformed to the world coordinate system, and set as the Z coordinate of the new virtual camera (steps S360 and S370).

When the boundary box for determination is smaller, it is determined whether or not the X direction of the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area. When not, the boundary box for determination falls within the screen area. The moving amount of X or the direction of the Y-axis roll of the virtual camera is obtained and inversely transformed into the world coordinate system, and the setting of the virtual camera is set to a new X-coordinate or Y-axis roll direction (steps S380, S
390).

If it is, it is determined whether the Y direction of the determination boundary box is within the screen area. If not, the Y of the virtual camera is such that the determination boundary box is within the screen area. The amount of movement or the direction of the X-axis roll is determined and inversely transformed into the world coordinate system, and the virtual camera setting is set to the new Y-coordinate or X-axis roll direction (steps S400 and S410).

FIGS. 16A and 16B show an example of a game image generated by the game system of the present embodiment. 810 and 820, which are the targets of clay shooting, are display target objects. 16 (A) and 16 (B)
Although the positions of the display target objects 810 and 820 which are the targets are different, the settings (position, direction, angle of view) of the virtual camera are the same.

As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of movable display objects can be captured on the screen by stable camera work.

[0135] 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 or a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

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

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

[0145] The DMA controller 970 is a device for controlling the DM between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

[0146] The CD drive 980 is 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.

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

When each unit of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, the information storage medium stores a program for executing each unit 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. 18A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 18B 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. 18C shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 outputs the game image and the game sound.
A game program or the like for generating a game sound is transmitted to the terminal 1.
It is delivered to 304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and transmits them to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-1.
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 18C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, a save information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

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

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

[0157] For example, the determination boundary box including a plurality of objects may be configured to include the boundary boxes set for the plurality of objects.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image of a boundary box for determination including a boundary box set for each of the plurality of objects. 830, 840, 850 are display target objects existing in the game space, and 832, 842, 8
Reference numeral 52 denotes a boundary box of each display target object. Reference numeral 860 is a determination boundary box including the boundary boxes 832, 842, and 852 of the display target objects, and 870 is a screen area.

In this manner, a plurality of objects can be accommodated in the screen without cutting off the edges.

Further, for example, a boundary box for judgment including a plurality of objects may be set by adding a given offset to the boundary box including the plurality of objects.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image of a determination boundary box set by adding a given offset to a boundary box including a plurality of objects. 880, 882, 884, 8
86 is a display target object existing in the game space, and 888 is a boundary box of each display target object. And 892 is boundary box 8
A determination boundary box generated by adding a given offset 890 (shaded area) to 88, and 894 is a screen area.

By adding an offset in this way, a marginal determination boundary box having a margin can be generated, and a plurality of objects can be easily collected near the center of the screen.

Further, for example, a determination boundary box including a plurality of objects may be configured to include representative points of the plurality of objects. In this case, the number of operations to be added can be reduced as compared with the case where the boundary box for determination is generated based on the vertex coordinates. In addition, by adding a given offset to the boundary box generated based on the representative store and generating the boundary box for determination,
Multiple objects can be fit on the screen without cutting off the edges.

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 schematic diagram for explaining an image of a determination boundary box according to the embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example in which a boundary box for determination is included in a screen area.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example in which a boundary box for determination is smaller than a screen area but is not included in the screen area.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining movement of a virtual camera when a boundary box for determination is not contained in a screen area;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a change (rotation) of the orientation of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is not contained in the screen area.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an example in which a boundary box for determination is larger than a screen area and is not included in the screen area.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a change in the angle of view of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is too large to fit within the screen area.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a change in the position of the virtual camera when the boundary box for determination is too large to fit within the screen area.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of changing a setting of a virtual camera.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the arrangement of a display target object and a boundary box in a viewpoint coordinate system.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a relationship between a display target object projected on an XZ plane and a view angle range of a virtual camera.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a relationship between a display target object projected on a YZ plane and a view angle range of a virtual camera.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining a change in setting of a virtual camera in a viewpoint coordinate system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process in a case where a perspective change is performed to determine a change in a virtual camera setting in a screen coordinate system.

16A and 16B show an example of a game image generated by the game system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image of a boundary box for determination including a boundary box set for each of a plurality of objects.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining an image of a determination boundary box set by adding a given offset to a boundary box including a plurality of objects.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 processing unit 110 game processing unit 112 movement / motion calculation unit 114 virtual camera setting unit 130 image generation unit 132 geometry processing unit 140 drawing unit 150 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main memory 174 frame buffer 180 information storage medium 190 Display unit 192 Sound output unit 194 Save information storage device 196 Communication unit

Claims (13)

[Claims] Claims 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising: determining a determination boundary box including a plurality of objects in a game space; and determining whether the determination boundary box is included in a screen by a previous virtual camera setting. Means for judging whether or not the virtual camera position, orientation, and angle of view are such that the boundary box for determination does not enter the screen in the previous virtual camera setting so that the boundary box for determination does not enter the screen. A game system comprising: means for changing one setting; 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: converting a previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects into a viewpoint coordinate system, and including a plurality of objects based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects in the viewpoint coordinate system. A quadrangular pyramid-shaped boundary box for determination is obtained, and based on whether or not the boundary box for determination is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera in the viewpoint coordinate system, the boundary for determination in the previous virtual camera setting A game system, which determines whether a box enters a screen. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of objects are converted into a screen coordinate system,
A two-dimensional determination boundary box including a plurality of objects is obtained in a screen coordinate system, and it is determined whether or not the two-dimensional determination boundary box is included in the screen in the previous virtual camera setting. Game system. 4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the boundary box for determination including the plurality of objects includes a boundary box set for each of the plurality of objects. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination boundary box including the plurality of objects is set by adding a given offset to the boundary box including the plurality of objects. Game system. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein when setting or changing at least one of the virtual camera position, the direction, and the angle of view, a boundary box for determination is provided with a margin in the screen. A game system wherein at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of a virtual camera is set or changed. 7. A computer-usable program for determining a boundary box for determination including a plurality of objects in a game space, and determining whether the boundary box for determination falls within the screen by the previous virtual camera setting. Means for judging whether or not the virtual camera position, orientation, and angle of view are such that the boundary box for determination does not enter the screen in the previous virtual camera setting so that the boundary box for determination does not enter the screen. A program for causing a computer to implement: a means for changing one setting; and 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein a previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects are converted into a viewpoint coordinate system, and the plurality of objects are included based on a line connecting the previous virtual camera and the plurality of objects in the viewpoint coordinate system. A quadrangular pyramid-shaped boundary box for determination is obtained, and based on whether or not the boundary box for determination is included in the angle of view of the previous virtual camera in the viewpoint coordinate system, the boundary for determination in the previous virtual camera setting A program for determining whether a box enters a screen. 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of objects are transformed into a screen coordinate system,
A two-dimensional determination boundary box including a plurality of objects is obtained in a screen coordinate system, and it is determined whether or not the two-dimensional determination boundary box is included in the screen in the previous virtual camera setting. program. 10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the determination boundary box including the plurality of objects includes a boundary box set for each of the plurality of objects. Program to do. 11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the determination boundary box including the plurality of objects is set by adding a given offset to the boundary box including the plurality of objects. Program to do. 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein when setting or changing at least one of the virtual camera position, the orientation, and the angle of view, a boundary box for determination is provided with a margin in the screen. A program for setting or changing at least one of the position, orientation, and angle of view of a virtual camera. 13. An information storage medium usable by a computer, wherein the information storage medium includes the program according to any one of claims 7 to 12.