JP2002279447A - Image generating system, program, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generating system capable of forming a real and high quality image with small data amount, a program, and an information storage medium. SOLUTION: Extended color data obtained, by extending the compressed color data (movie texture) of an original image, is converted into α value by a conversion rule, to allow the color data to correspond to the α value, and an α synthesizing processing is performed, based on the α value. According to this conversion rule, the color data (red) near the profile of a displayed object (flame) is made to correspond to the α value for turning the displayed object semi-transparent (when the original image includes a blue back image, blue color data is made to correspond to the α value for turning the displayed object transparent). Based on a look-up table LUT1 corresponding the color data to index numbers, the extended color data is converted into the index numbers, and the index numbers are converted into the αvalues by an index color texture mapping using the LUT2 for making the index numbers correspond to the α values. The color data obtained by LUT2 may be mapped, undisturbed to the object OB.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image generation system (game system) for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space has been known. It is very popular as a virtual reality experience. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a role playing game (RPG) as an example, a player operates a character (object), which is his or her own, to move on a map in an object space, and plays against an enemy character. Enjoy the game by playing, interacting with other characters, and visiting various towns.

[0003] In such an image generation system,
To improve the virtual reality of a player, generating a more realistic and higher quality image has become an important technical problem.

On the other hand, as a reflexive effect of improving the realism and quality of an image, there arises a problem that the amount of data required for image generation increases. In order to solve such a problem, in this type of image generation system, color data is compressed by a compression method such as MPEG (MPEG2) and stored in an information storage medium such as a DVD or a CD. At the time of display, the compressed color data is expanded (expanded) by an expansion unit (decoder), and an image is generated based on the obtained color data.

However, in MPEG, compressed color data (compressed color data) is held in YCbCr format. Therefore, the original image data to be compressed is RGB
Even in the α format, the α value cannot be held as compressed data.

For this reason, for example, when texture mapping is performed using a compressed texture, image expressions such as "map the texture like a non-rectangular sticker" and "make the object partially translucent" are used. There is a problem that it is difficult to realize.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium capable of generating a real and high-quality image with a small amount of data. Is to provide.

[0008]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to an image generation system for generating an image, which expands compressed color data of an original image and outputs expanded color data. And the obtained expanded color data is converted into α according to a given conversion rule that associates the color data with the α value.
And a means for generating an image based on the α value obtained by the conversion. Further, the 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 causes the computer to realize the above means (makes the computer function as the above means).
It is characterized by the following. Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention,
An information storage medium readable (usable) by a computer, characterized by including a program for causing a computer to realize the above means (to make the computer function as the above means).

According to the present invention, the decompressed color data (extended color data) obtained by the decompression means is composed of color data and α
The value (first type data) is converted into an α value (first type data) according to a conversion rule for associating the value (first type data different in type from the color data). ), An image is generated. By doing so, even when the compressed color data (compressed color data) or the decompressed color data does not have an α value due to its nature, image generation processing using the α value becomes possible, and various image Expression can be realized.

The given conversion rule may be realized by a look-up table or by a function or a numerical calculation.

As an image generation process based on the obtained α value, various image generation processes such as an α synthesis process can be considered.

Further, according to the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium of the present invention, according to the given conversion rule, the color data near the outline of the display object is associated with the α value that makes the display object translucent. It is characterized by being able to.

This makes it possible to set the vicinity of the outline of the display object to be semi-transparent based on the obtained α value, thereby preventing the occurrence of jaggy near the outline of the display object.

Note that the α value may be gradually changed (gradation of the α value) so that the display object gradually becomes transparent from the vicinity of the center of the display object toward the outline.

In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the display object is a display object representing a flame, and the red color data makes the display object translucent according to the given conversion rule. It is characterized by being associated with the α value

In this way, the red data near the outline of the flame is converted into an α value that makes the display object translucent, and the occurrence of jaggy near the outline of the flame can be prevented. .

Further, in the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the original image includes a blue-back or green-back image, and the blue or green color data is represented by the given conversion rule. It is characterized in that it can be associated with an α value that makes a display object transparent.

In this way, the blue (or green in the case of green background) color data of the blue background portion is converted into an α value which makes the display object transparent, and the blue background (or green color) is converted. A composition process with a background image using back) can be realized.

In this case, a real image or the like can be used as the original image.

Further, as the background image to be subjected to the .alpha. Combining process using the .alpha. Value, an image composed of primitive surfaces or the like can be used.

Further, the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the α synthesis processing is performed based on the expanded color data and the α value obtained by the conversion.

With this configuration, the expanded color data can be used as it is as the color data, so that a high-quality image having a large number of colors can be generated.

Further, the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention are characterized in that the expanded color data is converted into an α value based on a look-up table which associates the color data with the α value. .

In this way, the expanded color data can be converted to an α value by simple processing with a small processing load.

In this case, the number of lookup tables may be one or more. When a plurality of look-up tables are used, the expanded color data may be converted to α values by a plurality of stages of conversion processing.

In the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the expanded color data is converted into an index number based on a first look-up table for associating the color data with the index number. The index number is converted into the α value by the index color texture mapping using the second look-up table that associates the α value with the α value.

By doing so, the index color
Efficient use of texture mapping makes it possible to convert the expanded color data into an α value, thereby realizing high-speed conversion processing.

In the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the second lookup table is a lookup table that associates an index number with color data and an α value. The index number is converted into color data and α value by index color texture mapping using a look-up table, and α synthesis processing is performed based on the color data and α value obtained by the conversion.

In this manner, the index color
Efficient use of texture mapping makes it possible to convert the expanded color data into an α value, thereby realizing high-speed conversion processing.

Further, the index number, color data, and α
By preparing a plurality of types of second look-up tables having different associations with values and switching between the second look-up tables, more diverse image expressions can be realized.

In the image generation system, the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the compressed color data is a compressed texture included in a compressed movie texture, and the expanded color data is obtained by expanding the compressed texture. Characterized in that the texture is an extended texture.

In this case, for the first object, the textures are mapped in order from the K-th expanded texture obtained by expanding the K-th compressed texture, and for the second object, the texture is mapped to the first object. Random playback movie texture mapping in which textures are mapped in order from the L-th decompressed texture obtained by decompressing the L compressed texture may be performed.

Alternatively, the I-th stretched texture is followed by the I-th stretch texture
The thinning-out movie texture mapping in which the first to Nth expanded textures are sequentially mapped to the objects while being thinned out may be performed such that the expanded texture of + J (J ≧ 2) is mapped.

When performing texture mapping for random reproduction, the first and second objects may be arranged so as to overlap each other. More specifically,
The first and second objects are arranged such that the opaque portion of the texture mapped to the first object and the opaque portion of the texture mapped to the second object overlap in all playback frames. You may.

[0035]

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

The present embodiment described below does not limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily indispensable as means for solving the present invention.

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

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

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

The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs and data, and functions as an optical disk (CD, D
VD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a hardware such as a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to realize (execute and 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).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
80 includes a program for performing the processing of the present invention, 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 communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or another image generation system), and has a function of various processors or a communication ASIC. Hardware and programs.

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

The processing unit 100 (processor) includes the operation unit 1
Various processes such as a game process, an image generation process, and a sound generation process are performed based on the operation data from 60 or a program. In this case, the processing unit 100
Various processes are performed using the main storage unit 172 in 0 as a work area.

Here, the processing performed by the processing unit 100 includes coin (price) reception processing, various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, and the position of an object (one or more primitives). For determining the angle and rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), and processing for obtaining the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle) , Processing for arranging objects such as map objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results),
Processing for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, game over processing, or the like can be considered.

The processing section 100 includes a movement / motion calculation section 11
0, virtual camera control unit 112, object space setting unit 114, decompression unit 116, conversion unit 118, image generation unit 12
0, including the sound generation unit 130. Note that the processing unit 100 does not need to include all of these functional blocks.

Here, the movement / motion calculation section 110 calculates movement information (position and rotation angle) and movement information (position and rotation angle of each part of the object) of an object (moving object) such as a character or a car. For example, based on operation data or a game program input by the player through the operation unit 160, a process of moving an object or performing an operation (motion or animation) is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 110
Changes the position and rotation angle of the object every frame (for example, 1/60 second, 1/30 second, etc.). For example, the position and rotation angle of the object in the (k-1) frame are Pk-1 and θk-1, and the position change amount (speed) and the rotation change amount (rotation speed) of the object in one frame are {P,}.
θ. Then, the position P of the object in the k frame
k and the rotation angle θk are obtained, for example, as in the following equations (1) and (2).

Pk = Pk−1 + ΔP (1) θk = θk−1 + Δθ (2)

The virtual camera control unit 112 performs processing for controlling a virtual camera for generating an image at a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. That is, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation (rotation about the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (a process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line of sight) is performed.

For example, when photographing a moving object from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation (direction of the virtual camera) of the virtual camera is controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the moving object. It is desirable to do. In this case, the movement / motion calculation unit 11
The virtual camera is controlled based on the information such as the position, the direction, or the speed of the moving object obtained at 0. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be rotated at a predetermined angle while moving along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (moving route) and the rotation angle of the virtual camera.

The object space setting section 114 performs processing for setting various objects such as maps (objects composed of primitives such as polygons, free-form surfaces, and subdivision surfaces) in the object space. More specifically, the position and rotation angle (direction) of the object in the world coordinate system are determined, and the position (X, Y, Z) is determined by the rotation angle (rotation about the X, Y, and Z axes). Arrange objects.

The expansion unit 116 (expansion unit, decoding unit)
Processing for expanding (decompressing and decoding) data compressed by a compression method such as MPEG or JPEG is performed. More specifically, a series of I pictures compressed by MPEG are expanded.

For example, data compression can be realized as follows.

That is, first, data is divided into a plurality of macro blocks. Then, DCT (discrete cosine transform; in a broad sense, orthogonal transform including Hadamard transform, eigenvalue transform and the like) is performed on each of the divided blocks. Thus, the data is frequency-decomposed (spatial frequency). Next, each DCT coefficient (orthogonal transform coefficient in a broad sense) obtained by DCT is quantized. Then, Huffman coding (entropy coding, variable length coding) is performed, thereby obtaining compressed data (compressed color data).

On the other hand, data expansion can be realized as follows.

That is, first, the compressed data is stored in the information storage medium 18.
Read from 0. Alternatively, the compressed data is read from the outside via a network (transmission line, communication line) and the communication unit 196. The expansion unit 116 performs Huffman decoding (entropy decoding, variable length decoding) on the read compressed data. Next, the extension unit 116
Inverse quantization is performed on the data after Huffman decoding. Then, an inverse DCT is performed, whereby expanded data (extended color data) is obtained.

Note that MPEG (MPEG2, MPEG4
In such a case, for example, predictive encoding and predictive decoding (motion-compensated inter-frame prediction) using temporal correlation may be performed.

The conversion section 118 converts the decompressed color data (decompressed color data) obtained by the decompression section 116 into an α value according to a conversion rule that associates the color data (eg, RGB) with the α value. Process for

The conversion process in this case may be performed using a look-up table (LUT), or may be performed using a given function (arithmetic expression). For example, when a look-up table is used, conversion is performed using a look-up table that associates color data with an α value, a first look-up table that associates color data with an index number, an index number and an α value. The conversion can be performed using a second look-up table that associates values (or α values and color data).

The α value obtained by the conversion is the α value set in the texel of the texture (movie texture).
Can be used as a value.

The α value (A value) is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), 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 image generation unit 120 performs image processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates a game image, and outputs the game image to the display unit 190. For example, when generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first,
Geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation is performed. Based on the processing results, drawing data (position coordinates, texture coordinates, colors ( Luminance) data, a normal vector or an α value) is created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), an image of the object (one or more primitive surfaces) after the geometry processing is stored in a drawing buffer 174 (a buffer capable of storing image information in pixel units such as a frame buffer and a work buffer). ) Is drawn. As a result, an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, and performs BGM,
A game sound such as a sound effect or a sound is generated, and a sound output unit 1
92.

The image generating section 120 includes a texture mapping section 122 and an α synthesizing section 124.

Here, the texture mapping unit 122
A process for mapping the texture stored in the texture storage unit 176 to the object is performed.

In the present embodiment, the texture storage unit 176 stores a compressed movie texture including a series of first to Nth compressed textures (in a broad sense, first to Nth compressed frame images. The same applies to the following description). (Compressed movie in a broad sense; the same applies to the following description).

The decompression unit 116 performs decompression processing based on the compressed movie texture data, and the texture mapping unit 122 decompresses a series of first to Nth compressed textures. For the first to N-th expanded textures (first to N-th expanded frame images in a broad sense; the same applies to the following description).

At this time, in the present embodiment, the data of the compressed movie texture stored in the texture storage unit 176 includes designation data for designating storage locations (addresses and the like) of the first to Nth compressed textures. Let And
By using the designated data, random reproduction for randomly setting the reproduction start frame of the compressed texture, thinning reproduction of the compressed texture, and the like are realized.

In the present embodiment, the texture mapping unit 122 can perform texture mapping using an index color / texture mapping LUT (lookup table) stored in the LUT storage unit 178. I have.

The α synthesizing section 124 performs an α synthesizing process (α blending, α addition or α subtraction, etc.) based on the α value (A value).
I do. For example, when α synthesis is α blending, a synthesis process as shown in the following equation is performed.

R _Q = (1−α) × R ₁ + α × R ₂ (3) G _Q = (1−α) × G ₁ + α × G ₂ (4) B _Q = (1−α) × B ₁ + Α × B ₂ (5)

Here, R ₁ , G ₁ , and B ₁ are the R, G, and B components of the color (luminance) of the image (background image) already drawn in the drawing buffer 174, and R ₂ , G ₂ , B ₂ are the R, G, B components of the color of the object (primitive) to be drawn in the drawing buffer. R _Q , G _Q , and B _Q are α
These are the R, G, and B components of the color of the image obtained by blending.

In this embodiment, based on the α value (α plane) obtained by the conversion unit 118, the α synthesis unit 1
24 performs an α synthesis process. More specifically, for example, the expanded color data (or the color data obtained based on the expanded color data) and the background color data are converted into pixels based on the α value obtained by converting the expanded color data. Α is synthesized in units.

Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment
A system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system including not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play, may be used.

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. Features of the present embodiment Next, features of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following, a case where the present embodiment is applied to the expression of a flame will be mainly described as an example. However, the present embodiment is applicable to image expressions other than the flame (water surface, grassland, trees, smoke, clouds, etc.). Is also widely applicable.

2.1 Movie Texture Mapping In this embodiment, a movie texture mapping method is adopted for realistic representation of waves and water surface.

In this movie texture mapping, a series of compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN (compressed frame images) representing a picture of a flame or a water surface are prepared as shown in FIG. Then, these CTEX1 to CTEX are expanded into a series of expanded textures ETEX1 to ETEX1 (expanded frame images),
The objects are sequentially mapped to the object OB on the flame or the water surface (circular mapping).

According to this movie texture mapping, the texture mapped to the object changes sequentially with the passage of time (frame update), so that compared to the case of mapping a static texture,
A more varied image can be generated.

According to this movie texture mapping, a high-quality CG image produced over a long period of time by a CG tool and a real image taken by a camera in the real world can be used as a texture, so that a more realistic image can be obtained. Enables a realistic expression.

Further, since the compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN are stored in a compressed state on the information storage medium or transferred via the network, the used storage capacity of the information storage medium and the communication capacity of the network can be saved. Can be planned.

In the present embodiment, a movie texture mapping method capable of setting a reproduction start frame at random (arbitrary) is adopted.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, for the object OB1, the frame K is set as the reproduction start frame and the movie texture mapping is performed, while for the object OB2, the frame K is different from the frame K. Movie texture mapping is performed with the frame L set as the playback start frame.

In this way, the object OB can be used while using the same compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN.
1, OB2 images can be seen differently, and the variety of image representation can be increased with a small amount of data.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show examples of movie texture images of each frame used in the present embodiment. These movie textures are textures expressing a flame, and by continuously reproducing these movie textures, it is possible to realistically express a state in which the flame is swaying and swaying and burning.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, objects OB1, OB2, and OB to which the movie textures of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are mapped.
3 (at least two or more objects) are arranged so as to overlap each other. Then, the reproduction start frame of the movie texture mapped to these objects OB1, OB2, and OB3 is different for each object.

That is, movie texture mapping is performed on the object OB1 using the frame K as a reproduction start frame, and movie texture mapping is performed on the object OB2 adjacent to OB1 with the frame L as a reproduction start frame. For the object OB3 adjacent to OB2, movie texture mapping is performed using the frame M as a reproduction start frame.

By doing so, the flame occupying a wide range (the flame having a range approximately three times that of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C).
Can be expressed, and the variety of generated images can be increased. Moreover, the objects OB1, OB2, OB
Since a common compressed movie texture is used among the three, real and diverse images can be generated while saving the storage capacity of the texture.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the non-transparent part (semi-transparent part or opaque part) of the texture mapped to the object OB1 and the non-transparent part of the texture mapped to the object OB2 Object OB so that the portion overlaps in all the reproduced frames (first to Nth frames).
1, OB2 is arranged. Similarly, object OB
The objects OB2 and OB3 are arranged so that the non-transparent part of the texture mapped to No. 2 and the non-transparent part of the texture mapped to the object OB3 overlap in all the reproduction frames.

In this way, even when the movie textures are sequentially reproduced by the movie texture mapping, the space between the flame (opaque portion) drawn on the object OB1 and the flame drawn on the OB2, the object OB2
This ensures that there is no gap between the flame depicted in FIG. 2 and the flame depicted in OB3. Therefore, it is possible to give the player an illusion that a set of these small flames is one large flame, and it is possible to represent a large flame occupying a wide range with a small amount of data.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the reproduction start frames K, L, M of the objects OB1, OB2, OB3 are set at random.

In this way, it is possible to express a flame having a different appearance depending on how K, L, and M are set, and it is possible to further increase the variety of image expression. That is, for example, the appearance of the flame when K = 10, L = 18, and M = 30 are set, and K = 5, L = 20, M =
The appearance of the flame when it is set to 35 is completely different. Therefore, by setting K, L, and M, it is possible to express almost infinite types of flames.

In this case, if K, L, and M are set in accordance with at least one of the occurrence of an event and the passage of time, more various expressions of flame can be realized.

In this embodiment, compressed movie texture data having a data structure as shown in FIG. 6 is used in order to realize movie texture mapping for random playback and movie texture mapping for thinned-out playback.

This compressed movie texture data is
Header block (control data of compressed movie texture data), frame data address block (data for specifying the storage location of compressed texture), frame data block (data of compressed texture M.
PEG I picture data).

Here, the header block includes the data size of the compressed movie texture data, the frame width (the number of texels in the width direction of the texture), the frame height (the number of texels in the height direction of the texture), and the movie. Includes data such as the number of texture frames.

The frame data address block is composed of each compressed texture C in the frame data block.
TEX1 to TEX (frames 1 to N) addresses (data for specifying storage locations; leading addresses) and each CTE
It includes the data size of X1 to N and the address of the end code in the frame data block.

Further, the frame data block is CT
EX1 to N (frames 1 to N) data (image data)
And a delimiter code of each frame and an end code of a frame data block.

In the present embodiment, the compressed texture CTEX
The compressed movie texture data having a data structure as shown in FIG. 6 is created from the data of frames 1 to N (frames 1 to N), and by using the compressed movie texture data, the movie texture of the random reproduction described above is used. Movie texture mapping for mapping and thinning playback is realized.

For example, when performing random playback movie texture mapping, the address (storage location) of the compressed texture to be played back is determined by the frame data address
What is necessary is just to acquire from the block, decompress the compressed texture at the address by the decompression unit, and map it to the object. At this time, for example, different reproduction frames are designated between adjacent objects to map the expanded texture.

When performing movie texture mapping for thinning-out reproduction, the frame number I is set to J (≧ 2).
The address of the compressed texture to be reproduced may be acquired from the frame data address block while incrementing by one, and the compressed texture at the address may be expanded by the expansion unit and mapped to the object.

As described above, if the compressed movie texture data having the data structure shown in FIG. 6 is used, the compressed movie texture data which could only be handled as a single piece of data can be managed in frame units. become. Therefore, a compressed texture (frame image) of an arbitrary frame can be expanded and used, and random reproduction or thinning reproduction of the compressed texture can be realized by simple processing.

The compressed movie texture data having the data structure shown in FIG. 6 may be created in advance when a game program is developed and recorded on an information storage medium.
It may be created in real time at the time of starting a game or a game stage.

2.2 Generation of α Value According to the movie texture mapping described above, a texture can be compressed and stored, so that a high-quality image can be generated with a small amount of data.

However, in this movie texture mapping, the texture is compressed by a compression method such as MPEG (MPEG2), and in this MPEG, the compressed texture is held in the YCbCr format. Therefore, even if the original image data to be compressed is in RGBα format,
There is a problem in that the α value cannot be held as compressed data, and the α combining process using the α value cannot be used.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the following method is employed.

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the compressed color data (compressed texture) is expanded to obtain expanded color data (extended texture). In this case, the decompression process can be realized by using a decompression unit (decoder) of hardware included in the image generation system.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the obtained expanded color data (expanded color data)
Is converted by a given conversion rule that associates color data with an α value to obtain an α value corresponding to the expanded color data. Then, α synthesis processing is performed using the obtained α value and the expanded color data (or color data obtained based on the expanded color data) to generate an image.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The α value obtained by the conversion is set for the α plane of the texture (extended texture) in which the expanded color data (or the color data obtained based on the expanded color data) is set in the RGB plane. Then, an object to which the texture (RGBα) in which the α plane is set is mapped is drawn in a drawing buffer (frame buffer, work buffer, or the like) while performing α synthesis using the α value, thereby generating an image. .

Thus, even when the compressed color data (compressed texture) having no α value is used, the α value corresponding to each color can be generated. Therefore, MP
Α synthesis processing can be realized even in texture mapping using a texture compressed by EG, etc.
Image expressions such as "map the texture like a non-rectangular sticker" and "make the object partially translucent" can be realized. As a result, a realistic image with a high degree of variety can be generated with a small amount of data.

In this case, various conversion rules for the color data-α value can be considered.

For example, in FIG. 8, the color (for example, red) near the outline (inner area along the inner side of the outline) of the flame (display object in a broad sense; the same applies to the following description) is displayed by the conversion rule. It is associated with the α value that makes an object translucent.

More specifically, the color near the center of the flame (for example, yellow or white) is associated with the α value that makes the display opaque. The α value is gradually changed from the vicinity of the center of the flame toward the contour, and the color near the contour is associated with the α value that makes the display object translucent. The color outside the flame (for example, black) is associated with the α value that makes the display object transparent.

In this way, translucent synthesis with the background color is performed near the outline of the flame. This makes it possible to blur the outline of the flame,
The problem that jaggies and the like occur in the outline of the flame can be prevented.

Further, it becomes possible to set the outside of the flame to be transparent, and it is also possible to "map a texture like a non-rectangular sticker".

For example, FIG. 9 shows an example of the α value of the flame generated according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, the α value is represented in a gray scale expression.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a flame image generated by using the α value shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view near the outline of the flame.

According to the present embodiment as shown in FIG.
The outside of the flame can be set to be transparent. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, according to the present embodiment, the vicinity of the outline of the flame can be set to be translucent, and the occurrence of jaggy near the outline can be prevented.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the case of adopting the methods of (B) and (C) to represent a large flame occupying a large area by arranging a plurality of flames,
Between the flames (between OB1 and OB2, between OB2 and OB3) an overlap occurs. And, in this case, if the vicinity of the outline of the flame cannot be set to be translucent, the boundary of the flame (difference in color density) in the overlapped portion becomes conspicuous, and an unnatural image is generated.

According to the present embodiment, since the vicinity of the outline of the flame can be set to be translucent, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an unnatural image as described above is generated. Therefore, even when a large flame is expressed by arranging a plurality of flames, a real and natural image can be generated as shown in FIG. That is, the player can be illusioned as if there is one large flame, not a combination of a plurality of flames. Therefore, a wide range of flames can be expressed using a movie texture representing a narrow range of flames as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, and a more realistic image with a small amount of data can be obtained. Can be generated.

In FIG. 13, the method of this embodiment is applied to a blue background.

For example, as shown at A1 in FIG.
The actual motion of people and others is photographed on a blue background (green background). Then, the obtained actual image data (color data of the original image) is compressed, and the compressed color data is stored in the information storage medium. At the time of generating a game image, the compressed color data is expanded, and the obtained expanded color data is converted into an α value in accordance with a given conversion rule. Get.

In this case, the blue (or green) color data is
The rule conversion is performed so as to be associated with the α value that makes the display object transparent. By doing so, a transparent α value is set in an area that has been blue-back (green-back) in the actual photographed image.

Using the α plane shown in A2, the original expanded color data (RGB plane) shown in A3 and the background image (image generated by a polygon or the like) shown in A4 are α-combined to obtain A5. An image as shown in FIG. In other words, it is possible to generate an image in which a background image made up of polygons and the like is fitted in a portion of the real image, which is a blue background. As a result, it is possible to easily realize the synthesis of the real image and the polygon image, and more various image expressions are possible.

2.3 Conversion Using Look-Up Table The process of converting the expanded color data into an α value can be realized by a process based on a function of a given conversion rule (a conversion process by software). It is more desirable to use a look-up table (color look-up table).

For example, in FIG. 14, color data (for example, RG
Lookup table LUT for associating B) with α value
(The number of LUTs may be one or more). Then, using this LUT, the expanded color data is converted to α
Convert to a value. By doing so, even a complicated conversion process can be realized by a process with a small load. Further, as will be described later, it is also possible to speed up the processing by effectively utilizing hardware (hardware using an LUT) originally included in the image generation system.

As a conversion method using a look-up table, various methods can be considered. For example,
In the present embodiment, the conversion process of the color data to the α value is realized by effectively utilizing the index color / texture mapping.

In this index color / texture mapping, as shown in B1 of FIG. 15, the index number is used instead of the actual color data (RGB) to save the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit. Is stored in association with. As shown in B2 of FIG. 15, a lookup table LUT (CLUT) for index color / texture mapping.
Color palette) stores color data and α values designated by index numbers. When texture mapping is performed on an object, an LUT based on the index number of each texel of the texture is used.
, The corresponding color data and α value are read from the LUT, and an image is drawn in the frame buffer based on the read color data and α value.

In the texture mapping in such an 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 using no LUT. However, since it is not necessary to store the actual color data (for example, 16 bits) in the texture storage unit, the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit can be greatly reduced.

In the present embodiment, such an index color / texture mapping is effectively used in a form different from the usual.

For example, in FIG. 16, a look-up table L for associating expanded color data (RGB plane) as indicated by C1 with color data and an index number INDEX.
Using the UT1, the texture is converted into an INDEX format texture as shown in C2. In the texture of the INDEX format, for example, an INDEX associated with black by the LUT1 is set in a black region of the original image, and an INDEX associated with red by the LUT1 is set in a red region. In the yellow area, LUT1
Sets the INDEX associated with yellow.

[0136] Such a look-up table LUT1
The conversion process from the color data to the INDEX using the image data can be realized by, for example, an LUT conversion processor or the like which the image generation system originally has as hardware. Therefore, the conversion processing can be performed at a significantly higher speed than the conversion processing by software processing.

Next, index color / texture mapping is performed based on the INDEX format texture and the look-up table LUT2 which associates the INDEX with the α value. Thereby, as shown by C3 in FIG. 16, the α value (transparency) corresponding to black is set in the black area of the original image, and the α value corresponding to red is set in the red area.
A value (semi-transparent) is set, and an α plane in which an α value (opaque) corresponding to yellow is set in a yellow area can be generated.

[0138] Such a look-up table LUT2
The conversion processing from INDEX to α value using the function can be realized by, for example, an index color / texture mapping function of hardware of the image generation system. Therefore, the conversion processing can be performed at a significantly higher speed than the conversion processing by software processing. The LU shown in FIG.
At T2, the color data (RGB) part is unused,
Since the mask is performed at the time of index color / texture mapping, any color data may be set.

Then, as shown by C4 in FIG. 16, by mapping the texture composed of the α plane generated by using the index color texture mapping and the RGB plane of the expanded color data to the object OB (polygon), A real flame image as shown in FIG. 10 can be generated.

According to the method shown in FIG.
Since the process of converting to EX and the process of converting INDEX to α value can be realized by using the hardware originally included in the image generation system, there is an advantage that the conversion process can be sped up. Further, since the original expanded color data can be used as the color data, there is an advantage that an image can be represented by a large number of colors.

On the other hand, in FIG. 17, a look-up table L for associating expanded color data (RGB plane) such as D1 with color data and an index number INDEX is used.
Using UT1, the texture is converted into an INDEX format texture such as D2. In the texture of the INDEX format, for example, INDEX associated with black, red, and yellow by the LUT 1 is set in the black, red, and yellow regions of the original image, respectively.

Next, as shown at D3 in FIG.
Based on a DEX format texture and a look-up table LUT2 (CLUT with α value) that associates INDEX with color data (RGB) and α value,
The index color / texture mapping is performed on the object OB. In this way, the black area of the original image is associated with the black color data and the α value (transparency) corresponding to black, and the red area is associated with the red color data and α corresponding to red. A value (translucent) is associated with the yellow area, and texture mapping in which yellow color data and an α value (opaque) corresponding to yellow are associated can be realized.

In the method shown in FIG. 17, the color data is
Since the process of converting to EX and the process of converting INDEX to α value can be realized by using the hardware originally included in the image generation system, there is an advantage that the conversion process can be sped up.

On the other hand, in the method of FIG. 17, unlike the method of FIG. 16, the original decompressed color data cannot be used as the RGB plane of the texture, so that there is a disadvantage that the number of colors is reduced.

However, in the method shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to make the colors and translucent parts of the generated image different by using different types of look-up tables LUT2 while using the texture of the same expanded color data. It is possible to realize various image expressions with a small amount of data.

For example, let us consider a case where a blue lookup table LUT2-1 is used to represent the flow of a river. In this case, the blue lookup table L
UT2-1 is converted to a yellow and red lookup table L
By replacing with UT2-2, it is possible to express lava flow. Especially as time passes and events occur,
If the look-up table LUT-2 is replaced, while using the same movie texture data,
Different image representations can be realized, and real and diverse images can be generated with a small amount of data.

[0147] 3. Next, a detailed example of the process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 18 to 21 and FIGS.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts of the conversion processing method described with reference to FIG.

First, an area for storing compressed movie texture data (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) is shown in FIG.
(Step S1). Also,
Convert texture data from RGB format to INDE
An area for storing LUT data (LUT1 in FIG. 16) used for conversion into the X format is stored in the RAM 220.
It is secured above (step S2).

Next, as shown by E1 in FIG. 22, the compressed movie texture data is read from the information storage medium 230 (CD, DVD, hard disk, etc.) and loaded into the area on the RAM 220 secured in step S1 ( Step S3). Similarly, as shown in E2, LUT data is read from the information storage medium 230, and step S
The data is loaded into the area on the RAM 220 secured in step 2 (step S4).

Next, the address ADi and data size SZi of the compressed texture CTEXi (frame i) are obtained from the frame data address block (see FIG. 6) in the compressed movie texture data (step S).
5).

Next, the main processor 200 specifies the address ADi of the compressed texture CTEXi, the data size SZi of the CTEXi, and
DMA transfer is started by designating an address ADi 'for storing TEXi and a data size SZi' of ETEXi (step S6). As a result, the compressed texture CTEXi stored at the address ADi is transferred to the data decompression processor 202 as indicated by E3 in FIG.

Next, the main processor 200 issues a decompression (decode) instruction to the data decompression processor 202 (step S7). As a result, E4 in FIG.
As shown in, the compressed texture CTEXi is expanded,
The obtained decompressed texture ETEXi is stored in the address ADi 'specified in step S6.

Next, the main processor 200 executes the LUT
Address ADC of data CL, data size SZ of CL
C to start DMA transfer (step S
8). As a result, as shown in E5 of FIG.
The data CL is transferred to the LUT conversion processor 204.

Next, the main processor 200 designates the address ADi ′ of the decompressed texture ETEXi and the data size SZi ′ of the ETEXi, and specifies the address AD of the texture INDEXi in the INDEX format.
i ", the data size SZi" of ITEXi,
The DMA transfer is started (step S9). This allows
As shown at E6 in FIG. 22, the extended texture ETEXi
Is transferred to the LUT conversion processor 204.

Next, the main processor 200 executes the LUT
An LUT conversion instruction is issued to the conversion processor 204 (step S10). As a result, the expanded texture ETEXi is converted into the INDEX format corresponding to the CL as shown at E7 in FIG.
The EX format texture ITEXi is stored in the address ADi ″ specified in step S9.

Next, as shown by E8 in FIG. 22, the texture ITD of the INDEX format at the address ADi ″ is obtained.
EXi is transferred to the address VAD on the VRAM 212 (step S11). Further, as shown in E9, an αLUT for index color / texture mapping is used.
The data αL (LUT2 in FIG. 16) is transferred to the VRAM 212 (step S12). Further, as shown at E10, the expanded texture ETEXi (R
(GB plane) to the address VAD on the VRAM 212 (step S12).

Next, in the α plane of the address VAD, α
The sprite (polygon) is drawn by mapping ITEXi using L as the LUT (step S1)
4). As a result, the RGB plane of the address VAD becomes the RGB of ETEXi, and the α plane of the VAD is αL.
Is the α value specified by. Then, the VAD is designated as a texture data area, and an index color / texture mapping is performed on the object (step S1).
5).

Next, i (the number of frames of the movie) is incremented by 1 and the process returns to step S5.

By performing the above, the conversion processing method described with reference to FIG. 16 can be realized.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts of the conversion processing method described with reference to FIG.

Note that steps S21 to S21 in FIGS.
Step S31 is the same process as steps S1 to S11 in FIGS. 18 and 19, and a description thereof will be omitted.

At step S31 in FIG. 21, the texture IT
After transferring EXi to the VRAM 212, E11 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, data CLj of an LUT with an α value (FIG. 1)
7 is transferred to the VRAM 212 (step S32). And IT using CLj as LUT
Using EXi as a texture, an index color / texture mapping is performed on the object OBj (step S33). As a result, the same movie texture can be used as a movie texture having different colors and translucent portions.

Next, j (the number of LUTs with α values) is incremented by 1 (step S34). And j>
It is determined whether or not jmax is satisfied. If j ≦ jmax, the process returns to step S32 to perform the process for the next LUT with an α value.

On the other hand, if j> jmax, i (the number of frames of the movie) is incremented by 1 and the process returns to step S25.

By performing the above, the conversion processing method described with reference to FIG. 17 can be realized.

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

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

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a process such as a matrix operation is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object (motion), a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the process (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 a 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 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 primitives (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 transfer the object data to the drawing processor 910.
And the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the drawing processor 910
Performs hidden surface removal using a Z-buffer, etc., based on these object data and textures.
The object is drawn in the frame buffer 922 at high speed. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the game controller 942 (lever, button, housing, pad-type controller, 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.

[0177] The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

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

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Further, by using a high-speed serial bus, data transfer with another image generation system becomes possible.

Each means of the present invention may be realized (executed) only by hardware, or may be realized 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. 25A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system (image generation system). The player enjoys the game by operating the gun-type controllers 1102 and 1103 while watching the game images projected on the displays 1100 and 1101. Built-in system board (circuit board) 1
Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on 106. 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. 25B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system (image generation system). The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200 while watching the gun-type controller 120.
Enjoy the game by operating 2, 1204 and the like. In this case, the storage program (storage information) is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208 or 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 25C 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. 25 (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, in the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a movie texture has been described. However, the method of the present invention uses a normal texture that is not a movie texture, or image data other than a texture (for example, image data of a map). Also applicable to

The conversion rules for associating color data with α values are not limited to those described with reference to FIGS.

The method of converting the expanded color data to the α value is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17, and various modifications such as conversion based on a function or numerical calculation are possible. is there.

Further, according to the present invention, the expanded color data is converted into data equivalent to the α value or data having the same effect (first type data different in type from the color data, such as depth value data). Also applicable to cases.

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

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 relates to various image generation systems (games, 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 an image generation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing movie texture mapping.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for describing movie texture mapping for random playback.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams showing examples of movie textures representing flames.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are diagrams for explaining an example of an arrangement of objects to which a movie texture is mapped by random reproduction; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of compressed movie texture data.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for describing a method of generating an image by converting decompressed color data into an α value according to a given conversion rule.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of a conversion rule in the expression of flame.

FIG. 9 is an example of an α value (α plane) generated by the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an example of a flame image generated according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view near the outline of a flame image.

FIG. 12 is an example of an image when a large flame is expressed by arranging a plurality of flames.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a case where the present embodiment is applied to a blue screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a conversion processing method using a lookup table.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing index color / texture mapping.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing an example of a conversion processing method using index color / texture mapping.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing another example of a conversion processing method using index color / texture mapping.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

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

FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing a detailed example of a process according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of a process according to the embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied;

[Explanation of symbols]

 CTEX1-N Compressed texture ETEX1-N Expanded texture OB, OB1, OB2, OB3 Object LUT, LUT1, LUT2 Look-up table 100 Processing unit 110 Movement / motion operation unit 112 Virtual camera control unit 114 Object space setting unit 116 Expansion unit 118 Conversion Unit 120 image generation unit 122 texture mapping unit 124 α synthesis unit 130 sound generation unit 160 operation unit 170 storage unit 172 main storage unit 174 drawing buffer 176 texture storage unit 178 LUT storage unit 180 information storage medium 190 display unit 192 sound output unit 194 Portable information storage device 196 Communication unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // A63F 13/00 A63F 13/08 13/08 H04N 7/13 Z F term (Reference) 2C001 AA03 AA06 AA09 BA01 BA03 BA06 BC01 BC03 BC06 BC08 CB01 CB02 CB03 CC02 CC03 DA04 5B080 FA02 FA03 FA08 FA17 GA22 5C023 AA06 AA17 AA37 BA01 BA11 CA01 CA08 5C059 MA00 MA23 MC11 MC38 ME02 PP05 PP15 PP19 PP22 RC19 UA02 EA02 EA02 A01A01 EA02 KE03 KF05 KM11

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image generation system for generating an image, comprising: a decompression means for decompressing compressed color data of an original image and outputting decompressed color data; An image generation system, comprising: means for converting to an α value in accordance with a given conversion rule for associating, and means for generating an image based on the α value obtained by the conversion. 2. The image generation system according to claim 1, wherein the color data near the outline of the display object is associated with an α value that makes the display object translucent by the given conversion rule. . 3. The display object according to claim 2, wherein the display object is a display object representing a flame, and the given conversion rule associates red color data with an α value that makes the display object translucent. An image generation system characterized by the following. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the original image includes a blue-back image or a green-back image, and according to the given conversion rule, blue or green color data is converted to an α value that makes a display object transparent. An image generation system characterized by being associated. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: based on the extended color data and the α value obtained by the conversion,
An image generation system characterized by performing an α synthesis process. 6. The image generation system according to claim 1, wherein the expanded color data is converted to an α value based on a look-up table that associates the color data with an α value. 7. The expanded color data according to claim 1, wherein the expanded color data is converted into an index number based on a first look-up table that associates the color data with an index number. An index number is converted to an α value by an index color texture mapping using a second look-up table that maps 8. The index color texture according to claim 7, wherein the second look-up table is a look-up table that associates an index number with color data and an α value. An image generation system, wherein an index number is converted into color data and an α value by mapping, and α synthesis processing is performed based on the color data and the α value obtained by the conversion. 9. The compressed color data according to claim 1, wherein the compressed color data is a compressed texture included in a compressed movie texture, and the decompressed color data is a decompressed texture obtained by decompressing the compressed texture. An image generation system, comprising: 10. A computer-usable program, comprising: decompression means for decompressing compressed color data of an original image and outputting decompressed color data; and obtaining the decompressed color data by associating color data with an α value. A program for causing a computer to realize: a means for converting to an α value according to a given conversion rule; and a means for generating an image based on the α value obtained by the conversion. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 10, wherein the given conversion rule associates color data near the outline of the display object with an α value that makes the display object translucent. 12. The display object according to claim 11, wherein the display object is a display object representing a flame, and the given conversion rule associates the red color data with an α value that makes the display object translucent. A program characterized by: 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the original image includes a blue-back image or a green-back image, and according to the given conversion rule, blue or green color data is converted to an α value that makes a display object transparent. A program characterized by being associated. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: based on the expanded color data and the α value obtained by the conversion,
A program characterized by performing an α synthesis process. 15. The program according to claim 10, wherein the expanded color data is converted to an α value based on a look-up table that associates the color data with an α value. 16. The expanded color data according to claim 10, wherein the expanded color data is converted into an index number based on a first look-up table that associates the color data with the index number. The index number is converted to an α value by index color texture mapping using a second look-up table that associates 17. The index color texture according to claim 16, wherein the second look-up table is a look-up table that associates an index number with color data and an α value. A program wherein an index number is converted into color data and an α value by mapping, and α synthesis processing is performed based on the color data and the α value obtained by the conversion. 18. The compressed color data according to claim 10, wherein the compressed color data is a compressed texture included in a compressed movie texture, and the decompressed color data is a decompressed texture obtained by decompressing the compressed texture. A program characterized by the following. 19. An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the information storage medium includes the program according to claim 10. Description: