JP2003103046A - Game apparatus, image data formation method and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a video game apparatus which can express, the traces of objects moving on screens in video games. SOLUTION: In the game apparatus which displays objects as images moving with the development of games, there are provided a means (S132) for reading the current positions of the objects, trace mark drawing means (S132 to S158) which draw trace marks within the specified ranges of lengths from the current positions while diluting the rear end sides of the trace marks gradually with the passage of time to vanish. This can reduce trace polygons of tires or the like thereby enabling decrease in the computations of image processing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a video game device. In particular, the present invention relates to a game device that enables more realistic image expression with a game device installed in an amusement center or a home.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advance of computer technology, video game devices using computer graphics technology have come into wide use. This type of video game device is widely accepted by users. A large variety of game devices have been devised, and various game software corresponding to them have been supplied.

[0003]

In order for the user to enjoy the video game more, it is desired that the image is displayed on the screen in a more realistic expression. For example, in a vehicle race such as a car race, the movements of the vehicle and the background are naturally expressed, and things that can occur during driving, for example, the reflection of light on the windshield is displayed as a special effect on the screen. Is desirable. Also, it is interesting if traces of vehicle tire slip appear. Moreover, if the traces and the like generated in the previous game when the game is restarted remain on the road surface, the screen becomes even more powerful, and it can be easily imagined that the sense of presence is enhanced.

On the other hand, in the three-dimensional screen (3D) display, since complicated calculations such as coordinate conversion are repeated, the amount of calculation that the CPU bears becomes enormous. For this reason, if a special effect such as image expression is performed, the number of polygons displayed on the screen must be reduced by the amount of calculation used for this.

Therefore, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a video game device capable of expressing a screen on which a player can experience the glare caused by a light source.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a game device capable of expressing traces of a moving object in a video game on a screen.

Further, the present invention provides a video game device capable of expressing a trace of a moving object in a video game on a screen and reflecting the trace not only during the execution of the game but also in the next game. The third purpose is to do so.

Further, the present invention provides a method capable of reducing the amount of calculation in a drawing routine when a game development in a three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on a two-dimensional screen so as to be viewed stereoscopically. The purpose of.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the game device of the present invention moves a visual point of a virtual camera in a three-dimensional virtual space to enter the scene. Display an image of came into the view (di
The splay game device includes flare processing means (S102 to S118) for forming flare in a picture when a light source is present within the field of view. The flare processing unit obtains a line-of-sight vector that represents the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint (S106), and a unit that obtains a ray vector that represents the direction of the light source from the viewpoint (S104).
And the dot product of the line-of-sight vector and the ray vector (the
Inner product calculating means for calculating inner product) (S108)
And flare forming means (S112 to S118) for forming a flare having an intensity corresponding to the inner product on the image. By doing so, it becomes possible to form flare corresponding to the position of the light source from the viewpoint and / or the intensity of the light source. Then, the expression becomes closer to the actual scene, and it becomes possible to form a game image with enhanced video effects, which makes the game interesting.

Further, the present invention is characterized by further comprising a discriminating means (S110) for activating the flare forming means based on the comparison result of the inner product and the reference value. As a result, when the light source is not strong enough to generate flare, it is possible to avoid the flare formation and prevent the image quality from being degraded by performing the flare process.

Further, the flare forming means increases the degree of whiteness of the image according to the inner product (S112). As a result, the effect of flare on the image (flare effect) is expressed.

Further, the flare forming means forms an image of a flare polygon having transparency corresponding to the inner product (S1).
14, S118). This makes it possible to express the flare of the camera lens.

Further, the flare forming means adds whiteness to an image according to the inner product and a flare polygon having a transparency according to the inner product between an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a predetermined inner product. At least one of the forming treatments is performed. This makes it possible to avoid flare generation due to a light source with low intensity and avoid excessive flare processing due to a light source with high intensity.

Further, the flare forming means forms the flare on a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the light source (S1).
16, S118). This represents the incidence of light rays on the virtual camera.

The game apparatus of the present invention is a game apparatus for displaying a scene in the visual field by moving the visual point in a three-dimensional virtual space, and when a light source is present in the visual field of the visual point, the image is displayed on the image. A flare processing means for forming flare is included, and the flare processing means determines the degree of the flare according to the position in the field of view of the light source, the intensity of the light source, and the like. At this time, the degree of flare can be determined to an appropriate value in consideration of the upper limit value and the lower limit value described above using a table or a function.

The flare is expressed, for example, by displaying a plane shape having a relatively high degree of whitishness or a hollow plane shape on the screen. By repeating the display and non-display of the flare within a short period of time (flushing), it becomes possible to more closely resemble the actual flare generation state. In addition, it is possible to avoid continuous obstruction of the background image by flare (particularly, a flare image that is not hollow) so that the game operation is not hindered.

By displaying a plurality of flares on a straight line corresponding to an incident ray, it is possible to make the flare look more like. At this time, it is possible to further reduce the calculation load by forming a plurality of flares to be displayed in a similar shape.

Further, the light source is a virtual sun arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space, and in order for the virtual sun to cause flare in the image in a predetermined scene, the virtual sun in the three-dimensional virtual space is used. The virtual sun is rearranged within the visual field of the predetermined scene from the regular arrangement position. By doing so, it becomes possible to intentionally cause the light source to exist in the game scene to generate flare and to produce the game scene.

The game device of the present invention is a game device for displaying an object which moves according to the development of the game as an image, and means for reading the current position of the object (S132) and a length within a predetermined range from the current position. A trace mark drawing means (S132 to S158) is provided for drawing a trace mark and gradually thinning the trailing end side of the trace mark so as to disappear over time. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of trace polygons such as tires and reduce the amount of calculation for image processing.

The trace mark preferably comprises a plurality of portions, and each portion shares a pattern that becomes thinner from the leading end portion to the trailing end portion of the trace mark. A preformed pattern can be used as the trace pattern shared by each portion. Further, it is possible to change the transparency of the basic trace pattern and use it as the pattern of each portion.

The trace mark drawing means continues until the current position of the object is separated from the top position of the trace mark drawn (top position) by a predetermined value or more (spaced) (S134). Only the part is extended (S142 to S152), and when it is separated by a predetermined value or more, the entire trace mark is moved toward the current position of the object by the predetermined value (S136 to S158). As a result, it is possible to draw a trace mark that does not make the player feel uncomfortable and limit the length of the entire trace mark to a fixed length, thereby suppressing an increase in the amount of image processing calculations.

Further, the trace mark drawing means adjusts the disappearance timing of the trace drawn according to the moving speed of the object (S132 to S158).

Further, the trace mark drawing means does not erase the drawn trace mark when the object is stopped and moves the drawn trace mark when the object is moving. It is characterized by rapidly erasing according to (S132 to S158). As a result, the trace mark follows the movement of the object.

The trace mark drawing means preferably erases the drawn trace mark when a predetermined time has elapsed after the object stopped. As a result, the number of display polygons (slip marks) is reduced and CP
It is possible to reduce the calculation load of U.

The trace mark drawing means includes a cyclic register (FIG. 10) for holding the position of each part of the mark in a plurality of storage areas corresponding to each part of the mark (FIG. 9) consisting of the plurality of parts, and the mark. And a mark head position indicating means (FIGS. 6 and 8) indicating the storage area of the cyclic register corresponding to the head of the.

In addition to this, a structure for obtaining another characteristic of the trace mark of the present invention is a game apparatus for displaying an object moving in a virtual space as an image as a game develops, while the game is being executed. Processing display means (FIGS. 28 to 31) for processing and displaying the trace mark associated with the movement of the object and the past trace mark, and a first storage means (FIG. 28) for storing the trace mark after the end of the game. 32) and read means for reading the trace mark stored in the first storage means from the first storage means before starting the game and giving it to the processing display means as the past trace mark (FIG. 27) and.

For example, the processing display means (FIGS. 28 to 3)
1) is a first display unit (S300) for processing and displaying the new trace mark associated with the movement of the object.
1 to S3004) and second storage means (S3001, S3005 to S3008, S3011) for storing the trace marks generated up to the present time including the past trace marks.
S3017), sorting means (S3021) for sorting the trace marks stored in the second storage means, and second display means (S3022) for processing and displaying the trace marks according to the sorting result of the sorting means. ~ S302
5) and.

Preferably, the second storage means sorts the trace marks according to their size (S30).
11 to S3017) and a memory means (102) for erasing a trace mark having a low priority due to the sorting result and storing a newly generated trace mark.

Also preferably, the sorting means (S302
1) is means for sorting according to the distance from the virtual camera to the trace mark in the virtual space.

More preferably, the second display means (S
3022 to S3025) are means for displaying the trace mark in consideration of the maximum number of polygons of the trace mark that can be displayed.

On the other hand, the first storage means (FIG. 32) is
Judgment means (S32) for judging the display value of the trace mark.
1), a sorting means (S322) for sorting the trace marks according to the determination result of the determination means, and a memory means (storing only a predetermined number of trace marks having a high priority from the sorting result of the sorting means). S323 ~ S3
25, 190). The condition for determining the display value includes conditions for the length and position of the trace mark.

The processing display means (FIGS. 28 to 31) is
Means for reading the current position of the object, and trace mark drawing means for drawing a trace mark with a length within a predetermined range from the current position and gradually thinning the trailing end side of the trace mark to disappear over time. And are provided.

With this configuration, the value of the trace mark data such as the tire mark data during the execution of the game is determined immediately after the game ends, and the values are selectively stored in the memory (SRAM) in descending order of display value. Is displayed in. Therefore, at the time of the next game, the tire mark such as the slip mark at the time of the previous game is displayed on the screen, which is very realistic and highly realistic. Further, this tire mark data is treated as a part of past data during game execution, sorted, and most of it is displayed under display conditions depending on the maximum number of displays, camera field of view, and the like.

On the other hand, since the tire mark data amount to be saved at the end of the game is sorted according to the display value of the mark, and the data with the highest priority is saved, the storage capacity thereof can be small. Further, since the sorting and the data storage are not performed during the game execution but are performed at the time when the game is finished, it is possible to reduce the calculation load on the calculation elements centered on the CPU.

The medium of the present invention stores a program that causes a computer system to function as the above-mentioned game device.

The image data forming method of the present invention is a process of arranging an object composed of polygons in a three-dimensional virtual space (S202) and setting a viewpoint in the three-dimensional virtual space, and displaying from this viewpoint. A process of projecting polygons in the area onto a projection surface to form a projection image (S254)
And a step of identifying whether each polygon at the viewpoint is visible or invisible from the projection image formed on the projection surface (S
256) and the process of forming the object data by the data representing the visible or invisible of each polygon (S21).
2) and the step of associating the viewpoint with the object data (S216).

In the image data forming method of the present invention, a process of arranging all objects constituted by polygons in a three-dimensional virtual space (S202) and a process of setting a plurality of viewpoints in the three-dimensional virtual space (S204). ), And a process of projecting polygons in the display area viewed from each viewpoint onto the respective projection surfaces to form a projected image for each viewpoint (S252, S).
254), a process of identifying whether each polygon is visible or invisible at each viewpoint from the projection image formed on the projection surface (S256), and determining whether each polygon is visible or invisible at each viewpoint based on the identification result. From the viewpoints, the process of forming the data (S258), the process of forming a plurality of object data by grouping the same or similar patterns by the data pattern of each polygon representing the visible or invisible at each viewpoint (S212), Forming an object table representing visible object data (S216).

The medium of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer system to execute each step of the above-described image data forming method.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) A video game device according to the first embodiment will be described. This video game device has a configuration capable of executing the special effect image algorithm of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a video game device. This device is C which controls the whole device.
PU block 10, video block 11 for controlling the display of the game screen, sound block 1 for generating sound effects, etc.
2. The subsystem 13 for reading the CD-ROM and the like.

The CPU block 10 is an SCU (System C
ontrol Unit) 100, main CPU 101, RAM 1
02, ROM 103, cartridge I / F 1a, sub C
The PU 104 and the CPU bus 103 are included. The main CPU 101 controls the entire apparatus. The main CPU 101 has a DSP (Di
(Gital Signal Processor) has the same calculation function, and can execute application software at high speed.

The RAM 102 is used as a work area for the main CPU 101. ROM103
An initial program for initialization processing and the like are written in. SCU100 has buses 105, 106 and 1
07 by controlling the main CPU 101, VD
Data is smoothly input and output between the P120, 130, the DSP 140, the CPU 141, and the like. Also,
The SCU 100 has a DMA controller inside and can transfer the object (or sprite) data in the game to the VRAM in the video block 11. As a result, application software such as a game can be executed at high speed. Cartridge I / F
1a is for inputting application software supplied in the form of a ROM cartridge.

The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System M
This is called an anager & Peripheral Control) and has a function of collecting peripheral data from the input device 2b via the connector 2a in response to a request from the main CPU 101. Main CPU 101 is sub CPU
Based on the peripheral data received from 104, processing such as moving a vehicle (object) in the game screen is performed. A steering device including a steering wheel, an accelerator, a brake and the like is connected to the connector 2a. Also, any peripherals such as PAD, joystick, keyboard, etc. can be connected. By connecting two control devices 2b to the connector 2a, it becomes possible to compete in a car race. Sub CPU1
Reference numeral 04 has a function of automatically recognizing the type of peripheral connected to the connector 2a (terminal on the main body side) and collecting peripheral data and the like according to a communication method corresponding to the type of peripheral.

The video block 11 is mainly a VDP (Video Display Processor) 120 for drawing an object or the like made up of polygon data of a video game.
Background screen drawing, polygon image data (object)
And VD that performs background image synthesis, clipping processing, etc.
P130 and.

The VDP 120 is connected to a VRAM 121 and a plurality of frame buffers (two 122 and 123 in the illustrated example). A drawing command of a polygon representing an object of the video game device is sent from the main CPU 101 to the VDP 120 via the SCU 100, and the VRA 120
Written to M121. The VDP 120 reads the drawing command from the VRAM into the internal system register and writes the drawing data in the frame buffer. The drawn data in the frame buffer 122 or 123 is VDP13.
Sent to 0. The VDP 120 is a texture part display that displays a fixed object, a scaled-up object, a deformed object, etc., a non-standard object display that displays a quadrilateral polygon, a polyline, a line, etc., a semi-transparent operation between parts, a half-brightness operation, a shadow operation, a blur operation, It is provided with a color calculation such as mesh calculation and shading calculation, mesh processing, a calculation function for performing clipping so as to prevent drawing other than a set display area, and the like. In addition, it is equipped with a geometallizer that performs matrix operations, and operations such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, transformation, and coordinate conversion can be performed quickly.

The VDP 130 is connected to the VRAM 131, and the image data output from the VDP 130 is stored in the memory 1
It is configured to be output to the encoder 160 via 32. The VDP 130 has, in addition to the functions of the VDP 120, a scroll function for controlling scroll screen display, a priority function for determining display priority of objects and screens, and the like.

The encoder 160 generates a video signal by adding a synchronizing signal or the like to this image data, and
Output to the image receiver 5 (or projector). As a result, the screens of various games are displayed on the TV receiver 5.

The sound block 12 is composed of a DSP 140 that synthesizes voice according to the PCM system or the FM system, and a CPU 141 that controls the DSP 140 and the like. The audio data generated by the DSP 140 is converted into a 2-channel signal by the D / A converter 170 and then output to the speaker 5b.

The subsystem 13 includes a CD-ROM drive 1b, a CD I / F 180, a CPU 181, and an MPEG.
It is composed of AUDIO 182, MPEG VIDEO 183 and the like. This subsystem 13 is a CD-
It is provided with a function of reading application software supplied in the form of a ROM and reproducing a moving image. CD-
The ROM drive 1b reads data from a CD-ROM. The CPU 181 performs processing such as control of the CD-ROM drive 1b and error correction of read data. The data read from the CD-ROM is supplied to the main CPU 101 via the CD I / F 180, the bus 106, and the SCU 100, and is used as application software. In addition, MPEG AUDI
The O182 and MPEG VIDEO 183 are devices that restore data compressed according to the MPEG standard (Motion Picture Expert Group). These MPEG
By reproducing the MPEG compressed data written in the CD-ROM using the AUDIO 182 and the MPEG VIDEO 183, it becomes possible to reproduce the moving image.

Next, an example of the first special effect of the image according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

In this embodiment, when a light ray is incident on a so-called virtual camera from a light source during the development of a game, flare due to the light ray is generated in the image to provide a more realistic image. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a flare forming algorithm, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining conditions for flare occurrence, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image in which flare has occurred.

First, the CPU 101 develops a car race game in a three-dimensional virtual space in accordance with a main game program and driving operation data (not shown). The main game program and data are supplied by an information recording medium such as a ROM cartridge, a CD-ROM, and a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and loaded in the memory in advance. Further, the programs and data may be downloaded through a medium such as a communication network such as the Internet, personal computer communication and satellite communication, or broadcasting. The CPU 101 arranges vehicles and background objects in the three-dimensional virtual space, and controls the position and movement of the objects in synchronization with the frame period of the TV receiver.

FIG. 3 shows a state of observing a three-dimensional virtual space with a virtual camera corresponding to a viewpoint of a player or a driver. In FIG. 3, 21 is a virtual camera (viewpoint) and 22 is a television. Projection plane corresponding to monitor screen, 2
3 is a three-dimensional virtual space in which the game is developed, 24 is a virtual light source arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space, 25 is a visual field range of the virtual camera, A is a unit vector on a line connecting the camera position and the light source, and B is A unit vector existing in the direction of the virtual camera, θ is an angle formed by the vectors A and B. Note that the vector is not limited to the unit vector, as will be described later.

The CPU 101 keeps the visual field (or screen) 25 of the virtual camera within the visual field 25 while the main game program is being executed.
It is determined whether or not the light source polygons 24 such as the sun and street lights are included (S102). This is because the objects arranged in the virtual space for each scene are stored in a database in advance, and it is possible to know the existence of the light source object by the individual number of the object listed in the corresponding scene.

If the light source object does not exist in the field of view, flare does not occur, and the main image processing ends.

When a light source object exists in the field of view,
The CPU 101 determines how much the camera faces in the direction of the light source, the positional relationship in the visual field of the light source, and the like in order to determine whether the light beam from the light source is incident on the camera lens, the degree of the influence, and the like. Therefore, a line segment connecting the camera position in the three-dimensional virtual space and the light source object is obtained, and the unit length vector A is obtained (S104).
The orientation of the camera 21 in the three-dimensional virtual space in this scene is obtained from the database, and the unit vector B representing the orientation of the camera is obtained (S106). An inner product C of the unit vectors A and B, that is, C = | A | · | B | cos θ is calculated. If the directions of both vectors match, θ becomes 0 degree,
The inner product is 1. On the contrary, the inner product approaches 0 as the directions of both vectors are further apart (S108). When the intensity of the light source is reflected on the inner product C, the value of the vector A is not the unit length “1” but the value corresponding to the intensity of the light source. The vector A in this case corresponds to an incident light ray having a direction and a magnitude (light intensity).

The CPU 101 compares the inner product with a reference value preset as a flare generation condition. The inner product C is
It is determined whether or not the reference value (threshold value) is exceeded (S11).
0). If it does not exceed the limit, flare does not occur or is not enough to cause flare, so this image processing is terminated and the process returns to the main program. The flare process should be performed to the extent that the player can recognize that the image is affected by the light source. Otherwise, flare processing (e.g., fog effect, described below) can cause a type of image quality degradation. This can be avoided by the above determination (S110).

When the inner product C exceeds the reference value, the CPU 10
1 performs flare processing. First, the larger the value C of the inner product, the more straightly the light rays are incident on the camera lens from the light source, so more intense flare occurs. So the value C
Adds white to the image in proportion to the so-called "fog effect"
Give rise to. This can be realized by changing the luminance / chromaticity parameters of the color calculation of the VDPs 120 and 130 (S112). Next, the transparency D proportional to the value of C
Is calculated (S114). Convert the straight line connecting the camera position and the position of the light source object to the straight line E on the two-dimensional screen,
The light ray route in the screen image is specified (S1
16). A flare polygon with transparency D is drawn at an appropriate position along the straight line E. For example, when the transparency D is semi-transparent, the luminance of the background image is halved and the luminance of the flare polygon is halved, and the result is drawn in the frame buffer. Thereby, a flare image is obtained (S118). When there are a plurality of light source polygons having a large amount of light in the field of view, the flare generation processing described above is performed on each polygon.

It should be noted that only one of the fog effect and the flare polygon processing may be performed. If a light source exists in the field of view (S102; Yes), the light source is affected to some extent. The degree of influence is controlled by the dot product C. Therefore, it is not essential to set the threshold value (S110). Also, for example, when a light source is present in the field of view, the transparency of the flare polygon is adjusted by the inner product C, and when the inner product C exceeds a threshold value, the effect of fog is proportional to the inner product C in addition to this. It is also good to give birth. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the whiteness and transparency of the image by taking into consideration the types of light sources such as the sun and street lights and the intensity of the light sources.

FIG. 4 shows how flare occurs in the image during the race. In this example, the light source object exists in the upper right corner of the screen, and an annular flare polygon and a circular flare polygon are displayed along a straight line E that is not displayed. The shape of the flare polygon is not limited to the one in which the illustrated contour is substantially circular. For example, the contour may be polygonal. The flare polygon may be displayed as it is without performing the semi-transparency processing, or the flare polygon formed in advance without performing the semi-transparency processing. If the flare polygons are displayed and disappeared repeatedly in a blinking manner, the back of the flare polygons appears intermittently, so shapes that are not hollow (hollow or annular) are hollowed out. The same effect as the above or the same effect as making the flare polygon semitransparent is obtained, and the background is visible and does not interfere with the game operation. You can also make it look more flared.

The flare is not limited to the flare polygon display. Image composition may be performed using a plane figure representing flare. Even when the flare is displayed in a blinking manner as described above, the plane shape of a hue with a high degree of whiteness that is more foggy than the surroundings (preferably a hollow shape or a substantially circular or polygonal shape corresponding to lens flare) The flare formed by (1) is used to perform screen synthesis, and a plurality of similar shapes can be displayed side by side on a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the light source corresponding to the incident light. In such a case, the calculation load is relatively small.

5 and 6 show another embodiment of flare processing. In this example, step 110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 is modified. That is,
When using the value C of the inner product, as shown in FIG. 6, an upper limit value CU and a lower limit value CL are provided. When the inner product C exceeds the upper limit value CU (S110a; CU <C), the inner product is set to the value CU (S110d). This can prevent the image from becoming too whitish due to flare. If the inner product C is less than or equal to the lower limit value (S110a; C <CL), the inner product value is set to CL (S110b) in order to produce a constant flare effect. Further, when the inner product C is between the upper limit value CU and the lower limit value CL (S110a; CL≤C≤CU),
Using the correction function f (C), a correction value C ′ = f (C) is obtained. In this way, the inner product can be appropriately modified and used to perform the flare processing more effectively.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the degree of flare is determined using the inner product C. However, it is possible to perform similar processing without necessarily calculating the inner product C.

FIG. 7 shows two examples of determining the degree of flare by referring to the table. Here, for convenience,
The degree of flare is also represented by C.

When the virtual light source is included in the screen in step S102 (S102; Yes), the position of the virtual light source (for example, the angle θ formed by the vectors A and B)
The flare value C corresponding to can be determined with reference to the table shown in FIG. The position of the virtual light source may be a (x, y) coordinate value on the screen or in the visual field 25. Such a table can be recorded in advance in the CD-ROM 1b as a database, read when the game is started, and held in the RAM 102.

Further, referring to the table shown in FIG. 7B, which obtains the flare intensity corresponding to the intensity of the light source and the position (for example, the angle θ formed by the vectors A and B) in the visual field of the light source, Flare value C corresponding to light source position θn and intensity Pn
You can get nn. Further, although not particularly shown, when the degree of flare is determined by the intensity of the light source, a table holding the flare value C corresponding to only the intensity of the light source may be used. The flare value C thus obtained can be used in the same manner as the inner product C after step 110 described above. Then, it is possible to execute the same flare processing. When referring to the table to determine the degree of flare, in addition to the position and intensity of the light source described above, appropriate things (morning / evening, rain,
The presence of fog, cloudiness, etc.) can be included as a parameter, and the contents of the table are not limited to those shown in the figure.

The functions C = g (θ, P) and C = h which function in the same manner as the table instead of the above-mentioned table.
(Θ), C = i (P) or C = j (x, y) may be used.

Next, the case of utilizing flare will be described. The position of the virtual sun in the so-called world coordinate system is originally fixed. However, in order to facilitate playing the race game, the position of the virtual sun can be appropriately moved so as not to generate backlight. On the contrary, in order to enhance the effect of the game, it is possible to intentionally set the virtual sun in a place where the virtual sun does not originally exist so as to be in a backlit state and generate flare.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the virtual sun is intentionally moved from the original normal position of the virtual sun to a position within the field of vision after the goal, and flare is generated in the image after the goal to produce the climax of the game. It is possible to

Further, the algorithm regarding the example of the second special effect of the image will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. This is a more realistic representation of a vehicle's spin, tire slip, running on a bad road, etc., by leaving marks of tires on the road. Further, by deleting the traces of the tire after a certain period of time, polygons (traces of the tire) in the screen are reduced and the amount of calculation of image processing is reduced. Further, since the tire trace itself is unnecessary as game driving information, it is gradually erased from the trailing end of the trace so that the information does not become excessive so that there is no discomfort.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining an algorithm for displaying a tire mark (tire mark), FIG.
0 to 13 are explanatory views for explaining reading of data, display of tire marks, and the like, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing an example in which tire marks are drawn.

In this embodiment, for example, five types of tire marks whose density is gradually increased, that is, pattern 0 to pattern 4, are used to realistically represent the traces of the tire. Each pattern is a database (ROM)
Remembered in. Also, in order to make the traces of the tires follow the movement of the tires of the vehicle and gradually erase the traces,
Five storage areas of the RAM or the register shown in FIG. 10 are used.

First, in the main program, it is judged whether or not the tire mark display conditions are satisfied.
That is, the tire mark display routine is performed by determining the occurrence of tire slip due to the spin of the vehicle, sudden depression of the accelerator, traveling on a bad road, etc. by referring to the function or the flag indicating the traveling condition.

When the tire slip or the like starts, the CPU 10
1 indicates the tip position of the tire mark among the 5 RAMs.
"The RA of the top mark with the top mark flag set
The previous position X of the tire from M_n-1Is read and displayed on the screen.
Current tire position T _xnDistance L (= T_xn−
X_n-1) Is calculated as a new mark length L (S13).
2). Where position X_n-1, Position T_xnIs a three-dimensional virtual sky
It represents the coordinate value in the interval. Tire mark length L
Exceeds the maximum length l of the tire mark basic pattern
It is determined whether (S134).

When the length L of the tire mark does not exceed the maximum length 1 (S134; No), the CPU 101 stores the current tire position T _xn in the RAM of the leading mark as the end position of the tire mark (S144). . The length L of the tire mark is stored in the RAM of the head mark (S14).
6). The CPU 101 holds the RAM number of the head mark as it is without updating the contents of the flag register that stores the RAM number in which the head mark flag should be set (S148).

The RAM number and the pattern are associated with each other as shown in FIG. 13. The data is read from the RAM of the head mark so as to circulate, and the tire mark is drawn. That is, the head mark RAM _No-0 is in the pattern 4, the head mark RAM _No-1 is in the pattern 3, the head mark RAM _No-2 is in the pattern 2,
The first mark RAM _No-3 is associated with the pattern 1, and the first mark RAM _No-4 is associated with the pattern 0. The darkness of the tire mark changes from light to dark as the pattern changes from pattern 0 to pattern 4. The RAM number at the top mark represents the latest tire trace in time.

The CPU 101 reads the darkest pattern (pattern 4) (S150). The tire mark start position Xn-1, the end position Txn, and the length L are read from the RAM and the pattern is displayed on the screen (S152). It is determined whether the pattern display for the number of RAMs has been completed (S15).
4).

When the tire mark start, end, and length are stored in a plurality of RAMs by the preceding tire mark processing (S154; No), the CPU 101
Designate that the RAM number be cycled in the descending direction (S15
6) The tire mark pattern which is associated with the RAM number and is gradually or gradually lightened in the descending direction is read (S158). When the pattern display for the number of RAMs is completed (S154; Yes), the CPU 101 once returns to the main program.

Then, while the tire mark display conditions are satisfied, steps 132, 134, 144 are performed until the length L of the tire mark exceeds the maximum length l of the tire mark.
˜154 are repeated and the darkest pattern is extended and drawn so as to follow the tire.

Next, when the mark length L exceeds the maximum mark length l (S134; Yes), the mark position Pe (= X _n-1 + l) corresponding to the maximum mark length l is set as the mark end position. It is stored (S136). RAM of the first mark
Increase the number by 1. When the RAM number exceeds the maximum value (4 in this example), the RAM number is returned to 0 (S
138). The position Pe at which the mark starts to appear is stored in the RAM of the new head mark (S140). The tire mark length L (= T _xn -Pe) is calculated and obtained from the current tire position T _xn and the position Pe where the tire mark starts to appear (S142). The current tire position T _xn is stored in the RAM of the head mark as the mark end position (S144).
The length L of the tire mark is stored in the RAM of the head mark (S146). The RAM number to be stored in the flag register is set as the RAM number of the head mark updated in S138 (S148). The darkest pattern (pattern 4) is read (S150). The start position Pe of the tire mark, the end position T _xn , and the length L of the tire mark are read from the RAM, and the pattern is displayed on the screen (S152). It is determined whether the pattern display for the number of RAMs is completed (S154).

If the tire mark processing starts, ends, and the length is stored in a plurality of RAMs by the preceding tire mark processing (S154; No), the RAM number is designated to cycle in the descending direction ( S156), the tire mark pattern which is associated with the RAM number and is gradually or gradually thinned in the descending direction is read (S15).
8).

The above-described tire mark drawing process is executed during execution of the main program while the tire mark display conditions are satisfied, and the tire mark is drawn on the screen.

RAM0 to RA according to the above algorithm
The state of updating the held data in M4 and the held data in the flag register will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (e).

FIG. 10A illustrates the case where the length L of the tire mark due to slip is Δl which is less than the reference value 1 of the mark (S134; No).

First, the head mark indicates RAM0.
And In step 132, the start of the tire mark
Position X₀, Current position T_x1Is read and the distance L = Δl
(= T _x1-X₀) Is calculated. Of the original tire mark
Start position X₀Corresponds to the tire position at the start of slip
To do. These values are stored in RAM0 (S144-
S146). Destination where the flag register should hold RAM0
The RAM number of the head mark is used (S148). Shown in Figure 13
As you can see, the RAM number of the first mark is the darkest pattern.
Corresponds to 4. The start of the tire mark from RAM0
At the end, the length is read and the tire mark according to pattern 4
Is drawn (S152). In this case, the data
There is only one RAM installed (S154; Ye
s), end this routine and return to the main program
It If the conditions for displaying the tire mark are met, the
Repeat the above process until the length L of the circle exceeds the maximum length l
And extend the tire mark of pattern 4.

As shown in FIG. 10B, the current tire position is T _x2 , and the distance L (= T _x2 -X ₀ = l + Δ
l) exceeds the maximum mark length l (S134; Ye
s). X ₁ = X ₀ +1 (= Pe) is obtained in the RAM ₀ , and the position X ₁ is stored as the mark end position (S136).
The RAM of the first mark is set to RAM1 (S138). The mark length L (= Δl = T _{x 2} −X ₁ ) is calculated from the current tire position T _x2 and the mark start position X ₁ (S14).
2). The current tire position T _x2 is stored in the RAM 1 as the mark end position (S144). Mark length L
(= Δl = T _x2 −X ₁ ) is stored in the RAM ₁ (S14)
6). The number of the leading RAM for cyclic (cyclic) reading, which is held in the flag register, is set in RAM1 (S148). The pattern 4 data is associated with the RAM 1 (S150), and the dark tire mark of the pattern 4 is drawn with the RAM 1 data (S152).
A tire mark of pattern 3 is drawn with the data stored in (S154, S156, S158, S152). Return to main program.

The same procedure is repeated thereafter to obtain the data shown in FIG.
As shown in (c) to (e), drawing data of tire marks (starting, ending, distance of tire marks) are held in RAM0 to RAM4.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a state in which data has been stored in RAM0 to RAM4 once. Since there are five RAMs in the embodiment, rewriting is sequentially performed. Figure 1
In 1 (a), the rewriting has been completed, and the head position of the tire mark corresponds to the RAM2. FIG. 11B shows a state in which rewriting has been completed and the RAM 3 has the head position. Since the data portion of the rewritten original tire mark is not displayed, the corresponding pattern drawn on the screen disappears. If the position coordinate X _n is outside the field of view of the virtual camera, it is excluded from image processing due to so-called clipping and is not displayed on the screen.

FIG. 12A shows the data shown in FIG. 11A.
That describes the case where the data is drawn as a tire mark
Is. Pattern 4 is drawn with a pattern length of Δl.
Each of turns 3 to 0 is drawn with a pattern length of l.
It The pattern density decreases from pattern 4 to pattern 0
It will become. FIG. 12 (b) shows the data shown in FIG. 11 (b).
It shows the tire mark drawn by the data. Ta
The drawing range of the ear mark is added to the tire object of the vehicle.
Therefore, position X in FIG.₃~ T_x8From position X _Four~ T
_x9Have shifted to. And position X₃~ X_FourRange of
The tire mark has disappeared. This will leave tire marks
Calculation required to display the tire mark by limiting the trace to a specified length
I try not to increase the amount too much.

According to the algorithm described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, when the vehicle is stopped, R
Since the position information in AM0 to RAM4 is retained, the tire mark is displayed on the screen. On the other hand, when the vehicle is moving, the tire mark is drawn following the tire. This tire mark is thinner at the rear end. When the moving speed of the vehicle is high, the moving amount L of the tire from the previously sampled position exceeds the maximum mark length l in a short time. As a result, the position information in RAM0 to RAM4 is shifted, and the rear end of the tire mark disappears quickly.
As a result, the disappearance timing of the tire trace drawn according to the moving speed of the vehicle is adjusted.
Such an image drawing method prepares various screens in which tire traces are drawn in advance (requires a large amount of memory), and consumes less memory than the conventional method of selecting an appropriate screen from them. It is possible to save. Also, racing cars move at high speed, but if the tire marks on the course are immediately erased at that time, the polygons in the field of view of the own car or the car of the opponent will be reduced, and the burden of calculation processing to draw the image will be reduced. Can be reduced. Further, if the tire mark is displayed forever, it may interfere with the game, but in the present application, it is appropriately deleted, which is good.

In the example described above, a plurality of tire trace patterns (trace polygons) of different densities are prepared in advance (FIG. 13), and the entire trace is drawn by appropriately selecting from these patterns. The method of can also be adopted. For example,
In the step of drawing the tire mark that gradually becomes thinner (step S158), the trace mark (basic pattern) of the darkest tire may be made semitransparent to obtain the trace mark of a required density. More specifically, the transparency of the transparency processing in the step is selected from a plurality of transparency set in stages corresponding to the number of executions of (S152 to S158) of the routine. The respective trace marks that have been made semi-transparent by the different transparency are combined to form the entire trace. Then, the same result as in the case where a plurality of tire trace patterns having different densities are prepared and the entire trace in which the density gradually changes from the front end to the rear end is formed is obtained. More specifically, the trace mark composed of a plurality of polygons displayed according to the routine shown in FIG. 9 is gradually thinned and erased from the polygon first displayed by the semi-transparent process (the size of the polygon is changed in the thinning process. If not, the polygon itself is removed from the processing target (step S154, FIG. 12B).

FIG. 14 shows an example in which a vehicle is spinning and a tire mark (slip mark) is drawn on the screen. The mark near the tire is drawn darkly, and the initial position of the tire mark is drawn lightly.

When a tire slip occurs due to a spin of a vehicle (object) or the like, the player will experience a realistic expression if the tire slip trace is displayed as an image immediately after the slip. However, if a certain period of time elapses thereafter, the player's attention to the slip traces also decreases. Therefore, the slip trace may be positively eliminated when a predetermined time has elapsed after the vehicle stops moving. This makes it possible to reduce the number of display polygons (slip marks) and reduce the calculation load on the CPU.

In the embodiments of the invention described above, the tire mark has been described, but the invention can be applied to a running trace in a rally running on a bad road, a running trace of skis (spur), a trace of jet ski, a wake of a ship, and the like. It is a thing.

Next, the reduction of the amount of calculation in the video game device according to the third feature of the present invention will be described. An object displayed on a monitor by so-called 3D graphics is subjected to arithmetic processing such as arrangement of the object in a three-dimensional virtual space, projection conversion for drawing the object on a projection surface, modeling conversion, viewing conversion, etc. Becomes In the perspective transformation, a field pyramid is formed, and a portion protruding from the display area that is actually projected on the projection surface is removed to perform non-display clipping. This clipping contributes to a reduction in the amount of calculation.

Therefore, the third feature of the present invention realized in this embodiment is that clipping is performed even in the display area and further the amount of calculation is reduced.

First, the outline will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 shows objects A and B arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space. The objects A and B are each composed of a plurality of polygons.
Conventionally, the object in the display area is read from the database and placed in the corresponding position in its original shape. Texture (pattern) is attached to the surface of the polygon.

FIG. 16 shows the camera position (viewpoint) for projection conversion.
An example in which the object B is a shadow of the object A when is placed rearward and leftward will be described. In this case, a part of the object B (a part behind the object A) cannot be seen from the camera position. Therefore, if the polygon of the invisible part is omitted and the database of the objects is constructed, the calculation amount in the 3D graphics display is reduced.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which some polygons of the object B are omitted. Even in this case, the image of the projection surface seen from the camera is the same as that in FIG.

For example, in a car race, a vehicle runs along a predetermined course. Divide the course into unit lengths, and the scenes seen from the camera for each unit are stored in a database in the form of background images, a set of objects, etc.
The data of the relevant scene is read according to the vehicle position and displayed on the screen as a background or the like. Therefore, it is possible to provide a database that requires less calculation amount in the game device by actually reducing the polygons that cannot be seen from the camera.

A method of constructing an object database in which polygons that cannot be seen from the camera position in the display area are cut will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, an outline of an image data processing apparatus for executing the algorithm described later will be described with reference to FIG.
The image data processing device is composed of a computer system and is roughly classified into a data processing unit 200 and an operation unit 20.
1. A storage unit 202 that holds an object table, a database such as polygon data, and a CRT that displays images
It is configured by the display unit 203 and the like. Data processing unit 20
Reference numeral 0 denotes an arithmetic processing control unit 211 that controls each unit according to a program stored in the memory 212, and a camera position control unit 21 that sets the coordinates of the camera (viewpoint) position in the three-dimensional virtual space according to the movement of the vehicle, the game program, or the like.
3. Referring to the camera position, refer to the object table determination unit 214 that determines the object table corresponding to the camera position, the coordinate conversion matrix generation unit 215 that generates the matrix of coordinate conversion corresponding to the camera position, and the object table. A polygon memory control unit 216 that designates a corresponding polygon, a polygon memory 217 that outputs designated polygon data, a texture memory 218 that holds a pattern to be attached to the polygon, a polygon is arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space, and a texture is attached. , A coordinate conversion unit 219 for performing projection conversion or the like by the conversion matrix to convert the image into a two-dimensional image on the screen surface, a drawing unit 220 for outputting a screen image to the image memory 221, and image data held in the image memory 221. Image display system to output as image signal to CRT display Constituted by the circuit 222, and the like.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart for explaining an algorithm for constructing an object database in which invisible polygons have been removed from the conventional object database.

First, a database of 3D graphics is constructed by the conventional method, or a database of 3D graphics which has already been constructed is prepared. CP
Load the data of all polygons from the database into the work area of U memory. The polygon data includes coordinate data and the like (S202). A number (polygon ID) for identification is attached to each polygon. For example, the numbers are assigned in the order of loading (S204).

Load the camera position data into the work area. The camera position data includes camera coordinates and orientation (vector) (S206). A number (camera ID) for identification is attached to the camera position data. For example, the numbers are assigned in the order of loading (S208).

Next, at every camera position, a visual discrimination process is performed to determine whether or not each polygon is visible from the camera position (S21).
0) is performed.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the algorithm of the visual discrimination processing. In this processing, all objects are arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space formed in the computer system and all polygons are drawn. At this time, the ID number of the polygon is added to the pixel of each polygon (S252). Coordinate conversion is performed at each camera position (camera ID) to draw a projected image viewed from the camera. At this time, by using the so-called Z-buffer method or the like, the polygon in front of the overlapping polygons in the display area is drawn as a visible polygon, and the shadow polygon is not drawn (S2).
54). At each camera position, a polygon drawn on the screen and a polygon not drawn are discriminated from the IDs of the polygons attached to the drawn pixels (S256). A visible / invisible table showing which polygons are visible and which are not visible at all camera positions (camera IDs).
BLE FLAG TABLE) is created (S258). Then, it returns to the original routine.

FIG. 21 shows an example of the visible / invisible table. At all camera positions (camera ID), it is indicated whether all polygons can be seen from the camera position. The flag is displayed as "1" when it is visible, and as "0" when it is not visible.

Next, in order to obtain a database representing the objects drawn at each camera position, the pattern of flags (VISIBLE FLAG) is the same in the visible / invisible table.
Similar polygons are grouped and each group is used as object data (S212). An identification number (object ID) is attached to each object data (S214).

This procedure will be described. First, all "0"
Which is a flag pattern of the polygon (for example, POLY
Since 4) cannot be seen from the screen, it does not need to be a drawing target. Such polygons are removed. Second, FIG.
As shown in (a), the first polygon POLY0 is included in the first object data OBJ0. Thirdly, all polygons having a flag pattern that matches the flag pattern of the polygon POLY0 are extracted and added to the object data OBJ0 (FIG. 22 (b)). With respect to the remaining polygons, steps 2 and 3 are repeated to collect and group polygons having the same flag pattern, and set each group as object data OBJ1, OBJ2, ....

Next, a polygon having a flag pattern similar to the object data is extracted and incorporated into the corresponding object data (FIG. 22 (c)). For example, a polygon having a flag pattern having a bit difference from the pattern obtained by logically adding the flag patterns of the respective polygons in the object data is extracted and incorporated into the object data. By repeating the same procedure, the flag patterns having different predetermined bit values are grouped (formed into object data).

Next, a conversion table representing the object data drawn (visible) at each camera position is created (S216). This example is shown in FIG. By referring to this table, each camera position (camera I
In D), the object to be placed in the three-dimensional virtual space is immediately known.

For example, at the camera position 0, object data OBJ0, OBJ1, OBJ3, ... Are arranged. At camera position 1, object data OBJ0,
OBJ3, ... Image is arranged. In the game device, each scene is drawn by selecting the camera position according to the game development, reading the corresponding object data group from the conversion table, and drawing the polygons forming each object.

Further, the object data is saved in the database (S218). The conversion table of the object is stored in the database (S220).

The above-described algorithm may be executed at high speed by an image processing dedicated computer system separate from the video game device, and the resulting object data database may be stored as game software in the information recording medium together with the program. it can.

24 and 25 are diagrams for explaining an example of a screen drawn by object data excluding invisible polygons in the display area according to the present invention.
FIG. 24 shows an example of a scene at a normal camera position during running of a car race in a game field formed in a virtual three-dimensional space. FIG. 25 shows a state where this scene is viewed from above. No polygon is drawn in the shaded area in the figure, and no image exists. Therefore, the amount of calculation required for assembling the virtual space and converting the image is reduced.

The application example of the clipping of the object within the visual field is not limited to the video game as in the embodiment. For example, the present invention can be applied to a device that converts the appearance of a virtual three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional image and displays it, such as a simulation for various virtual experiences.

(Second Embodiment) A video game device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is a further development of the tire mark which is the second special effect processing of the image described in the first embodiment. Of course, the tire mark is processed and displayed at the time of executing this game. The tire mark is reflected in the next game.

In order to realize this, the video game device has the SRAM 1 in the CPU block 10 as shown in FIG.
90, and the SRAM 190 is connected to the SCU 100, the main CPU 101, the RAM 102, via the bus 105.
It is connected to the ROM 103 and the sub CPU 104. The SRAM (nonvolatile memory) 190 is provided mainly for storing tire mark data generated in the game at the end of the game.

A RAM (volatile memory) 102 provided in the video game apparatus of this embodiment is mounted as a memory for storing various data including tire mark data during a game. Two types of tire mark data are prepared. One is tire mark data being generated in the current game, which is data that is always displayed. The other is tire mark data generated in the past, and is called reserve data here.

The other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment described above.

The main CPU 101 executes the main program for controlling the entire data including the game processing necessary for developing the game, and at the same time, executes the main processing in advance so that the processing of FIGS. 27 to 33 is performed in advance in the ROM.
It is programmed in 103. All of these processes relate to tire mark data. Of these, Figure 27
The process shown in FIG.
28. The processing shown in FIGS. 28 to 31 is executed by the main CPU 101 during the execution of the game, and the processing shown in FIG.
Executed by 101.

First, the processing shown in FIG. 27 will be described. This process is performed immediately before the game starts. Main CPU 10
1 is an input device 2 while executing the main program
While confirming the operation information from b, the timing immediately before the start of the game is determined, and when the timing can be determined, the timing shown in FIG.
The process of 7 is executed. First, the main CPU 101
It is determined whether or not tire mark data is stored in the SRAM 190 in the previous game, for example, by whether or not a flag is set (step S301). N in this judgment
When it is O (data is not stored), the process directly returns to the main program. On the other hand, if YES (data is stored), the data is read from the SRAM 190, expanded in the RAM 102, and converted into data that can be used during game execution (decompression process, etc.) (step S
302). As a result, the data (reserve data) of the tire mark generated in the past is stored in the RAM 102.

Further, the main CPU 101 executes the processes of FIGS. 28 to 31 for each display interrupt during the execution of the game while executing the main program. As shown in FIG. 28, the process during the execution of the game is called a routine of STEP 1 which is a routine for processing new tire mark data (step S311), and a routine which is called of STEP 2 is a sort of reserve data ( Display of stored data in RAM, which will be referred to as the routine of step S312) and STEP3 (step S313)
The routines of STEP1 to STEP3 are sequentially executed in this order.

In the first STEP 1 routine, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not the tire mark is currently generated based on the running state of the vehicle and operation information from the player (step S3001).

If this determination is YES (in the generation state), then the coordinate position (x, y, z) of each mark forming a new tire mark from the current position of the car tire,
Data of angle (x-angle, y-angle, z-angle), length, and density is calculated (step S3002). Next, this calculated data is temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 102 as the tire mark data currently being generated (step S3003). Next, the stored tire mark data is displayed in real time (step S3004), and the process returns to the main program. The details of the processing in steps S3001 to S3004 described above are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described first embodiment.

However, when it is recognized that the tire mark is not generated while the processing determination of step S3001 is being repeated for each display frame, step S300
The process returns to the main program through the processes of 5 to S3008.
That is, it is determined whether or not there is tire mark data generated from the previous frame to the present (step S300
5) If NO, return to the main program.

If there is tire mark data (YE
S) Next, it is determined whether or not there is an empty area in the RAM 102 for storing (storing) reserved data for storing new data (step S3006). If this determination is YES (there is a free area), the process directly returns to the main program. On the other hand, when the determination is NO (no free space), the data located at the end of the reserve data is erased (step S3007). As will be described later, the data at the end of the reserve data is always the most unnecessary data by the routine of STEP2. Therefore, if there is no free area in the storage area, it may be erased.

In the area vacated by this deletion,
The tire mark data that has been generated up to now is saved as reserve data in the reserve data storage area of the RAM 102. After this, return to the main program.

Next, the reserve data sorting process in STEP 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Main CPU1
01 determines whether or not the reserve data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S3011). If it is not stored (NO), the process directly returns to the main program, but if it is stored (YES), the sort process of steps S3012 to S3017 is cyclically performed.

The sorting process is as follows. The head data of the reserve data is set as data A (S3
012). Next, it is determined whether or not there is data corresponding to the next position of the data A (S3013). This judgment is N
If it is O, there is no need to sort, and the process returns to the main program. On the other hand, if YES is determined, that is, if the data A has the next corresponding data, the corresponding data is set as the data B (S3014).

Next, it is judged whether the number of tire marks of the data A is smaller than that of the data B (S3015). If the data A is less (YES), the contents of the data A and B are exchanged (S3016), and the data B is treated as the data A (S301).
7). However, if there is more data A (NO), the process of step S3016 is skipped. Step S30
After 17, the process is returned to step S3013.
As a result, a negative determination is made in step S3013, and the series of sort processes described above is periodically continued until the sorting of all the reserve data is completed.

As a result, the reserve data stored in the RAM 102 is automatically sorted and aligned for each display frame, and the mark data at the end of the reserve data is always the least important data (the number of constituents is the smallest). Is guaranteed. In this sort, the outermost loop is every frame
It is a bubble sort that is in a loop.

Further, the display processing of the RAM storage data according to STEP3 will be described with reference to FIG. Main CPU
101 sorts the reserve data stored in the RAM 102 according to the distance from the virtual camera (viewpoint) (step S3021). At this time, the rear of the camera is sorted by considering distance = infinity. Actually, the heap sort is executed with "1 / Z distance from camera" as a parameter. As a result, the maximum value of "1 / Z distance from camera" is obtained for each display frame.

Next, from the tire marks which are not displayed, the data of the marks close to the distance from the camera are extracted and displayed (steps S3022 and S3023). The display here is also performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

Then, it is judged whether or not the display processing has been completed for all the saved data (step S302).
4). In the case of NO, it is determined whether or not the display tire mark exceeds the preset maximum displayable number (step S3025), and if the determination is YES, the display process for the current frame is ended. If NO is determined, the process returns to step S3022 and the above-described process is continued until the number of display tire marks reaches the maximum displayable number.

As a result, in addition to the tire mark data currently being generated, as long as the reserve data representing the time-dependent change state of the tire mark generated so far is allowed, the one closer to the camera viewpoint is displayed on the screen. From the top, priority is given to displaying as many items as possible for each frame. At the time of this display processing, depending on the position coordinate value of the reserve data, some data may not actually be displayed and may be clipped, such as when it does not fall within the camera field of view. Further, since the maximum displayable number is set as another condition of this non-display, the reserve data exceeding the number is not actually displayed. The maximum number that can be displayed is the maximum number of tire mark polygons that is set to avoid a situation in which the phenomenon of so-called polygon missing may occur if it is displayed more than that due to the performance of the game board. is there. With this setting, it is possible to stably display the tire mark, which has a high degree of importance in order to create a realistic image of the reserve data.

Further, the data saving process after the game is finished will be described with reference to FIGS. Main CPU 101
Enters this process at the end of the game, and as shown in the figure, all tire mark data during the game stored in the RAM 102 at the end of the game is displayed as the tire mark at the next game. Whether or not it is a thing, its value is determined (calculated) (step S321).

An example of this value judgment is shown in FIG.
It shows in (b). Now, if three points are set for each polygon constituting the tire mark, and if the distance from the inside of the corner of the vehicle running course to the center position of the vehicle is x, the points are scored as "4 / x" points. In the case of a), the score according to the number of polygons = 5 × 3 points, the score according to the distance = (4/3) points × 5 sheets, and the figure (b) has 5 sheets × 3 points, respectively.
(4/5) points × 3 sheets + (4/7) points + (4/8) points. Comparing the two, the tire mark in FIG. 9A clearly has a higher score than that in FIG. That is, as far as the condition for scoring here is concerned, the same figure (a)
Can be considered to be more valuable.

Next, the main CPU 101 executes sorting from the highest value according to the above-mentioned value judgment result. This sort itself is executed as a heap sort, and is characterized in that the sorting criterion is the display value as the tire mark described above. That is, this sort is a sort for deciding which tire mark to leave. The conditions therefor are, as partially shown in the above example, the total length of the mark (the number of polygons constituting the mark),
Mark color density, mark density (whether they are concentrated in one place), mark position (whether it is close to the best line of the course), good-looking tire marks (close to clipping points, etc.) is there. By setting a numerical value for each of these conditions and using the total value as a criterion for sorting, it is possible to perform sorting by value determination that satisfies a plurality of conditions (parameters). In the case of FIG. 33 described above, this sort continues to select tire marks that are longer and located inside the corner.

After sorting is performed in this way, SRA
The most valuable data is extracted from the tire mark data not yet stored in M190 (step S32).
3). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a storage area for storing and saving the extracted data in the SRAM 190 (step S324), and when the determination is YES, the data is compressed and stored in the SRAM 190 (step S3).
25). This stored information includes the display position coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the tire mark polygon and the display direction (X, Y, Z).
Z), its scale (length), and eight kinds of darkness. When the storage area of the SRAM 190 is full, the storage is stopped and the process is returned to the main program.

As a result, immediately after the player finishes the game, the display value in the next game execution is judged from the tire mark data generated during the game execution till then, and the data having the higher value is determined in order from the highest value. A number of data are stored in SRAM 190. Therefore, even when the power of the game apparatus is turned off, the data in the SRAM 190 is saved and returned to the RAM 102 through the processing in FIG. 27 described above when the game is executed again. Then, it is displayed or reflected on a new game screen through the processing of FIGS.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as soon as the game ends, the value of the tire mark data during execution of the game is judged, and the value of the tire mark data is selectively saved in the backup memory (SRAM) in terms of display value, and the next game is played. Or you can show it in the game after a power-on reset. For this reason, when the next game is played or the game is restarted, the tire marks such as the slip marks from the previous game are displayed on the screen, which is very realistic and unprecedented. It is possible to perform an effect that enhances the sense of presence.

Then, this tire mark data is treated as a part of the reserve data during the game execution, sorted, and most of it is displayed as much as possible under the display conditions depending on the number of displays and the camera field of view. For this reason, not only the tire mark that is currently being generated but also the display of the tire mark that has been generated so far is added, and a very rich and powerful screen regarding the tire mark can be provided. It should be noted that it is of course possible to enjoy the operational effects related to the tire mark described in the first embodiment.

Since the backup memory (SRAM) usually has a small storage capacity of, for example, 64 KB, the amount of tire mark data stored therein is limited. Also for this, since the data is sorted according to the display value and the data with the highest priority is stored, the storage capacity can be made with such a small storage capacity. Moreover, since the sorting and the data storage are not performed during the game execution but are performed at the time when the game is finished, it is possible to reduce the calculation load on the calculation elements centering on the main CPU. Also, sorting may be performed during the game execution. At this time, from the viewpoint of reducing the processing load on the CPU during the game processing, the sorting during the game execution may be compared with the sorting after the game is finished, and the sorting may be limited to relatively simple contents with a light processing load on the CPU. it can.

[0147]

As described above, according to the present invention, the flare caused by the incident light beam from the light source is displayed on the screen, so that it is possible to enjoy a dazzling scene or a directed scene.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to draw traces of a moving object such as a vehicle or a ski without relatively increasing the number of polygons, which is preferable. in addition,
Even if the game is ended once, the trace of the object can be accurately reflected on the next game screen while suppressing the increase of the calculation load and the memory capacity, and the realism and the realism can be further enhanced.

Further, since the image forming method of the present invention forms an object database by clipping invisible polygons in the display area, it is possible to draw a screen similar to the conventional one with a smaller amount of calculation than the conventional one. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for flare formation.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flare generation condition.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flare generation screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating another algorithm for flare formation.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the algorithm shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which a degree of flare is obtained by a table.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which flare is intentionally generated by moving a light source.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for displaying a tire mark.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating contents of RAM.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a RAM in which writing has been completed.

12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tire mark drawn by the RAM of FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a correspondence relationship between a RAM number and a tire mark pattern.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen on which slip marks are drawn.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of objects arranged in a three-dimensional virtual space.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which there is a portion that cannot be seen as an object in the display area.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which an invisible portion (polygon) of an object is deleted.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an image data processing device.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of deleting an invisible polygon from a camera in a display area to form an object database.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of determining whether a polygon is visible or invisible.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a table representing visible and invisible polygons.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating object grouping of polygon data.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conversion table for selecting an object to be drawn by a camera ID.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a screen rendered in 3D from a normal viewpoint.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image when the viewpoint is moved upward in the same three-dimensional virtual space as in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a functional block diagram showing a game device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic flowchart showing a process of reading tire mark data immediately before the game starts.

FIG. 28 is a schematic flowchart showing processing of tire mark data during execution of a game.

FIG. 29 is a schematic flowchart showing the processing routine of STEP1 of the processing shown in FIG. 28 in more detail.

FIG. 30 is a schematic flowchart showing the processing routine of STEP 2 of the processing shown in FIG. 28 in more detail.

FIG. 31 is a schematic flowchart showing the processing routine of STEP3 of the processing shown in FIG. 28 in more detail.

FIG. 32 is a schematic flowchart showing a process of storing tire mark data after the game is finished.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of value judgment associated with the processing of storing tire mark data after the game is finished.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Video Game Device Main Body 1a Cartridge I / F 1b CD-ROM Drive 2a Connector 2b Game Operation Pad 2c Cable 3a Connector 3b Floppy (registered trademark) Disk Drive (FD
D) 3c cable 4a, 4b cable 5 TV receiver 10 CPU block 11 video block 12 sound block 13 subsystem 100 SCU (System Control Unit) 101 main CPU 102 RAM 103 ROM 104 sub CPU 105 CPU bus 106, 107 bus 120, 130 VDP 121 VRAM 122, 123 Frame buffer 131 VRAM 132 Memory 140 DSP 141 CPU 160 Encoder 180 CD I / F 181 CPU 182 MPEG AUDIO 183 MPEG VIDEO 190 SRAM

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Takayuki Kazama             Sega, 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Ryo Inokawa             Sega, 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Takashi Fujimura             Sega, 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) 2C001 AA09 BA02 BA05 BB01 BB05                       BC01 BC03 BC04 BC05 BC06                       BC08 CA02 CB01 CB04 CB06                       CC01 CC08                 5B050 BA07 BA08 CA07 DA02 EA19                       EA24 FA02

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A game device for displaying an object, which moves according to the development of a game, as an image, means for reading the current position of the object, and drawing a trace mark with a length within a predetermined range from the current position. A trace mark drawing means for gradually thinning the rear end side of the trace mark with time to disappear. 2. The trace mark comprises a plurality of portions, and each portion shares a trace pattern that becomes thinner from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the trace mark. Game device. 3. The pattern of traces shared by the respective parts is
The game device according to claim 2, wherein the pattern is stored in the storage unit as a pattern having different densities in advance. 4. The pattern of traces shared by the respective parts is
The game device according to claim 2, wherein the game device is obtained by changing transparency of a pattern of a trace that is a base. 5. The trace mark drawing means extends only the tip portion of the trace mark until the current position of the object is separated from the tip position of the trace mark drawn by a predetermined value or more, and is separated by a predetermined value or more. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the entire trace mark is moved toward the current position of the object by the predetermined value. 6. The game according to claim 1, wherein the trace mark drawing means adjusts the disappearance timing of the trace drawn in accordance with the moving speed of the object. apparatus. 7. The trace mark drawing means does not erase the drawn trace mark when the object is stopped and moves the drawn trace mark when the object is moving. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the game device disappears at a speed according to. 8. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the trace mark drawing means erases the trace mark drawn when a predetermined time has elapsed after the object stopped. 9. The trace mark drawing means holds a position register of each part of the mark in a plurality of storage areas respectively corresponding to each part of the mark composed of the plurality of parts, and a cyclic register corresponding to the head of the mark. The game apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a mark head position indicating unit that indicates a storage area of the register. 10. A game device for displaying, as an image, an object moving in a virtual space as a game develops, processing a trace mark and a past trace mark associated with the movement of the object during execution of the game. Processing display means for displaying the first mark from the first storage means before the start of the game;
Read-out means for reading the trace mark stored in the storage means and giving the trace mark to the processing display means as the past trace mark. 11. The processing display means displays a first display means for processing and displaying the new trace mark associated with the movement of the object, and a trace mark generated up to the present time including the past trace mark. Second storage means for storing, sorting means for sorting the trace marks stored in the second storage means, and second display means for processing and displaying the trace marks according to the sorting result of the sorting means. The game apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: 12. The second storage means sorts the trace marks according to characteristics such as size and density, and erases the trace marks of low priority resulting from the sorting to newly generate the trace marks. The game device according to claim 11, further comprising a memory unit that stores the trace mark that is formed. 13. The game device according to claim 11, wherein the sorting means is means for sorting in the virtual space according to a distance from a virtual camera to the trace mark. 14. The second display means is means for displaying the trace mark in consideration of the maximum number of polygons of the trace mark that can be displayed.
The described game device. 15. The first storage means comprises a judging means for judging the display value of the trace mark, a sorting means for sorting the trace marks according to a judgment result of the judging means, and a sorting by the sorting means. 11. The game device according to claim 10, further comprising a memory unit that stores only a predetermined number of trace marks having a high priority according to the result. 16. The display value judgment condition includes at least one condition of various characteristics such as length, position, and density of the trace mark.
The described game device. 17. The processing and displaying means draws a trace mark with a length within a predetermined range from the current position of the object and a means for reading the current position of the object, and the rear end side of the trace mark changes with time. 11. The game device according to claim 10, further comprising: a trace mark drawing unit that gradually thins and disappears. 18. A computer system according to any one of claims 1 to 1.
A medium having recorded thereon a program to function as the game device according to any one of 7. 19. A process of arranging an object composed of polygons in a three-dimensional virtual space, setting a viewpoint in the three-dimensional virtual space, and projecting polygons in a display area viewed from this viewpoint onto a projection surface. Forming a projected image; identifying visible or invisible polygons at the viewpoint from the projected image formed on the projection surface; and forming object data by data representing visible or invisible polygons And a step of associating the viewpoint with object data, the method of forming image data. 20. A process of arranging all objects composed of polygons in a three-dimensional virtual space, a process of setting a plurality of viewpoints in the three-dimensional virtual space, and a polygon in a display area viewed from each viewpoint. A step of forming a projected image for each viewpoint by projecting onto each projection surface; a step of identifying visible or invisible of each polygon at each viewpoint from the projected image formed on the projection surface; Based on the process of forming data showing visible or invisible of each polygon based on each viewpoint, the same or similar patterns are grouped by the data pattern of each polygon showing visible or invisible at each viewpoint to form a plurality of object data. And the process of forming an object table that represents the object data viewed from each viewpoint. Data forming method. 21. A medium recording a program for causing a computer system to execute each process according to claim 19 or 20. 22. A simple sort during a game is the first sort.
13. The game device according to claim 12, wherein the second storage unit executes another sort that is more complicated than the sort after the game is finished by the storage unit.