JP2005152166A - Game device, and game program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game device for reducing the capacity of game data by suppressing the number of unit pictures required for generating a game map, and to provide a game program. <P>SOLUTION: The game device generates the pictures of the game map. A unit picture storage means stores a plurality of kinds of unit images. A map data storage means stores map data. A temporary image generating means generates the temporary image of the game map by using each unit image which is correlated, in the map data, to each section to be displayed on a display device. A shadow table storage means stores a shadow table. A game map image display means displays the image of the game map which is obtained by superimposing the shadow image generated on the basis of generation information correlated to the unit image included in the temporary picture of the game map on the temporary image of the game map. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device and a game program, and more particularly to a game device and a game program for displaying an image of a game map.

Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional game device that expresses a shadow on a game map. In the invention disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, the image of the game map is composed of unit images of a predetermined size (for example, 8 × 8 dots). Shadows of trees, houses, etc. on the game map were expressed by drawing shadow images on the unit images themselves. That is, in the above invention, a unit image on which a shadow is drawn is prepared in advance, and the shadow is expressed using the unit image.
“Nintendo DREAM: Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods & Four Swords”, Mainichi Communications, Inc., May 1, 2003, P30

  In the method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of unit images that express the same thing (for example, unit images that express grasslands). For example, even in a unit image representing a meadow, a unit image representing a meadow with a shadow and a unit image representing a meadow with no shadow must be prepared. In addition, a unit image that represents a grassland where a shadow has fallen must be prepared depending on the shape of the shadow. For example, since the shape of the shadow differs depending on the type of the object, it is necessary to prepare different unit images for the meadow where the shadow of the house has dropped and the meadow where the shadow of the tree has dropped. Furthermore, even in the grassland where the shadow of the house has fallen, it is necessary to prepare different unit images depending on which part of the house is shadowed. As described above, in the conventional method, since it is necessary to prepare a large number of data of various types of unit images, the capacity of the game data is increased.

  Furthermore, in the conventional method, the game creator has to create a large number of unit images, so the burden of game production is large. In particular, when expressing complex shadows, it is necessary to prepare a large number of unit images, and production of unit images is a very difficult task. For example, this is a case where a shadow of an object (a tree, a house, etc.) is expressed extending over a plurality of unit images. In this case, the game creator must consider how far the shadow of a tree, a house, etc. extends, and create a plurality of unit images after considering the shape of the shadow to be drawn on each unit image. As described above, in the above method, since it is necessary to perform a cumbersome operation of creating a large number of unit images, it takes time and labor costs for game production, and the cost is high.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game device and a game program that can reduce the number of unit images necessary for creating a game map and reduce the capacity of game data.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and a game program capable of reducing the burden of unit image production work necessary for creating a game map.

The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. Note that reference numerals in parentheses, supplementary explanations, and the like indicate correspondence with embodiments to be described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
That is, the present invention is a game device that displays a game map image configured by combining unit images of a predetermined size on a display device (television 2). The game apparatus executes unit image storage means (optical disk 4 or work memory 32), map data storage means (optical disk 4 or work memory 32), and provisional image generation means (S71 (abbreviation of step 71; the same applies hereinafter)). CPU 31. Hereinafter, only a step number is shown), a shadow table storage means (optical disc 4 or work memory 32), and a game map image generation means (S89). The unit image storage means stores a plurality of types of unit images (unit image data 42a; unit images in FIG. 5). The map data storage means stores map data (42b; FIG. 6) in which each unit image to be arranged in each section is associated with each section obtained by dividing the game map into unit image sizes. The temporary image generation means generates a temporary image of the game map using each unit image associated in the map data for each section to be displayed on the display device. The shadow table storage means associates at least one unit image with generation information for generating a shadow image displayed around the unit image when the unit image is displayed as a game map image. The shadow table (shadow table data 42c; FIG. 9) is stored. The game map image generation means refers to a shadow table for each unit image included in the temporary image of the game map, and generates a shadow image generated based on generation information associated with the unit image. An image of the game map superimposed on the temporary image of the map is displayed on the display device.

  The generation information may include relative position information (offset vector v0) between the position where the unit image is displayed and the position where the shadow image is displayed on the game map. At this time, the game map image display means determines the display position of the shadow image on the game map based on the position information.

  Furthermore, the game map image display means may generate a semi-transparent shadow image and display the plurality of shadow images in a superimposed manner when at least one part of the plurality of shadow images overlaps.

  Also, in the shadow table, each piece of generation information regarding a plurality of shadow images may be associated with one unit image.

  Further, the generation information may include shape information (shadow texture ID, first vector v1, or second vector v2) related to the shape on which the shadow image is displayed on the game map. At this time, the game map image display means determines the shape of the shadow image displayed on the game map based on the shape information.

  Further, the generation information may include polygon information (first vector and second vector) for generating a polygon on the game map. At this time, the game apparatus further includes texture storage means (optical disk 4 or work memory 32) for storing a texture for expressing a shadow (shadow texture data 42d; shadow texture in FIG. 11). Further, the game map image display means generates a shadow image by drawing a texture on the polygon generated by the polygon information.

  Furthermore, the polygon information may include two vector data (first vector and second vector) for defining the polygon. At this time, the texture stored in the texture storage unit is a planar image defined by the first axis (v-axis in FIG. 11) and the second axis (u-axis in FIG. 11). The game map image display means generates a polygon generated by the polygon information so that the first axis of the texture matches one of the two vector data, and the second axis of the texture matches the other of the two vector data. Draw a texture.

  The shadow table storage means may store a plurality of types of shadow tables. At this time, the game apparatus further includes table selection means (S75) for acquiring information indicating the game situation and selecting one of the plurality of shadow tables based on the acquired information. The game map image display means generates a shadow image based on the generation information included in the shadow table selected by the table selection means.

  Further, the present invention can be realized as a game program, and can be easily implemented by another independent computer system or game device by recording and transferring the program on a recording medium.

  According to the present invention, an image of map data without a shadow is generated using a unit image, and a shadow image is separately generated. Therefore, since it is not necessary to prepare a unit image with a shadow, it is not necessary to create a plurality of unit images that express the same image according to the presence or absence of the shadow and the type of shadow. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of unit images necessary for creating the game map and reduce the capacity of the game data. In addition, in the conventional method, it is necessary to create a plurality of types of unit images even when expressing the same shadow shape, but in the present invention, since shadow images are separately created, one shadow image is created. There is no need to create multiple unit images. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden of the unit image production work necessary for creating the game map. Further, it is possible to display a complicated shadow extending over a plurality of unit images without increasing the capacity of game data and without increasing the burden of production work. If the game creator creates a game map with no shadow using unit images, a shadow image is generated according to the map data when the game is executed, and a shadowed game map is displayed. This greatly reduces the burden of game production. According to the present invention, it is possible to easily express a shadow that a tree, a house, or the like expressed in a unit image constituting a game map drops on another unit image, that is, a shadow that the game map drops on the game map itself. And a realistic game map can be expressed.

  Further, when the generation information includes position information, the display position of the shadow image on the game map can be controlled by the position information. Accordingly, the game creator can freely set the position of the shadow on the game map by setting the position information to a desired value. That is, shadow images displayed at various positions can be easily created, and complex shadows can be easily created.

  Further, when a shadow image in which semi-transparent shadow images are superimposed is created, the overlapping portion of the shadow images is displayed darkly. Therefore, by setting position information so that two shadow images overlap, shadows having various forms can be displayed on the game map.

  In addition, since a plurality of pieces of generated information are associated with one unit image in the shadow table, shadows having various forms can be displayed on the game map.

  Further, when the generation information includes shape information, the shape of the shadow image on the game map can be controlled by the shape information. Therefore, the game creator can freely set the shape of the shadow on the game map by setting the shape information to a desired value. That is, shadow images having various shapes can be easily created, and shadow images having complicated shapes can also be easily created.

  In addition, when the generation information includes polygon information and the game apparatus further includes texture storage means, the present invention can also be applied to a game apparatus that performs three-dimensional image processing.

  Furthermore, the game map image creation means is created by polygon information so that the first axis of the texture matches one of the two vector data and the second axis of the texture matches the other of the two vector data. The following effects can be obtained when a texture is drawn on a polygon. That is, the size and shape of the shadow can be freely changed even when three-dimensional image processing is performed.

  When the shadow table storage unit stores a plurality of types of shadow tables and the game apparatus further includes a table selection unit, the shadow form can be automatically changed according to the game situation.

  Hereinafter, a game program according to an embodiment of the present invention and a game system that executes the game program will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view of the game system 1. Note that a stationary game device will be described as an example of the game device according to the present invention, but the game system is not limited to this. For example, a portable game device, an arcade game device, a mobile terminal, a mobile phone, The present invention can be applied to a device equipped with a computer that executes a game program, such as a personal computer.

  In FIG. 1, a game system 1 includes a stationary game device (hereinafter simply referred to as a game device) 3 and a television receiver (example of a display device connected to the game device 3 via a connection cord). 2) (hereinafter referred to as TV). A controller 6 having a plurality of operation switches that can be operated by a player is connected to the game apparatus 3. The game apparatus 3 is detachably mounted with an optical disk 4 as an example of an information storage medium storing the game program according to the present invention. Furthermore, a memory card 5 equipped with a flash memory or the like for storing game save data or the like is detachably attached to the game apparatus 3 as necessary. The game apparatus 3 displays a game image obtained by executing a game program stored on the optical disc 4 on the television 2. Furthermore, the game apparatus 3 uses the saved data stored in the memory card 5 to execute a continuation of a game executed in the past or reproduce a game state executed in the past, and displays a game image on the TV 2. Can also be displayed. Then, the player of the game apparatus 3 can enjoy the game by operating the controller 6 while viewing the game image displayed on the television 2.

  The controller 6 is detachably connected to the game apparatus 3 via the connection cord as described above. The controller 6 is an operation means for mainly operating a player character (character to be operated by the player) appearing in the game space displayed on the television 2, and includes operation buttons, keys, and a plurality of operation switches. An input unit such as a stick is provided. Specifically, the controller 6 is formed with a grip portion that is gripped by the player. The controller 6 includes a main stick 6a and a cross key 6b that can be operated with the thumb of the left hand of the player, a C stick 6c and an A button 6d that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand, and the like. In addition to the above buttons, the controller 6 can be operated with the B button, the X button, the Y button, the start-pause button, the R button operable with the index finger of the player's right hand, the index finger of the player's left hand, and the like. Includes L button. In addition, the game system 1 allows a plurality of players to play a game simultaneously by connecting a plurality of controllers 6 to the game apparatus 3.

  Next, the configuration of the game apparatus 3 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game system 1. In FIG. 2, the game apparatus 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 that executes various programs. The CPU 31 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), initializes a memory such as the work memory 32, and the like, and then once loads a game program stored in the optical disk 4 into the work memory 32. The game program is executed, and a game process corresponding to the game program is performed. The CPU 31 includes a work memory 32, a video RAM (VRAM) 33, an external memory interface (I / F) 34, a controller interface (I / F) 35, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 36, and an optical disk drive 37 via a bus. Connected.

  The work memory 32 is a storage area used by the CPU 31 and appropriately stores a game program and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 31. For example, the work memory 32 stores a game program read from the optical disc 4 by the CPU 31 and various data. The game program and various data stored in the work memory 32 are executed by the CPU 31. The VRAM 33 stores game image data for displaying a game image on the television 2. The external memory I / F 34 connects the game apparatus 3 and the memory card 5 so that they can communicate with each other by fitting the memory card 5 into a connector (not shown). The CPU 31 accesses a backup memory provided in the memory card 5 via the external memory I / F 34. The controller I / F 35 connects the external device and the game apparatus 3 so that they can communicate with each other by a connector (not shown). For example, the controller 6 is engaged with the connector via a connection cord and connected to the game apparatus 3 via the controller I / F 35. The GPU 36 is configured by a semiconductor chip that performs processing such as vector calculation and rendering processing necessary for displaying 3D graphics in response to an instruction from the CPU 31, and a game image rendered by the GPU 36 is displayed on the television 2. Is done. The optical disk drive 37 reads various data such as a game program, image data, and sound data stored in the optical disk 4 in response to an instruction from the CPU 31.

  Hereinafter, a game image displayed on the television 2 when the game program stored in the optical disc 4 is executed by the game apparatus 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a game image in the present embodiment. The game executed by the game apparatus 3 according to the present invention is a game on which a planar game map as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Note that “planar” means “the displayed result looks planar”, and the game map may be generated by three-dimensional processing using polygons as described later. .

  In the game map shown in FIG. 3, the shadow of the house is displayed in addition to the house and grass. Here, in the present embodiment, the shadow image displayed on the game map is generated separately from the other images. The game map image other than the shadow is generated using a unit image prepared in advance. On the other hand, the shadow image is generated using a shadow image prepared in advance. Hereinafter, the game map image generation processing according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, data used in the game map image generation process will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing data stored in the optical disc 4 shown in FIG. The optical disc 4 stores a game program 41 and game image generation data 42. Note that the game program 41 and the game image generation data 42 may be appropriately read into the work memory 32 of the game apparatus 3 in whole or in part when the game apparatus 3 executes the game process. The game program 41 includes a drawing processing program 41a for drawing a game map as shown in FIG. Details of the drawing processing program 41a are shown in FIG. The game program 41 includes various programs in addition to the drawing processing program 41a.

  The game image generation data 42 is data for generating a game map image as shown in FIG. The game image generation data 42 includes unit image data 42a, map data 42b, shadow table data 42c, and shadow texture data 42d. The unit image data 42a and the map data 42b are data for generating a game map image without a shadow. The shadow table data 42c and the shadow texture data 42d are data for generating a shadow image on the game map.

  The unit image data 42a is data including a plurality of types of unit images having a predetermined size constituting the game map. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the unit image data shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, 14 types of unit images are shown as examples of unit images. Each unit image is assigned a unit image ID. The unit image ID is information for identifying a unit image. The unit image data 42a includes a plurality of unit images other than those shown in FIG. For example, various unit images such as a unit image representing a grassland, a unit image representing a rocky place, and a unit image representing a part of a building are stored in the optical disc 4 as unit image data 42a. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 3 performs three-dimensional processing using polygons in the game map image generation processing. Therefore, the unit image is used as a texture to be pasted on the ground polygon constituting the ground of the game map.

  Further, the map data 42b shown in FIG. 4 is data in which a section of the game map is associated with a unit image to be arranged in the section. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the map data shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, in the map data, the game map is divided into sections of a predetermined size. The section of the game map is a unit obtained by dividing the game map into a predetermined size. The predetermined size is the size of the unit image. Two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) are assigned to each section of the map data, and each section can be identified by the coordinates. FIG. 5 shows 48 sections from (n, m) to (n + 7, m + 5). The map data is associated with the unit image ID of the unit image arranged in each section (the lower number in each section shown in FIG. 6) for each section. The unit image is an image arranged in a game map section. 6 schematically shows the map data, the map data may have any form as long as it indicates the correspondence between the section and the unit image. For example, the map data corresponds to the section and the unit image. It may be realized as an attached table.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing for generating an image of a game map without a shadow. Here, in the present embodiment, the processing is performed by three-dimensional processing using polygons. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, ground polygons indicating the ground of the game map are arranged in the game space. The ground polygon is generated for each section of the game map. Then, a unit image that is a texture is assigned to each ground polygon. That is, the texture 46 of the unit image is pasted on the ground polygon 45, thereby generating a game map image. The ground polygon may be one polygon for the entire ground of the game map. As described above, a game map image (except for a shadow image) is generated by arranging a unit image for each section of the game map. That is, a game map image without a shadow is determined by arranging a unit image for each section of the game map. The image displayed on the television 2 is not a game map image without a shadow, but a game map image on which a shadow image is superimposed. Therefore, here, an image of a game map without a shadow may be referred to as a “game map temporary image”.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game map image without a shadow. The image of the game map shown in FIG. 8 is generated by pasting the texture of the unit image on the ground polygon by the above method. In the present embodiment, an image of a game map without a shadow (a temporary image of a game map) as shown in FIG. 8 is first generated, and then a final game map image is obtained by superimposing a shadow image on the image. Generated. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17, a process of superimposing a shadow image on a temporary image of a game map will be described.

  The process for generating a shadow image is also performed by a three-dimensional process using a polygon, as in the case of the unit image. Here, in the present embodiment, the display position of the shadow image on the game map and the shape and color of the shadow image are determined by the types of unit images arranged in the sections of the game map. Specifically, first, polygons (shadow polygons) for representing shadows are arranged around the unit images arranged in the sections of the game map. Then, a shadow image is generated by pasting a texture representing a shadow (shadow texture) on the shadow polygon. Details will be described below.

  In the present embodiment, the shadow table data 42c and the shadow texture data 42d shown in FIG. 4 are used to generate a shadow image. The shadow table data 42c is data indicating a shadow table. The shadow table associates a unit image (unit image ID) with information for generating a shadow image displayed around the unit image when the unit image is displayed as a game map image. It is a table. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of shadow tables are prepared for the purpose of using different shadow tables depending on the game situation.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shadow table. In the shadow table shown in FIG. 9, the unit image ID and the shadow information are associated with each other. The shadow information is information relating to the shadow image, and specifically includes information indicating the number of shadow images and generation information. The number of shadow images is the number of shadow images associated with the unit image. A plurality of shadow images may be associated with one unit image. Further, the number of shadow images may be different for each unit image. In this embodiment, a unit image with no associated shadow image, that is, a unit image with 0 shadows is not stored in the shadow table. The generation information is information used to generate a shadow image associated with a unit image. The generation information is defined for each shadow image associated with the unit image. Note that it is sufficient that at least one unit image is associated in the shadow table, and it is not necessary that all unit images included in the unit image data 42a are included in the shadow table. For example, there are unit images that do not need to display shadows around them, such as unit images that represent grasslands. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a shadow image is associated with a unit image whose unit image ID is 8 and a unit image whose unit image ID is 10.

  In FIG. 9, the generation information specifically includes information on the offset vector, the first vector, the second vector, the shadow texture ID, and the shadow density. The offset vector is information for determining an arrangement position of a polygon representing a shadow (shadow polygon). Specifically, the offset vector is a vector extending from a position where the unit image is arranged (center position of the unit image) to a position where a shadow image is arranged (a reference position O described later). The display position of the shadow image displayed on the game map is determined by this offset vector. The first vector and the second vector are information for generating a shadow polygon on the game map. Specifically, the first vector and the second vector are information for defining the shadow polygon, and the size and shape of the shadow polygon are determined by these vectors and displayed on the game map. The size and shape of the shadow is determined. The shadow texture ID is an ID for identifying a shadow texture. A shadow texture is a texture that is pasted on a shadow polygon. The shadow texture ID determines the color (darkness) of the shadow and the shape of the shadow displayed on the game map. That is, in the present embodiment, the shape of the shadow changes depending on the shadow texture ID, that is, the type of texture pasted on the shadow polygon, and also changes depending on the first vector and the second vector. The darkness information is information indicating the darkness of the shadow displayed on the game map. The color (darkness) of the shadow displayed on the game map changes depending on the darkness information.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shadow polygon and a shadow image. Here, FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a state in which shadow polygons are arranged. In FIG. 10A, a case where the shadow polygon 52 of the shadow image associated with the unit image arranged in the section 51 is set will be described as an example. In setting the shadow polygon 52, first, the reference point O is set. The reference point O is determined based on the center 51a of the section 51 and the offset vector v0 included in the generation information. The offset vector v0 is a vector indicating the distance and direction from the center 51a to the reference point O, and is represented by (X, Y). That is, the coordinates indicating the position of the reference point O are calculated by adding the offset vector v0 to the coordinates indicating the position of the center 51a. By determining the reference point O, the arrangement position of the shadow polygon 52 is determined. In FIG. 10A, the reference point O is determined as the midpoint position of one side of the square section 51.

  Next, the size and shape of the shadow polygon are determined based on the first vector v1 and the second vector v2. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the shadow polygon is a quadrangle. The first vector v1 is a two-dimensional vector whose direction and size are defined. Similarly to the first vector v1, the second vector v2 is a two-dimensional vector having a defined direction and size. The starting point of the first vector v1 and the second vector v2 is a reference point O. After the reference point O is determined, one vertex of the shadow polygon 52 that is a quadrangle is determined. Specifically, the tip of the second vector v <b> 2 starting from the reference point O is one of the vertices of the shadow polygon 52. Furthermore, the tip of the shadow polygon 52 is the tip of the reference point O as a starting point and the extended vector v2 'opposite to the second vector v2. That is, a line segment connecting the tip of the second vector v2 and the tip of the vector v2 'opposite to the second vector v2 is one side of the shadow polygon 52. Further, the shadow polygon is set so that a line segment that is the same length and parallel to the one side and whose middle point is the tip of the first vector v1 is the side of the shadow polygon 52. In other words, a line segment parallel to the first vector v1 and having the same length as the first vector v1 from the tip of the second vector v2 and the vector v2 ′ opposite to the second vector v2 is 2 of the shadow polygon 52. Become an edge. As described above, the size and shape of the shadow polygon 52 are determined. In FIG. 10A, as a result of the angle formed by the first vector v1 and the second vector v2 being 90 °, the shadow polygon 52 is rectangular.

  In other embodiments, the first vector v1 and the second vector v2 may correspond to two non-opposing sides of a quadrangular shadow polygon. That is, the shadow polygon may be determined so that the first vector v1 is one side of the quadrangle and the second vector is the other side connected to (not opposed to) the one side. Also by this, the same effect as this embodiment can be acquired.

  Next, processing for pasting a shadow texture onto the shadow polygon set as described above will be described. Here, the shadow texture is stored in the optical disc as shadow texture data 42d shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a shadow texture used in the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, two types of textures are prepared as shadow textures. Also, shadow texture IDs for identifying each other are set for the two textures. Each shadow texture is composed of a plane having two axes, u-axis and v-axis. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the black portion of the shadow texture shown in FIG. 11 is translucent. Further, it is assumed that the white portion of the shadow texture shown in FIG. 11 is transparent.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the shadow texture is pasted on the shadow polygon. The type of shadow texture pasted on the shadow polygon is determined by the shadow texture ID stored in the shadow table. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a shadow texture having a shadow texture ID of 1 is attached to a shadow polygon. Specifically, in the shadow texture, the origin that is the intersection of the u-axis and the v-axis coincides with the reference point O, the v-axis coincides with the first vector v1, and the u-axis is opposite to the second vector v2. It is pasted on the shadow polygon so as to match the vector v2 ′. As a result, a shadow image having the shape shown in FIG. 10B is displayed on the game map.

  Note that the size and shape of the shadow polygon can be changed by changing the values of the first vector v1 and the second vector v2. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of a shadow polygon and a shadow image. FIG. 12 shows a shadow polygon and a shadow image when the first vector v1 and the second vector v2 are not orthogonal. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a state where shadow polygons are arranged. Also in FIG. 12A, the size and shape of the shadow polygon are determined as in the case of FIG. Here, in FIG. 12A, since the first vector v1 and the second vector v2 are not orthogonal, a parallelogram shadow polygon is set. Thus, the shape of the shadow polygon can be changed by changing the angle formed by the first vector v1 and the second vector v2. For example, when the size of the first vector v1 is increased, the shape of the shadow polygon becomes a shape extending in the direction of the first vector v1. For example, when the magnitude of the second vector v2 is increased, the shape of the shadow polygon becomes a shape extending in the direction of the second vector v2. In this way, by changing the sizes of the vectors v1 and v2, the shape of the shadow polygon can be deformed so as to expand and contract in the direction of each vector.

  In FIG. 12A, the offset vector v0 is larger than that shown in FIG. 10, and the reference point O is set outside the section 51. Thus, by increasing the magnitude of the offset vector v0, it is possible to arrange a shadow image corresponding to the unit image at a position away from the position where the unit image is arranged. Conversely, by reducing the magnitude of the offset vector v0, it is also possible to arrange a shadow image corresponding to the unit image inside the section where the unit image is arranged.

  FIG. 12B is a diagram showing another example of a state in which a shadow texture is pasted on a shadow polygon. In FIG. 12B as well, as in the case of FIG. 10B, the shadow texture is pasted on the shadow polygon. Specifically, the shadow texture is pasted on the shadow polygon so that the v-axis coincides with the first vector v1 and the u-axis coincides with the vector v2 'opposite to the second vector v2. At this time, the origin, which is the intersection of the u axis and the v axis, becomes the reference point O. As a result of pasting the shadow texture in this way, a shadow image having a shape as shown in FIG. 12B can be generated. As described above, the size and shape of the shadow image can be changed by changing the value of at least one of the first vector v1 and the second vector v2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there is one shadow image (shadow texture) prepared in advance, a plurality of types of shadow images can be generated.

  As described above, the shadow image corresponding to the unit images arranged in one section is generated by the method shown in FIGS. A shadow image is generated in the same manner for each section of the game map displayed on the screen, thereby completing a shadowed game map image. Here, in the present embodiment, since the shadow image (shadow texture) is translucent, a variety of shadow images can be generated by displaying a plurality of shadow images in an overlapping manner. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, processing in the case of overlapping a plurality of shadow images will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining processing for generating a shadow image by overlapping a plurality of shadow polygons. FIG. 13A shows a shadow polygon of a shadow image corresponding to each unit image of three sections. In FIG. 13A, a section 61 whose coordinates are (i, j), a section 62 whose coordinates are (i, j + 1), and a section 63 whose coordinates are (i, j + 2) will be described as an example. In FIG. 13, it is assumed that the unit images arranged in the sections 61 to 63 are the same. That is, the shadow images corresponding to the unit images arranged in the sections 61 to 63 have the same shape. In addition, it is assumed that the shadow texture pasted on each of the shadow polygons 64 to 66 is the same type. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13A, the shadow polygon 64 of the shadow image corresponding to the unit image arranged in the section 61 is set. Similarly, shadow polygons 65 and 66 are set. The shadow polygon 65 corresponds to the unit image arranged in the section 62, and the shadow polygon 66 corresponds to the unit image arranged in the section 63. In FIG. 13 (a), the shadow polygons 64 to 66 are shifted and described for the purpose of making the drawing easier to see (further, the line types are changed). 64 to 66 are set so as to be in contact with the sides of the sections 61 to 63.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shadow image is generated for each unit image of three sections. In FIG. 13A, since the shadow polygons of the three shadow images are set to overlap, the three shadow images are displayed so as to overlap as shown in FIG. 13B. Then, the image of the game map shown in FIG. 3 is generated by superimposing the shadow image shown in FIG. 13B on the temporary image of the game map shown in FIG. The game map image generated in this way is displayed on the television 2. In this embodiment, by displaying a plurality of shadow images in a superimposed manner, a natural and deep shadow image can be generated without preparing a large number of shadow images. In addition, various shapes of shadows can be generated without preparing a large number of shadow images.

  In the present embodiment, as can be seen from the shadow table shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of shadow images can be associated with one unit image arranged in one section. Hereinafter, processing when a plurality of shadow images are associated with one unit image will be described with reference to FIGS.

  14-17 is a figure for demonstrating how a shadow image is produced | generated corresponding to the unit image showing the wall surface of a house (lower right corner of the house of FIG. 3). A unit image representing the wall surface of the house (lower right corner of the house) is arranged in the section 53 (FIG. 14). Three shadow images are associated with this unit image. The manner in which each of the three shadow images is generated will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16. Note that the game maps shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 are images when the respective shadow images are generated, and are different from the actually displayed images (FIG. 17). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example in which a shadow image generated at the lower right position of the unit image among the three shadow images is displayed on the game map. 14 to 16, it is assumed that a shadow texture having a shadow texture ID of 2 is pasted on a shadow polygon.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a game map generated by another one shadow image. In FIG. 15, a shadow image having the same shape as that of FIG. In order to generate the shadow image shown in FIG. 15, a shadow polygon 55 obtained by rotating the shadow polygon 54 shown in FIG. 14 90 ° counterclockwise around the reference point O may be set. That is, the offset vector v0 is set to the same value as in FIG. 14, and each vector may be set so that the directions of the vectors v1 and v2 are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the vectors shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a game map generated by another one shadow image. In FIG. 16, a shadow image having the same shape as that of FIG. In order to generate the shadow image shown in FIG. 16, a shadow polygon 56 that is obtained by rotating the shadow polygon 54 shown in FIG. That is, the offset vector v0 is set to the same value as in FIG. 14, and each vector is set so that the directions of the vectors v1 and v2 are rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the vectors shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a game map image generated by the three shadow images illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16. Here, the shadow image that needs to be prepared in order to generate the shadow image shown in FIG. 17 is only a shadow texture (see FIG. 11) with a shadow texture ID of 2. That is, even when a shadow image as shown in FIG. 17 is generated, only one type of shadow image needs to be prepared. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to display various shapes / sizes of shadows on the game map by combining a plurality of shadow images.

  In the present embodiment, the shadow table data 42c includes a plurality of shadow tables. The game apparatus 3 uses different shadow tables depending on the game situation. Here, the game situation is a concept including a time zone (for example, day or night) in the game space and a weather (for example, sunny or rainy) in the game space. For example, in a game in which the concept of time zones such as morning, noon, evening, and night is defined, the game apparatus 3 uses different shadow tables according to the time zones in the game space. Specifically, let us consider a case where four states of morning, noon, evening and night are defined as information indicating the time zone in the game space. In this case, the game apparatus 3 associates shadow tables with the four states. Then, the shadow table used for generating the shadow image is determined according to the time zone in the game space. For example, in the shadow table corresponding to the daytime period, various information (offset vector, first vector, and second vector) are set so that the shadow image is shortened, and the shadow table corresponding to the evening time period is set. In this case, the information may be set so that the shadow image becomes longer. In this way, if the shadow table is set so that the length of the first vector or the second vector changes according to the time zone of the game space, the state in which the shadow changes due to the change in the altitude of the sun is displayed on the game map. Can be expressed in In addition, if the shadow table is set so that the direction of the first vector and the second vector changes according to the time zone of the game space, the state in which the shadow direction changes due to the movement of the sun is expressed on the game map. be able to. This makes the game map more realistic and varied. According to this embodiment, since the shadow image and the unit image are separate, the shadow image can be easily changed according to the game situation. The use of the shadow table can be easily realized by preparing a table in which the contents of the data indicating the game situation are associated with the shadow table to be used in the game situation.

  Here, as an example of the game situation, an example in which the shadow table is selectively used according to the time zone specified in the game space has been described, but in addition to the time zone, the weather specified in the game space and the presence or absence of special effects It is also conceivable to use different shadow tables depending on (explosion, lightning, etc.) and game map area.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the game process executed by the game apparatus 3 will be described. When the power of the game apparatus 3 is turned on, the CPU 31 of the game apparatus 3 executes a start program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), and each unit such as the work memory 32 is initialized. Then, the game program stored on the optical disc 4 is read into the work memory 32 via the optical disc drive 37, and execution of the game program is started. The flowchart shown in FIG. 18 shows processing after the above processing operation. The process shown in FIG. 18 is performed as a cooperative operation of the CPU 31 and the GPU 36. However, for example, almost all of the process shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drawing process executed by the game apparatus 3. In FIG. 18, description of game processing not directly related to the present invention is omitted, and only game map drawing processing will be described. The drawing process shown in FIG. 18 is typically performed for each frame during the game process. First, in step 71 (“step” in the figure is simply abbreviated as “S”), a unit image is arranged in one of the sections included in the screen area in the entire area of the game map. Here, the screen area refers to an area displayed on the screen of the television 2. Specifically, in step 71, the texture of the unit image is drawn on the ground polygon included in the screen area. The texture of the unit image to be drawn in the section is determined according to the map data.

  In subsequent step 73, it is determined whether or not the unit images have been arranged for all the sections included in the screen area. If it is determined in step 73 that the unit images are arranged for all the sections, the process of step 75 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 73 that there remains a section where no unit image is arranged, the process of step 71 is performed. That is, the process of step 71 is repeated until the unit images are drawn for all the sections included in the screen area. Through the above steps 71 and 73, a temporary image of the game map is generated using the unit image. The unit image used here is each unit image associated with each section (each section included in the screen area) to be displayed in the map data. Note that the game map image generated in step 73 is a temporary image of the game map, that is, an image that does not include a shadow image.

  In step 75, a shadow table to be used for generating a shadow image is determined from among a plurality of shadow tables included in the shadow table data 42c. The determination of the shadow table is performed based on information indicating the game situation. Specifically, the information indicating the game situation is information indicating a time zone in the game space, weather in the game space, information indicating the presence or absence of a special effect, and the like. Information indicating the game situation is information used in the game process, and is typically stored in the work memory 32. The CPU 31 acquires information for determining the shadow table from the work memory 32 or the like, and determines the shadow table based on the acquired information.

  In step 77, the CPU 31 pays attention to one section in the screen area. Here, the partition of interest is a partition that has not yet been focused on in the processing loop of steps 77 to 87 so far. In the following step 79, it is determined whether or not the shadow information is associated with the unit image arranged in the section focused in step 77. This determination is made by referring to the shadow table determined in step 75. If it is determined in step 79 that the shadow information is associated, the process of step 81 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 79 that the shadow information is not associated, the processing in steps 81 to 85 is skipped, and the processing in step 87 is performed.

  In step 81, a shadow polygon is arranged based on the shadow information. As described above, the shadow polygon is arranged based on the offset vector and the first and second vectors included in the shadow table (see FIG. 10A). In the following step 83, a shadow texture is drawn on the shadow polygon arranged in step 81. This shadow texture is determined according to the contents of the shadow table determined in step 75. That is, this shadow texture is a shadow texture specified by the shadow texture ID set in the shadow table determined in step 75.

  In the following step 85, it is determined whether or not all shadow images corresponding to the unit images arranged in the currently focused section have been drawn. This determination is made based on the shadow table determined in step 75. That is, if there is no shadow image that has not been drawn yet in the shadow table associated with the unit image, it is determined that all the shadow images have been drawn. At this time, the process of step 87 is performed. On the other hand, if any shadow image associated with the unit image in the shadow table has not yet been drawn, it is determined that there is an undrawn shadow image. At this time, the process of step 81 is performed. That is, the processes of steps 81 to 85 are repeated until all the shadow images corresponding to the unit images arranged in the currently focused section are drawn.

  In step 87, it is determined whether or not attention has been paid to all sections in the screen area. If there is a section that is not focused on, the process of step 77 is performed, and the processes of steps 77 to 87 are repeated until all the sections are focused. On the other hand, when attention is paid to all the sections, the process of step 89 is performed. That is, the drawn game map is displayed on the television 2. Here, it is assumed that the drawn game map is displayed as it is. However, when an object such as a player character appears on the game map, the game screen display process may be performed after the drawing process of the object is performed. After step 89, the CPU 31 ends the drawing process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a unit image and a shadow image are prepared separately, and a shadowed game map image is generated by superimposing the shadow image on a temporary game map image without a shadow. . As a result, there is no need to create a unit image in consideration of shadows, so the number of unit images required to create a game map image can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work amount when producing the unit image, and to reduce the data amount of the unit image and the shadow image.

  In the above embodiment, the drawing process is performed by a three-dimensional process using polygons, but the drawing process is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied when generating a two-dimensional game map image. Hereinafter, as a modification of the above-described embodiment, a process of generating a two-dimensional game map image will be described. In the following modification, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing shadow image data used in a modification of the present embodiment. In the above embodiment, the shadow image data is a shadow texture pasted on a shadow polygon. In this modification, the shadow image data is image data in the same format as the unit image. That is, the shadow image shown in FIG. 19 is image data having the same size as the unit image. In the present modification, a shadowed game map image is generated by superimposing such a shadow image on a section of the game map in which the unit images are arranged. The shadow image is arranged in units of game map sections. In FIG. 19, it is assumed that the white portion of the shadow image is transparent. On the other hand, the black portion of the shadow image may be translucent or not transparent. The point that the shadow image ID is assigned to each shadow image is the same as in the above embodiment.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a shadow table used in a modification of the present embodiment. In FIG. 20, the shadow image ID and the section distance are stored in the shadow table as the generation information described above. Here, the shadow image ID is a shadow image ID of a shadow image to be arranged. Further, the division distance indicates a position where the shadow image is arranged on the game map. Specifically, the section distance is expressed by coordinates similar to the coordinates (x, y) of the section. For example, when the section distance is (1, 2) and the section where the unit image is arranged is (n, m), the coordinates of the section where the shadow image is arranged are (n + 1, m + 2).

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drawing process in the modification of the present embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. In this modification, if the determination in step 79 is affirmative, the process in step 91 is performed. That is, in step 91, the shadow image associated with the unit image is arranged in the section based on the shadow information. Specifically, the shadow image to be arranged is determined by the shadow image ID of the shadow table. In addition, the section where the shadow image is arranged is determined by the section distance.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of a game map in a modified example of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the present invention can also be applied to the case of generating a two-dimensional game map image. In the present modification, the generation information includes the shadow image ID and the section distance. In addition to this, information indicating the direction in which the shadow image is arranged, and whether to invert the shadow image are indicated. Information may be included. For example, by using an image obtained by rotating and / or inverting the shadow image shown in FIG. 19 as a shadow image, it is possible to display a shadow having a more complicated shape, and more types of shadows. Can also be displayed.

  As described above, the present invention can be used for the purpose of reducing the number of unit images required for generating a game map and reducing the capacity of game data.

External view of game system Functional block diagram of the game system The figure which shows the example of a display of the game image in this embodiment The figure which shows the data stored in the optical disk 4 shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the unit image data shown in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the map data shown in FIG. 4 typically The figure for demonstrating the process which produces | generates the image of a game map without a shadow The figure which shows an example of the image of a game map without a shadow The figure which shows an example of a shadow table The figure which shows an example of a shadow polygon and a shadow image The figure which shows the shadow texture used in this embodiment The figure which shows another example of a shadow polygon and a shadow image The figure for demonstrating the process which overlaps a some shadow polygon and produces | generates a shadow image The figure which shows the example of a display of the game map produced | generated by one shadow image The figure which shows the example of a display of the game map produced | generated by another one shadow image The figure which shows the example of a display of the game map produced | generated by another one shadow image The figure which shows the image of the game map produced | generated by three shadow images shown in FIGS. The flowchart which shows the flow of the drawing process performed by the game device 3 The figure which shows the shadow image data used in the modification of this embodiment The figure which shows the shadow table used in the modification of this embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the drawing process in the modification of this embodiment The figure which shows the example of a display of the game map in the modification of this embodiment

Explanation of symbols

1 Game System 3 Game Device 4 Optical Disk 31 CPU
41 Game program 42a Unit image data 42b Map data 42c Shadow table data 42d Shadow texture data

Claims (16)

A game device that causes a display device to display an image of a game map configured by combining unit images of a predetermined size,
Unit image storage means for storing a plurality of types of unit images;
Map data storage means for storing map data in which each unit image to be arranged in each section is associated with each section obtained by dividing the game map into unit image sizes;
Temporary image generation means for generating a temporary image of the game map using each unit image associated in the map data for each section to be displayed on the display device;
A shadow table in which at least one unit image is associated with generation information for generating a shadow image displayed around the unit image when the unit image is displayed as a game map image is stored. A shadow table storage means;
For each unit image included in the temporary image of the game map, the shadow image generated based on the generation information associated with the unit image is referred to the shadow table, and the temporary image of the game map A game map image display means for displaying an image of the game map superimposed on the display device on the display device. The generation information includes relative position information between a position where the unit image is displayed and a position where the shadow image is displayed on the game map,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game map image display unit determines a display position of the shadow image on the game map based on the position information.   The said game map image display means produces | generates a semi-transparent shadow image, and when at least one part of the said some shadow image overlaps, the said several shadow image is displayed by overlapping. Game device.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation information regarding a plurality of shadow images is associated with one unit image in the shadow table. The generation information includes shape information regarding a shape in which a shadow image is displayed on the game map,
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game map image display means determines a shape of a shadow image displayed on the game map based on the shape information. The generation information includes polygon information for generating a polygon on the game map,
The game apparatus further includes texture storage means for storing a texture for expressing a shadow,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game map image display unit generates a shadow image by drawing a texture on a polygon generated by the polygon information. The polygon information includes two vector data for defining a polygon,
The texture stored in the texture storage unit is a planar image defined by the first axis and the second axis,
The game map image display means uses the polygon information so that the first axis of the texture coincides with one of the two vector data, and the second axis of the texture coincides with the other of the two vector data. The game device according to claim 6, wherein a texture is drawn on the generated polygon. The shadow table storage means stores a plurality of types of the shadow tables,
The game apparatus further includes table selection means for acquiring information indicating a game situation, and selecting any one of the plurality of shadow tables based on the acquired information.
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game map image display unit generates a shadow image based on generation information included in a shadow table selected by the table selection unit. A game program for causing a computer of a game device to display an image of a game map configured by combining unit images of a predetermined size on a display device,
A plurality of unit image data;
Map data in which a unit image to be arranged in each section is associated with each section obtained by dividing the game map into unit image sizes;
A shadow table that associates at least one unit image with generation information for generating a shadow image displayed around the unit image when the unit image is displayed as a game map image. ,
The computer,
Temporary image generation means for generating a temporary image of a game map using each unit image associated in the map data for each section to be displayed on the display device;
For each unit image included in the temporary image of the game map, the shadow image generated based on the generation information associated with the unit image is referred to the shadow table, and the temporary image of the game map A computer-readable game program that functions as game map image display means for displaying an image of a game map superimposed on the display device on the display device. The generation information includes relative position information between a position where the unit image is displayed and a position where the shadow image is displayed on the game map,
The game program according to claim 9, wherein the game map image display means determines a display position of the shadow image on the game map based on the position information.   11. The game map image display unit according to claim 10, wherein the game map image display unit generates a translucent shadow image and displays the plurality of shadow images in a superimposed manner when at least a part of the plurality of shadow images overlap each other. Game program.   The game program according to claim 9, wherein each of the generation information regarding a plurality of shadow images is associated with one unit image in the shadow table. The generation information includes shape information regarding a shape in which a shadow image is displayed on the game map,
The game program according to claim 9, wherein the game map image display means determines a shape of a shadow image displayed on the game map based on the shape information. The generation information includes polygon information for generating a polygon on the game map,
The game program further causes the game device to function as a texture storage unit that stores a texture for expressing a shadow,
The game program according to claim 9, wherein the game map image display unit generates a shadow image by drawing a texture on a polygon generated by the polygon information. The polygon information includes two vector data for defining a polygon,
The texture stored in the texture storage unit is a planar image defined by the first axis and the second axis,
The game map image display means uses the polygon information so that the first axis of the texture coincides with one of the two vector data, and the second axis of the texture coincides with the other of the two vector data. The game program according to claim 14, wherein a texture is drawn on the generated polygon. The shadow table storage means stores a plurality of types of the shadow tables,
The game program causes the game device to further function as a table selection unit that acquires information indicating a game situation, and selects any one of the plurality of shadow tables based on the acquired information.
The game program according to claim 9, wherein the game map image display unit generates a shadow image based on generation information included in a shadow table selected by the table selection unit.

Images