JP2007034992A - Image generation apparatus, game device, image generation method, image generation program and readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily acquire a lot of character data without requiring Internet environment or a complicated operation procedure to a user, so as to generate various new characters. <P>SOLUTION: An image generation apparatus has: an imaging apparatus 2 for imaging image data printed on printed matter 1 such as a magazine; an image processing circuit 3 for converting the image data photographed by the imaging device 2 into internal data format data; a conversion data-storing memory 4 for storing the converted internal data format data; a basic character model-storing memory 5 for storing data on a basic character model; and an image display circuit 8 for generating a new character model by deforming the basic character model on the basis of conversion data or changing color of the basic character model. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation device that can generate image data such as characters such as “people”, “animals”, and “cars” that appear in games, and various games such as battle games and racing games. Device that can be reflected in the image generation method, an image generation method using the image generation device, an image generation program for causing a computer to execute the image generation method, and a computer-readable readable recording medium on which the image generation program is recorded About.

  In a game device (electronic game machine) using this type of image generation device, in order to display characters such as “people”, “animals”, and “cars” appearing in the game on the screen of the display device, for example, non- Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose image generation apparatuses that can download character image data via the Internet. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a conventional image generation apparatus.

  In FIG. 5, the conventional image generating apparatus 100 includes a download server 101, an Internet communication unit 103 that can be connected via the Internet line 102, and data downloaded from the download server 101 via the Internet line 102. Download data storage memory 104 for storing image data, image display unit 105 for generating image data for display based on this data, and display on the screen based on the image data generated by this image display unit 105 Display device 106.

In this conventional image generating apparatus 100, data on the download server 101 is downloaded by the Internet communication unit 103 via the Internet line 102, and this data is temporarily stored in the download data storage memory 104.
Thereafter, based on the data stored in the download data storage memory 104 by the image display unit 105, “people”, “animals”, and “cars” appearing in the game (here, “racing cars” because they are racing games). Character image data such as is generated. Further, the “racing car” of the character image generated by the image display unit 105 is displayed on the screen of the display device 106. This character image is reflected in the game.

  As another conventional image generation apparatus, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reading characters such as “people”, “animals”, and “cars” appearing in a game by reading a barcode drawn on a printed matter such as a book. An image generation apparatus capable of adding capability data, individuality data, and the like is disclosed. This is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of another conventional image generation apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, another conventional image generating apparatus 200 uses barcode information drawn on a printed material 201 such as a game card (for example, ability numerical data such as a character having a physical strength of “500” and an attack power of “10”). ), A read data processing circuit 203 that performs image processing as character image data that moves the acquired physical strength and attack power based on the read bar code information, and this image processing A read data storage memory 204 for storing the character image data, an image display unit 205 for generating a character image for display based on the stored character image data, and a character image generated by the image display unit 205 Is displayed on the screen.

In this other conventional image generating apparatus 200, bar code information (for example, a character has a physical strength of “500” or an attack power of “500” or an attack power of “ 10 ”and the like, and based on this, the read data processing circuit 203 image-processes the character as having various abilities such as physical strength and attack power, and then temporarily stores the read data. Stored in the memory 204. Thereafter, a character image is generated by the image display unit 205 based on the character image data stored in the read data storage memory 204 and displayed on the screen of the display device 206. This character image is reflected in the game.
URL: http://www.playstation.jp/scej/title/wipeout/: A mechanism for downloading new circuits and new characters on Wipeout Pure of PSP (Date of acquisition: 2005, 4, 7) URL: http: //www.playstation.jp/scej/title/wireless/ (Date of acquisition: 2005,4,7) JP 2001-334012 A

  In each of the conventional image generating devices described above, data relating to a new character can be taken into the game, and the data can be reflected in the game as fresh and played.

  However, each of the conventional image generating apparatuses has the following problems.

  In the conventional image generating apparatus 100, a large amount of data related to a new character (specifically, character image data of a new racing car) is downloaded via the Internet, whereby a new racing car of the character image is generated. Displayed on the screen and can be used to play a racing game. However, there is no connection environment for the device user (user) to the Internet network, or there is a connection procedure for connecting the user via the Internet line 102 and retrieving data relating to a desired character from the download server 101. Although it is complicated, a large amount of data relating to a new character can be obtained, but the system is inconvenient for the user.

  In the other conventional image generation apparatus 200 described above, barcode information drawn on a dedicated printed matter such as a game card (specifically, a card for a game) (specifically, for example, the character has a physical strength of “500” and an attack power of “10”). ) ”Is read out and a character image that moves corresponding to that is generated and displayed on the screen, and a battle game or the like can be played using this. However, the bar code information drawn on special printed materials such as game cards has a small amount of data, character ability data (hit points, skills that can be used in games, physical strength, attack power, defense power, etc.), simple voice Only simple information such as data and text data (such as calls and simple messages) can be read. For this reason, the character data appearing during the game needs to be stored in advance in a memory in the game device or a memory in the game software.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and does not require the user to prepare the Internet environment or perform complicated operation procedures via the Internet line. Image generating device capable of generating character, game device with camera capable of displaying various new character images generated using the same and playing a game, image generating method using the image generating device, and image generating method It is an object of the present invention to provide an image generation program for causing a computer to execute each step, and a computer-readable readable recording medium on which the image generation program is recorded.

  An image generation apparatus according to the present invention includes a basic character model storage memory for storing basic character model data, an imaging apparatus capable of capturing an image of image data, and image data of an image captured by the imaging apparatus. Image processing means for converting to internal data format data, internal data format data converted by the image processing means, temporarily stored as conversion data, and stored in the basic character model storage memory An image display processing means for converting the basic character model based on the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory, and a display for displaying a new character model converted by the image display processing means on the display screen Means for achieving the above object.

  Preferably, in the image generation apparatus of the present invention, the image processing program and the data storage program storing the data, the image generation program stored in the program storage memory and the data, and the image processing And a control unit for controlling the basic character model storage memory, the conversion data storage memory, and the image display processing means.

  Further preferably, the basic character model in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is a 3D polygon model.

  Further preferably, the imaging device in the image generating device of the present invention is a digital camera or a scanner device.

  Furthermore, preferably, the imaging device in the image generation device of the present invention can capture image data of an image printed on a printed matter or image data of an image displayed on a display screen.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging apparatus in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is provided with at least a monopod for recognizing the shooting distance with respect to the printed material so that it can be withdrawn or removably attached.

  Further preferably, the image data in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is a basic character selection No. for determining which of a plurality of basic character models stored in the basic character model storage memory is to be selected. . Data, displacement mapping data for deforming the shape of the selected basic character model, texture mapping data for changing at least one of the color and pattern of the selected basic character model, the selected basic character One of the normal mapping data for changing the model normal, the material data for changing the material of the selected basic character model, and the shading program switching data for switching the shading processing program of the selected basic character model Part or all of the data.

  Further preferably, the image data in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is provided in a photographing outer frame region positioned by alignment marks indicating four corners to be photographed.

  Further, preferably, the alignment mark in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is composed of red, blue, green and black.

  Further preferably, the basic character model storage memory in the image generating apparatus of the present invention stores a plurality of models corresponding to the original character to be displayed.

  Further preferably, the basic character model data in the image generating apparatus of the present invention is stored in advance in the basic character model storage memory, or is supplied from an external medium to the basic character model storage memory, Alternatively, it is read into the basic character model storage memory via the communication means.

  Further preferably, the image data in the image generating apparatus of the present invention has a coefficient related to the capability of the character model as a parameter, and the coefficient related to the capability is linked to the character model and the capability of the character model. Reflect as.

  The game apparatus according to the present invention uses the character model generated by using the image generation apparatus according to the present invention for the game, thereby achieving the above object.

  An image generation method according to the present invention is an image generation method for generating a new character model using the image generation device according to the present invention, wherein a predetermined image data is photographed by the imaging device, Image-captured image data is subjected to image processing by the image processing means and converted into internal data format data; and internal data format data converted by the image processing means is stored in the converted data storage memory; and The basic character model stored in the basic character model storage memory is converted by the image display processing means based on the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory to obtain a new character model. And a new character model generated by the image display processing means. And a step of displaying on the display screen, the objects can be achieved.

  The image generation program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute each step of the above-described image generation method of the present invention, thereby achieving the above object.

  The readable recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which the above-described image generation program of the present invention is recorded, whereby the above object is achieved.

The operation of the present invention will be described below with the above configuration.
In the present invention, a dedicated image such as a character printed on a printed matter such as a magazine or a card, or a character displayed on a display screen such as a television or personal computer by an imaging device such as a digital camera or a scanner device. Take a special image such as In this manner, the captured dedicated image has a large amount of data that can be captured as a new character image. Further, since the image data is only captured and captured by the image capturing apparatus, the Internet environment is not required on the user side as in the prior art, and the processing procedure is simpler than that in the prior art. In this way, based on the captured image data, a variety of new character models can be generated and displayed by simply changing the color or changing the basic character model stored in advance in the memory. This can be displayed on the screen and used for games or the like.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a large amount of data relating to a character or the like can be captured as image data by an imaging device, so that the Internet environment is not required on the user side as in the prior art, and processing that is simpler than the prior art Various new character images can be generated by the operation procedure, displayed on the screen, and used for games or the like.

  Hereinafter, a case in which an embodiment of an image generation device of the present invention is applied to a game device will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of an image generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an image generation apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging apparatus 2 that can capture a dedicated image printed on a printed matter 1 such as a magazine, and each image data captured by the imaging apparatus 2 in an internal data format. An image processing circuit 3 serving as an image processing means for converting the image data, a converted data storage memory 4 for storing converted internal data format data, a basic character model storage memory 5 for storing basic character model data, and the like. The image generation program and the program storage memory 6 storing the data, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7 as a control unit for controlling each unit, and the basic character model are transformed based on the conversion data to change the color. An image display circuit 8 (image display unit) as an image display processing means for changing and generating a new character model; And a display device 9 serving as a display means having a display screen such as a liquid crystal display for displaying with new character model. In addition to this, an operation unit for user input commands such as operation buttons is added, and predetermined packaging is performed to configure the game apparatus 20 (see FIG. 3).
In the case of the page configuration as shown in FIG. 2, the printed matter 1 has a square alignment mark 11 indicating the four corners of the photographing outer frame area on the left side of the sheet to be photographed, and a vertical upper side of the photographing outer frame area. A data area 12 of “basic character model selection No. data” that is positioned, and a data area 13 that is provided with “displacement mapping data” for specifying an object shape located in the center in the vertical direction of the outer frame area A data area 14 of “texture mapping data” located on the lower side in the vertical direction of the shooting outer frame area is arranged and printed. Further, on the right side of the printed matter 1, an image diagram of the character generated and displayed is printed. This printed material 1 is for the image generating apparatus 10 (for example, magazines published regularly), and updates or adds various new characters even when the user gets bored with existing characters. This is to entertain the game without getting tired of the user.

  The alignment marks 11 are provided at four corners of the outer frame showing the data areas 12 to 14 on which the respective image data are printed. Each of the alignment marks 11 has a square shape, and each square shape has a red color. , Blue, green and black. The alignment mark 11 serves as positioning data for reliably capturing each image data picked up by the image pickup device 2 and also serves to correct a color difference depending on the shooting environment of the image pickup device 2. With the alignment mark 11, it is possible to correct the captured image to be tilted or small or large to a desired size in a desired direction.

“Basic character model selection No. data” is data for determining which of a plurality of basic character models stored in the basic character model storage memory 5 is to be selected.
“Displacement mapping data” is vertex mutation data (light-and-dark data obtained by imaging three-dimensional variation data as two-dimensional variation data; for example, the black side moves less and the white side moves more). When “Displacement mapping data” is applied to the basic object shape (existing character) you have in advance as the amount of vertex variation, the basic object shape (existing character) will be transformed according to the “displacement mapping data”. This is data for creating an object shape (various and new characters). An object (character) is composed of a large number of triangular polygons with three vertices, and if the triangle is deformed by pulling (mutating) the vertices of the triangle, the shape of the object is deformed. For example, if you extend a hand of a basic human character, you will become a human with a long hand, or if you gradually enlarge the body by pulling on the chest of the body, you will become a human with a solid physique, or the position of the vertex By deforming, the shape of the object can be deformed to a desired shape. When this object is a “car”, for example, the object shape can be deformed according to “displacement mapping data” to be transformed into a racing car, a light car, or even a family car. Note that it is not the “displacement mapping data” that is played by moving this “car”, but a game program. The “displacement mapping data” only changes the shape of the object to generate another object. It is data for.
The “texture mapping data” is data for pasting a colored picture (texture image) on the object after changing the shape of the object with “displacement mapping data”.
Next, the imaging device 2 is a digital camera, a scanner device, or the like, and images image data drawn on a printed matter 1 such as a card or a magazine.
The image processing circuit 3 includes “basic character model selection No. data” in the outer frame in which the data area is defined by the alignment marks 11 provided at the four corners as each image data photographed by the imaging device 2. There are “displacement mapping data” and “texture mapping data”, and each data is divided according to its position in this order from the top. In this case, in order to identify what these “basic character model selection No. data”, “displacement mapping data”, and “texture mapping data” are, what data Cut data indicating whether or not there may be embedded, but different data may be detected by changing the line of the data or changing the line. In addition, the image processing circuit 3 removes external factors such as a difference in color depending on the shooting environment, image distortion, and image blurring. Thereafter, the image processing circuit 3 converts “basic character model selection No. data”, “displacement mapping data”, and “texture mapping data” into an internal data format that can be processed by the image display circuit 8. Each data converted into the internal data format by the image processing circuit 3 is temporarily stored in the converted data storage memory 4.

As this internal format data, for example,
(1) A basic character selection No. for determining which one of a plurality of basic character models stored in the basic character model storage memory 5 is to be selected. data,
(2) displacement mapping data for deforming the shape of the selected basic character model;
(3) data for texture mapping for changing the color and pattern of the selected basic character model;
(4) Normal mapping data for changing the normal of the selected basic character model;
(5) Material data for changing the material of the selected basic character model, and
(6) There is shading program switching data for switching the shading processing program of the selected basic character model, and some or all of these may be included. Here, (1) to (3) are included.

  Displacement mapping, as described above, is a technique for deforming a model by displacing the coordinates of each vertex of the model. This is achieved by applying a display that evaluates the amount of displacement at each vertex to the vertex shader.

  Shading is shading, and is a process of smoothly shading pixels other than the vertices of a polygon in a narrow sense. Nowadays it is used in a broad sense and sometimes refers to the entire pixel coloring process.

A shader refers to hardware or software (parameter data, program) that performs a shading process. In the case of a program, in particular, it is called a shader program. In addition, there are two types of shaders, a vertex shader and a pixel shader, and there are cases where both are indicated and cases where only the pixel shader is indicated. Among these, a vertex shader is a shader that can be processed for each vertex. Vertex position can be displaced and vertex color can be changed. In addition, a pixel shader is a shader that can be processed for each pixel. Various effects can be produced by freely changing the color of each pixel. A pixel is one unit of a drawing dot and one dot. Here, one dot of the texture is sometimes called “texel”. Since the texture is enlarged / reduced and pasted on the polygon, one texel does not always become one pixel. A programmable shader is a hardware shader that can be controlled by a program. There are several versions defined, and the current latest is version 3.0.
Next, the basic character model storage memory 5 stores data of one or more basic character models. Here, a model (object: model (object)) is a group of objects such as “people”, “animals”, “cars”, etc., and information is usually stored in units of this model. A 3D world is constructed by placing

For example, a 3D polygon model is used as the basic character model. Polygon means “polygon” and is the smallest element constituting the 3D model.
As described above, the polygons constituting the 3D polygon model mainly use triangles as “polygons”. The 3D polygon model is represented by data such as a vertex, a normal, a material, a light, and a texture. A vertex (vertex) is a point constituting a polygon. In the case of a triangle, it is defined by three vertices. The normal is a kind of attribute that the vertex has, and is a vector that defines the direction in which light is reflected. Furthermore, the material is a kind of attribute that the vertex has, and defines the reflection coefficient of light, the degree of self-emission, and the like. Furthermore, the light defines a virtual light source. In the case of the simplest parallel light source, the direction and color of the light source are defined. Furthermore, a texture is a picture that is pasted on the surface of a polygon. In order to represent the 3D model with polygons, a surface division (tessellation) process for dividing the curved surface data into polygons is performed.

  The data of the 3D polygon model includes information on whether the polygon is opaque or translucent. Opaque (opaque) indicates that the polygon or pixel is opaque. If it is opaque, there is no need to draw what is behind it, so the difference between opaque and translucent is important. Moreover, translucency (half-transparent) indicates that a polygon or a pixel is translucent. If it is translucent, it must be blended with the one behind it.

As the basic character model, for example, a two-legged “human character model”, a four-legged “dog-shaped character model”, a “car-shaped character model”, or the like is used according to the character appearing in the game.
Next, the program storage memory 6 stores a game program and its data in addition to the image generation program and its data. The program storage memory 6 may function as a work memory by reading a program and its data from a hard disk or another internal memory (ROM) as a readable recording medium when the CPU 7 is activated. Examples of the readable recording medium include a portable optical disk, a magnetic disk, a DVD, and an IC memory in addition to a hard disk and an internal memory. A program and its data are read from the program storage memory 6 by the CPU 7. Executed.
The CPU 7 controls the operations of the above-described units of the image generation apparatus 10 based on the image generation program and its data in the program storage memory 6. The CPU 7 executes the game based on the game program and its data in the program storage memory 6.
The image display circuit 8 converts the basic character model stored in the basic character model storage memory 5 based on the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory 4 to generate a new character model. The converted new character model is displayed on the display screen of the display device 9 and used for the game.

  In the image display circuit 8, in order to display the character model on the display screen on the display device 9, coordinate transformation (transform), setup ((triangle) setup), rendering (rendering), scan line transformation (rasterize), Processing such as depth test, anti-aliasing, fog, alpha blending, culling, clipping, texture compression, and the like is performed.

  The character model is expressed in a local coordinate system. These local coordinates are also called model coordinates, and are a coordinate system that becomes a reference when one model (object) is created. Each model is freely arranged (moved, enlarged / reduced, rotated) in a coordinate system called world coordinates, so that a 3D world is constructed as a moving image. At this time, in order to convert the model of the local coordinate system into the world coordinate system, or to convert into a coordinate system based on the eye position (such a coordinate system is used by the game), coordinate transformation (transform) is performed. Done.

  Setup ((triangle) setup) is pre-processing for determining which part of the scanning line the coordinate-converted (triangular) polygon is to be drawn. Rendering is a series of processes for drawing coordinate-converted polygons in units of pixels. At this time, a frame buffer is used to store picture data drawn by the 3D drawing engine. Normally, this memory is provided for two screens (double buffer), and the next picture is created while one picture is displayed. Scan line conversion (rasterize) is processing for determining a position where a polygon is drawn for each scan line.

  The depth test is to check the depth from the viewpoint direction in order to avoid unnecessary drawing because it is not necessary to draw a polygon behind the viewpoint. When this depth test is performed, a depth buffer (z-buffer) is used. In this depth buffer, the depth value of the polygon drawn so far is written.

  Anti-aliasing is a process that reduces jaggedness on the screen. When full scene anti-aliasing (FSAA) is performed, a beautiful picture is obtained although processing time is required. Fog is a method of blurring a polygon that is far away from the viewpoint mainly with a color such as white. Alpha blending is the color synthesis of a translucent pixel with the pixel behind it. Because the degree of opacity is called alpha value, it is called alpha blending. Culling is a process of reducing polygons to be drawn. Culling is performed because it is not necessary to draw a polygon that is face-down with respect to the viewpoint direction after the coordinate conversion, a polygon that is out of the field of view, or a polygon that is behind the opaque polygon viewed from the viewpoint. Clipping is a process that reduces the burden of drawing by removing polygons that are out of the viewpoint. Since the texture data has a large capacity, it may be compressed by texture compression. In general, there is a compression method called S3TC.

  With the above configuration, the image generation operation of the image generation apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 3 and the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first, in step S <b> 1, each image data of the printed material 1 dedicated to this game such as a magazine to be photographed is photographed by the imaging device 2. That is, in this printed matter 1, in addition to the square alignment marks 11 indicating the four corners of the data area, “basic character model selection No. data”, “displacement mapping data” and “texture mapping” are placed inside this data area. Data ”is printed as each image data, and these are imaged and captured by the imaging device 2.

  Next, in step S2, the image processing circuit 3 detects the respective alignment marks 11 provided at the four corners of each photographed image data, and using these, the captured image is tilted or small. If the data area is defined in the outer frame area, the "Basic character model selection No. data", "Displacement mapping data" and "Texture mapping" are corrected. Each image data of “data” is accurately separated. Further, after the image processing circuit 3 removes external factors such as color differences depending on the shooting environment, image distortion, and image blur, an internal data format that can be processed by the image display circuit 8 for each image data. Convert to

  Furthermore, in step S3, internal data format data of each conversion data of “basic character model selection No. data”, “displacement mapping data” and “texture mapping data” converted by the image processing circuit 3 is It is stored in the converted data storage memory 4.

  Thereafter, in step S4, among several basic character models stored in advance in the basic character model storage memory 5, for example, "human character model", "dog character model", "car character model", etc. The basic character model uniquely selected by the “basic character model selection No. data” and the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory 4 in step S3 are read by the image display circuit 8, respectively.

  Further, in step S5, the shape of the basic character model is deformed by applying “displacement mapping data” to the basic character model read into the image display circuit 8, and the surface of the deformed shape object is further deformed. Apply “texture mapping data” to change the color and pattern of the deformed character model surface.

  Finally, in step S 6, various new character models generated by the image display circuit 8 are displayed on the display screen 91 of the display device 9. In this way, the newly generated character plays an active role in the game on the display screen 91 of the camera-equipped game device 20 in place of an existing character or newly added.

  Specifically, for example, “car type character model” is selected by the above processing procedure, and is transformed into the shape of each car type such as “NSX” or “RX-7” by “displacement mapping data”. The difference in car coloring such as “red”, “black”, and “white” is represented by the “mapping data”, and a pattern representing a “sticker” is added so that it can be seen as a racing car. It is displayed on the screen 91.

  As described above, according to the image generation apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the imaging apparatus 2 that captures each image data printed on the printed matter 1 such as a magazine, and the image data captured by the imaging apparatus 2 are internally stored. An image processing circuit 3 for conversion to a data format, a conversion data storage memory 4 for storing converted internal data format data, a basic character model storage memory 5 for storing basic character model data, and the basic The image display circuit 8 generates a new character model by transforming the character model based on the conversion data and changing the color. As a result, a large amount of character data can be easily obtained by a simple operation of shooting a printed matter, and the user does not need to prepare the Internet environment or perform complicated operation procedures via the Internet line. Various new characters can be generated from the basic character model. Therefore, the user can enjoy the game by generating various new characters one after another without getting bored with the game.

  Although not described in detail in the above embodiment, in the image generation device 10, “person (bipedal walking animal)” as the “basic character model” with respect to the basic character model storage memory 5. Generate various original characters by storing multiple models that have a shape close to the original character to be displayed, such as “dog (quadruped animal)”, “car”, “motorcycle”, “spaceship”, etc. can do.

  In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the “basic character model” is stored in the basic character model storage memory 5 in advance. However, from an external medium such as an optical medium such as a ROM medium, an optical disk, or a DVD. It is also possible to newly supply and store in the basic character model storage memory 5. For example, when new game software is released, it is also possible to store information on the “basic character model” in the media together with the game program and generate a new original model using the “basic character model”. . Furthermore, a method of reading the “basic character model” into the basic character model storage memory 5 through communication means such as the Internet is also conceivable. The present invention does not exclude reading of the “basic character model” through these media and communication.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the object to be photographed by the imaging device 2 is a printed material. However, in addition to the printed material, image data displayed on a display screen of a television or a personal computer can also be used.

  Further, in FIG. 2 of the above embodiment, “basic character model selection No. data”, “displacement mapping data”, and “texture mapping data” are shown as image data obtained by imaging. Does not exclude the data. For example, "normal mapping data" that is vector data that defines the light reflection direction, "material data" that is data that defines the light reflection coefficient, self-luminous degree, etc., and pixel coloring processing programs such as shading “Shading program switching data” can be considered.

  Further, although not particularly described in the above-described embodiment, in order to correct camera shake, distortion of a captured image, and out-of-focus when shooting the printed matter 1 by the imaging device 2, the imaging device 2 may be monopod, bipod, tripod, or If the four legs are detachably or detachably provided, the imaging device 2 can be fixed at a predetermined position with respect to the printed matter 1 and the distance between the imaging device 2 and the printed surface of the printed matter 1 is set to an appropriate distance. Can do.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, image data printed on a printed matter such as a magazine is captured by an imaging device such as a digital camera or a scanner device, and a basic character model stored in advance in memory is deformed based on the image data. Or changing the color to create a new character with a simpler operation than the prior art, but not limited to this, image data displayed on a display screen of a television or personal computer Shoot and create a new character on the display screen by modifying the basic character model stored in the memory in advance or changing the color based on the image data. It can also be made.

  Furthermore, although not specifically described in the above embodiment, as image data, for example, a coefficient such as speed is provided as a parameter as a character's ability, and a coefficient parameter such as speed is captured, and the captured character image and coefficient are captured by a program. For example, speed can be reflected as a capability by linking parameters.

  As mentioned above, although this invention has been illustrated using preferable embodiment of this invention, this invention should not be limited and limited to this embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. It is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge from the description of specific preferred embodiments of the present invention. Patents, patent applications, and documents cited herein should be incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if the contents themselves were specifically described herein. Understood.

  The present invention relates to an image generation device capable of generating image data such as characters such as “people” appearing in games and the like, anthropomorphized “animals”, “cars”, and the like. A game device that can be reflected in various games such as, an image generation method using the image generation device, an image generation program for causing a computer to execute the image generation method, and a computer readable recording the image generation program In the field of readable recording media, image data printed on magazines or other printed matter by an imaging device such as a digital camera or a scanner device, or image data displayed on a display screen of a television or personal computer is photographed. Basic characters stored in memory based on data Or deform the Tamoderu, by changing the color, it is possible to generate a new character with a simple operation than prior art is displayed on the display screen of the display device. In addition, the character model can be transformed and the color can be changed by simply processing image data with an imaging device such as a digital camera or a scanner device. The game can be played on the display screen of the display device.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structural example of the image generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a page configuration example of a printed material to be photographed in FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement of the image generation apparatus of FIG. 1 by applying to a game device. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of image generation processing by the image generation apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the example of a principal part structure of the conventional image generation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structural example of the other conventional image generation apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printed object used as imaging | photography object 2 Imaging device 3 Image processing circuit 4 Memory for storing conversion data 5 Memory for storing basic character model 6 Memory for storing program 7 CPU
8 Image display circuit 9 Display device 91 Display screen 10 Image generation device 20 Game device

Claims (16)

Basic character model storage memory for storing basic character model data;
An imaging device capable of capturing an image of image data;
Image processing means for converting image data of an image captured by the imaging device into internal data format data;
A converted data storage memory in which internal data format data converted by the image processing means is temporarily stored as converted data;
Image display processing means for converting the basic character model stored in the basic character model storage memory based on the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory;
An image generation apparatus comprising: display means for displaying a new character model converted by the image display processing means on a display screen. A memory for storing an image generation program and its data;
In accordance with an image generation program stored in the program storage memory and its data, the image processing means, the basic character model storage memory, the conversion data storage memory, and a control unit for controlling the image display processing means The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the basic character model is a 3D polygon model.   The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is a digital camera or a scanner apparatus.   The image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging device can capture image data of an image printed on a printed matter or image data of an image displayed on a display screen.   The image generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least a monopod for confirming a shooting distance with respect to the printed material is provided in the imaging device so as to be freely withdrawn or attached. The image data is
A basic character selection No. for determining which one of a plurality of basic character models stored in the basic character model storage memory is to be selected. data,
Displacement mapping data to transform the shape of the selected basic character model,
Texture mapping data for changing the color and / or pattern of the selected basic character model,
Normal mapping data that changes the normal of the selected basic character model,
Material data that changes the material of the selected basic character model, and
The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generating apparatus includes a part or all of the shading program switching data for switching the shading processing program of the selected basic character model.   The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is provided in a shooting outer frame area positioned by alignment marks indicating four corners to be shot.   The image generation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the alignment mark is configured of red, blue, green, and black.   The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the basic character model storage memory stores a plurality of models corresponding to an original character to be displayed.   The basic character model data is stored in advance in the basic character model storage memory, supplied from an external medium to the basic character model storage memory, or stored in the basic character model via communication means. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image generation apparatus is read into a storage memory.   8. The image data according to claim 1, wherein the image data includes a coefficient relating to the ability of the character model as a parameter, and the coefficient relating to the ability is reflected as the ability of the character model by linking the character model and the coefficient. Image generation device.   A game apparatus using a character model generated by using the image generation apparatus according to claim 1 in a game. An image generation method for generating a new character model using the image generation apparatus according to claim 1,
Photographing predetermined image data with the imaging device;
Image data captured by the imaging device is subjected to image processing by the image processing means and converted into an internal data format;
Storing the internal data format data converted by the image processing means in the converted data storage memory;
The basic character model stored in the basic character model storage memory is converted by the image display processing means based on the conversion data stored in the conversion data storage memory to generate a new character model. And steps to
And a step of displaying a new character model generated by the image display processing means on a display screen.   An image generation program for causing a computer to execute each step of the image generation method according to claim 14.   A computer-readable readable recording medium on which the image generation program according to claim 15 is recorded.