JP2007260271A - Program, information storage medium, and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To normally carry out picture formation without affecting game proceeding control even if the number of polygons to be desirous to draw by one frame picture exceeds the upper limit of the number of the polygons which can be drawn in one frame time when a game picture is formed with real time. <P>SOLUTION: When the game picture of a game space, in which objects 10A-10C are arranged, is formed, an object picture 20A is formed by carrying out the rendering of the object 10A in the first frame and an object picture 20B is formed by carrying out the rendering of the object 10B in the second frame. In the third frame, the game picture is formed by carrying out the rendering of the game space in which a replacing object 30A, used for carrying out the mapping of the object picture 20A, is changed to the object 10A to arrange and a replacing object 30B, used for carrying out the mapping of the object picture 20B, is changed to the object 10B to arrange. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device or the like that performs a process of generating a frame image by rendering a game space in which a plurality of objects formed by primitive surfaces are arranged based on a given viewpoint to control the progress of the game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game device, a 3DCG game image is rendered by rendering a game space in which an object such as a character is arranged based on a given viewpoint (virtual camera or the like) at every frame time that is an image generation time interval. Is generated. In recent years, such game devices have been required to generate more realistic game images.

Therefore, as a technique for generating a more realistic game image, at least part of the original image that has been rendered and drawn in the drawing area is used as a texture, and an image obtained by mapping this texture to an object is synthesized with the original image. A technique for generating a frame image is known. According to this technology, it is possible to easily generate a realistic image reflecting an environment or situation that changes in real time. For example, an expression such as when the background image is seen through a water surface, glass, flame, or the like can be realized realistically and easily (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-224847 A

  By the way, when image generation is performed in real time, there is an upper limit to the number of polygons drawn in one frame time because of hardware performance. For this reason, if you try to draw more polygons than this upper limit, a so-called processing drop occurs that delays the image display update speed and game progress control, or the drawing of polygons exceeding the upper limit is cut off and partially A situation occurs in which an image lacking is generated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a game image is generated in real time, the number of polygons to be drawn in one frame image exceeds the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time. Even so, an object is to enable normal image generation without affecting the game progress control.

The first invention for solving the above-described problems is
The computer is given a process of generating a frame image by rendering a game space in which a plurality of objects (for example, the objects 10A to 10C in FIG. 2) formed by primitive surfaces are arranged based on a given viewpoint. A program (for example, the game program 410 in FIG. 8) for controlling the progress of the game at every frame time,
Causing the computer to function as multiple frame time appropriate image generation means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 8) that executes processing for generating a single frame image in multiple frame times;
The multiple frame time allocation image generating means
A selection unit (for example, the image generation control unit 211 in FIG. 8; step S7 in FIG. 13) that selects an object to be subjected to the rendering process among the plurality of objects only as a processing target;
An object image generation means (for example, the image generation unit 230 in FIG. 8; step S15 in FIG. 13) that generates the image of the object by rendering the selected object based on the viewpoint;
For the objects other than the selected object among the plurality of objects, the rendering processing based on the viewpoint is performed, and the frame image is synthesized and generated for the selected object using the image generated by the object image generation unit. Frame image composition generation means (for example, image generation unit 230 in FIG. 8; step S25 in FIG. 13);
A program for causing the computer to function so as to have

In addition, the ninth invention,
A game device that controls the progress of a game by performing a process of generating a frame image for each given frame time by rendering a game space in which a plurality of objects formed by primitive surfaces are arranged based on a given viewpoint. (For example, the home game device 1200 of FIGS. 1 and 8),
A plurality of frame time appropriate image generation means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 8) that executes a process of generating one frame image in a plurality of frame times;
Further, the multiple frame time allocation image generating means,
A selection unit (for example, the image generation control unit 211 in FIG. 8) that selects an object to be subjected to the rendering process with only the object as a processing target among the plurality of objects;
An object image generation unit (for example, the image generation unit 230 in FIG. 8) that generates the image of the object by rendering the selected object based on the viewpoint;
For the objects other than the selected object among the plurality of objects, the rendering processing based on the viewpoint is performed, and the frame image is synthesized and generated for the selected object using the image generated by the object image generation unit. Frame image composition generation means (for example, the image generation unit 230 in FIG. 8),
Is a game device.

  According to the first or ninth invention, an image of the object is generated by rendering the object selected from the plurality of objects arranged in the game space based on the viewpoint, and the selected object is selected. Rendering based on the viewpoint is performed for objects other than the object, and a frame image is synthesized and generated for the selected object using the generated image, so that one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times. .

  That is, by rendering each of several objects among a plurality of objects and synthesizing the generated images, one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times. As a result, even when the number of polygons to be drawn in one frame image exceeds the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time, which is limited by hardware performance, the frame image update speed is slow. However, it is possible to prevent the generation of a frame image to be generated and to realize normal frame image generation.

The second invention is the program of the first invention,
Detection means for detecting, based on a primitive surface forming each object, that the frame image generation processing does not satisfy a drawing condition that is predetermined as a condition for drawing within at least one frame time related to the primitive surface. (For example, the image generation control unit 211 in FIG. 8; step S7 in FIG. 13) causes the computer to function,
A program for causing the computer to function so as to execute a process of generating one frame image in a plurality of frame times when the plurality of frame time appropriate image generating means is detected by the detecting means.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, based on the primitive surface forming each object, the generation process of the frame image does not satisfy the drawing condition defined as a condition for drawing within at least one frame time related to the primitive surface. Is detected, a single frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times. As a result, when the drawable condition is not satisfied, one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times. When the drawable condition is satisfied, one frame image is generated in one frame time as in the prior art. As described above, it is possible to appropriately switch whether one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times or one frame time.

The third invention is the program of the second invention,
When the detection means appears a predetermined number or more, the specific object detection means (for example, FIG. 8) detects that a predetermined specific object that does not satisfy the drawable condition has appeared in the game. This is a program for causing the computer to function so as to have the image generation control unit 211; Step S7) of FIG.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, when a predetermined number of specific objects that do not satisfy the drawing condition when they appear more than a predetermined number appear in the game as a predetermined number or more are detected as not satisfying the drawable condition . That is, when a predetermined number of specific objects appear, one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times or one frame time depending on which object has appeared in the game.

The fourth invention is the program of any one of the first to third inventions,
A calculation means for calculating a frame time required to generate a frame image by the multiple frame time appropriate image generation means (for example, the image generation control unit 211 in FIG. 8; step S13 in FIG. 13);
A plurality of frame time progress control means (for example, the game calculation unit 210 of FIG. 8; FIG. 13) that controls the progress of the game by the calculated frame time during the generation of the frame image by the plurality of frame time appropriate image generation means. Step S29),
As a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, during the generation of a single frame image in a plurality of frames, the game is controlled in progress for the frame time required to generate the frame image. Thus, although the display update speed of the frame image is slowed by being generated over a plurality of frame times, the progress control of the game is not delayed, and so-called processing failure is prevented.

A fifth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The frame image composition generating means replaces the substitute object (for example, the substitute object 30 in FIG. 5) obtained by mapping the image generated by the object image generating means with the object selected by the selecting means in the game space. Rendering means for placing (for example, the image generation control unit 211 in FIG. 8; step S23 in FIG. 13), and rendering the game space in which the substitute object is placed by the substitute placement means based on the viewpoint. It is a program for causing the computer to function so as to perform the synthesis and generation by processing.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an alternative object obtained by mapping an image generated by rendering an object selected from a plurality of objects is arranged in the game space instead of the selected object, and the alternative object Rendering is performed based on the viewpoint in the game space in which is alternatively arranged, so that a composite image is generated and a frame image is generated.

A sixth invention is a program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The formation structure of the primitive surface of the object differs depending on the part,
The selection unit is a program for causing the computer to function so as to select an object based on a relative orientation of each object with respect to a viewing direction of the viewpoint.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the formation structure of the primitive surface of the object differs depending on the part, and the object to be rendered is selected based on the relative orientation of each object with respect to the visual line direction of the viewpoint. Is done. That is, if the relative direction of the object with respect to the viewing direction of the viewpoint is different, that is, the relative direction of the viewing direction with respect to the object is different, the number of primitive surfaces drawn when rendering the object based on the viewpoint is different. Thus, for example, by selecting an object from a plurality of objects so as not to exceed the number of primitive surfaces that can be drawn in one rendering process, it is possible to efficiently generate one frame image in a plurality of frame times. It is possible to perform well.

The seventh invention is a program according to any one of the first to fifth inventions,
The selection means selects a part of the objects arranged in the game space as a processing target for the rendering process in a batch,
The object image generation means collectively performs the rendering process on the objects selected by the selection means;
Is a program for causing the computer to function.

  According to the seventh aspect, some of the objects arranged in the game space are selected as processing targets to be collectively rendered, and the selected objects are collectively rendered. Accordingly, since some of the plurality of objects are collectively rendered, it is possible to reduce the multiple frame time required to generate one frame image while enabling normal image generation.

  The eighth invention is a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, the storage unit 400 in FIG. 8) storing the program of any one of the first to seventh inventions.

  Here, the information storage medium is a storage medium such as a hard disk, an MO, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a memory card, or an IC memory that can be read by a computer. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, the same effects as those of the first to seventh aspects can be obtained by causing the computer to read the information stored in the information storage medium and executing the arithmetic processing. .

  According to the present invention, one frame image is generated in a plurality of frame times by rendering each of several objects among a plurality of objects for each frame and synthesizing the generated images. As a result, even when the number of polygons to be drawn in one frame image exceeds the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time, which is limited by hardware performance, the frame image update speed is slow. However, it is possible to prevent the generation of a frame image to be generated and to realize normal frame image generation.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a consumer game device will be described. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited thereto. The term “frame” in the following description is used as an industry term, that is, meaning as a unit frame time such as 1/60 seconds, for example. "

[Appearance of game device]
FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of a consumer game device 1200 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a consumer game device 1200 includes a main body device 1210, a game controller 1220 having direction keys 1221 and button switches 1222 for a player to input a game operation, and a display 1230 having a speaker 1231. Prepare. The game controller 1220 is connected to the main apparatus 1210, and the display 1230 is connected to the main apparatus 1210 by a cable 1201 capable of transmitting image signals and sound signals.

  Game information including programs and data necessary for the main body device 1210 to perform game processing is stored in, for example, a CD-ROM 1212, a memory card 1213, an IC card 1214, or the like, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main body device 1210. Has been. The game information and the like may be acquired from an external device by connecting to the communication line N via the communication device 1215 provided in the main body device 1210. Here, the communication line N means a communication path through which data can be exchanged. That is, the communication line N is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication method is not limited to wired / wireless.

  The main unit 1210 includes a control unit 1211 equipped with a memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and an information storage medium reader such as a CD-ROM 1212. The main device 1210 executes various game processes based on the game information read from the CD-ROM 1212 and the like and the operation signal from the game controller 1220, and generates a game screen image signal and a game sound signal. Then, the generated image signal and sound signal are output to the display 1230, a game screen is displayed on the display 1230, and a game sound is output from the speaker 1231. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controller 1220 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1230 and listening to the game sound output from the speaker 1231.

[principle]
The principle of image generation according to this embodiment will be described.
In a conventional game apparatus, real-time image generation / display is performed by repeating a series of processes such as rendering a game space for each frame, generating an image, and updating and displaying the generated image. However, due to hardware performance, there is an upper limit on the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time, and if the total number of polygons drawn in one frame image exceeds this upper limit, so-called processing failure or game image Missing occurs. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the present embodiment generates one game image (frame image) in a plurality of frame times when an object arranged in the game space satisfies a predetermined condition.

This will be specifically described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game space in which objects are arranged. In the figure, three objects 10A to 10C (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “object 10”) and a viewpoint (virtual camera) CM that places the objects 10A to 10C in the field of view are arranged. The game space image is generated as follows.

  First, a specific object is determined from the objects 10 in the visual field of the viewpoint CM based on the number of polygons constituting the object 10 and the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint CM. Here, it is assumed that the objects 10A and 10B are specific objects. Details of the determination of the specific object will be described later.

  Next, each specific object is sequentially rendered for each frame to generate an image of the specific object (hereinafter referred to as “object image”). That is, in the first frame, as shown in FIG. 3, the object 10A is rendered, and an object image 20A of the object 10A is generated. In the subsequent second frame, as shown in FIG. 4, the object 10B is rendered, and an object image 20B of the object 10B is generated.

  When the object images 20 of all the specific objects are generated, the substitute object 30 is arranged in place of each specific object in the next frame, the game space is rendered, and an image of the game space (game image) Is generated. Here, the substitute object 30 is an object obtained by mapping the object image 20 on one plate-like polygon (plate polygon). The substitute object 30 is so-called billboard-processed at a position based on the corresponding specific object (for example, the position of the representative point of the specific object) and is arranged so as to face the line of sight of the viewpoint CM. .

  That is, in the third frame, as shown in FIG. 5, in the game space, the substitute object 30A is placed in place of the object 10A at the position of the object 10A, and the substitute object is placed in place of the object 10B. 30B is arranged. That is, the substitute objects 30A and 30B and the object 10C are arranged in the game space. The substitute object 30A is an object in which the object image 20A in which the object 10A is rendered is mapped to a plate polygon, and the substitute object 30B is an object in which the object image 20B in which the object 10B is rendered is mapped to a plate polygon. Then, the game space is rendered based on the viewpoint CM, and a game image in which the three objects 10A to 10C are displayed is generated.

  That is, the time required to generate one game image is “N + 1” frames when the number of specific objects is “N”. The breakdown is the total of the “N” frame required for rendering each of the N specific objects and the “1” frame required for rendering the game space in which the substitute object 30 is arranged. However, the position and orientation of the object 10 and the viewpoint CM do not change during the “N + 1” frame for generating one game image.

  Whether or not the object 10 arranged in the game space is a specific object is determined based on the number of polygons of the object 10 rendered when rendering based on the viewpoint CM is performed (hereinafter referred to as “number of drawn polygons”). Is determined by whether or not is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The object 10 is composed of a large number of polygons, but the formation structure is not uniform depending on the part. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the object 10 is the same, the number of drawn polygons is different when the line-of-sight direction is different. This figure shows a Shinkansen object. The Shinkansen object is formed in a smooth curved surface shape having irregularities on the front side (object direction side), and is substantially flat on the back side. For this reason, for example, when the plane 40 perpendicular to the direction of the object is divided forward / rearward, the number of drawn polygons when viewed from the front gaze directions V1, V2 is viewed from the rear gaze directions V3, V4. More than the number of drawn polygons.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, the relative orientation of the line-of-sight direction with respect to the target object 10 is determined. Here, the relative direction of the line-of-sight direction is “front” when the object 10 is viewed from the front side and the rear side of the object 10 with the plane 40 perpendicular to the direction of the object 10 and passing through the representative point of the object 10 as a boundary. There are two types, “rear”. The relative direction of the line-of-sight direction with respect to the object 10 is determined from the angle θ formed by the direction of the object 10 and the line-of-sight direction. Specifically, if the absolute value | θ | If the angle is less than 90 degrees, it is determined as “backward”. In the drawing, the relative direction of the visual line direction V1 of the viewpoint CM1 with respect to the object 10 is determined as “rear”, and the relative direction of the visual line direction of the viewpoint CM2 is determined as “front”.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the object 10 is a specific object based on whether or not the determined number of drawn polygons in the relative orientation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the threshold value serving as a criterion for determination is set based on the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn by rendering for one frame time obtained from the performance of hardware. For example, if two objects facing the same direction are rendered in one frame time, the value is set so that the object is determined as a specific object when the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time is exceeded. .

[Function configuration]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the consumer game device 1200. According to the figure, the home game device 1200 is functionally configured to include an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, an image display unit 330, a sound output unit 340, and a storage unit 400. The

  The operation input unit 100 receives an operation instruction input from the player and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the processing unit 200. This function is realized by, for example, a button switch, lever, dial, mouse, keyboard, various sensors, and the like. In FIG. 1, the game controller 1220 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 performs various operations such as overall control of the home game device 1200, game progress, and image generation. This function is realized by, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a control program thereof. In FIG. 1, a CPU or the like mounted on the control unit 1211 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 is mainly based on a game calculation unit 210 that performs calculation processing related to the execution of the game, and various data obtained by the processing of the game calculation unit 210 from a given viewpoint such as a virtual camera. The image generation unit 230 generates an image in the virtual three-dimensional space (game space), and the sound generation unit 240 generates a game sound such as a sound effect or BGM.

  The game calculation unit 210 executes various game processes based on operation signals input from the operation input unit 100, programs and data read from the storage unit 400, and the like. The game processing includes, for example, processing for arranging various objects in a virtual three-dimensional space to set a game space, control of a player character based on an operation signal from the operation input unit 100, control of a viewpoint (virtual camera), and the like. is there.

  The game calculation unit 210 includes an image generation control unit 211 that controls generation of a game image by the image generation unit 230. The image generation control unit 211 performs generation control of one game image as follows. That is, first, a specific object is determined from among the objects 10 arranged in the game space. Specifically, for each object 10 in the field of view, the relative direction of the line-of-sight direction with respect to the object 10 is determined based on the angle θ formed by the direction of the object 10 and the line-of-sight direction. Next, with reference to the drawing polygon number table 425, if the number of drawing polygons of the object 10 corresponding to the determined relative direction of the line of sight is larger than a predetermined threshold, the object 10 is determined as a specific object.

  The drawing polygon number table 425 is a data table in which the number of polygons to be drawn is set for each object that can be arranged in the game space when the viewing direction is a predetermined direction. FIG. 9 shows an example of the data structure of the drawing polygon number table 425. According to the figure, the drawing polygon number table 425 stores an object 425a arranged in the game space and a drawing polygon number 425b in association with each other. The object 425a includes a character appearing in the game and a background. The number of drawn polygons 425b stores the number of drawn polygons for each relative direction ("front" and "back") in the line-of-sight direction for the corresponding object 425a. Note that the setting value of the drawing polygon number table 425 is an approximate value and not an accurate value. That is, although the number of drawn polygons is different if the line-of-sight direction is slightly different, the drawing polygon number table 425 is a value for grasping the approximate number of drawn polygons before the rendering and easily determining a specific object. It is set to.

  Further, a threshold value for the number of drawn polygons, which is a determination condition for determining whether or not the object is a specific object, is stored in the determination condition data 426. FIG. 10 shows an example of the data configuration of the determination condition data 426. According to the figure, the determination condition data 426 stores a drawing polygon number condition as a determination condition as to whether or not the object is a specific object. When the number of drawn polygons corresponding to the relative direction of the line-of-sight direction satisfies the condition of the number of polygons stored in the determination condition data 426 for each object 10, the image generation control unit 211 sets the object 10 to the specific object. It is determined that

  The specific object determined by the image generation control unit 211 is stored in the specific object data 427. FIG. 11 shows an example of the data configuration of the specific object data 427. According to the figure, the specific object data 427 stores identification data of N objects 10 determined as specific objects.

  Further, the image generation control unit 211 adds “1” to the determined number N of specific objects to calculate the frame time required for generating one game image, that is, the number of frames. The calculated number of frames is stored in the progress control interval data 429 as a game progress control interval. FIG. 12 shows an example of the data configuration of the progress control interval data 429. According to the figure, the progress control interval data 429 stores the number of frames which is an interval of game progress control. The game calculation unit 210 controls the progress of the game at intervals specified by the progress control interval data 429.

  Next, the image generation control unit 211 causes the image generation unit 230 to generate one specific object image (object image) in order for each frame. The generated object image is accumulated and stored as object image data 428.

  When object images are generated for all of the determined specific objects, the image generation control unit 211 places substitute objects 30 in which the generated object images are mapped in the game space in the next frame. That is, for each of the determined N specific objects, a substitute object 30 in which the corresponding object image is mapped to a plate polygon is generated, and the substitute object 30 is arranged in place of the specific object, for example, at the representative position. To do. Then, the image generation unit 230 is caused to generate an image (game image) of the game space in which the alternative object 30 is arranged, and the generated game image is displayed on the image display unit 330.

  When there is no specific object, the image generation control unit 211 performs the same processing as the conventional game image generation control that generates one game image in one frame time.

  The image generation unit 230 generates a game image (3DCG image) for displaying a game screen based on the calculation result by the game calculation unit 210, and outputs an image signal of the generated image to the image display unit 330. Specifically, under the control of the game calculation unit 210, one specific object is rendered for each frame to generate an image (object image), or the game space is rendered to generate a game image.

  Based on the image signal from the image generation unit 230, the image display unit 330 displays the game screen while redrawing one frame of the game image at a time interval in accordance with an instruction from the image generation unit 230. This function is realized by hardware such as CRT, LCD, ELD, PDP, and HMD. In FIG. 1, the display 1230 corresponds to this.

  The sound generation unit 240 generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM used during the game, and outputs a sound signal of the generated game sound to the sound output unit 340. The sound output unit 340 outputs game sounds such as BGM and sound effects based on the sound signal from the sound generation unit 240. This function is realized by, for example, a speaker. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1231 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 400 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the home game device 1200 in an integrated manner, a program and data necessary for executing the game, and the like. Used as a work area of the processing unit 200, temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. This function is realized by, for example, various IC memories, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, MOs, RAMs, VRAMs, and the like. In FIG. 1, ROM, RAM, CD-ROM 1212 and the like mounted on the control unit 1211 correspond to this.

  Further, the storage unit 400 stores a game program 410 and game data for causing the processing unit 200 to function as the game calculation unit 210. The game program 410 includes an image generation control program 411 for functioning as the image generation control unit 211. The game data includes character data 421, background data 422, viewpoint data 423, operation data 424, drawn polygon number table 425, determination condition data 426, specific object data 427, and object image data 428. And progress control interval data 429 are included.

  The character data 421 is data relating to characters appearing in the game, and includes model data of the character, position / posture data, and the like. The background data 422 is data related to the background set in the game space, and includes model data of objects such as roads and buildings that are the background, data such as position and orientation, and the like. The viewpoint data 423 is data relating to the viewpoint CM, and includes data such as the position and orientation of the viewpoint CM.

  The operation data 424 is player operation data input from the operation input unit 100, and operation data for a plurality of frames is accumulated. The game calculation unit 210 controls the progress of the game based on the operation data 424, specifically, the character and the viewpoint CM.

[Process flow]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the game processing of the present embodiment. This process is realized by the game calculation unit 210 executing the game program 410.

  According to the figure, first, the image generation control unit 211 sets the number of progress frames n to “1” as an initial setting (step S1). The number of progress frames n is a value indicating to which frame the processing has progressed among a plurality of frames required for generating one game image (frame image). Normally, one frame image is generated in one frame time, and the game is advanced for one frame. For this reason, the advance “1” is set as the initial value for the row frame number n. Thereafter, the game calculation unit 210 starts the game.

  When the game is started, the process of Loop A is executed for each frame until the game ends. That is, in the loop A, the game calculation unit 210 takes in the operation data input from the operation input unit 100 and accumulates and stores it as the operation data 424 (step S3). Next, the image generation control unit 211 determines the number of progress frames n. If n = 1 (step S5: YES), the image generation control unit 211 determines a specific object from the objects in the visual field of the viewpoint CM (step S7).

  If it is determined that there is a specific object (step S9: YES), the image generation control unit 211 sets the determined specific object number to “N” (step S11), and sets the game progress control interval to the specific object number N. The number of frames added by “1” is set (step S13). Subsequently, the image generation unit 230 renders the nth specific object among the determined specific objects to generate an object image of the specific object (step S15). Thereafter, the image generation control unit 211 updates the number of progress frames n to a value obtained by adding “1” (step S17).

  If it is determined in step S9 that there is no specific object (step S9: NO), the image generation control unit 211 sets the game progress control interval to one frame (step S19), and proceeds to step S25. . Then, the image generation unit 230 generates a game image by rendering the game space (step S25), and displays the generated game image on the image display unit 330 (step S27). In addition, the game calculation unit 210 performs game progress control for one frame that is the progress control interval based on the operation data 424 (step S29), and then clears the operation data 424 (step S31). Thereafter, the image generation control unit 211 sets the number of progress frames n to “1” (step S33).

  In step S5, if the number of progress frames n is not “1” (step S5: NO), the image generation control unit 211 determines whether the number of progress frames n is “N + 1”. If not n = N + 1 (step S21: NO), the process proceeds to step S15. Then, the image generation unit 230 generates an object image by rendering the nth specific object (step S15), and then the image generation control unit 211 updates the number of progress frames n to a value obtained by adding "1" ( Step S17).

  In step S21, if the number of progress frames n is “N + 1” (step S21: YES), the image generation control unit 211 generates N alternative objects 30 each mapping the generated N object images. Each substitute object 30 is placed in the game space in place of the corresponding specific object (step S23). Next, the image generation unit 230 generates a game image (frame image) by rendering the game space (step S25), and causes the image display unit 330 to display the generated game image (step S27). Based on the operation data 424, the game calculation unit 210 performs game progress control for “N + 1” frames, which is the progress control interval (step S29), and then clears the operation data 424 (step S31). Thereafter, the image generation control unit 211 sets the number of progress frames n to “1” (step S33).

Loop A is executed in this way.
When the game ends and loop A ends, the game calculation unit 210 displays a game result such as a win or loss or a score. When the above processing is performed, the game processing ends.

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the consumer game device 1200. According to the figure, the consumer game device 1200 includes a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, an image generation IC 1008, a sound generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012 and 1014. System buses 1016 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output data. Further, a display device 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1008, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1010, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1215 is connected to the I / O port 1014. It is connected.

  The CPU 1000 executes the entire apparatus in accordance with programs and data stored in the information storage medium 1006, system programs (such as initialization information of the apparatus main body) and data stored in the ROM 1002, input signals input by the control device 1022, and the like. Control and various data processing. The CPU 1000 corresponds to the CPU mounted on the control unit 1211 in FIG. 1 and the processing unit 200 in FIG.

  The ROM 1002, the RAM 1004, and the information storage medium 1006 correspond to the storage unit 400 in FIG. The ROM 1002 stores, in particular, a preset program and data among the system program of the home game device 1200 and the information stored in the storage unit 400 of FIG. The RAM 1004 is used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores, for example, given contents of the ROM 1002 and the information storage medium 1006, image data for one frame, calculation results by the CPU 1000, and the like. The information storage medium 1006 is realized by an IC memory card, a hard disk unit that can be attached to and detached from the main unit, an MO, and the like.

  The image generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information of a game screen to be displayed on the display device 1018 based on image information from the CPU 1000. The display device 1018 displays a game screen based on the pixel information generated by the image generation IC 1008. The image generation IC 1008 corresponds to the image generation unit 230 in FIG. 8, and the display device 1018 corresponds to the image display unit 330 in FIG. 8 and the display 1230 in FIG.

  The sound generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and BGM based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The sound generation IC 1010 corresponds to the sound generation unit 240 in FIG. 8, and the speaker 1020 corresponds to the sound output unit 340 in FIG. 8 and the speaker 1231 in FIG.

  Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1008, the sound generation IC 1010, and the like may be executed in software by the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  The control device 1022 is a device for the player to input various game operations as the game progresses. The control device 1022 corresponds to the operation input unit 100 in FIG. 8 and the game controller 1220 in FIG.

  The communication device 1215 is a device for exchanging various types of information used inside the home game device 1200 with the outside. The communication device 1215 is connected to other game devices to transmit / receive given information according to the game program, It is used for transmitting and receiving information such as game programs via a communication line. The communication device 1215 corresponds to a communication device provided in the main body device 1210 of FIG.

[Action / Effect]
According to the present embodiment, when one game image (frame image) is generated, first, among the objects 10 arranged in the game space, the number of polygons constituting the object 10 and the line of sight of the viewpoint CM A specific object is determined based on the direction, and each specific object is rendered in order for each frame to generate an object image 20. When the object images 20 of all the specific objects are generated, substitute objects 30 to which the generated object images 20 are mapped are arranged in place of the specific objects and the game space is rendered in the next frame. Thus, an image (game image) of the game space is generated. Here, whether or not the object is a specific object is determined based on whether or not the number of polygons to be drawn (the number of drawn polygons) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number when rendering based on the viewpoint CM is performed. Thereby, even when the number of polygons to be drawn in one game image exceeds the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time limited by the performance of hardware, the update speed of the game image is slow. However, it is possible to prevent so-called processing loss or missing generated game images, thereby realizing normal game image generation.

[Modification]
It should be noted that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Arrangement of Substitute Object 30 For example, in the above-described embodiment, after generating object images 20 for all of the specific objects among the objects 10 arranged in the game space, these specific objects are used as the substitute objects 30. The replacement game space is generated by rendering the replaced game space, and the substitute object 30 in which the object image 20 generated by rendering the specific object is mapped to the specific object for each frame. Alternatively, it may be arranged in the game space.

  Specifically, when the game image of the game space shown in FIG. 2 is generated, it is performed as follows. That is, in the first frame, as shown in FIG. 15, the object 10A is rendered based on the viewpoint CM to generate the object image 20A. Next, the substitute object 30A to which the generated object image 20A is mapped is placed in the game space instead of the object 10A. In the second frame, as shown in FIG. 16, the substitute object 30A and the object 10B are rendered based on the viewpoint CM to generate an object image 20BA. Next, the substitute object 30BA to which the generated object image 20BA is mapped is placed in the game space instead of the object 10B. In the third frame, as shown in FIG. 17, the game space in which the alternative object 30BA and the object 10C are arranged is rendered based on the viewpoint CM to generate a game image.

  Here, the alternative object 30 is arranged by rendering in order from the specific object on the near side, but this may be made from the specific object on the back side. That is, in the first frame, the object 10B is rendered to generate the object image 20B. In the second frame, the substitute object 30B to which the object image 20B is mapped is placed in the game space, and the object image 20 is generated by rendering the object 10A and the substitute object 30B. In the third frame, a game image is generated by rendering the game space in which the substitute object 30 to which the object image 20 is mapped is arranged.

(B) Grouping In the above-described embodiment, the object image 20 is generated by rendering one specific object for each frame, but this is grouped into a plurality of objects and grouped. Alternatively, an object image may be generated by collectively rendering a plurality of objects.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when generating a game image of a game space in which five objects 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> E are arranged, these objects 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> E are converted based on the number of drawn polygons of each object 10. Then, the images are classified into a plurality of groups in the order of depth from the viewpoint CM. At this time, the classification is performed so that the total number of drawn polygons of the objects 10 belonging to each group does not exceed the upper limit of the number of polygons that can be drawn in one frame time limited by the performance of the hardware. In the figure, the group A is divided into a group A composed of objects 10A, 10D, and 10E and a group B composed of objects 10B and 10C.

  In the first frame, as shown in FIG. 19, the objects 10A, 10D, and 10E of group A are rendered to generate an object image 20AE. Next, in the second frame, as shown in FIG. 20, the objects 10B and 10C of the group B are rendered to generate an object image 20BC. In the third frame, as shown in FIG. 21, the substitute object 30AE to which the generated object image 20AE is mapped and the substitute object 30BC to which the object image 20BC is mapped are arranged in the game space instead of the objects 10A to 10E. The game space is rendered to generate a game image.

  At this time, the substitute object 30 to which the generated object image 20 is mapped may be arranged for each rendering. That is, in the first frame, the objects 10B and 10C of the group B are rendered to generate the object image 20BC. In the second frame, the substitute object 30BC to which the object image 20BC is mapped is placed in the game space, and the game space in which the objects 10A, 10D, 10E of the group A and the substitute object 30BC are placed is rendered to generate a game image. Furthermore, the rendering order may be from group A on the front side instead of group B on the back side.

(C) Applicable Game Device In the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a home game device has been described. However, not only the home game device 1200 shown in FIG. The present invention can be similarly applied to various devices such as a portable game device and a large attraction device in which a large number of players participate. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a game device, and can be similarly applied to any device that generates and displays an image of a three-dimensional virtual space in real time while controlling an object arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space.

  For example, FIG. 22 is an external view showing an example in which the present invention is applied to an arcade game machine. According to the figure, the arcade game apparatus 1300 includes a display 1302 for displaying a game screen, a speaker 1304 for outputting game sound effects and BGM, a joystick 1306 for inputting front and rear, left and right directions, a push button 1308, And a control unit 1310 that executes a given game by controlling the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner through arithmetic processing.

  The control unit 1310 includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and a ROM that stores programs and data necessary for controlling the arcade game device 1300 and executing the game. The CPU mounted on the control unit 1310 executes various processes such as a game process by appropriately reading and calculating a program and data stored in the ROM. The player looks at the game screen displayed on the display 1302 and listens to the game sound output from the speaker 1304 while operating the joystick 1306 and the push button 1308 to enjoy the game.

An appearance example of a home game device. An example of a game space. Explanatory drawing of an image generation procedure. Explanatory drawing of an image generation procedure. Explanatory drawing of an image generation procedure. Explanatory drawing that the number of drawing polygons of an object changes with gaze directions. Explanatory drawing of judgment of the relative direction of the gaze direction with respect to an object. 2 is a functional configuration example of a home game device. The data structural example of the drawing polygon number table. The data structural example of judgment condition data. Data configuration example of specific object data. The data structural example of progress control interval data. Flow chart of game processing. The hardware structural example of a household game device. Explanatory drawing of the image production | generation procedure in the case of alternative arrangement | positioning of alternative objects sequentially. Explanatory drawing of the image production | generation procedure in the case of alternative arrangement | positioning of alternative objects sequentially. Explanatory drawing of the image production | generation procedure in the case of alternative arrangement | positioning of alternative objects sequentially. Explanatory drawing of the image generation procedure in the case of grouping an object. Explanatory drawing of the image generation procedure in the case of grouping an object. Explanatory drawing of the image generation procedure in the case of grouping an object. Explanatory drawing of the image generation procedure in the case of grouping an object. An example of the appearance of an arcade game device.

Explanation of symbols

1200 Home Game Device 100 Operation Input Unit 200 Processing Unit 210 Game Calculation Unit 211 Image Generation Control Unit 230 Image Generation Unit 240 Sound Generation Unit 330 Image Display Unit 340 Sound Output Unit 400 Storage Unit 410 Game Program 411 Image Generation Control Program 421 Character Data 422 Background data 423 Viewpoint data 424 Operation data 425 Drawing polygon number table 426 Judgment condition data 427 Specific object data 428 Object image data 429 Progress control data 10 (10A to 10E) Object 20 (20A, 20B, 20BA, 20AE, 20BC) Object image 30 (30A, 30B, 30BA, 30AE, 30BC) Alternative object CM Viewpoint

Claims (9)

The game progresses by causing the computer to render a frame image for each given frame time by rendering the game space in which a plurality of objects formed by primitive surfaces are arranged based on a given viewpoint. A program for controlling,
Causing the computer to function as a multiple frame time appropriate image generating means for executing a process of generating one frame image in a plurality of frame times;
The multiple frame time allocation image generating means
A selection means for selecting an object for performing the rendering process with only the object as a processing target among the plurality of objects;
Object image generation means for generating an image of the object by rendering the selected object based on the viewpoint;
For the objects other than the selected object among the plurality of objects, the rendering processing based on the viewpoint is performed, and the frame image is synthesized and generated for the selected object using the image generated by the object image generation unit. Frame image composition generating means for performing,
A program for causing the computer to function so as to have Detection means for detecting, based on a primitive surface forming each object, that the frame image generation processing does not satisfy a drawing condition that is predetermined as a condition for drawing within at least one frame time related to the primitive surface. Function the computer as
The said multiple frame time allocation image generation means is for making the said computer function so that it may perform the process which produces | generates one frame image in multiple frame time, when detected by the said detection means. Program.   The computer includes: a specific object detecting unit configured to detect that a predetermined specific object that does not satisfy the drawable condition when the predetermined number appears in the game when the predetermined number appears. The program of Claim 2 for functioning. Calculating means for calculating a frame time required to generate a frame image by the multiple frame time appropriate image generating means;
A plurality of frame time progress control means for controlling the progress of the game by the calculated frame time during the generation of the frame image by the plurality of frame time allocation image generating means;
The program as described in any one of Claims 1-3 for functioning the said computer as.   The frame image composition generation means has alternative arrangement means for arranging an alternative object in which the image generated by the object image generation means is mapped in the game space instead of the object selected by the selection means, 5. The computer according to claim 1, wherein the computer is caused to function so as to perform the composite generation by performing the rendering process on the basis of the viewpoint of the game space in which the substitute object is substituted by a substitute placement unit. The program described in. The formation structure of the primitive surface of the object differs depending on the part,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the selection unit causes the computer to function so as to select an object based on a relative orientation of each object with respect to a viewing direction of the viewpoint. The selection means selects a part of the objects arranged in the game space as a processing target for the rendering process in a batch,
The object image generation means collectively performs the rendering process on the objects selected by the selection means;
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5 for causing the computer to function as described above.   The computer-readable information storage medium which memorize | stored the program as described in any one of Claims 1-7. A game device that controls the progress of a game by performing a process of generating a frame image for each given frame time by rendering a game space in which a plurality of objects formed by primitive surfaces are arranged based on a given viewpoint. Because
A plurality of frame time appropriate image generation means for executing a process of generating one frame image in a plurality of frame times;
Further, the multiple frame time allocation image generating means,
A selection means for selecting an object for performing the rendering process with only the object as a processing target among the plurality of objects;
Object image generation means for generating an image of the object by rendering the selected object based on the viewpoint;
For the objects other than the selected object among the plurality of objects, the rendering processing based on the viewpoint is performed, and the frame image is synthesized and generated for the selected object using the image generated by the object image generation unit. Frame image composition generating means for performing,
A game device having

Images