JP2008027064A - Program, information recording medium, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a player view or observe the virtual change of situation at an arbitrary position in object space. <P>SOLUTION: An image at an arbitrary position of the object space is drawn via first virtual camera control processing, and is virtually recognized by an operator, and, when an image of the scene the operator likes or an impressive scene is displayed for example, position data according to the position of the virtual camera at that time is stored as position data for second virtual camera control processing. The scene or the like the operator likes is further drawn and displayed as the image via the second virtual camera control processing based on the stored position data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information recording medium, and an image generation system.

  In recent years, an image generation system for generating an image of an object such as a character placed and set in a virtual three-dimensional space (hereinafter referred to as “object space”) viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) has been put into practical use. Has been. Such an image generation system is used in various systems such as a game system as a virtual reality experience.

  For example, as such an image generation system (game system), there is one that executes a role-playing game in which an operator designates an action of a character appearing in a story and advances the story. In this role-playing game, a character (hereinafter referred to as “player character”) is moved in a story to generate various events such as solving a mystery, finding a treasure, and fighting an enemy. Then, by drawing and displaying an image such as a moving scenery or a state of an event, various pseudo experiences are provided to the player.

Some image generation systems that execute such role-playing games have a function of saving an image displayed during the game execution like a souvenir picture. For example, image data at an arbitrary position in the object space can be acquired in accordance with the operation of the player, and can be stored so as to be viewable in the form of an album photo (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-117239 A

  However, the conventional image generation system saves the image drawn during the game execution, displays the saved image as it is, and only stores a scene (scene) or scenery while maintaining the situation. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above. The object of the present invention is to make a new interest by allowing a player to watch or observe a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in the object space. It is an object to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information recording medium.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that performs a first virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
A storage control unit that stores in the storage unit position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in response to a second operation input;
Including
The virtual camera control unit is
The present invention relates to an image generation system further performing a second virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera based on the position data.

  The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to the present invention, the first virtual camera control process in which the position of the virtual camera is controlled in accordance with the first operation input from the operator, and the second virtual in which the virtual camera is controlled based on the control data. Perform camera control processing. Here, in the present invention, in the first virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera is changed according to the first operation input from the operator, and the position according to the position of the virtual camera according to the second operation input. Save the data. In the present invention, when the second virtual camera control process is performed, the position of the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process is controlled based on the stored position data, and viewed from the virtual camera at the position. Draw an image.

  Thus, according to the present invention, an image at an arbitrary position in the object space is drawn via the first virtual camera control process and the operator visually recognizes the image. When an image of a particular scene is displayed, position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera at that time can be stored as position data for the second virtual camera control process. Even if the position of the virtual camera changes in response to the first operation input from the operator, the scenery that the operator likes is revisited through the second virtual camera control process based on the stored position data. It can be drawn and displayed as an image.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the image data once drawn is not saved, but the position data is saved and the image based on the position data is drawn again. Therefore, according to the present invention, the amount of data to be stored can be greatly reduced, and an image is drawn again, so that the image drawn through the second virtual camera control process can be displayed as a moving image. it can. Further, according to the present invention, the image drawn through the second virtual camera control process is an image having a configuration similar to that of the image drawn through the corresponding first virtual camera control process. The image can be changed.

  Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generation system that arouses a new interest, in which the operator can watch or observe a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in the object space designated by the operator. .

(2) The present invention also provides:
A parameter setting unit for setting a status parameter of the object space viewed from the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process;
The drawing unit
When the second virtual camera control process is performed, an image corresponding to the situation parameter may be drawn.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to set changes in various situations such as temporal changes at arbitrary positions in the object space, changes in weather, whether or not an event has occurred, using the situation parameters, and render an image according to the situation parameters. it can. Therefore, according to the present invention, by changing the situation parameter, it is possible to allow the operator to view or observe the virtual situation change at an arbitrary position in the object space.

(3) The present invention also provides:
The object space setting unit
When the second virtual camera control process is performed, a special object may be set in the object space according to the position of the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process.

  According to the present invention, for example, a special object that did not exist in the image drawn through the first virtual camera control process can be present in the image drawn through the second virtual camera control process. . Thus, according to the present invention, for example, by setting a moving object such as a small animal that occurs appropriately in the object space as a special object, a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in the object space can be viewed or Can be observed.

(4) The present invention also provides:
A movement processing unit for controlling movement of the moving object in response to the first operation input;
The virtual camera control unit is
In the first virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera may be controlled according to the position of the moving object.

  According to the present invention, the moving object is moved according to the first operation input from the operator, and the virtual camera is controlled so as to follow the moving object, for example. Therefore, according to the present invention, the position data for the second virtual camera control process can be stored in association with the movement of the moving object operated by the operator.

(5) The present invention also provides:
You may make it further contain the communication control part which transmits the said position data to an external device.

  According to the present invention, an image rendered via the second virtual camera control process in another image generation system having the same function as the image generation system of the present invention by transmitting the position data to an external device. Can be displayed. Therefore, according to the present invention, a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in an object space designated by one operator can be viewed or observed by another person by transmitting / receiving position data having a small capacity. Can be made.

(6) The present invention also provides:
The storage control unit
In association with the position data, an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera at a position corresponding to the position data may be stored in the storage unit as a selection image.

  According to the present invention, before the image is drawn based on the position data, the operator can recognize which image is drawn based on the position data by the selection image. For example, when there are a plurality of stored position data, an image drawn based on each position data can be displayed in a thumbnail format using a selection image. Therefore, according to the present invention, the position data corresponding to the image desired by the operator can be easily specified.

(7) The present invention also provides:
An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
A storage control unit that stores a storage image based on the drawn image in a storage unit in response to a second operation input;
A parameter setting unit for setting status parameters of the image for storage;
A display control unit for displaying on the display unit at least one of an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera and an image based on the storage image;
Including
The drawing unit
When an image based on the storage image is displayed, the color of the storage image may be changed according to the situation parameter.

  According to the present invention, an image at an arbitrary position in the object space is drawn via the virtual camera control process and the operator visually recognizes the image. When displayed, an image for storage based on the image drawn at that time can be stored. Therefore, even if the position of the virtual camera changes in response to the first operation input from the operator, an image based on the storage image is displayed on the display unit, thereby displaying a landscape or the like that the operator likes. Can do. According to the present invention, when an image based on the storage image is displayed on the display unit, the color of the storage image is changed according to the situation parameter.

  For example, by performing predetermined image processing such as filter processing that changes the attributes of the drawing color such as brightness, chromaticity, hue, saturation, brightness, transparency, etc. of a part or all of the image for storage, the image for storage is For example, the image can be changed from an image in the daytime period to an image in the nighttime period.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the image based on the storage image can be an image having a changed state while being an image having substantially the same configuration as the image drawn through the virtual camera control process. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generation system that arouses a new interest, in which the operator can watch or observe a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in the object space designated by the operator. .

(8) The present invention also provides:
The drawing unit
Draw a reference image in which the color of the drawn image is changed to a reference color,
The storage control unit
The reference image may be stored in the storage unit as the storage image.

  According to the present invention, the reference image is stored as the storage image that is the original image whose color is changed according to the situation parameter. For example, even when the image drawn when the second operation input is performed is an image in the night time zone and the color is generally dark (close to black), the color is easily changed, that is, the color Is redrawn (converted) to a reference image that is light (close to white) and saved. Therefore, according to the present invention, the color of the reference image can be easily changed according to the situation parameter, and even if the color is changed, an image with a natural color scheme is displayed on the display unit as an image based on the storage image. be able to.

(9) The present invention also provides:
A communication control unit for receiving the image for storage stored by the external device from the external device;
The parameter setting unit
Set the status parameter of the received storage image,
The drawing unit
When an image based on the received storage image is displayed, the color of the storage image may be changed according to the situation parameter.

  According to the present invention, a storage image stored in another image generation system having the same function as the image generation system of the present invention is received, and the color of the received storage image is changed according to the situation parameter. Displayed images. Therefore, according to the present invention, a change in a virtual situation at an arbitrary position in the object space designated by one operator can be viewed or observed by others.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Outline The image generation system according to the present embodiment includes a first virtual camera control process for causing a player character that moves in an object space to follow a virtual camera in accordance with a player's operation during a role-playing game, And a second virtual camera control process for controlling the virtual camera at the stored camera position based on the operation. The image generation system controls the virtual camera by selecting or switching between the first virtual camera control process and the second virtual camera control process in accordance with the operation of the player.

  Here, the image generation system according to the present embodiment makes it possible for the player character to move according to the player's operation so that an image drawn at a position in an arbitrary object space can be viewed or observed at a position other than the position. Is desired, the position (hereinafter referred to as “observation / viewing point”) is stored as the position for performing the second virtual camera control process in accordance with the operation input of the player.

  When the position data is selected by the player or according to a predetermined program at any timing such as the first virtual camera control process or the start of the program game, the image generation system of the present embodiment The second virtual camera control process for setting the position of the virtual camera based on the above and drawing the state of the observation / viewing point in the current, past or future object space is performed.

  Accordingly, the image generation system according to the present embodiment can view or observe the current situation or virtual situation of each place in the object space desired by the player without moving the player character to the point. .

  In the present embodiment, the position data and the position selection image data can be transmitted to another terminal device such as another game device or a computer device. In the terminal device, the second virtual camera control process can be performed based on the received position data. However, when the game process is performed using the server device, of course, the server device is provided with position data and the other terminal device executes the second virtual camera control process based on the position data or the like. You may be able to.

2. Configuration Next, the configuration of an image generation system (game system) in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system in the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, a housing, or the like.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 170 of this embodiment includes a main storage unit 171 used as a work area, a frame buffer 172 that stores a final display image, and an object that stores data related to the object such as the shape of the object. A data storage unit 173, a texture storage unit 174 that stores textures for each object data, and a Z buffer 176 that stores Z values during object image generation processing. Note that some of these may be omitted. In particular, the storage unit 170 of the present embodiment includes a camera data storage unit 177 that stores data related to the virtual camera.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM).

  The information storage medium 180 stores a program (data) for the processing unit 100 to perform various processes of the present embodiment. That is, the information recording medium 180 stores a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like.

  The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, game save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable game device.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or a communication ASIC, It can be realized by a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation data and programs from the operation unit 160. Here, the game process includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result calculation. Or a process for ending the game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  In particular, the processing unit 100 of the present embodiment includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 114, a storage control unit 116, a parameter setting unit 118, and a communication control unit 119. A drawing unit 120 and a sound generation unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 110 includes various objects (polygons, free-form surfaces or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as moving objects (characters, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, etc.), buildings, trees, pillars, walls, maps (terrain). The object is configured to place and set in the object space. In other words, the object setting unit 110 determines the position and rotation angle (synonymous with direction and direction) of an object (model object) in the world coordinate system, and the rotation angle (X, Y, Z) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). The object is arranged at a rotation angle around the Y and Z axes.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of a moving object (a tool used by the character in addition to the character and the car). That is, the movement / motion processing unit 112 is based on the operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, the set parameters and attributes, the program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), and the like. A process for moving the object in the object space or controlling the motion (motion, animation) of the moving object is performed.

  Specifically, the movement / motion processing unit 112 according to the present embodiment stores object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and movement information (position or rotation angle of each part object) for one frame. A simulation process is sequentially obtained every (for example, 1/60 seconds). Here, the frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing. In this embodiment, the frame rate may be fixed every frame or may be variable according to the processing load.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image viewed from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the virtual camera control unit 114 controls the virtual camera based on the first virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera in accordance with the first operation input and given control data. A second virtual camera control process is performed. In this embodiment, the virtual camera control unit 114 selectively performs the first virtual camera control process and the second virtual camera control process in accordance with an operation input (third operation input) from the player.

  Here, in the first virtual camera control process, the virtual camera control unit 114 causes the virtual camera position or rotation angle so that the virtual camera follows a change in the position or orientation of the player character that moves in accordance with the operation of the player. (Virtual camera direction) is controlled. Specifically, the virtual camera is controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the player character obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. Specifically, in this embodiment, the virtual camera captures the player character from behind the player character. Instead of displaying the player character, the position of the virtual camera may be directly controlled according to the first operation input with the virtual camera as the viewpoint of the player character (first person viewpoint).

  On the other hand, in the second virtual camera control process, the virtual camera control unit 114 does not control the position of the virtual camera according to the first operation input, but controls the virtual camera based on given control data. For example, the virtual camera control unit 114 performs control to rotate the virtual camera at a predetermined rotation angle or move along a predetermined movement route based on control pattern data of a predetermined virtual camera. May be. That is, in the second virtual camera control process, the virtual camera is automatically controlled.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the virtual camera control unit 114 performs the virtual camera position in the second virtual camera control process based on the position data stored by the storage control unit 116 when the second virtual camera control process is performed. To control. Specifically, when the virtual camera control unit 114 is switched from the first virtual camera control process to the second virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera in the first virtual camera control process is stored. Change to a position based on position data. In the second virtual camera control process, the process of setting the position of the virtual camera as it is in each drawing frame is performed.

  That is, in this embodiment, the virtual camera control unit 114 performs control that does not change the position of the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process. In the second virtual camera control process, the virtual camera control unit 114 may change the orientation and angle of view of the virtual camera based on predetermined virtual camera control pattern data. Further, after changing the position of the virtual camera in the first virtual camera control process to a position based on the stored position data, the position of the virtual camera may be changed based on the control pattern data of a predetermined virtual camera. Good. That is, in the second virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera is set based on the stored position data, and the virtual camera is controlled based on the given control data without depending on the operation input from the operator. Is called.

  The storage control unit 116 performs processing for storing the position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in the first virtual camera control processing in the storage unit according to the second operation input. That is, the player designates an arbitrary position in the object space, and stores the position data of the virtual camera used in the second virtual camera control process. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when a player character acquires a camera as a game item in a game, an event is executed in which a scene in the game is photographed by the camera in response to a second operation input. At this time, the storage control unit 116 acquires position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera when the second operation input is performed, and stores it in the camera data storage unit 177 of the storage unit 170. In the present embodiment, a predetermined number of shooting events can be executed at an arbitrary position in the object space, and a plurality of position data can be stored. The camera data storage unit 177 may store not only the position data of the virtual camera but also data related to the orientation and angle of view of the virtual camera.

  Here, the position of the virtual camera in the first virtual camera control process is not limited to the position of the virtual camera that moves following the character object that moves according to the first operation input. For example, when shooting with a camera as a game item, when switching the position of the virtual camera to the position of the camera as a game item and generating an image that looks at the scenery in the game through the camera finder, The position of the virtual camera can be used. The position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in the first virtual camera control process is not only the position data indicating the position of the virtual camera itself, but also the position of the player character that the virtual camera follows and the position of the player character. Position data indicating the position of the camera object as the game item can be used.

  In addition, the storage control unit 116 causes the storage unit to store an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera at a position corresponding to the position data as a selection image in association with the position data. This selection image (hereinafter referred to as “position selection image”) is an image for allowing the player to select the position of the virtual camera used for the second virtual camera control process from the plurality of stored position data. It is data. For example, in the present embodiment, the position selection image is displayed in a thumbnail format for the player, and the player is allowed to select one of the position selection images. Then, based on the position data stored in association with the selected position selection image, the second virtual camera control process is performed.

  Specifically, the storage control unit 116 converts the image drawn in the frame buffer 172 when the position data is stored in the storage unit according to the second operation input into a position selection image with a reduced image size. Then, it is stored in the camera data storage unit 172 in association with the position data. The position selection image may be obtained by omitting a part of information such as the color or shape of the image drawn in the frame buffer 172 or reducing the resolution.

  When the second virtual camera control process is performed, the parameter setting unit 118 sets a state parameter of the object space viewed from the position of the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the current time in the real world (real time), the time set in the game (virtual time including past and future), the weather, the season, and the like are represented. Set status parameters. Here, the situation parameter is set based on the player's operation input or a predetermined program. For example, it may be set at random by random number extraction.

  Then, when the second virtual camera control process is performed, the object space setting unit 110 described above sets an object in the object space according to the set situation parameter. For example, cloud objects (such as plate polygons with cloud texture mapping) can be set according to the weather and time parameters that determine the conditions, and light sources (type, number, position, intensity, etc.) Etc.). When a two-dimensional image such as a background sprite for expressing the sky or the like is set in the object space, a two-dimensional image (background sprite) corresponding to the weather or time is set. When the two-dimensional image changes based on the animation data, the change is controlled according to the situation parameter. For example, the fluctuation of leaves and the state of waves are made different according to the situation parameters. Further, it may be set by changing the color of the object according to the situation parameter.

  In addition, when the second virtual camera control process is performed, the object space setting unit 110 converts a moving object such as a small animal or an airplane as a special object according to the set situation parameter, and performs the second virtual camera control process. Is set to a position in the object space near the position of the virtual camera. Here, the moving object as a special object is controlled to move and move randomly according to a given movement / motion control program, and moves in the vicinity of the range visible from the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control processing. , Placement is set in the object space.

  The communication control unit 119 performs control to transmit the position data stored in the camera data storage unit 177 and the storage image stored in association with the position data to the external device via the communication unit 196. Further, control is performed to receive the position data stored in the external device and the storage image stored in association with the position data from the external device via the communication unit 196. In particular, in the present embodiment, the communication control unit 119 may associate the position data and transmit a situation parameter set when performing the second virtual camera control process based on the position data. For example, when transmitting position data to an external apparatus, a situation parameter may be selected based on an operation input or a given program, and the selected situation parameter may be associated with the position data and transmitted to the external apparatus.

  The drawing unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In particular, in the present embodiment, the drawing unit 120 draws an image corresponding to the set status parameter when drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera via the second virtual camera control process. Specifically, the drawing unit 120 draws an object set according to the situation parameter, changes the color to be drawn according to the situation parameter, and performs post-effect processing such as fog (fog, blur) processing. Further, the texture to be mapped may be changed according to the situation parameter. That is, the drawing unit 120 includes an image drawn through the first virtual camera control process when the position data is stored, and an image drawn through the second virtual camera control process based on the position data. However, the image is drawn through the second virtual camera control process so as to change according to the set situation parameter.

  More specifically, the drawing unit 120 first generates vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, or α value) of each vertex of an object (model) when generating a so-called three-dimensional game image. Etc.) is input, and vertex processing is performed based on the vertex data included in the input object data. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, geometric processing such as vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. The given vertex data is changed (updated or adjusted) for the vertex group to be configured. Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (fragment processing) for drawing pixels constituting an image (fragments constituting a display screen) is performed.

  In pixel processing, various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / changing, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed to determine the final drawing color of the pixels that make up the image, and perspective transformation is performed. The drawing color of the object is output (drawn) to the drawing buffer 174 (buffer that can store image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed.

  Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) set in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

  Note that the vertex processing and pixel processing performed by the drawing unit 120 are performed by hardware that enables the polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). It may be realized. Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of rendering processing is high, and the expressive power can be greatly improved compared to fixed rendering processing by hardware. .

  The drawing unit 120 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing an object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the storage unit 170.

  In texture mapping, a process of mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the texture storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170 to an object is performed. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the texture storage unit 174 of the storage unit 170 using the texture coordinates set (applied) to the vertex of the object. Map an image texture to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  In the present embodiment, when an object is drawn, a process for mapping a given texture may be performed. In this case, the color distribution (texel pattern) of the texture to be mapped can be dynamically changed.

  In this case, textures having different color distributions (pixel patterns) may be dynamically generated, or a plurality of textures having different color distributions are prepared in advance, and the texture to be used is dynamically switched. May be. The texture color distribution may be changed in units of objects.

  In the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing is performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) in which the Z value (depth information) of the drawing pixel is stored. That is, when drawing the drawing pixel corresponding to the primitive of the object, the Z value stored in the Z buffer is referred to, and the Z value of the referenced Z buffer and the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive are obtained. In comparison, if the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) that is on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera, the drawing pixel is drawn and the Z value in the Z buffer is updated. Update to the correct Z value.

  In α blending (α synthesis), the rendering unit 120 performs translucent synthesis processing (normal α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value).

  The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 140 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192. In particular, in the present embodiment, the sound generation unit 140 sets a sound source according to the set situation parameter when an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera is rendered via the second virtual camera control process. , Generate and output sound according to the situation parameters.

  Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or may be a system having a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play.

  In addition, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line), etc. It may be generated by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

3. 3. Method of First Embodiment 3.1 First Virtual Camera Control Process Next, a first virtual camera control process in the image generation system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  In the image generation system of the present embodiment, the object space is divided into a plurality of areas (for example, 30 or more areas), and object data of objects existing in the areas are read from the information storage medium 180 for each area, and the storage unit Stored in 170. In the present embodiment, only the object data of the area where the player character exists is expanded in the storage unit 170. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the area where the player character exists is changed as the player character moves, the object data of the object existing in the changed area is read from the information storage medium 180 and stored in the storage unit 170. . In the present embodiment, the first virtual camera control process is executed while forming an object space for each area, and various images are generated in accordance with the progress of the role playing game.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as the first camera control process, as shown in FIG. 2, the player object PO that moves in accordance with an operation input (first operation input) from the player is followed. An image that is visible from the virtual camera CA is drawn with or without the player object.

  In particular, this image generation system draws an image including the player object as shown in FIG. 3A while following the player object PO as the first camera control process, The line-of-sight direction is changed in accordance with this program, and as shown in FIG. 3B, an arbitrary range of the object space is appropriately drawn without including the player object.

3.2 Saving Position Data Next, a process for saving position data (hereinafter referred to as “save process”) in the image generation system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when the first virtual camera control process is executed, the position data used in the second virtual camera control process is stored according to the operation input (second operation input) of the player. ing.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the virtual camera CA following the player character PO moving in the second area is at the point A, it is assumed that an image showing a landscape as shown in FIG. 5 is drawn. If the player who has seen this image likes the scenery, the scenery in the game is photographed by the camera as the game item of the player character PO according to the photographing operation input (second operation input) of the player. Execute the event. Then, in the present embodiment, in accordance with the shooting operation input from the player, the position coordinates (position data) of the point A, which is the position coordinates in the object space of the virtual camera at the time of the operation, and the information of the virtual camera direction and angle of view get. In the present embodiment, information for identifying that the position coordinate is the second area (hereinafter also referred to as “area information”) is added to the acquired position coordinate and stored. .

  In the present embodiment, an event is performed in which the player character PO is moved to an arbitrary position on the object space in accordance with the first operation input from the player, and a landscape is photographed at the arbitrary position in accordance with the second operation input. Execute, and store the position data of a plurality of virtual cameras corresponding to an arbitrary position. At this time, in the present embodiment, an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera at a position corresponding to the position data is stored as a position selection image in association with the position data.

3.3 Second Virtual Camera Control Process Next, the second virtual camera control process in the image generation system of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the position stored as the observation / viewing point based on the operation input (third operation input) from the player at any timing such as the first virtual camera control process or the start of the program game. The selection images are displayed in a list so that the player can select them. Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, each position selection image is displayed in a list form according to each area or stored time.

  When one position selection image is selected (for example, when the “GO” button in each image in FIG. 6 is selected), the position data of the virtual camera corresponding to the selected image is set. Then, status parameters for determining the status of the object space viewed from the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process, such as the time of the observation / viewing point, the weather, or the presence or absence of a special object, are set.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the virtual camera is changed based on the set position data of the virtual camera, and the object setting, the light source calculation, and the movement process of the moving object are performed based on the set situation parameter. Various processes such as (movement and motion calculation or simulation), animation processing (two-dimensional animation by fluctuation and texture processing), and drawing processing are executed. That is, in the present embodiment, an image corresponding to the situation parameter is drawn through the second virtual camera control process that controls the position of the virtual camera based on the position data.

  In particular, in this embodiment, as the second virtual camera control process, a control process that does not change the position of the virtual camera according to the position data is performed. That is, an image viewed from the virtual camera at the same position for each frame is generated for each frame.

  As described above, the image generation system according to the present embodiment can redraw an image reflecting various situations in the object space according to the situation parameter, instead of displaying the once drawn image itself again. It has become.

  Specifically, in the image generation system of the present embodiment, when one position selection image is selected, for example, the current time (actual time) is set as a situation parameter. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the current situation of the landscape at the position stored as described above in the second virtual camera control process can be provided to the player.

  Therefore, for example, the time at which an event for photographing a landscape occurs at the point A is noon, and the image drawn through the first virtual camera control process at that time shows the daytime landscape as shown in FIG. Even if it is an image, if the current time as the situation parameter set when performing the second virtual camera control process is the sunset time, as shown in FIG. An image of the landscape is drawn. When the current time as the situation parameter is the night time, an image of the night landscape is drawn as shown in FIG.

  Further, the image generation system of the present embodiment is configured to determine and set a situation parameter for setting the weather situation of the object space based on a predetermined program. For example, in this embodiment, weather conditions such as “sunny”, “cloudy”, and “rainy” are determined at random. That is, in this embodiment, by setting the weather situation as the situation parameter, it is possible to provide the player with the current situation at the position stored as described above via the second virtual camera control process. It has become.

  Therefore, for example, the weather at the time when an event for photographing a landscape occurs at the point A is “sunny”, and an image drawn through the first virtual camera control process at that time is as shown in FIG. Even if the image shows a “sunny” landscape, when the weather as the situation parameter set when performing the second virtual camera control process is “rain”, it is shown in FIG. In this way, an image of a raining landscape is drawn. If the weather as the situation parameter is “cloudy”, an image of a cloudy landscape is drawn as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, the image generation system according to the present embodiment is configured to set a status parameter indicating whether or not a special object such as a small animal appears depending on the selected position data. For example, this image generation system sets this situation parameter using a program that causes small animals such as “crab” or “gull” to appear at random when the coast is stored as an observation / viewing point.

  In other words, the image generation system according to the present embodiment provides the player with the current situation at the position stored as described above in the second virtual camera control process by setting the situation of the special object as the situation parameter. Can be done.

  Therefore, for example, when an event for photographing a landscape occurs at the point A, there is no special object at the point A. Therefore, an image drawn through the first virtual camera control process at that time is as shown in FIG. Even if the special object does not exist, if the occurrence of “crab” is set by the situation parameter when the second virtual camera control process is performed, as shown in FIG. , An image in which the “crab” object OB1 moves is drawn. If the appearance of “gull” is set by the situation parameter, an image of the object “OB2” of “gull” is drawn as shown in FIG.

  Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may draw a trace where the special object has appeared, such as a footprint of a small animal or a trace of eating a plant, although a special object does not appear.

  In the present embodiment, various events such as setting a fishing rod on the beach, setting a fishing rod for capturing small animals, and planting vegetation can be executed in accordance with the instructions of the player. In the present embodiment, the position data corresponding to the position in the object space related to the event is stored, so that even if the player character moves from the point related to the event and exists at another point, the second virtual The state of progress and change of these events can be displayed on the player by the image drawn through the camera control process. In this case, in this embodiment, for example, a situation program for setting various situations such as a situation where a fish is caught on a fishing rod, a situation where a fish is caught, or a situation where a fish is missed is set by a predetermined program. An image is drawn through the second virtual camera control process according to various situation parameters including the situation parameters.

4). Processing of this embodiment Next, an example of the flow of processing performed in this embodiment will be described using a flowchart.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow when performing the first virtual camera control process of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, when a game is started and an operation input (first operation input) for moving the player character from the player is performed (Y in step S10), the movement operation input is performed. The character object is moved, and the virtual camera is caused to follow (first virtual camera control process) (step S12). Then, an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera is drawn (step S14).

  When a shooting operation input (second operation input) for executing an event of shooting a scene in the game with a camera item is performed (Y in step S16), a shooting event in which the player character presses the shutter of the camera item in the game. (Step S18), and the position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera at that time is stored. Further, the image drawn when the shooting event is executed is reduced in size and stored as a position selection image in association with the position data (step S20).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in the first virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera is controlled according to the movement operation input, and the position data is saved in the shooting operation input at an arbitrary position.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow when performing the second virtual camera control process of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, when a switching operation input (third operation input) for switching from the player to the second virtual camera control process is performed during the first virtual camera control process (in step S40). Y) The stored position selection image is displayed in a thumbnail format (step S42).

  Then, when a selection operation input (fourth operation input) for selecting any position selection image is performed from the player (Y in step S44), the position data corresponding to the selected position selection image is stored in the second position data. Is set as the position of the virtual camera for the virtual camera control processing (step S46). Then, the status parameter of the object space viewed from the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process is set (step S48).

  Then, the position of the virtual camera is changed based on the set position data, and the second virtual camera control process is performed (step S50). Then, in accordance with the set situation parameter, an image obtained by viewing the object space from the position of the virtual camera after the change is drawn (step S52).

  Here, when a change operation input (fifth operation input) for changing the position data used for the second virtual camera control process is performed from the player (Y in step S54), the process returns to step S42 to store the stored position data. The selection image is displayed in a thumbnail format (step S42). Further, when a switching operation input (sixth operation input) for switching to the first virtual camera control process is performed from the player (Y in step S56), the second virtual camera control process is terminated, and each of FIG. Process.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, by performing the second virtual camera control process based on the position data stored in the first virtual camera control process, the image at the position where the shooting event is executed regardless of the position of the player character. Draw. Since the image drawn through the second virtual camera control process is drawn according to the situation parameter, it is drawn as an image having a different situation from when the shooting event is executed.

5. Other Embodiments As described above, the storage control unit 116 stores the position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in the storage unit 170 in response to the second operation input, and the virtual camera control unit 114 is based on the position data. The mode of performing the second virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera has been described as an example. On the other hand, as another embodiment, the storage control unit 116 stores a storage image based on the rendered image in the storage unit in response to the second operation input, and the parameter setting unit 118 stores the storage image. A situation parameter is set, the display control unit displays at least one of an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera and an image based on the storage image on the display unit, and the drawing unit 120 displays an image based on the storage image. When displayed, the color of the image for storage may be changed according to the status parameter. Also in this embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the image at the position where the shooting event is executed can be displayed as an image having a different situation from when the shooting event is executed regardless of the position of the player character.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the image stored in the frame buffer 172 when the storage control unit 116 executes a shooting event in response to the second operation input is stored in another buffer as a storage image. Let Here, in this embodiment, the image drawn in the frame buffer 172 is not saved as a saving image as it is, but the drawing unit 120 changes the image drawn in the frame buffer 172 to the reference color. The image is redrawn (converted) in the image, and the saving control unit 116 saves the reference image as a saving image in another buffer.

  More specifically, in this embodiment, as a process for drawing a reference image, the drawing unit 120 includes a background (background sprite or the like) excluding an object among images drawn in the frame buffer 172, and a post-effect processing filter ( Plate polygons on which effect colors are drawn, or the like, or set the colors to transparent. In addition, the drawing unit 120 may perform a conversion process that reduces the overall color of the image drawn in the frame buffer 172. That is, in this embodiment, the drawing unit 120 converts the color of the image drawn in the frame buffer 172 into a reference image so that it can be easily and naturally changed according to the situation parameter.

  Then, when the image based on the storage image is displayed, the drawing unit 120 changes the color of the storage image according to the situation parameter. More specifically, the drawing unit 120 newly sets a background color (background sprite or the like) or a post-effect processing filter (such as a plate polygon on which the effect color is drawn) according to the situation parameter. Draw an image according to.

  For example, even if the time at which an event for photographing a landscape occurs is noon, and the image drawn through the virtual camera control process at that time is an image showing the daytime landscape, the image based on the image for storage If the current time as the set situation parameter is the sunset time, filter processing to create a sunset situation is performed on the reference image, and the sunset scenery Draw an image. Further, when the current time as the situation parameter is the night time, a filter process or the like for creating a night situation is executed on the reference image, and an image of the night landscape is drawn.

  In this embodiment, the communication control unit 119 receives the storage image (reference image) stored by the external device from the external device, the parameter setting unit 118 sets the status parameter of the received storage image, When the drawing unit 120 displays an image based on the received storage image (reference image), the color of the storage image (reference image) may be changed according to the situation parameter.

6). Hardware Configuration Next, a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an example of a hardware configuration that can realize the present embodiment.

  The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in a DVD 982 (information storage medium, which may be a CD), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, or the like. Perform processing, sound processing, etc.

  The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is necessary for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of compressed image data and sound data, and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture.

  The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

  Each function of each of the processors may be realized by a separate processor as hardware, or may be realized by one processor. In addition, even when a CPU and a GPU are provided as processors, it is possible to arbitrarily set which function is realized by which processor.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input via the serial interface 940.

  The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

  The RAM 960 serves as a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The DVD drive 980 accesses a DVD 982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. May be. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each unit of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each unit of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. . More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms (polygons, etc.) cited as broad or synonymous terms (primitive surfaces, etc.) in the description or drawings are replaced with broad or synonymous terms in the other descriptions or drawings. Can do.

  The drawing process described above is not limited to that described in this embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention is applied to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. it can.

The example of a functional block diagram of the image generation system of one embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the 1st virtual camera control process in the image generation system of one Embodiment. 3A and 3B are examples of images generated by the image generation system of one embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the preservation | save process of the position data in the image generation system of one Embodiment. The example of an image produced | generated with the image production | generation system of one Embodiment. The example of a selection screen displayed with the image generation system of one Embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are examples of images generated by the image generation system of one embodiment. 8A and 8B are examples of images generated by the image generation system of one embodiment. FIGS. 9A and 9B are examples of images generated by the image generation system according to the embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of one Embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of one Embodiment. Hardware configuration example.

Explanation of symbols

PO player object, CA virtual camera, OB1 / OB2 special object,
100 processing unit, 110 object space setting unit, 112 movement / motion processing unit,
114 virtual camera control unit, 116 storage control unit, 118 parameter setting unit,
119 communication control unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit,
160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit,
192 sound output unit, 194 portable information storage device, 196 communication unit

Claims (12)

A program for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that performs a first virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
Causing the computer to function as a storage control unit that stores, in the storage unit, position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in response to a second operation input;
The virtual camera control unit is
A program that further performs a second virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera based on the position data. In claim 1,
Causing the computer to further function as a parameter setting unit for setting a status parameter of the object space viewed from the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process;
The drawing unit
A program for rendering an image according to the situation parameter when the second virtual camera control process is performed. In any one of Claims 1, 2.
The object space setting unit
A program characterized in that, when the second virtual camera control process is performed, a special object is set in the object space according to the position of the virtual camera in the second virtual camera control process. In any one of Claims 1-3,
In response to the first operation input, the computer further functions as a movement processing unit that controls movement of the moving object,
The virtual camera control unit is
In the first virtual camera control process, the position of the virtual camera is controlled according to the position of the moving object. In any one of Claims 1-4,
A program that further causes a computer to function as a communication control unit that transmits the position data to an external device. In any one of Claims 1-5,
The storage control unit
A program characterized in that an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera at a position corresponding to the position data is stored in the storage unit as a selection image in association with the position data. A program for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
A storage control unit that stores a storage image based on the drawn image in a storage unit in response to a second operation input;
A parameter setting unit for setting status parameters of the image for storage;
Causing the computer to function as a display control unit that displays on the display unit at least one of an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera and an image based on the storage image;
The drawing unit
A program for changing a color of the image for storage according to the situation parameter when an image based on the image for storage is displayed. In claim 7,
The drawing unit
Draw a reference image in which the color of the drawn image is changed to a reference color,
The storage control unit
A program for storing the reference image as the storage image in the storage unit. In any one of Claims 7 and 8,
Causing the computer to further function as a communication control unit that receives the image for storage stored by the external device from the external device;
The parameter setting unit
Set the status parameter of the received storage image,
The drawing unit
When the image based on the received storage image is displayed, the program changes the color of the storage image according to the situation parameter.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is stored. An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that performs a first virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
A storage control unit that stores in the storage unit position data corresponding to the position of the virtual camera in response to a second operation input;
Including
The virtual camera control unit is
An image generation system further comprising a second virtual camera control process for controlling the position of the virtual camera based on the position data. An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An object space setting unit for setting an object in the object space;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the position of the virtual camera in response to a first operation input;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera;
A storage control unit that stores a storage image based on the drawn image in a storage unit in response to a second operation input;
A parameter setting unit for setting status parameters of the image for storage;
A display control unit for displaying on the display unit at least one of an image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera and an image based on the storage image;
Including
The drawing unit
When the image based on the image for storage is displayed, the color of the image for storage is changed according to the situation parameter.