JP2008173491A - Image generator and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generator and information storage medium, which allow a player to perform accurate shooting and easily recognize the aiming direction of shooting. <P>SOLUTION: A game is enjoyed by shooting an enemy character 30 as a target object. A linear object 22 extending toward the aiming position is displayed. A linear object 32 from the enemy character 30 is also displayed. The linear objects are different in thickness between the end point and the start point, and when the enemy character 30 enters the aiming range, the end point tracks the enemy character 30, and when it deviates from the pointing range, it returns to the home position. A texture mapping on the linear object is varied with the kind of a weapon. While an original image area is moved in real time in the texture space, the texture in an original image area is mapped on the linear object. A pointing object 60 is displayed in the vicinity of the end point of the linear object. The pointing object is deformed based on the position in a preceding frame to obtain image retention effect. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus and an information storage medium that generate an image at a given viewpoint in an object space.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image generation apparatuses that arrange a plurality of objects in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space and generate an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space have been developed and put into practical use. It is popular as a way to experience reality. Taking an image generation apparatus capable of enjoying a shooting game as an example, a player moves a character (human, robot, etc.) operated by the player in the object space, and a target object (character operated by another player or computer). Etc.) to enjoy the game by aiming and shooting.

  Now, in such a shooting game, an aim for aiming at the target object is required. In conventional shooting games, the aim is arranged at a predetermined position on the two-dimensional layer for displaying the score, the ranking, and the like. An image obtained by superimposing the image projected on the screen (projection plane) by the perspective transformation and the image of the two-dimensional layer on which the aiming and the like are arranged is displayed to the player.

However, in the aiming arranged at the predetermined position on the two-dimensional layer as described above, there is a problem that an error occurs between the aiming position and the hit position, and accurate shooting cannot be performed.
JP 07-008632 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-073661 IN STORE NOW! Side Pocket 3, Weekly Famitsu, Japan, ASCII, Inc., August 1, 1997, Vol. 12, No. 31 (No. 450), 48 pages

  As one method for solving such a problem, a method of calculating an aim position in the object space and displaying an aim object near the aim position can be considered. According to this method, when a player shoots a shot, the shot hits near the aiming position in the object space. Therefore, accurate shooting is possible as compared with the case where the aim is arranged at a predetermined position on the two-dimensional layer.

  However, this method has a problem that it is not easy for the player to recognize where the aiming object is. Also, it is not easy to recognize what the trajectory in the shooting target direction will be. Furthermore, there is a problem that the direction of shooting from the opponent is not completely understood.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to enable accurate shooting and to easily recognize the shooting direction and information storage medium. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is an image generation apparatus that generates an image for shooting a target object in an object space, and forms an object space in which a plurality of objects including the target object are arranged. Means for checking whether the shot from the shooting hits the object, and means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space, the line extending toward the aiming position of the shooting An image of an object is generated.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of objects including the target object are arranged in the object space, and it is checked whether or not a shot by shooting hits the object. In this case, according to the present invention, an image of a linear object extending toward the shooting aiming position is generated. Displaying such a linear object enables more accurate shooting. In addition, the aiming position can be clearly recognized by following the extension of the linear object, so that it is very easy to find the aiming position. Furthermore, the trajectory in the shooting target direction can be easily grasped.

  The present invention is also characterized in that an image of a linear object by a player's opponent is also generated. By doing in this way, it becomes possible to determine both attack and defense at the same time.

  In the invention, it is preferable that the thickness of the start point and the end point of the linear object are different. By doing in this way, the situation where the end point part or start point part of a linear object becomes invisible can be prevented.

  In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the linear object is thicker as it is farther from the viewpoint. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the end point portion or the start point portion of the linear object becomes invisible due to the perspective effect (by moving away from the viewpoint).

  The present invention is also characterized in that when the target object enters a given aiming range, the end point of the linear object tracks the target object. In this way, it is possible to realize a shooting game that can be easily played even by beginners.

  When the target object is out of the aiming range, it is desirable to return the end point of the linear object to a fixed position.

  Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a texture mapped to the linear object is changed according to the type of the linear object. For example, if the texture of a linear object is changed according to the type of weapon shooting the shot, it will be possible to predict the damage caused by that weapon, and it will be possible to easily determine whether to attack or defend become.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the texture in the original image area is mapped to the linear object while moving the original image area in the texture space in real time. By doing so, the image pattern of the linear object can be changed in real time, and a more realistic image can be obtained.

  Further, the invention is characterized in that an image of the aiming object displayed near the end point of the linear object is generated. In this way, it is possible to further facilitate the grasp of the aiming position.

  In this case, an image of the aiming object may be generated by arranging the aiming object at the perspective projection position on the screen of the end point of the linear object, or the end point of the linear object in the object space An image of the aiming object may be generated by arranging the aiming object in the vicinity.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the shape of the aiming object is deformed when the aiming object moves as the end point of the linear object moves. By doing so, it is possible to realize an afterimage effect or the like accompanying the movement of the aiming object.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the shape of the aiming object in the current frame is deformed based on the position of the aiming object in the previous frame. By doing so, the aiming object can be deformed with a small storage capacity and simple processing.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the present invention will be described by taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a shooting game in which a plurality of characters are divided into enemies and allies, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various shooting games.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment.

  Here, the operation unit 10 is for a player to input operation data by operating a lever, a button, or the like, and the operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is input to the processing unit 100.

  The processing unit 100 performs processing for arranging an object in the object space and processing for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space based on the operation data and a given program. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.), memory, and the like.

  The information storage medium 190 stores programs and data. The function of the information storage medium 190 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, hard disk, and ROM. The processing unit 100 performs various processes based on the program and data from the information storage medium 190.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110 and an image generation unit 150.

  Here, the game calculation unit 110 performs a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a process for determining the position and direction of a moving object, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, a process for placing an object in the object space, and the like.

  The image generation unit 150 performs a process of generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space formed by the game calculation unit 110. The image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 12.

  The game calculation unit 110 includes an object space forming unit 111 and a hit check unit 114.

  Here, the object space forming unit 111 performs processing for arranging various objects such as characters, enemy characters (targets), maps, and backgrounds in the object space. More specifically, the arrangement and type of objects such as a map and a background are determined for each game stage, and a calculation for moving a moving body (character, target, shot, etc.) in the object space is performed.

  In this embodiment, the object space forming unit 111 performs a process of arranging a linear object extending toward the shooting aim position in the object space.

  The moving object calculation unit 112 included in the object space forming unit 111 is based on operation data input from the operation unit 10 or a given program, and the character (moving object in a broad sense) operated by the player, other players, An operation for moving a character operated by a given control program (computer) in the object space is performed. More specifically, a calculation for obtaining the position and direction of the character every frame (1/60 second) is performed.

  For example, assume that the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in k frames are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)

VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)

The hit check unit 114 performs processing to check whether or not a shot by shooting hits an object such as a target object. In this case, the hit check may always be performed regardless of whether or not the shot has been shot (whether or not a button for instructing shooting has been pressed). Only when a shot is shot, a hit check between the shot and the object may be performed.

  Next, an example of a battle-type shooting game to which this embodiment is applied will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this battle-type shooting game, each character can squat down, jump, climb up to a high place, or move on the game field 270. Then, the characters P1 and P2 form a pair and play against the opponent characters P3 and P4. A number of obstacles are arranged in the game field 270. While the character is hiding behind these obstacles, the character battles the enemy through a shootout using a weapon.

  Here, the game field 270 is divided into a first base 250 and a second base 260. The characters P1 and P2 can move only within the first position 250, and the characters P3 and P4 can move only within the second position 260. By limiting the movement range in this way, the enemy is always located in front, and the position of the enemy can be easily grasped. Moreover, since the enemy does not come around from behind, the unreasonable situation of being attacked from an invisible position can be solved. Therefore, it is possible to realize a game that is very easy for the player to play, compared to a game that can freely move in all areas in the game field 270.

  FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 show examples of game images generated by the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, when the player character 20 aims at a weapon, the linear character that connects the weapon and the aiming position (in FIG. 3 the aim is on the obstacle 24). Object 22 is displayed. That is, a linear object 22 extending from the weapon toward the aiming position is displayed.

  By displaying such a linear object 22, the player can now accurately recognize that a shot will hit the aiming position when shooting. Therefore, more accurate shooting is possible as compared with the case where the aim is arranged at a predetermined position on the two-dimensional layer.

  In addition, when such a linear object 22 is displayed, the player can clearly recognize the aiming position by following the extension destination of the linear object 22 with the eyes. That is, it is extremely easy to find where the aiming position is, compared to a method of simply displaying the aiming object at the aiming position. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the player can grasp not only the aiming position but also the trajectory in the shooting target direction (what trajectory the shot will pass if shooting now).

  In the present embodiment, the aiming object 60 is displayed near the end point of the linear object 22. In this way, the player can more clearly recognize where the aiming position is.

  In this embodiment, the aiming object 60 is deformed when the weapon of the player character 20 moves back and forth and right and left and the end point of the linear object 22 moves. More specifically, the shape of the aiming object 60 in the current frame is deformed based on the position (representative point) of the aiming object 60 in the previous frame. By doing so, it is possible to express the afterimage effect accompanying the movement of the aiming object 60.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, not only the linear object 22 from the weapon of the player character 20 but also the linear object 32 from the weapon of the enemy character 30 is displayed. In this way, the player can perform both the determination of the attack on the enemy character 30 and the determination of the avoidance from the attack of the enemy character 30 at the same time.

  That is, with the method of simply displaying the aiming object at the aiming position, it is impossible to recognize which direction the enemy is aiming (orbit in the enemy's aiming direction). Therefore, it is impossible to develop a strategy of attacking the enemy while avoiding the enemy attack.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, by following the trajectory of the linear object 32 from the enemy character 30, the enemy's aiming direction can be clearly grasped. Therefore, it is possible to devise a strategy to efficiently attack the enemy while successfully avoiding the enemy attack. For this reason, it is possible to remarkably increase the fun of the game play, and to increase the degree of enthusiasm and immersion in the game of the player.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a game image when no obstacle or enemy character exists at the aiming position. Thus, the length of the linear object 20 of this embodiment is finite.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the shape of the linear objects 22 and 32. In the present embodiment, the linear objects 22 and 32 are constituted by elongated triangular prisms (which may be square pillars or cylinders). In the present embodiment, the thicknesses of the start points and the end points of the linear objects 22 and 32 are made different.

  For example, for the linear object 22 from the player character, the thickness of the end point (sighting position side) portion is thicker than the start point (weapon side) portion. That is, when the length of the side of the triangle 40 at the start point is L1 and the length of the side of the triangle 41 at the end point is L2, L2> L1 (for example, L2 = 2 × L1).

  On the other hand, for the linear object 32 from the enemy character, the thickness of the start point (weapon side) portion is larger than the thickness of the end point (sighting position side) portion. That is, when the length of the side of the triangle 42 at the start point is L3 and the length of the side of the triangle 43 at the end point is L4, L3> L4 (for example, L3 = 2 × L4).

  As described above, the linear objects 22 and 32 of the present embodiment become thicker as the distance from the viewpoint 39 increases. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the end point or the start point is not visible from the viewpoint 39 due to the perspective effect.

  In other words, if the thickness of the end point is equal to the thickness of the start point, when the linear object is projected on the screen by perspective transformation, either the end point or the start point of the linear object is caused by the perspective effect. Appears smaller than the other. As a result, a situation occurs in which the end point portion or the start point portion is not visible from the viewpoint 39.

  Since the linear object of this embodiment becomes thicker as it is farther from the viewpoint 39, such a situation can be effectively prevented.

  In this embodiment, the length of the linear object expands and contracts depending on where the aiming position is. However, there is a certain upper limit for the length of the linear object, and the length is finite (see FIG. 5).

  Further, in the present embodiment, when a target object such as an enemy character enters the aiming range, the end point of the linear object tracks the target object. As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, a square pyramid can be considered as the aiming range 44. When the target object is not tracked, the starting point of the linear object 22 is the weapon position G and the end point is the fixed position FP. Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the target object 46 enters the aiming range 44, the end point of the linear object 22 tracks the target object 46. In this state, when the player presses the shooting button, the target object 46 can be made to hit the shot.

  In this embodiment, when the player presses the shooting button, the linear object 22 is hidden and the actual shot trajectory is displayed on the screen. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the player from confusion between the linear object 22 and the actual shot trajectory.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the target object does not exist in the aiming range 44, or when the existing target object has escaped from the aiming range 44, the end point of the linear object 22 is a fixed position. Return to FP.

  If there is no tracking system as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the player must perform all operations for matching the end point of the linear object with the target object with his / her hand. Such an operating environment is preferable when aiming to improve virtual reality, but if such a game operation is compelled to all players, the game play will be avoided by beginners due to the difficulty of the game operation.

  On the other hand, if a system in which the end point of a linear object always tracks a nearby target object without providing the aiming range 44 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an expert with excellent game skill is not enough. I feel it.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the end point of the linear object 22 tracks only the target object within the aiming range 44, so that all levels of players from beginners to skilled players can enjoy. 3D games that can be

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the tracking target is not present, the player sets the target by returning the end point of the linear object 22 to the fixed position FP. It becomes possible to always know where the aiming position is. This can prevent unnecessary confusion for the player.

  In this embodiment, the texture mapped to the linear object is changed according to the type of the linear object. For example, the texture to be mapped to the linear object is changed according to the type of weapon that is the source of the linear object. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, a strong weapon texture 50 and a normal weapon texture 52 are prepared in a texture space (memory space of a texture memory). The color of the strong weapon texture 50 is, for example, yellow, and the color of the normal weapon texture 52 is, for example, red.

  In this way, the player can grasp the type of weapon based on the difference in color (or image pattern) of the linear object. For example, if the linear object extending from the enemy character's weapon is yellow (strong weapon), the defense will focus on defense and the character will be hidden by an obstacle, and if it is red (normal weapon), the attack will start. It becomes possible to make such a strategy. This can significantly improve the fun of the game.

  Or you may make it make the texture of the linear object extended from the weapon of an own character differ from the texture of the linear object extended from the weapon of an enemy character. In this way, for example, in the case of FIG. 4, the linear object 22 of the player character 20 and the linear object 32 of the enemy character 30 can be easily distinguished. This can prevent unnecessary confusion for the player.

  In this embodiment, the texture in the original image area is mapped to the linear object while moving the original image area in the texture space in real time. For example, in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the texture in the original image area 54 is mapped to the linear object in a certain frame. Then, in the next frame, the original image area 54 moves to the right side, and the texture in the moved original image area 54 is mapped to the linear object. By doing so, it becomes possible to change the image pattern of the linear object in real time, it is possible to realistically express how a laser or the like extends from the weapon, and an excellent image effect can be obtained. become able to.

  When the original image area 54 moves to the location E2, the original image area 54 returns to the location E1 in the next frame.

  In the present embodiment, the aiming object 60 is displayed near the end point of the linear object 22 as shown in FIGS. In this way, the player can more clearly grasp where the aiming position is.

  That is, if only the linear object 22 is displayed, the player may not be able to clearly grasp where the end point of the linear object 22 is. However, if the aiming object 60 is displayed near the end point of the linear object 22 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the player follows the trajectory of the linear object 22 and confirms the aiming object 60 near the end point. By doing so, it becomes possible to clearly grasp where the aiming position is. In this case, in order to make the aiming object 60 more conspicuous, it is desirable to make the aiming object 60 have a conspicuous color (for example, red) or increase its luminance.

  Various methods for generating the image of the aiming object 60 can be considered. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, an image of the aiming object 60 is obtained by arranging a two-dimensional aiming object 60 at a perspective projection position 66 on the screen 64 (65 is the viewpoint) of the end point 62 of the linear object 22. It may be generated. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, an image of the aiming object 60 may be generated by arranging a three-dimensional aiming object 60 near the end point of the linear object 22 in the object space.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the aiming object is deformed when the aiming object moves as the end point of the linear object moves. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, when the position of the aiming object moves from Q to P as the end point of the linear object moves, the previous frame (for example, one frame) Based on the position Q of the aiming object OBc in the previous), the aiming object in the current frame is transformed from OBb to OBa.

  By doing so, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B, the afterimage effect accompanying the movement of the aiming object 60 can be expressed. Here, FIGS. 12A and 12B are examples of images representing the afterimage effect when the aiming object moves to the left as shown in FIG. 11A. FIGS. 13A and 13B are examples of images representing the afterimage effect when the aiming object moves to the lower left side as shown in FIG. 11B.

  In particular, the present embodiment is characterized in that the object is deformed based on the position of the object in the previous frame. That is, in the present embodiment, focusing on the point that the object position data (or data for specifying it) in the previous frame is normally held in the storage unit in the apparatus, The object is deformed based on the position of the object. By doing so, it is possible to express the afterimage effect with a simple process without increasing the capacity of the storage unit of the apparatus.

  Next, a detailed processing example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, a process for arranging a linear object extending toward the aiming position, for example, in the object space is performed (step S1).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the target object exists within the aiming range (see 44 in FIGS. 7A and 7B) (step S2). If it exists, the end point is tracked to the target object 46 closest to the end point of the linear object 22 as shown in FIG. 7A (step S3). On the other hand, if it does not exist, as shown in FIG. 7B, the end point of the linear object 22 is returned to the fixed position FP (step S4).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the character has a powerful weapon (step S5). If it is held, a powerful weapon texture 50 as shown in FIG. 8 is selected (step S6). On the other hand, if not, the normal weapon texture 52 is selected (step S7).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, while moving the original image area 54 in the texture space in real time, the texture in the original image area 54 is mapped to a linear object (step S8). For example, when the strong weapon texture 50 is selected as in step S6, the original image area 54 moves on the strong weapon texture 50 area. When the normal weapon texture 52 is selected as in step S7, the original image area 54 moves on the normal weapon texture 52 area.

  As described above, the linear object 22 extending toward the aiming position as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 can be expressed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the image generation processing and deformation processing of the aiming object described in FIGS. 9 to 13B. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, a case where an image of the aiming object 60 is generated by arranging the aiming object 60 at the perspective projection position 66 of the end point 62 will be described.

  First, the positions P and Q are obtained (step T1). Here, the position P is the perspective projection position of the end point of the linear object in the current frame, and the position Q is the perspective projection position of the end point of the linear object in the previous frame (for example, one frame before). The position P corresponds to the position of the aiming object in the current frame, and the position Q corresponds to the position of the aiming object in the previous frame (see FIGS. 11A and 11B).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, the aiming object 60 (square or rectangular) is placed at the position P (centered on the position P) (step T2). Then, the aiming object 60 is divided into, for example, four to generate four polygons (square or rectangle) 70, 71, 72, 73 (step T3).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the position Q (the position of the aiming object in the previous frame) is on the boundaries 74 and 76 (step T4). These boundaries 74 and 76 are lines including the diagonal lines AH and CF of the aiming object 60, respectively. With these boundaries 74 and 76, four areas S1, S2, S3 and S4 can be defined.

  When the position Q is not on the boundaries 74 and 76 as shown in FIG. 16B, the three vertices C, E, and H in the area S4 to which Q belongs are changed to Q as shown in FIG. To obtain new vertices C ′, E ′, and H ′, and deform the aiming object 60 (step T5). In this way, for example, the afterimage effect of the aiming object 60 as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B can be expressed.

  In FIGS. 16B and 16C, PE = QE ′, EC = E′C ′, and EH = E′H ′ are established.

  On the other hand, when Q is on the boundary 76 as shown in FIG. 17A, the vertex C on the boundary 76 and the vertices B and E in the areas S1 and S4 adjacent to the boundary 76 are changed to FIG. As shown in B), new vertices C ′, B ′, and E ′ are obtained by moving in the direction Q, and the aiming object 60 is deformed (step T6). By doing so, for example, the afterimage effect of the aiming object 60 as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B can be expressed.

  In FIGS. 17A and 17B, PB = QB ', BC = B'C', CE = C'E ', and PE = QE' are established.

  By doing so, the aiming object 60 is deformed based on the position Q in the previous frame, and the afterimage effect can be expressed.

  Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received. A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.

  The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like. For example, a consumer game device uses a CD-ROM, game cassette, DVD, or the like as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like. The arcade game machine uses a memory such as a ROM. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.

  The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.

  In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000. Further, a data structure (for example, an object data structure) having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.

  Further, this type of apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music 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 image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head mounted display (HMD) can be used.

  The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices to send and receive given information according to the game program, and to connect a communication line. It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs.

  The various processes described in FIGS. 1 to 13B and FIGS. 16A to 17B are information storage media storing programs for performing the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1006, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, an image generation IC 1010, a sound generation IC 1008, and the like. The processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.

  FIG. 19A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102 and the button 1104 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound processing IC, and the like are mounted on an IC substrate 1106 built in the apparatus. And information for forming an object space where a plurality of objects including the target object are arranged, information for checking whether or not a shot by shooting hits the object, and at a given viewpoint in the object space Information for generating an image, information for generating an image of a linear object extending toward a shooting aiming position, information for generating an image of a linear object by a player's opponent, etc. The data is stored in a memory 1108 that is an information storage medium on 1106. Hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as stored information. The stored information includes at least one of program code, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the various processes described above.

  FIG. 19B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, IC cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.

  FIG. 19C shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302. Show. In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound processing IC and can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives game images and games. A game program or the like for generating sound is delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, the method described in this embodiment is particularly desirable as a method for generating images of linear objects and aiming objects, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the linear object is a tertiary object arranged in the object space has been described. The linear object of the present invention is particularly preferably such a three-dimensional object. However, the linear object of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a two-dimensional object on a screen. However, it may be a line having no thickness.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the linear object is linear has been described. However, the linear object of the present invention may be at least linear, and may be, for example, a curved line, a parabola, or a zigzag line.

  The shooting in the present invention is not limited to shooting with a handgun, a light gun, a cannon, or the like. For example, shooting a shot such as a grenade or a ball is also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, when a character throws a grenade and hits a target object, the player can easily recognize the shooting target direction by displaying a parabolic object extending toward the aiming position.

  Further, the shape of the linear object is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  Further, the method of tracking the end point of the linear object to the target object is not limited to that described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, and various modifications can be made with respect to the shape of the aiming range, for example. It is.

  Further, the method for deforming the aiming object is particularly preferably the one described with reference to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 15, but is not limited thereto.

  The present invention can be applied not only to the battle-type shooting game described in the present embodiment but also to various types of shooting games. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a player operates a machine gun 198 imitating the real thing to shoot, or as shown in FIG. 21, operates a lever 200, 202 to move a tank while shooting. The present invention can be applied to various shooting games such as a game for performing shooting, and a game for shooting with the guns 204 and 206 facing the screen in cooperation with other players as shown in FIG.

  The present invention is not limited to home and business game devices, but also various image generation devices such as a simulator, a large attraction device in which a large number of players participate, a personal computer, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating game images. It can also be applied to.

It is an example of the functional block diagram of the image generation apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the game field of the competitive game implement | achieved by this embodiment. It is a figure shown about the example of the image produced | generated by this embodiment. It is a figure shown about the example of the image produced | generated by this embodiment. It is a figure shown about the example of the image produced | generated by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the shape of a linear object. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a method of tracking the end point of a linear object to a target object. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of changing the texture to map according to the kind of weapon, and the method of moving an original image area | region in texture space. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of arrange | positioning an aim object in the perspective projection position of the end point of a linear object. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of arrange | positioning an aiming object near the end point of the linear object in object space. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the aiming object deformation process. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating examples of images representing the afterimage effect of the aiming object. FIGS. 13A and 13B are also diagrams illustrating examples of images representing the afterimage effect of the aiming object. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed process example of this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the detailed process example of this embodiment. FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C are diagrams for explaining the aiming object deformation process. FIGS. 17A and 17B are also diagrams for explaining the aiming object deformation process. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the hardware which can implement | achieve this embodiment. 19A, 19B, and 19C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the shooting game of the other form which can apply this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the shooting game of the other form which can apply this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the shooting game of the other form which can apply this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 12 Display part 20 Self-character 22 Linear object 24 Obstacle 30 Enemy character 32 Linear object 44 Aiming range 46 Target object 50 Strong weapon texture 52 Normal weapon texture 54 Original image area 60 Aiming object 62 End point 64 Screen 65 View point 66 Perspective projection position 100 Processing unit 110 Game calculation unit 111 Object space formation unit 112 Moving body calculation unit 114 Hit check unit 150 Image generation unit 190 Information storage medium

Claims (14)

An image generation device for generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space,
Means for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including a target object are arranged;
A means to check if the shot from the shooting hits the object,
Generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space;
An image generating apparatus that generates an image of a linear object extending toward a shooting aiming position. In claim 1,
An image generation apparatus characterized by generating an image of a linear object by a player's opponent. In claim 1 or 2,
The linear object is characterized in that the thickness of the start point portion is different from the thickness of the end point portion. In claim 3,
An image generating apparatus characterized in that the linear object is thicker as it is farther from the viewpoint. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
An image generation apparatus, wherein an end point of the linear object tracks the target object when the target object enters a given aiming range. In claim 5,
An image generation apparatus, wherein an end point of a linear object returns to a fixed position when a target object is out of the aiming range. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
An image generating apparatus, wherein a texture mapped to the linear object is changed according to a type of the linear object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
An image generation apparatus characterized by mapping a texture in an original image area onto the linear object while moving the original image area in a texture space in real time. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
An image generating apparatus that generates an image of an aiming object displayed near an end point of the linear object. In claim 9,
An image generating apparatus, characterized in that an image of the aiming object is generated by arranging the aiming object at a perspective projection position on a screen of an end point of the linear object. In claim 9,
An image generating apparatus, characterized in that an image of the aiming object is generated by arranging the aiming object in the vicinity of an end point of the linear object in an object space. In any of claims 9 to 11,
An image generating apparatus, wherein the shape of the aiming object is deformed when the aiming object moves with the movement of the end point of the linear object. In claim 12,
An image generation apparatus characterized by deforming the shape of the aiming object in the current frame based on the position of the aiming object in the previous frame. An information storage medium for generating an image for shooting a target object in an object space,
Information for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the target object are arranged;
Information to check whether the shot by shooting hits the object,
Information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in object space;
Information for generating an image of a linear object extending toward the shooting aiming position.

Images