JP2011059738A - Image processor, processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor suitable for giving visual effects according to movement of a movable body. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor 200 includes a setting unit 201, a moving unit 202, an estimating unit 203, and a generating unit 204, and is structured as follows. The setting unit 201 sets a viewpoint position and a sight line direction disposed in a virtual space. The moving unit 202 moves a first object in the virtual space. The estimating unit 203 estimates a contact position where the first object contacts a second object disposed in the virtual space. The generating unit 204 generates an image representing a situation where the virtual space is seen from the viewpoint position to the sight line direction. The setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position and the sight line direction so as to draw the first object in the generated image. The setting unit 201 sets the sight line direction to a direction where the first object moves while a distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than a first threshold distance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a processing method, and a program for realizing them on a computer, which are suitable for providing a visual effect according to the movement of a moving object.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a competitive game or the like, a game in which a virtual space displayed on a screen is different due to game development has been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for changing the viewpoint of a virtual camera in a baseball game according to whether or not the game development is in the final stage and the time required for the action of the pitcher character.

JP 2008-237654 A

  On the other hand, not only a visual effect according to the game development as described above but also a visual effect according to the movement of an object (moving body) and an interesting technique is required.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides an image processing apparatus, a processing method, and a program for realizing them on a computer, which are suitable for providing a visual effect according to the movement of a moving object. The purpose is to do.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a setting unit, a moving unit, a prediction unit, and a generation unit, and is configured as follows.

  The setting unit sets a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction arranged in the virtual space.

  Here, the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction are, for example, the position and shooting direction of the virtual camera arranged in the virtual space, and the state from the viewpoint position to the line-of-sight direction is displayed on the monitor screen. The setting unit sets information on the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction stored in a storage medium such as a RAM.

  The moving unit moves the first object in the virtual space.

  For example, in a soccer game, if the player gives an instruction to kick a soccer ball using the controller, the moving unit moves the soccer ball based on the instruction of the player.

  The prediction unit predicts a contact position where the first object contacts the second object arranged in the virtual space.

  For example, the prediction unit predicts a position where the ball moved by the moving unit comes into contact with the ground, a character, a goal post, or the like.

  The generation unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction.

  For example, the generation unit generates an image of a virtual space taken from the virtual camera.

  The setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the first object is drawn on the generated image.

  That is, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the ball is reflected in the monitor screen.

  Furthermore, the setting unit sets the line-of-sight direction to the direction in which the first object moves while the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the first threshold distance.

  Here, the distance refers to, for example, the Euclidean distance between the current position of the ball (first object) moved by the moving unit and the position (contact position) at which the ball contacts the ground. Since the ball moves and gradually approaches the contact position, the distance between the ball and the contact position decreases with time. The setting unit sets the shooting direction of the virtual camera to the direction in which the ball moves until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 10 m). As a result, from the moment the ball is kicked by the character until the distance becomes equal to the predetermined distance, an image displayed by the virtual camera facing the same direction as the ball moves is displayed on the monitor screen.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the visual effect with high interest property according to the motion of a mobile body (object) can be provided.

  In addition, the setting unit may set the viewpoint position so as to track the first object while the distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than the second threshold distance.

  For example, the setting unit may cause the virtual camera to follow the movement of the ball until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 5 m) different from the first threshold distance. Set the viewpoint position. Thus, from the moment the ball is kicked by the character, until it becomes equal to a predetermined distance different from the first threshold distance, a virtual camera that draws a moving locus similar to the ball while shooting so that the ball is displayed on the screen Is displayed on the monitor screen.

  In the above invention, the line-of-sight direction is set according to the movement of the first object. However, the present invention can set not only the line-of-sight direction but also the viewpoint position according to the movement of the object. A visual effect like tracking an object can be obtained.

  In addition, the setting unit is configured such that, while the distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than the second threshold distance, the distance between the viewpoint position and the first object on the half line from the contact position to the first object. May be determined based on the distance between the first object and the contact position, and the viewpoint position may be set.

  For example, until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 5 m) designated for setting the viewpoint position, the setting unit moves the ball on the half line connecting the ball and the contact position. The position of the virtual camera is set at a position away from the camera by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is determined based on the distance between the ball and the contact position. For example, the greater the distance from the contact position to the ball, the closer the virtual camera is to the ball. With this setting, when the ball is kicked and starts moving, a powerful image is displayed, and the virtual camera gradually moves away from the ball, gradually overlooking the relationship between the ball and the contact position. Possible images are displayed.

  According to the present invention, a viewpoint position that gives a desired visual effect can be specifically obtained.

  Further, the distance determined based on the distance between the first object and the contact position may be constant.

  For example, until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (for example, 5 m) designated for setting the viewpoint position, the setting unit does not depend on the distance from the contact position to the ball. Is always arranged at a position away from the ball by a certain distance (for example, 30 cm). Thereby, the virtual camera can be moved following the ball.

  According to the present invention, a viewpoint position that gives a visual effect such as tracking an object can be specifically obtained.

  In addition, the setting unit is configured so that the position and size at which the first object is drawn in the generated image are constant while the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the second threshold distance. The viewpoint position may be set.

  For example, the setting unit keeps the ball in the monitor screen until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (second threshold distance, for example, 5 m) designated for setting the viewpoint position. The viewpoint position is set so that the same size is displayed at the same position. That is, even if the ball moves and the surrounding scenery changes, the ball is displayed in the same way (except for the change due to the rotation of the ball) during movement.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the visual effect that a virtual camera is fixing and image | photographing to an object can be provided.

  In addition, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position so that the path drawn by the first object is delayed while the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the second threshold distance, and the first object May be determined based on the distance between the first object and the contact position.

  For example, the setting unit displays a trajectory drawn by the ball until the distance between the ball and the contact position becomes equal to a predetermined distance (second threshold distance, for example, 5 m) designated for setting the viewpoint position. The viewpoint position is set so that the virtual camera follows the ball with a delay. Then, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position so that the virtual camera is delayed from the ball as the ball approaches the contact position. As a result, an image displayed by the virtual camera that follows the ball with a delay is displayed on the monitor.

  According to the present invention, a visual effect such as tracking an object can be obtained, and the viewpoint position can be set by adjusting the delay from the object according to a predetermined condition.

  In addition, when the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the second threshold distance, the setting unit determines a position where the first object is drawn and a position where the contact position is drawn in the generated image. You may make it set a viewpoint position so that it may not overlap.

  That is, when the ball approaches the contact position and the contact position is hidden by the ball, the viewpoint position is shifted so that both the ball and the contact position can be seen.

  According to the present invention, even when the object and the contact position may overlap while tracking the object, both can be visually recognized.

  The setting unit may set the viewpoint position so that the viewpoint position is fixed when the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the second threshold distance.

  That is, when the distance between the ball and the contact position is short, the setting unit stops setting the viewpoint position so as to track the ball and sets the viewpoint position at a predetermined position. Thus, when the ball reaches the ground, the screen can be prevented from being occupied only by the ground and the ball.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a visual effect such that the virtual camera moves away from the ball and to confirm the situation where the objects are in contact with each other.

  The setting unit may set the line-of-sight direction to a direction from the viewpoint position toward the contact position when the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the first threshold distance.

  In general, the movement speed of a ball changes due to the influence of gravity or the like, but in the present invention, when approaching the contact position, the line-of-sight direction is set in the direction from the viewpoint position to the contact position, not in the direction of the ball movement speed. To do. Since the viewpoint position is fixed near the contact position, the ball is drawn so as to move in the screen near the contact position.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to present the state of movement of the first object in an easy-to-understand manner by fixing the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction near the contact position.

  A processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes a setting process, a movement process, a prediction process, and a generation process, and is configured as follows.

  In the setting step, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction arranged in the virtual space.

  In the moving step, the moving unit moves the first object in the virtual space.

  In the prediction step, the prediction unit predicts a contact position where the first object comes into contact with the second object arranged in the virtual space.

  In the generation step, the generation unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction.

  Here, in the setting step, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the first object is drawn on the generated image. Further, the setting unit sets the first object and the contact position. While the distance is larger than the first threshold distance, the line-of-sight direction is set to the direction in which the first object moves.

  A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as the image processing apparatus and to cause the computer to execute the processing method.

  The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image processing apparatus suitable for providing the visual effect according to a motion of a moving body, a processing method, and the program which implement | achieves these with a computer can be provided.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the typical information processor with which the image processing device concerning an embodiment of the invention is realized. It is explanatory drawing which shows the function structure of a game device. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a 1st object, a viewpoint position, and a gaze direction. It is a figure which shows an example of an image. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the 1st object at the time of seeing FIG. 3 from right above, and a viewpoint position. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a gaze direction and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which each part of the game device of this invention performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the setting process of a viewpoint position and a gaze direction which the setting part of the game device of this invention performs. It is a figure which shows the image of the virtual space seen from the fixed viewpoint position. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a viewpoint position and a gaze direction, and the 1st and 2nd threshold distance. It is a figure which shows the image by which the 1st object was drawn by the same position and the same magnitude | size. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to set a viewpoint position so that a 1st object and a contact position may not overlap. It is a figure which shows the image at the time of setting a viewpoint position so that a 1st object and a contact position may not overlap. It is a figure which shows the image at the time of making a 1st object transparent. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a 1st object and a viewpoint position.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using a game information processing device will be described. However, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and the present invention is described. It does not limit the range. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that performs functions of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller unit 105, an external memory 106, an image processing unit 107, a DVD- A ROM (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) drive 108, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, and an audio processing unit 110 are provided.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller unit 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the player executes the game. For example, when an operation of shaking the controller 105a (an action of shaking hands) is performed, the operation information or the like is received by wireless communication.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating the progress of the game, and log of chat communication in a network battle ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can appropriately record these data in the external memory 106 by inputting an instruction via the controller unit 105.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). Image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and is output to a monitor connected to the image processing unit 107. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and audio data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 108 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  Further, the image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  In addition, when the virtual space is configured in three dimensions, polygon information that is arranged in the three-dimensional space and to which various texture information is added is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a predetermined viewpoint position is used. It is also possible to perform a high-speed execution of a calculation that obtains a rendering image obtained by looking down at a polygon arranged in the virtual space in the direction of a predetermined line of sight.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor cooperate to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image in the frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to the font information that defines the character shape. Is possible.

  The NIC 109 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 are configured.

  The audio processing unit 110 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 converts the MIDI data into PCM data with reference to the sound source data included in the audio data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 108, and the like. You may comprise.

  The information processing apparatus 100 described above corresponds to a so-called “consumer video game apparatus”, but the present invention can be realized as long as it performs image processing to display a virtual space. Therefore, the present invention can be realized on various computers such as a mobile phone, a portable game device, a karaoke apparatus, and a general business computer.

  For example, a general computer includes an CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a DVD-ROM drive, and an NIC as in the information processing apparatus 100, and an image processing unit having a simpler function than the information processing apparatus 100. In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, and the like can be used. Further, not the controller unit 105 but a keyboard or a mouse is used as an input device.

  A functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment realized in the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded in the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is Realized.

  The image processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a setting unit 201, a moving unit 202, a prediction unit 203, and a generation unit 204. Hereinafter, the function of each part will be described by taking a soccer game as an example.

  In the soccer game of this embodiment, the own team composed of a plurality of soccer player characters operated by a player and the enemy team composed of a plurality of soccer player characters operated by a computer or another user Play a soccer game. For example, the player uses the controller 105a to move the character 91 as shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the monitor screen or kick the ball 12 to determine the goal on the goal post of the enemy team. To get a point.

The setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the movable object (first object) arranged in the virtual space is drawn on the image displayed on the monitor. For example, the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction are the position and shooting direction of a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space.
The setting unit 201 determines that the distance between the first object and the position (contact position) at which the first object contacts another object (second object) in the virtual space is a predetermined distance (first threshold). If greater than (distance), the line-of-sight direction is set to the direction in which the first object moves. On the other hand, when the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the first threshold distance, the line-of-sight direction is set to the direction from the viewpoint position toward the contact position.
Further, when the distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than another predetermined distance (second threshold distance), the setting unit 201 tracks the first object that moves with the viewpoint position. Set. For example, the viewpoint position is set by determining the distance between the viewpoint position and the first object on the half line connecting the contact position and the first object based on the distance between the first object and the contact position. Alternatively, the viewpoint position is set on the half line connecting the contact position and the first object so that the distance between the viewpoint position and the moving first object is always constant. Hereinafter, the setting unit 201 according to the present embodiment sets the viewpoint position so that the distance between the viewpoint position and the moving first object is always constant. On the other hand, when the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or smaller than the second threshold distance, the viewpoint position is set so as to fix the viewpoint position.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the setting unit 201.

Here, in the present embodiment, the first object is a soccer ball and the second object is the ground.
In the image displayed on the monitor, as shown in an image 11 in FIG. 4, the ball 13 that is the first object of the present embodiment is displayed. Thus, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the ball is drawn in the image.

In FIG. 3, the ball 12 instructed to move by a player or the like moves toward the contact position 26 while drawing a parabola, and the viewpoint positions 19, 21, and 23 are at a certain distance from the balls 12, 15, and 17. It shows a state where they are arranged at distant positions. FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the ball and the viewpoint position when FIG. 3 is viewed from directly above. The line-of-sight direction and the viewpoint position are determined by the distance from the ball to the contact position 26 where the ball contacts the ground 25. That is, when the distances 27, 28, and 29 are larger than the first threshold distance, the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction to the line-of-sight direction 20, which is the same direction as the movement directions 14, 16, and 18 of the balls 12, 15, and 17, 22 and 24 are set.
When the distances 27, 28, and 29 are larger than the second threshold distance, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint positions 19, 21, and 90 on the half lines 88, 89, and 90 from the contact position 26 to the balls 12, 15, and 17, respectively. 23 is set. For example, if the distance 29 is equal to the second threshold distance, the viewpoint position 23 is fixed when the position of the ball exceeds the second threshold distance as in the case of the ball 96.

6A and 6B show an example of a graph representing the relationship between the line-of-sight direction and the viewpoint position shown in FIG. Note that the first threshold distance is equal to the second threshold distance, and the distance 29 in FIG. 5 is the first and second threshold distances. The line-of-sight direction is represented by an angle (θ) made with the ground 25.
First, when the movement distance of the ball is 0 m, the line-of-sight direction is 75 degrees (line-of-sight direction 20), and when the ball reaches the highest position (vertex) of the parabola, the line-of-sight direction is 0 degree. When passing through the apex, the line-of-sight direction gradually tilts downward. On the other hand, the viewpoint position is set at a position 30 cm from the ball (viewpoint positions 19, 21, and 23) until the movement distance of the ball reaches the second threshold distance (distance 29) from 0 m. When the ball reaches the first and second threshold distances (distance 29, the position of the ball 17), the viewpoint position is fixed at the viewpoint position 23 that is arranged immediately before the second threshold distance is reached, and the viewpoint from the ball is fixed. The distance to the position increases. The line-of-sight direction is fixed in the direction from the viewpoint position 23 to the contact position 26 (−65 degrees, line-of-sight direction 24).
In the above example, the distance from the ball to the viewpoint position is constant until the ball reaches the second threshold distance, but as shown in FIG. 6C, the distance to the ball movement distance (distance to the contact position) You may change based on. In FIG. 6C, the viewpoint position gradually moves away as the ball approaches the contact position until the ball reaches the second threshold distance.

Next, a method in which the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction and the viewpoint position will be specifically described with an example in which the first and second threshold distances are different.
For example, in the case shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the ball 30 and the contact position 32 is larger than the first threshold distance 34, so the setting unit 201 changes the line-of-sight direction to the moving direction 31 of the first object. Are set in the same direction as (line-of-sight direction 36). In addition, since the distance between the ball 30 and the contact position 32 is greater than the second threshold distance 33, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position on the half line 37 connecting the contact position 32 and the ball 30 to the ball 30. The position is set at a certain distance (viewpoint position 35).
As shown in FIG. 8, when the ball moves and the distance between the ball 94 and the contact position 32 reaches the second threshold distance 33, the setting unit 201 fixes the viewpoint position to the current position (viewpoint position 40). To do. Thereafter, even if the ball moves and reaches the position of the ball 38 in FIG. 9, the viewpoint position is not changed.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the ball moves and the distance between the ball 50 and the contact position 32 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold distance 34, the line-of-sight direction is changed from the viewpoint position 40 to the contact position 32 (line-of-sight Set to direction 52).
As described above, the line-of-sight direction and the viewpoint position are set based on the distance between the first object (ball) and the contact position.

When the moving unit 202 receives an instruction to move the first object in the virtual space (moving instruction), the moving unit 202 calculates the position and moving speed of the moving destination of the first object, and uses the moving speed calculated to the calculated position. Move one object. For example, if the player gives an instruction to move the ball 12 in FIG. 3 (instruction to kick the ball 12 to the character 91), the moving unit 202 moves the ball 12 to the position of the ball 15 at the calculated moving speed. Let
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the moving unit 202.

The predicting unit 203 predicts a contact position where the first object contacts the second object when the first object is moved based on the result calculated by the moving unit 202. For example, when the prediction unit 203 moves the ball 12 (first object) in FIG. 3 based on the result calculated by the moving unit 202, the position (contact position) that makes contact with the ground 25 (second object). 26) is predicted.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the prediction unit 203.

Based on the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction set by the setting unit 201, the generation unit 204 generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position to the line-of-sight direction. For example, the image 11 of FIG. 4 is generated.
Accordingly, the CPU 101 functions as the generation unit 204 in cooperation with the image processing unit 107.

  Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image processing apparatus 200 will be described. When the power is turned on to the image processing apparatus 200 and the game is started by the player, the CPU 101 starts processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

  The CPU 101 checks the state of the input instruction for the first object (step S1101). For example, it is assumed that the player instructs the character 91 to kick the ball 12 shown in FIG. 3 displayed on the monitor screen using the controller 105a or the like. The CPU 101 determines that an instruction to move the ball has been given, and sends information on the instruction to the moving unit 202, for example, information on the instructed direction and the magnitude of the applied force.

  Based on the received instruction information, the moving unit 202 calculates the position and moving speed of the first object (the ball 12) (step S1102).

  Next, the predicting unit 203 predicts a contact position (contact position 26) where the first object (ball 12) contacts the second object (ground 25) from the position and moving speed calculated by the moving unit 202. (Step S1103). Further, the moving unit 202 sends the calculated position and speed information, and the predicting unit 203 sends the contact position information to the setting unit 201.

  The moving unit 202 moves the first object (ball 12) to the calculated position at the calculated moving speed (step S1104).

  The setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction based on the information received from the moving unit 202 and the prediction unit 203 (step S1105, FIG. 12).

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of processing for setting the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction executed by the setting unit 201.

  First, the setting unit 201 obtains a distance from the current position of the first object to the contact position, and determines whether or not the obtained distance is greater than the second threshold distance (step S1201). When the obtained distance is greater than the second threshold distance (step S1201; Yes), the setting unit 201 is a position that is a predetermined distance away from the viewpoint position on the half line from the contact position to the first object. (Step S1202).

  For example, the setting unit 201 first obtains the distance between the ball 30 and the contact position 32 in FIG. Since the distance between the ball 30 and the contact position 32 is greater than the second threshold distance 33 (step S1201; Yes), the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position on the half line 37 from the contact position 32 to the ball 30. It sets like position 35 (step S1202).

  On the other hand, when the obtained distance is equal to or smaller than the second threshold distance (step S1201; No), the setting unit 201 maintains the viewpoint position at the currently set position (step S1203).

  For example, it is assumed that the currently set viewpoint position is set to the position of the viewpoint position 40 on the half line 42 in FIG. Since the distance from the ball 38 to the contact position 32 is equal to or less than the second threshold distance 33 (step S1201; No), the viewpoint position is not changed and is maintained at the viewpoint position 40 (step S1203).

  When the distance from the first object to the contact position is equal to or smaller than the second threshold distance and the viewpoint position is maintained, the first object displayed in the image is gradually reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the balls 47, 48, and 49 in the images 43, 44, and 45 generated according to the elapse of time t are displayed gradually smaller while moving toward the contact position 46. .

  Next, the setting unit 201 determines whether the distance from the first object to the contact position is greater than the first threshold distance (step S1204). When the distance from the first object to the contact position is larger than the first threshold distance (step S1204; Yes), the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction as the moving direction of the first object (step S1205).

  For example, the distance from the ball 30 to the contact position 32 in FIG. 7 and the distance from the ball 38 to the contact position 32 in FIG. 9 are larger than the first threshold distance 34 (step S1204; Yes). The line-of-sight direction is set to the same direction (line-of-sight direction 36) as the movement direction 31 of the ball 30 and the same direction (line-of-sight direction 41) as the movement direction 39 of the ball 38 (step S1205).

  On the other hand, when the distance from the first object to the contact position is equal to or less than the first threshold distance (step S1204; No), the setting unit 201 sets the direction of the viewpoint position to the direction of the contact position (step S1206).

  For example, since the distance from the ball 50 to the contact position 32 is equal to or less than the first threshold distance 34 (Step S1204; No), the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction not the moving direction 51 of the ball 50 in the ball 50 of FIG. The direction (viewing direction 52) from the viewpoint position 40 to the contact position 32 is set (step S1206).

  In the above example, the first threshold distance is smaller than the second threshold distance. However, the first threshold distance is equal to the second threshold distance, or the first threshold distance is equal to the second threshold distance. It may be larger than the threshold distance. Examples of cases where the first threshold distance is larger than the second threshold distance are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 below.

  Since the distance from the ball 53 to the contact position 55 is larger than the second threshold distance 57 (step S1201; Yes), the setting unit 201 changes the viewpoint position from the contact position 55 to the ball 53. The viewpoint position 58 on the half line 60 is set (step S1202). In addition, since the distance from the ball 53 to the contact position 55 is smaller than the first threshold distance 56 (step S1204; No), the setting unit 201 contacts the line-of-sight direction from the viewpoint position 58 instead of the movement direction 54 of the ball 53. The line-of-sight direction 59 to the position 55 is set (step S1206).

  On the other hand, since the distance from the ball 61 to the contact position 55 is smaller than the second threshold distance 57 (step S1201; No), the setting unit 201 currently sets the viewpoint position for the ball 61 in FIG. The viewpoint position 63 is maintained (step S1203). In addition, since the distance from the ball 61 to the contact position 55 is smaller than the first threshold distance 56 (step S1204; No), the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction to the viewpoint position 63 instead of the movement direction 62 of the ball 61. To the contact position 55 (line-of-sight direction 64) (step S1206).

  After setting the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction, the setting unit 201 sends the information to the generation unit 204. The generation unit 204 generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the received viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction (step S1106). For example, as shown in images 43, 44, and 45 in FIG. 13, images including balls 47, 48, and 49 are generated.

  The image generated in step S1106 is stored in a frame memory or the like provided in the image processing unit 107. The image processing apparatus 200 waits for a queue to be cleared or another process to be performed until a vertical synchronization interrupt occurs (step S1107). When a vertical synchronization interrupt occurs, the image processing unit 107 converts the image information stored in the frame memory into a display signal and displays it on a monitor connected to the image processing unit 107 (step S1108). If an image is displayed, it will return to the step which investigates an input state (step S1101).

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain a visual effect that tracks an object. Further, when the objects approach each other to a predetermined distance, the tracking of the objects can be stopped and both objects can be visually recognized from the predetermined distance.

  Further, the position and size at which the first object is drawn in the generated image are constant while the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the second threshold distance. It is also possible to set so as to be. When the viewpoint position is set in this way, the positions and sizes of the balls 69, 70, and 71 visible in the image remain constant as shown in the images 65, 66, and 67 in FIG. An image that gradually approaches is generated. That is, even if the ball moves and the surrounding scenery changes, the ball is displayed at the same position and size. Accordingly, it is possible to give a visual effect as if the virtual camera is fixed to the object and the image is taken while moving together.

  In addition, the position of the first object and the contact position are drawn in the generated image while the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the second threshold distance. It is also possible to set so that the position does not overlap. Hereinafter, an example in which the viewpoint position is set so as not to overlap is shown in FIGS. In FIG. 17, the ball 72 is the first object immediately before reaching the first and second threshold distances 78, the viewpoint position 79 is a viewpoint position away from the ball 72 by a certain distance, and the line-of-sight direction 80 is the moving direction 73 of the ball 72. Represents the same direction. In addition, an image in the virtual space when the line-of-sight direction 80 is viewed from the viewpoint position 79 is an image 83 in FIG. Hereinafter, in this example, it is assumed that the first threshold distance and the second threshold distance are equal.

  When the ball reaches the first and second threshold distances 78, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position 79 around the vertical line passing through the contact position 76 so that the ball 72 and the contact position 76 do not overlap on the image. In addition, it is set to a position rotated by a predetermined angle (angle θ77, for example, 60 degrees to 90 degrees) in a predetermined direction (direction of the viewpoint position 81). In addition, the setting unit 201 sets the line-of-sight direction 80 to the direction from the viewpoint position 81 to the contact position 76 (line-of-sight direction 82). When the viewpoint position is set in this way, even if the ball 72 and the contact position 76 overlap each other as in the image 83 viewed from the viewpoint position 79 in the line-of-sight direction 80, the images 84 and 85 are shifted by shifting the viewpoint position. Both the balls 74 and 75 and the contact position 76 can be visually recognized.

  For example, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position to move from the viewpoint position 79 to the viewpoint position 81 at a speed of θ / T, where T is the time for the ball 72 to reach the contact position 76. Thus, the viewpoint position can be smoothly moved with a simple calculation.

  Further, the direction in which the viewpoint position is shifted may be set according to the position of the character and the ball. For example, when the ball touches the right front surface of the character 92 that receives the pass, the direction of shifting is set so that the viewpoint position is arranged on the left side when viewed from the character 92. This makes it easier to see the contact between the ball and the character.

  Alternatively, the viewpoint position may be rotated until the objects do not overlap on the screen. For example, every time the viewpoint position is rotated in small increments (for example, 5 degrees), the overlap between the objects is confirmed, and the confirmation of the rotation and the overlap is repeated until there is no overlap. Thereby, it can set with a suitable rotation angle each time according to the overlapping condition of objects.

  In addition, the viewpoint position of the present embodiment is determined according to the case where the position where the first object is drawn and the position where the contact position is drawn overlap in the generated image, or according to the ratio of the first object to the screen. It is also possible to make the first object transparent. For example, assuming that 50% of the screen area is a threshold value, the area of the ball 99 in FIG. 19 reaches half of the area of the image 100, so the ball 99 is drawn transparently. Thereby, even if the first object is drawn in the image, the arrival point and other objects can be visually recognized.

In addition, while the distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than the second threshold distance, the setting unit 201 sets the viewpoint position of the present embodiment so that the path drawn by the first object is delayed. The amount of delay from the first object may be determined based on the distance between the first object and the contact position. For example, the viewpoint position may be set so that the delay from the first object increases as the distance between the first object and the contact position decreases.
FIG. 20 shows an example in which the viewpoint position is set so that the delay from the ball increases as the distance between the ball as the first object and the contact position 26 decreases. If the moment when the instruction to move the ball is given is represented by time t = 0 and the position of the ball at time t is represented by P (t), the viewpoint position can be represented by P (ta). That is, the viewpoint position moves so as to follow the locus drawn by the ball with a delay of a second. The position of the ball at time t = 0 is P (0) = 0, and the position of the contact position 26 is P (tn) = d (tn (> t4): time when the ball reaches the contact position 26). From a function (for example, a = b / | d−P (t) |, b: an arbitrary number) that increases as the distance (| d−P (t) |) between the ball and the contact position 26 decreases. Suppose it is required.
When the positions of the balls 101, 102, 103, and 104 in FIG. 20 are the positions of the balls at times t1, t2, t3, and t4 (t1 <t2 <t3 <t4), the positions of the balls 101, 102, 103, and 104 are P (t1), P (t2), P (t3), and P (t4). The variable a takes the values a1, a2, a3, and a4 (a1 <a2 <a3 <a4) at times t1, t2, t3, and t4, and the viewpoint position at times t1, t2, t3, and t4. The positions of 105, 106, 107, and 108 are represented as P (t1-a1), P (t2-a2), P (t3-a3), and P (t4-a4). When the variable a is set by the function as described above, the distance (| d−P (t) |) between the ball and the contact position 26 at time t1 → t4 approaches as shown by distances 109, 111, 113, and 115. Accordingly, the viewpoint position is set so that the delay (| P (t) −P (ta) |) of the viewpoint position from the ball gradually increases as the distances 110, 112, 114, and 116 increase. be able to.
Note that the variable a may be a constant. When the variable a is a constant, for example, when a = 1 second at time t1 → t4, the viewpoint position always moves with a delay of 1 second from the ball. In this case, the distances 110, 112, 114, and 116 in FIG. 20 are equal.

  The second object is not limited to the ground, and may be another object such as a character displayed on the game screen or a goal post. Accordingly, for example, when the distance between the viewpoint position and the first object is set according to the distance between the first object and the contact position until the viewpoint position reaches the second threshold distance as shown in FIG. 6C. It is also possible to change the viewpoint position according to the distance between the ball and the target character.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the image processing apparatus suitable for providing the visual effect according to a motion of a moving body, a processing method, and the program which implement | achieves these with a computer can be provided.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller unit 105a Controller 106 External memory 107 Image processing unit 108 DVD-ROM drive 109 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Audio | voice processing part 200 Image processing apparatus 201 Setting part 202 Moving part 203 Prediction part 204 Generation part 11, 43, 44, 45, 65, 66, 67, 83, 84, 85, 100 Image 12, 13, 15, 17, 30, 38, 47, 48, 49, 50, 53, 61, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 94, 96, 97, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104 Balls 14, 16, 17, 31, 39, 51, 54, 62, 73, 95 Movement direction 19, 21, 23, 35, 40, 58, 63, 79, 81, 105, 106, 107, 108 Viewpoint positions 20, 22, 24, 36, 41, 52, 59, 64, 80, 82, 93 Gaze direction 25 Ground 26, 32, 46, 55, 68, 76 Contact position
27, 28, 29, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 Distance 37, 42, 60, 88, 89, 90 Half line 34, 56 First threshold distance 33, 57 Second threshold Distance 77 Angle 78 First and second threshold distances 91 and 92 characters

Claims (11)

A setting unit for setting the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction arranged in the virtual space;
A moving unit for moving the first object in the virtual space;
A prediction unit that predicts a contact position where the first object contacts a second object arranged in the virtual space;
A generating unit that generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction;
With
The setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the first object is drawn on the generated image;
The setting unit sets the line-of-sight direction to a direction in which the first object moves while a distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than a first threshold distance. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The setting unit sets the viewpoint position so as to track the first object while a distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than a second threshold distance. apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
While the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the second threshold distance, the setting unit includes the viewpoint position and the first position on a half line from the contact position toward the first object. An image processing apparatus characterized in that a distance from one object is determined based on a distance between the first object and the contact position, and the viewpoint position is set. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
An image processing apparatus, wherein a distance determined based on a distance between the first object and the contact position is constant. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
The setting unit has a constant position and size at which the first object is drawn in the generated image while the distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than the second threshold distance. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the viewpoint position is set. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The setting unit sets the viewpoint position so that the trajectory drawn by the first object is delayed while the distance between the first object and the contact position is greater than the second threshold distance.
An amount of delay from the first object is determined based on a distance between the first object and the contact position. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
When the distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the second threshold distance, the setting unit draws the position at which the first object is drawn and the contact position in the generated image. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that the viewpoint position is set so as not to overlap with a position to be performed. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The setting unit sets the viewpoint position so as to fix the viewpoint position when a distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the second threshold distance. . The image processing apparatus according to claim 8,
The setting unit sets the line-of-sight direction in a direction from the viewpoint position toward the contact position when a distance between the first object and the contact position is equal to or less than the first threshold distance. An image processing apparatus. A processing method executed by an image processing apparatus including a setting unit, a moving unit, a prediction unit, and a generation unit,
A setting step in which the setting unit sets a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction arranged in the virtual space;
A moving step in which the moving unit moves the first object in the virtual space;
A predicting step in which the predicting unit predicts a contact position where the first object comes into contact with a second object arranged in the virtual space;
A generating step in which the generating unit generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction;
With
In the setting step, the setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the first object is drawn on the generated image,
In the setting step, the setting unit sets the line-of-sight direction to a direction in which the first object moves while a distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than a first threshold distance. Characteristic processing method. Computer
A setting unit for setting a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction arranged in the virtual space;
A moving unit for moving the first object in the virtual space;
A prediction unit that predicts a contact position at which the first object contacts a second object arranged in the virtual space;
A generating unit that generates an image representing a state in which the virtual space is viewed from the viewpoint position in the line-of-sight direction;
Function as
The setting unit sets the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction so that the first object is drawn on the generated image;
The setting unit functions to set the line-of-sight direction to a direction in which the first object moves while a distance between the first object and the contact position is larger than a first threshold distance. Program.

Images