JP2011065552A - Drawing program, recording medium, drawing method and drawing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drawing program, a recording medium, a drawing method, and a drawing device for facilitating recognition of characteristics of a three-dimensional object. <P>SOLUTION: The drawing program is executed by the drawing device to draw three-dimensional graphics based on the three-dimensional object disposed within a virtual three-dimensional space. The program causes the drawing device to perform a view point setting step S3 of setting a first view point and a second view point at different positions so that the three-dimensional object is contained within respective view screens; a drawing step S4 of drawing a first image in which the three-dimensional object is rendered based on the first view point and a second image in which the three-dimensional object is rendered based on the second view point; and an image generation step S5 of generating an output image by setting the first image and second image which are mutually synchronized within one frame. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drawing program, a recording medium, a drawing method, and a drawing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for rendering a three-dimensional graphic by rendering a three-dimensional object composed of a plurality of polygons arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space is known. Such 3D graphics are used, for example, in CAD (Computer Aided Design) as well as in the field of games. A game machine capable of displaying such three-dimensional graphics is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In the game machine described in Patent Document 1, a hero game character operable by a controller and an object such as a building are arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space (virtual space), and based on a set viewpoint. Then, an image in which these are drawn is generated. The generated image is displayed by a display device (television monitor device).

US Pat. No. 7,094,153

  However, since the game device described in Patent Document 1 draws an object in a virtual space including a character based on one moving viewpoint (camera viewpoint), for example, a specific part of the character is Even if it changes, the specific part is not necessarily included in the rendered image, and it is difficult to observe the change. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to grasp the characteristics such as the character configuration, shape, and state.

  The objective of this invention is providing the drawing program which can make it easy to grasp | ascertain the characteristic of a three-dimensional object, the recording medium which recorded the said drawing program, the drawing method, and a drawing apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, a drawing program of the present invention is a drawing program that is executed by a drawing device and draws three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, A viewpoint setting step for setting the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint including the three-dimensional object in different view screens at different positions, a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint, And a drawing step for drawing a second image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the second viewpoint, and an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set in one frame. And an image generation step to be executed.

  According to the present invention, when the drawing program is executed by the drawing apparatus, the first image and the second image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint respectively set at different positions are obtained. Each is drawn, and an output image in which the first image and the second image are set in one frame is generated. According to this, one three-dimensional object can be observed simultaneously from a plurality of viewpoints. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object.

The first image and the second image are images obtained by rendering the same three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space. According to this, compared to the case where the three-dimensional space is individually defined and the first image and the second image are drawn from different three-dimensional objects modeled in the three-dimensional space, the first image and the second image are drawn. In addition to facilitating image synchronization, the processing can be simplified and the memory capacity used for drawing can be reduced.
Further, since the first image and the second image are synchronized, the three-dimensional object is grasped by one image while grasping the specific part of the three-dimensional object by the other image. When the object changes dynamically, it is possible to make it easier to grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object.

  In the present invention, in the viewpoint setting step, the first viewpoint is set so that substantially the entire three-dimensional object is included in the view screen of the first viewpoint, and the second viewpoint is set to the second viewpoint. It is preferable that the predetermined part whose position varies according to the movement of the three-dimensional object is set to follow the predetermined part of the three-dimensional object so that the predetermined part of the three-dimensional object is included in the view screen.

According to the present invention, since the first image drawn based on the first viewpoint includes almost the entire three-dimensional object, the position, orientation, orientation, and the like of the three-dimensional object in the virtual three-dimensional space are grasped. Can be easier.
Further, the second viewpoint is set to follow a predetermined part whose position (position in the world coordinate system) moves in accordance with the movement of the three-dimensional object. According to this, since the predetermined part is always included in the second image drawn based on the second viewpoint, the predetermined part can always be observed, and changes appearing in the predetermined part can be observed. It can make it easier to grasp.
For example, when a three-dimensional object is a character imitating a person or the like, and the facial expression changes according to the movement of the character or the movement of muscle is reproduced, the face or muscle part is changed to the predetermined part described above. By observing the second image by setting the second viewpoint, it is possible to grasp the facial expression and muscle changes.
Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object.

In the present invention, in the viewpoint setting step, the first viewpoint is set on one side of the three-dimensional object, and the second viewpoint is set on the side opposite to the one side of the three-dimensional object. It is preferable.
Here, when the first viewpoint is set on one side (for example, the back side) of the three-dimensional object, the first image has a side opposite to the one side (for example, the front side) of the three-dimensional object. Is not necessarily included. For this reason, the feature of the three-dimensional object cannot be grasped more accurately only from the first image.
On the other hand, by setting the second viewpoint on the opposite side of the three-dimensional object, the three-dimensional object can be observed from the opposite side by the first image and the second image included in the output image.
Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object more accurately.

In the present invention, it is preferable that in the drawing step, the second image in which an image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object in the view screen at the second viewpoint is superimposed on a predetermined background image is drawn.
Here, as the number of objects in the view screen increases, the number of objects to be rendered increases and the burden on the drawing apparatus increases.
On the other hand, in the present invention, the second image is rendered by superimposing an image obtained by rendering only a part of the three-dimensional object in the view screen of the second viewpoint and a predetermined background image. According to this, the number of objects to be rendered can be reduced. Therefore, the burden on the drawing apparatus can be reduced.
In addition, since the second image includes only the part of the three-dimensional object in the view screen of the second viewpoint, excluding the background image, it is easier to grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object. Can do.

  In the present invention, before the drawing step, a spatial light source effective for the three-dimensional space and an object light source effective for the part of the three-dimensional object in the view screen of the second viewpoint are provided. A light source setting step for setting is executed, and in the drawing step, the first image shaded based on the first viewpoint and the spatial light source is drawn, and shading is performed based on the second viewpoint and the object light source. It is preferable to draw the second image.

  According to the present invention, an effective spatial light source is set for a three-dimensional space in which a three-dimensional object is arranged, and the three-dimensional object is shaded based on the spatial light source and the first viewpoint. A first image is drawn. According to this, it is possible to easily grasp the position, orientation, posture, and the like of the three-dimensional object in the three-dimensional space from the first image. An effective object light source is set for the three-dimensional object, and the second image is drawn by shading the three-dimensional object based on the object light source and the second viewpoint. According to this, since the three-dimensional object is shaded based on the individual light sources, it is possible to easily grasp the shape and change of the three-dimensional object on the second viewpoint side. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to grasp the characteristics of the three-dimensional object.

In the present invention, it is preferable that in the drawing step, the brightness of the second image is set according to the brightness of the first image.
According to the present invention, the 3D object is shaded based on the second viewpoint and the object light source when the brightness of the first image is lowered, for example, when the 3D object moves to the shadow of the spatial light source. The brightness of the second image decreases. According to this, it is possible to make it easier for the observer to know that the first image and the second image are synchronized with each other. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the state of the three-dimensional object in the three-dimensional space.

In the present invention, the three-dimensional object is an object modeling a character having a face having eyes, and in the viewpoint setting step, the face is set at a position opposite to the face with the face being the center of the view screen. It is preferable that a second viewpoint is set and a reflection region is set in the eye in the drawing step.
According to the present invention, since the second viewpoint is set according to the face of the three-dimensional object, the second viewpoint based on the second viewpoint that follows the face even when the three-dimensional object moves or changes its posture. Two images can keep observing the character's face. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the change of the face, that is, the facial expression.
In addition, since a reflection area is set in the eye, it is possible to express the life and dynamism of the modeled character. Note that the reflection area to be set can be a specular reflection area. In this case, it is preferable to increase the degree of gloss. Thereby, since a highlight part becomes small, the said life feeling and a dynamic feeling can be strengthened.

In the present invention, in the image generation step, a first area in the one frame and a second area smaller than the first area are set in the first area, and the first area and the second area are set in the first area. It is preferable that the first image and the second image are respectively set to generate the output image.
According to the present invention, the first image can be a main image and the second image can be a sub-image, and an output image in which the sizes of the first image and the second image are adjusted according to the gaze point of view is generated. be able to.

The recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the above-described drawing program is recorded so as to be readable by a computer.
According to the present invention, the computer can read and execute a drawing program recorded on a recording medium in a computer-readable manner, thereby achieving the same effects as the above-described drawing program. As recording media, magnetic tapes such as DAT (Digital Audio Tape), magnetic disks such as FD (Flexible Disc), optical disks such as CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disks, HDDs (Hard) Disc Drive) and semiconductor memory can be used, and by using these, the above-mentioned drawing program can be installed and executed by a computer, and the drawing program can be easily distributed. .

The drawing method of the present invention is a drawing method for drawing three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, and the three-dimensional object is included in each view screen. A viewpoint setting step for setting the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint at different positions, a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint, and the three-dimensional based on the second viewpoint. A drawing step for drawing each second image obtained by rendering an object; and an image generation step for generating an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set in one frame. To do.
According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above drawing method.

The drawing apparatus of the present invention is a drawing apparatus that draws three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, and each view screen includes the three-dimensional object. A viewpoint setting unit for setting the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint at different positions, a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint, and the three-dimensional based on the second viewpoint A drawing unit that draws each second image obtained by rendering an object; and an image generation unit that generates an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set in one frame. To do.
According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above drawing method. Such a drawing apparatus can be configured by a computer that installs and executes the drawing program recorded in the recording medium.

  According to the present invention, since the same three-dimensional object placed in a virtual three-dimensional space (one world coordinate system) can be observed simultaneously from a plurality of viewpoints, the characteristics of the three-dimensional object can be easily understood. .

The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the output image in the said embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the output image in the said embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the output image in the said embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the output image in the said embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the output image in the said embodiment. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the main board in the said embodiment. The side view which shows the light source for characters in the said embodiment, a 1st viewpoint, and a 2nd viewpoint. The top view which shows the 1st viewpoint and 2nd viewpoint in the said embodiment. The side view which shows the light source for characters in the said embodiment, a 1st viewpoint, and a 2nd viewpoint. The figure which shows the 2nd image in the said embodiment. The figure which expands and shows a part of 2nd image in the said embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd image in the said embodiment. The flowchart which shows the drawing process in the said embodiment.

[Configuration of information processing device]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an electronic device that processes information acquired via a network and information recorded on a semiconductor memory card, an optical disk, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. Specifically, the information processing device 1 outputs an image and sound included in the information, and executes a program (for example, a game program) included in the information. In the information processing apparatus 1, when a game program is executed, an image according to the progress of the game is generated and output to a connected display device (not shown), as will be described in detail later. That is, the information processing apparatus 1 corresponds to the drawing apparatus of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 1 includes an operating device 2, a network interface (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “network IF”) 3, a card reader 4, a USB module 5, a disk device 6, and an HDD 7. And a main board 8 for controlling them.

The operating device 2 has a plurality of keys for operating the information processing device 1. Then, the controller device 2 outputs an operation signal corresponding to the input key to the main board 8. Examples of the operation device 2 include a keyboard and a pointing device in addition to a controller.
The network IF 3 is connected for communication with other devices (for example, a server) on a network such as the Internet. The network IF 3 transmits information input from the main board 8 to the other device and outputs information received from the other device to the main board 8. Although not shown, the network IF 3 includes a wireless communication unit compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard and the IEEE 802.15 standard in addition to a socket to which a LAN (Local Area Network) cable can be connected. It is also possible to communicate with other devices wirelessly.

The card reader 4 is configured to be connectable with various semiconductor memory cards, and reads and records information on the memory card.
The USB module 5 has a socket to which a USB-A terminal connected to a device compliant with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard can be connected. The USB module 5 is connected for communication with other devices via the socket.

The disk device 6 records information input from the main board 8 on the optical disk and outputs information read from the optical disk to the main board 8.
The HDD 7 is configured to be able to read and record various types of information. The HDD 7 records information acquired from the network IF 3, the card reader 4, the USB module 5, and the disk device 6 by the main board 8. The HDD 7 is connected to the main board 8 in a connection format conforming to, for example, serial ATA (SATA: Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) standard.

[Configuration of main board]
The main board 8 is configured as a circuit board on which various circuits are mounted. Specifically, a chip set 81, a program memory 82, a work memory 83, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 84, a video memory 85, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 86, and the like are mounted on the main board 8.
The chip set 81 is an input / output control circuit that controls input / output of information to / from the main board 8. The chip set 81 has a so-called north bridge and south bridge function, and includes a CPU 84 and a GPU 86, which will be described later, memories 82, 83, and 85, and devices outside the main board 8 (for example, the HDD 7 described above). Mediates information sent and received between them.

The program memory 82 is a memory in which various programs and data necessary for control and processing of the information processing apparatus 1 are stored. These programs and data are read by the CPU 84 and developed in the work memory 83.
The work memory 83 is a memory used as a work area for the CPU 84. In the work memory 83, a part of the above-described program and data is expanded, and the calculation processing result by the CPU 84 is stored.

  The CPU 84 is a control circuit that operates in accordance with a program stored in the program memory 82 in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation device 2 and controls the entire information processing device 1. The CPU 84 executes a game program acquired via the network IF 3, the card reader 4, and the USB module 5, or a game program acquired from the disk device 6 and the HDD 7, and a game according to the game program. A command for drawing the image is output to the GPU 86.

The video memory 85 is a memory in which drawing processing by the CPU 84 and the GPU 86 is performed. Although not shown in detail, the video memory 85 has a frame buffer area in which an image to be displayed (output) is drawn.
The GPU 86 operates in accordance with the command input from the CPU 74 described above. Specifically, the GPU 86 draws 3D graphics corresponding to the command on the video memory 85, and outputs the drawn 3D graphics to a display device (not shown).

[Configuration of output image]
Here, an image during game (output image G) drawn by the main board 8 will be described. In the game described below, a virtual player character PCh that imitates a chair and a person sitting on the chair in accordance with the player's operation while avoiding the non-player character NPCh that is an enemy operated by the CPU 84 is a virtual 3 It is a game that aims to reach a predetermined destination within a time limit by freely moving in a dimensional space (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “virtual space”). In the game, when the player character PCh is damaged by the attack of the enemy non-player character NPCh, a movie showing the state of the damaged player character PCh is displayed in slow motion.

2 to 6 are diagrams illustrating examples of output images G (G1 to G5) that are rendered three-dimensional graphics. Among these, FIGS. 2 to 4 are diagrams showing output images G1 to G3 during play, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing output images G4 and G5 during movie display. “Playing” means a state in which the player character PCh can be operated by the player, and “movie being displayed” means a state in which the above-mentioned movie is displayed.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the output images G (G1 to G5) that are three-dimensional graphics include a plurality of player characters PCh arranged in a virtual space based on a plurality of viewpoints and a plurality of light sources. A plurality of images obtained by rendering a three-dimensional object are combined.

  Specifically, the output images G1 to G5 have a first area A1 set according to the size of one frame. In the first area A1, the player character PCh and other objects in the view screen of the first viewpoint are perspective-transformed based on the first viewpoint (main viewpoint) set on the back side of the player character PCh. A first image P1 (main image) is set. In the first area A1, a second area A2, a gauge display area A3, a speed display area A4, a remaining time display area A5, a score display area A6, a message display area A7, and a destination indication area A8 are set. .

As will be described in detail later, the second area A2 is a second image obtained by perspective-transforming the face F in the view screen of the second viewpoint based on the second viewpoint set in front of the face F of the player character PCh. P2 (sub image) is set. That is, a second image P2 in which the face F of the player character PCh is drawn is set in the second area A2.
A gauge image indicating the energy of the player character PCh is set in the gauge display area A3.
In the speed display area A4, an image indicating the speed of the player character PCh in the virtual space is set.
In the remaining time display area A5, an image indicating the remaining time of the time limit during the game is set.
In the score display area A6, an image indicating the score acquired by the player is set.
In the message display area A7, an image indicating a message to the player is set.
In the destination instruction area A8, an image indicating the direction of the goal from the current player character PCh in the virtual space is set.

[Function part of main board]
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main board 8 described above.
As shown in FIG. 7, the main board 8 that generates the output images G1 to G5 includes a modeling unit 91, a light source setting unit 92, a viewpoint setting unit 93, and a drawing unit that are realized by the above-described configurations 81 to 86, respectively. 94, an image generation unit 95 and an image output unit 96 are functionally provided.

[Configuration of the modeling unit]
The modeling unit 91 defines a virtual space in the world coordinate system and arranges various objects modeled by a plurality of polygons in the virtual space. Examples of such objects include non-player characters NPCh, buildings, guardrails GR (FIG. 4), and obstacles such as drums and cardboard (respectively FIG. 2) in addition to the aforementioned player character PCh. Among such objects, each of the objects set to be movable (including small objects added to the object, for example, glasses worn by the player character PCh) has its own physical characteristics. And the modeling part 91 operates the polygon which each object has based on the said physical characteristic and operation by a player, and represents the motion and movement of each said object.

More specifically, the modeling unit 91 changes the position, orientation, posture, and the like of the player character PCh arranged in the virtual space according to the player's input operation, and also positions, orientations of the non-player character NPCh and other objects. And autonomously change the posture. Further, the modeling unit 91 dynamically changes the expression of the player character PCh according to the state of the player character PCh, the position and movement of other objects, and the like.
For example, when the player character PCh is dragged, the modeling unit 91 shifts the glasses worn by the player character PCh and changes the expression to a frightened expression as shown in FIG. When the speed of the player character PCh moving in the virtual space is increased, the modeling unit 91 changes the expression of the player character PCh into a spiritual expression as shown in FIG. Further, when the player character PCh receives damage, the modeling unit 91 changes the expression to a sad expression or a painful expression as shown in FIGS.

[Configuration of light source setting section]
8 to 10 are diagrams showing light sources and viewpoints set for the player character PCh. Specifically, FIGS. 8 and 10 are side views showing the character light source CL, the first viewpoint V1 and the second viewpoint V2, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the first viewpoint V1 and the second viewpoint V2. It is.
The light source setting unit 92 sets a light source used for drawing by a drawing unit 94 described later. The light source setting unit 92 includes a first light source setting unit 921 and a second light source setting unit 922.
The first light source setting unit 921 sets a spatial light source effective for the virtual space at a predetermined position in the world coordinate system. In the present embodiment, an infinite light source is set as the spatial light source.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the second light source setting unit 922 sets a character light source CL (object light source of the present invention) that is effective only for the face F of the player character PCh. At this time, the second light source setting unit 922 sets the light source CL in front of the face F, but follows the movement of the player character PCh so that the character light source CL is always positioned in front of the face F. Set. That is, the character light source CL is always set at the same position and the same direction relative to the face F whose position and orientation in the virtual space are changed. In other words, the character light source CL is set to a position uniquely determined from the position and orientation of the face F as a model in the virtual space. In the present embodiment, a spotlight is set as the light source CL.

[Configuration of viewpoint setting section]
The viewpoint setting unit 93 sets a plurality of viewpoints each having a predetermined range of view screens in the virtual space. The viewpoint setting unit 93 includes a first viewpoint setting unit 931 and a second viewpoint setting unit 932.
The first viewpoint setting unit 931 sets the first viewpoint V1 for generating the first image P1 described above. At this time, during the game play, the first viewpoint setting unit 931 follows the back side of the player character PCh so that substantially the entire player character PCh moving in the virtual space is included in the view screen. A first viewpoint V1 is set. Therefore, the first image P1 based on the first viewpoint V1 is an image in which the player character PCh is viewed from the back side, as shown in FIGS.

Such a 1st viewpoint setting part 931 changes the position of the 1st viewpoint V1 according to operation | movement of player character PCh during the play of a game.
For example, when the player character PCh moves like the first image P1 shown in FIG. 3, the first viewpoint setting unit 931 sets the first viewpoint V1 downward as shown in FIG. Thereby, in the first image P1, the lower part (foot) of the player character PCh enters the view screen.

Further, as in the first image P1 shown in FIG. 4, when the player character PCh is on the guard rail GR that is an object arranged in the virtual space, the position of the player character PCh is more than the position in the output image G1. When it becomes higher, as shown in FIG. 8, the first viewpoint V1 is set higher, and the angle is such that the player character PCh is looked down from a higher position. Thereby, in the output image G3, compared with the output image G1, a wide range including the lower part (foot) of the player character PCh enters the view screen.
During movie display, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first viewpoint V1 is set not only on the back side but also on the front side of the player character PCh. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the movement and expression of the player character PCh can be easily observed.

The 2nd viewpoint setting part 932 sets the 2nd viewpoint V2 for producing | generating the 2nd image P2 set to the above-mentioned 2nd area | region A2.
At this time, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the second viewpoint setting unit 932 always displays the front of the predetermined part (in this embodiment, the face F) of the player character PCh moving in the virtual space on the view screen. The second viewpoint V2 is set so as to be located at the center. That is, the second viewpoint V2 is always set at the same position and the same direction relative to the face F whose position and direction in the virtual space are changed. In other words, the second viewpoint V2 is set to a position that is uniquely determined from the position and orientation of the face F in the virtual space.

For example, when the face of the player character PCh faces left and right, the second viewpoint setting unit 932 sets the second viewpoint V2 so as to be positioned in front of the face F as shown in FIG. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, even when the player character PCh is drawn, the second viewpoint setting unit 932 sets the second viewpoint V2 so as to be positioned in front of the face F of the player character PCh.
Therefore, the second image P2 based on the second viewpoint V2, that is, the second image P2 set in the second area A2, does not depend on the movement of the player character PCh, as shown in FIGS. , The image of the face F viewed from the same direction (front of the face F).
In the present embodiment, the angle of view of the second viewpoint V2 is set to be narrower than the angle of view of the first viewpoint V1, and the focal depth of the second viewpoint V2 is set to be shorter than the focal depth of the first viewpoint V1. . Specifically, the focal depth of the second viewpoint V2 is set to 2 m.

[Configuration of the drawing unit]
Returning to FIG. 7, the rendering unit 94 performs rendering such as mapping and shading on an object in the view screen of the viewpoint based on each light source and each viewpoint set by the light source setting unit 92 and the viewpoint setting unit 93. Processing is performed to generate the first image P1 and the second image P2. Various rendering methods can be employed for the rendering process, and for example, a ray tracing method (ray tracing method) can be employed. Such a drawing unit 94 includes a first image drawing unit 941 and a second image drawing unit 942.

  The first image drawing unit 941 is based on the spatial light source set by the first light source setting unit 921 and the first viewpoint V1 set by the first viewpoint setting unit 931, and the view screen of the first viewpoint V1. The inside object (including the player character PCh) is rendered to draw the first image P1. At this time, the first image drawing unit 941 considers not only the spatial light source but also ambient light. As described above, such a first image P1 is an image based on the first viewpoint V1 set on the back side of the player character PCh following the movement of the player character PCh. For this reason, the first image P1 includes substantially the entire player character PCh as viewed from the back side, but does not necessarily include the face of the player character PCh.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second image P2.
The second image drawing unit 942 synchronizes with the drawing of the first image P1 by the first image drawing unit 941, and based on the character light source CL and the second viewpoint V2 in the view screen of the second viewpoint V2. Render the face F of the player character PCh.
At this time, the second image drawing unit 942 sets the player character PCh in the view screen as a drawing target, and removes other objects in the view screen from the drawing target. Then, the second image drawing unit 942 draws the second image P2 as shown in FIG. 11A by superimposing the rendered image of the face F on the predetermined background image BP.

  Here, when the brightness of the first image P1 is lowered, such as when the player character PCh enters the shadow of the light source for space, the second image drawing unit 942 displays the relevant image as shown in FIG. The brightness of the image in which the face F is rendered is lowered according to the brightness of the main image. Further, the second image drawing unit 942 uses the normal background image BP, that is, the background used when the player character PCh is not in the shadow of the space light source as the background image BP on which the image of the face F is superimposed. A background image BP having a lower brightness than the image BP (background image BP in FIG. 11A) is selected. Then, the second image drawing unit 942 draws the second image P2 by superimposing the image obtained by rendering the face F on the selected background image BP.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing a part of the second image P2.
In addition, when rendering the face F, the second image drawing unit 942 sets a reflection area (specular reflection area) for reflecting the light of the character light source CL to both eyes E. In the second image P2 drawn in this way (the second image P2 shown in FIG. 12A), the highlight portion HL is formed on both eyes E, so the drawing is performed without setting the reflection area. Compared with the second image P2 (second image P2 shown in FIG. 12B), it is possible to give the player character PCh a sense of life and a sense of vigor.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the second image P2.
Further, the second image drawing unit 942 performs a process indicating a hit point (or player stock) on the drawn second image P2 in accordance with the progress of the game. For example, when the hit point of the player character PCh is set to “5” and the hit point is subtracted “1” every time the player character PCh takes damage from the non-player character NPCh or the like, the second image drawing unit 942 performs the process shown in FIGS. 13B to 13F on the second image P2 shown in FIG. Whether or not the player character PCh has been damaged is determined by a calculation process of the CPU 84.

That is, when the player character PCh takes damage once, the second image P2 shown in FIG. 13A is overlaid with the layer L1 showing the first damage (the layer L1 in which the transparency of the lower left region is lowered). A second image P2 shown in FIG. 13 (B) is generated.
Further, when the player character PCh takes damage, as shown in FIG. 13C, the layer L2 indicating the second damage (the layer L2 in which the transparency in the upper right region is lowered) is further superimposed. Thereafter, each time the player character PCh takes damage, as shown in FIGS. 13D to 13F, the layers L3 to L5 (upper left area, lower right area, and central area) indicating the third to fifth damages are displayed. Layers L3 to L5), each of which has a lower transparency, are overlaid in order. Finally, as shown in FIG. 13F, the transparency of the entire region of the second image P2 is lowered by the layers L1 to L5. Thereby, the hit point of player character PCh can be grasped visually.
It should be noted that layers corresponding to the number of damages may be held respectively, and layers corresponding to the number of damages that the player character PCh has suffered may be overlaid.

  As described above, the second image P2 is an image based on the second viewpoint V2 set in front of the face F following the movement of the face F of the player character PCh. For this reason, the second image P2 does not include the substantially whole body of the player character PCh. However, the second image P2 always includes the face F that is not necessarily included in the first image P1, that is, the face F whose expression is changed by the modeling unit 91 in accordance with the state of the player character PCh. .

[Configuration of image generation unit and image output unit]
Returning to FIG. 7, the image generation unit 95 arranges the first image P1 and the second image P2 drawn by the drawing unit 94 in the first region A1 and the second region A2 and also includes the regions A3 to A8. An output image G to be displayed on a display device (not shown) is generated for each frame.
The image output unit 96 periodically outputs the rendered output image G for each frame.
Thereby, the aforementioned output image G is displayed by a display device (not shown).

[Drawing process]
Hereinafter, the drawing process executed by the information processing apparatus 1 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the drawing process.
As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 stores the game program acquired via the network IF 3, the card reader 4, and the USB module 5, the game program read from the disk by the disk device 6, and the memory stored in the HDD 7. Run the game program. These game programs include a drawing program, and the information processing apparatus 1 executes a drawing process described below along with the drawing program to generate and output an output image G.

As described above, this drawing processing is executed by the main board 8 having the CPU 84, the GPU 86, and the like.
In this drawing process, as shown in FIG. 14, the modeling unit 91 first defines the virtual space described above, and models various objects in the world coordinate system of the virtual space (step S1).
Thereafter, the light source setting unit 92 sets the space light source and the character light source CL (step S2). At this time, the first light source setting unit 921 sets the spatial light source (infinite light source in the present embodiment) at a predetermined position (coordinates) in the world coordinate system, and the second light source setting unit 922 performs the character light source CL. Is always set to face the face F in the same direction from the same position relative to the face F of the player character PCh.

Next, the viewpoint setting unit 93 sets a viewpoint (step S3). At this time, the first viewpoint setting unit 931 sets the first viewpoint V1 so as to always face the player character PCh so that the player character PCh is positioned at the center in the width direction of the view screen. Further, the second viewpoint setting unit 932 has the second viewpoint so that the face F of the player character PCh is located at the center of the view screen and always faces the face F in the same direction from the same position relative to the face F. Set V2.
Note that the order of these steps S2 and S3 may be reversed.

Then, the drawing unit 94 draws an object in the view screen of the viewpoint based on each set light source and each viewpoint (step S4).
Specifically, the first image drawing unit 941 draws the first image P1 described above based on the spatial light source and the first viewpoint V1. Further, the second image drawing unit 942 draws the above-described second image P2 based on the character light source CL and the second viewpoint V2. At this time, as described above, the reflection area is set for the eyes, the face F is rendered, and the brightness of the face F and the background image is lowered as necessary. Further, the second image drawing unit 942 superimposes the aforementioned layers L1 to L5 corresponding to the hit points of the player character PCh on the drawn second image P2. The drawing of the first image P1 by the first image drawing unit 941 and the drawing of the second image P2 by the second image drawing unit 942 are synchronized with each other. For this reason, in the drawing of the images P1 and P2, the objects (including the player character PCh) in the view screen of the viewpoints V1 and V2 are perspective-transformed at the same timing.

Thereafter, the image generation unit 95 generates an output image G (step S5). At this time, the image generation unit 95 arranges the generated first image P1 and second image P2 in the first area A1 and the second area A2, and then arranges images corresponding to the areas A3 to A8. Thus, the output image G is generated. Accordingly, the first image P1 drawn based on the light source for space and the first viewpoint V1, and the first image P1 drawn based on the character light source CL and the second viewpoint V2 are synchronized with the drawing of the first image P1. An output image G in which the two images P2 are arranged is generated.
Then, the image output unit 96 outputs the generated output image G to a display device (not shown) (step S6).

The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment described above has the following effects.
That is, in one frame of the output image G, the first image P1 in which the player character PCh and other objects in the view screen of the first viewpoint V1 are rendered, and the first viewpoint V1 is set at a position different from the first viewpoint V1. A second image P2 obtained by rendering the face F of the player character PCh in the view screen of the two viewpoints V2 is set. According to this, the same player character PCh can be observed simultaneously from different viewpoints.

Specifically, the first image P1 is an image based on the first viewpoint V1, which is always set on the back side of the player character PCh and includes substantially the entire player character PCh within the viewing angle. For this reason, by observing the first image P1, the position, orientation, posture, and the like of the player character PCh in the virtual space can be grasped.
However, since the front side of the player character PCh is not necessarily included in the first image P1, the change in the front side portion of the player character PCh (specifically, the facial expression of the face F) is accurately determined from the first image P1. It is difficult to grasp.
On the other hand, the second image P2 is an image based on the second viewpoint V2 that is always set with respect to the front of the face F so that substantially all of the face F of the player character PCh is included in the view screen. . The facial expression of the face F is dynamically changed by the modeling unit 91 according to the state of the player character PCh. Therefore, by observing the second image P2, it is possible to easily grasp the facial expression of the face F that is dynamically changed and difficult to observe in the first image P1.
Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the characteristics of the player character PCh, and to enhance the effect and interest of the game.

  The first image P1 and the second image P2 are images obtained by rendering the same player character arranged in the virtual space based on the viewpoints V1 and V2, respectively. According to this, compared with the case where the first image and the second image are drawn from the individually modeled player character PCh, it is possible to easily synchronize the images P1 and P2, and simplification of processing, and The capacity of the video memory 85 used for drawing can be reduced. Furthermore, since the images P1 and P2 are synchronized, it is possible to dynamically grasp the specific part (face F) from the second image P2 while grasping the entire player character PCh from the first image P1. It is possible to make it easier to grasp characteristics such as the facial expression of the player character PCh to be changed.

Here, the greater the number of objects in the view screen, the greater the burden on the information processing apparatus 1. On the other hand, the second image drawing unit 942 superimposes an image obtained by rendering only the part (mainly the face F) of the player character PCh in the view screen of the second viewpoint V2 and a predetermined background image BP. The second image P2 is drawn. According to this, the number of objects to be rendered can be reduced. Therefore, the burden on the information processing apparatus 1 (main board 8) can be reduced.
In addition, since the second image P2 includes only the part of the player character PCh in the view screen of the second viewpoint except for the background image, it becomes easier to grasp the characteristics of the player character PCh. be able to.

Based on the set spatial light source and the first viewpoint V1, the first image P1 is drawn by shading the player character PCh and other objects in the view screen of the first viewpoint V1. On the other hand, the second image P2 is drawn by shading the face F in the view screen of the second viewpoint V2 based on the character light source CL effective only for the player character PCh and the second viewpoint V2. According to this, it is possible to easily grasp the shape (expression of the face F) of the player character PCh on the second viewpoint V2.
Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to grasp the characteristics of the player character PCh.

When the brightness of the first image P1 decreases due to, for example, the player character PCh moving to the shadow of the light source for space, the second image drawing unit 942 decreases the brightness of the drawn second image P2. According to this, it is possible to make it easy for an observer to know that the first image P1 and the second image P2 are synchronized. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the state of the player character PCh.
In the present embodiment, since the background image BP in the second image P2 is selected as an image with reduced brightness, it is possible to prevent the face F included in the second image P2 from appearing floating.

Since the second viewpoint setting unit 932 sets a reflection region (specular reflection region) for the eye E, a highlight portion HL is formed on the eye E by the character light source CL. According to this, it is possible to give the player character PCh a feeling of life and a feeling of dynamism.
The first image P1 in which the player character PCh and surrounding objects are rendered is set in the first area A1, and the second image P2 in which the face F of the player character PCh is rendered is in the first area A1. An output image G set in a smaller second area A2 is generated. According to this, it is possible to observe the first image P1 having a large drawing range as a main image and the second image P2 having a small drawing range as a sub image. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to grasp the characteristics and state of the player character PCh, and to generate the output image G in which the sizes of the first image P1 and the second image P2 are adjusted according to the point of view. it can.

[Modification of Embodiment]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
In the embodiment, during the game play, the first viewpoint V1 and the second viewpoint V2 are set so that the back side of the player character PCh and the face F are included in these view screens. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first viewpoint may be set so as to capture the left and right sides of the three-dimensional object, and the second viewpoint may be set so as to capture the left and right sides of the three-dimensional object. That is, each viewpoint may be set at a different position, and each viewpoint may move.
Also, the number of viewpoints may be three or more, and an image based on each viewpoint may be set to one frame. Further, these viewpoints may be set by the user of the information processing apparatus 1.

  In the embodiment, the first viewpoint V1 is set so as to capture substantially the entire player character PCh as a three-dimensional object, and the second viewpoint V2 is set so as to capture the face F. Is not limited to this. For example, the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint, each of which has a different position, may be set so as to capture substantially the entire three-dimensional object. Conversely, the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint may be set so as to capture only predetermined portions of different three-dimensional objects.

In the embodiment, the first light source setting unit 921 sets the spatial light source at a predetermined position in the world coordinate system, and the second light source setting unit 922 always sets the character light source CL as the object light source to the face F. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light source for the object may not be provided, and the first light source used for drawing the first image P1 is always in the same direction from the same position with respect to the player character PCh as in the character light source CL described above. May be set to face the player character PCh. Further, when the three-dimensional object to be drawn is a self-luminous body, the spatial light source and the object light source need not be set.
In the above embodiment, an infinite light source is set as the spatial light source and a spotlight is set as the character light source CL. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a point light source, a line light source, a surface light source, or the like may be used. The light source may be set by the user of the information processing apparatus 1.

  In the embodiment, the second image drawing unit 942 changes the brightness of the second image P2 and changes the brightness of the first image P1, and selects a background image BP having a different brightness. Not limited to this. That is, the brightness of the second image P2 may be set independently of the brightness of the first image P1.

  In the embodiment, the second image drawing unit 942 sets the part of the player character PCh in the view screen at the second viewpoint V2 as a drawing target, and excludes other objects in the view screen from the drawing target. The present invention is not limited to this. That is, the other object may be set as a drawing target.

  In the above embodiment, the reflection area for specular reflection is set on the eyes E of the player character PCh, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the reflection area may not be set. Moreover, not only specular reflection but a diffuse reflection region may be used. In this case, for example, each time the player character PCh takes damage, the damage may be expressed by changing the reflection area from the specular reflection area to the diffuse reflection area. Further, the damage may be expressed by adjusting the gloss level of the specular reflection region and changing the size of the highlight portion HL.

  In the above embodiment, the player character PCh is a three-dimensional object modeled after a chair and a person sitting on the chair, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be an animal other than a human or an object imitating a non-life character. Also, the player character does not necessarily have to sit on the chair. Furthermore, the drawing target need not be a player character.

  In the embodiment, in the output image G, the second area A2 in which the second image P2 is set is arranged in the first area A1 in which the first image P1 is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, an output image in which the first image P1 and the second image P2 are arranged in one frame may be generated, and the sizes of the images P1 and P2 are not questioned. For example, an output image in which the first image P1 and the second image P2 are separately arranged may be generated. The first area A1 in which the first image P1 is set and the second image P2 are set. The second area A2 may be interchanged.

  In the above embodiment, the drawing program is incorporated into the game program, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the drawing program of the present invention may be incorporated into an application program for generating three-dimensional graphics such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), or may be incorporated into a game program different from the above-described game.

  The present invention can be used for a drawing program for drawing three-dimensional graphics, and can be preferably used particularly for a drawing program used for a game or CAD.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus (drawing apparatus) 93 ... Viewpoint setting part, 94 ... Drawing part, 95 ... Image generation part, A1 ... 1st area | region, A2 ... 2nd area | region, BP ... Background image, CL ... Light source for characters ( Object light source), E ... eyes, F ... face (predetermined part), G (G1-G5) ... output image, P1 ... first image, P2 ... second image, PCh ... player character (three-dimensional object), S2 ... Step (light source setting step), S3 ... Step (viewpoint setting step), S4 ... Step (drawing step), S5 ... Step (image generation step), V1 ... First viewpoint, V2 ... Second viewpoint.

Claims (11)

A drawing program that is executed by a drawing apparatus and draws three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space,
A viewpoint setting step of setting the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint in which the three-dimensional object is included in each view screen at different positions;
A drawing step of drawing a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint and a second image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the second viewpoint;
An image generation step of generating an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set within one frame. The drawing program according to claim 1,
In the viewpoint setting step,
The first viewpoint is set so that substantially the entire three-dimensional object is included in the view screen of the first viewpoint;
The second viewpoint follows the predetermined part whose position varies according to the movement of the three-dimensional object so that the predetermined part of the three-dimensional object is included in the view screen of the second viewpoint. A drawing program characterized by being set. In the drawing program according to claim 1 or 2,
In the viewpoint setting step,
The first viewpoint is set on one side of the three-dimensional object;
A drawing program for causing the second viewpoint to be set on a side opposite to the one side of the three-dimensional object. In the drawing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the drawing step, a drawing program for drawing the second image obtained by superimposing an image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object in the view screen of the second viewpoint on a predetermined background image. In the drawing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Light source setting for setting a space light source effective for the three-dimensional space and an object light source effective for the part of the three-dimensional object in the view screen of the second viewpoint before the drawing step. Let the steps run,
In the drawing step, the first image shaded based on the first viewpoint and the light source for space is drawn, and the second image shaded based on the second viewpoint and the light source for object is drawn. A drawing program characterized by that. The drawing program according to claim 5,
In the drawing step, the lightness of the second image is set according to the lightness of the first image. In the drawing program according to claim 5 or 6,
The three-dimensional object is an object modeling a character with a face having eyes,
In the viewpoint setting step, the second viewpoint is set at a position facing the face centered on the face and the face;
In the drawing step, a drawing program causing the eye to set a reflection region. In the drawing program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the image generation step, a first area in the one frame and a second area smaller than the first area in the first area are set, and the first area and the second area are respectively in the first area and the second area. A drawing program that sets one image and the second image to generate the output image.   A recording medium in which the drawing program according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is recorded so as to be readable by a computer. A drawing method for drawing three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space,
A viewpoint setting step of setting the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint in which the three-dimensional object is included in each view screen at different positions;
A drawing step of drawing a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint and a second image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the second viewpoint;
An image generation step of generating an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set in one frame. A drawing device for drawing three-dimensional graphics based on a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space,
A viewpoint setting unit that sets the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint in which the three-dimensional object is included in each view screen at different positions;
A drawing unit for drawing a first image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the first viewpoint, and a second image obtained by rendering the three-dimensional object based on the second viewpoint;
An image generation unit, comprising: an image generation unit configured to generate an output image in which the first image and the second image synchronized with each other are set in one frame.

Images