JP2011096018A - Program, information storage medium, terminal, and network system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program, an information storage medium, a terminal, and a network system capable of improving probability of disposing an effect object within a visual field area of a virtual camera, and capable of producing a natural effect image. <P>SOLUTION: A predetermined position is calculated based on movement information of a mobile body when a predetermined condition for causing an effect to generate within an object space is satisfied, a process is performed for disposing the effect object toward the predetermined position from a position where the effect is generated in the object space, and a process for producing an image which can be viewed from the virtual camera is performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, a terminal, and a network system.

  Conventionally, a terminal (an image generation system, a game device, a portable terminal, etc.) that generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object is set is known. It is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality.

  For example, in the case of a flight shooting game process in which a player operates a moving body to hit a target object by hitting a missile and shoot down the target object, there is a conventional technique for setting a movable range of the target object (Patent Document 1). 0009, 0059, see FIG.

Japanese Patent No. 3470822

  In conventional flight shooting game processing, when a missile hits a target object, an effect object such as explosion, flame, smoke, etc. is often placed at the hit position to generate a three-dimensional image representing the effect.

  However, when a moving object or a virtual camera moves in the object space as in a flight shooting game, the player may not be able to visually recognize the situation where the effect object is arranged in the object space.

  For example, when a missile is launched, even if there is a target object within the field of view of the virtual camera, when the missile hits the target object and an effect occurs, the moving object or virtual camera moves, If there is an effect object outside the field of view of the camera and an image that can be seen from the virtual camera is generated, the effect object cannot be drawn.

  In addition, when the effect generation position is outside the visual field range of the virtual camera, it is difficult to guess whether the missile that has been launched hits the target object and the target object has been shot down.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to increase the possibility of arranging an effect object within the visual field range of a virtual camera, even when a moving object or a virtual camera moves, and to achieve a natural effect image. It is an object to provide a program, an information storage medium, a terminal, and a network system that can generate the program.

  (1) The present invention is a program for performing processing for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in an object space, and a movement processing unit that performs processing for moving a moving body based on input information of the input unit in the object space; A virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera to follow the movement of the moving body, a determination unit that determines whether a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied, and the predetermined condition When the above condition is satisfied, a calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body, and a process of arranging an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position in the object space And an effect object placement unit that performs the process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera. As the drawing unit, a program that causes a computer to function. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium storing the program and a terminal configured as each unit.

  According to the present invention, since the effect object is arranged toward the specific position calculated based on the movement information of the moving body, it is possible to increase the possibility that the effect object is arranged in the visual field range. Further, since the effect object is arranged from the effect generation position toward the specific position, the player can guess the effect generation position. For example, when an effect such as black smoke is visible from the right side of the screen, the player can guess that the effect has occurred on the right side of the virtual camera following the movement of the moving object.

  (2) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal of the present invention, the calculation unit may calculate the specific position based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the moving body. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of arranging the effect object within the visual field range.

  (3) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal of the present invention, the calculation unit estimates and estimates the position of the moving body after a predetermined period based on the moving speed and moving direction of the moving body. The specified position may be set as the specific position. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of arranging the effect object within the visual field range.

  (4) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal of the present invention, the drawing unit displays an image that can be seen from a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body among a plurality of moving bodies existing in the object space. In the case of generating, the calculation unit performs a process of calculating a specific position based on the movement information of the specific moving body, and the effect object placement unit performs the processing based on the movement information of the specific moving body. You may make it perform the process which arrange | positions an effect object toward the calculated said specific position. According to the present invention, when an image is generated based on a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body when there are a plurality of moving bodies, the movement information of the moving bodies other than the specific moving body depends on the movement information. Instead, the effect object can be arranged based on the movement information of the specific moving object.

  (5) A program, an information storage medium, and a terminal according to the present invention are a program for a first terminal, an information storage medium storing a program for a first terminal, and a first terminal, wherein the first terminal The terminal further causes the computer to function as a communication control unit that performs processing of transmitting and receiving data including effect generation information to and from the second terminal via the network, and the determination unit of the first terminal includes the second terminal. When the effect occurrence information is received from the terminal, a process for determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied is performed, and the moving unit performs a movement process on the first terminal by the calculation unit of the first terminal Based on the information, a process for calculating a specific position is performed, and the effect object placement unit of the first terminal calculates based on the movement information of the moving body that performs the movement process on the first terminal. The effect object is placed toward the specified position, and the drawing unit of the first terminal can be seen from the virtual camera that follows the movement of the moving body that performs the movement process on the first terminal. You may make it perform the process which produces | generates an image. According to the present invention, since the first terminal independently performs the process of calculating the specific position and arranging the effect object toward the specific position, the effect is not affected by the process of the second terminal. Objects can be placed.

  (6) The present invention is a program for performing processing for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in an object space, and a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied. A calculation unit that performs processing for calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and an effect object in the object space from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position. The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to function as an effect object placement unit that performs a placement process and a drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium storing the program and a terminal configured as each unit.

  According to the present invention, since the effect object is arranged toward the specific position calculated based on the movement information of the virtual camera, it is possible to increase the possibility that the effect object is arranged in the visual field range. Further, since the effect object is arranged from the effect generation position toward the specific position, the player can guess the effect generation position. For example, when an effect such as black smoke is visible from the right side of the screen, the player can guess that the effect has occurred on the right side of the virtual camera.

  (7) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal of the present invention, the calculation unit may calculate the specific position based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the virtual camera. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of arranging the effect object within the visual field range.

  (8) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal of the present invention, the calculation unit estimates and estimates the position of the virtual camera after a predetermined period based on the moving speed and moving direction of the virtual camera. The specified position may be set as the specific position. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of arranging the effect object within the visual field range.

  (9) In the program, the information storage medium, and the terminal according to the present invention, when the drawing unit generates an image that can be seen from any one of a plurality of virtual cameras, the calculation unit Based on the movement information of the virtual camera used in the generation, the specific position is calculated, and the effect object placement unit moves toward the specific position calculated based on the movement information of the virtual camera used in the image generation. You may make it perform the process which arrange | positions an effect object.

  According to the present invention, when there are a plurality of virtual cameras, the specific position is calculated based on the movement information of the virtual camera used for image generation. It can be carried out.

  (10) A program, an information storage medium, and a terminal according to the present invention are a program for a first terminal, an information storage medium that stores a program for a first terminal, and the first terminal, The first terminal causes the computer to further function as a communication control unit that performs processing for transmitting and receiving data including effect occurrence information to and from the second terminal via the network, and the determination unit of the first terminal When the effect occurrence information is received from the second terminal, a process for determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied is performed, and when the calculation unit of the first terminal satisfies the predetermined condition, Based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the terminal, a process for calculating a specific position is performed, and the effect object placement unit of the first terminal is controlled by the first terminal. The effect object is arranged toward the specific position calculated based on the movement information of the virtual camera, and the drawing unit of the first terminal is seen from the virtual camera controlled by the first terminal You may make it perform the process which produces | generates an image. According to the present invention, since the first terminal independently performs the process of calculating the specific position and arranging the effect object toward the specific position, the effect is not affected by the process of the second terminal. Objects can be placed.

  (11) Further, the present invention provides a network system in which a first terminal and a second terminal that perform processing for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in an object space perform processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other via a network. A communication control unit that performs processing for each terminal to transmit and receive data including effect occurrence information to and from other terminals via a network; and in the object space, a mobile unit is configured based on input information of the input unit. A movement processing unit for performing movement processing, a virtual camera control unit for controlling the virtual camera to follow the movement of the moving body, and whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied. A process for calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body when the determination unit satisfies the predetermined condition A calculation unit that performs, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect generation position toward the specific position in the object space, and a drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera; And when the first terminal determination unit receives the effect occurrence information from the second terminal, the determination unit performs a process of determining that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the calculation unit of the first terminal Performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body that performs a movement process on the first terminal, and the effect object placement unit of the first terminal moves on the first terminal. A process of arranging an effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the moving object to be processed; Rendering unit of the first terminal, a network system that performs processing for generating an image viewed from the virtual camera follows the movement of the moving body for moving processing in the first terminal. According to the present invention, each terminal independently performs a process of calculating a specific position and arranging an effect object toward the specific position, so that each terminal can receive an effect object without being influenced by other terminals. Can be arranged.

  (12) The present invention also provides a network system in which a first terminal and a second terminal that perform processing for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera in an object space perform processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other via a network. Each terminal satisfies a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space, and a communication control unit that performs processing for transmitting / receiving data including effect generation information to / from other terminals via a network. A determination unit that determines whether or not, a calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and an effect occurrence position in the object space. An effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object toward a specific position; A drawing unit that performs processing for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera, and the determination unit of the first terminal satisfies the predetermined condition when receiving the effect occurrence information from the second terminal A process of determining, and when the calculation unit of the first terminal satisfies the predetermined condition, a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the first terminal The effect object placement unit of the first terminal performs a process of placing the effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the first terminal. In addition, the present invention relates to a network system in which a drawing unit of the first terminal performs a process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera controlled by the first terminal. According to the present invention, each terminal independently performs a process of calculating a specific position and arranging an effect object toward the specific position, so that each terminal can receive an effect object without being influenced by other terminals. Can be arranged.

FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration of a terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of object data. 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of virtual camera control. FIG. 4 shows an example in which objects to be scaled and objects not to be scaled are arranged in the world coordinate system. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating a magnification in the present embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an example of generating an image without performing scaling processing. FIG. 6B shows an example of generating an image by performing scaling processing. FIG. 7A illustrates an example in which an image is generated without performing scaling processing. FIG. 7B shows an example of generating an image by performing scaling processing. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining a range in which the magnification changes. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a case where contradiction occurs in perspective. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of correction processing. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of correction processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of scaling processing. FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining the effect generation. 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of processing for arranging effect objects. FIGS. 15A to 15C are explanatory diagrams of processing for arranging effect objects. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of processing for arranging an effect object. FIG. 17A is an explanatory diagram of processing for arranging effect objects. FIG. 17B is an explanatory diagram of processing for arranging an effect object. FIG. 17C is an explanatory diagram of processing for arranging an effect object. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of processing for arranging effect objects. 19A to 19C are explanatory diagrams of processing for arranging effect objects. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of processing for arranging effect objects according to the present embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of a terminal (an image generating device, a game device, a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, and a portable game device) according to the present embodiment. Note that the terminal of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The input unit 160 is an input device (controller) for inputting input information from the player (operator), and outputs the input information of the player to the processing unit. The input unit 160 of this embodiment includes a detection unit 162 that detects input information (input signal) of the player. The input unit 160 includes, for example, a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, and the like. The input unit 160 may include a vibration unit that performs a process of vibrating based on the vibration signal.

  The input unit 160 may be an input device including an acceleration sensor that detects triaxial acceleration, a gyro sensor that detects angular velocity, and an imaging unit. For example, the input unit 160 may be held and moved by the player, or may be worn by the player and moved. The input unit 160 may be an input device imitating an actual tool such as a sword-type controller or gun-type controller held by the player, or a glove-type controller worn by the player (attached to the hand of the player). Good. The input unit 160 also includes a terminal (a mobile phone, a mobile terminal, a portable game device) integrated with an input device.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the object data storage unit 173 stores model data of an object with a magnification of 1 that is arranged in the object space.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. The information storage medium 180 can store a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing a computer to execute processing of each unit).

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

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

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, other terminals and servers), and the functions are realized by hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like. it can.

  Note that a program or data for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment stored in the information storage medium or storage unit of the server is received via the network, and the received program or data is received by the information storage medium 180. Or may be stored in the storage unit 170. The case where the terminal is functioned by receiving the program or data as described above is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on input data from the input unit 160, a program, and the like.

  The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 171 in the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a reception unit 110, an object placement unit 111, an effect object placement unit 111a, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a movement processing unit 112a, a magnification control unit 113, a scaling processing unit 114, a game calculation unit 115, and a determination unit 116. A calculation unit 117, a virtual camera control unit 118, a communication control unit 119, a drawing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The accepting unit 110 performs processing for accepting player input information. For example, a process for accepting movement input information for moving the own aircraft (moving body to be operated by the player) and a process for accepting firing input information for firing bullets (missiles, machine guns) from the own aircraft are performed.

  The object placement unit 111 performs processing for placing an object in the object space. For example, the object placement unit 111 may include a building, a stadium, a car, a tree, a pillar, a wall, a map, in addition to its own aircraft and enemy aircraft (moving body / moving based on a computer program, an attacking mobile body, non-player character) The display object such as (terrain) is arranged in the object space. Here, the object space is a virtual game space, for example, a space in which objects are arranged in three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z) such as a world coordinate system and a virtual camera coordinate system.

  For example, the object placement unit 111 places an object (an object composed of a primitive such as a polygon, a free-form surface, or a subdivision surface) in the world coordinate system. Also, for example, the position and rotation angle (synonymous with direction and direction) of the object in the world coordinate system is determined, and the rotation angle (X, Y, Z axis rotation) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Position the object at (Angle).

  In particular, the object placement unit 111 according to the present embodiment performs a process of scaling (enlarging or reducing) an object modeled in advance (having a magnification of 1), and a process of placing the scaled object in the object space. Is going.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the object placement unit 111 performs a scaling process on an object to be scaled (for example, an object whose scaling flag is 1), and performs a process of placing the scaled object. On the other hand, for an object that is not a scaling target (for example, an object having a scaling flag of 0), the object stored in the object data storage unit 173 is directly placed in the object space without performing the scaling process.

  The effect object placement unit 111a performs processing to place the effect object in the object space from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position calculated based on the movement information of the moving body that the virtual camera follows. For example, the movement information includes a movement direction, a movement speed, a movement acceleration, a position, a direction (rotation angle), and the like.

  Further, the effect object placement unit 111a performs specific movement when the drawing unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body among a plurality of moving bodies existing in the object space. A process of placing an effect object toward a specific position calculated based on body movement information is performed.

  Further, the effect object placement unit 111a is specified based on movement information of a moving body that performs movement processing at the terminal (first terminal) or movement information of a virtual camera controlled by the terminal (first terminal). A process of placing the effect object toward the position is performed. That is, in the present embodiment, data transmission / reception processing is performed with other terminals via a network, and when a so-called multiplayer online game is played, each terminal independently performs effect object placement processing.

  Further, the effect object placement unit 111a performs a process of placing the effect object toward a specific position calculated based on movement information of the virtual camera used for image generation.

  The effect object placement unit 111a may place the effect object scaled by the scaling processing unit 114 toward a specific position.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs a movement / motion calculation of an object in the object space. That is, based on input information received from the input unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the object is moved in the object space, or the object is moved (motion, animation). Process. Specifically, object movement information (movement speed, movement speed, movement acceleration, position, orientation, etc.) and movement information (positions or rotation angles of each part constituting the object) are stored in one frame (1/60 second). ) The processing for obtaining each is sequentially performed. Note that a frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing and image generation processing.

  For example, the movement processing unit 112a of the present embodiment performs a process of moving the own aircraft based on input information (movement input information) of the input unit 160 or a process of moving an enemy aircraft based on a movement processing program. I do.

  When the movement / motion processing unit 112 transmits / receives data to / from other terminals via the network, the movement / motion processing unit 112 is arranged in the object space of the terminal based on data such as movement information received from the other terminals. It is also possible to move / operate other moving bodies (movable bodies to be operated by players who operate other terminals).

  The magnification control unit 113 performs processing for calculating a magnification for scaling (enlarging / reducing) a given object. That is, the magnification control unit 113 calculates the magnification for scaling the object stored in the object data storage unit 173 for the object to be scaled (for example, the object whose scaling flag is 1). The scaling factor is calculated for each of a plurality of objects to be scaled.

  More specifically, the magnification control unit 113 performs a process of calculating the magnification based on the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object. For example, the magnification control unit 113 performs a process of increasing the magnification as the angle between the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object decreases. In other words, when an object is placed in the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera, the magnification is controlled so that the magnification of the object is the largest value, and the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera The magnification of the object is controlled so that the magnification becomes smaller as the shift occurs (the displacement angle is larger). That is, the magnification control unit 113 performs a process of increasing the magnification as the position of the object is closer to the line of sight direction (visual axis). For example, the magnification control unit 113 according to the present embodiment calculates the magnification based on the inner product value of a vector facing the visual line direction of the virtual camera and a vector facing the object from the virtual camera.

  Further, the magnification control unit 113 may calculate the magnification based on the distance from the virtual camera to the object. The magnification control unit 113 may change the magnification of the object based on the distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the position of the object to be scaled. For example, when the distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the object is within 300, the magnification is increased within a predetermined value range (for example, 2....) As the distance from the viewpoint position to the object position increases (the distance increases). When the distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the object exceeds 300, a process of increasing the minimum value (for example, 2.0) from 0 to 2.5) to the maximum value (for example, 2.5) is performed. Then, processing for setting the magnification to the maximum value (2.5) in the predetermined value range is performed.

  Note that when the position of the object is within 300 from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the magnification control unit 113 according to the present embodiment uses the first magnification that changes in a predetermined range based on the distance from the virtual camera to the object. The scaling factor may be calculated based on the visual line direction of the virtual camera and the second magnification calculated based on the direction from the virtual camera toward the object.

  When the object is located within a predetermined range set based on the viewpoint position of the virtual camera, the magnification control unit 113 increases the calculated magnification closer to 1 as the distance between the virtual camera and the object decreases. As described above, processing for correcting the calculated magnification may be performed.

  The scaling processing unit 114 performs processing for scaling the object to be scaled based on the magnification obtained by the magnification control unit 113 for the object to be scaled. Note that the scaling processing unit 114 performs processing for scaling the object based on the corrected magnification when the object is located within a predetermined range set based on the viewpoint position of the virtual camera.

  The game calculation unit 115 performs various game processes. For example, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for ending a game when the game end condition is satisfied, and an ending when the final stage is cleared There is processing.

  The game calculation unit 115 of the present embodiment performs a process of updating the parameters of each moving object (including its own machine and enemy aircraft). For example, the initial value of the durability value of each moving object is set to a predetermined value (for example, 100), and when the durability value becomes “0”, a process of determining that the moving object is shot down is performed. For example, when the durability value of the player's own machine becomes “0”, it is determined that the game cannot be cleared, and a process for ending the game is performed. On the other hand, when the durability value of all enemy aircraft in the game becomes “0”, processing for determining that the game is cleared is performed.

  The determination unit 116 performs processing for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied. For example, the determination unit 116 hits an enemy aircraft (an example of a moving body) hit by an missile (an example of a moving body) fired from the own aircraft (a moving object to be operated by the player) (hit and endurance value 0). The hit position or the position of the enemy aircraft at the time of the hit is controlled as the effect generation position. In such a case, the effect object placement unit 111a performs processing for placing the effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position.

  When the effect occurrence information is received from another terminal (second terminal), the determination unit 116 performs a process of determining that a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when receiving the effect occurrence information including the ID of the enemy aircraft hitting the durability value 0 from another terminal, the predetermined condition for generating the effect at the position of the enemy aircraft corresponding to the ID It is determined that

  The calculation unit 117 performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body when a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the calculation unit 117 performs a process of calculating the specific position based on the movement information including at least one of the moving direction, moving speed, moving acceleration, position, and orientation of the moving body. For example, the calculation unit 117 performs a process of calculating the specific position based on the moving speed and moving direction of the moving body. That is, the calculation unit 117 estimates the position of the moving body after a predetermined period (for example, after 10 seconds) based on the moving speed and moving direction of the moving body, and sets the estimated position as the specific position. When the drawing unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body among a plurality of moving bodies in the object space, the calculating unit 117 uses the movement information of the specific moving body. Based on this, a process for calculating the specific position is performed. In addition, the calculation unit 117 performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of a moving body or movement information of a virtual camera that performs a movement process on a terminal (first terminal).

  In addition, the calculation unit 117 according to the present embodiment may perform a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the calculation unit 117 calculates the specific position based on the movement information including at least one of the movement direction, movement speed, movement acceleration, position (viewpoint position), and direction (gaze direction) of the virtual camera. Also good. For example, the calculation unit 117 performs a process of calculating the specific position based on the moving speed and moving direction of the virtual camera. That is, the calculation unit 117 estimates the position of the virtual camera after a predetermined period (10 seconds later) based on the moving speed and moving direction of the virtual camera, and sets the estimated position as the specific position. The calculation unit 117 calculates a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera used for image generation when the drawing unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from any of the plurality of virtual cameras. .

  The virtual camera control unit 118 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, when generating a three-dimensional image, the position (X, Y, Z) of the virtual camera in the world coordinate system and the rotation angle (for example, from the positive direction of each axis of the X, Y, and Z axes) (Rotation angle when turning clockwise) is controlled. In short, the virtual camera control unit 118 performs processing for controlling at least one of the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, the angle of view, the moving direction, and the moving speed of the virtual camera.

  In particular, the virtual camera control unit 118 of the present embodiment controls a virtual camera that follows the movement of the moving object. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (A), HUD View (an example of a first person viewpoint), as shown in FIG. 3 (B), a Cockpit View (an example of a first person viewpoint), and a rear viewpoint as shown in FIG. 3 (C). The virtual camera is controlled by (an example of a third person viewpoint).

  For example, the virtual camera control unit 118 controls the virtual camera based on movement information such as the position, orientation, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. That is, the virtual camera control unit 118 controls the movement information of the moving object processed by the movement / motion processing unit 112 and the movement information of the virtual camera to maintain a predetermined relationship in the world coordinates. More specifically, in the world coordinates, control is performed so that the position of the moving object (central point P0 of the moving object) processed by the movement / motion processing unit 112 and the position (CP) of the virtual camera maintain a predetermined relationship. To do. For example, control is performed so as to maintain a predetermined distance. Also, control is performed so that the moving direction and moving speed of the moving body and the moving direction and moving speed of the virtual camera maintain a predetermined relationship. For example, the moving direction of the moving body and the moving direction of the virtual camera are controlled to be the same direction, or the moving speed of the moving body and the moving speed of the virtual camera are controlled to be the same speed. In addition, the virtual camera control unit 118 controls the direction (line-of-sight direction) of the virtual camera so that the direction of the moving body and the direction of the virtual camera (line-of-sight direction) maintain a predetermined relationship. For example, the moving body and the virtual camera are controlled so that they face the same direction.

  Note that the virtual camera control unit 118 may set the virtual camera in a predetermined direction or perform control to move the virtual camera along a predetermined movement route. In such a case, the virtual camera is controlled based on virtual camera data (virtual camera data stored in the storage unit 170, the information storage medium 180, etc.) for controlling the position (movement path) or orientation of the virtual camera. To do.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 118 may control an overhead virtual camera by arranging an overhead virtual camera that looks down from a given position in the object space.

  Further, the virtual camera control unit 118 may use a replay virtual camera for generating an image for replay arranged in the object space so as to control the replay virtual camera. The replay virtual camera does not necessarily follow the movement of the moving body, but may control the replay virtual camera according to the movement information of the moving body.

  The communication control unit 119 performs a process in which a terminal (for example, a first terminal) transmits / receives data including effect generation information to / from another terminal (for example, a second terminal) via a network.

  Note that the terminal of the present embodiment performs processing for acquiring and managing network information necessary for communication control from the game server. For example, the terminal has a packet associated with terminal identification information (data and ID individually assigned to identify a terminal that can participate in an online game) and terminal identification information that is individually assigned to each terminal. Destination information (IP address or the like) for designating the destination of transmission is acquired and managed.

  The communication control unit 119 stores a process for generating a packet to be transmitted to another terminal (second terminal), a process for designating the IP address and port number of a packet transmission destination terminal, and data included in the received packet Processing to be stored in 170, processing to analyze received packets, control processing related to other packet transmission / reception, and the like are performed.

  The communication control unit 119 of the present embodiment may generate a packet according to a frame rate for drawing an image, and perform processing for transmitting the generated packet to another terminal to which the image is connected.

  Here, the data transmitted / received between the terminals may be input information of the input unit, or may be position information of each mobile unit. In particular, data transmitted and received between terminals in the present embodiment includes effect occurrence information such as information for identifying an enemy aircraft that has been shot down (for example, an ID of an enemy aircraft whose durability value has become 0). .

  In addition, when receiving a packet transmitted from another terminal (second terminal), the communication control unit 119 of the present embodiment analyzes the received packet and stores data such as effect occurrence information included in the packet. The process to memorize is performed.

  In addition, the communication control unit 119 according to the present embodiment transmits / receives data to / from each other until the connection is disconnected after the connection (connection between the first terminal and the second terminal) is established between a plurality of terminals. I do.

  In the case of a network system composed of a plurality of terminals, a peer-to-peer (so-called P2P) method for executing an online game while transmitting / receiving data between the plurality of terminals may be used. Data that can be transmitted and received between the server for providing and the terminal may be used. Further, a client-server system in which each terminal executes an online game while transmitting and receiving data (information) via the server may be used. In the network system of the present embodiment, data may be transmitted / received not only by wired communication but also by wireless communication.

  The drawing unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In other words, the drawing unit 120 generates an image that can be seen from the virtual camera in the object space.

  For example, the drawing unit 120 receives object data (model data) including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the object (model). Based on the vertex data included in the object data, vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  In the vertex processing, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate transformation, for example, world coordinate transformation, visual field transformation (camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation (projection transformation) ), Geometry processing such as viewport conversion is performed, and based on the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted).

  Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to the image buffer 172 (a buffer capable of storing image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

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

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

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

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

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) in which Z values (depth information) of drawing pixels are stored. . That is, when drawing pixels corresponding to the primitive of the object are drawn, the Z value stored in the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value).

  For example, in α blending, the drawing color (overwriting color) C1 to be drawn in the image buffer 172 and the drawing color (background color) C2 already drawn in the image buffer 172 (rendering target) are set to α values. Based on this, a linear synthesis process is performed. That is, if the final drawing color is C, it can be obtained by C = C1 * α + C2 * (1−α).

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

  It should be noted that the drawing unit 120 performs movement processing on the terminal (first terminal) even when performing a multiplayer online game in which data is transmitted / received to / from another terminal (second terminal) via the network. A process of generating an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (a virtual camera controlled by a terminal (first terminal)) that follows the movement of the body is performed. That is, each terminal performs an independent drawing process.

  The sound processing unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates a game sound such as BGM, sound effect, or sound, and outputs the game sound to the sound output unit 192.

  Note that the terminal according to the present embodiment may be controlled so that the game can be played in a single player mode in which only one player can play or in a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. For example, in the case of controlling in the multiplayer mode, game processing may be performed by transmitting / receiving data to / from other terminals via a network, or one terminal may receive input information from a plurality of input units. Processing may be performed based on this.

2. Scaling processing The present embodiment relates to image generation processing for a shooting game, and performs scaling processing by multiplying a scaled object by multiplying a scaled object with a world coordinate system. Process to place in. Then, in the object space where the scaled objects are arranged, a process of generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera is performed. In the present embodiment, the scaling factor is set to 1 or more, and the object is exaggerated to generate an image having a powerful and speedy feeling.

(1) Details of Scaling Processing First, objects stored in the object data storage unit 173 in the present embodiment will be described. In the object data storage unit 173 of the present embodiment, the modeled object is stored as one time. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the object data storage unit 173 identifies and stores objects to be scaled and objects that are not to be scaled. More specifically, the scaling flag of the object to be scaled is set to “1”, the scaling flag of the object that is not to be scaled is set to “0”, and stored in association with the ID of each object.

  For example, enemy aircraft NPC (non-player character, target object, target object, moving object), missile MI, effect object (explosion object, smoke object, flame object), etc. are stored as scaling targets. On the other hand, the ground object (tree, land, tank, etc.) and the player's operation target POB (player object, moving object) are stored as objects not to be scaled. For example, when an image is generated at a rear viewpoint as shown in FIG. 3C, the magnification of the own POB is not set as a scaling target (the magnification remains 1) and is arranged in the object space.

  In the present embodiment, for an object to be scaled (an object with scaling flag “1”), the magnification of the object is calculated, and each vertex coordinate of each polygon constituting the object is multiplied by the calculated magnification. To scale the object.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, scaling processing (enlargement processing) is performed by multiplying each vertex coordinate of each polygon constituting the object OB1 by a factor of 2, and the scaled object OB1 is converted into the world coordinate system. Deploy.

  In the present embodiment, for an object that is not a scaling target (an object with a scaling flag “0”), the object stored in the object data storage unit 173 is used as it is (that is, the size is 1 time). Arrange at the position of the coordinate system. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the object OB2 is placed on the object OB2 in the world coordinate system while maintaining the magnification 1.

  In general, the scaling process refers to an enlargement process or a reduction process, but in the present embodiment, a scaling process is performed for the purpose of enlargement in order to generate an image with a powerful feeling and speed.

  The scaling process may be performed by scaling the object around the origin (viewpoint position) in the camera coordinate system, or by scaling the object around the origin of the object's local coordinate system. Also good. Further, when the placement position of the object is shifted by performing the scaling process, a process of correcting the object so that it is placed at the placement position before the scaling process may be performed.

(2) A method for calculating the magnification based on the viewing direction of the virtual camera and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the viewing direction CV of the virtual camera C and the virtual camera Based on the direction OV from C toward the object OB1, a process of calculating the magnification of the object OB1 is performed. For example, the smaller the angle θ (0 ° ≦ θ ≦ 90 °) between the viewing direction CV of the virtual camera C and the OV in the direction from the viewpoint position CP of the virtual camera toward the arrangement position P1 of the object OB1, the larger the magnification. Change the magnification so that That is, when the line-of-sight direction CV and the direction OV coincide, that is, when the angle θ is 0 degree, the magnification is the maximum value, and the angle θ formed by the line-of-sight direction CV and the direction OV is 90 degrees. In this case, the magnification is the minimum value.

  In short, in the present embodiment, the magnification is increased as the position P1 of the object OB1 is closer to the visual line direction CV axis (visual axis). For example, the magnification is changed (decreased) as the distance between the representative point of the object projected on the projection plane and the center point (gaze point) of the projection plane changes (increases). Specifically, when the representative point of the object coincides with the center point of the projection plane, the maximum value (for example, 2.5) in a predetermined range (for example, 2.0 to 2.5) is set as the magnification value, and the projection is performed. As the distance between the center point of the surface and the representative point of the object becomes longer, the magnification is decreased toward the minimum value (for example, 2.0).

  For example, in this embodiment, the inner product value IP of the unit vector Ec in the line-of-sight direction CV of the virtual camera C and the unit vector Eo of OV in the direction from the virtual camera position CP toward the object OB1 is obtained, and the magnification is calculated. Can do. For example, the inner product value IP is obtained by the following equation (1).

IP = Ec · Eo (1)
In the present embodiment, a total value of a predetermined value (for example, 2) and a value obtained by multiplying the inner product value IP by 0.5 is obtained as a magnification used in the scaling process. For example, the scale used in the scaling process is obtained by the following equation (2).

scale = 2 + IP * 0.5 (2)
That is, when the angle θ formed by the line-of-sight direction CV and the direction OV changes within a range of 0 ° ≦ θ ≦ 90 °, the magnification changes within a range of 2 to 2.5.

  In this way, it is possible to generate an image in which the object is enlarged by a factor of 2.5 as it approaches the center of the screen, and is enlarged by a factor of 2 as it approaches the screen edge.

  Furthermore, the case where the scaling process is not performed and the case where the scaling process is performed will be described using FIGS. 6A and 6B in comparison.

  First, FIG. 6A shows an example in which an image is generated without performing scaling processing. For example, when the object OB1 is arranged at the arrangement position P11 in the line-of-sight direction CV with the magnification of 1, the object OB1 is displayed in the center of the screen in the generated image F1. Then, when the object OB1 is moved in the direction of the angle shifted by θ1 from the line-of-sight direction CV while maintaining the magnification 1, the object OB1 is displayed at the right end of the screen in the generated image F2. Then, if the object OB1 is moved in the angular direction shifted by θ2 from the line-of-sight direction CV with the magnification 1 and is positioned at the arrangement position P13, the object OB1 is generated outside the visual field range CA of the virtual camera C. The object OB1 is not displayed in the image F3. That is, since the object OB1 is disposed outside the visual field range (view volume, frustum base) of the virtual camera C, the object is not displayed in the image F3.

  On the other hand, FIG. 6B illustrates an example in which a magnification is calculated based on the viewing direction of the virtual camera and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object, and an image is generated by performing scaling processing based on the calculated magnification. Indicates. For example, when the object OB1 is arranged at the arrangement position P11 in the line-of-sight direction CV, the object OB1 is enlarged at the maximum magnification (for example, 2.5 times). Therefore, the object OB1 is enlarged and displayed in the center of the screen in the generated image F4. For example, as compared with the image F1 in FIG. 6A, the image is displayed larger in the center of the screen.

  Then, when the object OB1 moves in the direction of the angle deviated by θ1 from the line-of-sight direction CV and is positioned at the arrangement position P12, the magnification is reduced compared to when it is positioned at P11. In the image F5 generated when it is located, the object OB1 is displayed at the right end of the screen with a size smaller than that of the image F4. However, the object OB1 is displayed larger than the image F2 in FIG.

  When the object OB1 moves in the angular direction deviated by θ2 from the line-of-sight direction CV and is positioned at the arrangement position P13, the magnification of the object OB1 is reduced compared to when it is positioned at P12, but the object OB1. Is not displayed in the image F6 because it is located outside the visual field range.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, when scaling processing is performed by calculating the magnification based on the viewing direction of the virtual camera and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object, the image is displayed in the center of the screen. The object OB1 is enlarged and displayed. Usually, the center of the screen is the place where the player's consciousness is most likely to concentrate. Therefore, the larger the object OB1 is, the closer to the center of the screen than the edge of the screen, the more inflection can be made to the change in the size of the object OB1, and an image with a sense of power and speed can be generated. . That is, by reducing the size of the object OB1 at the edge of the screen where the player is not so conscious, the force and speed when the object OB1 is displayed at the center of the screen can be further increased. it can.

(3) Method of calculating magnification according to distance between virtual camera and object In this embodiment, the magnification may be obtained based on the distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the position of the object to be scaled. Note that the distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the position of the object to be scaled may be a linear distance from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the object position, or the line-of-sight direction from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the object. It may be a distance (may be a distance in the Z direction in the camera coordinate system).

  For example, when the distance from the position of the virtual camera to the position of the object to be scaled is D, and the distance D is not less than 0 and not more than Lmax (0 ≦ D ≦ Lmax), the distance D between the virtual camera and the object As the value increases, the magnification is changed to increase.

  For example, when generating an image in a shooting game, Lmax is preferably set to a value within a range in which the player can shoot the target object. This is because the target object that can be shot can be enlarged and displayed, and can be easily identified.

  More specifically, FIGS. 7A and 7B are used to compare the case where the scaling process is not performed and the case where the scaling process is performed by controlling the magnification based on the distance D from the virtual camera to the object. I will explain.

  FIG. 7A shows an example in which an image is generated without performing scaling processing. For example, when the object OB1 is arranged at the arrangement position P14 in the line-of-sight direction CV with the magnification of 1, the object OB1 is displayed in the center of the screen in the generated image F7. However, when P14 is too far from the viewpoint CP, as shown in the image F7, the displayed object OB1 is displayed with several dots, which makes it difficult to identify.

  Then, the object OB1 is relatively far away from the virtual camera C with the magnification of 1, and is positioned at P15. Then, in the generated image F8, the object OB1 is displayed at the center of the screen, but remains displayed with a few dots, making it difficult to identify.

  Furthermore, the object OB1 is positioned relatively far away from the virtual camera C with the magnification of 1 and located at P16. Then, in the generated image F9, the object OB1 is displayed in the center of the screen, but the size of the displayed object OB1 does not change and is difficult to identify.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7B shows an example in which an image is generated by performing scaling processing based on the distance from the position CP of the virtual camera to the object OB1. For example, when the object OB1 is scaled at a magnification larger than 1 (for example, a magnification that changes in a range of 2 to 2.5) and arranged at the arrangement position P14, the object OB1 is generated in the generated image F10. It is enlarged and displayed in the center of the screen. For example, when compared with the image F7 in FIG.

  When the object OB1 is relatively far away from the virtual camera C and is located at P15, the magnification is increased compared to when the object OB1 is located at P14, so that the object OB1 is enlarged and arranged in the object space. In the generated image F11, the object OB1 is displayed smaller than the image F10, and it is possible to visually recognize how the object OB1 is moving away while being identified. For example, when compared with the image F8 in FIG.

  Furthermore, when the object OB1 is positioned relatively far from the virtual camera C and located at P16, the magnification is increased compared to when the object OB1 is located at P15, so that the object OB1 is further enlarged and arranged in the object space. In the generated image F12, the object OB1 is displayed smaller than the image F11, and it is possible to visually recognize how the object OB1 moves away while being identified. For example, when compared with the image F9 in FIG.

  In this way, in FIG. 7B, it is easier to visually recognize the object OB1 than in FIG. 7A, and it is confirmed that the object OB1 is moving away from the virtual camera C relatively. Can do.

(4) Change of magnification In this embodiment, when changing the magnification based on the distance from the virtual camera to the object, the change is controlled so as to be gradual.

  For example, in the present embodiment, as the distance D from the virtual camera to the object increases in 0 ≦ D ≦ Lmax, the magnification is increased from the minimum value to the maximum value in a predetermined value range (value range from 2 to 2.5). Is going. This is because it is possible to generate an image in which no contradiction occurs in the perspective even when the scaling process is performed.

  Specifically, description will be made with reference to FIGS. For example, FIG. 8A shows the relationship between the magnification D and the distance D from the viewpoint position CP of the virtual camera to the position of the object to be scaled. As shown in FIG. 8A, magnification = 2 when the distance D from the viewpoint position to the object is 0, and when 0 ≦ D ≦ Lmax (for example, Lmax = 300 meters), the distance D increases as the distance D increases. The magnification increases in the range of 2 to 2.5.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, if the magnification is changed in the range of 0 to 2.5 in 0 ≦ D ≦ Lmax, the change in the magnification becomes abrupt, and the perspective is inconsistent. Will be generated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, even when the object OB1 is relatively far from the virtual camera C, such as P14, P15, and P16, the generated images are shown as images F13, F14, and F15. Then, the object OB1 is gradually displayed larger. That is, in the object space, although the object OB1 is away from the virtual camera, the generated images F13, 14, and 15 display the virtual camera C relatively close to the object OB1. End up.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent such a contradiction, a process of increasing the magnification according to the increase of the distance D is performed in the range of 2 to 2.5 which is the predetermined range, An image with no sense of incongruity is generated. That is, in the process of generating a three-dimensional image, the scaling process (scaling process for normalizing the view volume) is performed by the perspective projection conversion process. That is, it is necessary to change the magnification based on the distance D from the virtual camera to the object within a range that does not affect the perspective projection conversion process. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to generate an image in which there is no contradiction in perspective, in consideration of the scaling magnification associated with these perspective projection transformations, the virtual camera to the object is satisfied from 0 ≦ D ≦ Lmax. A predetermined range (for example, 2.0 to 2.5) of the magnification to be changed based on the distance D is set.

  As described above, when scaling is performed based on the distance from the virtual camera to the object, it is necessary to moderately change the magnification in order to generate an image with a sense of incongruity in perspective. However, if the change in magnification is moderated, the feeling of power and speed will be poor. In the present embodiment, as described above, this problem can be solved by performing the scaling process using the calculated magnification based on the direction CV of the virtual camera and the direction OV from the virtual camera toward the object.

  For example, the calculation is based on the first magnification K1 (2 ≦ K1 ≦ 2.5) calculated according to the distance between the virtual camera and the object, the direction CV of the virtual camera, and the direction OV from the virtual camera toward the object. Based on the second magnification K2 (0 ≦ K2 ≦ 0.5), the magnification used in the scaling process is obtained. For example, a value K (K = K1 + K2) obtained by adding K1 and K2 is set as a magnification used in the scaling process. In this way, it is possible to generate an image with no contradiction in perspective, and an enlarged object is displayed in the center of the screen, so that an image with a sense of power and speed can be generated.

(5) Correction of magnification In this embodiment, when the object to be scaled is close to the virtual camera, the magnification of the object is corrected to the original size so that it looks more natural. Processing to do.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an image F20 when the virtual camera C is controlled from the rear viewpoint of the own device POB.

  For example, when the magnification = 1, the sizes of the objects of the own aircraft POB and the enemy aircraft NPC are substantially the same, and the enemy aircraft NPC is an object to be scaled and the own aircraft POB is an object not to be scaled. . When the enemy aircraft NPC is arranged in the object space with about twice the size, an image in which the enemy aircraft NPC appears larger than the own POB is generated in the image F20 as shown in FIG.

  Originally, when the enemy aircraft EOB is located at a short distance from the virtual camera C even though the own aircraft POB and the enemy aircraft NPC are the same size aircraft, the own aircraft POB that is not subject to scaling, The difference in size from the enemy aircraft EOB to be scaled becomes conspicuous.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the object to be scaled (for example, enemy aircraft NPC) is located within a predetermined range within the radius R (for example, within 50 meters) around the virtual camera C. Performs a process of correcting the magnification so that the distance between the virtual camera C and the object becomes zero when the distance between the virtual camera C and the object is zero. Then, a process of scaling the object is performed based on the corrected magnification. For example, based on the ratio of the distance from the viewpoint position CP of the virtual camera to the object OB1 with respect to the radius R, 1 × and the calculated magnification K are linearly combined.

  In this way, the closer the object to be scaled is to the virtual camera, the more the image is scaled to the original size (one time larger), so a more natural image can be generated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the enemy aircraft NPC is located within a predetermined range, the enemy aircraft NPC has a magnification so that it becomes 1 when the distance between the virtual camera C and the object is zero. The enemy aircraft NPC that has been corrected and scaled based on the corrected magnification is arranged in the object space. Then, in the generated image F21, the enemy aircraft NPC and the own aircraft POB have substantially the same size, so that the size difference is not noticeable and a natural image is generated.

(6) Replay (reproduction processing)
In the present embodiment, the scaling process may be performed based on the virtual camera for replay. That is, in this embodiment, the scaling process is performed in the local coordinate system of each virtual camera.

  For example, as information for rendering with a virtual camera for replay, during game processing, position information and motion information (rotation information) of each object such as the own aircraft and enemy aircraft in the world coordinate system are used as data for replay. Store in the storage unit.

  At the time of replay, the position and motion calculation of each object is performed based on the replay data, and an image that can be seen from the replay virtual camera is generated. When scaling processing is performed at the time of replay, the scaling processing may be performed on an object having a size that is one time based on the position information of each object and the position information of the virtual camera for replay.

(7) Flowchart An example of the flowchart of the scaling process will be described with reference to FIG. First, processing for determining whether or not the object is a scaling target is performed (step S1). If the object is not the object to be scaled (N in step S1), the process proceeds to step S13, and if it is determined that the object is the object to be scaled (Y in step S1), the process of arranging the object in the world coordinates is performed (step S1). S2).

Then, the square (D ² ) of the distance D between the viewpoint position of the virtual camera and the position of the object is obtained (step S3). If D ² ≦ 0, 0.0 is substituted for r0 (step S4). On the other ^hand, in the case of ⁰ <D ² <300 2 substitutes ^D 2/300 ² to r0 (step S5). On the other hand, in the case of ^{D 2} ≧ 300 ² substitutes r0 to 1.0 (step S6).

  Next, the unit vector of the line-of-sight vector of the virtual camera is Ec, the unit vector of the vector from the viewpoint position of the virtual camera to the object position is Eo, and the value of cos θ of the two vectors is obtained from these inner products. That is, cos θ = Ec · Eo is obtained (step S7).

Next, (cos θ) ² is substituted for r1 (step S8), and if the object to be processed is a normal object (when the attribute is normal), 2.0 + 0.5 * r0 + 0.5 * r1 is substituted for scale. (Step S9) If the object to be processed is an effect object (when the attribute is an effect), 1.0 + 0.5 * r0 is substituted for scale (step S10).

^Then, in the case of D 2 <50 ^2, the process proceeds to step S11, performs a process of correcting the scale. That is, substituting ^D 2/50 ² to r2, the value of 1.0 * (1.0-r2) + scale * r2, it performs a process of substituting a new scale value (step S11).

  Next, a process for scaling the object is performed based on the obtained scale value (step S12).

  Then, a frustum check (check whether or not the object belongs to the field of view range CA (view volume, frustum platform)) is performed (step S13), and if it is false determination, the process proceeds to step S15 and true determination is made. In this case, a process for sending the enlarged object to the drawing process is performed (step S14), and the scaling process is performed for the next object. The process ends here.

3. Method of Arranging Effect Objects In the present embodiment, processing is performed to generate an effect that causes an enemy aircraft to explode when a missile or machine gun fired from the aircraft hits the enemy aircraft. For example, when an effect occurs, effect objects such as explosion, flame, and smoke are arranged in the object space. A method for arranging effect objects in the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

  In this embodiment, image generation processing related to flight simulation for moving a fighter plane is performed. Therefore, when the aircraft moves, the virtual camera moves so as to follow (link) the movement of the aircraft. Control is in progress. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the movement speed vector PV of the own device and the movement speed vector CMV of the virtual camera have a predetermined relationship (for example, the speed is the same and the movement direction is the same). Control to become. Here, the moving speed vector is a vector that indicates the moving speed by its size (length) and indicates the moving direction by its direction.

  In addition, since a fighter (airplane or the like) appearing in a flight shooting game performs flight by moving forward, the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera and the moving direction of the virtual camera tend to be the same. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, the visual direction CV of the virtual camera and the moving speed vector CMV of the virtual camera are assumed to be in the same direction unless otherwise specified.

(1) Generation of Effect In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect is satisfied at a given position in the object space, and processing for generating an effect is performed when the predetermined condition is satisfied. . For example, when it is determined that a moving body such as an enemy aircraft has been shot down, that is, when the durability value of the enemy aircraft becomes 0 (when the damage rate of the enemy aircraft reaches 100%), the predetermined condition is satisfied. Judge. Note that it may be determined that a predetermined condition for generating an effect is satisfied when the timing for generating an event arrives as the program progresses.

  The effect generation of this embodiment will be described more specifically. FIG. 13A shows an example of the own aircraft POB and the enemy aircraft NPC when the missile launch input information is received and the missile MI is launched. For example, an image F30 that can be seen from the virtual camera C following the movement of the own device POB is generated. In the image F30, a state in which the missile MI is flying toward the enemy aircraft NPC is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when the own device POB moves to the left, in the image F31 seen from the virtual camera C following the own device POB, the enemy aircraft NPC and the missile MI are displayed on the right side of the screen. Will be.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the own POB moves forward, the missile MI hits (crosses) the enemy aircraft NPC outside the field of view of the own POB, and the enemy is hit by the missile MI hit. When the durability value of the machine NPC becomes 0, it is determined that an effect has occurred.

  In the present embodiment, when an effect occurs, the enemy aircraft NPC and the missile MI are deleted (erased) from the object space, and an explosion object BO (an example of an effect object) is placed at the effect occurrence position EP. The effect occurrence position EP can be, for example, an arrangement position of the enemy aircraft NPC when the missile MI hits the enemy aircraft NPC, or a hit position between the missile MI and the enemy aircraft NPC. As shown in FIG. 13C, since the explosion object BO is outside the visual field range of the virtual camera C, the explosion object BO cannot be drawn as shown in the image F32.

(2) Effect Object Placement Method Example 1
First, an effect object placement method will be described based on the effect occurrence position EP.

  FIG. 14A shows an example of an effect object when an effect occurs. In the present embodiment, when an effect is generated, a process of placing the explosion object BO at the effect generation position EP is performed. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the effect occurrence position EP is outside the visual field range of the virtual camera C, the image F32 generated when the effect is generated cannot express the state of explosion. .

  FIG. 14B shows an example of an effect object when the own device moves forward (for example, one second after the effect occurs). In the present embodiment, the smoke object (an example of an effect object) EOB is arranged radially with the effect occurrence position EP as the time passes. That is, an effect image in which black smoke or the like is generated after the explosion is generated. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the smoke object EOB is arranged outside the visual field range of the virtual camera C, the generated image F33 cannot express the state in which smoke is generated. .

  FIG. 14C shows an example of the smoke object EOB when the own device further moves forward (for example, 2 seconds after the effect occurs). In this embodiment, when the time further elapses, each smoke object is arranged so that the smoke object is further diffused radially around the effect generation position EP. That is, each smoke object EOB is arranged based on the moving speed vector EV of each smoke object that is radially directed around the EP. However, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the smoke object EOB is arranged outside the visual field range of the virtual camera, the generated image F34 expresses how the smoke is diffused. I can't.

  These smoke objects EOB are arranged based on the movement speed vector EV of each smoke object, but are erased from the object space 3 seconds after the effect occurs.

(3) Example 2 of effect object placement method
According to the example 1 of the effect object arrangement method, if an effect object is arranged outside the visual field range of the virtual camera, an image representing the effect cannot be generated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method of calculating a specific position and arranging an effect object from the effect generation position toward the specific position is adopted. In this way, it is possible to increase the possibility of arranging the effect within the visual field range of the virtual camera. In addition, in which direction the effect has occurred can be predicted to some extent, and an effect with a more realistic feeling can be expressed.

  First, the specific position calculation method of this embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when an effect occurs, a process of calculating an estimated position (predicted position) 10 seconds after the own apparatus POB (after a predetermined period) as a specific position is performed based on movement information of the own apparatus POB. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, when the effect is generated, the specific position Q after 10 seconds is estimated based on the moving speed vector PV of the own apparatus POB.

  In the present embodiment, the estimated position 10 seconds after the virtual camera C may be calculated as the specific position based on the moving direction of the virtual camera C following the movement of the own device POB.

  In this embodiment, a process of arranging the smoke object EOB from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q is performed in the object space. That is, the process of arranging the smoke object EOB in the direction (specific direction) EQV from the effect occurrence position EP toward the specific position Q is performed.

  FIG. 15B shows an example of the smoke object EOB 1 second after the effect occurs. For example, in the present embodiment, the smoke object EOB is sequentially arranged toward the specific position Q as time elapses.

  FIG. 15C shows an example of the smoke object EOB 2 seconds after the effect occurs. For example, when the own machine POB moves in the direction of the moving speed vector PV (direction of the estimated position Q), the smoke object EOB is arranged within the visual field range of the virtual camera C. For example, since the smoke object EOB is drawn in the image F36 generated two seconds after the occurrence of the effect, it is possible to represent a situation in which a fighter such as an enemy aircraft is shot down.

  In the present embodiment, the process of arranging the smoke object EOB toward the specific position Q is performed until 3 seconds have elapsed since the effect occurred. Then, after placing the large explosion effect object 3 seconds after the effect is generated, the effect object is deleted.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 15C, in the image F36, the smoke object EOB is drawn on the right side of the screen, so that the effect is generated on the right side of the own device POB (the right side of the virtual camera C). Can be expressed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, if a method of calculating a specific position and arranging an effect object from the effect generation position toward the specific position, the effect object may be displayed on the screen (framed in). This increases the effect of producing the effect.

  Next, a case where there are a plurality of moving objects will be described. In the present embodiment, when generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body, a process of calculating a specific position is performed based on movement information of the specific moving body.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the case where the own aircraft POB1, the fighter aircraft POB2, and the fighter aircraft POB3 are present in the object space and an image seen from the virtual camera C1 following the own aircraft POB1 is generated, Based on the moving direction vector PV1, a process of calculating the estimated position Q1 10 seconds after the effect occurrence of the own apparatus POB1 as the specific position is performed. And in this embodiment, as shown to FIG. 17 (A), the process which arrange | positions an effect object is performed from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q1. In this way, when the own device POB1 moves close to the estimation, as shown in FIG. 17A, the effect object is placed in the visual field range of the virtual camera C1 following the movement of the own device POB1. Are arranged, and the player can generate an image with an effect effect.

  In other words, in this embodiment, when an image is generated by the virtual camera C1, the specific position calculated based on the moving speed vectors PV2 and PV3 of the fighters POB2 and POB3 following the other virtual cameras C2 and C3. Control is performed so that the effect object is not arranged toward Q2 and Q3. If the effect object is arranged toward the specific positions Q2 and Q3 calculated based on the moving directions of the fighters POB2 and POB3 following the virtual cameras C2 and C3, an unnatural image is generated. Because there is a possibility. For example, when the virtual camera C1 takes a picture of the smoke object EOB moving in the moving direction of the fighter POB2, an image that cannot be generated in the real world, for example, smoke is bent unnaturally. Will be generated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the specific position is calculated based on the moving direction of the object followed by the virtual camera used for drawing, and the effect object is arranged toward the specific position.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17B, when an image is generated based on the virtual camera C2, the specific position Q2 is calculated based on the moving direction vector PV2 of the fighter POB2 that the virtual camera C2 follows. Then, processing for arranging the effect object is performed from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q2. That is, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera C2 is generated in the object space in which the effect object is arranged from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q2. In this way, a natural image can be generated.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 17C, when an image is generated based on the virtual camera C3, the specific position Q3 is calculated based on the moving direction vector PV3 of the fighter POB3 followed by the virtual camera C3. Then, processing for arranging the effect object is performed from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q3. That is, an image that is visible from the virtual camera C3 is generated in the object space in which the effect object is arranged from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q3. In this way, a natural image can be generated.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of virtual cameras and the specific position is calculated based on the moving speed vector CMV of the virtual camera, the specific position is calculated based on the moving direction of the virtual camera used in the image generation of the drawing unit 120. Then, the effect object is arranged toward the calculated specific position. This is to avoid a situation in which an unnatural image that cannot occur in the real world is generated. For example, the virtual camera used for image generation of the drawing unit 120 is a virtual camera used for rendering processing and a vertex shader at a drawing frame (timing).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17A, in the case where virtual cameras C1 to C3 exist, when an image is generated based on the virtual camera C1, a predetermined value is set based on the moving speed vector CMV1 of the virtual camera C1. The specific position of the estimated position of the virtual camera C1 after the period is calculated, and the effect object is arranged toward the calculated specific position. In other words, when an image is generated based on the virtual camera C1, it is calculated based on the moving speed vector CMV2 of the virtual camera C2 (or a position calculated based on the moving speed vector CMV3 of the virtual camera C3). Controls not to place the effect object.

  In the present embodiment, there is a case where an image is generated based on a virtual camera arranged at world coordinates without following the movement of a moving object (own aircraft, enemy aircraft, fighter aircraft, etc.) existing in the object space. is there. In such a case, a method of arranging the effect object toward the specific position may be adopted, or a method of arranging the effect object based on the effect generation position (Example 1) may be adopted.

  In addition, when generating an image based on a target virtual camera that is controlled so as to gaze at the effect generation position, the effect generation position is not adopted without using the method of arranging the effect object toward the specific position. Based on the above, it is desirable to adopt a method (example 1) of arranging effect objects. This is because a natural effect image can be generated.

  Further, even if the virtual camera does not follow the movement of the moving object, if the virtual camera moves, the virtual camera moves after a predetermined period (for example, after 10 seconds) based on the moving speed vector of the virtual camera. ) May be calculated as the specific position, and the effect object may be arranged toward the calculated specific position.

  In consideration of the image generation process for replay, when performing the process of arranging the effect object toward the specific position, the position information and motion information of the normal object are stored in the storage unit as the data for replay. However, the position information and the motion information (rotation information) of each effect object may be controlled not to be stored in the storage unit as replay data. This is because if an effect object placed during game play is shot with a virtual camera for replay, an unnatural image is generated.

  When a replay image is generated by the replay virtual camera, the effect object is transferred to the replay virtual camera movement information (if the replay virtual camera follows the moving object, the replay virtual camera The specific position may be calculated on the basis of the movement information of the moving body that follows, and arranged toward the specific position.

(4) Speed of placing an effect object In this embodiment, when placing an effect object toward a specific position, the effect object is placed on the basis of a predefined placement speed (the placement distance of the effect object that advances per fixed period). The object may be arranged from the effect generation position toward the specific position.

  Further, when the effect object is arranged toward the specific position Q calculated based on the moving speed of the own apparatus POB (the moving speed of the virtual camera C following the own apparatus POB), the arrangement speed is set to the own apparatus POB. It may be calculated based on the moving speed of the POB or the moving speed of the virtual camera C.

  Also, in order to ensure that the effect object reaches the specific position during the effect event period (3 seconds) from when the effect occurs until the end of the effect, the distance from the effect generation position EP to the specific position Q per effect event period May be the arrangement speed. For example, it may not be practical to place an effect object toward a specific position in 3 seconds, such as the effect occurrence position EP is Tokyo and the specific position Q is Osaka. The arrangement speed may be obtained based on the above.

  The placement speed is based on the missile movement speed (the magnitude of the missile movement speed vector MIV) and the enemy aircraft movement speed (the magnitude of the enemy aircraft movement speed vector NV) when the missile collides with the enemy aircraft. You may ask for it.

(5) Method for Finding Specific Position in Real Time In this embodiment, when an effect object is arranged toward a specific position, the specific position may be calculated in real time (for each frame). This is because the effect object is more likely to be displayed on the screen.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18A, when an effect occurs, the specific position is determined based on the moving speed vector PVa of the own apparatus in the Nth frame (or the moving speed vector CMVa of the virtual camera that follows the movement of the own apparatus). Qa is calculated, and the effect object is arranged toward the specific position Qa. Then, the specific position Qb is calculated based on the moving speed vector PVb of the own apparatus in the (N + 1) th frame (or the moving speed vector CMVb of the virtual camera that follows the movement of the own apparatus), and the effect object is moved toward the specific position Qb. Deploy. Then, the specific position Qc is calculated based on the movement speed vector PVc of the own apparatus in the (N + 2) th frame (or the movement speed vector CMVc of the virtual camera that follows the movement of the own apparatus), and the effect object is moved toward the specific position Qc. Deploy. In this way, it is possible to increase the possibility that the effect object is arranged in the visual field range CA of the virtual camera that follows the moving body. For example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the effect object EOB is arranged from the effect occurrence position EP toward a specific position updated in units of frames.

(6) Method for obtaining a specific position based on the line-of-sight direction In the present embodiment, when the effect object is arranged toward the specific position, the specific position is calculated based on the line-of-sight direction CV of the virtual camera. Also good. This is because the effect object is more likely to be displayed on the screen.

  For example, in the case of a hovering such as a helicopter (which can be stopped in the air) or a moving body that can move vertically and horizontally from the hovering state, the direction of the line-of-sight direction CV and the moving speed vector PV of the moving body may be different ( The direction of the line-of-sight direction CV may be different from the direction of the moving speed vector CMV of the virtual camera). In such a case, it is desirable to calculate the specific position based on the line-of-sight direction CV so that the effect object is displayed.

  This will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, when the direction of the line-of-sight direction CV of the virtual camera C and the direction of the moving speed vector PV of the own apparatus POB that the virtual camera C follows are different, the moving speed vector PV of the own apparatus POB Assuming that the estimated position after 10 seconds calculated based on this is the specific position Q, the effect object EOB is arranged from the effect generation position EP toward the specific position Q. However, as shown in FIG. 19B, the moving object moves in the direction of the moving speed vector PV (the moving speed vector of the virtual camera C) until the effect event period elapses (until 3 seconds elapse from the time of the effect occurrence). Even if it rises in the CMV direction), the effect object EOB is not arranged in the visual field range of the virtual camera C, and an image with an effect effect cannot be generated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, processing for calculating the specific position is performed as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 19C, estimation after a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds later) based on the moving speed vector PV of the own device at the time of effect occurrence (or the moving speed vector CMV of the virtual camera C). The position Q is calculated. Then, based on the line-of-sight direction CV when the effect is generated, a position I based on the estimated line-of-sight direction CV ′ with the estimated position Q as a viewpoint is calculated as a specific position. For example, the line-of-sight direction CV ′ is set in the same direction as the line-of-sight direction CV when the effect is generated. For example, a position (for example, a gazing point) within the estimated visual field range CA ′ with the estimated position Q as the viewpoint may be calculated as the specific position.

  In this way, even when the direction of the line-of-sight direction CV and the direction of the moving speed vector PV of the moving object are different, or when the direction of the line-of-sight direction CV and the direction of the moving speed vector CMV of the virtual camera are different, the effect object is displayed on the screen. An image that can be displayed can be generated.

(7) Network System In this embodiment, an online flight shooting game can be realized by transmitting and receiving data to and from a plurality of terminals via a network.

  20 and 21 are diagrams showing the configuration of the network system of this embodiment. For example, in the network system of the present embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the plurality of terminals GT1 to GT3, and the owner of each terminal GT1 to GT3 can perform a battle play or a cooperative play.

  As an aspect of wireless communication, as shown in FIG. 20, an ad hoc mode in which each terminal GT1 to GT3 constructs a network in an autonomous and distributed manner and directly transmits / receives a packet including game information and the like is shown in FIG. As described above, there is an infrastructure mode in which each terminal GT1 to GT3 indirectly transmits / receives a packet including game information and the like via the access point ACSP. In the infrastructure mode, the Internet Inet (public communication network) can be accessed through the access point ACSP. Each terminal GT1 to GT3 can transmit / receive a packet including game information or firmware update information to / from the game server GS connected to the Internet Inet via the access point ACSP.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, each terminal performs processing for transmitting / receiving effect generation information to / from each other. For example, in the terminal GT1, when it is determined that the moving object POB1 (moving object operated by the player 1) of the terminal GT1 has made a missile attack on the enemy aircraft NPC and shot down the enemy aircraft NPC, Along with the ID, information indicating that the enemy aircraft NPC has been shot down is transmitted to other terminals GT2 and GT3 as effect occurrence information.

  For example, the terminal GT1 has the effect generation position GT1_EP generated with the shooting down of the enemy aircraft NPC controlled by the terminal GT1, the movement speed vector GT1_PV of the own device POB1 controlled by the terminal GT1, or the own device POB1. Based on the movement speed vector GT1_CMV of the virtual camera C1 following the movement, a process of calculating the specific position GT1_Q in the object space of the terminal GT1 is performed. Then, in the object space of the terminal GT1, processing for arranging the effect object is performed from the effect generation position GT1_EP toward the specific position GT1_Q.

  Further, when receiving the effect occurrence information from the terminal GT1, the terminal GT2 analyzes the effect occurrence information and determines that the enemy aircraft NPC has shot down. Then, processing for arranging the effect object is performed in the object space of the terminal GT2 with the arrangement position of the enemy aircraft NPC as the effect generation position GT2_EP.

  For example, the terminal GT2 sets the movement speed vector GT2_PV of the own apparatus POB2 (moving body operated by the player 2) controlled by the terminal GT2 (or the movement speed vector GT2_CMV of the virtual camera C2 following the movement of the own apparatus POB2). Based on this, a process of calculating the specific position GT2_Q in the object space of the terminal GT2 is performed. Then, in the object space of the terminal GT2, processing for arranging the effect object is performed from the effect generation position GT2_EP toward the specific position GT2_Q.

  Also in the terminal GT3, in the object space of the terminal GT3, the moving speed vector GT3_PV (or the virtual camera that follows the movement of the own apparatus POB3) of the own apparatus POB3 (moving body operated by the player 3) controlled by the terminal GT3. Based on the moving speed vector GT3_CMV of C3, a process of calculating the specific position GT3_Q in the object space of the terminal GT3 is performed. Then, in the object space of the terminal GT3, processing for arranging the effect object is performed from the effect generation position GT3_EP toward the specific position GT3_Q.

  As described above, in the network system according to the present embodiment, each terminal transmits and receives effect generation information to each other, and each terminal independently controls a specific position calculation process, an effect arrangement process, and a drawing process. That is, since each terminal does not share the arrangement position of the effect object, it is possible to perform natural effect presentation processing according to each terminal.

(8) Example of effect object In the present embodiment, the method of arranging effect objects such as explosion, flame, and smoke has been described. For example, a debris object (particle or the like) for producing a state in which a fighter is destroyed. May be moved toward a specific position. That is, the method of moving and arranging the fragment object is also included in the arrangement of the effect object of this embodiment. In this embodiment, when a fighter is shot down, the shot down fighter itself may be arranged in the object space as an effect object. That is, the method of moving and arranging the shot down fighter plane toward the specific position is also included in the arrangement of the effect objects of this embodiment. If a fighter is shot down, switch from a normal fighter (before destruction) to a fighter for destruction (a fighter that has been partially destroyed), May be moved toward a specific position.

  When so-called billboard display is performed, a texture representing an effect (explosion, flame, smoke, etc.) is mapped to an object (sprite, polygon), and the object to which the effect texture is mapped is mapped to the virtual camera C. Are arranged in the object space so as to face the line-of-sight direction CV (so that the direction of the object is opposite to the line-of-sight direction CV).

(9) Flowchart The flow of processing for placing an effect object when the virtual camera follows the movement of its own POB and the missile MI launched from its own POB has shot down the enemy NPC will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

  First, it is determined whether or not the durability value of the enemy aircraft NPC is 0 (step S31). When the durability value of the enemy aircraft NPC is 0 (Y in step S31), the position Q of the own aircraft POB after 10 seconds is calculated (estimated) based on the moving speed vector PV of the own aircraft POB when the effect occurs. (Step S32). Then, the effect object is arranged from the effect occurrence position EP toward the position Q (step S33).

(10) Combined use with scaling processing The effect object of the present embodiment calculates the magnification based on the virtual camera position CP and the position of the effect object, performs the scaling processing based on the calculated magnification, You may make it arrange | position the scaled effect object in object space. In this way, a more powerful image can be generated.

4). Game Process In this embodiment, a flight shooting game process is performed. For example, in the present embodiment, when a machine gun is fired based on the player's shooting input information, the ray in the direction of the movement vector of the machine gun is determined to intersect with the hit volume of the enemy aircraft. If it is determined, it is determined that the enemy aircraft has been hit.

  In this embodiment, the enemy volume hit volume used in the intersection determination is not subjected to the scaling process, but the hit volume may be scaled based on the magnification used in the scaling process. In other words, the magnification received from the magnification control unit 113 may be applied to the model data of the object and also to the corresponding hit model. In this way, the enemy aircraft can be easily shot down, so that an appropriate game environment can be provided for a player with no skill such as a beginner.

5. Application Example In the present embodiment, when scaling processing is performed, the magnification may be calculated based on the history of the direction of the line of sight and the direction from the virtual camera to the object, or the history of the distance between the virtual camera and the object. Good. For example, “the direction of the line of sight and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object” of each frame from the drawing frame to a predetermined period before (for example, each frame from the Nth frame to 60 frames before if the drawing frame is the Nth frame) Is stored in the storage unit as angle history information. Then, the magnification may be calculated based on the angle history information. Further, the “distance between the virtual camera and the object” of each frame from the drawing frame to a predetermined period before is stored in the storage unit as distance history information. Then, the magnification may be calculated based on the distance history information.

  For example, referring to the angle history information, the angle between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the virtual camera to the object is predetermined for a predetermined period (for example, when the drawing frame is the Nth frame, from the Nth frame to 60 frames before). When it is within the range (for example, the angle is within 15 degrees), the magnification of the object may be changed. In this way, the object can be enlarged and kept easy by aiming at the center of the screen.

  Further, referring to the angle history information, the angle of the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the virtual camera to the object in a plurality of frames (for example, each frame from the Nth frame to 60 frames before if the drawing frame is the Nth frame) The magnification may be calculated based on the average value. Further, the magnification may be calculated based on the average value of the distance between the virtual camera and the object in a plurality of frames with reference to the distance history information. In this way, even when the position of the object changes suddenly, the change in magnification can be moderated.

  In addition, referring to the angle history information, the magnification may be calculated based on the viewing direction before a predetermined frame (for example, 30 frames before the drawing frame) and the angle in the direction from the virtual camera toward the object. Further, the magnification may be calculated based on the distance between the virtual camera and the object before a predetermined frame (for example, 30 frames before the drawing frame) with reference to the distance history information. Alternatively, the angle or distance after a predetermined frame may be predicted based on the angle history information or the distance history information, and the magnification may be determined based on the predicted angle or distance.

100 processing unit, 110 receiving unit, 111 object placement unit,
111a Effect object placement section,
112 movement / motion processing unit, 112a movement processing unit,
113 magnification control unit, 114 scaling processing unit, 115 game calculation unit,
116 determination unit, 117 calculation unit, 118 virtual camera control unit, 119 communication control unit,
120 drawing units, 130 sound processing units, 160 input units, 162 detection units,
170 storage unit, 171 main storage unit, 172 image buffer,
173 Object data storage unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit,
192 sound output unit, 196 communication unit,
C virtual camera, C1 to C3 virtual camera, CP viewpoint position, CV viewing direction,
CA field of view,
CMV virtual camera moving velocity vector, Ec gaze direction unit vector,
OB1 to OB6 objects, NPC enemy aircraft (an example of a moving object),
POB own machine (an example of a moving body),
PV Movement speed vector of own machine, P0 Representative point (center position) of own machine,
OV direction from the virtual camera to the object,
Eo A unit vector of vectors from the virtual camera to the object,
P1, P2, P10 to P16 arrangement position,
θ, θ1, θ2 Angles between the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the virtual camera toward the object,
K magnification,
K1, a magnification calculated based on the line-of-sight direction and the direction from the viewpoint to the object,
K2 Magnification calculated based on the distance from the virtual camera to the object,
D Distance from the viewpoint of the virtual camera to the object,
F1-15, F20, F21, F30-F36 images,
BO Explosion object (an example of an effect object),
EOB smoke object (an example of an effect object),
EV The speed vector of the smoke object,
EP effect occurrence position,
Q, Q1-Q3 specific position,
EQV, EQV1, EQV2, EQV3 specific direction,
Movement speed vector of MI missile object, MIV missile object

Claims (15)

A program for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in an object space,
In the object space, a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a moving body based on input information of the input unit;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera to follow the movement of the moving body;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
A program that causes a computer to function as a drawing unit that performs processing for generating an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera. In claim 1,
The calculation unit
The program for calculating the specific position based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the moving body. In claim 1 or 2,
The calculation unit
A program that estimates a position of the moving body after a predetermined period based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the moving body and sets the estimated position as the specific position. In any one of Claims 1-3,
When the drawing unit generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera that follows the movement of a specific moving body among a plurality of moving bodies existing in the object space,
The calculation unit
Based on the movement information of the specific moving body, processing to calculate a specific position,
The effect object placement unit is
The program which performs the process which arrange | positions an effect object toward the said specific position calculated based on the movement information of the said specific moving body. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The program is a program for a first terminal,
The first terminal further functions as a communication control unit that performs processing for transmitting and receiving data including effect generation information to and from the second terminal via a network,
The determination unit of the first terminal
When effect occurrence information is received from the second terminal, a process is performed to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The calculation unit of the first terminal
Based on the movement information of the mobile body that performs the movement process on the one terminal, a process of calculating a specific position is performed,
The effect object placement unit of the first terminal is
A process of placing an effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the moving body that performs a movement process on the first terminal,
The drawing unit of the first terminal is
The program which performs the process which produces | generates the image seen from the virtual camera which follows the movement of the said mobile body which performs a movement process with a said 1st terminal. A program for generating an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in an object space,
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
A program that causes a computer to function as a drawing unit that performs processing for generating an image that can be viewed from the virtual camera. In claim 6,
The calculation unit
The program for calculating the specific position based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the virtual camera. In claim 6 or 7,
The calculation unit
A program that estimates a position of the virtual camera after a predetermined period based on a moving speed and a moving direction of the virtual camera and sets the estimated position as the specific position. In any one of Claims 6-8,
When the drawing unit generates an image that can be seen from any one of a plurality of virtual cameras,
The calculation unit
Based on the movement information of the virtual camera used in the image generation, a specific position is calculated,
The effect object placement unit is
The program which performs the process which arrange | positions an effect object toward the said specific position calculated based on the movement information of the virtual camera used by the said image generation. In any one of Claims 6-9,
The program is a program for a first terminal,
The first terminal further functions as a communication control unit that performs processing for transmitting and receiving data including effect generation information to and from the second terminal via a network,
The determination unit of the first terminal
When effect occurrence information is received from the second terminal, a process is performed to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The calculation unit of the first terminal
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a process of calculating a specific position is performed based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the one terminal,
The effect object placement unit of the first terminal is
A process of arranging an effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the one terminal;
The drawing unit of the first terminal is
The program which performs the process which produces | generates the image seen from the said virtual camera controlled by said 1 terminal.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is stored. A terminal that performs processing to generate an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
In the object space, a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a moving body based on input information of the input unit;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera to follow the movement of the moving body;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
And a drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image that is visible from the virtual camera. A terminal that performs processing to generate an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
And a drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image that is visible from the virtual camera. A network system in which a first terminal and a second terminal that perform processing for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera in an object space perform processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other via a network,
Each terminal
A communication control unit that performs processing to transmit / receive data including effect generation information to / from other terminals via a network;
In the object space, a movement processing unit that performs a process of moving a moving body based on input information of the input unit;
A virtual camera control unit that controls the virtual camera to follow the movement of the moving body;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the moving body when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
A drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera,
The determination unit of the first terminal
When effect occurrence information is received from the second terminal, a process is performed to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The calculation unit of the first terminal
Based on the movement information of the mobile body that performs the movement process on the one terminal, a process of calculating a specific position is performed,
The effect object placement unit of the first terminal is
A process of placing an effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the moving body that performs a movement process on the first terminal,
The drawing unit of the first terminal is
A network system that performs processing for generating an image that can be seen from a virtual camera that follows movement of the moving object that performs movement processing on the first terminal. A network system in which a first terminal and a second terminal that perform processing for generating an image viewed from a virtual camera in an object space perform processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from each other via a network,
Each terminal
A communication control unit that performs processing to transmit / receive data including effect generation information to / from other terminals via a network;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a predetermined condition for generating an effect in the object space is satisfied;
A calculation unit that performs a process of calculating a specific position based on movement information of the virtual camera when the predetermined condition is satisfied;
In the object space, an effect object placement unit that performs a process of placing an effect object from the effect occurrence position toward the specific position;
A drawing unit that performs a process of generating an image visible from the virtual camera,
The determination unit of the first terminal
When effect occurrence information is received from the second terminal, a process is performed to determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied,
The calculation unit of the first terminal
When the predetermined condition is satisfied, a process of calculating a specific position is performed based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the one terminal,
The effect object placement unit of the first terminal is
A process of arranging an effect object toward the specific position calculated based on movement information of the virtual camera controlled by the one terminal;
The drawing unit of the first terminal is
A network system that performs processing for generating an image that can be seen from the virtual camera controlled by the one terminal.