JP2011216032A - Three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a three-dimensional computer graphic drawing system capable of obtaining a plurality of kinds of three-dimensional computer graphics in real time from one image datum.SOLUTION: This invention is based on knowledge that a drawing target is identified by an image ID, and processing in correspondence with the image ID is executed, and the three-dimensional computer graphics can be achieved at high speed with low power consumption while minimizing a hardware scale. The three-dimensional computer graphic drawing system includes a geometry processing part 11, a rasterizing processing part 12, a coloring processing part 13, and a buffer 14.

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  In recent years, techniques for obtaining and displaying a plurality of types of three-dimensional computer graphics based on one image, such as a multi-display and a stereoscopic image moving image, have been developed.

  Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-116856 discloses a method for managing scene data when drawing from a plurality of viewpoints. This method cannot actually perform the drawing of a plurality of viewpoints faster.

JP 2009-116856 A

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system that can obtain a plurality of types of three-dimensional computer graphics in real time from one image data.

  The present invention basically obtains 3D computer graphics at high speed and with low power consumption while minimizing the hardware scale by identifying a drawing target by an image ID and performing processing according to the image ID. It is based on the knowledge that it is possible.

  A first aspect of the present invention relates to a three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system. The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system includes a geometry processing unit 11, a rasterization processing unit 12, a color processing unit 13, and a buffer 14.

  The geometry processing unit 11 is an element that performs geometry processing on input drawing primitive data. The geometry processing unit 11 includes an image ID adding unit 13 that adds an image ID to the drawing primitive data, and a geometry calculating unit 16 that performs a geometry calculation according to the image ID added by the image ID adding unit. The geometry processing unit 11 outputs the primitive data subjected to the geometry calculation together with the image ID.

  The rasterization processing unit 12 is an element for performing rasterization processing on polygon data subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit. The rasterization processing unit 12 includes a first image ID determination unit 17 for determining an image ID, and a rasterization calculation unit 18 that performs a rasterization calculation according to the image ID determined by the first image ID determination unit. . The rasterization processing unit 12 outputs the image data subjected to the rasterization calculation together with the image ID.

  The color processing unit 13 is an element for performing color processing on the image data that has been rasterized by the rasterization processing unit. The color processing unit 13 includes a second image ID determination unit 19 for determining an image ID, and a color calculation unit 20 that performs color calculation according to the image ID determined by the second image ID determination unit. . The color processing unit 13 outputs the image data subjected to the color calculation together with the image ID.

  The buffer 14 is an element for storing image data that has undergone color processing. The buffer 14 has a target buffer 21 specified by an image ID, and image data input to the buffer 14 is stored in the target buffer 21 corresponding to the image ID.

  A preferred embodiment of the first aspect further includes a second image ID adding unit 33 for adding an image ID to the drawing primitive data.

  In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the geometry calculation unit 16 includes a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32. Then, the geometric conversion processing unit 31 performs geometric calculation according to the image ID, and the light source calculation processing unit 32 performs light source calculation according to the image ID.

  In a preferred aspect of the first aspect, the geometry calculation unit 16 includes a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32. The geometric transformation processing unit 31 includes a plurality of geometric transformation processing elements that perform geometric computation for each group of image IDs, and the light source computation processing unit 32 performs a plurality of light source computations that perform light source computation for each group of image IDs. Has an element.

  In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the rasterization calculation unit 18 includes a rasterization processing core unit 35 and a parameter interpolation processing unit 36. The rasterization processing core unit 35 includes a plurality of rasterization processing core elements that perform operations for each group of image IDs. The parameter interpolation processing unit 36 includes a plurality of parameter interpolation elements that perform parameter interpolation calculation for each group of image IDs.

  In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the color calculation unit 20 is a color blending unit 37 that performs color blending calculation, a depth value processing unit 38 that performs depth value calculation, and a color obtained by the color blending unit 37 based on the image ID. A color and depth value cache unit 39 for storing the blending value and the depth value obtained by the depth value processing unit 38 is provided.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a multi-display system including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a stereoscopic display system including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred usage mode of the first aspect relates to a computer including the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred usage mode of the first aspect relates to a game machine including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a mobile phone including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred mode of use of the first aspect relates to a navigation system comprising the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred mode of use of the first aspect relates to a slot machine having the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a 3D computer graphics drawing system capable of obtaining a plurality of types of 3D computer graphics in real time from one image data.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the geometry calculation unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a rasterize calculation unit. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a preferred color processing unit of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a preferred color writing unit of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-display system. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment (computer) of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment (game machine) according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (a mobile phone with a computer graphic function). FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment (navigation system) of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main control circuit 361 of the pachislot machine. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a sub control circuit of the pachislot machine.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system of the present invention includes a geometry processing unit 11, a rasterization processing unit 12, a color processing unit 13, and a buffer 14.

  The geometry processing unit 11 is an element that performs geometry processing on input drawing primitive data. That is, the geometry processing unit 11 performs coordinate conversion processing for each vertex of the primitive. The geometry processing unit 11 includes an image ID adding unit 13 that adds an image ID to the drawing primitive data, and a geometry calculating unit 16 that performs a geometry calculation according to the image ID added by the image ID adding unit. The geometry processing unit 11 outputs the primitive data subjected to the geometry calculation together with the image ID.

  The geometry calculation unit 16 includes a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32. Then, the geometric conversion processing unit 31 performs geometric calculation according to the image ID, and the light source calculation processing unit 32 performs light source calculation according to the image ID. For example, the storage unit has a conversion matrix corresponding to the image ID, and the matrix conversion corresponding to the image ID may be performed. In this way, geometric conversion corresponding to a plurality of viewpoints and a plurality of display ranges can be performed. Furthermore, by arranging a plurality of the same geometric transformation processing unit 31 and the same light source calculation processing unit 32 in parallel, the above-described processing can be performed, thereby making it possible to reduce the system and to speed up the processing of the system. Can be made.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the geometry calculation unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the geometry calculation unit 16 includes a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32. The geometric transformation processing unit 31 includes a plurality of geometric transformation processing elements that perform geometric computation for each group of image IDs, and the light source computation processing unit 32 performs a plurality of light source computations that perform light source computation for each group of image IDs. Has an element.

  The vertices and the attributes of the vertices, which are primitive data, are input to the geometry calculation unit 16 via the input interface 41. Then, the geometric conversion processing unit 31 and the light source calculation processing unit 32 corresponding to the image ID are selected in advance so that the image ID adding unit 13 can read the image ID. In addition, a control signal for adding each image ID may be input to the image ID adding unit 13 according to processing. For example, in the case of obtaining a stereoscopic image, the geometry calculation unit 16 includes a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32 for the right eye, and a geometric conversion processing unit 31 and a light source calculation processing unit 32 for the left eye. It suffices that the ID can be selected. The image ID adding unit 13 adds an image ID to the primitive data.

  The plurality of geometric conversion processing units 31 and the light source calculation processing unit 32 can be designated by image IDs, respectively, and can perform different types of geometric conversion processing and light source calculation processing. Also good. In this case, the image ID adding unit may receive information regarding the corresponding geometric transformation process and light source calculation process, and add an image ID corresponding to the process to the primitive data.

  The primitive data that has undergone processing in the plurality of geometric transformation processing units 31 and the light source calculation processing unit 32 is output via the output interface 42.

A processing example of the geometry calculation unit is as follows. The input triangle data is applied to each of the transformation matrices T ₁ -T _n specified in advance to generate a plurality of triangles. At this time, an image output ID is added at the same time and output to the subsequent stage. After that, the rasterization processing unit performs rasterization processing to sample each triangle for each triangle. When this rasterization is performed, each triangle may be processed in parallel, in the order of input, or may be performed while changing each image output ID in block units (block 1-Image ID1, Block 1-Image ID2,
Block 1-image ID 3, block 2-image ID 1, block 2-image ID 2, block 1-image ID 3. . . ).

  The rasterization processing unit 12 is an element for performing rasterization processing on polygon data subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit. The rasterization processing unit 12 includes a first image ID determination unit 17 for determining an image ID, and a rasterization calculation unit 18 that performs a rasterization calculation according to the image ID determined by the first image ID determination unit. . The rasterization processing unit 12 outputs the image data subjected to the rasterization calculation together with the image ID.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a rasterize calculation unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the rasterization calculation unit 18 includes a rasterization processing core unit 35 and a parameter interpolation processing unit 36. The rasterization processing core unit is a core unit for performing rasterization processing. An example of the core part is an IP core. The rasterization processing core unit temporarily stores data and performs processing for determining a data path. The parameter interpolation processing unit 36 is an element for interpolating various parameters between vertices. The rasterization processing core unit 35 includes a plurality of rasterization processing core elements that perform operations for each group of image IDs. The parameter interpolation processing unit 36 includes a plurality of parameter interpolation elements that perform parameter interpolation calculation for each group of image IDs.

  The primitive vertices, the attribute information corresponding to the vertices, and the image ID are input to the input interface unit 43. For example, preprocessing relating to vertices including clipping processing, viewport processing, and interpolation parameter calculation processing is performed by the preprocessing unit 44. The preprocessed image data is transmitted to the rasterization processing core unit 35 according to the image ID. Then, in the rasterization processing core unit 35, for example, image data is stored in accordance with the image ID and is sent to the parameter interpolation processing unit 36 that performs appropriate parameter processing. Thereafter, the data is output from the output interface 44 together with the x and y coordinates, the attribute information, and the image ID indicating the sampling position of the pixel.

  When the system of the present invention is used for multiple monitors, it is preferable that the rasterization processing core unit 35 and the parameter interpolation processing unit 36 exist for each screen block. By doing so, processing can be performed quickly.

  The color processing unit 13 is an element for performing color processing on the image data that has been rasterized by the rasterization processing unit. The color processing unit 13 includes a second image ID determination unit 19 for determining an image ID, and a color calculation unit 20 that performs color calculation according to the image ID determined by the second image ID determination unit. . The color processing unit 13 outputs the image data subjected to the color calculation together with the image ID. The color processing unit may perform color processing in normal computer graphics processing that is not based on the image ID. However, as described later, the image ID is also transmitted to the color processing unit 13, and the image data subjected to color processing according to the image ID is stored in the target buffer 21.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a preferred color processing unit of the present invention. In this example, the color processing unit includes a texture processing unit 45 that performs texture processing and a texture database 46 that stores texture data. Texture processing is already known in the field of computer graphics. Therefore, a known texture processing unit can be employed in the present invention. Further, in the example of FIG. 4, the color processing unit 13 includes a color writing unit 46. The color writing unit 46 stores the image data in any of the target buffers 21 based on the input image ID.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a preferred color writing unit of the present invention. In this example, the color writing unit includes a color blending unit 37 that performs a color blending operation, a depth value processing unit 38 that performs a depth value calculation, a color blending value obtained by the color blending unit 37 based on an image ID, and a depth. A color and depth value cache unit 39 for storing the depth value obtained by the value processing unit 38 is provided.

  That is, pixel data that has undergone texture processing and color processing in the color processing unit is transmitted via the input interface 51. Pixel data is input from the input interface 51 to the color blending unit 37 and the depth value processing unit 38. The color blending value obtained by the color blending unit 37 and the depth value obtained by the depth value processing unit 38 are stored in the color and depth value cache unit 39 based on the image ID. Then, at a necessary timing, writing to the external memory is performed via the memory access arbitration and output interface 53.

  The buffer 14 is an element for storing image data that has undergone color processing. The buffer 14 has a target buffer 21 specified by an image ID, and image data input to the buffer 14 is stored in the target buffer 21 corresponding to the image ID.

  A preferred embodiment of the first aspect further includes a second image ID adding unit 33 for adding an image ID to the drawing primitive data.

  In this example, for example, the image ID is input to the geometry processing unit 11 together with the primitive data. Various arithmetic processes are performed using the image ID. In this case, since an image ID can be designated from the outside, various image processing can be performed.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a multi-display system including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system. By using the system of the present invention for a 360-degree display or a large display consisting of multiple displays, multiple images can be generated simultaneously with a single triangle data, and memory is highly efficient with low delay and optimized buffer size. Access can be realized. Also, by loading the image ID on the input data, efficient command drawing can be generated.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multi-display system. An image viewed from a plurality of viewpoints drawn from the 3D graphics drawing unit is output from a plurality of image output interfaces. At this time, data necessary for 3D graphics drawing, such as polygon data, is once read from the 3D graphics drawing unit and simultaneously drawn in a plurality of image buffers. The present invention relates to a 3D graphics processing unit that performs this simultaneous drawing.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a stereoscopic display system including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system. As an output for a 3D display that realizes stereoscopic vision, it is necessary to generate images for the right eye and the left eye. At this time, by using the system of the present invention, it is possible to generate images for the right eye and the left eye with a single input of triangle data, and because the difference in the geometry position is small, texture memory access cache, memory access for color and depth values The cache can be used efficiently.

  A preferred usage mode of the first aspect relates to a computer including the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred usage mode of the first aspect relates to a game machine including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferable usage mode of the first aspect relates to a mobile phone including the above-described three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred mode of use of the first aspect relates to a navigation system comprising the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

  A preferred mode of use of the first aspect relates to a slot machine having the above three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system.

[Computer configuration]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an embodiment (computer) of the present invention. This embodiment relates to a computer based on computer graphics (such as a graphic computer). As shown in FIG. 7, the computer 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a geometry calculation unit such as a geometry calculation circuit 103, a rendering unit such as a renderer 104, a texture generation unit such as a texture generation circuit 105, and an illumination processing circuit. An illumination processing unit such as 107, a display information creation unit such as a display circuit 108, a frame buffer 109, and a monitor 110 are provided. These elements are connected by a bus or the like and can transmit data to each other. In addition, a storage unit including a main memory (not shown), various tables, a work memory 111 serving as a work area, a texture memory 112 storing textures, and the like may be included. The hardware constituting each unit is connected via a bus, for example. The storage unit may be configured by a RAM such as a VRAM, a CR-ROM, a DVD, a hard disk, or the like.

  A central processing unit (CPU) 102 is a device for controlling a program or the like for generating an image. The work memory 111 may store data used by the CPU 102, a display list, and the like. Then, the CPU 102 may read a program or the like stored in the main memory and perform a predetermined process. However, the predetermined processing may be performed only by hardware processing. For example, the CPU 102 reads polygon data as world coordinate three-dimensional object data from the work memory 111 and outputs the polygon data to the geometry calculation circuit 103. Specifically, a processor having a main processor, a coprocessor, a data processor, four arithmetic operation circuits, a general-purpose operation circuit, or the like as appropriate. These are connected by a bus or the like so that signals can be exchanged. In addition, a data expansion processor for expanding compressed information may be provided.

  The geometry calculation circuit 103 is a circuit for performing coordinate conversion or the like on the input polygon data to data in a viewpoint coordinate system with the viewpoint as the origin. The geometry calculation circuit 103 outputs the processed polygon data to the renderer 104. Specific geometry operation circuits include a geometry processor, coprocessor, data processor, four arithmetic operation circuit, or general-purpose operation circuit connected to the main processor through a bus.

  The renderer 104 is a circuit or device for converting polygon unit data into pixel unit data. The renderer 104 outputs data in units of pixels to the texture generation circuit 105. Specific examples of the renderer 104 include a data processor, four arithmetic operation circuits, or a general-purpose arithmetic circuit connected to the main processor through a bus.

  The texture generation circuit 105 is a circuit for generating a texture color in units of pixels based on the texture data stored in the texture memory 112. The texture generation circuit 105 outputs pixel unit data having texture color information to the illumination processing circuit 107. Specific examples of the texture generation circuit 105 include a data processor connected to the main processor through a bus, a four arithmetic operation circuit, or a general-purpose operation circuit.

  The illumination processing circuit 107 is a circuit for performing shading on a polygon having texture color information using a normal vector, a barycentric coordinate, and the like in pixel units. The illumination processing circuit 107 outputs the shaded image data to the display circuit 108. Specific examples of the illumination processing circuit 107 include a data processing processor, four arithmetic operation circuits, or a general-purpose operation circuit connected to the main processor through a bus. Then, information relating to light may be appropriately read out from a table stored in the memory and the like to perform shading.

  The display circuit 108 is a circuit for writing the image data input from the illumination processing circuit 107 to the frame buffer 109, reading the image data written in the frame buffer 109, and controlling it to obtain display image information. The display circuit 108 outputs the display image information to the monitor 110. Specific examples of the display circuit include a drawing processor, a data processor, four arithmetic operation circuits, and a general-purpose operation circuit connected to the main processor through a bus.

  The monitor 110 is a device for displaying a computer graphics image in accordance with input display image information.

  Since the computer of the present invention includes the image generation apparatus of the present invention as a renderer, a texture generation circuit, and a display device, the scale of hardware can be reduced by sharing the circuit elements in these. In addition, by applying the geometry part to 2D vector images, it is possible to perform geometry conversion on 2D vector images, and shape transformation and scaling by matrix operations can be performed on vector images without adding dedicated hardware or software operations. Can be done. In addition, 2D and 3D display commands that have been treated as separate objects can be handled in a unified manner, and the composition of these 2D / 3D images can be performed at the same time. The situation which becomes complicated can be prevented effectively.

[Computer operation]
Hereinafter, an operation example of generating an image using a computer will be described. The CPU 102 reads polygon data from the work memory 111 and outputs the polygon data to the geometry calculation circuit 103. The geometry calculation circuit 103 performs processing such as coordinate conversion of the input polygon data into data of a viewpoint coordinate system with the viewpoint as the origin. The geometry calculation circuit 103 outputs the processed polygon data to the renderer 104. The renderer 104 converts polygon unit data into pixel unit data. The renderer 104 and the texture generation circuit 105 generate a texture color in units of pixels based on the texture data stored in the texture memory 112. The texture generation circuit 105 outputs pixel unit data having texture color information to the illumination processing circuit 107. The illumination processing circuit 107 shades a polygon having texture color information using a normal vector, barycentric coordinates, etc. in pixel units. The illumination processing circuit 107 outputs the shaded image data to the display circuit 108. The display circuit 108 writes the image data input from the illumination processing circuit 107 into the frame buffer 109, reads out the image data written into the frame buffer 109, and obtains display image information. At the same time, 2D / 3D synthesis processing can be performed by using information such as an edge buffer. The display circuit 108 outputs the display image information to the monitor 110. The monitor 110 displays a computer graphics image according to the input display image information.

  Since the computer of the present invention includes the image generation apparatus of the present invention as a renderer, a texture generation circuit, and a display device, the scale of hardware can be reduced by sharing the circuit elements in these. In addition, by applying the geometry part to 2D vector images, it is possible to perform geometry conversion on 2D vector images, and shape transformation and scaling by matrix operations can be performed on vector images without adding dedicated hardware or software operations. Can be done. In addition, 2D / vector and 3D display commands that have been handled as separate objects can be handled in a unified manner, and the 2D / 3D and vector images can be combined simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the system from becoming complicated.

[Game console configuration]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment (game machine) according to the present invention. The embodiment represented by this block diagram can be suitably used particularly as a portable, home or business game machine. Therefore, in the following, it will be described as a game machine. Note that the game machine shown in the figure may include at least the processing unit 200 (or may include the processing unit 200 and the storage unit 270, or the processing unit 200, the storage unit 270, and the information storage medium 280). These blocks (for example, the operation unit 260, the display unit 290, the sound output unit 292, the portable information storage device 294, and the communication unit 296) can be arbitrary constituent elements.

  The processing unit 200 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, and sound processing. The function of the processing unit 200 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.) and a given program (game program).

  The operation unit 260 is for the player to input operation data. The function of the operation unit 260 can be realized by, for example, a controller including a lever, a button, an outer frame, and hardware. In particular, in the case of a portable game machine, the operation unit 260 may be formed integrally with the game machine body. Processing information from the controller is transmitted to the main processor via a serial interface (I / F) or bus.

  The storage unit 270 is a work area such as the processing unit 200 or the communication unit 296. In addition, programs and various tables may be stored. The storage unit 270 may include, for example, a main memory 272, a frame buffer 274, and a texture storage unit 276, and may also store various tables. The function of the storage unit 270 can be realized by hardware such as ROM and RAM. Examples of the RAM include VRAM, DRAM, and SRAM, and may be appropriately selected depending on the application. A VRAM or the like constituting the frame buffer 274 is used as a work area for various processors.

  An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 280 stores information such as programs and data. The information storage medium 280 can be sold as a so-called game cassette. The function of the information storage medium 280 can be realized by hardware such as an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 200 performs various processes based on information stored in the information storage medium 280. The information storage medium 280 stores information (program or program and data) for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 200). Note that the information storage medium 280 is not necessarily required when information such as programs and data is stored in the storage unit. Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 280 is transferred to the storage unit 270 when the system is powered on, for example. Further, as information stored in the information storage medium 280, program code for performing a predetermined process, image data, sound data, display object shape data, table data, list data, and instructions for instructing the processing of the present invention. Information including at least two of information, information for processing according to the instruction, and the like.

  The display unit 290 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and functions thereof are CRT (CRT), LCD (Liquid Crystal), OEL (Organic Electroluminescent Device), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or HMD. It can be realized by hardware such as (head mounted display).

  The sound output unit 292 outputs sound. The function of the sound output unit 292 can be realized by hardware such as a speaker. The sound output is processed by a sound processor connected to the main processor or the like via a bus, for example, and output from a sound output unit such as a speaker.

  The portable information storage device 294 stores player personal data, save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 294 include a memory card and a portable game device. The functions of the portable information storage device 294 can be achieved by known storage means such as a memory card, flash memory, hard disk, and USB memory.

  The communication unit 296 is an arbitrary unit that performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system). The function of the communication unit 296 can be realized by various processors, hardware such as a communication ASIC, a program, or the like.

  The program or data for executing the game machine may be distributed from the information storage medium included in the host device (server) to the information storage medium 280 via the network and the communication unit 296.

  Examples of the processing unit 200 include a game processing unit 220, an image processing unit 230, and a sound processing unit 250. Specific examples include a main processor, a coprocessor, a geometry processor, a drawing processor, a data processor, four arithmetic operation circuits, or a general-purpose operation circuit. These are appropriately connected by a bus or the like so that signals can be exchanged. In addition, a data expansion processor for expanding compressed information may be provided.

  Here, the game processing unit 220 accepts coins (price), sets various modes, progresses the game, sets a selection screen, and positions and rotation angles of objects (rotation angles around the X, Y, or Z axes). , Processing to move the object (motion processing), processing to determine the position of the viewpoint (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle), processing to place objects such as map objects in the object space, Operation data from the operation unit 260 includes various game processes such as a hit check process, a process for calculating game results (results, results), a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, or a game over process. Or based on personal data, stored data, game programs, etc. from the portable information storage device 294.

  The image processing unit 230 performs various types of image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 220 and the like. The sound processing unit 250 performs various types of sound processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 220.

  All of the functions of the game processing unit 220, the image processing unit 230, and the sound processing unit 250 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program. The image processing unit 230 includes one including a geometry calculation unit 232 (three-dimensional coordinate calculation unit) and a drawing unit 240 (rendering unit).

  The geometry calculation unit 232 performs various geometry calculations (three-dimensional coordinate calculation) such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation. Then, the object data (after the perspective transformation) after the geometry processing (object vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, or the like) is stored in the main memory 272 of the storage unit 270 and saved, for example.

  The drawing unit 240 draws the object in the frame buffer 274 based on the object data after the geometry calculation (after perspective transformation) and the texture stored in the texture storage unit 276.

  Examples of the drawing unit 240 include a texture mapping unit 242 and a shading processing unit 244. Specifically, it can be implemented by a drawing processor. The drawing processor is connected to a texture storage unit, various tables, a frame buffer, a VRAM, and the like via a bus and further connected to a display.

  The texture mapping unit 242 reads the environment texture from the texture storage unit 276, and maps the read environment texture to the object.

  The shading processing unit 244 performs shading processing on the object. For example, the geometry processing unit 232 performs light source calculation, and obtains the luminance (RGB) of each vertex of the object based on the light source information for shading processing, the illumination model, the normal vector of each vertex of the object, and the like. Based on the luminance of each vertex, the shading processing unit 244 obtains the luminance of each dot on the primitive surface (polygon, curved surface) by, for example, phone shading or Gouraud shading.

  An example of the geometry calculation unit 232 includes a normal vector processing unit 234. The normal vector processing unit 234 may perform a process of rotating the normal vector of each vertex of the object (in a broad sense, the normal vector of the object surface) with a rotation matrix from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system. .

  The game machine of the present invention includes the image generation device of the present invention in the image processing unit. As a result, the circuit elements can be shared, and the control destination from the game processing unit 220 can be unified with respect to the image processing. By combining the processing units related to vector, 2D, and 3D image processing, it is possible to System control can be avoided and the complexity of the system can be reduced. If the configuration of the game machine is used as appropriate, it is possible to obtain a device that can also function as an image display device in a slot machine, a pachinko gaming machine, or the like.

[Basic operation of game console]
When the system is turned on, part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 280 is transferred to the storage unit 270, for example. A game processing program is stored in, for example, the main memory 272, and various data is stored in the texture storage unit 276, a table (not shown), or the like.

  Operation information from the operation unit 260 is transmitted to the processing unit 200 via, for example, a serial interface or bus (not shown), and sound processing and various image processing are performed. The sound information processed by the sound processing unit 250 is transmitted to the sound output unit 292 via the bus and released as sound. Also, save information stored in a portable information storage device 194 such as a memory card is transmitted to the processing unit 200 via a serial interface or bus (not shown), and predetermined data is read from the storage unit 170.

  The image processing unit 230 performs various image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 220 and the like. Specifically, the geometry calculation unit 232 performs various geometry calculations (three-dimensional coordinate calculation) such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation. Then, the object data (after the perspective transformation) after the geometry processing (object vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, or the like) is stored in the main memory 272 of the storage unit 270 and saved, for example. Next, the drawing unit 240 draws the object in the frame buffer 274 based on the object data after the geometry calculation (after perspective transformation) and the texture stored in the texture storage unit 276.

  The information stored in the frame buffer 274 is transmitted to the display unit 290 via the bus and drawn. In this way, it functions as a game machine having computer graphics.

  Since the game machine of the present invention includes the image generation apparatus of the present invention in the image processing unit, the hardware scale can be reduced by sharing circuit elements and the like, and the vector, 2D, and 3D image processing unit is unified. As a result, it is possible to reduce the wasteful hardware / control processing by preventing the system from becoming complicated. As described above, since development / manufacturing costs and power consumption can be reduced, the present invention is particularly suitable for portable game machines and the like.

[Configuration of mobile phone]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (a mobile phone with a computer graphic function). The embodiment shown in this block diagram can be suitably used particularly as a mobile phone with a three-dimensional computer graphic function, particularly as a mobile phone with a game function or a mobile phone with a navigation function.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the mobile phone includes a control unit 221, a memory unit 222 that stores a program, image data, and the like for the control unit 221, and serves as a work area such as the control unit and the communication unit. A wireless communication function unit 223 for communication, an imaging unit 224 such as a CCD camera that captures still images and moving images and converts them into digital signals, and an LCD display for displaying images and characters Unit 225, operation unit 226 including numeric keys and various function keys, voice input unit 227 such as a microphone for voice calls, voice output unit 228 for outputting sounds such as a receiver and a speaker, and the mobile phone A battery 229 for operating the terminal and a power supply unit 230 that stabilizes the battery 229 and distributes the battery 229 to each functional unit are included.

The control unit 201 performs various processing such as control of the entire mobile phone system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, and sound processing. The function of the control unit 221 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a given program (game program).

  More specifically, the control unit includes an image processing unit (not shown), and the image processing unit includes a geometry calculation unit such as a geometry calculation circuit and a drawing unit (renderer). Furthermore, a texture generation circuit, an illumination processing circuit, or a display circuit may be provided. Furthermore, the drawing processing circuit in the computer or game machine described above may be provided as appropriate.

  Since the mobile phone of the present invention includes the image generation apparatus of the present invention as a geometry calculation unit and a drawing unit included in the control unit, the hardware scale can be reduced by sharing circuit elements and the like. By unifying the 3D image processing unit, it is possible to prevent a situation where the system is complicated, thereby reducing wasteful hardware / control processing. As described above, since development / manufacturing costs and power consumption can be reduced, the present invention is suitably used for small-sized telephones such as mobile phones.

[Operation example of mobile phone]
First, the voice communication operation will be described. For example, voice input to the voice input unit 227 is converted into digital information by the interface, subjected to predetermined processing by the control unit 221, and output as a radio signal from the radio communication function unit 223. Also, when receiving the other party's sound information, the wireless communication function unit 223 receives the wireless signal, undergoes a predetermined conversion process, and then is output from the audio output unit 228 under the control of the control unit 221. The

  Next, the operation and processing for processing an image are basically the same as the operation and processing in the computer or game machine described above. When processing information is input from the operation unit 224 via an interface or bus (not shown), for example, based on an instruction of the image processing unit in the control unit 221, a geometry processor or the like can change a work area such as a RAM, various tables, or the like. Is used as appropriate to perform geometry calculations. Further, the renderer of the control unit 221 performs a rendering process based on a command from the image processing unit in the control unit 221. Image information appropriately subjected to culling processing, clipping processing, anti-aliasing processing, etc. is subjected to predetermined drawing processing by a drawing processor, stored in a frame buffer, and displayed as an image on a display unit. In this way, 3D computer graphics are displayed.

  Since the mobile phone of the present invention includes the image generation device of the present invention as a geometry calculation unit and drawing unit included in the control unit, the hardware scale can be reduced by sharing circuit elements and the system is complicated. Therefore, it is suitable for small phones such as mobile phones.

[Configuration of car navigation system]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment (navigation system) of the present invention. The embodiment represented by this block diagram can be suitably used particularly as a car navigation with a three-dimensional computer graphic function. As shown in FIG. 10, the navigation system includes a GPS unit 241, an autonomous positioning unit 242 as an arbitrary element, a map storage unit 243, a control unit 244, a display unit 245, and a map matching as an arbitrary element. And part 246.

  The GPS unit 241 includes a GPS receiver, and is a GPS unit that simultaneously receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and obtains vehicle positioning data. The GPS unit 241 obtains the absolute position of the vehicle from the data received by the GPS receiver. This positioning data includes the vehicle traveling direction information and the elevation angle information in addition to the vehicle position information.

  The autonomous positioning unit 242 includes an autonomous sensor, and is an autonomous positioning unit that calculates the moving distance and moving direction of the vehicle from the output data of the autonomous sensor. Examples of the autonomous sensor include a wheel side sensor that detects a signal corresponding to the number of rotations of the wheel, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, and a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the vehicle. In this example, a three-dimensional gyro sensor that can also detect the attitude angle in the pitch motion direction of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “pitch angle”) is used as the gyro sensor. Therefore, the positioning output from the autonomous positioning unit 242 is used. The data includes the vehicle pitch angle.

  The map storage unit 243 is a map storage unit that stores digital map data having 2D map information, 3D road information, and 3D building information. As a storage medium constituting the map storage unit 243, a CD-ROM and a hard disk can be cited. The map data is preferably divided and stored in a plurality of blocks because it takes a long time to read the map data. The road information may include information indicating major points (nodes) such as intersections and inflection points. The node information includes coordinate data at the points, and the road connects each node. You may approximate as a straight line (link). The three-dimensional road information in this system means that the node information has three-dimensional coordinate data.

  The control unit 244 performs predetermined control such as reading out map data of a predetermined area corresponding to the position of the vehicle from the map storage unit 243 based on the vehicle position information obtained from the GPS unit 241 or the autonomous positioning unit 242. belongs to.

  The display unit 245 is for displaying the map data read by the positioning control unit 244.

  The map matching unit 246 is for correcting the position of the vehicle on the road based on the positioning data of the vehicle and the three-dimensional road information of the map data.

  The car navigation system of the present invention includes, for example, a control unit including a geometric operation unit and a drawing unit, and includes the image generation apparatus of the present invention. As a result, by unifying the vector, 2D, and 3D image processing units, it is possible to prevent a situation where the system is complicated, thereby reducing control processing.

[Operation example of car navigation system]
The GPS unit 241 simultaneously receives radio waves from a plurality of GPS satellites and obtains vehicle positioning data. The autonomous positioning unit 242 calculates the moving distance and moving direction of the vehicle from the output data of the autonomous sensor. The control unit 244 performs predetermined processing on the data obtained from the GPS unit 241 or the autonomous positioning unit 242 to obtain vehicle position information. Based on the vehicle position information, map data of a predetermined area related to the vehicle position is read from the map storage unit 243. In addition, in response to operation information from an operation unit (not shown), the display mode is changed, and map data corresponding to the display mode is read. Further, the control unit 244 performs predetermined drawing processing based on the position information, and displays a 3D building image, 3D map image, 3D car image, and the like. Further, culling processing is performed based on the Z value. The display unit 245 displays the map data read by the control unit 244.

  The car navigation system of the present invention includes, for example, the image generation apparatus of the present invention in the geometric operation unit and the drawing unit, so that the hardware scale can be reduced by sharing circuit elements and the like, and vector, 2D, and 3D image processing By unifying the parts, it is possible to prevent the system from becoming complicated.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the main control circuit 361 of the pachislot machine. As shown in FIG. 11, the main control circuit 361 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “microcomputer”) 363 as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 363 has a main CPU (central processing unit) 364 that performs control operations in accordance with a preset program, a ROM 365 that stores programs (including image rendering programs) and various table data, and a backup function. And a control RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM) 366.

  Connected to the main CPU 364 are a clock pulse generation circuit 367 and a frequency divider 368 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 369 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a sampling circuit 370 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. Has been. Further, the main CPU 364 is connected to an I / O port 371 that exchanges signals with peripheral devices (actuators) described later.

  Here, the storage unit of R0M365 is divided so as to store a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, a sequence program, a notification effect table, and an effect image program, and further, the start lever 328 is operated (start operation). A probability lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed each time, a stop table for determining a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop button, and the like are stored.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 363 include stepping motors 345L, 345C, 345R for rotating the reels 305, 306, 307, various lamps (betting number display lamps 319-321, start lamps). 329, WIN lamp 330, insert lamp 332), various display units (credit display lamp 323, gaming state display lamps 324 to 327, bonus count display lamp 318, dividend display lamp 322), and hopper 372 for storing medals. . These are driven by a motor drive circuit 373, lamp drive circuits 374, display drive circuits 375 and hopper drive circuits 376, respectively. These drive circuits 373 to 376 are connected to the main CPU 364 via the I / O port 371 of the microcomputer 363.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 363 to generate a control signal is a inserted medal sensor 331S for detecting a medal inserted from a medal slot, and detecting a start lever operation. There are a start switch 328S, the BET switch 33 described above, and a credit medal settlement switch 334. Further, there is a reel position detection circuit 377 that receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor and detects the rotational position of each reel 305, 306, 307. Note that the photosensor is included in the drive mechanism of each of the reels 305 to 307 and is not shown in the drawing.

  Further, the input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 378 that generates a signal for stopping the corresponding reel when the stop buttons 335 to 337 are pressed, and a medal that counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 372. There are a detection unit 372S and a payout completion signal generation circuit (not shown).

  A sub control circuit 381 is connected to the I / O port 371. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a sub control circuit of the pachislot machine.

  The sub control circuit 381 executes display control of the display device 350 and sound output control from the speakers 382L and 382R based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 361. The sub-control circuit 381 is preferably formed on a substrate different from the substrate constituting the main control circuit 361, and the sub-microcomputer 83 is a main component, and an image control circuit as display control means of the display device 350. 391, a sound source IC 388 that controls output sound from the speakers 382L and 382R, and a power amplifier 389 as an amplifier.

  The sub microcomputer 383 includes a sub CPU 384 that performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 61, and a program ROM 385 and a work RAM 386 as storage means. In this example, the sub control circuit 381 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the operation program of the sub CPU 384.

  The program ROM 385 stores a control program executed by the sub CPU 84. The work RAM 386 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 384.

  The image control circuit 391 includes an image control CPU 392, an image control program ROM 394, an image control work RAM 393, an image control IC 398, an image ROM 396, and a video RAM 397.

  Here, the image control CPU 392 determines the display contents on the display device 350 in accordance with the image control program stored in the image control program ROM 394 based on the parameters set by the sub microcomputer 383. The image control program ROM 394 stores an image control program related to display on the display device 350 and various selection tables. The image control work RAM 393 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control CPU 392 executes the image control program. The image control IC 398 forms an image corresponding to the display content determined by the image control CPU 392 and outputs the image to the display device 350. The image ROM 396 stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM 397 is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control IC 398 forms an image.

  The output from the main control circuit 361 is input to the sub CPU 384 via the IN port 387, and the output from the sub CPU 384 is input to the image control CPU 392 via the OUT port 390 and the IN port 395.

  Next, the operation of the pachislot machine of this embodiment will be described. When the player inserts a medal into the medal slot, a detection signal is sent from the inserted medal sensor 331S to the main CPU 364, and the main CPU 364 detects the insertion of the medal, and bet number display lamps 319 to 321 corresponding to the bet number are turned on. To do. When the player presses the start lever 328, an operation signal is transmitted from the start switch 328S to the main CPU 364, and the main CPU 364 detects the operation of the start lever 328 and sends a start signal to the motor drive unit 373 via the I / O port 371. To rotate the reels 305, 306, and 307 all at once.

  When the start switch 328S detects the operation of the start lever, the main CPU 364 fetches the random number value generated by the random number generator 369 by the sampling circuit 370 and compares the fetched random number value with the determination value stored in the ROM 365. Then, an internal lottery will be performed to determine the winning and losing. The lottery result is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 366. When an internal winning is made, a flag corresponding to the type of winning is set in the predetermined area of the RAM 366. Here, the flag set in the game is basically extinguished when the game ends, but only the BB or RB with a low internal winning probability wins all the symbols corresponding to the set flag. May be carried over multiple games.

  Furthermore, when the start switch 328S detects the operation of the start lever, the main CPU 364 reads out an effect instruction command for displaying an effect image on the display device 350 over a plurality of games from the ROM 365, and this is read via the I / O port 371. The data is sent to the control circuit 381. The main CPU 364 holds an effect instruction command to be sent to the sub control circuit 381 in a predetermined area of the RAM 366.

  The sub-control circuit 381 displays an effect image according to the effect instruction command input from the main CPU 364 on the display device 350, and an effect instruction command input for each effective operation of the start lever 328 that triggers the internal winning. Follow the steps to display the image.

  Next, the main CPU 364 checks the internal lottery result on the RAM 366, selects and determines a stop table corresponding to the internal lottery determination result, and reads the corresponding stop table from the ROM 365 onto the RAM 366.

  Thereafter, when the player operates one of the stop buttons 335, 336, and 337, an operation signal is transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 378 to the main CPU 364, and the main CPU 364 receives the reels 305 and 306 from the reel position detection circuit 377. , 307 and the stop table on the RAM 366, the reels 305, 306, 307 are controlled to stop.

  As a result, unless the player has won the internal lottery, the reels 305, 306, and 307 are controlled so that the winning symbols are not aligned even if the player operates the stop buttons 335, 336, and 337 at any timing. Is done. On the other hand, when a winning table is selected in the internal lottery and the symbol corresponding to the internal winning result is selected, the symbol corresponding to the internal winning is determined depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 335, 336 and 337 of the player. There is a stop control in which

  That is, when the internal lottery result is a win, the main CPU 364 sends a stop signal based on the pull-in stop control to the motor drive unit 373, and releases the reels 305, 306, 307 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 335, 336, 337. At this time, the reel stop control is performed such that the winning symbols on the reels 305, 306, and 307 are stopped on an effective stop line.

  When the internal lottery result is out, the main CPU 364 operates the stop buttons 335, 336, and 337 so that the symbols related to winning are not stopped on the valid stop line by operating the stop buttons 335, 336, and 337. The reels 305, 306, and 307 corresponding to are stopped.

The pachislot machine of the present invention includes, for example, the image generation apparatus of the present invention as an image control program or an image control CPU included in the sub-control circuit 381, so that the hardware scale can be reduced by sharing circuit elements and the like. In addition, by unifying the vector, 2D, and 3D image processing units, it is possible to prevent the system from becoming complicated. As a result, useless hardware / control processing can be reduced. As described above, since development / manufacturing costs and power consumption can be reduced, it is also suitably used in pachislot machines and the like.

  The present invention can be suitably used in the computer industry.

11 Geometry processing unit 12 Rasterization processing unit 13 Color processing unit 14 Buffer

Claims (13)

A geometry processing unit (11) for performing geometry processing on input drawing primitive data;
A rasterization processing unit (12) for performing rasterization processing on polygon data subjected to geometry processing by the geometry processing unit;
A color processing unit (13) for performing color processing on the image data subjected to rasterization processing by the rasterization processing unit;
A three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system having a buffer (14) for storing the image data subjected to the color processing,

The geometry processing unit (11)
An image ID adding unit (13) for adding an image ID to the drawing primitive data;
A geometry calculation unit (16) that performs a geometry calculation according to the image ID added by the image ID addition unit;
Have
The primitive data subjected to the geometry calculation is output together with the image ID,

The rasterization processing unit (12)
A first image ID determining unit (17) for determining the image ID;
A rasterization calculation unit (18) for performing a rasterization calculation in accordance with the image ID determined by the first image ID determination unit;
Have
Output the rasterized image data together with the image ID;

The color processing unit (13)
A second image ID determining unit (19) for determining the image ID;
A color calculation unit (20) that performs color calculation according to the image ID determined by the second image ID determination unit;
Have
Output image data that has undergone color computation together with the image ID;

The buffer (14)
A target buffer (21) designated by the image ID;
The image data input to the buffer (14) is stored in the target buffer (21) corresponding to the image ID.

3D computer graphics drawing system.
A second image ID adding unit (33) for adding an image ID to the drawing primitive data;
The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
The geometry calculation unit (16) includes a geometric conversion processing unit (31) and a light source calculation processing unit (32).
The geometric transformation processing unit (31) performs a geometric operation according to the image ID,
The light source calculation processing unit (32) performs a light source calculation according to the image ID.
The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
The geometry calculation unit (16) includes a geometric conversion processing unit (31) and a light source calculation processing unit (32).
The geometric transformation processing unit (31) includes a plurality of geometric transformation processing elements for performing geometric calculation for each group of the image IDs,
The light source calculation processing unit (32) includes a plurality of light source calculation elements that perform light source calculation for each group of the image IDs.
The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
The rasterization calculation unit (18)
A rasterization processing core unit (35) and a parameter interpolation processing unit (36);
The rasterization processing core unit (35) includes a plurality of rasterization processing core elements that perform operations for each group of the image IDs.
The parameter interpolation processing unit (36) includes a plurality of parameter interpolation elements for performing parameter interpolation calculation for each group of the image IDs.
The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
The color calculation unit (20)
A color blending unit (37) for performing a color blending operation;
A depth value processing unit (38) for calculating a depth value;
A color and depth value cache unit (39) for storing the color blending value obtained by the color blending unit (37) based on the image ID and the depth value obtained by the depth value processing unit (38);
The three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A multi-display system comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A three-dimensional display system comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A computer comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A game machine comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A mobile phone comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A navigation system comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.
A slot machine comprising the three-dimensional computer graphics drawing system according to claim 1.

Images