JP2012024437A - Image generating device, image generating method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image generating device and the like suitable for making it easier for a user to visually recognize the state of a character disposed in a virtual space.SOLUTION: As the following, the image generating device 200 includes: a generation unit 201 for generating an image which represents a virtual space in which a main character that changes its posture as time goes on and a sub character that takes the same posture as the main character are disposed, and which is seen from a viewpoint disposed in the virtual space; a detection unit 202 for detecting the amount of displacement caused by a change of the posture of each of a plurality of parts of the main character; an assigning unit 203 for assigning a higher amount of displacement of the detected displacements to the sub character; and a change unit 204 for changing orientation of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and a viewpoint position.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a user to visually recognize the state of a character placed in a virtual space.

  A game in which a player moves his / her body and plays is widespread in amusement halls and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dance game device that guides the timing of stepping and the like, and allows a player to experience a dance sensation by stepping on a step in time with music. In recent years, there are dance games that require not only steps but also movements using the whole hand and body. In such a game, the character displayed on the screen dances and the player is required to perform the same action.

Japanese Patent No. 3003851

  However, as described above, in the case of a dance game that requires various movements other than the steps, the player may not know which part of the character should be focused on. Especially for beginners of the game, there is a demand for showing the main part of the choreography in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The present invention solves the problems as described above, and provides an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program suitable for making it easy for a user to visually recognize the state of a character placed in a virtual space. For the purpose.

  An image generation apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a generation unit, a detection unit, an allocation unit, and a change unit, and is configured as follows. In the following, a dance game in which steps are taken according to the direction indicated by the object moving in the screen will be described as an example.

  The generation unit viewed a virtual space in which a main character that changes posture with time and a sub-character that has the same posture as the main character from a viewpoint arranged in the virtual space. An image representing the state is generated.

  For example, the main character is an object arranged in a virtual space, and shows a dance required by the user in a dance game. The sub character is an object arranged in the virtual space together with the main character, and performs the same movement as the main character. The viewpoint is the position of the virtual camera arranged in the virtual space. That is, a production | generation part produces | generates the image which image | photographed the mode that a main character and a subcharacter dance a dance from the virtual camera.

  The detection unit detects the magnitude of displacement of each of the plurality of parts of the main character accompanying the change in posture.

  Here, the part refers to a part of the body such as the arm, leg, and trunk of the main character. Further, it is assumed that the displacement is obtained from the distance moved by the reference point set in each part. For example, it is assumed that a reference point is set at the wrist or elbow portion of the arm, and the displacement of the arm is a distance traveled by the elbow or wrist in the virtual space.

  For example, it is assumed that the main character performs an action of extending the arm and moving from the top to the bottom on the side of the body. The detection unit obtains a distance by which the wrist set as the arm reference point has moved from the position serving as the start point of the operation to the position serving as the end point.

  The assigning unit assigns a displacement having a higher magnitude among the detected displacements to the sub character.

  For example, it is assumed that the main character moves both arms and both legs according to the music. When the detection unit calculates the displacement of each part, the allocation unit allocates the largest displacement among them to the sub character.

  The changing unit changes the direction of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and the position of the viewpoint.

  For example, the changing unit changes the direction of the sub character so that the movement corresponding to the displacement assigned to the sub character is most easily seen from the virtual camera.

  According to the present invention, two characters perform the same action, and one character is presented with a noticeable action in an easy-to-understand manner by changing the orientation so that the action with the largest movement is easily visible. Can do.

  Further, the changing unit may change the direction of the sub character so that the angle at which the displacement is viewed from the viewpoint becomes large.

  Here, the angle to be viewed is an interior angle of the triangle at the viewpoint in a triangle having apexes of the start point, end point, and viewpoint of the displacement of the character part. For example, when the main character performs an action of extending the arm and moving from the upper side (start point) to the lower side (end point) on the side of the body, the changing unit sets the expected angle to the start point, end point, and virtual camera of the action. The direction of the sub character is changed so that the angle at which the motion is expected is maximized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically set the orientation so that the portion with the largest motion is easy to see.

  Two sub characters may be arranged in the virtual space, and the changing unit may change the directions of the two sub characters so as to be orthogonal to each other.

  The two sub characters are objects in the virtual space that are arranged in the virtual space together with the main character and perform the same movement as the main character. That is, the changing unit changes the direction of one of the sub-characters, and changes the direction of the other sub-character so that the direction of the one sub-character is 90 degrees.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm the movement of the portion with the largest movement not only from the direction that is most easily seen but also from other directions.

  Alternatively, two sub characters may be arranged in the virtual space, and the changing unit may change the directions of the two sub characters so as to be symmetrical with each other.

  For example, in the virtual space, the first sub character, the main character, and the second sub character are arranged in a horizontal row in this order from the right when viewed from the front of the screen, and the virtual camera is arranged at a certain distance from the front center of the main character. In addition, it is assumed that the shooting direction of the virtual camera faces the direction of the main character. The changing unit obtains an angle formed by the direction of the first sub character and the shooting direction of the virtual camera, and the second sub character is set to be an angle formed by the direction of the second sub character and the shooting direction. Change the direction of the character.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm the movement of the portion with the largest movement not only from the direction that is most easily seen but also from other directions.

  In addition, a plurality of sub characters may be arranged in the virtual space, and the allocating unit may allocate displacements having higher magnitudes among the detected displacements so as not to overlap each other.

  For example, it is assumed that, in addition to the main character, two sub characters are arranged in the virtual space. After the detection unit obtains the displacement of each part of the main character, the assigning unit assigns the largest displacement to one sub character and assigns the second largest displacement to the other sub character. Then, the changing unit changes the direction of one of the sub characters so that the motion with the largest displacement is easy to see, and changes the direction of the other sub character so that the motion with the second largest displacement is easy to see.

  According to the present invention, each of a plurality of notable operations can be confirmed from an easy-to-see direction.

  An image generation method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an image generation method executed by an image generation apparatus including a generation unit, a detection unit, an allocation unit, and a change unit, and is configured as follows. To do.

  In the generation step, the generation unit has arranged a virtual space in which the main character whose posture is changed with time and a sub character having the same posture as the main character are arranged in the virtual space. An image representing a state viewed from the viewpoint is generated.

  In the detection step, the detection unit detects the magnitude of displacement associated with the change in posture of each of the plurality of parts of the main character.

  In the allocation step, the allocation unit allocates a displacement having a higher magnitude among the detected displacements to the sub character.

  In the changing step, the changing unit changes the direction of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and the position of the viewpoint.

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

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

  The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a user to visually recognize the state of a character placed in a virtual space.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the typical information processor with which the image generating device concerning the embodiment of the present invention is realized. It is a mimetic diagram showing the outline composition of the mat type controller which can be connected to an information processor. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game image according to the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image generation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of a main character, a subcharacter, and a virtual camera. It is a figure for demonstrating the displacement of each site | part of a main character. It is a figure for demonstrating the angle to look at. It is a figure for demonstrating the angle to look at. It is a figure for demonstrating the angle to look at. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game image according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining image generation processing performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the angle to look at. It is a figure for demonstrating the direction which can rotate. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game image of Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image generation processing performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of a main character, a 1st subcharacter, a 2nd subcharacter, and a virtual camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game image of Embodiment 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the direction of the 2nd sub character of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the direction of the 2nd sub character of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game image of Embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image generation processing performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus according to the third embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the direction of the 2nd sub character of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the game image of Embodiment 4. 15 is a flowchart for explaining image generation processing performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining directions of a plurality of sub characters according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game image according to a fifth embodiment. 16 is a flowchart for explaining image generation processing performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  The image generating apparatus according to the present invention is directed to the direction of another character (hereinafter referred to as “sub character”) that performs the same action as the main character so that the user can easily recognize the action of the main character placed in the virtual space. An image in which is controlled is generated. There are a plurality of methods for controlling the orientation of the sub-character, and image generating apparatuses employing each method will be described as Embodiments 1 to 5.

The image generation apparatus according to the first embodiment performs control so that the angle at which the direction of the sub character is expected is maximized.
In the first embodiment, the image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment performs control so that the orientation of the sub character is continuously changed.
The image generation apparatus according to the third embodiment controls the orientations of two subcharacters, and controls so as to maximize the angle at which one of the subcharacters is expected. Control is performed so as to be orthogonal to the direction of the sub character.
The image generation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment controls the orientations of two subcharacters, and controls so as to maximize the angle at which one of the subcharacters is expected. It controls to be symmetrical with the direction of the sub character.
The image generation apparatus according to the fifth embodiment assigns a plurality of sub-characters from the top with the magnitude of motion displacement, and controls the orientation of each sub-character so that the motion corresponding to the assigned displacement is easy to see.

(Outline configuration of information processing device)
First, a typical information processing apparatus that realizes the image generation apparatus of these embodiments will be described. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing device for games will be described, but the embodiment described below is for explanation, It is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

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

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, and an image processing unit 107. A DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc ROM) drive 108, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, an audio processing unit 110, and a mat type controller 111.

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

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

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Processing is performed on the register, and the result of the operation is written back to the memory.

  The controller 105 is connected via the interface 104. The controller 105 receives an operation input performed when the player executes the game.

  The external memory 106 is detachably connected via the interface 104. The external memory 106 stores rewritable data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), game progress data, chat communication log (record) data in the case of a network match, and the like. The The player can store these data in the external memory 106 as appropriate by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The mat type controller 111 is connected via the interface 104. In the present invention, it is also possible to connect a plurality of mat type controllers 111 to the information processing apparatus 100. The mat-type controller 111 receives an operation input performed by the player when playing the game. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the mat type controller 111. Hereinafter, the mat type controller 111 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the mat-type controller 111 when the mat-type controller 111 installed on the floor is viewed from directly above. In a predetermined area of the mat-type controller 111, a button 111L for receiving an input for instructing “left” from the player, a button 111R for receiving an input for instructing “right” from the player, and a button for receiving an input instructing “up” from the player 111U and a button 111D for receiving an input for instructing “down” from the player are arranged. The player can press the buttons 111L, 111R, 111U, and 111D at an arbitrary timing. The CPU 101 determines whether the button is pressed for each of the buttons 111L, 111R, 111U, and 111D.

  In this embodiment, the mat-type controller 111 includes four buttons 111L, 111R, 111U, and 111D, but the number of buttons is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more.

  Moreover, it is good also as operation input of a game play by catching the motion of the whole body of a player by using an infrared camera etc. instead of the mat type | mold controller 111. FIG.

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

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

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

  Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the image generation apparatuses according to the first to fifth embodiments realized in the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The DVD-ROM storing the game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 108 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, and the images according to the first to fifth embodiments. The generation device generates an image of a dance game shown below.

(Outline of the game)
First, the dance game concerning the game image which the image generation apparatus of each embodiment produces | generates is demonstrated.

  In the game image of the dance game of FIG. 3, a plurality of types of target objects MO1 to MO4 are synchronized with the rhythm of the musical piece to be played, along the moving lane La (lane corresponding to the type of object) from below. It shows how they appear sequentially, move upwards, and then disappear. The target objects MO1 to MO4 represent arrow symbols in different directions. The target object MO1, which is a right-pointing arrow symbol, instructs the player to take a step in the right direction. Similarly, the target object MO2 that is a downward arrow symbol indicates a step backward, the target object MO3 that is an upward arrow symbol is forward, and the target object MO4 that is a left arrow symbol indicates a left step. To do. These target objects MO1 to MO4 appear from the lower end (starting point) of the moving lane La, move upward in the moving lane La, and disappear at the upper end (ending point) of the moving lane La.

  In addition, in the game image of the dance game, determination objects HO1 to HO4 having the same shape as the target objects MO1 to MO4 are fixed and displayed in a predetermined area (determination area HA1). The player is required to take a step in the direction indicated by the target objects MO1 to MO4 at the timing when the target objects MO1 to MO4 completely overlap the determination objects HO1 to HO4 (hereinafter referred to as “overlap timing”). That is, it is required to press the button 111R at the timing when the target object MO1 completely overlaps the determination object HO1. Similarly, pressing the button 111D is required when the target object MO2 completely overlaps the determination object HO2, and pressing the button 111U when the target object MO3 completely overlaps the determination object HO3. It is required to press the button 111L at the timing when the target object MO4 is completely overlapped with the determination object HO4.

  When the player steps in the direction indicated by the target objects MO1 to MO4 at the overlapping timing (the buttons 111L, 111R, 111U, and 111D are pressed), the score is added. For example, as shown in “123400” in FIG. Each score is displayed on the screen. On the other hand, if there is no input by the player at the overlapping timing, or if the step is not taken in the direction indicated by the target objects MO1 to MO4, no score is obtained or the score is subtracted. Note that a higher score may be obtained as the error between the timing of stepping and the overlapping timing is smaller.

  In addition, the main character 300 and the first sub character 400 are displayed in the game image. The main character 300 and the first sub character 400 dance an exemplary dance while taking steps at overlapping timing in the direction indicated by the target objects MO1 to MO4.

(Embodiment 1)
The image generation apparatus according to the first embodiment performs control so that the angle at which the direction of the sub character is expected is maximized.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment includes a generation unit 201, a detection unit 202, an allocation unit 203, and a change unit 204.
Further, in the following embodiment, the sub character is described as “first sub character 400”.

The generation unit 201 arranges a virtual space in which the main character 300 whose posture is changed over time and the first sub character 400 having the same posture as the main character 300 are arranged in the virtual space. An image representing the state viewed from the viewpoint is generated. Here, it is assumed that the viewpoint is the position of the virtual camera arranged in the virtual space. FIG. 5 shows the positional relationship between the main character 300 and the first sub character 400 and the virtual camera 900. The virtual camera 900 is arranged at a certain distance in the front direction 1001 of the main character 300. The first sub-character 400 is arranged at a certain distance in the horizontal direction of the main character 300, and is arranged in the same direction 1002 as the direction 1001 of the main character 300 at the start of the game. The same direction 1002 as the main character 300 is set as the reference direction of the first sub character 400. The generation unit 201 generates an image as seen from the virtual camera 900 as shown in FIG.
Therefore, the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 107 cooperate to function as the generation unit 201.

The detection unit 202 detects the magnitude of displacement of each of the plurality of parts of the main character 300 accompanying the change in posture. For example, it is assumed that the displacement is obtained from the distance moved by the reference point set in advance in each part. As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the left arm 301 of the main character 300 has moved upward and the right leg 302 has moved to the right as viewed from the front of the screen. Assuming that the reference point of the left arm 301 is set to the end 711 of the left arm 301 and the reference point of the right leg 302 is set to the end 712 of the right leg 302, the detecting unit 202 moves the end 711 of the left arm 301. The distance (displacement 701) and the distance (displacement 702) that the end 712 of the right leg 302 has moved are detected.
Therefore, the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 107 cooperate to function as the detection unit 201.

The allocation unit 203 allocates the largest displacement among the detected displacements to the first sub character 400. For example, assume that each part of the main character 300 is moved as shown in FIG. In this case, since the displacement 701 is larger than the displacement 702, the assigning unit 203 assigns the displacement 701 to the first sub character 400.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the assignment unit 203.

The changing unit 204 changes the orientation of the first sub character 400 based on the displacement assigned to the first sub character 400 and the position of the viewpoint. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the left arm 301 of the main character 300 moves and the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub character 400 as the largest displacement. The changing unit 204 changes the orientation of the first sub character 400 so that the movement (displacement 704) corresponding to the displacement 703 of the left arm 301 of the main character 300 is most easily seen from the virtual camera 900.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the changing unit 204.

  Specifically, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 from the reference direction 1002 to a direction in which the angle at which the displacement is viewed from the virtual camera is increased. Here, the “viewing angle” is an internal angle of a triangle at the viewpoint in a triangle having apexes at three points of the start point and end point of the displacement and the viewpoint. When the first sub character 400 is oriented in the direction 1003 shown in FIG. 7, the angle to be viewed is the interior angle (angle 901) in the virtual camera 900 in the triangle between the start point and end point of the displacement 704 and the virtual camera 900. . The changing unit 204 sets the direction in which the interior angle is the largest as the direction of the first sub character 400. For example, if the direction of the first sub-character 400 is changed from the direction 1003 shown in FIG. 7 to the direction 1004 shown in FIG. 8, the expected angle (angle 902) is larger than the expected angle (angle 901) in FIG. On the other hand, when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed to the direction 1005 shown in FIG. 9, the expected angle (angle 903) becomes larger than the expected angle (angle 901) in FIG. 7, but the expected angle (angle 902) in FIG. ) Smaller. Therefore, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub-character 400 from the reference direction 1002 to the direction 1004 as the direction in which the angle expected by the direction 1004 is maximized.

  FIG. 10 shows an image generated by the generation unit 201 when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed to the direction 1004 by the change unit 204. The displacement 703 of the left arm 301 of the main character 300 looks smaller than the actual displacement when viewed from the front of the main character 300. However, by changing the direction of the first sub character 400 performing the same action by the above method, the action of the left arm required by the player can be presented in an easily understandable manner.

(Operation of image generation device)
Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image generation apparatus 200 is powered on, the CPU 101 starts an image generation process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The generation unit 201 generates an image of the virtual space including the main character 300 and the first sub character 400 (step S101). For example, the generation unit 201 generates an image as illustrated in FIG.

  The image generated by the generation unit 201 is stored in a frame memory or the like provided in the image processing unit 107. Then, the image processing unit 107 waits for a queue to be cleared or another process to be performed until a vertical synchronization interrupt occurs (step S102). When a vertical synchronization interrupt occurs, the image processing unit 107 converts the image information stored in the frame memory into a display signal and displays it on a monitor connected to the image processing unit 107 (step S103). For example, the image of FIG. 3 is displayed on the monitor.

  The detection unit 202 detects the displacement of each part of the main character 300 (step S104). For example, the detection unit 202 detects a displacement 703 of the left arm 301 of the main character 300 as shown in FIG.

  The allocating unit 203 allocates the largest displacement among the displacements detected by the detecting unit 202 to the first sub character 400 (step S105). For example, it is assumed that the largest displacement detected by the detection unit 202 is the displacement 703 in FIG. The assigning unit 203 assigns the displacement 703 to the first sub character 400.

  The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 to a direction that maximizes the expected angle for the assigned displacement (step S106). For example, when the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub-character 400, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub-character 400 to a direction 1004 in which the expected angle is the maximum (angle 902). Then, returning to step S101, the generation unit 201 generates an image (FIG. 10) of the virtual space including the first sub character 400 facing the direction (direction 1004) changed by the changing unit 204.

  According to this embodiment, two characters perform the same action, and one character is presented with a noticeable action in an easy-to-understand manner by changing the orientation so that the action with the largest movement is easily visible. be able to. Furthermore, the direction can be automatically set so that the part with the largest motion is easy to see.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment performs control so that the orientation of the sub character is continuously changed. In the case of the first embodiment, when the direction is obtained by the changing unit 204, an image in which the orientation of the first sub-character 400 is changed to the obtained direction is immediately displayed. May be natural. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method for continuously changing the orientation of the first sub character 400 will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment includes a generation unit 201, a detection unit 202, an allocation unit 203, and a change unit 204. The generation unit 201, the detection unit 202, and the allocation unit 203 of the present embodiment have the same functions as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the changing unit 204 having different functions will be described.
Further, in the following embodiment, the sub character is described as “first sub character 400”.

The changing unit 204 continuously changes the orientation of the first sub character 400 based on the displacement assigned to the first sub character 400 and the position of the viewpoint. Specifically, first, an upper limit ω of the angular velocity that changes the direction of the first sub character 400 is provided. That is, the direction of the first sub character 400 cannot be changed faster than the angular velocity ω. Therefore, the angle of the orientation of the first sub character 400 that can be changed during the vertical synchronization interruption period t is ω · t. Then, when the direction is changed by ± ω · t from the current direction, a direction in which an expected angle with respect to the allocated displacement is increased is selected, and the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed in the direction.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the changing unit 204.

  For example, it is assumed that the main character 300 and the first sub character 400 are currently arranged as shown in FIG. Further, an angle formed by the direction 1005 in FIG. 9 and the direction 1004 in FIG. 8 is ω · t, and an angle formed by the direction 1005 in FIG. 9 and the direction 1006 in FIG. 12 is also ω · t. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when the first sub character 400 is currently facing the direction 1005, the direction in which the first sub character 400 can be directed after the next vertical synchronization interruption period t is the direction 1004. Or the direction 1006.

  The changing unit 204 compares the angles (angles 902 and 904) that are expected when the first sub-character 400 faces the direction 1004 or the direction 1006, and determines the direction 1004 in which a larger angle (angle 902) is obtained. The direction of one sub-character 400 is assumed. Note that when the angle that is most likely to be viewed in the direction of the first sub character 400 at the present time is the largest, the direction of the first sub character 400 may not be changed.

  For example, the first sub-character 400 is currently oriented in the reference direction 1002, and the changing unit 204 compares the expected angle in the direction that can be directed after the vertical synchronization interrupt period t as described above. Thus, it is assumed that the direction of the first sub character 400 is finally changed to the direction 1004. In this case, the generation unit 201 generates an image as shown in FIG. 14, and the screen shows that the first sub character 400 gradually rotates in the rotation direction 801 until the first sub-character 400 faces the direction 1004 from the direction 1002 (FIG. 10). Will be displayed. In this way, by selecting a direction that provides a larger expected angle within a range in which the direction can be changed, and changing to the selected direction, it is possible to gradually change the direction to obtain the largest expected angle. it can.

(Operation of image generation device)
Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image generating apparatus 200 is turned on, the CPU 101 starts image processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, steps having the same step numbers as in FIG. 11 perform the same processing as the processing in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the allocating unit 203 allocates the largest displacement to the sub character (step S105), the changing unit 204 obtains a direction that can be directed after the vertical synchronization interruption cycle (step S206). For example, if the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub character 400 and is currently facing the direction 1005, the changing unit 204 obtains directions 1004 and 1006 that can be directed after the vertical synchronization interruption period t.

  When the first sub character 400 faces the direction obtained, the changing unit 204 obtains an angle at which a displacement corresponding to the assigned displacement is expected (step S207). For example, the changing unit 204 obtains an expected angle (angle 902) with respect to the displacement 704 when the first sub character 400 faces the direction 1004 as shown in FIG. Similarly, the changing unit 204 obtains an expected angle (angle 904) with respect to the displacement 704 when the first sub character 400 faces the direction 1006 as shown in FIG.

  The changing unit 204 sets the direction in which the larger angle is obtained among the obtained angles to be expected as the direction of the first sub character 400 (step S208). That is, since the angle 902 is larger than the angle 904, the changing unit 204 sets the direction of the first sub character 400 as the direction 1004 in which a larger expected angle is obtained. Then, returning to step S101, the generation unit 201 generates an image (FIG. 10) of the virtual space including the first sub character 400 facing the direction (direction 1004) changed by the changing unit 204.

  According to the present embodiment, the direction of the character can be continuously changed so that the portion with the largest motion is easy to see.

(Embodiment 3)
The image generation apparatus according to the third embodiment controls the orientations of two subcharacters, and controls so as to maximize the angle at which one of the subcharacters is expected. Control is performed so as to be orthogonal to the direction of the sub character.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation apparatus 200 according to the third embodiment includes a generation unit 201, a detection unit 202, an allocation unit 203, and a change unit 204. The detection unit 202 and the allocation unit 203 of the present embodiment have the same functions as those of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the generation unit 201 and the change unit 204 having different functions will be described.
In the following description, the one sub character is referred to as a “first sub character 400”, and the other sub character is referred to as a “second sub character 500”.

The generation unit 201 creates a virtual space in which the main character 300 whose posture changes with time and the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 that take the same posture as the main character 300 are arranged. Then, an image representing a state viewed from the viewpoint arranged in the virtual space is generated. Here, it is assumed that the main character 300, the first sub character 400, and the second sub character 500 dance an exemplary dance while taking steps at overlapping timing in the direction indicated by the target objects MO1 to MO4. This is the position of the virtual camera arranged in the space. The positional relationship between the main character 300, the first sub character 400, the second sub character 500, and the virtual camera 900 is shown in FIG. The virtual camera 900 is arranged at a certain distance in the front direction 1001 of the main character 300. The first sub character 400 is arranged at a certain distance beside the main character 300, and the second sub character 500 is arranged at a certain distance beside the main character 300. It is arranged on the opposite side of the character 400. At the start of the game, the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 are arranged facing the same direction 1002 and 1007 as the direction 1001 of the main character 300. The same directions 1002 and 1007 as the main character 300 are set as the reference directions of the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500. The generation unit 201 generates an image as seen from the virtual camera 900 as shown in FIG.
Therefore, the CPU 101 and the image processing unit 107 cooperate to function as the generation unit 201.

The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 based on the displacement assigned to the first sub character 400 and the position of the viewpoint, and changes the direction of the second sub character 500 to the direction of the sub character. Change to be orthogonal to the direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the left arm 301 of the main character moves and the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub character 400 as the largest displacement. The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 to the direction 1004 in which the angle (angle 902) seen from the reference direction (direction 1002) is maximized. Next, the changing unit 204 obtains a direction (direction 1008 ′, 1008 ″) that is 90 degrees with the direction 1004 of the first sub character 400. The changing unit 204 determines that the second sub character 500 is in the direction 1008 ′. The distance between the displacement 705 and the virtual camera 900 in the same direction 1008 (FIG. 18) and in the same direction 1011 as the direction 1008 ″ (FIG. 19) is compared. Then, the changing unit 204 selects a direction in which the displacement 705 corresponding to the allocated displacement 703 is closer to the viewpoint from the two directions as the direction of the second sub character 500. That is, the changing unit 204 changes the orientation of the second sub character 500 from the reference direction (direction 1007) to a direction in which the displacement 705 is close to the virtual camera 900 (direction 1008).
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the changing unit 204.

  FIG. 20 shows an image generated by the generating unit 201 when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed to the direction 1004 and the direction of the second sub character 500 is changed to the direction 1008 by the changing unit 204. . As described above, when the orientations of the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 performing the same action as the main character 300 are changed, the player confirms the action of the left arm 301 of the main character 300 from a plurality of directions. Can do.

(Operation of image generation device)
Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image generating apparatus 200 is powered on, the CPU 101 starts image processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 21, steps with the same step numbers as in FIG. 11 perform the same processing as the processing in the flowchart of FIG.

  The generation unit 201 generates an image of a virtual space including the main character 300, the first sub character 400, and the second sub character 500 (step S301). For example, the generation unit 201 generates an image as illustrated in FIG. Thereafter, the processing from step S102 to step S106 is performed.

  If the changing unit 204 changes the direction so that the angle at which the direction of the first sub character 400 is expected is maximized (step S106), then the changing unit 204 obtains a direction that is 90 degrees with the direction of the first sub character 400 (step S106). S307). For example, when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed from the direction 1002 to the direction 1004, directions 1008 ′ and 1008 ″ that form 90 degrees with the direction 1004 are obtained.

  Next, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the second sub character 500 so that the displacement corresponding to the assigned displacement is closer to the viewpoint among the obtained directions (step S308). For example, the changing unit 204 determines the distance between the displacement 705 and the virtual camera 900 when the second sub character 500 faces in the same direction 1008 as the direction 1008 ′ (FIG. 18), and the second sub character 500 has the direction 1008. The distance between the displacement 705 when facing in the same direction 1011 (FIG. 19) and the virtual camera 900 is compared. The displacement 705 indicates the direction 1011 when the second sub character 500 faces in the direction 1008. Since the distance to the virtual camera 900 is shorter than when facing, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the second sub character 500 from the direction 1007 to the direction 1008. Then, the process returns to step S301, and the generating unit 201 returns to step S301. , An image of the virtual space including the first sub character 400 facing the direction 1004 and the second sub character 500 facing the direction 1008 (FIG. 2). ) To generate.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm the movement of the part with the largest movement not only from the direction in which it is most easily seen but also from other directions.

(Embodiment 4)
The image generation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment controls the orientations of two subcharacters, and controls so as to maximize the angle at which one of the subcharacters is expected. It controls to be symmetrical with the direction of the sub character.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation apparatus 200 according to the fourth embodiment includes a generation unit 201, a detection unit 202, an allocation unit 203, and a change unit 204. The detection unit 202 and the allocation unit 203 of the present embodiment have the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and the generation unit 201 has the same functions as those of the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the changing unit 204 having different functions will be described.
In the following description, the one sub character is referred to as a “first sub character 400”, and the other sub character is referred to as a “second sub character 500”.

The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 based on the displacement assigned to the first sub character 400 and the position of the viewpoint, and changes the direction of the second sub character 500 to the direction of the sub character. Change it so that it is symmetrical with the orientation. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the left arm 301 of the main character moves, and the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub character 400 as the largest displacement. The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub character 400 to the direction 1004 in which the angle viewed from the reference direction (direction 1002) is maximized. Next, the changing unit 204 obtains an angle (angle 905) formed by the direction 1004 of the first sub character 400 and the direction 1001. Then, the direction (direction 1009) that forms the direction 1001 and an angle 906 equal to the angle 905 is obtained, and the direction of the second sub-character 500 is changed from the reference direction (direction 1007) to the direction 1009.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the changing unit 204.

  FIG. 23 shows an image generated by the generation unit 201 when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed to the direction 1004 and the direction of the second sub character 500 is changed to the direction 1009 by the changing unit 204. . As described above, when the orientations of the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 performing the same action as the main character 300 are changed, the player confirms the action of the left arm 301 of the main character 300 from a plurality of directions. Can do.

(Operation of image generation device)
Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image generating apparatus 200 is powered on, the CPU 101 starts image processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 24, steps having the same step numbers as those in FIGS. 11 and 21 perform the same processes as those in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When the changing unit 204 changes the direction so that the angle at which the direction of the first sub character 400 is expected is maximized (step S106), the changing unit 204 obtains a direction that is symmetric to the direction of the first sub character 400 ( Step S407). For example, when changing the direction of the first sub character 400 to the direction 1004, the changing unit 204 obtains an angle (angle 905) between the direction 1004 and the direction 1001, and forms an angle 906 that is equal to the direction 1001 and the angle 905. A direction 1009 is obtained.

  Next, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the second sub character 500 to the obtained direction (step S408). That is, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the second sub character 500 from the direction 1007 to the direction 1009 when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed from the direction 1002 to the direction 1004. Then, returning to step S301, the generation unit 201 generates a virtual space image (FIG. 23) including the first sub character 400 facing the direction 1004 and the second sub character 500 facing the direction 1009.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm the movement of the part with the largest movement not only from the direction in which it is most easily seen but also from other directions.

(Embodiment 5)
The image generation apparatus according to the fifth embodiment assigns a plurality of sub-characters from the top with the magnitude of motion displacement, and controls the orientation of each sub-character so that the motion corresponding to the assigned displacement is easy to see.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image generation apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment includes a generation unit 201, a detection unit 202, an allocation unit 203, and a change unit 204. The detection unit 202 of the present embodiment has the same function as that of the first embodiment, and the generation unit 201 has the same function as that of the third embodiment. Hereinafter, the assignment unit 203 and the change unit 204 having different functions will be described.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are two sub-characters, the sub-character to which the upper displacement is assigned is “first sub-character 400”, and the sub-character to which lower displacement is assigned is “second sub-character 500”. Will be described.

The allocation unit 203 allocates the detected displacement to the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 in descending order of magnitude. For example, assume that the left arm 301 and the right arm 303 of the main character 300 have moved as shown in FIG. In this case, since the displacement 703 is larger than the displacement 706, the assigning unit 203 assigns the displacement 703 to the first sub character 400 and assigns the displacement 706 to the second sub character 500.
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the assignment unit 203.

The changing unit 204 changes the orientation of the first sub character 400 based on the displacement and viewpoint assigned to the first sub character 400, and based on the displacement and viewpoint assigned to the second sub character 500. The direction of the second sub character 500 is changed. Specifically, the changing unit 204 changes the direction from the reference direction (direction 1002) so that the angle at which the displacement 704 corresponding to the displacement 703 assigned to the first sub character 400 is expected is maximized. Further, the direction is changed from the reference direction (direction 1007) so that the angle at which the displacement 708 corresponding to the displacement 706 assigned to the second sub-character 500 is expected is maximized. That is, the changing unit 204 sets the direction of the first sub-character 400 to the direction 1004 in which the angle at which the displacement 704 is expected to be maximized (angle 902), and the direction of the second sub-character 500 to the angle at which the displacement 708 is expected to be viewed. The direction is changed to the maximum 1010 (angle 907).
Therefore, the CPU 101 functions as the changing unit 204.

  FIG. 26 shows an image generated by the generating unit 201 when the direction of the first sub character 400 is changed to the direction 1004 and the direction of the second sub character 500 is changed to the direction 1010 by the changing unit 204. When the main character 300 is viewed from the front, the movement (displacement 703) of the left arm 301 is smaller than the actual one, and the movement (displacement 706) of the right arm 303 is hardly visible. However, by changing the orientation of the first sub character 400 and the second sub character 500 that perform the same action by the above-described method, the player can check each action from the direction in which it is most easily seen.

  Hereinafter, operations performed by each unit of the image generation apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment will be described. When the image generating apparatus 200 is turned on, the CPU 101 starts image processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 27, steps having the same step numbers as those in FIGS. 11 and 21 perform the same processes as those in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  When the detection unit 202 detects the displacement of each part of the main character 300 (step S104), the allocation unit 203 allocates the largest displacement among the displacements detected by the detection unit 202 to the first sub character 400. The second largest displacement is assigned to the second sub character 500 (step S505). For example, if the main character 300 moves as shown in FIG. 25 and the detecting unit 202 detects the displacement 703 and the displacement 706, the assigning unit 203 assigns the displacement 703 to the first sub character 400, and the second sub character 400 A displacement 706 is assigned to the character 500.

  The changing unit 204 changes the direction of the first sub-character 400 to the direction in which the expected angle for the assigned displacement is maximized (step S506). For example, if the displacement 703 is assigned to the first sub character 400, the changing unit 204 changes the direction 1002 of the first sub character to the direction 1004 in which the expected angle with respect to the displacement 704 is the maximum (angle 902). To do.

  In addition, the changing unit 204 changes the direction of the second sub-character 500 to a direction in which the expected angle for the assigned displacement is maximized (step S507). For example, if the displacement 706 is assigned to the second sub character 500, the changing unit 204 changes the direction 1007 of the second sub character to the direction 1010 where the expected angle with respect to the displacement 708 is the maximum (angle 907). To do. Then, returning to step S301, the generation unit 201 generates a virtual space image (FIG. 26) including the first sub character 400 facing the direction 1004 and the second sub character 500 facing the direction 1010.

  According to this embodiment, it is possible to confirm each of a plurality of notable operations from an easy-to-see direction.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, and a program suitable for making it easier for a user to visually recognize the state of a character placed in a virtual space.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 Image Processing Unit 108 DVD-ROM Drive 109 NIC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 Audio | voice processing part 111 Mat type | mold controllers 111L, 111R, 111U, 111D Button 200 Image generation apparatus 201 Generation part 202 Detection part 203 Assignment part 204 Change part MO1-MO4 Target object HO1-HO4 Determination object HA1 Determination area 300 Main character 301 Left arm 302 Right leg 303 Right arm 400 First sub character 500 Second sub character 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708 Displacement 711, 712 End 801 Rotation direction 900 Virtual camera 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907 Angle 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1008 ', 1008 ", 1009, 1010, 1011 directions

Claims (7)

An image showing a state in which a virtual space in which a main character whose posture changes with time and a sub-character having the same posture as the main character are arranged is viewed from a viewpoint arranged in the virtual space. A generating unit for generating
A detection unit for detecting a magnitude of displacement associated with a change in posture of each of the plurality of parts of the main character;
Of the detected displacements, an assigning unit that assigns a displacement having a higher magnitude to the sub character;
A changing unit that changes the direction of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and the position of the viewpoint;
An image generation apparatus comprising: The image generation apparatus according to claim 1,
The image generating apparatus, wherein the changing unit changes the orientation of the sub character so that an angle at which the displacement is viewed from the viewpoint is increased. The image generation apparatus according to claim 2,
Two sub characters are arranged in the virtual space,
The image generation apparatus, wherein the changing unit changes the directions of the two sub-characters so as to be orthogonal to each other. The image generation apparatus according to claim 2,
Two sub characters are arranged in the virtual space,
The image generating apparatus, wherein the changing unit changes the directions of the two sub-characters so that they are symmetrical with each other. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of sub characters are arranged in the virtual space,
The allocating unit allocates displacements having higher magnitudes among the detected displacements so as not to overlap each other. An image generation method executed by an image generation apparatus including a generation unit, a detection unit, an allocation unit, and a change unit,
The generation unit looks at a virtual space in which a main character whose posture changes with time and a sub character that takes the same posture as the main character from a viewpoint arranged in the virtual space. A generation process for generating an image representing the appearance of
A detecting step in which the detecting unit detects a magnitude of displacement accompanying a change in posture of each of the plurality of parts of the main character;
An assigning step in which the assigning unit assigns a displacement having a higher magnitude to the sub-character among the detected displacements;
A changing step in which the changing unit changes the orientation of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and the position of the viewpoint;
An image generation method comprising: Computer
An image showing a state in which a virtual space in which a main character whose posture changes with time and a sub-character having the same posture as the main character are arranged is viewed from a viewpoint arranged in the virtual space. A generating unit for generating
A detection unit for detecting the magnitude of displacement associated with a change in posture of each of the plurality of parts of the main character;
Of the detected displacements, an assigning unit that assigns a displacement having a higher magnitude to the sub character,
A changing unit that changes the orientation of the sub character based on the displacement assigned to the sub character and the position of the viewpoint;
A program characterized by functioning as

Images