JP2020035446A - Image processing device, image processing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, an image processing system and a program that are capable of appropriately switch the action of a character from a currently executed first action based on first motion data to a second action based on second motion data.SOLUTION: In switching the action of a character from a currently executed first action to a second action, on the basis of a position of a specific part of the character in an action-switching frame of the first motion data and a position of the specific part of the character in each of multiple candidate frames selected from among frames of the second motion data, execution means (170) selects one of the multiple candidate frames, and causes the character to execute the action on the basis of the second motion data from the frame based on the selected candidate frame.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an image processing device (for example, a game control device or the like) that causes a character to perform an action based on motion data selected from a plurality of motion data.

JP 2009-104483 A

  In a case where the motion of the character performing the first motion based on the first motion data is switched to the second motion based on the second motion data, the foot of the character performing the first motion (the foot touching the field) An operation from the first operation to the second operation is performed because the position is shifted from the position of the character's foot at the start of the second operation (the position of the character's foot in the first frame of the second motion data). At the time of switching, the character's feet may look as if they are sliding on a field (the ground or the floor), giving the user a sense of discomfort.

  As a technique for suppressing the occurrence of such a problem, among the frames of the first motion data, a frame that does not cause the above-described foot displacement is set in advance as a reference frame. When switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion, the first motion is continued by the character until the reference frame is reached, and when the reference frame is reached, the character is started from the first frame based on the second motion data. There is a method of causing a computer to execute an operation.

  However, in the case where the action of the character performing the first action is switched to the second action in response to the user's execution instruction operation of the second action, the above-described technique switches the action of the character immediately in response to the execution instruction operation. Rather, the first action is continued by the character until the reference frame is reached, and the action of the character is switched after the reference frame, so that the user complains that the switching of the action of the character is delayed (that is, the response of the character is slow). You may feel it.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and has as its object to switch the motion of a character performing a first motion based on first motion data to a second motion based on second motion data. The present invention provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and a program that can be executed on a computer.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image processing device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire first motion data for causing a character to perform a first operation, and a second operation performed on the character. A second acquisition unit for acquiring second motion data to be executed, and when the motion of the character during the execution of the first motion is switched to the second motion, the motion of the first motion data in the motion switching frame is changed. First specifying means for specifying the position of a specific part of the character; and setting from among the frames of the second motion data when switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion. Second specifying means for specifying the position of the specific portion of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames thus determined, and a position before executing the first operation. When switching the motion of the character to the second motion, the position of the specific part in the motion switching frame specified by the first specifying means and the position of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying means. Selecting one of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames, and performing an action on the character based on the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame Execution means for causing

  An image processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first obtaining unit that obtains first motion data for causing a character to perform a first motion, and a second motion data for causing the character to perform a second motion. And a second acquisition unit for acquiring the position of the specific portion of the character in the operation switching frame of the first motion data when the operation of the character performing the first operation is switched to the second operation. First specifying means for specifying, and when switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion, each of a plurality of candidate frames set from each frame of the second motion data A second specifying means for specifying the position of the specific part of the character in the above, and an operation of the character during the execution of the first operation. When switching to the second operation, the position of the specific portion in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying unit, and the specific portion in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit Execution means for selecting any of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the character, and causing the character to execute an action based on the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame; including.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space. It is a figure showing an example of a player character. It is a figure showing an example of a walking operation. It is a figure showing an example of a step operation. It is a figure for explaining an example of "foot slip" at the time of operation switching. FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing an example of an operation switching method according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of motion data. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of candidate frame data. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of character state data. It is a figure showing an example of the distance between specific parts acquired. It is a figure showing an example of processing performed by a game system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a game system which is an example of an image processing system will be described.

  [1. Configuration of Game System] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a game terminal 10 and a server 30. The game terminal 10 and the server 30 are connected to a network N. For this reason, data communication between the game terminal 10 and the server 30 is possible.

  The game terminal 10 is a computer operated by a user. Specifically, the game terminal 10 is a computer used by a user to play a game. For example, the game terminal 10 is a home-use game machine (stationary game machine), a portable game machine, an arcade game machine installed in a game facility, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a portable information terminal (tablet-type computer). ), A desktop computer, or a laptop computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an optical disk drive unit 13, a communication unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, and an audio output unit 17. The control unit 11 includes at least one microprocessor (CPU), and executes information processing according to the operating system and other programs stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (for example, a RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive, or a solid state drive). The storage unit 12 stores programs and data. The optical disk drive unit 13 reads programs and data stored on an optical disk (information storage medium). The communication unit 14 is for performing data communication with another device via the network N.

  The operation unit 15 is for the user to perform various operations. The operation unit 15 includes, for example, a button (key), a lever (stick), a touch panel, a mouse, or the like. The operation unit 15 may be for the user to perform an operation by voice or gesture. The operation unit 15 may be provided as an external device connected to the game terminal 10, or may be provided on the game terminal 10 itself. Further, the button or lever may be a virtual button or lever displayed on the touch panel.

  The display unit 16 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays an image. The audio output unit 17 is, for example, a speaker or headphones, and outputs audio. The display unit 16 and the audio output unit 17 may be provided as an external device connected to the game terminal 10 or may be provided on the game terminal 10 itself.

  The server 30 is, for example, a server computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an optical disk drive unit 33, and a communication unit. The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the optical disk drive unit 33, and the communication unit 34 are the same as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, the optical disk drive unit 13, and the communication unit 14 of the game terminal 10. The server 30 can access the database 35. The database 35 may be built in the server 30 or may be built in a server different from the server 30.

  The programs and data are supplied to the game terminal 10 or the server 30 via the optical disc. That is, the programs and data stored in the optical disk are read out by the optical disk drive unit 13 or 33 and stored in the storage unit 12 or 32. A component (for example, a memory card slot) for reading a program or data stored in an information storage medium (for example, a memory card) other than the optical disc may be provided in the game terminal 10 or the server 30. Then, the program or data may be supplied to the game terminal 10 or the server 30 via an information storage medium other than the optical disc. Alternatively, programs and data may be supplied to the game terminal 10 or the server 30 from a remote place via the network N.

  [2. Overview of Game] In the game system 1, various games can be executed by executing a program on the game terminal 10. For example, various games, such as sports games (games based on soccer, baseball, tennis, American football, basketball, volleyball, etc.), action games, fighting games, and role playing games, regardless of game format and genre. It is feasible. These games may be executed by the game terminal 10 alone (stand-alone), or may be executed by the game terminal 10 performing data communication with the server 30 or another game terminal 10. When the game is executed by the game terminal 10 alone, the server 30 may not be provided.

  In the game system 1, a game is executed in which a character performs an action based on motion data selected from a plurality of motion data.

  Note that a “character” is an object arranged in a virtual space and an object that performs an action in the virtual space. The “virtual space” is a virtual space displayed on the display unit 16. In other words, the “virtual space” is a virtual space constructed in the main memory (or VRAM). The “virtual space” may be a three-dimensional space or a two-dimensional space.

  For example, a “character” is an object representing a person. The “person” may be a real person or a fictional person. Further, for example, a “character” may be an object representing a creature other than a human. The “creature” may be a real organism or a fictional organism. Further, for example, a “character” may be an object representing a non-creature. For example, the “character” may be an object representing a robot. The “character” has a plurality of parts and is configured to include a plurality of part objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of parts.

  “Motion data” is data for specifying the posture of the character in each frame when the character performs an action. In other words, “motion data” is data for specifying a change in the posture of the character for each frame when the character performs an action. The “frame” is a processing unit in a computer. For example, if the frame rate is 60 fps, the length of one frame is 1/60 second.

  For example, “motion data” is data that defines the posture of the character in a plurality of specific frames (key frames) of all frames when the character performs an action. In this case, the posture of the character in a frame between the specific frame and another specific frame is specified by performing interpolation based on the posture of the character in those specific frames. Further, for example, the “motion data” may be data defining the posture of the character in all frames when the character performs an action. The “data defining the posture of the character” is, for example, data defining the position and rotation angle of the bone set in the character.

  “To cause a character to perform an action based on motion data” means to cause a character to perform an action by reproducing motion data for the character. “To reproduce the motion data” means to change the posture of the character according to the motion data. That is, “reproducing the motion data” means to specify, for each frame, a posture in the frame based on the motion data, and set the posture of the character to the specified posture.

  In addition, “to make a character perform an action based on motion data (second motion data)” means that a motion of a character is changed from an action (first action) based on another motion data (first motion data). When switching to an action (second action) based on motion data (second motion data), the action of the character is an action obtained by blending the first action and the second action during a predetermined number of frames. This includes gradually lowering the blending ratio of one motion and gradually increasing the blending ratio of the second motion, thereby gradually switching the motion of the character from the first motion to the second motion. In other words, “to cause the character to perform an action based on the motion data (second motion data)” means that the motion of the character is changed from the motion based on other motion data (first motion data) to the motion data (second motion data). When switching to the motion based on (2 motion data), the posture of the character is set to a posture obtained by blending the posture indicated by the first motion data and the posture indicated by the second motion data during a predetermined number of frames. By gradually lowering the blend ratio of the posture indicated by the motion data and gradually increasing the blend ratio of the posture indicated by the second motion data, the posture of the character is changed from the posture indicated by the first motion data to the position indicated by the second motion data. Includes gradually switching to a posture.

  Hereinafter, a soccer game will be mainly described as an example of a game in which a character performs an action based on motion data selected from a plurality of motion data. For example, in a soccer game, a soccer game between a user's soccer team (first team) and an opponent's soccer team (second team) is performed. The opponent may be a computer or another user. However, in the following, it is assumed that the opponent is a computer for simplicity of explanation.

  [2-1] FIG. 2 shows an example of a virtual space (game space) set when a soccer game is executed. The virtual space 50 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a virtual three-dimensional space in which three orthogonal coordinate axes, that is, an Xw axis, a Yw axis, and a Zw axis are set. As described below, objects are arranged in the virtual space 50. The position of each object is specified by three-dimensional coordinates in an XwYwZw coordinate system (world coordinate system).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a field 51, which is an object representing a soccer field, is arranged in the virtual space 50. For example, the field 51 is an object corresponding to a plane whose Yw axis coordinate value is 0. On the field 51, two touch lines 52, two goal lines 53, and one center line 54 are displayed. The soccer game is played on a pitch 55 surrounded by the touch line 52 and the goal line 53.

  Also, on the field 51, a goal 56, which is an object representing a goal of soccer, is arranged. Further, on the field 51, a ball 57 as an object representing a soccer ball and a player character 60 as an object representing a soccer player are arranged. The player character 60 performs various operations such as walking, running, stepping, passing, shooting, pressing, and tackling. During the match, the player character 60 and the ball 57 are associated under predetermined conditions. In this case, the walking motion and the running motion of the player character 60 are dribbling motions.

  Although omitted in FIG. 2, when a soccer match is played between the first team (the user's soccer team) and the second team (the opponent's computer soccer team), they belong to the first team. Eleven player characters 60 and eleven player characters 60 belonging to the second team are arranged on the field 51.

  For example, in a match, any one of a plurality of player characters 60 belonging to the first team is set as a user's operation target. The player character 60 that is the user's operation target performs various operations based on the operation instruction operation performed by the user. On the other hand, among the plurality of player characters 60 belonging to the first team, the player character 60 not being operated by the user and the plurality of player characters 60 belonging to the second team are determined based on a computer operation instruction. Perform various operations. The user's operation target may be switched during the game based on the game situation (for example, the position of the ball 57) or the user's switching instruction operation among the plurality of player characters 60 belonging to the first team. Alternatively, it may be fixed to a specific one player character 60 set in advance from among a plurality of player characters 60 belonging to the first team.

  In the virtual space 50, a virtual viewpoint 58 is set. A game image representing the virtual space 50 when the viewing direction V is viewed from the viewpoint 58 is displayed on the display unit 16. For example, the position of the viewpoint 58 and the line-of-sight direction V are set so that the player character 60 or the ball 57 that is the user's operation target is included in the game image. Set based on location.

  [2-2] Here, the player character 60 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 shows an example of the player character 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the player character 60 includes a plurality of part objects indicating each of the plurality of parts. For example, the player character 60 includes, as a plurality of part objects, a head 601, a neck 602, a chest 603, a waist 604, a left upper arm 605L, a right upper arm 605R, a left forearm 606L, a right forearm 606R, a left hand 607L, a right hand 607R, and a left thigh 608L. , Right thigh 608R, left shin 609L, right shin 609R, left foot 610L, and right foot 610R.

  The left foot 610L includes a null object 611L, and the right foot 610R includes a null object 611R. For example, null objects 611L and 611R are invisible objects, and are objects corresponding to points. Further, the null objects 611L and 611R are objects to be subjected to a geometry operation or the like like ordinary objects, but are different from ordinary objects and are not subjected to drawing processing. The null objects 611L and 611R are arranged at positions corresponding to the soles of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R. The significance of setting the null objects 611L and 611R will be described later.

  The player character 60 is composed of a plurality of polygons. A “polygon” is a plane formed by three or more vertices. By forming a solid by a plurality of polygons, each part object of the player character 60 is formed.

  Further, a bone is set inside the player character 60. “Bone” corresponds to the skeleton of the player character 60. A plurality of bones are set inside the player character 60, and the plurality of bones are managed in a hierarchical structure with a specific bone (for example, a bone corresponding to a hip bone) as a root. When the position or rotation angle of a bone changes, the bones in the hierarchy below that bone are also linked, and the position of the bone is specified by the position and rotation angle of the bone in the hierarchy above that bone. Is done.

  At least one bone is associated with each vertex of a plurality of polygons constituting the player character 60. The position of the vertex changes based on a change in the state (position or rotation angle) of the bone. That is, when the state of the bone changes, the vertex follows, and as a result, the posture of the player character 60 changes. As described above, the posture of the player character 60 can be controlled by controlling the state of each bone.

  In the soccer game, the player character 60 performs an operation based on the motion data by reproducing the motion data for the player character 60. That is, by changing the posture of the player character 60 for each frame in accordance with the motion data, the action based on the motion data is performed by the player character 60.

  Since the player character 60 can execute a plurality of types of motion, a plurality of types of motion data respectively corresponding to the plurality of types of motion are prepared. For example, when causing the player character 60 to perform a walking motion, the player character 60 selects the motion data corresponding to the walking motion from the plurality of types of motion data, and reproduces the motion data. The action will be executed.

  [2-3] FIG. 4A shows an example of the walking motion of the player character 60. That is, FIG. 4A shows an example of a change in the posture of the player character 60 when performing the walking motion. While the walking motion is performed over a plurality of frames, FIG. 4A shows an example of the posture of the player character 60 in some of the plurality of frames.

  The walking motion shown in FIG. 4A is executed based on motion data corresponding to the walking motion. Hereinafter, motion data corresponding to a walking motion is referred to as “walking motion data”. The posture of the player character 60 in each frame at the time of executing the walking motion is specified based on the walking motion data.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, the posture of the player character 60 in the first frame (head frame) is such that the right foot 610R and the left foot 610L are in contact with the field 51 and the right foot 610R is located in front of the left foot 610L. (A1). Further, the posture of the player character 60 in the forty-eighth frame is such that the right foot 610R is located behind the left foot 610L with the heel part of the right foot 610R away from the field 51 (A2). Further, the posture of the player character 60 in the 96th frame is such that the heel portion of the right foot 610R contacts the field 51, and the left foot 610L is located in front of the right foot 610R (A3). The posture of the player character 60 in the 144th frame is such that the left foot 610L is located further forward than the position in the 96th frame (A4). As shown in FIG. 4A, in the walking motion, the left foot 610 </ b> L and the right foot 610 </ b> R of the player character 60 come into contact with and separate from the field 51. When the walking motion is continued, when the walking motion data is reproduced to the last frame, the walking motion data is reproduced again from the first frame.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of the step operation of the player character 60. That is, FIG. 4B shows an example of a change in the posture of the player character 60 when performing the step operation. While the step motion is performed over a plurality of frames, FIG. 4B shows an example of the attitude of the player character 60 in some of the plurality of frames.

  The step operation shown in FIG. 4B is executed based on motion data corresponding to the step operation. Hereinafter, the motion data corresponding to the step operation is referred to as “step motion data”. The posture of the player character 60 in each frame at the time of executing the step motion is specified based on the step motion data.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4B, the posture of the player character 60 in the first frame (head frame) is such that the right foot 610R and the left foot 610L are in contact with the field 51 and the right foot 610R is located in front of the left foot 610L. (B1). The posture of the player character 60 in the forty-eighth frame is such that both knees are bent and the right foot 610R is positioned near the left foot 610L (B2). Further, the posture of the player character 60 in the 96th frame is such that both knees are extended and the right foot 610R and the left foot 610L are separated from the field 51 (B3). The posture of the player character 60 in the 144th frame is such that the right foot 610R and the left foot 610L come into contact with the field 51 again (B4). As shown in FIG. 4B, in the step operation, the left foot 610 </ b> L and the right foot 610 </ b> R of the player character 60 come into contact with or separate from the field 51.

  [2-4] In a soccer game, the action of the player character 60 performing the first action based on the first motion data may be switched to the second action based on the second motion data. For example, in a state where the player character 60 that is the operation target of the user is performing the walking motion, when the execution instruction operation of the step motion is performed by the user, the player character 60 performing the walking motion is performed. The operation is switched to the step operation. It should be noted that such an operation switching may be performed for a player character 60 that is not an operation target of the user (that is, a player character 60 that operates based on an operation instruction from a computer).

  When switching the action of the player character 60 performing the first action to the second action, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of “foot slip” as described below. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of “foot slip” at the time of operation switching. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the movement of the player character 60 performing the walking motion is switched to the step motion. Also, FIG. 5 assumes a case where the action of the player character 60 is switched from the walking action to the step action at the time when the attitude of the player character 60 is the attitude (A3) in the 96th frame of the walking motion data.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the reproduction of the step motion data is simply started from the top frame, the posture of the player character 60 is changed from the posture (A3) in the 96th frame of the walking motion data to the top frame of the step motion data. It will change to posture (B1).

  Between these postures (A3, B1), the position of the right foot 610R in contact with the field 51 is shifted. Specifically, the position of the right foot 610R in the posture (B1) after the operation switching is shifted in the positive Xw-axis direction from the position of the right foot 610R in the posture (A3) before the operation switching. As a result, when the action is switched, the right foot 610R moves in the positive direction of the Xw axis on the field 51, so that the user looks as if the right foot 610R of the player character 60 is sliding on the field 51, and the user feels uncomfortable. May be given.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the position of the left foot 610L is also shifted in the postures (A3, B1) before and after the operation switching. However, since the left foot 610L is not in contact with the field 51 in the posture (A3) before the operation switching, even if the position of the left foot 610L is shifted in the posture (A3, B1) before and after the operation switching, Since the user does not see the left foot 610L of the player character 60 as if sliding on the field 51, it is unlikely that the user will feel uncomfortable.

  [2-5] Hereinafter, a method for switching the motion of the player character 60 performing the first motion to the second motion while suppressing the occurrence of “foot slip” will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the technique. In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the action of the player character 60 performing the walking action is switched to the step action. FIG. 6 also assumes a case where the action of the player character 60 is switched from the walking action to the step action at the time when the attitude of the player character 60 is the attitude (A3) in the 96th frame of the walking motion data.

  In this case, first, it is determined which of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 is closer to the field 51 in the posture (A3) at the time of the operation switching. For example, in the virtual space 50 shown in FIG. 2, since the field 51 corresponds to a plane whose Yw axis coordinate value is 0, the Yw axis of the null object 611L of the left foot 610L and the null object 611R of the right foot 610R is set. Compare coordinate values. That is, when the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611L is smaller than the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611R, it is determined that the left foot 610L is closer to the field 51. On the other hand, when the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611R is smaller than the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611L, it is determined that the right foot 610R is closer to the field 51. In the case of the posture (A3) at the time of the operation switching, since the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611R is smaller than the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611L, it is determined that the right foot 610R is closer to the field 51.

  Next, for each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1], CF [2], CF [3],..., CF [N] set from among the plurality of frames of the step motion data, The position of the right foot 610R in the frame is compared with the position of the right foot 610R in the posture (A3) at the time of operation switching. Specifically, for each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N], the position of the null object 611R of the right foot 610R in the candidate frame and the null object of the right foot 610R of the posture (A3) at the time of the operation switching. The distance from the position of 611R is calculated. Then, the candidate frame having the smallest distance is selected from the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N].

  Here, the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] are candidate frames that can be selected as the reproduction start frame of the step motion data when the operation of the player character 60 is switched to the step operation. For example, a key frame of the step motion data is set as a plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. Note that the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] may include a frame other than the key frame of the step motion data. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the candidate frame CF [1] corresponds to the first frame illustrated in FIG. 4B, and the candidate frame CF [3] corresponds to the forty-eighth frame illustrated in FIG. 4B.

  After selecting any one of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N], the player character 60 is caused to execute a step motion from the selected candidate frame based on the step motion data. For example, when the candidate frame CF [3] (the 48th frame) is selected, the player character 60 is caused to execute the step motion from the frame based on the step motion data.

  In this case, the posture of the player character 60 changes from the posture (A3) in the 96th frame of the walking motion data to the posture (B2) in the 48th frame of the step motion data. Between these postures (A3, B2), since the displacement of the right foot 610R in contact with the field 51 is small, it is as if the right foot 610R of the player character 60 is sliding on the field 51 at the time of operation switching. It is possible to make it invisible to the user. That is, occurrence of “foot slip” can be suppressed.

  When the posture of the player character 60 is switched from the posture indicated by the walking motion data to the posture indicated by the step motion data, the posture of the player character 60 is not instantaneously switched in one frame, but is changed over a predetermined number of frames. The posture is a posture obtained by blending the posture indicated by the walking motion data and the posture indicated by the step motion data, the blending ratio of the posture indicated by the walking motion data is gradually reduced, and the blend ratio of the posture indicated by the step motion data is gradually increased. , The posture of the player character 60 may be gradually switched from the posture indicated by the walking motion data to the posture indicated by the step motion data.

  In some cases, it is preferable to set the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] among frames within a specific range from the first frame. For example, if a frame of the step motion data that is far away from the first frame is set as a candidate frame, and the candidate frame is selected, the step motion of the player character 60 is executed from the middle. Therefore, the user may feel that the movement of the player character 60 is unnatural. In this regard, by setting a candidate frame among frames within a specific range from the first frame, occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed.

  [2-6] According to the method described above, the field 51 is touched when the action of the player character 60 performing the walking motion based on the walking motion data is switched to the step motion based on the step motion data. The displacement of the foot can be reduced, and the occurrence of "foot slip" can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the above-described method, the action of the player character 60 performing the walking action can be immediately switched to the step action in response to the user's execution instruction operation of the step action. For example, as another method of suppressing the occurrence of “foot slip”, a frame in which “foot slip” does not occur among the frames of the walking motion data (ie, the position of the foot of the player character 60 is set to the step motion) A frame close to the position of the foot of the player character 60 in the first frame of the data) is set in advance as a reference frame, and when the motion of the character performing the walking motion is switched to the step motion, walking is performed until the reference frame is reached. A method is also conceivable in which the action is continued by the player character 60, and when the reference frame is reached, the player character 60 executes the step action from the first frame based on the step motion data. However, in this method, the operation of the player character 60 is not immediately switched to the step operation in response to the execution instruction operation, but is waited for the reference frame, and after the reference frame, the operation of the player character 60 is changed to the step operation. Since the switching is performed, there is a possibility that the user may feel dissatisfied that the operation switching of the player character 60 is delayed (that is, the reaction of the player character 60 is slow). On the other hand, according to the method according to the present embodiment, the action of the player character 60 can be immediately switched from the walking action to the step action in response to the execution instruction operation of the step action. Is delayed (that is, the reaction of the player character 60 is slow) so that the user does not feel dissatisfied.

  Further, in the method according to the present embodiment, of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60, the foot closer to the field 51 is determined, and the step motion data is determined based on the position of the foot closer to the field 51. Of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the player character 60 between the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R, which is more likely to cause “foot slip” when the operation is switched. .

  In the method according to the present embodiment, null objects 611L and 611R are set to the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60, respectively, and the positions of the null objects 611L and 611R are set as the positions of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60. I use it. By doing so, it is only necessary to pay attention to the positions of the null objects 611L and 611R, so that the processing can be simplified. Further, since the null objects 611L and 611R are non-display objects, there is no inconvenience that unnecessary objects are displayed on the display unit 16.

  In addition, although the case where the occurrence of “foot slip” is suppressed has been mainly described above, the method according to the present embodiment can also be used to suppress the occurrence of “hand slip”. For example, in a game such as a game in which the character stands upside down and performs various operations, such as a game in which the character performs various operations while holding a hand on another object (for example, a field, a wall, a table, or the like). , "Hand slip" may occur. That is, the left hand or right hand of the character that is in contact with another object before and after the motion switching occurs, so that the character's left hand or right hand moves on another object at the time of the motion switching, and the character's left hand or right hand. May appear to the user as if it is sliding on another object, giving the user a sense of discomfort. In this regard, by executing the method according to the present embodiment on the left hand or the right hand of the character, it is also possible to switch the motion of the character while suppressing the occurrence of “hand slip”. In this case, a null object may be set on the left or right hand of the character.

  [3. Functional Block] Next, a configuration for realizing the functions described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks realized in the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the game system 1 includes a data storage unit 100, a first motion data acquisition unit 110, a second motion data acquisition unit 120, a first operation execution unit 130, a specific site selection unit 140, , A first specifying unit 150, a second specifying unit 160, and a second operation executing unit 170. The data storage unit 100 is realized by at least one of the storage unit 12, the storage unit 32, and the database 35. The function blocks other than the data storage unit 100 are realized by at least one of the control unit 11 and the control unit 31. That is, all of the functional blocks other than the data storage unit 100 may be realized by the control unit 11, all of them may be realized by the control unit 31, or some of them may be realized by the control unit 11. The rest may be realized by the control unit 31.

  [3-1] The data storage unit 100 stores data necessary for executing the game. Here, as an example of data stored in the data storage unit 100, data necessary for executing the above-described soccer game will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, model data D101, motion data D102, candidate frame data D103, and character state data D104 are stored in the data storage unit 100 as data necessary for executing the above-described soccer game. It is memorized.

  [3-1-1] The model data D101 is data indicating the shape of the player character 60. The model data D101 includes vertex data indicating the position of each vertex of the player character 60 when the posture of the player character 60 is the reference posture (that is, each vertex of each polygon constituting the player character 60). The vertex data also includes data indicating the positions of the vertices of the null objects 611L and 611R. For example, the position of each vertex is indicated in a local coordinate system. The “local coordinate system” is, for example, an origin corresponding to a reference point (for example, a point corresponding to the waist) of the player character 60 and an axis corresponding to the up-down direction, and a first axis having an upward direction as a positive direction , A coordinate system having an axis corresponding to the left and right direction, a second axis having the left direction as a positive direction, and an axis corresponding to the front and rear direction, a third axis having a front direction as a positive direction. . Note that the “reference posture” is a posture to which no bone is applied (that is, a basic posture before the position and rotation angle of the bone are set (changed)). The vertex data also includes data indicating an association between a vertex and a bone.

  The model data D101 also includes bone data relating to each bone set in the player character 60. For example, the bone data includes data relating to the hierarchical structure of the bones and data indicating the position and rotation angle of each bone when the posture of the player character 60 is the reference posture. Instead of storing the data indicating the hierarchical structure of the bone itself, the hierarchical structure may be developed on a memory handled by the program. Alternatively, a method may be adopted in which rules are defined and processed in a shader program, and when handling bones with different rules, the shader program is switched.

  [3-1-2] The motion data D102 is data for controlling the attitude of the player character 60 in each frame when the player character 60 performs an action. The data storage unit 100 stores a plurality of types of motion data D102 corresponding to a plurality of types of actions that can be performed by the player character 60, respectively.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the motion data D102. The motion data D102 is stored in association with the motion ID. The motion ID is identification information for uniquely identifying motion data (or motion).

  The motion data D102 is data in which a bone matrix of each bone set in the player character 60 is determined for each of a plurality of key frames. The bone matrix is a matrix indicating the position and the rotation angle of the bone. As shown in FIG. 8, the motion data D102 includes “key frame” and “bone” fields. The “key frame” field indicates a frame number of a key frame in the motion data. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first frame, the 48th frame, the 96th frame, the 144th frame, and the like are key frames for the motion data D102 having the motion ID “M1”. In the “bone” field, a bone matrix indicating the position and the rotation angle of the bone is registered in association with each of the bones B1, B2, B3, B4,... Set for the player character 60.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the motion data D102 having the motion ID "M1", the bone matrices BM11, BM21, BM31, BM41,.・ ・ Is set. Also, BM148, BM248, BM348, BM448,... Are set as the bone matrices of the bones B1, B2, B3, B4,.

  Therefore, when the motion data D102 having the motion ID “M1” is reproduced, in the first frame, the positions and the rotation angles of the bones B1, B2, B3, B4,. By setting based on the matrices BM11, BM21, BM31, BM41,..., The posture of the player character 60 is set. In the forty-eighth frame, the positions and rotation angles of the bones B1, B2, B3, B4,... Of the player character 60 are set based on the bone matrices BM148, BM248, BM348, BM448,. Thereby, the posture of the player character 60 is set.

  [3-1-3] The candidate frame data D103 is data indicating a candidate frame. FIG. 9 shows an example of the candidate frame data D103. The candidate frame data D103 is stored in association with the motion ID (for each motion data D102). Although FIG. 7 shows the motion data D102 and the candidate frame data D103 as separate data, the motion data D102 and the candidate frame data D103 may be combined into one data.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the candidate frame data D103 includes a “candidate frame” field. The “candidate frame” field indicates a plurality of candidate frames set from among a plurality of frames of the motion data D102 (a plurality of frames when the player character 60 executes an action based on the motion data D102). For example, a list of frame numbers of frames set as candidate frames is registered in the “candidate frame” field. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the first frame, the 24th frame, the 48th frame, and the like are set as candidate frames for the motion data D102 having the motion ID “M1”. In FIG. 9, the frame number of the candidate frame is registered in the “candidate frame” field. However, when a frame within a specific range from the first frame is set as a candidate frame, information indicating the specific range is set. May be registered in the “candidate frame” field.

  [3-1-4] Character state data D104 is data indicating the current state of each player character 60 arranged in the virtual space 50. FIG. 10 shows an example of the character state data D104. As shown in FIG. 10, the character state data D104 includes a “character ID”, a “position”, a “direction”, a “playback motion”, a “playback frame” field, and the like.

  The “character ID” field indicates identification information for uniquely identifying the player character 60. The “position” field indicates the current position of the player character 60 in the virtual space 50. For example, a coordinate value in the world coordinate system (XwYwZw coordinate system) indicating the current position of the reference point (for example, the origin in the local coordinate system) of the player character 60 is registered in the “position” field. The “direction” field indicates the direction in which the player character 60 is currently facing.

  The “playback motion” field indicates the motion data D102 that is currently being played for the player character 60. That is, the “playback motion” field indicates the type of action that the player character 60 is currently executing. For example, the motion ID of the motion data D102 currently reproduced for the player character 60 is registered in the "reproduction motion" field. The “playback frame” field indicates the current playback position of the motion data D102. For example, what frame of the motion data D102 is currently being reproduced is registered as a “reproduction frame”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10, “M1” is registered in the “playback motion” field of the player character 60 whose character ID is “C101”, and “40” is registered in the “playback frame” field. This means that, for the player character 60 whose character ID is “C101”, the motion data D102 whose motion ID is “M1” is currently being reproduced, and the currently reproduced frame is “the 40th frame”. Show. That is, this indicates that the current posture of the player character 60 whose character ID is “C101” is the posture of the 40th frame of the motion data D102 whose motion ID is “M1”.

  In addition to the fields described above, the character state data D104 includes, for example, a field indicating the moving speed of the player character 60, a field indicating whether the player character 60 has the ball 57, and a field indicating whether the player character 60 has the ball 57. Includes a field indicating whether or not is a user operation target.

  [3-1-5] The data necessary to execute the above-described soccer game is not limited to the data described above, and other data is also stored in the data storage unit 100. For example, ball state data indicating the current state of the ball 57 (eg, position, moving direction, moving speed, etc.), viewpoint state data indicating the current state of the viewpoint 58 (eg, position, line of sight, angle of view, etc.) The game condition data indicating the game situation (for example, the scores and elapsed time of both teams) is also stored in the data storage unit 100.

  [3-2] The first motion data obtaining unit 110 obtains first motion data for causing the character to execute the first motion. The first action execution unit 130 causes the character to execute a first action based on the first motion data.

  The “first operation” is one of the operations performed by the character. For example, the “first operation” is an operation instructed by a user (or a computer) operating a character.

  For example, in the “first operation”, a specific part of the character comes into contact with another object. That is, in the “first operation”, the specific part of the character comes into contact with another object or moves away from the other object. Alternatively, the specific portion of the character may keep in contact with another object from the start to the end of the “first operation”.

  “First motion data” is motion data corresponding to the first operation. “First motion data” is motion data for causing a character to execute a first motion. That is, the “first motion data” is motion data for specifying the posture of the character in each frame when the character performs the first motion.

  “Acquiring motion data” means, for example, reading out motion data stored in the auxiliary storage unit. Alternatively, “acquiring motion data” may be, for example, receiving motion data from another device via a communication network.

  In the case of the above-mentioned soccer game, for example, the walking motion corresponds to an example of “first motion”, and the walking motion data corresponds to an example of “first motion data”. In addition, the player character 60 corresponds to an example of a “character”, the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R of the player character 60 corresponds to an example of the “specific part”, and the field 51 corresponds to an example of the “other object”. Equivalent to.

  In the case of the soccer game described above, the first motion data acquisition unit 110 acquires walking motion data from the data storage unit 100. Further, the first motion execution unit 130 causes the player character 60 to execute a walking motion based on the walking motion data by reproducing the walking motion data.

  [3-3] The second motion data acquisition unit 120 acquires second motion data for causing the character to execute the second motion.

  The “second action” is one of actions performed by the character, and is different from the first action. For example, the “second action” is an action instructed by a user (or a computer) operating the character.

  For example, in the “second operation”, a specific part of the character comes into contact with another object. That is, in the “second operation”, the specific part of the character comes into contact with another object or moves away from the other object. Alternatively, the specific part of the character may keep in contact with another object from the start to the end of the “second operation”.

  “Second motion data” is motion data corresponding to the second operation. “Second motion data” is motion data for causing a character to execute a second motion. That is, the “second motion data” is motion data for specifying the posture of the character in each frame when the character performs the second motion.

  In the case of the soccer game described above, for example, the step motion corresponds to an example of “second motion”, and the step motion data corresponds to an example of “second motion data”. The second motion data acquisition unit 120 acquires step motion data from the data storage unit 100.

  [3-4] The specific part selection unit 140 selects any of a plurality of parts of the character as the specific part. For example, in a case where the character has a plurality of parts that contact with or move away from another object in the first and second actions, the specific part selection unit 140 One of the plurality of parts is selected as a specific part based on the distance between each of them and another object.

  The “specific part” is a specific part among a plurality of parts of the character. The “specific part” is a part that can come into contact with another object in the first operation and the second operation. For example, the left foot or the right foot may correspond to an example of the “specific part”. Further, for example, the left hand or the right hand may correspond to an example of the “specific portion”. The “other object” is an object that can be touched by a part of the character.

  For example, "another object" is an object that can be touched by the character's left or right foot. That is, the “other object” is, for example, an object having a surface that can be touched by the left foot or the right foot of the character. Specifically, the “other object” is an object having a surface on which the character can stand. For example, a field, a ground, a floor, and the like correspond to an example of “another object”. The “surface” may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or a surface having irregularities.

  Further, for example, “another object” is an object that can be touched by the left or right hand of the character. That is, the “other object” is, for example, an object having a surface that can be touched by the left or right hand of the character. Specifically, “other objects” are, for example, walls, cliffs, tables, fields, ground, floors, and the like. The “surface” may be a flat surface, a curved surface, or a surface having irregularities. Further, for example, the object may be an object that is grasped by the left or right hand of the character. Specifically, for example, a rope or a ladder may be used.

  The “distance between each of the plurality of parts and another object” is, for example, the distance from the reference point of each of the plurality of parts to the reference point of another object. Here, the “reference point of another object” may be a predetermined point, or a perpendicular foot dropped from each reference point of a plurality of parts to another object may be referred to as a “reference point of another object”. ".

  For example, when the character has a left foot and a right foot, the left foot and the right foot correspond to an example of “plurality of parts”, and the specific part selection unit 140 determines each of the left foot and the right foot of the character and another object. Is selected as a specific part based on the distance between the left foot and the right foot.

  In addition, for example, when the character has a left hand and a right hand, the left hand and the right hand correspond to an example of “a plurality of parts”, and the specific part selecting unit 140 determines that each of the left hand and the right hand of the character and another One of the left hand and the right hand is selected as the specific part based on the distance to the object.

  For example, the specific part selection unit 140 selects a part having the smallest distance from another object as a specific part among a plurality of parts. Alternatively, the specific part selection unit 140 may select, as a specific part, a part whose distance from another object is equal to or less than a threshold value among a plurality of parts. That is, the specific part selecting unit 140 sequentially determines whether or not the distance is equal to or less than the threshold for each of the plurality of parts, and if a part whose distance is equal to or less than the threshold is found, determines the remaining parts. Alternatively, the site may be selected as a specific site.

  In the case of the aforementioned soccer game, the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 correspond to an example of “a plurality of parts”, and the field 51 corresponds to an example of “another object”. The specific part selection unit 140 selects any of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 as the specific part based on the distance between each of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 and the field 51. .

  Specifically, the distance between the null object 611L of the left foot 610L of the player character 60 and the field 51 (that is, the Yw axis coordinate value of the null object 611L) is determined by the distance between the null object 611R of the right foot 610R of the player character 60 and the field 51. When the distance is smaller than the distance (that is, the Yw axis coordinate value of the null object 611R), the specific part selection unit 140 selects the left foot 610L of the player character 60 as the specific part.

  On the other hand, the distance between the null object 611R of the right foot 610R of the player character 60 and the field 51 (that is, the Yw axis coordinate value of the null object 611R) is the distance between the null object 611L of the left foot 610L of the player character 60 and the field 51 (that is, When it is smaller than the null object 611L (Yw axis coordinate value), the specific part selection unit 140 selects the right foot 610R of the player character 60 as the specific part.

  [3-5] The first specifying unit 150 specifies the position of the specific part of the character in the motion switching frame of the first motion data when switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion. .

  "Switching the action of the character performing the first action to the second action" means switching the action performed by the character performing the first action from the first action to the second action. In other words, "switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion" means to cause the character performing the first motion to start the second motion. That is, "switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion" means to stop the execution (continuation) of the first motion performed by the character and to cause the character to start the second motion. That is.

  The “motion switching frame” is a frame at a timing at which the motion of the character performing the first motion is switched to the second motion. The “frame at the time of motion switching” is not a predetermined frame, but may be, for example, a case where the motion of the character performing the first motion is switched to the second motion in response to a user's execution instruction operation of the second motion. For example, a frame determined that the execution instruction operation has been performed corresponds to an “operation switching frame”.

  For example, the character is configured to include a plurality of part objects, and of the plurality of part objects, the part object corresponding to the specific part is configured to include a non-display reference object. Then, the first specifying unit 150 specifies the position of the reference object of the character in the motion switching frame.

  "A plurality of body objects" are a plurality of objects that make up a character. For example, each part object includes a plurality of polygons.

  “Hidden objects” are objects that are not displayed on the display unit 16. For example, an “invisible object” is an object set to be transparent. In other words, the “non-display object” is an object that is excluded from the display target on the display unit 16 (the drawing target on the VRAM).

  The “reference object” is an object used as a position specifying target by the first specifying unit 150 or the second specifying unit 160, and has no other use. For example, a null object is set as a “reference object”.

  In the case of the above-mentioned soccer game, the null object 611L and the null object 611R set to the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 respectively correspond to an example of the “reference object”.

  In the above-described soccer game, for example, when the action of the player character 60 performing the walking action is switched to the step action, the first specifying unit 150 determines the position of the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R of the player character 60 in the action switching frame. To identify. Specifically, when the part selected as the specific part by the specific part selection unit 140 is the left foot 610L, the first specifying unit 150 specifies the position of the null object 611L in the motion switching frame. On the other hand, when the part selected as the specific part by the specific part selection unit 140 is the right foot 610R, the first specifying unit 150 specifies the position of the null object 611R in the motion switching frame.

  [3-6] When switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion, the second specifying unit 160 sets each of the plurality of candidate frames set from among the frames of the second motion data. The position of the specific part of the character in is specified.

  The “plurality of candidate frames” are frames that are candidates for selection by the second operation execution unit 170 (frame selection unit 172). That is, the “plurality of candidate frames” is a criterion for determining from which frame the character is to be operated based on the second motion data when the operation of the character performing the first operation is switched to the second operation. Is a candidate frame that can be selected by the second operation execution unit 170 (frame selection unit 172).

  The “plurality of candidate frames” are a plurality of frames set from among the frames of the second motion data. In other words, the “plurality of candidate frames” are a plurality of frames set from among the respective frames when the character performs the second action. For example, a plurality of frames among all frames of the second motion data (in other words, all frames when the character performs the second motion) are set as “plurality of candidate frames”. A plurality of frames that are part of all frames of the second motion data may be set as “plurality of candidate frames”, or all frames of the second motion data may be set as “plurality of candidate frames”. Is also good.

  For example, the “plurality of candidate frames” are a plurality of frames preset by the game developer from among the frames of the second motion data. The “plurality of candidate frames” may be a plurality of frames preset by a computer from among the frames of the second motion data.

  For example, when the second motion data is data defining the posture of the character in a plurality of specific frames (key frames) of all the frames when the character performs the second motion, a plurality of specific frames (key frames) ) Are set as “plurality of candidate frames”. In addition, even if the second motion data is data defining the posture of the character in a plurality of specific frames (key frames) of all the frames in the case where the character performs the second motion, frames other than the specific frame may be used. It may be included in “a plurality of candidate frames”.

  The “plurality of candidate frames” are set among frames within a specific range from the first frame of the second motion data. For example, even if the reproduction of the second motion data is started from a certain frame of the second motion data (herein referred to as frame X), the user may feel that the second motion of the character is unnatural. However, if the reproduction of the second motion data is started from a frame later than the frame X, the user may feel that the second motion of the character is unnatural. The frame up to frame X corresponds to a “specific range”.

  “The position of the specific part of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames” refers to the position of the specific part of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames when it is assumed that the character has performed the second action based on the second motion data. Position.

  As described above, for example, a character is configured to include a plurality of part objects, and a part object corresponding to a specific part of the plurality of part objects is configured to include a non-display reference object. Then, the second specifying unit 160 specifies the position of the reference object of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames.

  In the above-described soccer game, for example, when the action of the player character 60 performing the walking action is switched to the step action, the second specifying unit 160 sets a plurality of candidate frames set from each frame of the step motion data. The position of the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R of the player character 60 in each of CF [1] to CF [N] is specified. Specifically, when the site selected as the specific site by the specific site selection unit 140 is the left foot 610L, the second specifying unit 160 sets the null in each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. The position of the object 611L is specified. On the other hand, when the site selected as the specific site by the specific site selection unit 140 is the right foot 610R, the second specifying unit 160 sets the null object 611R in each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. Identify the location.

  [3-7] The second action execution unit 170 determines the position of the specific part in the action switching frame specified by the first specifying unit 150 when switching the action of the character performing the first action to the second action. And selecting one of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit 160, and selecting a frame based on the selected candidate frame. The character is caused to execute an action based on the second motion data.

  For example, the second operation execution unit 170 determines the position of the specific part in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying unit 150 and the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit 160 And selects one of a plurality of candidate frames based on the comparison result.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second operation execution unit 170 includes a distance acquisition unit 171 and a frame selection unit 172. The distance acquisition unit 171 determines the distance between the position of the specific part in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying unit 150 and the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit 160. Get distance. The frame selection unit 172 selects a candidate frame having the smallest distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit 171 from a plurality of candidate frames. Then, the second action execution unit 170 causes the character to execute an action based on the second motion data from a frame based on the candidate frame selected by the frame selection unit 172.

  The “distance” can be calculated as the square root of Δx2 + Δy2 + Δz2 if the position of the specific part is indicated by the coordinate value (x, y, z), and the position of the specific part is represented by the coordinate value (x, y). In the case shown, it can be calculated as the square root of Δx2 + Δy2.

  The “frame based on the selected candidate frame” is, for example, the selected candidate frame itself. Alternatively, the “frame based on the selected candidate frame” may be a frame other than the selected candidate frame, and may be a frame selected based on the selected candidate frame. For example, the “frame based on the selected candidate frame” may be a frame in a predetermined range before or / and after the selected candidate frame.

  “To cause the character to perform an action based on the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame” means, for example, to specify the posture of the character in a frame based on the selected candidate frame based on the second motion data Then, changing the posture of the character from the specified posture in accordance with the second motion data.

  Note that the second motion execution unit 170 does not instantaneously switch the posture of the character from the posture based on the first motion data to the posture based on the second motion data in the motion switching frame, In the frame period, the posture of the character is a posture obtained by blending the posture based on the first motion data and the posture based on the second motion data, and the blending ratio of the posture based on the first motion data is gradually reduced. By gradually increasing the blend ratio of the posture based on the second motion data, the posture of the character may be gradually switched from the posture based on the first motion data to the posture based on the second motion data.

  “Blending the posture based on the first motion data and the posture based on the second motion data” means that the vertex coordinates of the character in the posture based on the first motion data are (x1, y1, z1) and the second motion data Assuming that the vertex coordinates (x2, y2, z2) of the character in the posture based on the character and the blend ratio of the posture based on the second motion data are α (α: 0 to 1), the vertex coordinates of the character are ((x1 * (1-α)) + (x2 * α), (y1 * (1-α)) + (y2 * α), (z1 * (1-α)) + (z2 * α)) .

  As described above, for example, a character is configured to include a plurality of part objects, and a part object corresponding to a specific part of the plurality of part objects is configured to include a non-display reference object. Then, the second operation executing unit 170 determines the position of the reference object in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying unit 150 and the position of the reference object in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit 160 , One of the plurality of candidate frames is selected.

  In the above-mentioned soccer game, for example, when switching the action of the player character 60 performing the walking action to the step action, the second action execution unit 170 determines whether the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R in the action switching frame of the walking motion data. Based on the position and the position of the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R in each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] of the step motion data, among the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. Select one of

  Specifically, when the part selected as the specific part by the specific part selection unit 140 is the left foot 610L, the distance acquisition unit 171 determines the position of the null object 611L in the motion switching frame of the walking motion data and the step motion The distance between the position of the null object 611L in each of the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] of the data is acquired. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance acquisition unit 171 determines, for each candidate frame CF [i] (i = 1, 2,..., N) of the step motion data, in the motion switching time frame of the walking motion data. The distance Di between the position of the null object 611L and the position of the null object 611L in the step motion data candidate frame CF [i] is acquired. Further, the frame selection unit 172 selects a candidate frame having the smallest distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit 171 from the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. Then, the second action execution unit 170 causes the player character 60 to execute an action based on the step motion data from the candidate frame selected by the frame selection unit 172.

  On the other hand, when the part selected as the specific part by the specific part selection unit 140 is the right foot 610R, the distance acquisition unit 171 determines the position of the null object 611R in the motion switching frame of the walking motion data and the multiple positions of the step motion data. Of the null object 611R in each of the candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance acquisition unit 171 determines, for each candidate frame CF [i] (i = 1, 2,..., N) of the step motion data, in the motion switching time frame of the walking motion data. The distance Di between the position of the null object 611R and the position of the null object 611R in the step motion data candidate frame CF [i] is acquired. Further, the frame selection unit 172 selects a candidate frame having the smallest distance acquired by the distance acquisition unit 171 from the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. Then, the second action execution unit 170 causes the player character 60 to execute an action based on the step motion data from the candidate frame selected by the frame selection unit 172.

  [4. Processing] Next, processing executed in the game system 1 (game terminal 10) will be described.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a process executed when the operation of the player character 60 performing the walking operation is switched to the step operation. For example, when the user performs a step motion execution instruction operation while the player character 60 being the user's operation target is performing the walking motion, the process illustrated in FIG. 12 is executed. Further, for example, when the execution instruction of the step operation for the player character 60 is performed by the computer while the player character 60 that is not the operation target of the user is performing the walking operation, the process illustrated in FIG. Be executed. When the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10 executes the processing shown in FIG. 12 according to the program, the control unit 11 functions as a functional block (excluding the data storage unit 100) shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, the control unit 11 sets the left foot 610 </ b> L of the player character 60 in the motion switching frame of the walking motion data (the timing of switching the motion of the player character 60 performing the walking motion to the step motion). The position of the null object 611L is acquired (S100).

  For example, the control unit 11 specifies the frame number of the currently reproduced frame based on the character state data D104 (reproduction frame field). Further, the control unit 11 acquires a bone matrix of each bone of the player character 60 in the frame based on the walking motion data. Then, the control unit 11 sets the position and the rotation angle of each bone of the player character 60 based on the acquired bone matrix, so that the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611L of the player character 60 ( That is, the relative position of the null object 611L with respect to the reference point of the player character 60 is specified. Further, the control unit 11 specifies a coordinate value in the world coordinate system indicating the position of the reference point of the player character 60 based on the character state data D104 (position field). And the control part 11 specifies the coordinate value of the world coordinate system which shows the position of the null object 611L based on these.

  Similarly, the control unit 11 acquires the position of the null object 611R of the right foot 610R of the player character 60 in the motion switching frame of the walking motion data (S102). This process is the same as step S100.

  After execution of steps S100 and S102, the control unit 11 selects, as a specific part, a foot closer to the field 51 among the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 (S104).

  For example, the control unit 11 acquires the distance (first distance) between the position of the null object 611L of the left foot 610L acquired in step S100 and the field 51. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires, as the first distance, a length of a perpendicular line hanging from the null object 611L to the field 51. When the field 51 corresponds to a plane where the Yw-axis coordinate value of the world coordinate system is 0, the control unit 11 acquires the Yw-axis coordinate value of the null object 611L as the first distance. Good. Similarly, the control unit 11 acquires the distance (second distance) between the position of the null object 611R of the right foot 610R acquired in step S102 and the field 51. Then, when the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the control unit 11 selects the left foot 610L as the specific part. On the other hand, when the second distance is shorter than the first distance, control unit 11 selects right foot 610R as the specific part.

  Further, the control unit 11 acquires step motion data (S106). For example, when the step motion data is stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 11 reads the step motion data from the storage unit 12.

  Further, the control unit 11 initializes the variable i to 1 (S108), and acquires the position of the specific part of the player character 60 in the i-th candidate frame CF [i] (S110).

  For example, the control unit 11 refers to the candidate frame data D103 of the step motion data and acquires the frame number of the frame set as the i-th candidate frame CF [i]. Further, the control unit 11 acquires a bone matrix of each bone of the player character 60 in the frame based on the step motion data.

  When the specific part selected in step S104 is the left foot 610L, the control unit 11 sets the position and the rotation angle of each bone of the player character 60 based on the acquired bone matrix, thereby setting the player character 60 Of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611L of the left foot 610L (that is, the relative position of the null object 611L with respect to the reference point of the player character 60).

  On the other hand, when the specific part selected in step S104 is the right foot 610R, the control unit 11 sets the position and the rotation angle of each bone of the player character 60 based on the acquired bone matrix, thereby setting the player character 60 Of the null object 611R of the right foot 610R of the player character 60 (ie, the relative position of the null object 611R with respect to the reference point of the player character 60).

  After execution of step S110, the control unit 11 determines the position of the specific part in the i-th candidate frame CF [i] (that is, the position acquired in step S112) and the position of the specific part in the operation switching frame (step S110). Among the positions acquired in S100 or S102, the distance to the position of the foot identified as the specific part in step S104 is acquired (S112).

  For example, when the specific part selected in step S104 is the left foot 610L, the control unit 11 determines the position of the null object 611L acquired in step S110 (the coordinate value in the local coordinate system) and the null object acquired in step S100. The distance from the position of the object 611L (the coordinate value in the local coordinate system) is calculated. On the other hand, when the specific part selected in step S104 is the right foot 610R, the control unit 11 determines the position of the null object 611R acquired in step S110 (the coordinate value in the local coordinate system) and the null object acquired in step S102. The distance from the position of the object 611R (the coordinate value in the local coordinate system) is calculated. Then, the control unit 11 stores the distance calculated as described above in the storage unit 12 in association with the information for identifying the i-th candidate frame CF [i] (FIG. 11).

  After execution of step S112, the control unit 11 adds “1” to the variable i (S114). The control unit 11 determines whether the variable i is equal to or less than N (S116). Here, “N” indicates the total number of candidate frames in the step motion data (FIG. 6).

  When the variable i is equal to or smaller than N (S116: Yes), the control unit 11 executes the processing of steps S110 to S114 again. On the other hand, the case where the variable i is not equal to or smaller than N (S116: No) is a case where the above distance has been acquired for all the candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N]. In this case, the control unit 11 selects a candidate frame having the smallest distance acquired in step S112 from among the plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [N] (S118).

  After execution of step S118, the control unit 11 causes the player character 60 to execute an action based on the step motion data from the candidate frame selected in step S118 (S120).

  For example, the control unit 11 causes the player character 60 to start the step motion by stopping the reproduction of the walking motion data and reproducing the step motion data from the candidate frame selected in step S118.

  Further, for example, the control unit 11 may execute blend reproduction of the walking motion data and the step motion data from the candidate frame selected in step S118 in a period of a predetermined number of frames from the motion switching frame. That is, the control unit 11 sets the posture of the player character 60 to a posture obtained by blending the posture based on the walking motion data and the posture based on the step motion data in a period of a predetermined number of frames from the motion switching frame, By gradually lowering the blending ratio of the posture based on the data and gradually increasing the blending ratio of the posture based on the step motion data, the posture of the player character 60 is changed from the posture based on the walking motion data to the posture based on the step motion data. The switching may be performed gradually. In other words, the control unit 11 sets the movement of the player character 60 to an action of blending the walking action and the step action during the period of the predetermined number of frames from the action switching frame, and gradually reduces the blending ratio of the walking action. The motion of the player character 60 may be gradually switched from the walking motion to the step motion by gradually increasing the blend ratio of the step motion.

  In step S112, the control unit 11 may acquire the distance in the world coordinate system. That is, when the specific part selected in step S104 is the left foot 610L, in step S110, the control unit 11 indicates the position of the reference point of the player character 60 based on the character state data D104 (position field). The coordinate value of the null object 611L is specified based on the coordinate value of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611L and the coordinate value of the world coordinate system indicating the position of the reference point of the player character 60. The coordinate value of the world coordinate system indicating the position may be specified. Then, in step S112, the control unit 11 determines the position of the null object 611L (the coordinate value in the world coordinate system) obtained in step S110 and the position of the null object 611L (the coordinate value in the world coordinate system) obtained in step S100. ) May be calculated. Similarly, when the specific part selected in step S104 is the right foot 610R, in step S110, the control unit 11 may specify a coordinate value in the world coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611R. Then, in step S112, the control unit 11 determines the position of the null object 611R (the coordinate value in the world coordinate system) obtained in step S110 and the position of the null object 611R (the coordinate value in the world coordinate system) obtained in step S100. ) May be calculated.

  Further, in step S104, the control unit 11 compares the coordinate value of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611L of the left foot 610L with the coordinate value of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611R of the right foot 610R. Thus, the foot closer to the field 51 may be specified. For example, the control unit 11 calculates a distance between a coordinate value of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611L and a predetermined coordinate value (a coordinate value of the local coordinate system corresponding to the field 51) as a first distance. You may. Similarly, the control unit 11 calculates the distance between the coordinate value of the local coordinate system indicating the position of the null object 611R and a predetermined coordinate value (the coordinate value of the local coordinate system corresponding to the field 51) as the second distance. May be. When the first distance is shorter than the second distance, the control unit 11 selects the left foot 610L as the specific part, and when the second distance is shorter than the first distance, the control unit 11 selects the right foot 610R as the specific part. May be selected.

  [5. Conclusion] According to the game system 1 described above, for example, when the motion of the character performing the walking motion is switched to the step motion, the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R of the player character 60 at the time of the motion switching (for example, in the field 51). The displacement of the contacting foot) can be reduced, and as a result, the occurrence of "foot slip" can be suppressed.

  Note that “foot slip” is likely to occur for a foot in contact with the field 51 or a foot near the field 51. On the other hand, with regard to the foot that is away from the field 51, even if a positional shift has occurred at the time of the operation switching, it is unlikely that the user will feel uncomfortable. In this regard, according to the game system 1, it is determined which of the left foot 610L and the right foot 610R of the player character 60 is closer to the field 51, and the action closer to the field 51 is determined. In order to reduce the positional deviation, the positional deviation at the time of operation switching can be reduced for a foot that is highly likely to cause “foot slip”.

  Further, according to the game system 1, for example, when the operation of the player character 60 performing the walking operation is switched to the step operation in response to the user's operation instruction operation of the step operation, the operation is immediately performed in response to the execution instruction operation. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling dissatisfied that the movement of the player character 60 is delayed (that is, the reaction of the player character 60 is slow).

  According to the game system 1, the null object 611L is set on the left foot 610L and the null object 611R is set on the right foot 610R, so that the first specifying unit 150, the second specifying unit 160, and the second operation executing unit 170 are set. In this case, since it is sufficient to pay attention only to the positions of the null objects 611L and 611R as the positions of the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R, the processing can be simplified. Further, since the null objects 611L and 611R are non-display objects, there is no inconvenience that unnecessary objects are displayed on the display unit 16.

  [6. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  [6-1] For example, for each of the plurality of candidate frames of the second motion data, the second operation execution unit 170 sequentially turns the first motion data identified by the first identification unit 150 in the operation switching frame. It is determined whether or not the distance between the position of the specific part and the position of the specific part in the candidate frame specified by the second specifying unit 160 is smaller than a threshold, and the candidate frame in which the distance is smaller than the threshold is determined. If is found, the candidate frame may be selected without making a determination on the remaining candidate frames.

  That is, in the process shown in FIG. 12, after the execution of step S112, it may be determined whether or not the distance acquired in step S112 is smaller than the threshold. If the distance is smaller than the threshold, the i-th candidate frame CF [i] is selected, and step S120 is executed. On the other hand, if the distance is not smaller than the threshold, step S114 is executed. Is also good. By doing so, there is a case where any one of the candidate frames CF [1] to CF “N” can be selected without acquiring the distance, so that a plurality of candidate frames CF [1] to CF [1] to CF “N” can be selected. The processing load for selecting any one of CF “N” can be reduced.

  [6-2] Also, for example, the second operation execution unit 170 is set based on the position of a specific part (for example, a left foot or a right foot) in the operation switching frame of the first motion data specified by the first specifying unit 150. One of the plurality of candidate frames of the second motion data specified by the second specifying unit 160 in a determination area (for example, an area that is equal to or less than a threshold from the position of the specific part of the character performing the first action). In the case where the position of the specific part is included, the candidate frame may be selected.

  That is, in the process shown in FIG. 12, if the foot specified as the specific part in step S104 is the left foot 610L, after the execution of step S110, the position is determined within the determination area set based on the position acquired in step S100. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the position acquired in step S110 is included. On the other hand, if the foot specified as the specific part in step S104 is the right foot 610R, after execution of step S110, the foot acquired in step S110 is within the determination area set based on the position acquired in step S102. It may be determined whether or not the position is included. Then, if the position acquired in step S110 is included in the determination area, the i-th candidate frame CF [i] is selected, and step S120 is executed. On the other hand, the position acquired in step S110 is If not included in the determination area, step S114 may be executed. Even in such a case, any one of the candidate frames CF [1] to CF “N” can be selected without acquiring the distance, so that the processing load can be reduced.

  [6-3] Further, for example, the second operation execution unit 170 determines that the position of the specific part (for example, the left foot or the right foot) in the operation switching frame of the first motion data specified by the first specifying unit 150 is the second specification. A determination area (for example, the position of the specific part of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames) set based on the position of the specific part of the character in any of the plurality of candidate frames of the second motion data specified by the unit 160 , The candidate frame may be selected.

  That is, in the processing shown in FIG. 12, if the foot specified as the specific part in step S104 is the left foot 610L, after the execution of step S110, the determination area set based on the position acquired in step S110 Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the position acquired in step S100 is included. On the other hand, if the foot identified as the specific part in step S104 is the right foot 610R, after execution of step S110, the foot acquired in step S102 is within the determination area set based on the position acquired in step S110. It may be determined whether or not the position is included. If the position acquired in step S100 or S102 is included in the determination area, the i-th candidate frame CF [i] is selected, and step S120 is executed. If the determined position is not included in the determination area, step S114 may be executed. Even in such a case, any one of the candidate frames CF [1] to CF “N” can be selected without acquiring the distance, so that the processing load can be reduced.

  [6-4] For example, all or a part of the processing described as being executed by the control unit 11 of the game terminal 10 (an example of the image processing apparatus) is executed by the server 30 (another example of the image processing apparatus). May be done. In this case, data necessary for executing the processing in the server 30 may be stored in the storage unit 32 or the database 35, or may be transmitted from the game terminal 10 to the server 30. Further, data necessary for displaying various images on the display unit 16 (data indicating the images themselves or data for generating the images, etc.) may be transmitted from the server 30 to the game terminal 10.

  [6-5] In the above description, the case where the operation of the player character 60 performing the walking motion is mainly switched to the step operation has been described, but the present invention relates to the player character performing the operation other than the walking operation. It can also be used when the operation 60 is switched to an operation other than the step operation.

  In the above description, the case where the action of the player character 60 is switched while suppressing the occurrence of “foot slip” in the soccer game has been mainly described. However, the present invention can be applied to games other than the soccer game.

  In the above, the case where the occurrence of “foot slip” is suppressed has been mainly described. However, as described above, the present invention can also be used to suppress the occurrence of “hand slip”. For example, in a game such as a game in which the character stands upside down and performs various operations, such as a game in which the character performs various operations while holding a hand on another object (for example, a field, a wall, a table, or the like), The displacement of the left or right hand of the character that is in contact with another object before and after the movement switching causes the user to look as if the left or right hand of the character is sliding on another object at the time of the movement switching. May be lost. In this regard, by executing the method according to the present invention for the left hand or the right hand of the character, it is also possible to switch the movement of the character while suppressing the occurrence of “hand slip”.

  [6-6] In the above, the case where the present invention is applied to the game system 1 (game terminal 10) as an example of the image processing system (image processing apparatus) has been described. It can also be applied to processing systems. The present invention can be applied to various image processing systems (image processing devices) that switch a character performing a first motion based on first motion data to a second motion based on second motion data.

  [7. Supplementary Note] From the above description, the present invention is grasped, for example, as follows. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals described in the drawings are appropriately written in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

  1) The image processing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires first motion data (for example, walking motion data) for causing a character (for example, a player character 60) to execute a first motion (for example, walking motion). A first obtaining unit (110) for performing a second motion (for example, step motion) on the character; a second obtaining unit (120) for obtaining second motion data (for example, step motion data); In a case where the motion of the character performing one motion is switched to the second motion, a position of a specific portion (for example, the left foot 610L or the right foot 610R) of the character in the motion switching frame of the first motion data is specified. 1 specifying means (150), and switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion. The second specifying means (160) for specifying the position of the specific portion of the character in each of a plurality of candidate frames set from among the frames of the second motion data; In the case of switching the running motion of the character to the second motion, the position of the specific portion in the motion switching frame specified by the first specifying device (150) and the second specifying device (160) Selecting one of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames identified by the second frame, and selecting the second motion from a frame based on the selected candidate frame. Executing means (170) for causing the character to execute an action based on data.

  6) An image processing system (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition unit (110) for acquiring first motion data for causing a character to perform a first operation, and a second operation performed on the character. A second acquisition unit for acquiring second motion data to be executed, and an operation switching of the first motion data when the operation of the character performing the first operation is switched to the second operation. A first specifying unit (150) for specifying a position of a specific portion of the character in a time frame; and a step of switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion. A second specifying unit configured to specify a position of the specific portion of the character in each of a plurality of candidate frames set from each frame; When switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion, the position of the specific portion in the motion switching frame specified by the first specifying means (150); (2) selecting one of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the specific portion in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the specifying unit (160), and selecting the selected candidate frame based on the selected candidate frame; Executing means (170) for causing the character to execute an action based on the second motion data from a frame.

  7) Further, a program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to function as the image processing device (10) according to any one of 1) to 5) or the image processing system (1) according to 6). It is a program for.

  8) Further, an information storage medium according to one embodiment of the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the program described in 7).

  9) In addition, the image processing method (the image processing device (10) or the control method of the image processing system (1)) according to one embodiment of the present invention acquires first motion data for causing a character to perform a first motion. A first obtaining step (S100, S102), a second obtaining step (S106) of obtaining second motion data for causing the character to perform a second motion, and a first obtaining step (S106) of the character performing the first motion. A first specifying step (S100, S102, S104) of specifying a position of a specific portion of the character in a motion switching frame of the first motion data when the motion is switched to the second motion; When switching the motion of the character being executed to the second motion, setting is performed from among the frames of the second motion data. A second specifying step (S110) of specifying a position of the specific portion of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames obtained, and a case where the motion of the character performing the first motion is switched to the second motion. Based on the position of the specific portion in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying step and the position of the specific portion in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying step, Executing one of the plurality of candidate frames and causing the character to execute an action based on the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame (S118, S120). .

  According to the inventions described in 1), 6) to 9) above, when the motion of the character performing the first motion based on the first motion data is switched to the second motion based on the second motion data, the first motion is performed. Based on the position of the specific part of the character in the motion switching frame of the motion data and the position of the specific part of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames set from each frame of the second motion data, a plurality of candidates are determined. One of the frames is selected, and the character performs an action based on the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame.

  With the above configuration, a specific portion (for example, a foot that is in contact with the field, the ground, or the floor, or a hand that is in contact with a wall, a table, or the like when switching the operation from the first operation to the second operation) ) Can be reduced. As a result, when the motion is switched from the first motion to the second motion, the specific portion of the character may appear to be sliding on another object (for example, a field, the ground, a floor, a wall, or a table). Can be suppressed.

  Further, in the above-described manner, when the action of the character performing the first action is switched to the second action according to the user's execution instruction operation of the second action, the character is immediately changed in response to the execution instruction operation. Operation can be switched. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling dissatisfied that the switching of the motion of the character is delayed (that is, the response of the character is slow).

  As described above, according to the inventions described in the above 1), 6) to 9), the motion of the character performing the first motion based on the first motion data is switched to the second motion based on the second motion data. This is done so that the specific part of the character does not look as if sliding on another object (for example, a field, the ground, a floor, a wall, a wall, or the like) at the time of switching the motion, and the motion of the character is performed. This can be realized while preventing the user from feeling dissatisfied that the switching is delayed (that is, the response of the character is slow). That is, it is possible to preferably execute switching of the motion of the character performing the first motion based on the first motion data to the second motion based on the second motion data.

  2) In the image processing device (10) according to an aspect of the present invention, the execution unit (170) includes: a position of the specific portion in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying unit (150); A distance acquisition unit (171) for acquiring a distance between the position of the specific part in each of the plurality of candidate frames identified by the second identification unit (160); Frame selecting means (172) for selecting a candidate frame having the smallest distance.

  According to the invention described in (2), the position of the specific portion in the operation switching frame specified by the first specifying device and the position of the specific portion in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying device are determined. Since the distance between the frames is obtained and the candidate frame having the smallest distance is selected from the plurality of candidate frames, the positional displacement of the specific part when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation can be minimized. .

  3) In the image processing device (10) according to an aspect of the present invention, in the first motion and the second motion, the character may touch another object (for example, the field 51) or may not touch the other object. The image processing device (10) includes a plurality of parts (for example, a left foot 610L and a right foot 610R) that are separated from above, and the image processing device (10) is configured to determine the distance between each of the plurality of parts and the other object based on A specific part selecting means (140) for selecting any one of a plurality of parts as the specific part may be further included.

  According to the invention described in 3), when a motion is switched from the first motion to the second motion, with respect to a portion that is highly likely to cause an inconvenience of appearing as if sliding on another object, The displacement at the time of operation switching can be reduced. The inconvenience that the part of the character appears as if sliding on another object when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation is close to the part in contact with another object or the other object. It is easy to occur for a part at a position. On the other hand, with respect to a part that is distant from another object, it is unlikely that the user will feel uncomfortable even if a position shift occurs when the operation is switched. In this regard, according to the present invention, any one of the plurality of parts is selected as the specific part based on the distance between each of the plurality of parts of the character and another object. It is possible to reduce the positional deviation at the time of switching the operation from the first operation to the second operation with respect to a portion that is highly likely to cause the motion.

  4) In the image processing device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention, the character is configured to include a plurality of part objects, and a part object corresponding to the specific part (for example, The left foot 610L or the right foot 610R is configured to include a non-displayed reference object (for example, a null object 611L or 611R), and the first specifying unit (150) determines the reference object of the character in the motion switching frame. The position is specified, the second specifying means (160) specifies the position of the reference object of the character in each of the plurality of candidate frames, and the execution means (170) specifies the position of the first specifying means (150). ), The position of the reference object in the motion switching frame specified by Any of the plurality of candidate frames may be selected based on the position of the reference object in each of the plurality of candidate frames specified by the second specifying unit (160). .

  According to the invention described in 4), since the first special means, the second specifying means, and the execution means only need to pay attention to the position of the reference object, the processing can be simplified. Further, since the reference object is a non-display object, there is no inconvenience that an unnecessary object is displayed on the display unit.

  5) In the image processing device (10) according to an aspect of the present invention, the plurality of candidate frames may be set in frames within a specific range from the first frame of the second motion data. Good.

  According to the invention described in 5), the occurrence of inconvenience as described below can be suppressed. When the character performs an action based on the second motion data from a frame far from the first frame of the second motion data, the action of the character is unnatural because the action of the character is performed in the middle of the second action. May be felt by the user. In this regard, according to the invention described in 5), the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed.

  10) In the image processing device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention, the character may have a left foot and a right foot, and the plurality of parts may be the left foot and the right foot.

  According to the invention described in 10), it is as if the character's left foot and right foot are sliding on another object (for example, a field, the ground, or the floor) when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation. With respect to a portion that is more likely to cause inconvenience of being seen, it is possible to reduce a position shift at the time of operation switching. The inconvenience of appearing as if sliding on another object when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation is that the left foot and the right foot which are in contact with the other object (or (Which is closer to other objects). In this regard, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation at the time of the operation switching with respect to the left foot and the right foot of the character, which is more likely to cause the above-described inconvenience.

  11) In the image processing device (10) according to one aspect of the present invention, the character may have a left hand and a right hand, and the plurality of parts may be the left hand and the right hand.

  According to the invention described in 11), the character's left hand and right hand appear to be sliding on another object (for example, a wall or a table) when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation. With respect to a portion that is more likely to cause inconvenience, it is possible to reduce a position shift at the time of operation switching. The inconvenience of appearing as if sliding on another object when the operation is switched from the first operation to the second operation is that the left hand or the right hand which is in contact with another object (or (Which is closer to other objects). In this regard, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the displacement at the time of the operation switching for the portion of the left hand and the right hand of the character which is more likely to cause the above-described inconvenience.

1 game system, N network, 10 game terminals, 11 control unit, 12 storage unit, 13 optical disk drive unit, 14 communication unit, 15 operation unit, 16 display unit, 17
Audio output unit, 30 server, 31 control unit, 32 storage unit, 33 optical disk drive unit, 34 communication unit, 35 database, 50 virtual space, 51 field, 52 touch line, 53 goal line, 54 center line, 55 pitch, 56 Goals, 57 balls, 58 viewpoints, 60 player characters, 601 heads, 602 necks, 603
Chest, 604 waist, 605L Left upper arm, 605R Upper right arm, 606L Left forearm, 606R
Right forearm, 607L left hand, 607R right hand, 608L left thigh, 608R right thigh, 609L left shin, 609R right shin, 610L left foot, 610R right foot, 611L, 611R null object, 100 data storage unit, D101 model data, D102 motion data, D103 candidate frame data, D104 character state data, 110 first motion data acquisition unit, 120 second motion data acquisition unit, 130 first operation execution unit, 140 specific site selection unit, 150 first specification unit, 160 second specification unit , 170 second operation execution unit, 171 distance acquisition unit, 172 frame selection unit.

Claims (1)

First acquisition means for acquiring first motion data for causing the character to perform a first motion;
Second acquisition means for acquiring second motion data for causing the character to perform a second action;
A first specifying unit configured to specify a position of a specific portion of the character in an operation switching frame of the first motion data when switching the operation of the character performing the first operation to the second operation;
When switching the motion of the character performing the first motion to the second motion, the specific portion of the character in each of a plurality of candidate frames set from among the frames of the second motion data Second specifying means for specifying a position;
When switching the action of the character performing the first action to the second action, the position of the specific portion in the action switching frame specified by the first specifying means and the second specifying means Selecting one of the plurality of candidate frames based on the position of the specific portion in each of the plurality of specified candidate frames, and selecting the second motion data from a frame based on the selected candidate frame. Executing means for causing the character to execute an action based on
An image processing apparatus including:

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