JP2990190B2 - Three-dimensional simulator device and image synthesizing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a three-dimensional simulator capable of simulating a virtual three-dimensional space and an image synthesizing method used for the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of three-dimensional simulators have been known for use in, for example, three-dimensional games or operation simulators for airplanes and various vehicles. In such a three-dimensional simulator device, the three-dimensional object 30 shown in FIG.
Image information relating to 0 is stored in the apparatus in advance. The three-dimensional object 300 includes a player (viewer) 302
Represents a display object such as a landscape that can be seen through the screen 306. And this display is 3
A pseudo three-dimensional image (projected image) 3 is obtained by performing perspective projection transformation of the image information of the three-dimensional object 300 on the screen 306.
08 is displayed on the screen 306 as an image. In this device, when the player 302 performs operations such as rotation and translation using the operation panel 304, predetermined three-dimensional arithmetic processing is performed based on the operation signals. Specifically, first, a calculation process is performed to determine how the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction of the player 302, or the position, direction, and the like of the moving object on which the player 302 rides change according to the operation signal. Next, a calculation process is performed to determine how the image of the three-dimensional object 300 looks on the screen 306 according to the change in the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the like. The above arithmetic processing is performed in real time following the operation of the player 302. As a result, the player 302 can see in real time a change in his / her viewpoint position or line-of-sight direction or a change in scenery or the like accompanying a change in the position or direction of the moving body on which he / she is riding, as a virtual three-dimensional image. Three
You will be able to simulate a dimensional space.

FIG. 15B shows an example of a display image formed by the three-dimensional simulator as described above.

In such a three-dimensional simulator, a display object such as a racing car is represented by an object which is a set of a plurality of polygons. in this case,
By increasing the number of polygons of the object representing the display object,
Since a display object can be accurately expressed, the quality of an image can be improved. On the other hand, if an object having a large number of polygons is adopted for all displayed objects, a problem arises in that the amount of data to be subjected to arithmetic processing becomes enormous.
In such a three-dimensional simulator device that requires real-time image synthesis processing, the amount of data that can be processed within a predetermined time is limited. Therefore, if the amount of data to be processed becomes enormous, the data cannot be processed completely. For example, the movement of the self-viewpoint becomes extremely slow, the image is discontinuous as in a disassembled photograph, and many objects are not displayed. Occurred.

As one technique for solving such a problem, for example, a technique is conceivable in which the number of polygons of an object representing a display object is changed according to the distance from the viewpoint position of the player. In other words, this method uses an object having a large number of polygons for a display object having a short distance and using an object having a small number of polygons for a display object which is distant. However, this method also has the following problems. For example, in a racing car game, a case is considered in which an opponent racing car or the like approaches a player car operated by a player, and a plurality of racing cars are densely displayed on a game screen viewed by the player. In such a case, since the distance between the viewpoint position of the player and the plurality of racing cars is very short, according to the above-described method, all of these racing cars are represented by objects having a very large number of polygons (high-detail objects). Will be done. For this reason, the amount of data (the number of polygons) to be processed at the time (field) becomes very large, which causes a problem that an object is not displayed as described above. As described above, the conventional three-dimensional simulator apparatus has not sufficiently achieved the technical problem of displaying a high-quality image in real time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional simulator and an image synthesizing apparatus capable of forming a high-quality pseudo three-dimensional image in real time. Is to provide a method.

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint in a virtual three-dimensional space. , A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs a calculation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the viewpoint position of the player, A display that outputs a three-dimensional image, and the precision of the display object is represented by a change in the shape and parts. For a display object whose order number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position, the shape and parts are changed, and the sequence number is changed. The display object whose range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position is characterized in that its shape and parts are not changed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by the operation of the suspension of the racing car.

Further, the present invention is a three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising: an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal; A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs a calculation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space, an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at a viewpoint position of the player, and a display that outputs an image of the pseudo three-dimensional image, The precision of the display object is represented by the change in color and luminance. For display objects whose order number range or distance range is closer to the viewpoint position, the color and luminance are changed, and for display objects whose sequence number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position. Is characterized in that the color and luminance are not changed.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the display object is a racing car, and the accuracy of the display object is represented by occurrence of a backfire of the racing car.

The present invention is also a three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, wherein the player has an operation unit for inputting an operation signal and a predetermined game program. A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs a calculation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space, an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at a viewpoint position of the player, and a display that outputs an image of the pseudo three-dimensional image, In addition to coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing for polygon data, coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing for representative points of a display object are performed.

Further, according to the present invention, after performing a process of converting the coordinate value of the representative point of the display object into the viewpoint coordinate system, a clipping process is performed based on the view range and the depth range, and the clipping process is performed outside the view range and the depth range. The display object is characterized in that it is excluded from the subsequent processing targets.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional space at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method used for a three-dimensional simulator device including an image synthesizing unit for forming a three-dimensional image and a display for outputting the pseudo three-dimensional image, wherein the precision of a displayed object is represented by a change in shape or part. The display object whose order number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position is changed in shape and parts, and the display object whose sequence number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position is not changed in shape.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by the operation of the suspension of the racing car.

Further, the present invention provides an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional operation at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method used in a three-dimensional simulator device including an image synthesizing unit that forms a three-dimensional image and a display that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image, wherein the change in color and luminance indicates the precision of a display object. In addition, the display object whose order number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position is changed in color and brightness, and the display object whose order number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position is not changed in color and brightness.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by occurrence of a backfire of the racing car.

Further, the present invention provides an operation unit to which an operation signal is input by a player, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional space at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method used for a three-dimensional simulator device including an image synthesizing unit for forming a three-dimensional image and a display for outputting the pseudo three-dimensional image, wherein apart from coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing for polygon data, It is characterized in that coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing are performed on a representative point of a display object.

Further, according to the present invention, after performing a process of converting the coordinate value of the representative point of the display object into the viewpoint coordinate system, a clipping process based on the visual field range and the depth range is performed, and the clipping process is performed outside the visual field range and the depth range. The display object is characterized in that it is excluded from the subsequent processing targets.

The present invention also relates to a three-dimensional simulator apparatus including at least image synthesizing means for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, wherein the display objects are arranged in order of decreasing distance from the viewpoint position. The first to Mth (M is an integer) order number ranges that separate the order numbers attached to
The K-th (K is an integer, 1 ≦ K <M) sequence number range is set to include a sequence number assigned to a display object whose distance from the viewpoint position is shorter than the (K + 1) -th sequence number range. In the first setting, the precision of the display object to which the sequence number belongs to the K-th order number range is set higher than the precision of the display object to which the sequence number belongs to the (K + 1) -th order number range. It is characterized by including means.

According to the present invention, the display object is assigned a sequence number in order from the closest to the viewpoint position, and based on this sequence number, the first to Mth sequence number ranges, for example, the first, second,
A third sequence number range has been determined. Here, the first sequence number range includes a sequence number assigned to a display object near the viewpoint position, and the third sequence number range includes a sequence number assigned to a display object far from the viewpoint position. Then, when the sequence number of the display object belongs to the first sequence number range, the precision of the display object is set high, and when the sequence number belongs to the second sequence number range, the precision is set to a medium level. If it belongs, it is set low. This makes it possible to optimize the precision of the display object by taking into account not only the distance between the viewpoint position and the display object, but also the number of display objects that are close to the viewpoint position. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation such as an enormous amount of calculation processing or a decrease in image quality even when the display objects are crowded near the viewpoint position.
When a display object is represented by an object which is a combination of polygons, the precision of the display object can be set by changing the number of polygons of the object. However, in addition to this, if the display object is a racing car, for example, for a high-precision racing car, the suspension is operated and the backfire is blown out, and the medium-precision and low-precision It is also possible to prevent the operation of the suspension or the like from being performed for the racing car of (1).

It is not always necessary to include a plurality of sequence numbers in the sequence number range. For example, the sequence numbers may correspond to the sequence number ranges on a one-to-one basis.

Also, according to the present invention, the first to N-th (N is an integer) distance ranges for dividing the distance between the viewpoint position and the display object are L-th (L is an integer and 1 ≦ L <N). When the distance range is set to be a range closer to the viewpoint position than the (L + 1) th distance range, the accuracy of the display object located in the Lth distance range is determined by the (( (L + 1) The second setting means for setting higher than the precision of the display object located in the distance range, and the precision of the display object set by the second setting means is changed by the setting of the first setting means. Means.

According to the present invention, the first to Nth distance ranges, for example, the first, second, and third distance ranges are determined based on the distance between the viewpoint position and the display object. Here, the first distance range is a distance range close to the viewpoint position, and the third distance range is a distance range far from the viewpoint position. Then, when the position of the display object belongs to the first distance range, the precision of the display object is set high, when it belongs to the second distance range, it is set to medium, and when it belongs to the third distance range, it is set low. Is done.
Then, in the present invention, after setting the precision based on the distance range, the setting is changed based on the sequence number range. Thereby, when the display objects are concentrated near the viewpoint position, the setting of the precision can be optimized, and the image combining process without waste can be performed, and the situation such as the deterioration of the image quality can be prevented.

In the present invention, the precision of the display object set by the first setting means may be changed by the setting of the second setting means. That is, in this case, first, the precision of the display object is set based on the sequence number range, and then the setting is changed based on the distance range.

The present invention is also a three-dimensional simulator device including at least image synthesizing means for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space. The first to Mth (M is an integer) order number ranges that separate the order numbers attached to
The K-th (K is an integer, 1 ≦ K <M) sequence number range is set to include a sequence number assigned to a display object whose distance from the viewpoint position is shorter than the (K + 1) -th sequence number range. And
First to Nth (N
Is an L-th distance range (L is an integer, and 1 ≦ L).
When the distance range of <N) is set to be a range closer to the viewpoint position than the (L + 1) th distance range, the sequence number range to which the sequence number assigned to the display object belongs And means for setting the precision of the displayed object such that the precision of the displayed object closer to the viewpoint position becomes higher based on the distance range in which the displayed object is located.

According to the present invention, the precision of the display object is determined based on the order number range to which the display object belongs and the distance range. In this case, similarly to the above, the precision set based on the distance range may be changed based on the sequence number range, or the precision may be changed in association with the sequence number range and the distance range to which the display object belongs. A table or the like in which the degree information is stored may be prepared, and the degree of precision of the display object may be set based on the degree of precision information read from the table.

The present invention is also a three-dimensional simulator apparatus including at least image synthesizing means for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space. The first to Mth (M is an integer) order number ranges that separate the order numbers attached to
The K-th (K is an integer, 1 ≦ K <M) sequence number range is set to include a sequence number assigned to a display object whose distance from the viewpoint position is shorter than the (K + 1) -th sequence number range. A first precision information table for storing first precision information, which is information for specifying the precision of the display object, in association with the first to Mth order number ranges, The first to Nth (N is an integer) distance ranges that divide the distance between the object and the display object are the Lth (L is an integer, 1 ≦ L <
When the distance range of (N) is set to be a range closer to the viewpoint position than the (L + 1) th distance range, the second information is information specifying the precision of the display object. A second precision information table storing precision information in association with the first to Nth distance ranges; and a second precision information table from the second precision information table based on the distance range in which the display object is located. The precision information is read out, and based on the sequence number range to which the sequence number assigned to the display object belongs, the first
Reading out the first precision information from the precision information table of the above, and if the first precision information is information designating a precision lower than the second precision information, Means for allocating the first precision information.

According to the present invention, the first precision information table stores the first precision information in association with the sequence number range, and the second precision information table stores the second precision information in association with the distance range. Is stored. The first of these,
The second precision information is information for specifying the precision of the display object. Then, the first and second precision information are read from the first and second precision information tables based on the order number of the display object and the position of the display object. If the first precision information specifies lower precision than the second precision information, the first precision information is used as the precision specification information of the display object. Thereby, for example, when the display objects are concentrated near the viewpoint position, the first precision information is used, and when the display objects are concentrated at a position far from the viewpoint position, the second precision information is used. , And the setting of the precision for the display object is optimized.

In this case, in the present invention, it is desirable that the distance between the viewpoint position and the display object is a distance in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system. As a result, the distance in the depth direction is used in the setting of the sequence number range, the distance range, and the like, and these settings can be performed more easily. However, besides this, as the distance, for example, the distance of a straight line connecting the viewpoint position and the display object,
Various things can be adopted. Using the distance of the straight line connecting the viewpoint position and the display object makes it possible to set the sequence number range and the like more accurately.

In this case, the present invention includes a unit for storing image information of the object when the display object is represented by an object formed by combining a plurality of polygons, and the object image information storage unit includes: For at least a part of the display object, image information of a plurality of types of objects having different numbers of polygons constituting the display object is stored. It is desirable to select more objects and assign them to the display. That is, by preparing a plurality of objects having different numbers of polygons as objects representing the display object, the precision of the display object is expressed. As a result, a high-precision display object is represented by an object having a large number of polygons, and a low-precision display object is represented by an object having a small number of polygons. Further, according to the present invention, as described above, even when the display objects are crowded near the viewpoint position, the precision of the display object can be appropriately set. That is, it is not necessary to represent all densely displayed objects by objects having a large number of polygons. As a result, the number of polygons to be processed can be reduced, and the real-time operation can be ensured.

The present invention also relates to a three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising: an operation unit for allowing a player to input an operation signal; A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs calculation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a program;
An image synthesizing unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the viewpoint position of the player, a display that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image, and a display object that is close to the viewpoint position based on the order number range and the distance range to which the display object belongs. And a precision setting means for setting the precision of the display object so that the precision is higher.

In the present invention, the precision setting means may be configured to set the precision of the display object such that the smaller the sequence number range to which the sequence number assigned to the display object belongs, the higher the precision of the display object. And a second setting unit that performs processing for setting the precision of the displayed object such that the precision of the displayed object increases as the distance range to which the displayed object belongs is closer to the viewpoint position. It is characterized by.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the precision setting means includes changing means for changing the setting of the precision by the second setting means based on the result of the setting by the first setting means. .

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First, an example of a three-dimensional game realized by the three-dimensional simulator will be briefly described.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the present three-dimensional simulator apparatus. In the three-dimensional simulator device of FIG. 2, a plurality of independent simulator devices (game devices) 1-1,
1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 are connected to each other via a data transmission line. This makes it possible to realize a racing car game in which a player car operated by a player (viewer) competes with a racing car operated by an opponent player or a computer car operated by a computer.

Here, an independent simulator 1-
1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 mean that each simulator device is formed so as to be able to independently play a single player game. Of course, a configuration in which a multi-player type game is played in the same game space with the opponent player via the data transmission line can also be adopted.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the simulator devices is formed similarly to the driver's seat of an actual racing car. Then, the player sits on the seat 18 and looks at the game screen (a pseudo three-dimensional image of the scenery seen from the driver's seat of the racing car) displayed on the display 10, and handles the handle 14 provided on the operation unit 12 and the accelerator 1.
5. Operate the fictitious racing car by operating the shift lever 16 and the like to play the game.

The three-dimensional simulator shown in FIG.
Although the present invention has a multi-player type game configuration, the present invention is not limited to this and can be naturally applied to a single player configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a virtual 3 in the present three-dimensional game.
An example of a dimensional space is shown. As described above, the course 20 formed three-dimensionally is arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space in the present three-dimensional game. In the vicinity of the course 20, there are a building 60, an arch 62, a stand 64, and a cliff 6.
6, three-dimensional objects such as a wall 68, a tunnel 70, a tree 72, and a bridge 74 are arranged. The player operates the racing car while watching the display 10 on which these courses and the like are projected. Then, starting from the start point 76, the golf player goes around the course 20 and goes around the course a predetermined number of times to reach the goal, and the ranking of the player is determined.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of a game screen displayed on the display 10 in the present three-dimensional game. The player operates the player car 51 while watching the game screen, and competes with the opponent racing car 52, the computer car 53, and the like.

Now, referring to FIG.
(Own vehicle) tires 30, suspensions 32, instruments 3
Since 4 and the like are very close to the player's viewpoint, they are represented by high-detail (high-precision) objects with a large number of polygons. Further, the opponent racing car 52 is also very close to the player car, and is therefore also represented by a high-detail object. On the other hand, the computer car 53 is represented by a medium-detail object having a medium number of polygons or a low-detail object having a small number of polygons since the distance from the player car is long. Further, the image of the side mirror 38 on the main screen 36 is displayed with the scene reduced compared to the main screen, and the detail is expressed lower than that of the main screen.

FIG. 5 shows a game screen when the speed of the computer car 53 is reduced and the computer car 53 approaches the player car. In this case, the computer car 53 needs to be represented by a high-detail object, like the opponent racing car 52. However, when a plurality of racing cars approach each other as described above, if all of them are to be represented by high-detail objects, the amount of data (the number of polygons) to be processed within one field, for example, (1/60) second Becomes huge. For example, a high detail racing car object is composed of 200 to 400 polygons. Therefore, if all the racing cars having a short distance are represented by a racing car object with high detail, the number of polygons to be processed in one field increases by this number (200 to 400) each time the racing car approaches, and the image quality is reduced. A situation such as a decrease will occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent this, in addition to the method of selectively using high, medium, and low detail objects depending on the distance, a method of selectively using these objects also based on the sequence number assigned to the display object. Used. For example, in FIG. 5, the player car 51 (own vehicle)
Is the order number 1 and the opponent racing car 52 is the order number 2
However, the sequence number 3 is assigned to the computer car 53.
The sequence numbers are assigned in ascending order from the viewpoint position of the player. Then, the racing cars with order numbers 1 and 2 are high-detail objects,
A racing car with an order number of 3 or later is represented by a medium-detail (or low-detail) object. As a result, the computer car 53 is represented by a medium-detail object, which prevents a situation in which a plurality of racing cars approach the player car, resulting in an enormous amount of processing data and a decrease in image quality.

2. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a three-dimensional simulator according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the three-dimensional simulator apparatus of the present embodiment, an operation section 12 to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional simulator for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program. It includes a spatial operation unit 100, an image synthesis unit 200 that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the viewpoint position of the player, and a display 10 that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image.

For example, when the three-dimensional simulator is applied to a racing car game,
A steering wheel 14, an accelerator 15 and the like for driving the racing car are connected, and an operation signal is input by this.

In the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100, a plurality of display objects, for example, the course 20, the building 60, the arch 62, the stand 64, and the cliff 6 in the virtual three-dimensional space shown in FIG.
6. A calculation for setting the position or the position and direction of the player car, the opponent racing car, the computer car, and the like is performed. This calculation includes an operation signal from the operation unit 12 and
This is performed based on map information and the like set and stored in advance.

The image synthesizing unit 200 performs an operation of synthesizing a view image from an arbitrary viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the operation result from the virtual three-dimensional space operation unit 100. Then, the synthesized view image is output from the display 10.

In the present embodiment, the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 includes a precision setting means 119, and the precision setting means 119 includes the first and second setting (selection) means 12.
0, 122 and changing means 124. The image synthesizing section 200 includes an object image information storage section 212. The object image information storage unit 212 stores object image information for representing a display object. In this embodiment, the object image information storage unit 212 stores a plurality of types of object image information having different numbers of polygons when taking a racing car object as an example, that is, image information of a high, medium, and low detail racing car object. (See FIGS. 13A to 13C).

The precision setting means 119 sets the precision of the display object based on the order number range and the distance range to which the racing car belongs so that the precision of the racing car close to the viewpoint is higher. . More specifically, for example, the second setting (selection) unit 122 selects, for example, an object having a larger number of polygons such that the precision of the display object becomes higher as the distance range to which the racing car belongs is closer to the viewpoint position. The precision setting process is performed so as to be performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the image information of the object with high detail is selected for the player car 51 and the opponent racing car 52, and the image information of the medium detail is selected for the computer car 53. On the other hand, in FIG. 5, since the computer car 53 approaches, the image information of the object with high detail is selected for all of the player car 51, the opponent racing car 52, and the computer car 53.

For example, the first setting (selection) means 120
Performs a precision setting process so that the smaller the range of the sequence number to which the sequence number assigned to the racing car belongs, the higher the precision of the displayed object becomes, for example, an object having a larger number of polygons is selected. . That is, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the image information of the object with high detail is provided to the computer car 53 (order number 3) for the player car (order number 1) and the opponent racing car 52 (order number 2). On the other hand, the image information of the medium detail object is selected.

In this embodiment, the setting of the precision by the second setting unit 122, for example, the assignment of the object image information is changed based on the setting result by the first setting unit 120. This changing process is performed by the changing unit 124. For example, in FIG. 5, high-detail object image information is assigned to the computer car 53 by the setting of the second setting unit 122, but the first setting unit 1
The assignment is changed according to the setting result of 20, and medium-detail object image information is assigned to the computer car 53. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, when the opponent's racing car 52 is close to the player's car and the computer car 53 approaches suddenly (when the racing cars are densely close to the player's car), one field is required. This prevents a situation where the number of polygons to be processed in a large amount becomes large.

FIG. 6 shows a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit 100,
A block diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of the image combining unit 200 is shown. However, the configurations of the virtual three-dimensional space calculation means and the image synthesis means in the present invention are not limited to those shown in FIG.

3. Description of Virtual Three-Dimensional Space Calculation Unit As shown in FIG. 6, the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 includes a processing unit 102, a virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104, a movement information calculation unit 106, a display object information storage unit 108, An order number detail table 112 and a distance detail table 114 are included.

Here, the processing section 102 controls the entire three-dimensional simulator apparatus. The processing unit 102
A storage unit provided therein stores a predetermined game program. The virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 calculates a virtual three-dimensional space setting according to the game program and operation signals from the operation unit 12.

The movement information calculation unit 106 calculates the movement information of the racing car according to the operation signal from the operation unit 12, the instruction from the processing unit 102, and the like.

The display object information storage unit 108 has storage areas corresponding to the number of display objects constituting the virtual three-dimensional space. Each area has position information and direction information of the display object and a display to be displayed at this position. Object type information and detail values (precision information) are stored (hereinafter, the stored position information / direction information, display object type information, and detail value are referred to as display object information). FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the display object information stored in the display object information storage unit 108.
Finally, from the display object type information and the detail value stored in the display object information storage unit 108, information (object number) for specifying an object for representing the display object is obtained.

The display object information stored in the display object information storage unit 108 is read by the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104. In this case, the display object information storage unit 108 stores the display object information in the frame immediately before the frame. Then, in the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104, the read display object information and the movement information calculation unit 106
Based on the movement information calculated in (1), display object information (position information, direction information) in the frame is obtained.
There is no such movement information for stationary objects.
Such processing is not necessary because the display object information does not change.

As described above, the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 1
In 04, the display object information of all the display objects constituting the virtual three-dimensional space in the frame is set. In addition, the map setting unit 110 performs selection and setting of a map only for a portion necessary for display when displaying a divided map in the virtual three-dimensional space.

In this embodiment, the sequence number detail table 112 included in the virtual three-dimensional space operation unit 100 is used.
(See FIGS. 11A and 11B) and the height of the display object using the distance detail table 114 (see FIG. 12).
Medium and low detail object image information (FIG. 13)
(See (A) to (C)). Less than,
The display object will be described using a racing car as an example, but the display object on which the following processing is performed is not limited to a moving object such as a racing car. For example, a building 60 and an arch 6 shown in FIG.
The same processing may be performed on the display objects such as 2.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the assignment process in this embodiment. First, in step S1, a process of converting the coordinate values of the representative points of the racing car into the viewpoint coordinate system is performed. For example, when the racing cars a to i (a is a player car) are arranged as shown in FIG. 9, the coordinate values of the representative points of the racing cars b to i are set to the origin of the position of the player car a. A process for converting to the viewpoint coordinate system is performed. Next, as shown in step S2, a clipping process based on the visual field range and the depth range is performed. For example, in FIG. 9, clipping processing is performed based on a visual field range determined by P and Q and a depth range determined by R. For racing cars h and i located outside the area surrounded by P, Q and R, Excluded from processing.

Next, as shown in step S3, a second detail value is read from the distance detail table 114 based on the distance in the depth direction, that is, the distance in the Zv direction in FIG. 9, and the second detail value is read out. Is stored in the detail value storage area of the display object information storage unit 108. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the distance detail table 114 stores a detail value (second detail value) set based on the range of the distance from the viewpoint position of the player. For example, the detail value “1” for a distance range of 0 m ≦ L <30 m, the detail value “2” for a distance range of 30 m ≦ L <90 m, and 90 m ≦ L
The detail value "3" is stored for the distance range of. These detail values “1”, “2”, and “3” designate high, medium, and low detail object image information shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, respectively. With these detail values, it is possible to specify an object having a different number of polygons as an object representing a display object. For example, in FIG. 9, since the racing cars a, e, and f belong to the distance range 0 ≦ L <30, “1” is read from the distance detail table 114 as the second detail value D2 (the detail value of the player car). Is always "1"). Similarly, racing car g,
D2 = 2 is read for b, and D2 = 3 is read for racing cars c and d. Then, the read second detail value is stored in the display object information storage unit 10.
8 in the detail value storage area. That is, FIG.
Where Da = 1, Db = 2, Dc = 3, Dd = 3
... If it is determined that the above processing has been performed on all the racing cars (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

Next, as shown in step S5, a sorting process is performed based on the distance Zv in the depth direction. That is, in the example of FIG. 9, the racing cars e, f, g, b,
The display object information is rearranged in the order of c and d. In this case, the sorting process is not performed on the player car a,
Always top priority. Next, as shown in step S6,
The first detail value is read from the sequence number detail table 112 in order. Here, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the sequence number detail table 112 stores detail values (first detail values) corresponding to the range of sequence numbers assigned to the racing cars. ing. For example, in the sequence number detail table for main screen in FIG. 11A, the range of sequence numbers 1 and 2 (the first
The second racing car. Detail value "1" for the first car, detail value "2" for the range of sequence numbers 3 and 4, and detail value "3" for the range of sequence numbers 5 and above. Is stored. Also, in the side mirror sequence number detail table of FIG. 11B, the detail value “2” for the range of sequence numbers 1 and 2 and the detail value “3” for the range of sequence numbers 3 and above. Is stored. It is not necessary to draw an image with high precision on a side mirror or the like. For this reason, in this embodiment, the order value detail table for the side mirror does not store the detail value designating the high-detail object image information.

As described above, the sequence number detail table 1
When the first detail value D1 is read out sequentially from 12
= 1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3,... And step S
7, these first detail values D1 and
The magnitude is compared with the second detail value D2 read from the sorted display object information (read in order of the racing cars e, f, g, b, c, d in FIG. 9). .
If the first detail value D1 is larger, that is, if the detail value set based on the sequence number is larger, as shown in step S8,
The first detail value D1 is stored in the detail value storage area of the display object information storage unit 108, and the detail value is changed. Thereby, for example, in the case of FIG. 9, the detail value of the racing car f is changed from "1" to "2", and the detail value of the racing car b is changed from "2" to "3". Is assigned object image information having a smaller number of polygons. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the number of polygons to be processed becomes large and the image quality is deteriorated due to the crowding of the racing cars near the player car.

On the other hand, for example, in the case of FIG. 10, the racing car c, d, and e have the first and second detail values D
Although D1 and D2 are different, the detail value is not changed because D1 <D2. Therefore, the detail value of the racing car c is "2", the detail value of the racing cars d and e is "3", and an appropriate detail value according to the distance from the viewpoint position of the player is assigned to the racing car. become. That is, if the detail value is simply assigned by using only the sequence number detail table 112, the detail value of the racing car c becomes "1" and the detail values of the racing cars d and e become "2". In this way, you will draw a racing car at a long distance with high precision,
Processing becomes useless. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in such a case, the detail value based on the distance detail table 114 is assigned to the display object.
No useless processing as described above occurs.

After determining the detail value of the display object in the above-described manner, the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 obtains information for designating an object representing the display object based on the detail value and the display object type information. That is, processing for obtaining an object number is performed. Then, the obtained object number and display object information are output to the image synthesis unit 200. For example, when the detail value is “1” and the type of the displayed object is a racing car, a high-detailed racing car object is displayed. An operation for determining an object number is performed so as to designate a detail racing car object.

In the above description, two precision information tables such as the sequence number detail table 112 and the distance detail table 114 are prepared and the precision is set. However, in addition to this, one precision information table in a two-dimensional table format in which the order number range and the distance range are, for example, the X axis and the Y axis, respectively, is prepared, and the precision information table is used for precision. You can also set the degree. That is, in this precision information table, the detail value is stored in association with the combination of the sequence number range and the distance range. Then, based on the order number range and the distance range to which the racing car belongs, the detail value is read from the precision information table, and the precision of the racing car is set.

4. Description of Image Synthesizing Unit In the image synthesizing unit 200, a pseudo three-dimensional image viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint position of the player in the virtual three-dimensional space is image-synthesized. Therefore, the image combining unit 200 includes an image supply unit 210 and an image forming unit 228 as shown in FIG. 6, and the image supply unit 210 includes an object image information storage unit 212. 13 is stored in the object image information storage unit 212.
As shown in (A) to (C), a plurality of types of object image information having different degrees of precision (the number of polygons) are stored. Which object image information is specified is virtual 3
The object number is determined by the object number (the object number is obtained from the detail value and the display object type information) in the display object information input from the dimension space calculation unit 100.

The image supply unit 210 performs various coordinate conversion processing and three-dimensional calculation processing based on the display object information from the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 and the object image information read from the object image information storage unit 212. Is performed. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 14, objects 300, 333, 33 representing a racing car, a course, and the like.
With respect to No. 4, arithmetic processing for arranging the polygons constituting the same in a virtual three-dimensional space represented by an absolute coordinate (world coordinate) system (XW, YW, ZW) is performed. next,
For each of these objects, a process of converting the polygons constituting the objects into a viewpoint coordinate system (Xv, Yv, Zv) based on the viewpoint of the player 302 is performed.
Thereafter, a so-called clipping process is performed, and then a perspective projection conversion process to the screen coordinate system (XS, YS) is performed. Next, a polygon format conversion process for converting a polygon deformed to a shape other than a quadrangle by clipping into a quadrangle polygon is performed, and finally, if necessary, a sorting process is performed.

It should be noted that the coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing performed here are processings for polygon data.
This is different from the coordinate conversion processing and clipping processing for the representative point of the display object described in (1).

In the image forming section 228, the image supply section 210
The image information of all the dots in the polygon is calculated from the data such as the vertex coordinates of the polygon subjected to the three-dimensional calculation processing. As a result, a pseudo three-dimensional image that can be viewed from the player is formed. Here, as a calculation method of image formation in the image forming unit 228, a contour line of a polygon is obtained from the vertex coordinates of the polygon, and a contour point pair which is an intersection of the contour line and the scanning line is obtained. A technique of painting the formed line with predetermined color data or the like may be used. In addition, the image information of all the dots in each polygon is stored in advance in a ROM or the like as texture information, and the texture coordinates given to each vertex of the polygon are read as an address and read and attached. A so-called technique may be used.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, first, the precision of the object representing the display object is determined by the second setting means (or by using the distance detail table), and then the first setting means (or the sequence number detail) is determined. The case of changing the precision (using the table) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the precision may be determined only by the first setting means, or may be changed by the second setting means after the precision is determined by the first setting means. Is also good.

In the above embodiment, the distance in the depth direction in the viewpoint coordinate system is used, for example, in order to determine the distance range to which the display object belongs or to determine the sequence number assigned to the display object. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various things such as a distance between a player's viewpoint and a straight line connecting the display object can be used. Further, the viewpoint position of the player may be set not only in the driver's seat of a racing car, for example, but also in the rear position of the player car.

In the above-described embodiment, the method of changing the number of polygons of the object representing the display object based on the order number range to which the order number belongs and the distance range to which the display object belongs has been described. However, in addition to this, as a method of changing the precision of the displayed object, for example, a method of operating a suspension of a racing car or blowing a backfire from a muffler can be adopted. That is, for a racing car whose order number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position, the suspension is operated, and the like.
This method does not operate the suspension for a racing car whose order number or distance range is far from the viewpoint position. In this case, for example, the detail value “2” in FIG. 11A is divided into “2A” and “2B”, and 2A is assigned to a detail value for operating the suspension and the like, and 2B is assigned to a detail value for not operating the suspension and the like. . This makes it possible to realize a more realistic expression in a shorter processing time. In the case of using various techniques for changing the precision in this way, the precision setting means 119 shown in FIG. 1 uses the following various precisions based on the sequence number range and the distance range. Perform the setting process. That is, for example, in the case where the precision is represented by a change in the number of polygons, the precision setting unit 119 performs the precision setting processing so that a display object having a high precision is represented by an object having a large number of polygons. When the precision is represented by the operation of the suspension (change in shape and parts) and the occurrence of backfire (change in color and brightness), a display object that changes the suspension and generates backfire is displayed on the screen. As described above, the precision setting processing by the precision setting means 119 is performed.

In the present invention, it is not always necessary to include a plurality of sequence numbers in the sequence number range, and the sequence numbers may correspond to the precisions on a one-to-one basis. For example, the first racing car may be expressed with high precision, the second racing car with the next precision, and the third racing car with the next precision.

In this embodiment, a racing car game has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a spaceship game in which a three-dimensional map is formed, The present invention is also applicable to a robot battle game, a tank game, a fighter game, a role playing game, and the like.

The present invention can be applied not only to arcade game machines, but also to, for example, home game machines, flight simulators, driving simulators used in driving schools, and the like. Further, the present invention can be applied to a large attraction type game device and a simulation device in which a large number of players participate.

In the present invention, the arithmetic processing performed by the virtual three-dimensional space arithmetic means, the image synthesizing means and the like may be realized by using a dedicated image processing device or the like, or a part or all of the arithmetic processing may be realized. It may be realized by software using a general-purpose microcomputer, DSP, or the like.

When processing is performed by software, the following is performed. That is, a given program such as a game program is stored in an information storage medium such as a CDROM or an FD or a memory such as a ROM in the apparatus. Then, the program may be read into a programmable integrated circuit such as a microcomputer or a DSP, and the arithmetic processing performed by the virtual three-dimensional space arithmetic unit, the image synthesizing unit, or the like may be realized.

Further, the arithmetic processing performed by the virtual three-dimensional space arithmetic means, the image synthesizing means and the like is not limited to those described in this embodiment.

Further, the present invention provides a pseudo 3
A configuration that displays a two-dimensional image on a display called a head-mounted display (HMD) is also included.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an appearance of the three-dimensional simulator device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual three-dimensional space in the present three-dimensional game.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen image synthesized by the three-dimensional simulator device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen on which images are synthesized by the present three-dimensional simulator device.

FIG. 6 is an example of a block diagram of a virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit and an image synthesis unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing display object information stored in a display object information storage unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an assignment process according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of a racing car.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the racing cars.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a sequence number detail table.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distance detail table.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing a plurality of types of object image information having different numbers of polygons.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing three-dimensional arithmetic processing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of a three-dimensional simulator device, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen formed by the three-dimensional simulator device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 display 12 operation unit 100 virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 102 processing unit 104 virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 106 movement information calculation unit 108 display object information storage unit 110 map setting unit 112 sequence number detail table 114 distance detail table 119 precision setting Means 120 First setting means 122 Second setting means 124 Changing means 200 Image synthesis unit 210 Image supply unit 212 Object image information storage unit 228 Image formation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G09B 9/02 H04N 5/262 9/05 7/18 P H04N 5/262 G06F 15/62 350A 7/18 360

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising: an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal; A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs calculation for setting a space; an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the viewpoint position of the player; and a display that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image. Represents the precision of the display object by the change of the display object, the shape and parts are changed for the display object whose order number range or distance range is closer to the viewpoint position, and the shape is displayed for the display object whose order number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position. A three-dimensional simulator device wherein the parts are not changed. 2. The three-dimensional simulator according to claim 1, wherein the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by an operation of a suspension of the racing car. 3. A three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a field-of-view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising: an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal; A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs a calculation for setting a space; an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at a player's viewpoint position; and a display that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image. Represents the precision of the display object by the change of the display object, the color or luminance is changed for the display object whose order number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position, and the color or luminance is changed for the display object whose order number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position. A three-dimensional simulator device wherein the luminance is not changed. 4. The three-dimensional simulator according to claim 3, wherein the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by occurrence of a backfire of the racing car. 5. A three-dimensional simulator for synthesizing a field-of-view image viewed from a given viewpoint position in a virtual three-dimensional space, comprising: an operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal; A virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs a calculation for setting a space; an image synthesis unit that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at a player's viewpoint position; and a display that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image. A three-dimensional simulator apparatus that performs a coordinate conversion process and a clipping process on a representative point of a display object separately from the coordinate conversion process and the clipping process. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein after performing a process of converting the coordinate value of the representative point of the display object into the viewpoint coordinate system, a clipping process is performed based on the visual field range and the depth range. A three-dimensional simulator apparatus characterized in that a display object located is excluded from a subsequent processing target. 7. An operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional image at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method for use in a three-dimensional simulator apparatus, comprising: an image synthesizing unit to be formed; and a display for outputting the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image. An image synthesizing method characterized by changing shapes and parts of a display object whose number range or distance range is close to the viewpoint position, and not changing shapes and parts of a display object whose sequence number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position. . 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by an operation of a suspension of the racing car. 9. An operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional image at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method for use in a three-dimensional simulator apparatus, comprising: an image synthesizing unit to be formed; and a display for outputting the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image. An image synthesizing method, wherein the display object whose number range or distance range is closer to the viewpoint position changes color and brightness, and the display object whose sequence number range or distance range is far from the viewpoint position does not change color and brightness. . 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the display object is a racing car, and the precision of the display object is represented by occurrence of a backfire of the racing car. 11. An operation unit to which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space operation unit for performing an operation for setting a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined game program, and a pseudo three-dimensional image at a viewpoint position of the player. An image synthesizing method for use in a three-dimensional simulator device, comprising: an image synthesizing part to be formed; and a display for outputting the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image. A coordinate conversion process and a clipping process with respect to the representative point. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein after performing a process of converting a coordinate value of a representative point of the display object into a viewpoint coordinate system, a clipping process is performed based on a visual field range and a depth range. An image composing method characterized by excluding a display object located from a subsequent processing target.