JP3269813B2 - Image generation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image generation system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image generation system for generating an image which can be viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space. It is popular as an experience. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a racing game as an example, a player operates a racing car (object) to run in an object space and competes with a racing car operated by another player or a computer. Enjoy a 3D game.

In such an image generation system, generating a more realistic image is an important technical problem in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. And
As one technique for solving such a problem, a technique called environment mapping is known.

For example, the following first and second methods are conceivable as methods for realizing such environment mapping.

[0005] In the first method, environment mapping is realized by drawing an image of an environment visible from an object on a virtual sphere in real time, and then mapping an image of the virtual sphere in the direction of the reflection vector to the object.

However, the first method has an advantage that a very realistic image can be generated, but has a disadvantage that a processing load becomes very heavy.

In the second method, an environment texture that simulates the environment when the virtual camera is viewed from the object is prepared in advance, and the simulated environment texture is set in the direction of the virtual camera (virtual camera). From the direction toward the object).

However, the second method has an advantage that the processing load is lighter than that of the first method,
There is a disadvantage in that it is not possible to realize a representation of a state in which the environment reflected in the object flows, and the obtained image becomes monotonous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image generation system and an information storage medium capable of realizing real environment mapping with a small processing load. It is in.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an image generating system for generating an image, wherein an original image area for environment mapping is defined in a texture space in which a texture pattern is defined. It is characterized by including means for mapping the environment texture to the object while moving or rotating, and means for drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, the environment texture is mapped to the object while the original image area moves or rotates. As a result, it is possible to realize the expression of the environment reflected in the object flowing (environment flow expression).
Therefore, a real environment mapping that cannot be obtained by a method of simply mapping the environment texture from the direction of the virtual camera can be realized with a small processing load of moving or rotating the original image area in the texture space.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an original image area of environment mapping is moved or rotated based on course information set for a course in which an object moves. .
In this way, the original image area can be moved or rotated by effectively using the course information used for other purposes.

In the image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the course information includes course distance information, and the original image area of the environment mapping is set in the first direction based on the course distance information. Characterized by moving along. In this way, for example, if the object moves fast on the course, the original image area moves fast in the texture space,
The image reflected on the object also flows quickly. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optimal environment mapping for an object moving on a course.

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the course information includes course width information, and the original image area of the environment mapping is set to the first direction based on the course width information. Is moved along a different second direction. In this way, when the object moves on the course in the course width direction, the image reflected on the object changes accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to make it appear as if a display object arranged along the course is reflected on the object, and the reflected image is changing as the object moves in the course width direction.

In the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the course information set for the course in which the object moves includes course direction information,
The environment texture mapped to the object is rotated based on the course direction information. In this way, for example, when the object moves at a corner of the course, the environment texture also rotates along the curve at that corner. As a result, a real and consistent image expression can be realized.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention move or rotate the original image area of the environment mapping based on the position information or the rotation angle information of the object in the world coordinate system. And In this way, it is possible to map an appropriate environment texture according to the position information and the rotation angle (direction) information of the object to the object.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an environment texture in a texture space is subjected to a deformation process, and the environment texture after the deformation process is mapped to an object. In this way, it is possible to map environmental textures having various image effects to objects.

The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that an environmental texture in a texture space is subjected to polar coordinate conversion, and the environmental texture after the polar coordinate conversion is mapped to an object. In this way, a perspective effect can be given to the flow speed and the flow direction of the environmental texture.

The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are arranged such that an image obtained by mapping an environment texture in a texture space to a virtual object is drawn in a texture space as an environment texture after a deformation process. The environment texture after the transformation process drawn in the texture space is mapped to the object. According to the present invention, first, the environment texture in the texture space is mapped to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual object. Then, the image obtained by this mapping is drawn in the texture space,
It is used as the environment texture after the deformation processing and is mapped to the object. By doing so, it is possible to realize the deformation processing of the environment texture with a small processing load, and it is possible to generate the environment texture having various image effects in real time.

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the original image area of the environment mapping is rectangular, the virtual object is composed of a plurality of polygons, and the vertices of the plurality of polygons are When having the gathered poles, the environment texture in the texture space is mapped to the virtual object such that two adjacent vertices of the rectangle are arranged at the poles. In this way, the environmental texture deformation processing by the polar coordinate conversion can be realized by simple processing.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the environment texture in which the original image area is fixed in the texture space and the environment texture in which the original image area moves or rotates in the texture space are the object texture. It is characterized by being mapped to. In this way, it is possible to create an environment texture in which an environment texture that does not flow and an environment texture that flows are synthesized. It should be noted that a distant view environment texture is desirable as the environment texture in which the original image area is fixed, and a near view environment texture is desirable as the environment texture in which the original image area moves or rotates.

Further, in the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the environment texture is a texture representing an environment to be seen upward from an object, and the environment texture is a position of a virtual camera or It is characterized in that the object is mapped onto the object from above without depending on the rotation angle. In this way, it is possible to prevent the influence of the change in the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera from affecting the environment mapping. For this reason,
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem such as a light source being always reflected at the gaze point of the virtual camera, and to realize an environment mapping that can accurately represent the reflected light source.

Also, the present invention is an image generating system for generating an image, comprising: means for mapping a first texture to a virtual object and deforming the first texture; A means for drawing an image obtained by mapping to the texture space as a second texture, and a means for mapping the second texture drawn in the texture space to an object. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. The program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave),
It is characterized by including a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, first, textures in the texture space are mapped to two-dimensional or three-dimensional virtual objects. Then, an image obtained by this mapping is drawn in a texture space, used as a texture after the deformation processing, and mapped to an object. By doing so, the texture deformation processing can be realized with a small processing load, and textures having various image effects can be generated in real time.

Further, the present invention is an image generating system for generating an image, which includes means for mapping an environmental texture to an object, means for switching an environmental texture mapped to an object, and an environmental texture mapped to an object. Means for performing a fade-out process of the first environment texture and performing a fade-in process of the second environment texture when the image is switched from the first environment texture to the second environment texture, and an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space. And a means for drawing. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. The program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave),
It is characterized by including a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, when the environmental texture is switched, the fade-out processing of the first environmental texture is performed, and the reflection of the image on the object by the first environmental texture gradually disappears. Further, the fade-in process of the second environment texture is performed, and the reflection of the image on the object by the second environment texture is gradually displayed. As a result, the switching of the environmental texture becomes inconspicuous, and a more natural and realistic image expression can be realized.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention provide an image generation system,
A fade-out process of the first environment texture is performed. In the event of an object entering such a closed space, even if the first environment texture is faded out and the surrounding environment is not reflected on the object, the player does not feel unnatural. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to make the switching of the environmental texture less noticeable.

Further, the present invention is an image generating system for generating an image, wherein: means for mapping an environment texture to an object; means for switching an environment texture mapped to an object; It is characterized by including means for arranging a map object for switching the environment texture in a connection area for switching from the texture to the second environment texture, and means for drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

According to the present invention, a map object (preferably a map object forming a closed space) for switching environmental textures is arranged in a connection area for switching environmental textures. Therefore, using the switching map object arranged in the connection area, it is possible to perform the switching processing of the environmental texture, the fade-out processing, the fade-in processing, and the like, so that the switching of the environmental texture can be made inconspicuous.

Further, the image generation system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that when an object is located in the connection area, environment mapping to the object is omitted. In this way, when the object is located in the connection area, the environment mapping to the object is omitted, and by intentionally creating a dark environment, the manner in which the environment texture is switched can be made less noticeable.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image generating system for generating an image, comprising means for mapping an environment texture to an object, and environment texture specifying information included in course information set on a course in which the object moves. And means for switching an environmental texture mapped to the object, and means for drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space. Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. Further, the program according to the present invention is a program usable by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

In the present invention, the environment texture to be mapped to the object is switched based on the environment texture specifying information included in the course information. Therefore, the switching of the environment texture can be realized by a simple process by effectively utilizing the course information used for determining the rank.

[0033]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a racing game will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various games.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In the figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170 and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 16
0, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be optional components.

The processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction of each block in the system, game processing, image processing, and sound processing. Various processors (CPU, DSP
Or an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).

The operation section 160 is for the player to input operation data, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.

The storage unit 170 stores the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1
A work area such as 96
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data.
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
M) and the like. Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (the present embodiment).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the power to the system is turned on. Information storage medium 1
The information stored in 80 is a program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of a display object, table data, list data, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, and instructions for the processing. The information includes at least one of information for performing processing according to.

The display section 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment.
LCD or HMD (Head Mount Display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output section 192 outputs the sound generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The portable information storage device 194 stores personal data and save data of a player. The portable information storage device 194 may be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. .

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or another image generation system), and has a function of various processors or a communication ASIC. Hardware and programs.

A program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. It may be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The processing section 100 includes a game processing section 110, an image generation section 130, and a sound generation section 150.

Here, the game processing section 110 performs processing for accepting coins (price), processing for setting various modes, processing for proceeding with a game, processing for setting a selection screen, the position and rotation angle of an object (one or more primitive surfaces). Processing for calculating (the rotation angle around the X, Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), processing for obtaining the position of the viewpoint (the position of the virtual camera) and the line of sight (the rotation angle of the virtual camera), the map object Such as processing for arranging objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for playing by a plurality of players in a common game space, or game over processing. The game processing is performed by operating data from the operation unit 160 or the portable information storage device 194.
Based on personal data, stored data, and game programs.

The image generation unit 130 includes a game processing unit 110
Performs various image processing in accordance with an instruction from the camera, generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190.

The sound generator 150 performs various sound processes according to an instruction from the game processor 110, and performs BGM,
A sound such as a sound effect or a sound is generated and output to the sound output unit 192.

The game processing section 110 and the image generation section 1
30, all of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

The game processing section 110 includes the movement / motion calculation section 1
12, a map object placement unit 114 is included.

Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data, rotation angle data of each part of the object) of an object such as a car. For example,
Based on operation data, a game program, and the like input by the player via the operation unit 160, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.

More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 112
Performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object, for example, for each frame (1/60 second). For example, (k-
1) The position of the object in the frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt.
And Then, the position PM of the object at the k frame
k and the speed VMk are obtained, for example, as in the following equations (1) and (2).

PMk = PMk−1 + VMk−1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk−1 + AMk−1 × Δt (2) The map object placement unit 114 is a map object such as a course, a building, a tree or a tunnel beside the course. For arranging in the object space. More specifically, in the present embodiment, a connection area for switching an environment texture mapped to an object is provided. Then, the map object arranging unit 114 performs a process of arranging a map object for switching environmental textures in the connection area (a process of creating object data of the map object). In this way, the switching of the environmental texture is naturally performed, and it is possible to prevent the player from noticing that the environmental texture has been switched. The map object information (shape information, texture information, color information, etc.) is stored in the map object information storage unit 179 in the storage unit 170.

The image generation unit 130 includes the geometry processing unit 1
32 (three-dimensional operation unit) and a drawing unit 140 (rendering unit).

Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various kinds of geometry processing (three-dimensional operation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, and light source calculation. In this embodiment, after the geometry processing (after the perspective transformation)
Object data (vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, or luminance data of the object) are stored in the storage unit 17.
0 is stored in the main memory 172.

The normal vector processing unit 134 included in the geometry processing unit 132 converts the normal vector of each vertex of the object (in a broad sense, the normal vector of the surface of the object) into a rotation matrix from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system. To rotate. In the present embodiment, the texture coordinates of the environment texture are obtained based on the rotated normal vector.

The drawing unit 140 stores the object data after the geometry processing (after the perspective transformation) and the texture storage unit 1
The object is drawn in the frame buffer 174 based on the texture stored in 76. This allows
In the object space where the object moves, an image viewed from the virtual camera (viewpoint) is drawn (generated).

The drawing unit 140 includes a texture mapping unit 142.

Here, the texture mapping unit 142
Performs processing for mapping a texture stored in the texture storage unit 176 to an object (processing for specifying a texture to be mapped to an object, processing for transferring a texture, and the like). 144, an environment texture transformation unit 146, an environment texture switching unit 148, and a fade processing unit 149.

The original image area moving / rotating section 144 performs processing for moving or rotating the original image area for environment mapping in the texture space (texture storage section). More specifically, for example, texture coordinates (U, V coordinates) for specifying a texture to be mapped to an object
Is changed so that the original image area moves or rotates. In this case, the original image area moving / rotating unit 144 performs environment mapping based on course information (in a broad sense, object position information or rotation angle information in the world coordinate system) stored in the course information storage unit 178. Move or rotate the original image area. By doing so, the environment reflected in the object can be seen flowing, and an unprecedented realistic image expression becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, an environmental texture (a texture that can be seen through a fisheye lens) to be viewed upward from the object is mapped to the object from above the object. By doing so, the position and rotation angle (direction) of the virtual camera
Even if is changed, it is possible to realize environment mapping in which the reflection of the light source and the like are accurately represented.

In the present embodiment, for example, for an environmental texture representing a distant view, its original image area is fixed.
For the environment texture representing the foreground, the original image area is moved or rotated. Then, textures representing these distant and near views are synthesized and mapped to objects. By doing so, more diverse image representations are possible.

The environment texture deformation section 146 performs a deformation process on the environment texture in the texture space.
More specifically, the environment texture transformation unit 146 transforms the environment texture by mapping the environment texture in the texture space to the virtual object, and draws an image obtained by this mapping in the texture space. Then, the transformed environment texture drawn in the texture space is mapped to the object. By doing so, it becomes possible to apply a deformation process such as polar coordinate conversion to the environment texture, and it is possible to realize more realistic environment mapping.

The environment texture switching section 148 performs processing for switching the environment texture mapped to the object. More specifically, an environment texture to be mapped to an object is switched based on environment texture specifying information included in the course information. By doing so, it becomes possible to map an optimal environment texture according to a game situation, a course situation, and the like to an object, thereby realizing more diverse and realistic image expression.

When switching the environment texture, the fade processing unit 149 performs a fade-out process (a process of gradually erasing) the environment texture mapped to the object.
And fade-in processing (processing for gradually displaying). More specifically, when the environment texture mapped to the object is switched from, for example, the first environment texture to the second environment texture, first, the first environment texture is faded out. Then, the second environment texture is subjected to a fade-in process.

The image generation system according to the present embodiment
A system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or a system including not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play, may be used.

When a plurality of players play,
The game image and the game sound to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or may be generated using a plurality of terminals connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Is also good.

2. Features of this embodiment (1) Movement and rotation of original image area In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, in a texture space (U, V) where a texture pattern such as an environment texture is defined, environment mapping is performed. Original image area IM
While moving or rotating (scrolling) the (area where the image to be mapped is defined), the object 1 such as a car
An environment texture (image in the original image area) is mapped to 0. Thus, it is possible to express the state in which the environment reflected on the object 10 (car) flows (an environment flow expression). That is, due to a change in the relative positional relationship between the object 10 and the surrounding environment (trees, buildings), the environment reflected in the object 10 can be seen as if it is flowing. Environment mapping can be realized with a small processing load.

For example, as a first method for realizing environment mapping, a method of drawing an image of an environment visible from an object on a virtual sphere in real time, and then mapping an image of the virtual sphere in the direction of the reflection vector to the object. You can think.

However, in the first method, although the flow of the environment can be expressed, the processing load becomes very heavy because a process of drawing an image viewed from an object on a virtual sphere in real time is required. .

As a second technique for realizing environment mapping, an environment texture that simulates the environment when the virtual camera is viewed from the object is prepared in advance,
A method of simply mapping this pseudo environment texture from the direction of the virtual camera can be considered.

However, in the second method, since the image reflected on the object does not change unless the position of the point of interest of the virtual camera changes, a realistic image expression such as a flow expression of an environment cannot be realized.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a realistic image expression which cannot be realized by the second method, with a very light processing load as compared with the first method.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Environment texture boundaries BD1 and BD2 in texture space
Are controlled so as to be logically continuous. Therefore, when the boundary BD3 of the original image area IM exceeds the boundary BD1, the boundary returns to the boundary BD2 as shown by G1 (the image from the boundary BD2 is used again). By doing this,
The used storage capacity of the texture storage unit 176 of FIG. 1 can be saved.

In the present embodiment, the original image area of the environment mapping is moved or rotated based on the course information set for the course on which the object such as a car travels.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a number of course points PC are set on the course 30, and the distance LC, the course direction DC,
The course width WC and the like are set. Then, one or a plurality of course points PC are selected based on the position of the object (vehicle), and the distance LC, the course direction DC, and the course width WC set for the selected course point PC are selected.
Is read from the course information storage unit 178 in FIG. Then, the order of the objects is determined based on the read distances LC. Further, based on the read course direction DC, the traveling assist of the object is performed. Further, based on the read course width WC, a hit check is made between the object and a wall or the like provided on both sides of the course.

In the present embodiment, the original image area of the environment mapping is moved or rotated by effectively utilizing the course information used for the ranking determination, the traveling assist, the hit check, and the like.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, in this embodiment, U is determined based on the distance LC included in the course information.
The original image area IM is moved (scrolled) along the direction of the coordinates (first direction).

More specifically, first, the object 10
The course point PC is selected based on the position, and the distance LC set for the course point PC is read. Then, based on the read distance LC, the movement amount (IM) of the original image area IM in the direction of the U-coordinate is determined.
(The U-coordinate of the representative point).

In this way, the original image area IM also moves by a moving amount corresponding to the moving amount of the object 10. For example, if the object 10 moves fast, the original image area IM also moves fast, and the image reflected on the object 10 also flows at high speed. When the object 10 stops, the flow of the reflected image on the object 10 also stops. Therefore,
It is as if trees and buildings are installed along the course, and the installed trees and buildings are reflected on the object 10, and the reflected image of the trees and buildings is made to appear as if the object 10 moves. be able to. Thereby, more realistic image expression can be realized.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in the present embodiment, the original image area IM is moved, for example, along the V coordinate direction (second direction) based on the course width WC included in the course information. ing.

More specifically, first, the object 10
The course point PC is selected based on the position, and the course width WC set for the course point PC is read. Then, based on the read course width WC and the position of the object 10, the movement amount of the original image area IM in the direction of the V coordinate (V coordinate of the representative point of the IM) is determined. That is, when the object 10 moves to the left side of the course 30, the original image area IM moves, for example, in the positive direction of the V coordinate, and when the object 10 moves to the right side of the course 30, the original image area IM Moves to, for example, the negative direction side of the V coordinate.

In this way, when the object 10 moves on the course 30 in the left-right direction, the image reflected on the object 10 changes accordingly. For example, when the object 10 is shifted to the left side of the course 30 as shown in FIG. 4B, the portion indicated by H1 of the environmental texture is not reflected on the object 10, while
The portion indicated by H2 protrudes and is reflected on the object 10. As a result, it is as if trees and buildings were installed along the course, and the installed trees and buildings were reflected on the object 10, and the reflected image of the trees and buildings was changed as the object 10 moved in the left and right direction. You can make it look as if you are doing it.

In FIG. 4B, the original image area IM is V
The environment texture is extended in the direction of the V coordinate so that a margin area such as H3 and H4 is provided so that an appropriate environment texture is mapped even when the object is moved in the direction of the coordinates. However, as shown in FIG.
Such a margin area may not be provided.
Then, in this case, as shown in FIG.
When M moves in the direction of the V coordinate, the texture (color) at the boundary H6 may be mapped to the protruding portion of H5.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the environment texture itself (or the virtual object on which the environment texture is mapped) is rotated based on the course direction DC included in the course information. ing.

More specifically, first, a course point PC is selected based on the position of the object, and the course direction DC set for the course point PC is read. Then, based on the read course direction DC, the environment texture itself is rotated and mapped to the object. For example, when the course direction DC rotates rightward (in the case of a right curve), the environment texture also rotates rightward, and when the course direction DC rotates leftward (in the case of a left curve), the environment texture changes. The texture also rotates to the left.

In this way, when the object runs on a corner, the environment texture also rotates along the curve of the corner. Therefore, it is possible to make it appear as if a tree or a building is installed along the corner and the installed tree or building is reflected in the object. As a result, a real and consistent image expression can be realized.

In the case of a game in which an object moves along a course (a car game, a bicycle game, a motorcycle game, etc.), it is desirable to move or rotate the original image area of the environment mapping based on the course information. However, in the case of a game without such course information, the original image area of the environment mapping may be moved or rotated based on the position information or the rotation angle (direction) information of the object in the world coordinate system. .

(2) Deformation of Environmental Texture FIG. 7 shows an example of an environmental texture used in the present embodiment. This environment texture is an environment texture that simulates a near view of a tree, a building, or the like installed along the course.

In the present embodiment, a deformation process is applied to the foreground environment texture, and the environment texture after the deformation process is mapped to an object.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
Map to 0 (hemispherical object). Then, an image obtained by this mapping is drawn in the texture space (texture storage unit) as a foreground environmental texture after the deformation processing. Then, the drawn near-field environment texture after the transformation process and the far-field environment texture as shown in FIG. 9 are synthesized, and the synthesized environment texture is mapped to an object such as a car.

Note that the distant environment texture shown in FIG.
The surrounding environment, such as the sun, sky, and clouds, to be reflected in the object is drawn in a pattern as if viewed from below through a fisheye lens.

FIGS. 10A to 12C show examples of environment textures in which a near view and a distant view are combined according to the present embodiment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams of FIG.
As described in (A), this is an example of an environment texture after composition when the original image area IM of the environment texture of the foreground is moved along the direction of the U coordinate. 10 (A), (B),
In (C), the environmental texture of a distant view representing the sky, clouds, the sun, and the like is fixed, while the environmental texture of a near view representing a tree, a building, or the like flows in the direction indicated by I1. Therefore, on the object (car), the reflected image of the distant view almost stops, while the reflected image of the near view flows faster. Therefore, it is possible to realize a realistic image representation in accordance with a real-world phenomenon in which the reflection of a distant object stops and the reflection of a nearby object flows quickly with a small processing load.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show FIGS.
As described in (B), this is an example of the combined environment texture when the original image area IM of the close-up environment texture is moved along the direction of the V coordinate. 11 (A), (B),
In (C), the environmental texture of the distant view is fixed, while the environmental texture of the near view moves in the direction indicated by I2. This makes it possible to realistically express the state of change of the reflected image due to the movement of the object in the horizontal direction of the course.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C show the combined environment texture when the environment texture mapped to the object is rotated based on the course direction, as described with reference to FIG. This is an example. FIG. 12 (A),
In (B) and (C), the environmental texture of the distant view is fixed, while the environmental texture of the near view is rotating in the direction indicated by I3. Thus, when the object runs on a corner, the environmental texture also rotates along the curve of the corner, and more realistic and consistent image expression can be realized.

In FIG. 8, the environmental texture is transformed by mapping the environmental texture to the virtual object 40. More specifically, the hemispherical virtual object 40 is composed of a plurality of polygons, and the pole PL1 in which the vertices of the plurality of polygons are gathered.
PL2. Then, for example, the vertices VX1 and VX2 of the rectangular original image area IM are arranged at the pole PL1, and the vertices VX
3. The environment texture is mapped to the virtual object 40 so that VX4 is located at the pole PL2. In this way, it is possible to perform a deformation process such as a polar coordinate conversion on the environmental texture.

As shown in FIG. 8, by converting the environment texture into a polar coordinate system having two poles, for example, FIG.
In (3), the flow speed of the reflected image at the portion indicated by J1 can be increased, and the flow speed of the reflected image at the portions indicated by J2 and J3 can be reduced. This makes it possible to give a perspective effect to the flow speed of the reflected image,
An environment flow expression that is close to the real world event can be realized.

On the other hand, in FIG. 14, four poles PL1, PL
A hemispherical virtual object 42 having 2, PL3, and PL4 is prepared, and an environmental texture is mapped on the virtual object 42, thereby realizing a deformation process of the environmental texture. More specifically, for example, the vertices VX1 and VX2 of the rectangular original image area IM are arranged at the pole PL1, the vertices VX3 and VX4 are arranged at the pole PL2, and the vertex VX
X1 and VX4 are arranged at pole PL3, and vertices VX2 and VX
3 is arranged at the pole PL4 (vertex VX1, VX
2, so that VX3 and VX4 are arranged on the sides 43, 44, 45 and 46)
2 is mapped.

As shown in FIG. 14, the environment texture is coordinate-transformed into a polar coordinate system having four poles, so that, for example, in FIG. Become. As a result, a perspective effect can be given to the direction in which the reflected image flows, and a flow representation of an environment close to a real world event can be realized.

The virtual objects 40 and 42 for mapping the environment texture need not be three-dimensional objects, but may be two-dimensional objects. That is, in FIG. 8 and FIG.
It is sufficient if each of the vertices 2 (the vertices of the polygons constituting the virtual object) has X and Y coordinates (two-dimensional coordinates), and does not need to have Z coordinates (three-dimensional coordinates).

(3) Mapping of Environment Texture from Above In the environment mapping of the above-described second method (hereinafter referred to as a comparative example), as shown in FIG. An environment texture that can be seen at the moment is prepared, and this environment texture is mapped from the direction of the virtual camera.

The reason for mapping from the direction of the virtual camera in this way is that even when the virtual camera gazes at any place of the object, the environment appears to be reflected in that place. That is, if the environment is not reflected when the gaze point of the virtual camera goes behind the object, an unnatural image is obtained.

However, the environment mapping of this comparative example has a problem that the reflection of the light source cannot be accurately represented. That is, since the light source is always reflected at the gaze point of the virtual camera, inconsistency occurs in the obtained image.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in B1 of FIG. 16, first, an environmental texture to be seen upward (directly above) as viewed from the object 10 (model object) is prepared (FIGS. 7, 9 to 10). FIG. 12 (C)).

In the present embodiment, as shown at B2 in FIG. 16, the prepared environment texture is mapped onto the object 10 from above without depending on the position or rotation angle (direction) of the virtual camera 12. In this way, even when the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera 12 changes, environment mapping that can accurately represent the reflection of the light source can be realized.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show examples of images obtained by environment mapping according to the comparative example described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 17A, both the light source (sunset) and the virtual camera that are to be reflected by the environmental texture are in front of the object 10. In this case, the light source (sunset) is reflected in front of the object 10 as shown in C1, and the image is consistent.

On the other hand, in FIG. 17B, the light source is in front of the object 10, while the virtual camera is to the right of the object 10. In this case, in the environment mapping of the comparative example, the light source to be reflected at the place of C2 is reflected to the right of the object 10 as shown at C3. That is, the light source is reflected in a place that does not correspond to the actual direction of the light source, resulting in an inconsistent image.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show examples of images obtained by the environment mapping of the present embodiment. Note that, in the figure, the reflection of the near view is omitted.

In FIG. 18A, both the light source and the virtual camera are in front of the object 10 as in FIG. 17A. Then, as shown in D1, object 1
The light source is correctly reflected in front of 0, and the image is consistent.

On the other hand, in FIG. 18B, FIG.
As in (B), the light source is in front of the object 10 and the virtual camera is to the right. In this case, in the environment mapping of the present embodiment, unlike FIG. 17B, the light source is not reflected at the location of D3 but is correctly reflected at the location of D2. That is, the light source is correctly reflected in a location corresponding to the actual direction of the light source, and the image has no contradiction. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the reflection of the light source correctly occurs at a location corresponding to the actual direction of the light source, regardless of the position or the direction of the virtual camera. Therefore,
In the environment mapping of the comparative example, reflection of the light source, which had to be abandoned due to inconsistency, can be realized without inconsistency.

Next, referring to FIG.
A method for obtaining the texture coordinates of the environment texture to be mapped to the image will be described.

First, based on the rotation angle of each object 10 about each axis in the world coordinate system, for example, the local coordinate system (XL, YL, ZL) is used to change the world coordinate system (XW,
YW, ZW). Here, the rotation angle of the object 10 around each axis in the world coordinate system is determined based on operation data from the player (the driving operation of the player), a game program (a program for controlling the movement of the object 10), and the like. The rotation matrix is calculated every time in real time, and the rotation matrix is calculated based on the rotation angle calculated in real time.

Next, according to the obtained rotation matrix,
The normal vector N (vector for representing the direction of the surface) of each surface of the object 10 is rotated. It is desirable that the normal vector be a normal vector given to each vertex of each surface (polygon) of the object 10.
It may be a representative point of each surface or a normal vector of each dot.

Next, U and V coordinates for texture mapping are obtained based on the rotated normal vector N. Then, based on the U and V coordinates, the corresponding texture is read from the texture storage unit.

As described above, if the normal vector is rotated by the rotation matrix, and the U and V coordinates of the texture mapping are obtained based on the rotated normal vector,
Appropriate environment mapping according to the position and direction of the object can be realized.

That is, in E1 of FIG.
The direction of the normal vector N on the side surface of the light source and the direction of the light source (the direction of the light source vector) match in the opposite direction (the angle difference is 18
(Because it is 0 degrees), the brightness of the light source reflected on the side surface of the object 10 is the highest. On the other hand, in E2 of FIG. 20, since the direction of the normal vector N on the side surface of the object 10 does not match the direction of the light source (because the angle difference is smaller than 180 degrees), the light source reflected on the side surface as compared with the case of E1 Brightness becomes weaker. Therefore, when the position or the direction of the object 10 changes, the degree of reflection of the light source changes according to the change, so that a more realistic image than before can be generated.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show examples of game images generated according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 21 also, the reflection of the foreground is omitted.

In FIG. 21A, the light of the light source shines from the left side of the object 10 (the right side of the screen). In this case, according to the environment mapping of the present embodiment, as shown in F1, the light source is reflected on the left surface of the object, and there is no inconsistency with the shading processing performed on the object 10. The reflection of the light source has been successful. Further, according to the present embodiment, there is no contradiction between the shape and position of the shadow 16 of the object 10 dropped on the road and the reflection of the light source.

On the other hand, in FIG.
Light from the light source shines from the left front side of 0 (the right front side of the screen). In this case, according to the environment mapping of the present embodiment, as shown in F2, the reflection of the light source occurs at the front left of the object, and the light source does not cause inconsistency with the shading processing performed on the object 10. Has been successfully reflected. In addition, the shadow 16 dropped on the road
There is no inconsistency between the shape and position of the light source and the reflection of the light source.

(4) Switching of Environmental Textures In the present embodiment, a plurality of environmental textures are prepared, and the environmental textures to be mapped to objects are switched as appropriate.

For example, during normal running of an object (vehicle), an environment texture as shown in FIGS. 7, 9 to 12C is used. On the other hand, when the object enters the tunnel (closed space in a broad sense), the environment texture to be used is switched to use the environment texture in which the wall and lighting in the tunnel are drawn as shown in FIG.

When such environmental texture switching is performed, it is desirable that the player does not notice that the environmental texture has been switched.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the first environmental texture is switched to the second environmental texture, the first environmental texture is switched to the first environmental texture.
The second environment texture is faded out while the second environment texture is faded out.

That is, in FIG. 23, when the object 10 is traveling outside the tunnel 50 (closed space), the environmental texture A (FIGS. 7, 9 to 12C) is mapped to the object 10. You. Immediately before the object 10 enters the tunnel 10, the environment texture A is faded out, and the reflection of the image by the environment texture A is gradually eliminated. Then, when the object 10 enters the tunnel 10, a fade-in process of the environment texture B (FIG. 22) is performed, and the reflection of the image by the environment texture B is gradually made visible.

In this manner, the switching of the environmental texture can be made inconspicuous, and a more natural and realistic image can be generated.

Note that the fade-out processing of the environmental texture A and the fade-in processing of the environmental texture B may be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, the fade-in process of the environment texture B may be performed a little after the fade-out process of the environment texture A is performed.

The fade-out processing and the fade-in processing of the environmental texture may be realized by controlling the α value (transparency) of the environmental texture, or may be realized by rewriting the color information itself of the environmental texture. Good.

It is desirable that the fade-out processing of the environment texture A be performed at the time of an event of an object entering a closed space such as a tunnel provided in the object space. That is, even in the real world, the surrounding environment becomes dark when entering the tunnel. Therefore, even when the environment texture A is faded out when entering the tunnel and the surrounding environment is not reflected on the object, the player does not feel much unnaturalness. Therefore, when entering such a tunnel, the environmental texture A
By performing the fade-out process, it is possible to make the switching of the environmental texture less noticeable, and to increase the virtual reality of the player.

In this embodiment, the switching process of the environment texture is performed based on the course information set for the course. More specifically, for example, environmental texture specifying information for specifying the type of the environmental texture is included in the course information. Then, a course point is selected based on the position of the object, and environment texture specifying information set for the selected course point is read. Then, the environment texture is switched based on the read environment texture identification information.

For example, in FIG. 23, information for specifying the environment texture A is set in the course information of the section STA, and the environment texture B is set in the course information of the section STB.
Is set. Then, based on the environmental texture specifying information, the switching point 52
, A switching process from the environmental texture A to the environmental texture B is performed. By doing so, the course information used for determining the rank can be effectively used, and the environment texture switching process can be realized by a simple process.

The course information set at the switching point 52 may include an environment texture switching flag as environment texture specifying information, and the environment texture switching flag may be used as a trigger to switch the environment texture.

In the present embodiment, a map object for switching environmental textures is arranged in a connection area for switching environmental textures.

That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the switching map object 60 is arranged in the connection area 58 between the point 54 and the point 56. Then, for example, a fade-out process of the environmental texture A is performed near the point 54,
When the object 10 is located in the connection area 58, the environment texture is not mapped to the object (environment mapping is omitted). Then, a fade-in process of the environment texture B is performed near the point 56, and in the tunnel 50, the environment texture B representing the lighting in the tunnel as shown in FIG.
Is mapped to the object 10.

As described above, by providing the connection area 58 and arranging the switching map object 60 in the connection area 58 to intentionally create a dark environment, it is possible to make the switching of the environment texture less noticeable. Can be.

That is, the object 10 is connected to the connection area 58
When the environment texture A is faded out and the environment is not reflected on the object when the vehicle enters the environment, the surroundings of the object 10 are covered with the switching map object 60, and it is assumed that the environment is dark. Therefore, the player does not feel unnatural. And
When the lighting in the tunnel 50 becomes visible, a fade-in process of the environmental texture B is performed so that the lighting and the like in the tunnel are reflected on the object 10. By doing so, the environment reflected on the object 10 can be switched more naturally, and the virtual reality of the player can be enhanced.

[0138] 3. Next, a detailed example of the process of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, the original picture texture of the object (car) (texture prepared in advance as a texture representing the design of the object) is transferred to the texture storage unit in the VRAM (step S1).

Next, the environmental texture of the distant view (FIG. 9)
The foreground environmental texture specified by the environmental texture specifying information in the course information shown in FIG.
22) is transferred to the texture storage unit (step S2). When the object is located in the tunnel, the environment texture of the distant view is not transferred.

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 4A, the U coordinate of the foreground environment texture is calculated based on the distance LC in the course information shown in FIG. 27A (step S3). . As described with reference to FIG. 4B, the V coordinate of the foreground environment texture is calculated based on the course width WC in the course information of FIG. 27A (step S).
4). Then, based on these calculation results, the U and V coordinates of each vertex of the hemispherical virtual object are calculated, and based on the obtained U and V coordinates, as described with reference to FIG. The environment texture is mapped (step S5). U of each vertex of the virtual object,
The V coordinate is calculated, for example, as in the following equation.

UF = U0 + {MOD (LC | TL)} / TL (3) VF = V0 + (WP / WC) (4) In the above equation, U0 and V0 are given in advance for each vertex of the virtual object. U and V coordinates of the initial values. LC is the distance covered by the course information, TL is the length of the environment texture in the U coordinate direction, and MOD (X | Y) is the remainder when X is divided by Y. WP is the position of the object in the course width direction, and WC is the course width included in the course information (see FIGS. 27A and 27B).

It is to be noted that the distance LC is not included in the course information but the distance L based on the course point PC.
C may be calculated. That is, in this case,
The course point PC itself corresponds to the distance information.

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the virtual object to which the foreground environment texture is mapped is stored in the course direction DC (see FIGS. 27A and 27B) in the course information.
(See step S6). Then, the image of the rotated virtual object is drawn on the environmental texture of the distant view in the texture space (step S).
7). Thereby, the environment texture of the distant view and the environment texture of the foreground are stored in the texture space (texture storage unit).
Synthesized above.

Next, if the object is a fade-out range or a fade-in range of the environmental texture (FIG. 27B)
Is determined (step S8). If it is located in any range, the α value of the environmental texture (semi-transparency, (Transparency, opacity) (step S9). In this way, a fade-out process and a fade-in process of the environment texture are realized. The α value in this case is calculated, for example, as in the following equation.

Α = | LC−LP | / RL (5) where LC is the distance at the current position of the object, LP is the distance to the switching point, and RL is the fade range. (See FIG. 27B). | Z | is the absolute value of Z.

Next, the object is subjected to geometry processing based on the object data (vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) (step S10 in FIG. 26). More specifically, for example, the object is converted from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system, then the coordinate is converted from the world coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system, clipping is performed, and then the perspective to the screen coordinate system is performed. Perform the conversion. Then, the object data after the perspective transformation is stored in the main memory and not erased (step S11).

Next, an object is drawn in the frame buffer based on the object data after the perspective transformation and the original picture texture of the object transferred in step S1 of FIG. 25 (step S12). As a result, an object of the original design to which the environment mapping has not been performed is drawn.

Next, as described with reference to FIG. 19, the normal vector of each vertex of the object is rotated by a rotation matrix from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system (step S13). Then, the coordinates NX of the rotated normal vector
Based on W and NZW, U and V coordinates of the environment texture are obtained (step S14). The formula for calculating the U and V coordinates in this case is as follows, for example.

U = (NXW + 1.0) / 2 (6) V = (NZW + 1.0) / 2 (7) The calculation as in the above equation is performed when the domain of the U and V coordinates is 0.
0 to 1.0, and the range of NXW and NZW is -1.0 to
Because it is 1.0.

Next, the obtained U and V coordinates are stored in step S
At step 11, the U and V coordinates of each vertex of the object data (vertex list) stored in the main memory are overwritten (step S15). That is, the U and V coordinates set in the model data of the object are replaced with the U and V coordinates obtained based on the normal vector.

Next, the object data in which the U and V coordinates have been overwritten in step S15 and step S7 in FIG.
The object is drawn in the frame buffer based on the environment texture (distant view, near view) synthesized in (step S16). That is, the object to which the environmental texture is mapped is overwritten on the object (the object to which the original picture texture is mapped) already drawn in step S12. As described above, in the present embodiment, environment mapping is realized by writing an object having the same coordinates twice.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The main processor 900 is a CD982
(Information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media).
Various processes such as sound processing are executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a multiply-accumulate unit or a divider capable of high-speed parallel operation, and executes a matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the coprocessor 902 to perform the processing (request ).

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. The geometry processor 904 includes a multiply-accumulate unit and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and performs a matrix computation (vector Calculation) at high speed. For example, when performing processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

The data expansion processor 906 performs a decoding process for expanding the compressed image data and sound data, and performs a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. The image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950,
It is stored on a CD 982 or transferred from outside via a communication interface 990.

The drawing processor 910 executes a high-speed drawing (rendering) process of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass object data to the drawing processor 910,
If necessary, the texture is transferred to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and the texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth queuing, mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when an image for one frame is written to the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

The sound processor 930 incorporates a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.

Operation data from the game controller 942, save data and personal data from the memory card 944 are transferred via the serial interface 940.

The ROM 950 stores a system program and the like. In the case of the arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium,
Various programs are stored in 950. Note that a hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.

The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.

The DMA controller 970 is provided between the processor and the memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
A transfer is controlled.

The CD drive 980 stores a CD 982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored.
(Information storage medium) to enable access to these programs and data.

The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, a network connected to the communication interface 990 may be a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like. Then, data can be transferred via the Internet by using a communication line. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between another image generation system and another game system becomes possible.

It is to be noted that each means of the present invention may be entirely executed by hardware alone, or may be executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Is also good. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.

When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which are hardware, to perform processing, and passes data if necessary. Then, each processor 902, 904, 906, 910,
930, etc., based on the instruction and the passed data,
Each means of the present invention will be executed.

FIG. 29A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, etc., while watching the game image projected on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, and the like are mounted on a built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.

FIG. 29B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image projected on the display 1200. In this case, the storage information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.

FIG. 29 (C) shows a host device 1300,
The host device 1300 and the network 1302 (LA
N or a wide area network such as the Internet).
An example in which the present embodiment is applied to a system including 4-1 to 1304-n will be described. In this case, the storage information is, for example, a magnetic disk device that can be controlled by the host device 1300,
It is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic tape device and a memory. If the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate a game image and a game sound in a stand-alone manner, the host device 1300 outputs the game image and the game sound.
A game program or the like for generating a game sound is transmitted to the terminal 1.
It is delivered to 304-1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound,
1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 29C, each means of the present invention may be executed by distributing between a host device (server) and a terminal. Further, the storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be stored separately in an information storage medium of a host device (server) and an information storage medium of a terminal.

The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, the portable information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is desirable.

The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a configuration in which some of the constituent elements of the dependent claims are omitted may be adopted. In addition, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.

The method for moving or rotating the original image area of the environment texture is preferably the method described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6, but is not limited thereto. For example, the original image area may be moved or rotated based on information other than the course information.

The method of setting the course information is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. 3, 27A and 27B.

In the technique of mapping the environment texture while moving or rotating the original image area, it is particularly desirable to map the environment texture from above as shown in FIG. 16, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The texture deformation method described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 14 is not limited to environmental texture deformation.
It can be used for various texture deformations.

In the invention for switching the environment texture, a method of moving or rotating the original image area or a method of mapping the environment texture from above may not be adopted.

The shape and design of the environment texture mapped in the present invention are not limited to those described in the present embodiment.

If the image generation system supports a hardware function of multi-texture mapping (multi-texture mapping in a narrow sense) in which a plurality of textures are superimposed and mapped on one object, the object Therefore, it is desirable that the original picture texture (texture of the model data) and the environmental texture be overlapped at once and subjected to multi-texture mapping. When a plurality of textures are superimposed on one object, texture coordinates for designating the original picture texture are included in the object data.
A plurality of sets of texture coordinates may be included, such as texture coordinates for designating an environment texture.

The texture to be mapped to the object is not limited to the texture of the color information, but may be luminance information, translucent information (α value), surface shape information (bump value),
Textures for reflectance information, refractive index information, depth information, and the like may be used.

The present invention also includes various games other than racing games (fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).
Applicable to

The present invention is also applicable to various image generation systems such as arcade game systems, home game systems, large attraction systems in which many players participate, simulators, multimedia terminals, and system boards for generating game images. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of an image generation system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a method of mapping an environment texture while moving or rotating an original image area.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining course information;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a method of moving an original image area based on a distance and a course width in course information.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a method when a margin area in the V coordinate direction is not provided for an environmental texture.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a method of rotating an environment texture itself based on a course direction in course information.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an environment texture of a foreground.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a method of transforming a near-view environmental texture and synthesizing it with a distant-view environmental texture.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an environmental texture of a distant view.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are examples of environment textures in which a near view and a distant view are combined.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are also examples of environment textures in which a near view and a distant view are combined.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are also examples of environment textures in which a near view and a distant view are combined.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing an effect of a method of transforming an environmental texture by mapping the environmental texture to a virtual object having a pole.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a method of transforming an environment texture by mapping the environment texture to a virtual object having four poles.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing environment mapping of a comparative example.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a method of mapping an environment texture from above.

17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating an example of an image generated by environment mapping of a comparative example.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating an example of an image generated by environment mapping according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a method of obtaining texture coordinates by rotating a normal vector using a rotation matrix.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining how the degree of reflection of a light source on an object changes according to a change in the rotation angle of the object.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are examples of game images generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a near-view environment texture used in a tunnel.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for describing a method of performing a fade-out process and a fade-in process of the environment texture when the environment texture is switched.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for describing a method of arranging a map object for switching environmental textures in a connection area.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams for explaining course information; FIG.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are diagrams showing examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 object 12 virtual camera 14 light source 16 shadow 30 course 40, 42 virtual object 43, 44, 45, 46 side 50 tunnel (closed space) 52 switching point 54, 56 point 58 connection area 60 switching map object 100 processing unit 110 game Processing unit 112 Movement / motion calculation unit 114 Map object placement unit 130 Image generation unit 132 Geometry processing unit 134 Normal vector processing unit 140 Drawing unit 142 Texture mapping unit 144 Original image area movement / rotation unit 146 Environmental texture transformation unit 148 Environmental texture Switching unit 149 Fade processing unit 150 Sound generation unit 160 Operation unit 170 Storage unit 172 Main memory 174 Frame buffer 176 Texture storage unit 178 Course information storage unit 179 Object information storing unit 180 the information storage medium 190 display unit 192 audio output unit 194 portable information storage device 196 communication unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 15/00 100 A63F 13/00 G06T 17/40

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image generation system for generating an image, wherein a means for mapping an environment texture to an object while moving or rotating an original image area for environment mapping in a texture space in which a texture pattern is defined, Means for drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera in the object space, and a course point is set on a course along which the object moves.
Course information is set for the course points,
One or more course points based on the position of the object
Event is selected and set to the selected course point.
Environment applied to the object based on the course information
An image generation system for moving or rotating an original image area for mapping . 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the course information includes distance information of a course, and the original image area of the environment mapping is moved in a first direction based on the distance information of the course. Image generation system. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the course information includes course width information, and based on the course width information, the original image area of the environment mapping is arranged along a second direction different from the first direction. An image generation system characterized by moving. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the course information set for the course on which the object moves includes course direction information, and the environment texture itself mapped to the object is determined based on the course direction information. An image generation system characterized by rotating. 5. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for mapping an environment texture to an object while moving or rotating an environment mapping original image area in a texture space in which a texture pattern is defined; Means for drawing an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera in space, and a program for causing a computer to realize, and a course point is set on a course where the object moves
Course information is set for the course points,
One or more course points based on the position of the object
Event is selected and set to the selected course point.
Environment applied to the object based on the course information
An information storage medium for moving or rotating an original image area for mapping . 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the course information includes distance information of a course, and the original image area of the environment mapping is moved in a first direction based on the distance information of the course. Information storage medium. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the course information includes course width information, and based on the course width information, an original image area of environment mapping is arranged along a second direction different from the first direction. An information storage medium characterized by being moved. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the course information set for the course on which the object moves includes course direction information, and the environment texture itself mapped to the object is determined based on the course direction information. An information storage medium characterized by being rotated.