JP3420961B2 - GAME DEVICE AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game device and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game device in which a plurality of objects are arranged in an object space which is a virtual three-dimensional space and an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space is generated. Is known, and it is very popular for experiencing so-called virtual reality. As an example of a game device that can enjoy the control of an airplane, a player causes an airplane controlled by the player to fly in an object space and plays a game against another player or a computer controlled airplane.

In such a game device, it is an important technical subject to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. Therefore,
Generates realistic images of vapor trails (a kind of contrail, water vapor generated by the movement of an airplane that causes a trail from the wing tips) to be generated at the wing tips (tips of wings) It is desired to do.

However, since such a vapor trail remains behind the airplane in a trailing manner, information for displaying the vapor trail is stored in the game device for a given period until the vapor trail disappears. It must be stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the display of the vapor trail causes a problem that the used storage capacity of the storage unit is pressed.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to display an object such as a vapor trail that extends by following a moving body while pulling a tail. It is to provide a game device and an information storage medium that can generate a realistic image with a small storage capacity.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a game device for generating an image, wherein three-dimensional coordinates of a first reference point group which are sequentially generated and sequentially generated. Storage means for storing the three-dimensional coordinates of the second reference point group for a plurality of frames, and at least one first interpolation obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups. Based on the point cloud and the first reference point group, or by interpolating the first 'and second' reference point groups which are the point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups. An image of the first display object is generated based on the obtained at least one first 'interpolation point group and the first' reference point group, and the first and second reference point groups are interpolated. Based on at least one second interpolation point group and the second reference point group obtained by At least one second 'interpolation point group obtained by interpolating the first' and second 'reference point groups, which are point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups, and the second And a means for generating an image of the second display object based on the reference point group of '. An information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing the above means.

In the present invention, the three-dimensional coordinates of the first and second reference point groups that are sequentially generated are stored and held for a plurality of frames.

An image of the first display object is generated based on the first interpolated point group (there may be a plurality) of the first and second reference point groups and the first reference point group. Then, an image of the second display object is generated based on the second interpolation point group (there may be a plurality) of the first and second reference point groups and the second reference point group.

Alternatively, a first 'interpolated point group (a plurality of interpolated point groups of the first' and second 'reference point groups on the screen (point groups obtained by perspective-transforming the first and second reference point groups onto the screen)) Good)
And an image of the first display object is generated based on the first reference point group and the second 'interpolation point group of the first' and second 'reference point groups on the screen. May ') and the second'
An image of the second display object is generated based on the reference point group of.

As described above, according to the present invention, the images of the first and second display objects can be generated only by storing and holding the three-dimensional coordinates of the first and second reference point groups. . Therefore, the used storage capacity can be significantly saved. Further, an interpolation point group (first, second, first ', second' interpolation point group) and a reference point group (first, second, first ', second' reference point group) are used. As a result, the shapes and directions of the first and second display objects can be uniquely specified, and even when the line connecting the reference point groups has a complicated shape, the first and second display objects can be displayed. Images can be generated without contradiction.

The game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention are based on whether or not the point group specified by the first and second reference point groups falls within the screen.
It is characterized in that clipping processing is performed on the second display object. By doing so, it becomes possible to realize the processing for determining whether or not clipping is possible with a small calculation load.

The point group specified by the first and second reference point groups is either the first 'or the second' reference point group, or the first 'or the second' reference point group. , Or a representative point group regarding the reference point group can be considered.

In the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the characteristic color of the first display object becomes lighter toward the outer edge of the first display object, and the characteristic color of the second display object. It is characterized in that the color becomes lighter toward the outer edge of the second display object. By doing so, even when the first and second display objects are actually simple shapes (for example, plate shapes), it is possible to make them look complicated (for example, solid). Therefore, it becomes possible to generate a realistic image with a small calculation load.

Further, in the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, a portion of the first and second display objects far from the viewpoint is a line specified by the first and second reference point groups. It is characterized in that it is formed in a shape. With this configuration, the portion far from the viewpoint only needs to form a line shape, and thus the calculation load of the image generation processing at the portion far from the viewpoint can be significantly reduced. Moreover, the shape of the line is
There is also an advantage that it can be easily generated from the second reference point group.

The present invention is also a game device for generating an image, in which three-dimensional coordinates of a first reference point group that are sequentially generated and three-dimensional coordinates of a second reference point group that are sequentially generated. Storage means for storing only a plurality of frames, means for generating an image of at least one first display object based on the first and second reference point groups, and the first
The portion of the display object farther from the viewpoint includes means for forming the shape of the line specified by the first and second reference point groups. An information storage medium according to the present invention is characterized by including information for realizing the above means.

In the present invention, the portion of the first display object far from the viewpoint is formed in a line shape, so that the calculation load of the image generation processing can be significantly reduced. There is also an advantage that the shape of the line can be easily generated from the first and second reference point groups.

As the line specified by the first and second reference point groups, a line connecting the reference point groups and a line connecting the representative point groups related to the reference point group can be considered.

Further, in the game device and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the first and second reference point groups are sequentially generated as the moving body moves, and the first and second display objects are
It is characterized in that it is the first and second follow-up display objects that follow the moving body. By doing this, a tracking display object that follows the moving body and extends like a tail from the moving body,
You will be able to express it realistically.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a fighter game (flight simulator) 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 this embodiment. In the figure, the game device of this embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 1).
40, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 140, and the information storage medium 150), and other blocks (for example, the operation unit 130, the image generation unit 160, the display unit 162, the sound generation unit 170, the sound output unit 172, The communication unit 174, the I / F unit 176, the memory card 180, etc.) can be arbitrary components.

Here, the processing unit 100 controls the entire apparatus,
The CPU (C) performs various kinds of processing such as instruction of commands to each block in the device and game calculation.
It can be realized by hardware such as ISC type, RISC type, DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.), or a given program (game program).

The operation unit 130 is for the player to input operation information, and its function can be realized by hardware such as levers and buttons.

The storage section 140 includes a processing section 100, an image generation section 160, a sound generation section 170, a communication section 174, and an I / F section 1.
A work area such as 76, whose function is RAM
It can be realized by hardware such as.

An information storage medium (storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and its function is an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO). ),
It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (the present embodiment) based on the information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various kinds of information for realizing the means of the present invention (the present embodiment) (particularly the blocks included in the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 140).

A part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is stored in the storage unit 1 when the power of the apparatus is turned on.
Will be forwarded to 40. The information storage medium 150
The information stored in is the program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. , And includes at least one of information for performing processing according to the instruction.

The image generation section 160 generates various images according to instructions from the processing section 100 and the like, and the display section 162.
Output to the ASI for image generation.
It can be realized by hardware such as C, CPU, or DSP, a given program (image generation program), and image information.

The sound generation section 170 generates various sounds according to instructions from the processing section 100 and outputs them to the sound output section 172. The functions thereof are the sound generation ASIC,
It can be realized by hardware such as a CPU or a DSP, a given program (sound generation program), and sound information (waveform data, etc.).

The communication unit 174 performs various controls for communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device), and its function is the communication ASI.
It can be realized by hardware such as C or CPU, or a given program (communication program).

The information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Good. The use of the information storage medium of such a host device and the use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, a part or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 is controlled by the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 1.
You may make it implement | achieve by the function of 74. Alternatively,
The image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 174.
Some or all of the functions of the above may be realized by the functions of the processing unit 100.

The I / F unit 176 exchanges information with a memory card (in a broad sense, a portable information storage device including a portable mini game device) 180 in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 100. The interface can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a data writing / reading controller IC, or the like. In addition, memory card 1
When information exchange with 80 is realized using wireless such as infrared rays, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.

The processing section 100 includes a game calculation section 110.

Here, the game calculation section 110 receives coins (price), game mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, and moving objects (fighters,
The process of determining the position and direction of bullets, flames, etc., the process of determining the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction, the process of playing the motion of a moving object, the process of placing objects in the object space,
Various game calculation processes such as a hit check process, a process for calculating a game result (score), a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a game over process, and the like, operation information from the operation unit 130, This is performed based on the information from the memory card 180, the game program, and the like. When the present invention is applied to a game other than a fighter game, the moving body may be an airplane other than a fighter, a ship (boat, battleship, submarine, yacht, motor boat, etc.), watercraft, water ski, surfboard. ,car,
Various things such as motorcycles, tanks, robots, spaceships, characters, etc. can be considered.

The game calculation unit 110 is a mobile unit calculation unit 11.
2. A viewpoint control unit 114 and a follow-up display object processing unit 116 are included.

Here, the mobile unit computing unit 112 computes movement information (positional information, direction information, etc.) of a mobile unit such as a fighter, and for example, operating information input from the operating unit 130 and a given information. Based on the program, it performs processing such as moving a moving object within the object space. That is, a process of moving a moving object in the object space is performed based on operation information from a player (own player, other player) and a command (given movement control algorithm) from a computer.

More specifically, the mobile computing unit 112 is
The position and direction of the moving body is, for example, 1 frame (1/60 second)
The processing required for each is performed. For example, the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the velocity is VMk-1, and the acceleration is AM.
Let k−1 and one frame time be Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in the k frame can be obtained by the following equations (1) and (2), for example.

PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 × Δt (2) The viewpoint control unit 114 determines the position and direction of the moving body obtained by the moving body computing unit 112. Based on such information as above, processing for obtaining the viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, etc. is performed. More specifically, for example, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction so as to follow the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed. In this case, it is desirable that the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction be made to follow the position or direction of the moving body while maintaining inertia, for example. The image generation unit 160 uses the viewpoint control unit 1
Will produce an image that is visible at the viewpoint controlled by 14.

The viewpoint control unit 114 can also control the viewpoint independently of the movement of the moving body.

The follow-up display object processing unit 116 performs various processes for generating an image of a follow-up display object (vapor trail) that follows a moving body such as a fighter.

More specifically, first, the three-dimensional coordinates of the first and second reference point groups, which are sequentially generated as the moving body moves,
Only a plurality of frames are stored in the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142. Then, the follow-up display object processing unit 116 interpolates the first 'and second' reference point groups, which are point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups, to obtain the first 'interpolation. A process for generating an image of the first follow-up display object (first vapor trail) is performed based on the point cloud (or a plurality of points) and the first 'reference point cloud. Similarly, the second 'based on the second' reference point group and the second 'interpolated point group (s) obtained by interpolating the first' and second 'reference point groups, Processing for generating an image of a follow-up display object (second vapor trail) is performed.

The perspective conversion unit 164 included in the image generation unit 160 performs the process of perspective-transforming the first and second reference point groups to obtain the first 'and second' reference point groups on the screen. .

An image of the first follow-up display object is generated based on the first interpolation point group obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups and the first reference point group. , The image of the second follow-up display object may be generated based on the second interpolation point group and the second reference point group obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups. Good.

The follow-up display object processing unit 116 includes the interpolation unit 11
8, a clipping unit 120, an image information setting unit 122, and a precision changing unit 124.

The interpolation unit 118 interpolates the first 'and second' reference point groups to obtain the first 'and second' interpolation point groups (or the first and second reference points). Processing for interpolating point groups to obtain first and second interpolated point groups) is performed. The interpolation in this case is preferably linear interpolation in order to reduce the processing load, but an M-order curve or a curve (sin curve, cos curve, Bezier curve, etc.) that is not represented by a linear arithmetic expression.
May be used for interpolation.

The clipping unit 120 is for performing a clipping process (a process of excluding from a drawing target) a display object such as a follow-up display object. More specifically, the clipping unit 120 according to the present embodiment includes the first and second clipping units.
Whether the point group specified by the reference point group (for example, the first 'reference point group, the second' reference point group, or the representative point group related to the reference point group) falls within the screen (perspective transformation screen) Clipping processing is performed on the first and second follow-up display objects based on the crab.

The image information setting unit 122 performs processing for setting the image information (color, brightness, translucency coefficient, etc.) of the follow-up display object. More specifically, images of the first and second follow-up display objects are arranged so that the characteristic colors of the first and second follow-up display objects become lighter toward the outer edges of the first and second follow-up display objects. A process for setting information (for example, translucency coefficient) is performed.
In this case, if the follow-up display object is a vapor trail, the characteristic color is white, if it is smoke, it is gray, and if it is flame, it is red.

The precision changing unit 124 performs a process for changing the precision of the follow-up display object according to the distance (depth value) from the viewpoint. More specifically, a portion of the first and second follow-up display objects far from the viewpoint is a line specified by the first and second reference point groups (for example, a line connecting the first 'reference point group). , The line connecting the 2′'th reference point group, or the line connecting the representative point groups related to the reference point group, etc.), the precision is changed.

The game device of this embodiment is capable of both single-player mode game play in which one player plays, and multi-player mode game play in which a plurality of players play.

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 game device, or may be generated using a plurality of game devices connected by a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. You may.

2. Features of this Embodiment FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B show examples of game images generated by this embodiment.

In the fighter game realized by the present embodiment, the player controls his / her fighter 10 to fly in the object space while looking at the game image as shown in FIG. Then, play the game against other players or fighters operated by the computer.

FIG. 2 is an example of a game image from the rear viewpoint (behind view, third person viewpoint) of the fighter (own machine) 10. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the fighter 1
Vapor trails 20 and 22 are generated so as to follow the fighter 10 from the wing tips 12 and 14 of 0. By displaying such a realistic image, the virtual reality felt by the player can be improved.

On the other hand, FIG. 3 (A), (B), FIG. 4 (A),
(B) is an example of a game image in which the enemy fighter 16 is displayed. As shown in the figure, vapor trails 20 and 22 are generated so as to follow the enemy fighter 16. These vapor trails 20, 22 are for fighter 1
It occurs as a trailing behind the fighter 16 as the 6 moves. And the vapor trails 20 and 22 are
It remains behind the fighter 16 for a given period until it disappears.

Thus, the vapor trails 20 and 22
Does not disappear immediately after it occurs, but needs to be displayed on the screen for a given period. Therefore, until the vapor trails 20 and 22 disappear, the vapor trail 2
Information for displaying 0, 22 (Vapor Trail 2
The three-dimensional coordinates of the vertices of the objects forming 0 and 22) must be stored in the storage unit 140 in FIG.

However, FIG. 3A, FIG.
As in (A) and (B), vapor trails 20 and 22
Is extended, the amount of information for displaying the vapor trails 20 and 22 becomes enormous. For example,
When one frame is 1/60 seconds (or 1/30 seconds may be used) and the display time of the vapor trails 20 and 22 is 2 seconds, 120 frames of information for displaying the vapor trails 20 and 22 are displayed. You just have to hold. Therefore, a situation occurs in which the used storage capacity of the storage unit 140 is pressed.

Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation, the following method is adopted in this embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, as the fighter 30 moves, reference point groups C1, C2, C3, C4 (first reference point group), reference point groups D1, D2, D3, D4 (second reference point group). (Reference point group of) is sequentially generated. In this case, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional coordinates of the wing tips 32 and 34 of the fighter 30 in each frame are the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference point groups C1 to C4 and D1 to D4. That is, the three-dimensional coordinates of the wing tip 32 of the fighter 30 in the first, second, third, and fourth frames are C1 and C, respectively.
It becomes the three-dimensional coordinates of 2, C3, and C4. Similarly, the three-dimensional coordinates of the wing tip 34 of the fighter 30 in the first, second, third, and fourth frames become the three-dimensional coordinates of D1, D2, D3, and D4, respectively.

These sequentially generated reference point groups C1 to C
4, three-dimensional coordinates D1 to D4 are sequentially stored and held in the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142 of FIG.

The reference points are sequentially generated after the vapor trail generation condition is satisfied. For example, when the speed of the fighter 30 is equal to or higher than a given speed and the angle between the moving direction of the fighter 30 and the facing direction is equal to or more than the given angle, the vapor trail generation condition is satisfied. .

Then, the reference points C1 and D1 disappear after a lapse of a given period after their occurrence. That is, the three-dimensional coordinates are deleted from the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142. Similarly, the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference points C2 and D2 are deleted from the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142 after a given period of time has elapsed after the occurrence. The same applies to the other reference points C3, C4, D3 and D4.

As described above, in this embodiment, 3 of the reference point group
Only the dimensional coordinates are stored in the reference point group coordinate storage unit 14 of the storage unit 140.
Stored in 2. Therefore, compared with the method of storing all the three-dimensional vertex coordinates of the object of the vapor trail,
The storage capacity used in the storage unit 140 can be significantly saved.

However, even if the used storage capacity of the storage unit 140 can be saved in this way, there is a problem that the shape and direction of the vapor trail cannot be uniquely specified only by the reference point group. There is also a problem that the vertices that make up the vapor trail must be generated consistently when the fighter moves in various directions.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, two groups of reference point groups C1 to C4 and D are used in the image formation of the vapor trail.
Focusing on the fact that 1 to D4 are generated, an interpolation point group is obtained from these two systems of reference point groups C1 to C4 and D1 to D4,
The shape and direction of the vapor trail are specified by using this interpolation point group.

In this way, the shape and direction of the vapor trail can be uniquely specified by using only the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference point group stored in the storage unit 140, and the fighter can be moved in various directions. Even if you move to, you will be able to generate vapor trail images without contradiction.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the vapor trail image is generated using the reference point group as follows.

That is, first, the reference point groups C1 to C4, D1 to
The three-dimensional coordinates of D4 are read from the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, reference point groups C1 to C
By performing perspective conversion of 4, D1 to D4 on the screen 40, reference point groups C1 ′ to C4 ′ and D1 ′ to D4 ′ are obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, based on the reference point groups C1 'to C4' and D1 'to D4' on the screen,
Interpolation point groups E1 'to E4', F1 'to F4' (first 'interpolation point group) and interpolation point groups G1' to G4 ', H1' to H4 '
(2nd 'interpolation point group) is calculated. More specifically, C
Points E1 ', F1' on the line 42 connecting 1 ', D1',
G1 ′ and H1 ′ are obtained by linear interpolation. Similarly, C
Points E2 ', F2' on the line 44 connecting 2 ', D2',
Points E3 ', F3', G3 ', H3', C4 ', D on the line 46 connecting G2', H2 ', C3', D3 '
Points E4 ', F4', G4 'on the line 48 connecting 4',
H4 'is obtained by linear interpolation.

In FIG. 6, the reference point group C after perspective transformation is used.
Interpolation point groups are obtained by interpolating 1 ′ to C4 ′ and D1 ′ to D4 ′, but reference point groups C1 to C4 before perspective transformation,
An interpolation point group (interpolation point group in a three-dimensional space) may be obtained by interpolating D1 to D4, and the interpolation point group may be perspective-transformed to the screen 40.

Based on the interpolation point group and the reference point group obtained as described above, images of the vapor trails 20 and 22 as shown in FIG. 7 are generated. That is, the image of the vapor trail 20 is generated (the shape is specified) based on the reference point groups C1 ′ to C4 ′ and the interpolation point groups E1 ′ to E4 ′ and F1 ′ to F4 ′. Further, the image of the vapor trail 22 includes reference point groups D1 ′ to D4 ′ and interpolation point groups G1 ′ to G.
4 ', H1' to H4 'are generated (the shape is specified).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the vapor trail 20 includes polygons (primitive surfaces in a broad sense) PL11, PL21, PL12, PL22, PL1.
3, PL23. Then, the reference point group C1 '
-C4 ', interpolation point groups E1'-E4', F1'-F4 '
Will be the vertices of these polygons.

The vapor trail 22 has polygons PL31, PL41, PL32, PL42, PL33,
It is composed of PL43. Then, the reference point groups D1 'to D
4 ', interpolation point groups G1' to G4 ', H1' to H4 'are the vertices of these polygons.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 14
Since the information stored in 0 is only the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference point groups C1 to C4 and D1 to D4, the storage capacity used can be significantly saved. Therefore, even if the vapor trails 20 and 22 are elongated, the vapor trails 20 and 22 can be displayed without any problem.

In this embodiment, attention is paid to the fact that two reference point groups are generated in the vapor trail display, and an interpolation point group is obtained from these two reference point groups. And the shape and direction of the vapor trail 20 is
Obtained interpolation point groups E1 ′ to E4 ′, F1 ′ to F4 ′
And the reference point groups C1 ′ to C4 ′, the shape and direction of the vapor trail 22 are determined by the calculated interpolation point group G.
1'-G4 ', H1'-H4', and reference point groups D1'-D
It is specified by 4 '.

By doing so, the direction of the fighter is
It is properly reflected in the direction of the vapor trail surface, and a more realistic image can be generated.
That is, when the fighter rolls clockwise, the surface of the vapor trail also rolls clockwise.

Even if the fighter moves in various directions,
The vertices that make up the vapor trail can be generated without contradiction. That is, for example, in FIG.
11 polygons PL12 side vertices (E2 ', C2')
And the vertex of the polygon PL12 on the polygon PL11 side does not coincide with each other.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to display a long vapor trail as shown in FIG. 4B, but if the portion that has gone out of the screen is also drawn, the processing is useless. become.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the portion of the vapor trail outside the screen is clipped.

However, if the burden of this clipping processing becomes heavy, the real-time property of image generation required for this type of game device is impaired.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to improve the efficiency of the clipping process, the vapor based on whether the point group specified by the reference point group, for example, the representative point group on the screen falls within the screen. Clipping processing for trails is performed.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether the representative point group (here, the middle point group) I1 'to I7' falls within the screen 40. This representative point group I1 '
I7 ′ may be obtained by perspectively transforming the midpoint group of the reference point groups C1 to C7 and D1 to D7 onto the screen 40, or the midpoint of the reference point groups C1 ′ to C7 ′ and D1 ′ to D7 ′. It may be obtained by asking for a group.

For example, in FIG. 8, I3 'is the screen 40
It is determined to be inside, and I2 ′ one frame before I3 ′ is determined to be outside the screen 40. In this case,
The drawing target is one frame before I3 ′ (C2 ′, D2 ′). That is, two frames before I3 '(C1', D
1 ') is excluded from the drawing target.

In FIG. 8, I6 'is judged to be inside the screen 40, and I7' one frame after I6 'is judged to be outside the screen 40. In this case, I
One frame after 6 '(C7', D7 ') is the drawing target, and the subsequent frames are excluded from the drawing target.

As described above, the portions of the vapor trails 20 and 22 outside the screen 40 can be properly clipped. Moreover, whether or not to perform clipping can be determined only by the coordinates of the representative point groups I1 ′ to I7 ′, so that the calculation load of clipping processing can be significantly reduced.

From the viewpoint of reducing the processing, it is particularly desirable that the representative points I1 'to I7' as shown in FIG.
However, the reference point groups C1 'to C7', D1 'to D
7 ', or one of the reference point groups C1' to C7 ',
You may make it set both D1'-D7 'as a determination object.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the characteristic color (for example, white) of the vapor trails 20 and 22.
However, the images of the vapor trails 20 and 22 are generated so that they become thinner from the reference line (the line connecting the reference point groups) toward the outer edge. That is, the vapor trails 20 and 22
The colors of the vapor trails 20 and 22 are graded so that the color of the vapor trail melts into the background as it goes toward the outer edge. This way, Vapor Trail 2
It is possible to prevent a situation in which the player recognizes that 0 and 22 are plate-shaped. That is, the plate-shaped vapor trails 20 and 22 can be made to appear as if they were three-dimensional, and a realistic image can be generated with a small processing load.

The process of making the characteristic color of the vapor trail look lighter toward the outer edge is a semi-transparent addition process (α addition process of a background display object (for example, the sky) and the vapor trail. Semi-transparent process in a broad sense). ) Can be realized by controlling the translucency coefficient.

That is, the semitransparent addition process can be expressed by the following equations (3), (4) and (5).

XR = BR + α × CR (3) XG = BG + α × CG (4) XB = BB + α × CB (5) where BR, BG, and BB are R of the color information of the background display object,
G, B components, CR, CG, CB are R, G, B of vapor trail color information (characteristic color of vapor trail).
The XR, XG, and XB components are the R, G, and B components of the color information of the output image obtained by the translucent addition process.
Further, α is a semitransparent coefficient (luminance in the luminance addition process) in the semitransparent addition process.

In the above equations (3), (4) and (5), if α is made smaller toward the outer edge of the vapor trail, the characteristic color of the vapor trail can be made to appear lighter toward the outer edge. Become.

Although the semitransparent addition process is used in the formulas (3), (4), and (5), the semitransparent blend process may be adopted. In this case, BR, B
For example, each of G and BB will be multiplied by (1-α).

Further, in this embodiment, the portion of each portion of the vapor trail farther from the viewpoint has a line shape specified by the reference point group.

For example, in FIG. 10, the portion indicated by A1
That is, as to the portion close to the viewpoint (the portion where the Z coordinate, which is the depth value is small, or the straight line distance from the viewpoint is short), as described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the vapor trail 2 is used.
The shapes of 0 and 22 are plate-like (correctly, a shape in which a plurality of plates are connected).

On the other hand, regarding the portion A2, that is, the portion far from the viewpoint (the portion where the Z coordinate which is the depth is large or the straight distance from the viewpoint is long), the vapor trail 2 is used.
The shapes of 0 and 22 are lines. That is, the precision is lowered in the part far from the viewpoint, and the shape is linear rather than plate-like.

By doing so, it becomes possible to omit the interpolation processing for obtaining the interpolation point group and the processing for generating polygons as described with reference to FIG. Can be reduced to And FIG.
As shown in 0, even if the portion of A2 far from the viewpoint is drawn with a line, it is unlikely that the player will notice it, and an unnatural image is not produced.

Moreover, the process of linearizing the portion of the vapor trail far from the viewpoint has an advantage that it can be realized by a simple process such as connecting the reference point group with a line. That is, for the part near the viewpoint, the process of generating the polygons PL11 to PL43 is performed as shown in FIG. 6, while for the part far from the viewpoint, the reference point groups C1 ′ to C43.
4'and D1 'to D4' need only be connected by a line.

The method of forming a line shape in a portion far from the viewpoint can be widely applied even when there is only one vapor trail (a display object in a broad sense, and a display object in a broader sense). For example, in FIG. 11, the rocket 50 has only one vapor trail 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in the portion A3 near the viewpoint, the vapor trail 52 is
Is shaped like a plate (formed by polygons). On the other hand, the shape of the vapor trail 52 is linear in the portion A4 far from the viewpoint. In this case, for the portion A3 of the vapor tail 52, for example, by generating polygons having the reference point groups C5 'to C8' and D5 'to D8' as vertices, an image of that portion is generated. it can.
On the other hand, for the portion A4 of the vapor tail 52, a line connecting the reference point groups C1 'to C5' (or D1 'to
By generating a line connecting D5 ′ or a line connecting representative point groups), an image of that portion can be generated.

3. Processing of this Embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of No. 3.

First, the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference point groups CM and DM are read from the reference point group coordinate storage unit 142 of FIG. 1 for N frames (step S1). Then, the read-out midpoint group (representative point group) IM of CM and DM for N frames is perspective-transformed to obtain IM ′ for N frames, and when the obtained IM ′ is within the screen, Sets the flag FL1 of the corresponding frame to 1 (step S
2).

Next, the depth value of IM for N frames (which may be a straight line distance from the viewpoint) is checked. If the depth value is equal to or more than a given value (far from the viewpoint), the corresponding frame The flag FL2 is set to 1 (step S
3). By using this flag FL2, it becomes possible to determine whether the shape of the vapor trail is plate-shaped or linear.

Next, in the above step S2, the flag FL1 is set.
The frame set to 1 and the reference points of the frames before and after the frame are set as drawing targets (step S4). For example, in FIG. 8, C2 ′ to C7 ′ and D2 ′ to D7 ′ are set as drawing targets, but C1 ′ and D1 ′ are excluded from drawing targets.

Next, the first reference point CK to be drawn,
DK 'is perspective-transformed to obtain CK' and DK 'on the screen (for example, C2' and D2 'in FIG. 8), which are on a line 60 connecting CK' and DK 'as shown in FIG. E
K ', FK', GK ', and HK' are obtained by interpolation (step S5).

Next, it is judged whether or not the processing has been completed for all the reference points to be drawn (step S6 in FIG. 13). If not, the reference point CL of the next frame, The DL is perspectively transformed to obtain CL 'and DL' (step S7). Then, it is determined whether or not the flag FL2 of the corresponding frame is set to 1 (step S8). This flag FL2 is set in step S3 of FIG.
The flag is set in 1. When the distance is close to the viewpoint, the flag is not set to 1. When the distance is far from the viewpoint, the flag is set to 1.

When FL2 is not set to 1, that is, when it is close to the viewpoint, as shown in FIG.
EL ', FL' on the line 62 connecting CL 'and DL',
GL 'and HL' are obtained by interpolation (step S9).
Then, as shown in FIG. 14C, CK ', EK',
A polygon PL1 having EL 'and CL' as vertices, and F
Polygon P with vertices K ', CK', CL ', FL'
L2, a polygon PL3 having DK ', GK', GL ', DL' as vertices and a polygon PL4 having HK ', DK', DL ', HL' as vertices are generated (step S1).
0).

Next, the contents of CL ', EL', FL '(2
(Dimensional coordinates) are respectively substituted into CK ', EK' and FK ', and the contents of DL', GL 'and HL' (two-dimensional coordinates) are respectively substituted into DK ', GK' and HK '. (Step S11). Then, the process returns to step S6 and shifts to the processing of the reference point of the next frame.

When FL2 is set to 1, that is, far from the viewpoint, CK 'and C shown in FIG.
A line 64 connecting L ′ and a line 66 connecting DK ′ and DL ′ are generated (step S12). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 10, for the portion A2 far from the viewpoint, the shape of the vapor trail is a line (a line connecting the reference point groups).

Next, the contents of CL 'are changed to CK', EK ',
Substitute the contents of DL 'into DK', G
Substitute for K'and HK '(step S13). And
The processing returns to step S6, and the processing for the reference point of the next frame is performed.

4. Hardware Configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 100
4, information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014
Are connected by a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received between them. The image generation IC 1010
A display 1018 is connected to the sound generation IC 10
A speaker 1020 is connected to 08, and I / O port 1
A control device 1022 is connected to 012 and I / O
A communication device 1024 is connected to the O port 1014.

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home-use game machine, a CD-R is used as an information storage medium for storing game programs and the like.
OM, game cassette, DVD, etc. are used. A memory such as a ROM is used in the arcade game machine, and in this case, the information storage medium 1006 becomes the ROM 1002.

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, etc., and is a device for inputting the result of the judgment made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game, into the main body of the device.

A program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the apparatus main body, etc.), the control device 102.
CPU 1000 in accordance with signals input by
Controls the entire device and processes various data. RAM10
Reference numeral 04 denotes a storage unit used as a work area of the CPU 1000, which is an information storage medium 1006 or ROM 10.
The given contents of 02, the calculation result of the CPU 1000, etc. are stored. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on this RAM or information storage medium.

Furthermore, a sound generation IC 100 is provided in this type of device.
8 and an image generation IC 1010 are provided so that a game sound and a game image can be appropriately output.
The sound generation IC 1008 is an information storage medium 1006 or ROM 1.
It is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in 002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. Further, the image generation IC 1010 includes a RAM 1004,
It is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, or the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head mounted display (HMD) can be used.

The communication device 1024 exchanges various information used inside the game device with the outside, and is connected to another game device to send and receive given information according to the game program. It is used to send and receive information such as game programs via a communication line.

The various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14C are performed by the information storage medium 1006 storing information such as programs and data, the CPU 1000 operating based on the information from the information storage medium 1006, and the like. Image generation I
It is realized by C1010 or sound generation IC 1008. The image generation IC 1010 and the sound generation IC 1008
Processing performed by the CPU 1000 or the general-purpose D
You may perform by software by SP etc.

FIG. 16A shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to an arcade game machine. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the buttons 1104, etc. while watching the game image displayed on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, etc. are mounted on a system board (circuit board) 1106 built in the device. Information for executing (implementing) the processing of the present embodiment (means of the present invention) is stored in the semiconductor memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as stored information.

FIG. 16B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game machine. The player looks at the game image displayed on the display 1200,
Enjoy the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, memory cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are removable information storage media in the main unit.

FIG. 16C shows a host device 1300,
A terminal 1304-1 connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line (small-scale network such as LAN or wide area network such as the Internet) 1302.
1304-n is applied to the system. In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, a semiconductor memory or the like which can be controlled by the host device 1300. Terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are CPs
In the case of having U, an image generation IC, and a sound processing IC and capable of standalone generation of a game image and a game sound, the host device 1300 provides a game program and the like for generating the game image and the game sound. Terminal 1304-1
~ 1304-n. On the other hand, when it cannot be generated standalone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, and these are generated by the terminals 1304-1 to 130.
It will be transmitted to 4-n and output at the terminal.

Note that in the case of the configuration of FIG. 16C, the processing of the present invention is distributed to the host device and the terminal (if the server is provided, the host device, the server, and the terminal) and processed. You may Further, the above stored information for realizing the present invention is distributed to the information storage medium of the host device and the information storage medium of the terminal (or the information storage medium of the host device, the information storage medium of the server and the information storage medium of the terminal). You may make it store it.

The terminal connected to the communication line may be a home-use game machine or an arcade game machine. When the arcade game device is connected to a communication line, portable information storage that can exchange information with the arcade game device and also exchange information with the home game device. Device (memory card,
It is desirable to use a portable game device).

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

For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the display object is the follow-up display object, particularly the case where it is the vapor trail has been described. However, the present invention is a follow-up display object other than the vapor trail or a display object other than the follow-up display object. Can also be applied to. For example, the present invention can be applied to various display objects such as contrails other than vapor trail, flowing clouds, airflow, backfire, wakes generated from the stern of a ship, smoke emitted from a chimney, shooting stars, and the like.

Further, although the case where the number of reference point groups is two has been described in the present embodiment, the case where the number of reference point groups is three or more is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, the shape of the display object generated based on the reference point group is not limited to the plate shape as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and for example, the shape of intersecting plates (the cross-shaped shape) )
Etc., and various other shapes.

Further, the method of forming a line shape in the portion of the display object far from the viewpoint is not limited to the method described with reference to FIGS. That is, the shape of the display object in the portion far from the viewpoint may be at least a line specified by the first and second reference point groups.

The present invention is also applicable to various games other than fighter games (plane games other than fighters, spaceship games,
It can be applied to competitive games, fighting games, robot fighting games, sports games, shooting games, role-playing games, etc.).

Further, the present invention is applicable to various games such as an arcade game machine, a home game machine, a large attraction machine in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, an image generating apparatus, and a system board for generating a game image. Applicable to devices.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of a game device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a game image generated according to this embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are also diagrams showing an example of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are also diagrams showing an example of a game image generated by this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining generation of reference points.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of obtaining an interpolation point group from a reference point group and generating a vapor trail image.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a generated vapor trail.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing clipping processing according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of reducing the characteristic color of the vapor trail toward the outer edge.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a line shape in a portion far from the viewpoint.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method of forming a line shape in a portion far from the viewpoint.

FIG. 12 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.

14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams for explaining the interpolation method and polygon generation method of this embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

16 (A), (B), and (C) are diagrams showing examples of various types of devices to which the present embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 16 Fighter 12, 14 Wing tip 20, 22 Vapor trail (first and second (following) display object) 30 Fighter 32, 34 Wing tip 40 Screen 42, 44, 46, 48 Line 60, 62, 64, 66 line 100 processing unit 110 game calculation unit 112 moving body calculation unit 114 viewpoint control unit 116 follow-up display object processing unit 118 interpolation unit 120 clipping unit 122 image information setting unit 124 precision changing unit 130 operation unit 140 storage unit 142 reference Point cloud coordinate storage unit 150 Information storage medium 160 Image generation unit 162 Display unit 164 Perspective conversion unit 170 Sound generation unit 172 Sound output unit 174 Communication unit 176 I / F unit 180 Memory card

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game device for generating an image, wherein a three-dimensional coordinate of a sequentially generated first reference point group and a sequentially generated three-dimensional coordinate of a second reference point group are provided in a plurality of frames. Based on at least one first interpolation point group and the first reference point group obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups, or At least one first interpolation point group obtained by interpolating the first 'and second' reference point groups, which are point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups, and the first And an at least one second interpolation point group obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups while generating an image of the first display object based on the reference point group A point group on the screen based on the second reference point group or the first and second reference point groups. At least 1 obtained by interpolating the first 'and second' reference point groups
Means for generating an image of a second display object based on two second 'interpolation point groups and the second' reference point group. 2. The clipping for the first and second display objects according to claim 1, based on whether or not a point group specified by the first and second reference point groups falls within a screen. A game device characterized in that processing is performed. 3. The feature color according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic color of the first display object becomes lighter toward the outer edge of the first display object, and the characteristic color of the second display object is the A game device, wherein the second display object becomes thinner toward the outer edge thereof. 4. The shape of a line specified by the first and second reference point groups according to any one of claims 1 to 3, with respect to portions of the first and second display objects far from the viewpoint. A game device characterized by being formed into a. 5. A game device for generating an image, wherein three-dimensional coordinates of a first reference point group that are sequentially generated and three-dimensional coordinates of a second reference point group that are sequentially generated are provided in a plurality of frames. Storage means for storing only minutes, and a portion of at least one first display object near the viewpoint
For the first, on the basis of the second reference point group
Generates polygons whose vertices are the first and second reference point groups
Thus, the means for generating an image of that portion, and the portion of the first display object far from the viewpoint,
Means for forming a line shape specified by the first and second reference point groups, and a game device. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reference point groups are sequentially generated as a moving body moves, and the first and second display objects are the A game device, which is a first and second follow-up display object that follows a moving body. 7. A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image, the three-dimensional coordinates of a first reference point group being sequentially generated, and a second reference point being sequentially generated. Storage means for storing three-dimensional coordinates of the point group for a plurality of frames; at least one first interpolation point group obtained by interpolating the first and second reference point groups; At least one based on one reference point group or by interpolating the first 'and the second' reference point groups which are the point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups. It is obtained by generating an image of the first display object based on the first 'interpolation point group and the first' reference point group and interpolating the first and second reference point groups. Based on at least one second interpolation point group and said second reference point group, or At least 1 obtained by interpolating the first 'and second' reference point groups that are point groups on the screen of the first and second reference point groups
Information including a program for causing a computer to function as means for generating an image of a second display object based on two second 'interpolation point groups and the second' reference point group Storage medium. 8. The clipping for the first and second display objects according to claim 7, based on whether or not a point group specified by the first and second reference point groups falls within a screen. An information storage medium characterized by being processed. 9. The characteristic color of the first display object according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic color of the first display object becomes lighter toward the outer edge of the first display object, and the characteristic color of the second display object is the same. An information storage medium, which becomes thinner toward the outer edge of the second display object. 10. The shape of a line specified by the first and second reference point groups according to claim 7, for parts of the first and second display objects that are far from the viewpoint. An information storage medium characterized by being formed in. 11. A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image, the three-dimensional coordinates of a first reference point group being sequentially generated and a second reference point being sequentially generated. Storage means for storing the three-dimensional coordinates of the point group for a plurality of frames, and a portion of at least one first display object close to the viewpoint
For the first, on the basis of the second reference point group
Generates polygons whose vertices are the first and second reference point groups
Thus, the means for generating an image of that portion, and the portion of the first display object far from the viewpoint,
An information storage medium comprising a program for causing a computer to function as a means for forming the line shape specified by the first and second reference point groups. 12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first and second reference point groups are sequentially generated as a moving body moves, and the first and second display objects are An information storage medium, which is a first and second follow-up display object that follows a moving body.