JP3420986B2 - GAME SYSTEM AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game system and an information storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game system for generating an image viewed from a given viewpoint in an object space, which is a virtual three-dimensional space, is known, and a so-called virtual reality is experienced. It is very popular as something you can do.

For example, in a three-dimensional game device that controls a fighter plane to attack an enemy plane, a visual field image of a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the player's plane is displayed on the display unit, and the player controls the player's plane. While catching the enemy plane on the screen, aim and attack.

In such a fighter game, the position of the fighter around the player's plane is an important judgment factor in the direction of movement of the player's moving body and in attacking the enemy. However, since it is not easy to make a judgment from only the image displayed on the screen, there are many cases where a radar image simulating a radar is displayed in a part of the visual field image in the virtual three-dimensional space.

1A and 1B are views for explaining an example of a radar image of a conventional fighter game.

In the game screen of the conventional fighter game, FIG.
As shown in (A), the radar image 220 is displayed in a part of the visual field image 210 of the virtual three-dimensional space which is the main image of the game. Such a radar image is generated as an image 240 in which a space 230 around the player moving body is projected in parallel on the xz plane in the y-axis direction as shown in FIG.

There is a method of displaying a radar image by arranging this projection image fixedly in the north, south, east and west so that the upper direction of the screen coincides with the north direction. According to this method, it is easy to understand the absolute placement of each fighter, but it is not possible to know the altitude difference from other fighters or the altitude from the ground.

There is also a method of displaying the radar image while rotating the projected image so that the traveling direction of the player's moving body is always in the upper direction of the screen. According to this method, it is easy to grasp the relative front, rear, left and right from the direction of the aircraft, but it is also impossible to grasp the altitude difference from other fighters and the altitude from the ground.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to instantaneously and visually determine the three-dimensional arrangement information and absolute position of an object in a three-dimensional space. It is to provide a game system and an information storage medium that can display a graspable radar image.

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a game system for generating images, in which means for arranging objects in a three-dimensional space and objects simply arranged based on the arrangement of the objects are arranged. And a means for generating a three-dimensional image as a radar image.

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. A program according to the present invention is a program that can be used by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

The present invention displays, as a radar image, a three-dimensional image in which a simple object is arranged. Therefore, the positional relationship in the height (vertical) direction, which could not be grasped by the conventional planar radar image, can be grasped.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system and an information storage medium capable of displaying a radar image capable of instantaneously and visually grasping the three-dimensional arrangement information of objects in a three-dimensional space. .

The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention include means for calculating the position of an object that moves in a three-dimensional space, and an object that is simply constructed based on the position of the moving object. Means for generating the generated three-dimensional image as a radar image.

Here, the simple object corresponding to the moving object or the simple object corresponding to the fixedly arranged object other than the moving object may be arranged based on the position of the moving object. Good.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a game system and an information storage medium capable of displaying a radar image capable of instantaneously and visually grasping the three-dimensional arrangement information of an object moving in a three-dimensional space. Can be done.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized by generating a three-dimensional image including a simply constructed background object as a radar image.

Here, the background object may be an object representing undulations of the ground or topography such as the sea or river, or may be, for example, an artificial structure or an object of a natural object such as a tree or a star. It may be something that is in the space and can be used as a landmark or for easy understanding of the position. Further, for example, a surface that does not actually exist in the space, such as a reference surface, may be virtually set.

When the background object is displayed on the radar image in this way, the player can grasp the absolute position of the player by using the background object as a clue. Further, since the background object is simply configured, it is easy to grasp the characteristic form such as the terrain, so that it becomes easy to grasp the absolute position of the self by the radar image.

Since the radar image of the present invention is a three-dimensional image, when the terrain object is displayed as the background object, the positional relationship between the terrain and the moving object is displayed three-dimensionally on the radar image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game system capable of moving in a complicated terrain or a place out of sight by relying on the radar image.

The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention include means for generating a main image of the game based on the arrangement of objects in the three-dimensional space, the radar image as part of the main image, or And a means for outputting in synchronization with the main image to generate a radar image simply configured corresponding to the main image.

The present invention displays a radar image simply configured as a part of the main image or in synchronization with the main image.

In order to generate a radar image simply configured corresponding to the main image, for example, an object simply configured corresponding to the main object is placed at the same position as the main object in the three-dimensional space. It can be realized by arranging and generating a radar image.

Generally, since the radar image is smaller than the main image, a simpler configuration makes it easier for the player to grasp the positional relationship. Further, the calculation load at the time of image generation can be reduced.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention include a virtual camera for generating a radar image in a three-dimensional space for generating a radar image in which an object is simply arranged based on the arrangement of the object. It is characterized in that a radar image is generated by perspective transformation from the viewpoint.

To generate a radar image by perspective-transforming the radar image generation three-dimensional space as viewed from a radar image generation virtual camera to generate a radar image, and thereby to generate a radar image in which the depth and the perspective between objects can be easily grasped. Can be done.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention, the radar image is a three-dimensional image including a reference object or a reference surface and an altitude display line drawn from a simply constructed moving object to the reference surface. It is characterized by generating as.

In the radar image of the present invention, since the altitude display line drawn from the moving object to the reference plane is displayed,
It is possible to generate a radar image that makes it easier to grasp the absolute height of a moving object and the relative positional relationship between a plurality of objects in the vertical direction.

The reference plane may be, for example, the xz plane. Further, the reference plane itself may be displayed as a background object, or, for example, the reference plane itself may not be displayed and a simple terrain object may be displayed as a background object.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention include means for changing at least one of the position, line-of-sight direction and angle of view of the virtual camera for generating a radar image, based on an input from the player. Characterize.

By doing so, the player can display a three-dimensional image of the space required by the player on the radar image.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention change at least one of the position, line-of-sight direction and angle of view of the virtual camera for generating a radar image based on the positional relationship of objects or a given event. It is characterized by including a means for doing.

According to the present invention, for example, a position where the arrangement relationship of objects is most easily grasped may be calculated, and a virtual camera for generating a radar image may be automatically moved to the calculated position. When a given event occurs, the virtual camera for radar image generation may automatically move to a position where the occurrence of the event is displayed on the radar image.

By doing so, it is possible to automatically set an optimum viewpoint and generate a radar image.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized by generating a radar image in which the shape of the moving object which is simply configured changes based on the speed of the moving object.

For example, if the shape of the simple object becomes longer as the speed increases, the player can know the relative speed of the plurality of moving objects from the shapes of the plurality of moving objects displayed in the radar image. Can be done. Further, the change in the speed of the object can be known from the change in the length of the object.

In order to change the shape of the moving object based on the speed, it is possible to prepare a simple object of one type and change the shape of the simple object in real time based on the speed of the moving object. good. It is also possible to prepare a simple object having a plurality of shapes and select an object having an optimum shape according to the speed to generate a radar image.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized by generating a radar image in which the shape of the object which is simply configured is changed based on the state of the object.

Here, the object includes an object that is fixedly arranged. The state of the object includes, for example, the state of damage received by the object, the attack ability of the object, and the change in the moving direction.

For example, when an object is damaged, if the object is deformed in accordance with the size of the damage, the player determines the size of the damage received by the degree of deformation of the object displayed in the radar image. You can know

Further, for example, when the attack ability of the object is changed, if the size of the object is changed according to the magnitude of the attack ability, the player attacks the object according to the size of the object displayed in the radar image. We can know the degree of ability.

Further, for example, when the moving direction of the object is changed, when the object oriented in the moving direction is bent, the player can know the change of the moving direction of the object by the bending method of the object displayed in the radar image. I can.

Further, the game system, information storage medium and program according to the present invention are characterized by generating a radar image which visually displays a space or area specified by a given condition.

The space specified by a given condition is, for example, a search range, an attackable range, a power range, or the like.

Visually displaying means, for example, displaying in different colors, displaying a range specifying object such as a dome or a shield, or the like.

According to the present invention, the space specified by a given condition is displayed three-dimensionally visually, so that the positional relationship can be visually grasped.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized by generating a radar image in which a moving route is displayed.

For example, in a narrow place where the field of view is narrow, such as a valley, it is difficult to see the moving route or the like in the original game image. However, when the radar image is used, the moving route can be easily grasped.

According to the present invention, since the moving route is displayed on the three-dimensionally displayed radar image, the three-dimensional positional relationship between the surrounding topography and the moving route can be visually recognized even in a place where the visibility is not visible. Can be understood.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that simple object information used for radar image generation is generated in real time based on the corresponding normal object information.

For example, the terrain data is preferably generated in real time with respect to the portion viewed from the radar image generating virtual camera. By generating in real time in this way, the amount of data stored in advance as model information can be reduced, and the memory can be effectively used.

The present invention relates to a game system for generating an image, which corresponds to means for setting a three-dimensional space for generating a main image of a game and generating a main image, and the three-dimensional space for generating a main image. And a unit configured to set a three-dimensional space for auxiliary image generation that is simply configured as described above and generate a three-dimensional image viewed from a virtual camera for auxiliary image generation as an auxiliary image,
The auxiliary image is output as a part of the main image or in synchronization with the main image.

An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer and is characterized by including a program for executing the above means. A program according to the present invention is a program that can be used by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.

[0054]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Configuration FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of this embodiment. It should be noted that in the figure, this embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100, and the other blocks can be arbitrary constituent elements.

Here, the processing section 100 performs various kinds of processing such as control of the entire system, instruction of instructions to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, etc., and its functions are various. Processor (CPU, DSP
Etc.) or hardware such as ASIC (gate array etc.) 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 includes the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 1.
A work area such as 96, whose function is RAM
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, and its function is that of an optical disc (C
D, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or memory (RO
It can be realized by hardware such as M). Processing unit 10
0 performs various processes of the present invention (this 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 of the present invention (the present embodiment) (particularly the block included in the processing unit 100).

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

The display section 190 outputs the image generated by the present embodiment, and its function is CRT,
LCD or HMD (head mounted display)
It can be realized by hardware such as.

The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by this embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.

The save information storage device 194 stores player's personal data (save data), and the save information storage device 194 may be a memory card or a portable game device. it can.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communication with the outside (for example, a host device or another game system), and its function is that of various processors or communication ASICs. It can be realized by hardware or programs.

The 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. You may Use of such an information storage medium of the 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 generating section 130, and a sound generating section 150.

Here, the game processing unit 110 accepts coins (price), sets various modes, progresses the game, sets selection screens, positions and rotation angles of objects (one or more primitive surfaces). (Process for obtaining (rotation angle around X, Y or Z axis), process for moving object (motion process), process for obtaining viewpoint position (position of virtual camera) and line-of-sight angle (rotation angle of virtual camera), map object Such as arranging objects in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, achievements), processing for allowing multiple players to play in a common game space,
Alternatively, various game processing such as game over processing,
This is performed based on operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the save information storage device 194, a game program, and the like.

The image generating section 130 includes a game processing section 110.
Various image processes are performed in accordance with an instruction from, and an image viewed from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space is generated and output to the display unit 190, for example. Further, the sound generation unit 150 performs various kinds of sound processing according to instructions from the game processing unit 110, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs the sounds to the sound output unit 192.

The game processor 110 and the image generator 1
All of the functions of the sound generation unit 150 and 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 a movement / motion calculation section 112 and a radar space setting section 114.

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

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

PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 × Δt (1) VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 × Δt (2) The radar space setting unit 114 is an object simply configured based on the position of the moving object. Performs processing to set the radar space in which is placed.

It is preferable to set a radar space including a background object that is simply configured.

Further, the radar space setting section 114 may perform a process of changing at least one of the position, the line-of-sight direction and the angle of view of the virtual camera for generating a radar image, based on the player's input. A process of changing at least one of the position, line-of-sight direction, and angle of view of the virtual camera for radar image generation may be performed based on the positional relationship or a given event.

Further, the radar space setting unit 114 may perform processing for changing the shape of the moving object, which is simply configured, based on the speed of the moving object.

The radar space setting unit 114 may also perform processing for visually displaying the space or area specified by a given condition.

The radar space setting unit 114 may also perform processing for generating a radar image in which the moving route is displayed.

The image generation unit 130 includes the geometry processing unit 1
32, and the drawing unit 140.

Here, the geometry processing section 132 performs various geometry processing (three-dimensional calculation) such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective conversion, or light source calculation. Then, the object data after geometry processing (after perspective transformation) (shape data such as object vertex coordinates, or vertex texture coordinates, brightness data, etc.) is stored in the storage unit 17.
0 in the main memory 172.

The drawing unit 140 performs a process for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174, and the main image drawing unit 14
2. The radar image drawing unit 144 is included.

The main image drawing section 142 performs a process of generating a main image of the game based on the position of the object moving in the three-dimensional space.

The radar image drawing unit 144 generates a radar image simply configured corresponding to the main image based on the setting of the radar space setting unit 114, and draws the radar image on a part of the main image.

The game system of this embodiment is
It may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only human players can play, or a system having not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play.

If a plurality of players play,
The game images and game sounds 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. Good.

2. Features of this Embodiment The features of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is an example of a game image including the radar image of this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the radar image 320 is displayed on a part of the visual field image 310 in the virtual three-dimensional space which is the main image of the game. Such a radar image is shown in Figure 1.
As shown in (A), instead of a two-dimensional radar image obtained by parallel projection, a three-dimensional space for radar image generation that is simply configured in correspondence with the three-dimensional space for main image generation is set, A three-dimensional image viewed from a radar image generation virtual camera is generated as a radar image.

The radar image generating three-dimensional space is set by arranging a simple object corresponding to the main object at the same position as the main object arranged in the main image generating three-dimensional space. Has been done. Here, the main objects are a fighter object including a player moving body and a background object such as terrain.

In the present embodiment, an image obtained by perspective-transforming the radar image generation three-dimensional space as viewed from the radar image generation virtual camera is displayed as a radar image. Therefore, in the radar image of this embodiment, these fighter objects and terrain objects 322, 324, 32 are displayed.
6 and 328, it is displayed simply and three-dimensionally.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the radar image altitude display function of the present embodiment.

Reference numerals 420, 430 and 440 are moving objects that are simply configured, and 410 is a reference plane.
Reference numerals 422, 432, and 442 are altitude display lines drawn from the moving objects 420, 430, and 440, which are simply configured, on the plane surface.

By attaching an altitude display line to each moving object as shown in FIG. 4, a radar image is provided which makes it easier to grasp the absolute altitude of each moving object and the relative positional relationship between the plurality of objects in the vertical direction. Can be generated.

It is preferable that the reference plane is the xz plane, and the vertical line drawn from the moving object to the reference plane is the altitude display line. By doing so, it is possible to generate a radar image that makes it easy to grasp the three-dimensional positional relationship between the moving object and the xz plane.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the reference plane 410 itself may be displayed as a background object, or, for example, the reference plane itself may not be displayed and a simple terrain object may be displayed as a background object ( (See FIGS. 8 and 9). In such a case, the altitude display line displayed on the virtually set reference plane is displayed.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views for explaining a simple topographical object displayed as a background object.

FIG. 5A shows the terrain displayed on the main image, and FIG. 5B shows the terrain displayed on the radar image. In this embodiment, when generating a radar image,
Image generation is performed using a terrain object that is simply set in correspondence with the terrain object of the main image. Therefore, the terrain that simply configures the terrain of the main image is displayed on the radar image.

In general, the radar image is smaller than the main image, so that a player having a simpler structure can easily see the radar image. In addition, the simple configuration makes it easy to understand the characteristic terrain, and the player can recognize his / her absolute position from the terrain displayed on the radar image.

The information of the simple object used for generating the radar image may be generated in real time based on the information of the corresponding normal object, or may be prepared in advance.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are views for explaining the relationship between the shape of a simple moving object used for radar image generation and the speed of the moving object.

Reference numeral 510 in FIG. 6A is a simple moving object when the speed v of the moving object is the standard speed (V1 <v <V2), and the vertices b1, c1 and d are shown.
It is composed of a triangular pyramid whose bottom is a triangle consisting of 1. When g1 is the center of gravity of the bottom surface, the length l1 of g1a1 is the height of the triangular pyramid.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the speed of the moving body is the standard speed, the radar image is generated using the triangular pyramid having the height of l1. Therefore, the player can know that the speed of the moving body is the standard speed by the height (length) of the triangular pyramid, which is a simple moving body object.

Further, in the present embodiment, the triangular pyramid is arranged so that a1 is the forward direction of the traveling direction and the height direction thereof coincides with the traveling direction of the moving object. Therefore, the player can determine the traveling direction of the moving body at a glance by the direction of the triangular pyramid, which is a simple moving body object.

Reference numeral 520 in FIG. 6B is a simple moving object when the speed v of the moving object is higher than the standard speed (V2 <v), and the vertices b2, c2, d2 are shown.
Is a triangular pyramid with a base consisting of a triangle. When g2 is the center of gravity of the bottom surface, the length 12 of g2a2 is the height of the triangular pyramid.

Here, l1 <l2, and 520 is a triangular pyramid having a height higher than that of 510. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the speed of the moving body increases, the radar image is generated using the triangular pyramid extending in the height direction. Therefore, the player can know that the speed of the moving body is higher than the standard speed by the height (length) of the triangular pyramid, which is a simple moving body object. Also, it is possible to know that the speed of the moving body has changed due to the change in the height (length) of the triangular pyramid.

Reference numeral 530 in FIG. 6C is a simple moving object when the speed v of the moving object is smaller than the standard speed (v <V1), and the vertices b3, c3, d3.
Is a triangular pyramid with a base consisting of a triangle. When g3 is the center of gravity of the bottom surface, the length l3 of g3a3 is the height of the triangular pyramid.

Here, l3 <l1 and 530 is a triangular pyramid having a height lower than that of 510. As described above, in the present embodiment, the radar image is generated using the triangular pyramid that is shortened in the height direction when the velocity of the moving body is reduced. Therefore, the player can know that the speed of the moving body is higher than the standard speed by the height (length) of the triangular pyramid, which is a simple moving body object. Also, it is possible to know that the speed of the moving body has changed due to the change in the height (length) of the triangular pyramid.

For the deformation of objects as shown at 510, 520 and 530, one triangular pyramid object may be prepared and the shape of the triangular pyramid object may be changed in real time based on the speed of the moving object.

In this case, for example, the standard (V1 <v <V
2), high speed (V2 <v) and low speed (v <V1) may be changed stepwise like 510, 520, 530, or the height is proportional to the speed of the moving body. Alternatively, it may be continuously changed in proportion to the speed function value.

Further, it is also possible to prepare in advance each of the three-sided pyramid objects corresponding to 510, 520 and 530 and select them according to the speed to generate a radar image.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are display examples of the attack range and the search range of the enemy in the radar image of this embodiment.

Reference numeral 610 in FIG. 7A denotes an attack range of an enemy ground battery, not shown, and the player moving body 620 may be attacked when entering the attack range 610.

Reference numeral 650 in FIG. 7 (B) denotes an enemy-side search area. When the player moving body 620 enters the search area 650, it means that the player-moving body 620 is found on the enemy side and the game situation is disadvantageous. Become.

Since the radar image of this embodiment can three-dimensionally display the specific ranges 610 and 650, the player visually understands how the attack range and the search range spread in space. You can

Further, for example, if the attack range and the search range are displayed in a specific color, the spread of the attack range and the search range can be more easily understood.

FIG. 8 is a display example of the power range in the radar image of this embodiment. Reference numeral 680 shows the range of influence of the enemy, and 690 shows the range of influence of the ally. It should be noted that the player moving body 670 may be attacked from the ground when flying over the enemy power range 680.

Since the radar image of this embodiment can display the power ranges 680 and 690, the player can enjoy advanced play based on various information.

FIG. 9 is a display example of the moving route in the radar image of the present embodiment.

Reference numeral 710 is a terrain object, and 720
Is a player moving body, and 730 is a moving route of the player moving body.

It is preferable to display a route display in a place where the field of view is narrow such as the terrain of the valley shown in the same figure, but the view image seen from the player moving body which is the main image is the view field in the first place. Since it is not covered, it is difficult to understand even if the travel route is displayed there. Therefore, when the moving route is displayed on the radar image displayed three-dimensionally as in the present invention, the three-dimensional positional relationship between the surrounding topography and the moving route can be visually grasped.

3. Processing of this Embodiment FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the radar image generation processing of this embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the processing of steps S10 to S80 is performed for each frame to generate a radar image.

First, the speed, position and orientation of a mobile object such as a fighter is calculated (step S10). For example, the direction and speed of the moving object are determined based on the player's input information, and the position coordinates of the frame are obtained based on the position coordinates of the moving object in the previous frame.

Next, the position and orientation of the radar virtual camera are obtained based on the position of the moving object operated by the player (step S20). Normally, it is preferable to arrange the virtual radar camera behind the player moving body.

If the game situation is under a specific situation,
The position and orientation of the radar virtual camera is changed (step S30). For example, when an explosion occurs in the game space, the position and orientation of the virtual radar camera can be changed so that the vicinity of the explosion location is displayed on the radar image.

If there is an input from the player for changing the position or orientation of the radar virtual camera, the position and orientation of the radar virtual camera is changed based on the input (step S40).

Next, the range of the terrain to be drawn is determined based on the position and orientation of the radar virtual camera, simple terrain data is generated in real time based on the terrain data, and the simple terrain is drawn (step S50).

Next, based on the velocity of the moving object,
The shape of the simple moving object is determined, and the simple moving object placed at the calculated position is drawn (step S60).

If the range display such as the attackable range is set within the drawing range of the radar virtual camera, the drawing process of the picture showing the range is performed (step S70).

If it is an area for displaying the movement route of the player, a drawing process showing the route display is performed (step S80).

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.
It operates based on a program stored in the (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of the information storage media), game processing, image processing,
Various processing such as sound processing is executed.

The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and executes matrix calculation (vector calculation) at high speed. For example, when a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires a process such as a matrix calculation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the coprocessor 902 to perform the process. ) Do.

The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and performs matrix calculation (vector calculation). Calculation) is executed at high speed. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, the program running on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.

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

The drawing processor 910 is for executing the drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900
Uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass the object data to the drawing processor 910 and
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 these object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (semi-transparency processing), depth cuing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. Then, when the image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

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

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

The ROM 950 stores system programs 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. 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 a DM between processors and memories (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
It controls the A transfer.

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

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

The respective means of the present invention may be executed by hardware only, or only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. 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, the information storage medium stores a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware. Will be. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, which is 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 implemented.

FIG. 12A shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the buttons 1104, etc. while watching the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors, various memories, etc. are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in the memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as stored information.

FIG. 12B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. While watching the game image displayed on the display 1200, the player operates the game controllers 1202 and 1204 to enjoy the game. In this case, the above-mentioned stored information is stored in the CD 1206 or the memory cards 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium that can be detachably attached to the main body system.

FIG. 12C shows a host device 1300,
This host device 1300 and network 1302 (LA
A terminal 130 connected via a small network such as 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 stored 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 or a memory. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n are capable of standalone generation of game images and game sounds, the host device 1300 sends game images,
A game program or the like for generating a game sound is provided on the terminal 1
It is delivered to 304-1 to 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 the terminal device 1304-1 ...
It will be transmitted to 1304-n and output at the terminal.

In the case of the configuration of FIG. 12C, the respective means of the present invention may be distributed and executed by the host device (server) and the terminal. Further, the above stored information for executing each means of the present invention may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the 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, a save information storage device is capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and also with the home game system. (Memory card, portable game device) is preferably used.

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

For example, in the inventions according to the dependent claims of the present invention, it is possible to omit some of the constituents of the dependent claims. Further, a main part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention can be made dependent on another independent claim.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the radar image is displayed on a part of the main image as shown in FIG. 3 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the main image display display and the radar image display display may be physically provided separately, and the radar image may be displayed separately from the main image.

Further, in the present embodiment, the radar image of the fighter has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be another airborne, land-based or underwater radar.
It may be a radar that represents the placement of players in sports games and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the terrain data is displayed as the background object of the radar image has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the terrain including the sea and the ground, and depending on the configuration of the game space, for example, an artificial building. Alternatively, natural objects such as trees and stars may be displayed as background objects.

Further, it is not limited to the purpose of radar, and an auxiliary image corresponding to the main image may be generated.

The present invention can be applied to various games (fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competition games, role-playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).

Further, the present invention can be applied to various game systems such as an arcade game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating a game image. .

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B are views for explaining an example of a radar image of a conventional fighter game.

FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the game system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of a game image including the radar image according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a radar image altitude display function of the present embodiment.

5A and 5B are views for explaining a simple topographical object displayed as a background object.

6 (A), (B), and (C) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the shape of a simple moving object used for radar image generation and the speed of the moving object.

7A and 7B are display examples of attack ranges in the radar image of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a display example of a power range in a radar image according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a moving route in the radar image of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram for explaining radar image generation processing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

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

[Explanation of symbols]

100 processing unit 110 Game processing unit 112 Movement / motion calculation unit 114 Radar space setting section 130 Image generator 132 Geometry processing unit 140 Drawing unit 142 Main image drawing unit 144 Radar image drawing unit 150 sound generator 160 Operation part 170 storage 172 main memory 174 frame buffer 180 Information storage medium 190 Display 192 sound output section 194 Information storage device for saving 196 Communications Department

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/00 G06T 13/00-17/50

Claims (26)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image, comprising means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space, and a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged as a radar image. Based on the means to generate and the positional relationship of objects or given events,
And a means for changing at least one of a position, a line-of-sight direction, and an angle of view of a virtual camera for generating a radar image. 2. A game system for generating an image, comprising means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space, and a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged as a radar image. A game system comprising: a means for generating, and generating a radar image in which the shape of the moving object, which is simply configured, changes based on the speed of the moving object. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising means for changing at least one of a position, a line-of-sight direction, and an angle of view of a virtual camera for generating a radar image, based on an input from a player. Game system. 4. The claim 1-3, game system and generates a radar image based on the state of the object, the shape of the simple-configured object changes. 5. A game system for generating an image, comprising means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space, and a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged as a radar image. comprising means for generating and, based on the moving direction of the change of the object, in simplified manner the shape of the configured objects of the moving direction orientation
A game system characterized by generating a radar image that bends and changes. 6. The means for calculating the position of an object that moves in a three-dimensional space according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , and an object that is simply configured based on the position of the moving object. A game system comprising: a means for generating a three-dimensional image as a radar image. 7. A gaming system for in any of claims 1-6, characterized in that to generate a three-dimensional image including short-configured background object as a radar image. 8. The claim 1-7, means for generating a main image of the game based on the placement of objects in the three-dimensional space, the radar images as part of the main image, or main image And a means for outputting in synchronization with each other, and generating a radar image simply configured corresponding to the main image. 9. The radar image generation three-dimensional space in which an object, which is simply configured based on the arrangement of the objects, is arranged as viewed from a virtual camera for radar image generation according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A game system characterized by generating a radar image by perspective transformation. 10. A claim 1-9, to generate a reference object or reference plane, a three-dimensional image including an altitude display line down to a reference plane from simply-configured moving object as a radar image A game system characterized by that. 11. A gaming system for in any of claims 1-10, characterized in that to produce a radar picture to see space or area is identified visually by a given condition. 12. A gaming system for in any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that to generate the radar image movement route is displayed. In any of 13. The method of claim 1 to 12, the game system characterized in that the information of the simple objects used in radar imaging is generated in real time based on the information of the corresponding normal object. 14. A computer-usable information storage medium, including means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space, and a radar for displaying a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged. Based on the means to generate as an image and the positional relationship of objects or a given event,
An information storage medium comprising: a means for changing at least one of the position, line-of-sight direction, and angle of view of a virtual camera for radar image generation, and a program for executing the means. 15. An information storage medium usable by a computer, wherein means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space, and a radar for displaying a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged. And a program for generating a radar image in which the shape of the moving object that is simply configured changes based on the speed of the moving object. Characteristic information storage medium. In any one of claims 16] claims 14 and 15, based on the input of the player, the position of the virtual camera for radar imaging, a program for executing the means for changing at least one viewing direction and the angle An information storage medium including :. 17. The information storage according to claim 14 , further comprising a program for generating a radar image in which the shape of a simple object is changed based on the state of the object. Medium. 18. An information storage medium usable by a computer, comprising: means for arranging an object in a three-dimensional space; and a radar for displaying a three-dimensional image in which an object simply configured based on the arrangement of the object is arranged. Means for generating as an image, and a program for executing, further, based on the change of the moving direction of the object,
The shape of a simple object is the moving direction.
An information storage medium including a program for generating a radar image that bends and changes in the direction of . 19. The means for calculating the position of an object moving in a three-dimensional space according to claim 14 , and an object configured simply based on the position of the moving object. An information storage medium characterized by including means for generating a three-dimensional image as a radar image, and a program for executing. 20. The information according to any one of claims 14 to 19 , characterized by including a program for generating a three-dimensional image including a simply configured background object as a radar image. Storage medium. 21. The means for generating a main image of a game based on the arrangement of objects in the three-dimensional space according to any one of claims 14 to 20 , and the radar image as a part of the main image or the main image. An information storage medium comprising: a program for executing synchronously outputting means; and a radar image that is simply configured corresponding to the main image. 22. The radar image generating three-dimensional space in which an object, which is simply configured based on the arrangement of the objects, is arranged as viewed from a virtual camera for generating a radar image according to any one of claims 14 to 21. An information storage medium comprising a program for perspective-transforming to generate a radar image. 23. The radar object according to claim 14 , wherein a three-dimensional image including a reference object or a reference plane and an altitude display line drawn from the simply configured moving object to the reference plane is generated as a radar image. An information storage medium including a program for. 24. An information storage medium according to any one of claims 14 to 23 , comprising a program for generating a radar image that visually displays a space or area specified by a given condition. . 25. An information storage medium according to any one of claims 14 to 24 , comprising a program for generating a radar image in which a moving route is displayed. 26. The program according to any one of claims 14 to 25 , comprising a program for generating in real time information on a simple object used for radar image generation based on information on a corresponding normal object. Information storage medium.