JP3431562B2 - 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. Taking a game system that allows users to enjoy a racing game as an example, a player operates a car (object) to run in the object space, and competes with a car operated by another player or a computer to create a three-dimensional game. Enjoy

In such a game system, it is an important technical subject to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player. Texture mapping is known as one method for solving such a problem.

For example, in the case of expressing the bottom of the water seen through the surface of the water, a photograph of the bottom of the water actually seen through the surface of the water is prepared in advance as a texture and is mapped to an object so that the reality of the photograph remains as it is. I can do it.

However, for example, the angle of view of the water surface varies depending on the arrangement of the virtual camera, and when a moving object exists in the water, the appearance of the water surface also changes depending on the position of the moving object. However, if you prepare a photograph of the water surface as a texture in advance, you can only express a fixed state, so it is possible to correspond to an expression that corresponds to the environment on the spot that reflects the state that changes in real time. I could not do it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to use an image that reflects an environment or a situation that changes in real time as a texture to make it easier and more realistic. To generate an image.

[0007]

The present invention is a game system for generating an image, in which at least a part of an original image drawn in a drawing area by being subjected to a rendering process in an image generating process of a given frame. Means for performing processing necessary to use as a texture, and means for generating an image of the given frame using an image obtained by mapping a texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object. It is characterized by including.

An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium usable 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.

The rendering processing includes processing such as coordinate conversion, hidden surface removal, and shading.

The object to which the texture formed by at least a part of the original image is mapped may be a three-dimensional object composed of polygons or the like, or may be a single polygon or a two-dimensional polygon such as a sprite.

According to the present invention, since at least a part of the original image which is rendered in the rendering area by performing the rendering process in the image generation process of the given frame can be used as the texture in the given frame, There is no time lag between the texture image to be mapped and the image of the frame.

For this reason, for example, the background image is water surface or glass,
If you need an expression that reflects the environment of the scene, such as when you see through a flame, gas, fog, or water, or when you see the original image, the background image drawn as the original image is displayed. By mapping as a texture, it is possible to generate a realistic image that accurately reflects the environment on the spot.

For example, when there is an object that freely moves around in water, it is difficult to prepare an image of the water surface as a texture in advance. However, according to the present invention, since the rendered image at that time on the spot can be used as the texture, for example, even if a moving object exists or the viewpoint position or direction changes, a texture that reflects it can be obtained.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to prepare a fixed texture in advance. In addition, since it is possible to generate an image using a texture that reflects the environment and the situation in real time, it is possible to generate a more realistic image.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention combine an image obtained by mapping a texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object and the original image to give the given frame. Is generated.

The combination includes overwrite processing and blending processing.

For example, when the original image has an object such as a flame, a jug, or a water surface that is seen through the original image, an image in which the texture of the original image is mapped to the object such as the flame, the jug, or the water surface is combined with the original image. Then, it is possible to accurately and realistically represent a flame, a jug, a water surface, etc., through which the original image is seen.

As described above, according to the present invention, when there is an object in which the original image is transparent or transferred, the transparent or transferred image of the original image can be accurately and realistically expressed.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image is transformed and then mapped to a given object.

The transformation process means a process of transforming an image by performing some function calculation.

According to the present invention, since the original image can be deformed and mapped, fluctuations, deformations, blurs, etc. at the time of reflection or transmission can be expressed.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the object is a polygon having a display screen size.

In this way, the image information for the entire display screen can be changed, for example, once (or several times) by texture mapping. Therefore, for example, when hardware dedicated to texture mapping is prepared in the system, it is possible to speed up the processing by using the hardware.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the object is a polygon having a size of a block obtained by dividing a display screen.

In this way, the size of the area in which the object is drawn can be reduced, and the amount of storage used in the storage unit can be saved.

Further, the game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the UV values associated with the vertices of the object are manipulated when the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image is mapped. To do.

UVs associated with the vertices of an object
By manipulating the values, the original image can be transformed and mapped. Furthermore, by changing the setting of the UV value with time, the state of deformation of the original image changes, so that an image in which the original image fluctuates can be generated. Therefore, it is effective when generating an image of the water surface that is fluctuating.

The game system, the information storage medium and the program according to the present invention include the type, arrangement, and
It is characterized in that at least one element of the state, the environmental condition, and the placement of the virtual camera changes in real time.

According to the present invention, the original image rendered by reflecting the type, layout, state, environmental condition, and virtual camera layout of the three-dimensional model can be used as the texture image. Arrangement means position, rotation, and orientation.

Therefore, the type, arrangement, state of the three-dimensional model,
Realistic reflection and transparency can be expressed by reflecting in real time at least one element of environmental conditions and placement of virtual cameras.

The present invention is a game system for generating an image, which includes types of three-dimensional models, arrangement, states, environmental conditions,
Means for drawing an original image generated by performing a rendering process in a drawing area when an image of a given frame in a virtual three-dimensional space in which at least one element of arrangement of the virtual camera changes with time is generated in real time. And means for synthesizing the image generated based on the original image with the original image to generate the image of the given frame.

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 image generated based on the original image is, for example, an image obtained by masking a part of the original image, an image obtained by deforming a part or the whole of the original image, an image obtained by filtering a part or the whole of the original image, and the like. Is.

Combining an image generated based on the original image with a part of the original image means overwriting the image generated based on the original image with a part of the original image or performing a blending process. That is.

According to the present invention, an image generated based on an original image drawn in a drawing area by being subjected to a rendering process in an image generation process of a given frame is combined with the original image to obtain the image of the given frame. Can be generated. That is, the image in the frame can be generated by using the image obtained by processing the original image generated in the frame.

Therefore, for example, when the background image is seen through water, glass, mirrors, flames, gas, fog, water, etc., or when it is reflected, it is necessary to make an expression that reflects the local environment. In this case, it is possible to generate a realistic image that accurately reflects the field environment.

[0037]

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. 1 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 commands 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 unit 160 is used by 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 (a 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 is transferred to the storage unit 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 unit 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 personal data (save data) of the player, and the save information storage device 194 may be a memory card, a portable game device, or the like. it can.

The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating 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, advances the game, sets selection screens, and 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.

Here, the movement / motion calculation section 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) of an object such as a car and motion information (position data of each part of the object, rotation angle data). , 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 image generation unit 130 includes a geometry processing unit 132 and a 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 texture setting unit 1
42, and a mapping processing unit 144.

Here, the texture setting unit 142 performs processing necessary for utilizing as a texture at least a part of the original image that has been rendered in the rendering area in the image generation process of a given frame. .

The mapping processing section 144 carries out a process of generating an image of the given frame by using an image obtained by mapping a texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object.

The image of the given frame may be generated by synthesizing the original image with an image obtained by mapping a texture including at least a part of the original image.

Further, it is also possible to subject the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to deformation processing and then map it to a given object.

As the object, a polygon having a display screen size may be used, or a polygon having a block size obtained by dividing the display screen may be used.

The UV values associated with the vertices of the object may be manipulated when the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image is mapped.

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.

When 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 In this embodiment, in the image generation process of a given frame in a virtual three-dimensional space in which at least one element of the type, arrangement, state, environmental condition, and arrangement of virtual cameras of an object changes in real time. At least a part of the original image rendered in the drawing area is used as a texture, and the given image is obtained by using an image obtained by mapping the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object. The point is to generate a frame image.

First, the difference from the prior art will be clarified with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining a conventional example when generating an image for one frame.

First, the CPU performs a moving operation calculation of an object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the player's input to determine the position and rotation of the object of the frame in the world coordinate system (step S10). At the same time, the position and orientation of the virtual camera may be determined.

Then, rendering processing such as coordinate conversion from the viewpoint coordinate system to the screen coordinate system, hidden surface removal, and shading processing is performed to draw in a drawing area such as VRAM (step S20), and this is output to the display (step). S30).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, an image for one frame is generated as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

Steps S110 and S120 are the same as steps S10 and S20 in FIG.

However, in this embodiment, an image (hereinafter referred to as an original image) drawn in a drawing area such as VRAM after the rendering process is set as a texture (step S130).

Then, the texture of the original image is mapped to the object and drawn in the drawing area (step S14).
0), and outputs this to the display (step S15).
0).

As described above, in the present embodiment, in the one-frame image generation process, the image is generated by using the rendered image generated in real time as the texture.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views for explaining a method of setting a rendered image generated in real time as a texture.

FIG. 4A shows a setting example when a predetermined portion on the VRAM 200 is previously assigned as the texture area 220. First, the rendered original image is drawn in the frame buffer 210 (a1).
Then, the original image is copied to the texture area 220 on the VRAM 200 to generate the original image texture 230 (a2). Then, an image obtained by mapping the original image texture onto an object is displayed in the frame buffer 210.
(A3). Then, the image in the frame buffer 210 is output to the display (a4).

FIG. 4B shows a setting example in the case where a given portion on the VRAM 200 can be dynamically assigned as the texture area 220. First, the original image after rendering is V
Drawing in the RAM 200 (b1). Then, the original image area 240 on the VRAM is set as a texture region (original image texture) (b2). Then, an image obtained by mapping the original image texture on the object is drawn in the frame buffer 210 (b3). Note that the original image may be copied onto the frame buffer 210 in advance before (b3) and the object onto which the original image texture is mapped may be overwritten. And the frame buffer 21
The image of 0 is output to the display (b4).

Next, an example of mapping an original image texture generated in real time to an object will be described.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an image generation example in which an image obtained by mapping the original image texture on the original image is overwritten.

When drawing a drawing (see 330) in which a transparent jug 332 through which a landscape including a moving airplane 334 can be seen is drawn, first draw an image (original image) that does not include a jug in the drawing area ( 310), the original image is set as a texture.

Then, the image obtained by mapping the original image onto the jug object (see 320) is overwritten on the original image (see 330).

In this way, an image that accurately reflects the position of a moving object that changes in real time, such as an airplane, can be used as a texture. Therefore, there is no time lag between the image generated as the image of the frame and the image used as the texture, and the image represented by the position, state, and environment of the object at that time can be used as the texture, so that it can be seen through the object. It is possible to more accurately reproduce a visible image or an image that appears reflected.

Further, FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining an example of mapping the original image texture onto a polygon having a screen size.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the original image 400 drawn in the drawing area is set as a texture (original image texture), and the original image texture is mapped to the polygon (frame buffer) 310 of the screen size. You may

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when mapping is performed, for example, the value of the UV value may be manipulated so that the original image is transformed and mapped (see 410).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, texture mapping may be performed on polygons each having a block size obtained by dividing the display screen.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the original image 350 on the frame buffer is divided into a plurality of blocks (350-1 to 35-5).
The image of each block is set as a texture image 352. And the texture image 3
52 is texture-mapped to a polygon 360 having a divided block size (c1). Then, the image of the obtained divided block size is drawn back in the frame buffer (drawing area) (c2).

By doing so, for example, when a texture-mapped polygon is temporarily drawn in another buffer, the area occupied by the other buffer on the VRAM can be reduced.

That is, when texture mapping is performed on a polygon having a display screen size as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in order to temporarily draw the polygon having the display screen size,
Another buffer of the display screen size must be secured in the VRAM, which may hinder other processing.

However, as shown in FIG. 7, if texture mapping is performed on a polygon having a divided block size,
Since it suffices to prepare another buffer having a divided block size on the VRAM, the area occupied by the other buffer can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively use the limited hardware resources.

3. Processing of this Embodiment (1) Representation of Water Surface An example of the processing of this embodiment will be described by taking as an example the case where an image of the water surface of an aquarium in which a fish is swimming is generated. Since the state of the water surface of the water tank changes in real time depending on the state of the water and the angle at which the water tank is viewed, in the present embodiment, an image of the water surface is generated as follows.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface of the water tank.
12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface.

First, an image rendered without a water surface (drawing an object existing in water) is drawn in the VRAM display area (step S210, see 510 in FIG. 9). It is assumed that the VRAM 500 has preset allocations of the display area 510 and the texture area (save area) 520 as shown in FIG.

Then, the original image of the display area 510 is copied to the texture area to generate an original image texture (step S220, see FIG. 10).

When the water surface portion 560 of the original image texture 550 is pasted to the water surface object 570, the texture U
Mapping is performed by manipulating the V value (step S230,
(See FIG. 11).

Then, the water surface object on which the original image texture is mapped is overwritten on the original image (step S2).
40, see FIG. 12).

By doing so, it is possible to synchronize the original image and the texture image with respect to the angle of viewing the water surface which changes in real time and the position of the fish in the water. Therefore, it is possible to perform a realistic water surface expression that accurately reflects the angle at which the water surface is viewed, the position of fish in the water, and the like.

(2) Expression of Flame An explanation will be given by taking as an example the case of generating an image in which the background behind the flame is seen through. Since the background behind the flame changes in real time depending on the position and state of the object behind the flame and the angle at which the flame is viewed, in the present embodiment, the background behind the flame looks transparent as follows. To generate.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining an example of processing for generating an image in which the background behind the flame looks transparent, and FIGS. 14 to 17 show images in which the background behind the flame looks transparent. It is a figure for explaining an example of processing to generate.

First, an image (original image) 612 in which a background (other than flame) is rendered is displayed in a drawing area 1 (610) of the VRAM.
(Step S310, see FIG. 14). VRA
The drawing area 1 (610) and the drawing area 2 (62
0) and drawing area 3 (630) are provided.

The original image 61 of the drawing area 1 (610)
The image 622 obtained by transforming 2 is written in the drawing area 2 (step S320, see FIG. 15).

Next, the flame image 632 is drawn in the drawing area 3 (step S330, see FIG. 16). Here, the flame portion of the drawing area 3 is a flame area 634, and the portion other than the flame is a background area 636.

The drawing area 2 is replaced with the background area 636 of the drawing area 3.
Is masked by and is overwritten in the drawing area 1 (step S
340, see 614 in FIG. 17).

Then, the drawing area 1 is copied to the display area and is output to the display (step S35).
0).

By doing so, it is possible to express a realistic flame in which the background behind the flame, which changes in real time, can be accurately seen through the flame.

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. Accordingly, a moving image compressed by a given image compression method 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 95.
0, stored in the CD 982, or transferred from 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.

The operation 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 for storing programs, image data, sound data and the like.
(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 means of the present invention may be executed entirely by hardware, 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. 19A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the 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. 19B 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. 19C 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. 19C, 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.

Further, 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 that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

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

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]

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

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining a conventional example when generating an image for one frame.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart diagram when an image for one frame is generated in the present embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a method of setting a rendered image generated in real time as a texture.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an image generation example in which an image obtained by mapping an original image texture on an original image is overwritten.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example of mapping an original image texture onto a polygon having a screen size.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which texture mapping is performed on a polygon having a size of a block obtained by dividing a display screen.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface of the aquarium.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process of generating an image of the water surface.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing for generating an image of the water surface.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of generating an image in which a background behind a flame appears transparent.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a processing example of generating an image in which a background behind a flame appears to be transparent.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a processing example of generating an image in which a background behind a flame appears to be transparent.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a processing example of generating an image in which a background behind a flame appears to be transparent.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a processing example of generating an image in which a background behind a flame appears to be transparent.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.

19 (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 130 Image generator 132 Geometry processing unit 140 Drawing unit 142 Texture Setting Section 144 Mapping processing 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

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --Continued from the front page (56) Reference JP-A-7-225853 (JP, A) JP-A-8-314430 (JP, A) JP-A-2001-148032 (JP, A) JP-A-11-175746 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06T 15/00-17/50 A63F 13/00-13/10

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game system for generating an image to be output to a display unit, wherein at least one element of three-dimensional model type, arrangement, state, environmental condition, and virtual camera arrangement changes in real time. In the one-frame image generation process when generating an image of a given frame in a dimensional space in real time, the original image generated by performing the rendering process is drawn in the drawing area, and at least a part of the original image is textured. And a means for performing a process necessary to use as a background image, and a given object image in which a background image is seen transparently by mapping a texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object in the three-dimensional space. generate, and means for generating an image of a given frame to output the image and the original image synthesis to the display unit, the water surface, Gala Images that contain gas, flame, gas, or fog
When forming, either water surface, glass, flame, gas or fog
The first image is the image rendered without
Draw the image in the drawing area of the
Draw in the drawing area and draw water, glass, flame, gas or fog
Draw an image containing this in the third drawing area and then draw the second
The third drawing of the transformed image of the original image drawn in the area
Areas other than water, glass, flame, gas, or fog
A game characterized by masking with background areas that are minutes
system. 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the texture consisting of at least a part of the original image is subjected to deformation processing and then mapped to a given object. In any of the 3. A process according to claim 1 or 2, the game system where the object is characterized in that it is a polygon of a display screen size. 4. In any of claims 1 to 3, a game system in which the object is characterized in that it is a polygon sized blocks obtained by dividing a display screen. 5. The U associated with an apex of an object according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , when a texture made up of at least a part of the original image is mapped.
A game system characterized by operating a V value. 6. A computer- readable information storage medium, wherein a virtual three-dimensional space in which at least one element of three-dimensional model type, layout, state, environmental condition, and virtual camera layout changes in real time. In order to use at least a part of the original image as a texture by drawing the original image generated by the rendering process in the drawing area in the process of generating the image of one frame when the image of a given frame is generated in real time. Means for performing the necessary processing, and mapping a texture consisting of at least a part of the original image to a given object in the three-dimensional space to generate a given object image through which a background image is seen, Implemented in a computer and a means for generating an image of a given frame that combines the image with the original image and outputs the image to the display unit.
Program that allows you to create images that include water, glass, flames, gas, or fog.
When forming, either water surface, glass, flame, gas or fog
The first image is the image rendered without
Draw the image in the drawing area of the
Draw in the drawing area and draw water, glass, flame, gas or fog
Draw an image containing this in the third drawing area and then draw the second
The third drawing of the transformed image of the original image drawn in the area
Areas other than water, glass, flame, gas, or fog
Contains a program to mask in background areas that are minutes
An information storage medium characterized by the above. 7. Oite to claim 6, wherein the information storage medium characterized by including a program for mapping the endowment deformation processing to the texture of at least a portion of the original image to the given object. 8. The information storage medium according to claim 6 , wherein the object is a polygon having a display screen size. 9. The information storage medium according to claim 6 , wherein the object is a polygon having a size of a block obtained by dividing a display screen. 10. The U associated with an apex of an object according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , when a texture made up of at least a part of the original image is mapped.
An information storage medium including a program for operating a V value.