JP3752081B2 - 3D simulator apparatus and image composition method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional simulator device capable of simulating a virtual three-dimensional space and an image composition method used therefor.
[0002]
[Background]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of three-dimensional simulator devices used for, for example, three-dimensional games or airplane and various vehicle operation simulators are known. In such a three-dimensional simulator apparatus, image information related to the three-dimensional object 300 shown in FIG. 20A is stored in the apparatus in advance. The three-dimensional object 300 represents a display object such as a landscape that the player (viewer) 302 can see through the screen 306. The pseudo three-dimensional image (projected image) 308 is displayed on the screen 306 by perspective-projecting the image information of the three-dimensional object 300 as a display object on the screen 306. In this apparatus, when the player 302 performs operations such as rotation and translation using the operation panel 304, predetermined three-dimensional calculation processing is performed based on the operation signal. Specifically, first, calculation processing is performed to determine how the viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction of the player 302 or the position and direction of the moving body on which the player 302 is boarded change according to the operation signal. Next, a calculation process is performed to determine how the image of the three-dimensional object 300 looks on the screen 306 in accordance with changes in the viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, and the like. The above arithmetic processing is performed in real time following the operation of the player 302. Accordingly, the player 302 can see changes in the scenery, etc., in accordance with changes in his / her viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, or the position and direction of his / her moving body in real time as a pseudo three-dimensional image. It will be possible to experience a simulated three-dimensional space.
[0003]
FIG. 20B shows an example of a display image formed by the above three-dimensional simulator device.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a three-dimensional simulator device, a display object is expressed by combining a large number of polygons. For example, taking a tire in a racing car game as an example, each of the side surface of the tire and the running surface of the tire is configured by combining a plurality of polygons. Furthermore, a technique called texture mapping is used to improve the quality of the displayed image. In this texture mapping method, a texture is applied to polygons constituting a display object, thereby obtaining a realistic display image. Taking a tire as an example, a texture representing characters, wheels, etc. is mapped to the side surface of the tire. Further, a texture representing the tire grip surface is mapped to the tire running surface. Conventionally, only one type of texture has been prepared for one display object.
[0005]
However, for example, when the texture of characters is mapped to the side surface of the tire, the following problem occurs. That is, in the real world simulated by the three-dimensional simulator device, when the tire rotates, the characters will flow in the direction of rotation of the tire, and when the rotation speeds up, the outline of the characters should be blurred. However, even when trying to simulate this phenomenon with a three-dimensional simulator device, it has been found that the outline of the character does not blur. This is because, in such a three-dimensional simulator device, an image is generated every (1/60) seconds, for example, different from the real world due to the processing speed. Therefore, there is a problem that even if the texture of the character is simply applied to the side surface of the tire and the tire is rotated at a high speed, the blurring of the character outline that occurs in the real world cannot be realistically simulated.
[0006]
Further, for example, when the texture representing the grip surface is mapped to the running surface of the tire, the following problem occurs. That is, for example, when a racing car goes out on a gravel road or the like due to an operation error, in the real world, gravel, sand, etc. should adhere to the tire running surface and the condition of the tire running surface should change. . However, in the conventional three-dimensional simulator apparatus, only one texture is prepared for one display object. For this reason, there is a problem that such a change in the state of the running surface of the tire cannot be expressed, and a phenomenon that occurs in the real world cannot be simulated realistically.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the technical problems as described above, and the object of the present invention is to realize the real world even when the surface state of the display object changes depending on the simulation situation. An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional simulator device that can be realistically simulated.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional simulator device that can realistically simulate the real world even when the speed and rotation speed of a display object change.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is a three-dimensional simulator apparatus including at least an image synthesizing unit that synthesizes a field-of-view image viewed from a viewer in a virtual three-dimensional space,
The image synthesis means includes texture calculation means for performing calculation for mapping a texture to the display object, and texture information storage means for storing texture information mapped in the texture calculation means,
The texture information storage means stores a plurality of types of texture information corresponding to the same display object, and changes the type of texture information mapped to the display object in accordance with the surface state of the display object that changes depending on the simulation situation. Means.
[0010]
According to the present invention, multiple types of texture information are stored as being mapped to a display object, for example, a running surface of a tire. For example, texture information for a normal road surface and texture information for a gravel road area are stored. The type of texture information mapped to the tire running surface is changed according to the simulation status. As a result, when the racing car is traveling on a normal road surface, the tire traveling surface is in a normal state, and when the racing car enters the gravel road area, the tire traveling surface is attached with gravel, sand, etc. An expression that becomes Thereby, the effect of simulation can be further increased. In this case, the place for changing the texture information type is arbitrary.
[0011]
According to the present invention, a virtual three-dimensional space is formed by setting object information including means for storing object information including the object number, position information, and direction information of a display object constituting the virtual three-dimensional space. Based on a virtual three-dimensional space calculation means for performing calculation, means for storing image information of an object designated by the object number, the object information, and the image information read by the object number included in the object information A three-dimensional simulator device including an image composition means for synthesizing a view field image that can be seen by a viewer,
The image synthesizing unit includes a texture calculation unit that performs a calculation for mapping a texture on the display object, and a texture information storage unit that stores texture information mapped in the texture calculation unit. The means stores different types of texture information corresponding to the same display object,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means includes means for changing the object number of the display object in accordance with the state of the surface of the display object that changes according to the simulation situation,
The object image information storage means stores the image information so that the type of texture information to be mapped is different for an object specified by an object number that is changed according to the state of the surface of the display object that changes according to a simulation situation. It is memorized.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the object number for designating the tire object is changed in accordance with the display object, for example, the surface of the tire that changes depending on the simulation situation. For example, the object number is changed so that the tire object corresponding to the normal road surface traveling is specified in the case of normal road traveling, and the tire object corresponding to the gravel road area traveling is specified in the case of gravel road area traveling. Then, the image information of the corresponding object is read from the object image information storage unit by the changed object number. In this case, for example, the image information of the tire object corresponding to the normal road surface can be read as texture information representing the normal grip surface, and the image information of the tire object corresponding to the gravel road area driving is gravel, sand, etc. The texture information representing the attached grip surface can be read out. Thus, according to the invention, the type of texture information mapped to the display object can be changed by a very simple process of changing the object number.
[0013]
In any one of the above aspects, the present invention is characterized in that the change unit performs the change stepwise in accordance with the state of the surface of the display object that changes depending on the simulation state.
[0014]
According to the present invention, for example, when the display object is a tire, the type of texture information mapped to the display object can be changed stepwise in accordance with, for example, the travel distance in the gravel road area. As a result, an expression in which more gravel and sand are attached to the tire as the travel distance becomes longer becomes possible. Therefore, the real feeling of the simulation can be further increased.
[0015]
The present invention is also a three-dimensional simulator apparatus including at least an image synthesizing unit that synthesizes a view field image that can be seen by a viewer in a virtual three-dimensional space,
The image synthesis means includes texture calculation means for performing calculation for mapping a texture to the display object, and texture information storage means for storing texture information mapped in the texture calculation means,
The texture information storage means includes a plurality of types of texture information corresponding to the same display object, and includes means for changing the type of texture information mapped to the display object according to the speed and rotation speed of the display object. It is characterized by.
[0016]
According to the present invention, a plurality of types of texture information are stored as being mapped to a display object, for example, a side surface of a tire. For example, texture information for the stop state and texture information for the high speed rotation state (or high speed running state) are stored. For example, the type of texture information mapped to the side surface of the tire is changed according to the rotation speed of the tire. Thereby, a character with a clear outline can be displayed on the side surface of the tire when the tire is in a stopped state, and a character with a blurred outline when the tire is in a high-speed rotation state. In this case, the means for changing the type of texture information to be mapped may be included in, for example, a virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit that performs calculation for forming a virtual three-dimensional space, or may be included in an image composition unit. Moreover, you may include in both. Further, the present invention also includes obtaining the relative speed and relative rotational speed between the viewer and the display object from the display object speed and rotation speed, and changing the type of texture information in accordance with this.
[0017]
Further, the present invention forms a virtual three-dimensional space by storing means for storing object information including the object number, position information, and direction information of display objects constituting the virtual three-dimensional space, and setting the object information. Virtual three-dimensional space calculation means for performing calculation, means for storing image information of the object designated by the object number, the object information, and the image information read by the object number included in the object information. A three-dimensional simulator device including image composition means for synthesizing a field-of-view image viewed from a viewer,
The image synthesizing unit includes a texture calculation unit that performs a calculation for mapping a texture on the display object, and a texture information storage unit that stores texture information mapped in the texture calculation unit. The means stores different types of texture information corresponding to the same display object,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means includes means for changing the object number of the display object according to the speed of the display object and the rotation speed,
The object image information storage means stores the image information so that the type of texture information to be mapped is different for an object specified by an object number that is changed according to the speed and rotation speed of the display object. It is characterized by.
[0018]
According to the present invention, the object number for designating the tire object is changed according to the display object, for example, the rotation speed of the tire. For example, the object number is changed so that a tire object for a stopped state is specified when the tire is in a stopped state, and a tire object for a high-speed rotating state is specified when the tire is in a high-speed rotating state. Then, the image information of the corresponding object is read out from the object image information storage unit by the changed object number. In this case, for example, the image information of the tire object for the stop state reads out the texture information for the stop state, and the image information of the tire object for the high speed rotation state reads out the texture information for the high speed rotation state. It has become. This can be realized, for example, by making texture coordinates (information specifying texture information) included in image information different.
[0019]
In any one of the above aspects, the present invention is characterized in that the changing means performs the change stepwise in accordance with the speed and rotation speed of a display object.
[0020]
According to the present invention, for example, when the display object is a tire, the texture is mapped stepwise, not only for the stop state and the high-speed rotation state, but also for the low-speed rotation state and the medium-speed rotation state. You can change the information.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. Game overview
First, an example of a three-dimensional game realized by the present three-dimensional simulator apparatus will be briefly described.
[0022]
FIG. 2 shows an example of the present three-dimensional simulator apparatus. In the three-dimensional simulator device of FIG. 2, a plurality of independent simulator devices (game devices) 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 are connected to each other via a data transmission line. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a racing car game in which a player racing car operated by a player competes with a racing car operated by an opponent player or a computer car operated by a computer.
[0023]
Here, the independent simulator devices 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 mean that each simulator device is formed so that it can independently play a single player game. To do. Of course, a multiplayer game can be played in the same game space with the opponent player via the data transmission line.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 2, each simulator device is formed in the same manner as an actual driver's seat of a racing car. Then, the player sits on the seat 18 and looks at the game screen (pseudo three-dimensional image of the scenery seen from the driver's seat of the racing car) displayed on the display 10 while looking at the handle 14 and the accelerator 15 provided on the operation unit 12. Then, a game is played by operating a shift lever 16 and driving an imaginary racing car.
[0025]
2 has a multiplayer game configuration, the present invention is not limited to this, and can naturally be applied to a single player configuration.
[0026]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a virtual three-dimensional space in the present three-dimensional game. Thus, the three-dimensionally formed course 20 is arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space in this three-dimensional game. Around the course 20, three-dimensional objects such as a building 60, an arch 62, a stand 64, a cliff 66, a wall 68, a tunnel 70, a tree 72, and a bridge 74 are arranged. The player operates the racing car while viewing the display 10 on which these courses and the like are projected. Then, starting from the start point 76, going around the course 20, and going around the course a predetermined number of times, it becomes a goal and the player's ranking is determined.
[0027]
4 and 5 show an example of a game screen displayed on the display 10 in the three-dimensional game. The player operates the player car 51 while watching the game screen, and competes with the opponent racing car 52, the computer car 53, and the like. 4 and 5, the viewpoint of the player is set behind the player car, but the player's viewpoint may be set at the position of the driver's seat.
[0028]
Now, in FIG. 4, the texture of the character 40 is applied to the tire 30 of the opponent racing car 52. In this case, the opponent racing car 52 is traveling at a high speed, and the tire 30 is rotating at a high speed. Therefore, in this embodiment, in this case, the texture of the blurred character 40 is applied to the side surface of the tire. Thereby, the game screen shown on the display can be made very realistic. In the present embodiment, for example, when the racing car is stopped at the start, the texture of the stopped character is mapped to the tire 30. Further, when the running speed of the racing car is increased and the rotation speed of the tire is increased, the texture of the character that is not blurred but is expressed as flowing in the rotation direction of the tire is mapped to the tire 30. When the rotation speed is further increased, the texture of characters with blurred outlines is mapped to the tire 30 as shown in FIG. As described above, in the present embodiment, the type of texture that is mapped onto the tire is changed step by step according to the rotational speed of the tire (or the running speed of the racing car), so that a more realistic display image can be obtained. .
[0029]
FIG. 5 shows a game screen when the player car 51 goes out of the course to the gravel road area 26 due to an operation mistake of the player. When the racing car enters the gravel road area 26 in this way, in the real world, gravel, sand, etc. will adhere to the tire 30 and the tire should become whitish. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the racing car enters the gravel road area 26, the texture mapped to the tire 30 is changed as shown in FIG. As a result, the running surface of the tire 30 that was black in FIG. 4 becomes a little whitish in FIG. 5, and a realistic game screen can be obtained. Also in this case, as in the case of the above characters, for example, the type of texture to be mapped to the tire 30 is changed stepwise in accordance with the distance traveled on the gravel road area 26, for example. Thereby, the real feeling of a display screen can further be increased.
[0030]
2. Description of the entire device
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a three-dimensional simulator apparatus according to the present invention.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 1, the present three-dimensional simulator device includes an operation unit 12 through which a player inputs an operation signal, a virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 that performs calculations for setting a virtual three-dimensional space using a predetermined game program, a player The image synthesizing unit 200 that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image at the viewpoint position, and the display 10 that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image as an image.
[0032]
For example, when the present three-dimensional simulator device is applied to a racing car game, the operation unit 12 is connected with a handle 14, an accelerator 15 and the like for driving the racing car, and an operation signal is input thereby.
[0033]
In the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100, a plurality of display objects in the virtual three-dimensional space shown in FIG. 3, for example, course 20, building 60, arch 62, stand 64, cliff 66, player racing car, opponent racing car, computer car, etc. The calculation of setting the position or the position and direction of is performed. This calculation is performed based on an operation signal from the operation unit 12, map information set and stored in advance, and the like.
[0034]
Then, the image synthesis unit 200 performs a calculation for synthesizing a view image from an arbitrary viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the calculation result from the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100. The synthesized view image is output from the display 10.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the image composition unit 200 includes a texture calculation unit 230 and a texture information storage unit 242. Here, the texture calculation unit 230 performs a calculation for mapping the texture onto the display object. The texture information storage unit 242 stores texture information mapped by the texture calculation unit 230. This texture information represents, for example, a character / wheel pattern mapped onto the side surface of the tire, a grip surface pattern mapped onto the running surface of the tire, and the like. The texture information storage unit 242 stores a plurality of types of texture information for the same display object, for example, one tire. Specifically, as mapping to the side of the tire, texture information representing characters / wheels for the stop state, texture information representing characters / wheels with slightly blurred outlines due to rotation of the tires, and flowing in the tire rotation direction Texture information representing completely blurred characters and wheels is stored. In addition, texture information representing a black grip surface, texture information representing a whitish grip surface due to gravel, etc., texture information representing a whitish grip surface, etc. are stored as mapping onto the tire running surface. Has been. Further, the three-dimensional simulator apparatus of the present embodiment further includes means for changing, for example, the type of texture information mapped on the side surface of the tire according to the rotational speed of the tire or the traveling speed of the racing car. Similarly, it includes means for changing the type of texture information mapped to the running surface of the tire according to the state of the tire surface that changes depending on the simulation (game) situation. That is, for example, when the state of the tire running surface, which is the display object, changes whitish due to a simulation situation in which the racing car goes out of the course and enters the gravel road area, texture information representing the whitish grip surface is displayed on the tire running surface. It will be mapped to. Note that these changing means may be included in the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 102, may be included in the image composition unit 200, or may be included in both.
[0036]
Next, an example of specific configurations of the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 and the image composition unit 200 will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of a block diagram of the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100, and FIGS. 9 and 12 show an example of a block diagram of the image composition unit 200.
[0037]
In addition, as a structure of the virtual three-dimensional space calculating means and image composition means in this invention, not only what is shown in FIG.6, FIG.9, FIG.12 but all kinds of structures are employable.
[0038]
3. Explanation of virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit
As shown in FIG. 6, the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 includes a processing unit 102, a virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104, a movement information calculation unit 106, and an object information storage unit 108.
[0039]
Here, the processing unit 102 controls the entire three-dimensional simulator apparatus. A predetermined game program is stored in a storage unit provided in the processing unit 102. The virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 calculates a virtual three-dimensional space setting according to the game program and the operation signal from the operation unit 12. In the movement information calculation unit 106, the movement information of the racing car is calculated according to the operation signal from the operation unit 12, the instruction from the processing unit 102, and the like.
[0040]
The object information storage unit 108 has as many storage storage areas as the number of objects constituting the virtual three-dimensional space. In each area, the position information / direction information of the object and the position to be displayed (that is, the object) The object number of the object to be applied is stored (hereinafter, the stored position information / direction information and object number are referred to as object information). FIG. 7 shows an example of object information stored in the object information storage unit 108. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between position information, direction information (Xm, Ym, Zm, θm, φm, ρm) and absolute coordinate system (Xw, Yw, Zw) included in these object information.
[0041]
These objects are represented by a set of polygonal polygons as shown in FIG.
[0042]
The object information stored in the object information storage unit 108 is read by the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104. In this case, the object information storage unit 108 stores object information in a frame immediately before the frame. Then, the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104 obtains object information (position information and direction information) in the frame based on the read object information and the movement information calculated by the movement information calculation unit 106. . Note that there is no such movement information for a stationary object, and the object information does not change, so such processing is not necessary.
[0043]
In this way, the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104 sets the object information of all the objects constituting the virtual three-dimensional space in the frame. Note that the map setting unit 110 selects and sets only a map necessary for display when a map divided in the virtual three-dimensional space is displayed.
[0044]
In the present embodiment, the texture information mapped to the display object is changed by changing the object number in the object information shown in FIG. For example, consider a case in which object information to be mapped to the side surface of a tire is changed according to the rotation speed of the tire (or the running speed of the racing car). In this case, first, the tire rotation speed (or the running speed of the racing car) is obtained by a calculation process in the movement information calculation unit 106 or the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104. When it is determined that the rotation of the tire is stopped or rotating at a low speed, the tire object number is changed so as to designate a tire object for the stopped state. Similarly, when it is determined that the tire is rotating at a medium speed or a high speed, the tire object number is changed so as to designate a tire object for a medium speed rotation state or a high speed rotation state. The object image information storage unit 212 in the image composition unit 200 stores image information of a plurality of types of tire objects corresponding to one tire. Which of the plurality of types of tire objects is selected is specified by the object number. For example, when a tire object for a stopped state is selected by specifying the object number, image information of the tire object for the stopped state is read from the object image information storage unit 212. In the tire object for the stop state, the characters mapped to the tire side surface and the texture coordinates (coordinates for reading texture information) are specified so that the wheel appears to stop. Further, the side surface of the tire rotating at a low speed can be expressed by rotating the tire object for the stopped state.
[0045]
Similarly, in the tire object for the medium speed and high speed rotation state, the polygon shape is the same, but the texture that makes the outline of the character and the wheel appear blurred or flows in the rotation direction is mapped. The texture coordinates are designated as follows. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to change the texture information mapped to the tire by changing the object number.
[0046]
A similar method is adopted when changing object information to be mapped onto the tire running surface according to the simulation (game) situation. That is, it is determined whether the racing car has entered the gravel road area or how far the car has traveled in the gravel road area by the calculation processing in the movement information calculation unit 106 or the virtual three-dimensional space setting unit 104. The Then, based on these determinations, the object number of the tire is changed, whereby the texture information mapped to the tire object read from the object image information storage unit 212 is changed.
[0047]
4). Explanation about the image supply unit
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the image supply unit 210 includes an object image information storage unit 212, a processing unit 215, a coordinate conversion unit 218, a clipping processing unit 220, a polygon data conversion unit 224, and a sorting processing unit 226. The clipping processing unit 220 includes a perspective projection conversion unit 222.
[0048]
In the image supply unit 210, various coordinate conversion processes and three-dimensional calculation processes are performed in accordance with the virtual three-dimensional space setting information set by the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100.
[0049]
That is, first, as shown in FIG. 10, with respect to objects 300, 333, and 334 representing racing cars, courses, and the like, polygons constituting the objects are expressed in an absolute coordinate (world coordinate) system (XW, YW, ZW). Arithmetic processing for placement in the virtual three-dimensional space is performed. Next, for each of these objects, a process of performing coordinate conversion of the polygons constituting the objects into a viewpoint coordinate system (Xv, Yv, Zv) based on the viewpoint of the player 302 is performed. Thereafter, so-called clipping processing is performed, and then perspective projection conversion processing to the screen coordinate system (XS, YS) is performed. Next, conversion processing of the output polygon format is performed, and finally sorting processing is performed.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the object information including the position information, the direction information, and the object number is transferred from the virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit 100 to the processing unit 215. Then, the image information of the corresponding object is read from the object image information storage unit 212 using the transferred object number as an address. That is, for example, when the object number specifies a tire object for a stopped state, image information representing the tire object for a stopped state is read from the object image information storage unit 212. Similarly, when the object number designates a tire object for medium speed and high speed rotation state, image information representing the tire object for medium speed and high speed rotation state is read from the object image information storage unit 212. In the object image information storage unit 212, image information of these tires is expressed and stored as a set (polyhedron) of a plurality of polygons. The processing unit 215 forms data in which frame data, object data, and polygon data are paired from the data read out by the data format forming unit 217, and sequentially transfers the data to the coordinate conversion unit 218 and subsequent units.
[0051]
Here, the frame data is data such as the viewpoint position and direction of the player 302 in the virtual three-dimensional space. The object data refers to data including object position information, rotation information, and other attached data. Polygon data is image information about polygons constituting an object, and refers to data composed of polygon vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, vertex luminance information, and other attached data. These data are converted into a data format as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B by the data format forming unit 217. As shown in FIG. 11A, in this data format, the frame data is the head and the data of the object displayed in the frame is continuous. Then, with these object data at the head, data of polygons constituting the object are connected. Each of these polygon data includes a header, vertex luminance information, vertex texture coordinates, and vertex coordinates given to each vertex of the polygon, as shown in FIG. 11B.
[0052]
In the present embodiment, the value of the vertex texture coordinates in FIG. 11B is different between the tire object for the stopped state and the tire object for the medium speed and rotating state. As will be described later, the vertex texture coordinates serve as address information when texture information is read from the texture information storage unit. Therefore, if the vertex texture coordinates are made different, the texture information mapped to the tire will be different.
[0053]
5. Explanation of image forming unit
The image forming unit 228 calculates image information inside the polygon based on the vertex image information given for each vertex of the polygon, and outputs this to the display 10, as shown in FIG. A texture calculation unit 230, a texture information storage unit 242, and a palette & mixer circuit 244 are included.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, image synthesis is performed by a technique called a texture mapping technique and a Gouraud shading technique in order to more efficiently synthesize higher quality images. Hereinafter, the concept of these methods will be briefly described.
[0055]
FIG. 13 shows the concept of the texture mapping method.
[0056]
For example, in the case of synthesizing images in which each surface of an object 332 as shown in FIG. 13 is provided with, for example, a lattice pattern or a striped pattern, the object is conventionally represented by polygons (1) to (80) (polygon ( 41) to (80) are not illustrated), and image processing is performed on all these polygons. The reason is that in the conventional image synthesizing apparatus, the color in one polygon can be filled with only one designated color. As a result, when a high-quality image with a complicated pattern or the like is synthesized, the number of polygons is greatly increased. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to synthesize such a high-quality image. It was possible.
[0057]
Therefore, in this embodiment, coordinate transformation such as rotation, translation, perspective projection transformation, and clipping of the object 332 and clipping are performed for each of the polygons A, B, and C constituting each surface (specifically, each polygon For each vertex), a lattice-like or striped pattern is handled as a texture, and is processed separately from polygon processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a texture information storage unit 242 is provided in the image forming unit 228, in which texture information to be mapped to each three-dimensional polygon, that is, an image such as a grid pattern or a striped pattern Information is stored.
[0058]
Then, the address of the texture information storage unit 242 for designating the texture information is given as vertex texture coordinates VTX and VTY of each three-dimensional polygon. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the vertex texture coordinates of (VTX0, VTY0), (VTX1, VTY1), (VTX2, VTY2), (VTX3, VTY3) are set for each vertex of the polygon A. Is set.
[0059]
The texture calculation unit 230 in the image forming unit 228 obtains the texture coordinates TX and TY for all dots in the polygon from the vertex texture coordinates VTX and VTY. Then, corresponding texture information is read from the texture information storage unit 242 based on the obtained texture coordinates TX and TY, and is output to the palette & mixer circuit 244. Thereby, it is possible to synthesize an image of a three-dimensional object to which a texture such as a lattice shape or a stripe shape is mapped as shown in FIG.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the object 332 is expressed as a block of polygons. Therefore, the continuity of luminance information at the boundary of each polygon becomes a problem. For example, if you want to represent a sphere using multiple polygons, if all the dots in the polygon are set to the same brightness, you would actually want to represent “roundness” but express the boundary of each polygon as “roundness”. The situation that is not done occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this is avoided by a technique called Gouraud shading. In this method, as in the texture mapping method described above, vertex luminance information VBRI0 to VBRI3 is given to each vertex of the three-dimensional polygon as shown in FIG. From the vertex luminance information VBRI0 to VBRI3, luminance information for all dots in the three-dimensional polygon is obtained by interpolation.
[0061]
FIGS. 14A to 14K visually show the flow of calculation processing for texture mapping. As already described, the image forming unit 228 performs arithmetic processing for forming all the image information in the polygon based on the vertex image information of the polygon. In this case, the texture information to be mapped to the polygon is stored in the texture information storage unit 242, and the texture coordinates TX and TY are required to read this texture information. 14 (F), (G), (H), and (I) show all perspective projection transformation texture coordinates TX in the polygon. ^* , TY ^* The state of the arithmetic processing for obtaining is visually shown. 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E, perspective projection transformation display coordinates X, which are coordinates at which texture information is to be displayed. ^* , Y ^* The state of the arithmetic processing for obtaining is visually shown. The above calculation is performed by the texture calculation unit 230. Then, as shown in FIG. 14 (J), the calculated perspective projection transformation texture coordinates TX ^* , TY ^* Are subjected to inverse perspective projection conversion to the texture coordinates TX and TY, and texture information is read from the texture information storage unit 242 based on the texture coordinates TX and TY subjected to the inverse perspective projection conversion. Finally, as shown in FIG. 14 (K), the calculated X ^* , Y ^* Image synthesis is performed by associating the read texture information with the coordinate position. FIG. 15 shows an example of a texture storage plane configured by the texture information storage unit 242.
[0062]
FIG. 16 shows an example of a racing car 50 expressed by texture mapping as described above. By applying texture mapping in this way, a very high quality display image can be obtained.
[0063]
FIG. 17 shows an example of an object applied to the tire 30 constituting the racing car 50 of FIG. In this way, the tire object is expressed by combining a plurality of polygons. As shown in FIG. 17, when an object is expressed by a plurality of polygons, there is a problem that the boundary between the polygons is not expressed as “round”. However, this problem can also be solved by using the above-mentioned Gouraud shading method, and as a result, a round tire can be expressed as shown in FIG.
[0064]
18A and 18B show an example of texture information mapped to the side surface 32 of the tire 30. FIG. FIG. 18A shows texture information used when the tire is stationary and in a low-speed rotation state, and FIG. 18B shows texture information used when the tire is in a high-speed rotation state. In FIG. 18A, the letters 34, the wheel holes 36, and the shaft 38 are drawn with clear outlines. On the other hand, in FIG. 18B, the character 34, the wheel 36, and the shaft 44 are drawn so as to appear to flow in the rotational direction at a very high speed and to appear blurred. When the tire rotates at a medium speed, texture information in an intermediate state between FIGS. 18A and 18B may be used. Thus, it is understood that the reality of the display image can be greatly enhanced by changing the texture to be mapped in accordance with the rotation of the tire.
[0065]
19A, 19B, and 19C show examples of texture information mapped to the running surface 33 of the tire 30. FIG. This texture information may be mapped one by one to each polygon constituting the running surface 33, or may be mapped collectively to all polygons constituting the running surface 33 of the tire. FIG. 19A shows texture information used when a racing car is running on a normal road surface. FIGS. 19B and 19C show a case where the racing car enters a gravel road area. Texture information to be used. FIG. 19B shows texture information used when the distance traveled on the gravel road area is short, and FIG. 19C shows texture information used when the travel distance is long. The texture information shown in FIG. 19 (C) is the most white, and this allows a realistic expression of gravel and sand adhering to the running surface of the tire.
[0066]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible within the range of the summary of this invention.
[0067]
For example, the method of the present invention for changing the type of texture information to be mapped to the display object in accordance with the speed and rotation speed of the display object can be applied to various things as well as the case of mapping the texture on the side surface of the tire. . For example, in FIG. 4, this method can be applied to the road surface 21, the guard rail 22, and the building 24 that flow backward as the player car 51 travels. In this case, texture information to be mapped to the road surface 21, guardrail 22, and building 24 when the player car 51 is in a stopped state, texture information to be mapped to these when the player car 51 is in a medium speed and high speed running state, and so on. A plurality of types of texture information may be prepared.
[0068]
In addition, the method of changing the type of texture information to be mapped to the display object according to the state of the surface of the display object that changes depending on the simulation situation is not limited to the case where the texture is mapped to the running surface of the tire. Applicable. For example, the texture information mapped to the vehicle body may be changed in order to express that the vehicle body becomes dirty with oil or the like every time the racing car goes around the course. Also, consider a case where a racing car is stopped by a brake, and a brake disk pressed against a brake pad is heated red. In this case, the red heating color of the portion of the brake disc that is not covered by the caliber should be visible from the outside through the spoke wheel gap. In order to express this, if the texture information is changed so that the surface of the brake disc shines red according to the degree of deceleration of the rotation of the tire, a more realistic expression can be realized. In particular, this effect is effective for expressing a racing game that runs at night.
[0069]
In this embodiment, a racing car game has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to all types of three-dimensional games. For example, a spaceship game or a robot in which a three-dimensional map is formed. It can also be applied to battle games, tank games, fighter games, role playing games, and the like.
[0070]
Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a commercial three-dimensional game but also to a driving simulator used in a home game device, a flight simulator, a school, and the like. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a large attraction type game apparatus and simulation apparatus in which a large number of players participate.
[0071]
In addition, for example, when the present invention is applied to a fighter game, the texture information mapped to the aircraft is changed so that a bullet hole is generated on the surface of the aircraft every time a gunshot from an enemy aircraft is received. May be. Further, when the fighter accelerates, the texture information mapped to the engine portion may be changed by backfire so that the surface of the fighter aircraft engine portion shines red. In addition, when the present invention is applied to a roll plain game, texture information that is mapped to the surface of clothes worn by the player and the party before and after the battle in order to express the return blood received by the battle with the enemy May be changed.
[0072]
In the present invention, the arithmetic processing performed in the virtual three-dimensional space arithmetic means, the image synthesizing means, etc. may be processed using a dedicated image processing device, or software using a general-purpose microcomputer, DSP or the like. May be processed automatically.
[0073]
Further, the calculation processing performed by the virtual three-dimensional space calculation means, the image synthesis means, and the like is not limited to the one described in the present embodiment, and the texture mapping method is not limited to the one described above. .
[0074]
Further, the pseudo three-dimensional image synthesized by the present invention can naturally be displayed on a display called a head mounted display (HMD).
[0075]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of an embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an appearance of the present three-dimensional simulator device.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual three-dimensional space in the present three-dimensional game.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen image synthesized by the three-dimensional simulator apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen image synthesized by the three-dimensional simulator apparatus.
FIG. 6 is an example of a block diagram of a virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining object information stored in an object information storage unit;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining object information set in an object.
FIG. 9 is an example of a block diagram of an image composition unit.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a three-dimensional calculation process in the present embodiment.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a data format formed by a data format forming unit. FIGS.
FIG. 12 is an example of a block diagram of an image composition unit.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a texture mapping method;
FIGS. 14A to 14K are diagrams visually showing a texture mapping method in the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a texture storage plane configured by a texture information storage unit.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a racing car expressed by texture mapping.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tire object composed of polygons.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are examples of texture information mapped to a side surface of a tire.
FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C are examples of texture information mapped to a running surface of a tire.
FIG. 20A is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining the concept of the three-dimensional simulator device, and FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a screen formed by the three-dimensional simulator device. is there.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 display
12 Operation unit
100 Virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit
102 processing unit
104 Virtual 3D space setting unit
106 Movement information calculation unit
108 Object information storage unit
110 Map setting section
200 Image composition part
210 Image supply unit
212 Object image information storage unit
215 processing section
217 Data format forming part
218 Coordinate converter
220 Clipping processing unit
222 Perspective projection converter
224 Polygon data converter
226 Sorting processor
228 Image forming unit
230 Texture calculator
242 Texture information storage unit
244 Pallet & mixer circuit

Claims (4)

A three-dimensional simulator apparatus including at least an image synthesis unit that synthesizes a visual field image that is visible to a viewer in a virtual three-dimensional space, and a virtual three-dimensional space calculation unit ,
Texture information storage for storing texture information mapped by the texture calculation means, and a texture calculation means for performing an operation for mapping a texture on a display object displayed as a part of the field-of-view image. Means,
The texture information storage means stores a plurality of types of texture information corresponding to the same display object,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means determines whether or not the display object has entered a predetermined area, determines a movement distance of the display object within the predetermined area, and textures mapped to the display object A three-dimensional simulator apparatus comprising a changing means for changing the type of information according to the moving distance . Means for storing object information including the object number, position information, and direction information of a display object constituting the virtual three-dimensional space, and virtual 3 for performing calculation to form the virtual three-dimensional space by setting the object information Dimension space calculating means, means for storing image information of an object specified by the object number, visible to the viewer based on the object information and the image information read by the object number included in the object information A three-dimensional simulator device including image composition means for synthesizing a view field image,
Texture information storage for storing texture information mapped by the texture calculation means, and a texture calculation means for performing an operation for mapping a texture on a display object displayed as a part of the field-of-view image. A plurality of different types of texture information corresponding to the same display object are stored in the texture information storage means,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means determines whether or not the display object has entered a predetermined area, determines a moving distance of the display object within the predetermined area, and determines an object number of the display object. Changing means for changing according to the moving distance ;
The object image information storage means stores the image information so that the type of texture information to be mapped is different for the object specified by the object number changed by the changing means. Simulator device. In either claim 1 or 2,
The three-dimensional simulator apparatus, wherein the changing means performs the change stepwise according to the moving distance . An image synthesizing method used in a three-dimensional simulator device for simulating a virtual three-dimensional space by synthesizing a visual field image seen from a viewer in the virtual three-dimensional space,
The texture calculation means included in the three-dimensional simulator device performs an operation for mapping a texture to a display object displayed as a part of the view field image, and the texture information storage means included in the three-dimensional simulator device performs the texture. Storing texture information mapped in the calculation means, storing a plurality of types of texture information corresponding to the same display object in the texture information storage means,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means included in the three-dimensional simulator device determines whether the display object has entered a predetermined area,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means determines a moving distance of the display object within the predetermined area,
The virtual three-dimensional space calculation means changes the type of texture information mapped to the display object according to the movement distance .

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