JP4019240B2 - Image processing method, recording medium, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control technique for a virtual viewpoint set in a virtual three-dimensional space, and particularly to a technique for controlling the moving speed of a virtual viewpoint according to the situation in the virtual three-dimensional space. The present invention also relates to a game controller suitable for an arcade game device, and more particularly, to a controller having a fire hose-type appearance.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a game for home use or amusement, for example, a shooting game is known. A shooting game is a game in which a player (player) places a cursor on an enemy character (enemy character) as an attack target, shoots a bullet by operating a button on the control pad, etc., and competes for a score by attacking the enemy character. . In a normal shooting game, the enemy character moves back and forth and right and left in the screen and attacks the player character. Also, once the enemy character disappears from the screen, it appears on the screen again and attacks. The player freely manipulates the player character by operating the control pad, and develops a battle with the enemy character in the virtual three-dimensional space.
[0003]
In conventional shooting games, the movement path of the virtual viewpoint that represents the viewpoint of the player, and the position, number, action pattern, game story, etc. of the enemy character that appears for each game scene are set in advance in the game program. For example, when forcibly shifting to the next game stage due to a specific event occurring in the game, it is possible to shift to the next stage without defeating all the enemy characters on the screen. Even if the enemy character is not destroyed by an attack by the player, it can be erased from the screen for the convenience of the game program (for example, forced movement of the virtual viewpoint, transition to the next stage, etc.).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Under such a background, the present inventor has conceived a “fire fighting game” based on a hint from a shooting game. This fire fighting game is a game in which a player manipulates a player character that resembles a fire fighter and extinguishes a flame while moving in a fired building. In this case, the “fire hose” held by the player character corresponds to a “gun” in the shooting game, and “flame” corresponds to an “enemi character”. Therefore, since this fire fighting game has similarities to the shooting game, the algorithm of the shooting game can be used.
[0005]
However, for the virtual viewpoint control (camera control) in the fire fighting game, the virtual viewpoint control in the conventional shooting game cannot be used as it is. Because the attack target in this fire fighting game is “flame”, the fire gradually spreads over time, but it does not move as quickly as the enemy character in the shooting game. Therefore, the flame displayed in the game scene will continue to spread as long as it is not extinguished. Usually, in the virtual viewpoint control of a shooting game, the virtual viewpoint moves on a predetermined path (movement route) at a predetermined moving speed, so that the virtual viewpoint is considered in consideration of the number and positions of the enemy characters. Controlling the viewpoint was not considered. Therefore, when this viewpoint control is applied to the virtual viewpoint control in the fire fighting game, for example, inconveniences such as being able to proceed to the next stage occur unless all the flames displayed on the screen are extinguished. If it becomes such a state, in the case of a beginner, the same game screen remains forever, and the progress of the game becomes very slow. The player is mentally stressed and further loses interest in the game and a sense of realism. On the other hand, the creator of the game program needs to set a “flame” that appears in the game scene so that it cannot move to the next stage unless it is extinguished. It is unnatural to move the camera carelessly despite the large “flame”.
[0006]
In view of such problems, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a virtual viewpoint control device that realizes appropriate camera movement according to a game scene.
[0007]
With the diversification of video game software, the controller connected to it will change from a conventional controller with an instruction button and a cross key to a game software to be used, such as a joystick controller or gun controller. Correspondingly, various products are commercially available. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2686675 discloses a gun-type controller that models a handgun for a gun game.
[0008]
However, in the above-mentioned fire fighting game, a controller suitable for such a game, in particular, a controller having a fire hose type shape has not been proposed yet.
[0009]
Then, this invention makes it the 2nd subject to provide a controller suitable for a fire fighting game.
[0010]
Further, in the conventional shooting game, the player 2 can newly participate in the game even when the player 1 is playing. In this case, since the game proceeds independently of the player 1 and the player 2, for example, when only the player 1 receives damage exceeding a predetermined allowable amount, only the player 1 is over and the player 2 is still The game can proceed. However, in the above-mentioned fire fighting game, “flame” does not attack the player character. Therefore, if the player 1 and the player 2 simultaneously advance the game, only the player 1 is over. That is unnatural.
[0011]
Accordingly, a third object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus configured such that when a plurality of players execute a game, the game end time is the same for each player.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The virtual viewpoint control apparatus of the present invention that solves the first problem is a virtual viewpoint movement speed that controls the movement speed of a virtual viewpoint according to the distance between a specific object located in the visual field of the virtual viewpoint and the virtual viewpoint. Control means are provided.
[0013]
Here, the virtual viewpoint refers to a viewpoint virtually set in a virtual three-dimensional space, and is synonymous with a viewpoint viewed from a so-called virtual camera. A virtual camera is a camera that compares the viewpoint and angle of view when drawing computer graphics. In an actual camera, a principal point that is an optical center point corresponds to a virtual viewpoint. This virtual camera setting is performed by designating the position, the optical axis direction (lens orientation), the angle of view (zoom to wide), the twist (rotation angle around the optical axis), and the like. A virtual camera is understood as a virtual visual field direction determining means for determining the visual field direction of an image displayed on a display. An object modeled and converted from the body coordinate system, which is an object-specific coordinate system, into a world coordinate system that defines the placement of objects in the three-dimensional space is displayed in the visual field coordinate system determined by this virtual camera (position and angle, etc.). It is converted and displayed on the screen.
[0014]
The specific object refers to an object that is predetermined as an object that affects the moving speed control of the virtual viewpoint from among various objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. For example, in the fire fighting game, “flame” set in the virtual three-dimensional space is applicable.
[0015]
The virtual viewpoint control technique of the present invention can also be realized by a computer-readable information recording medium that records a program that causes a computer to function as the virtual viewpoint control apparatus of the present invention. In other words, “... Unit” and “... Means” in this specification are concepts realized in the virtual viewpoint control, and do not necessarily correspond to specific hardware and software routines on a one-to-one basis. The same hardware element may realize a plurality of "... parts" and "... means", or may realize a single "... part" and "... means" in relation to a plurality of hardware elements. .
[0016]
Here, the information recording medium is a medium in which information, mainly digital data, a program, or the like is recorded by some physical means, and can realize a desired function in a computer, a dedicated processor, or the like. Say. Therefore, it may be downloaded to a computer by some means to realize a desired function. For example, a floppy disk (FD), hard disk (HD), CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, PD disk, MD disk, MO disk, and the like are included. Further, it includes a case where data transfer is received from a host computer via a wired or wireless communication line (public line, data dedicated line, satellite line, etc.). For example, it includes a case where data is transferred from a server database via the Internet.
[0017]
The controller of the present invention that solves the second problem changes a main body, a gripper that can rotate with respect to the main body, and a form of a specific image displayed on the screen corresponding to the rotation of the gripper. A signal processing unit that transmits a control signal to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus. The main body (housing) of the controller is preferably composed of a rod-shaped member or a cylindrical member.
[0018]
Such a controller is preferably in the form of a fire hose. Further, it is preferable to further include a vibration generating mechanism that vibrates in response to the rotation of the gripping part in order to reproduce the state in which water is jetted from the fire hose. As an example of the vibration generating mechanism, for example, a rotating mechanism including an eccentric cam is suitable. In addition, the form of the object representing “water” virtually ejected from the fire hose in the virtual space can be changed corresponding to the rotation of the gripping portion. Note that the vibration generating mechanism may be configured to vibrate the controller in accordance with the state of an image indicating a state where water is being jetted.
[0019]
The game device of the present invention that solves the third problem is a game device in which a play time is measured from the start of the game and the game is ended when a predetermined play time elapses. Each time another player participates in the game, a predetermined time is added to the play time, and the game of all the players who are executing the game is ended at the same time when the added time elapses. To do.
[0020]
With such a configuration, even if another player participates in the game while a certain player is executing the game, the game can be ended simultaneously for all the players.
[0021]
In particular, the length of the predetermined time is preferably set corresponding to the remaining time of play time. For example, when another player participates in the game when the remaining play time is long (a short time after the game is started), the added play time is set longer, and the remaining play time is set. When another player participates when the time is short (when a considerable time has elapsed since the game was started), the added play time is set short. By configuring in this way, it is possible to extend the play time just before the end of the game and prevent the play time from being unnecessarily extended.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show the appearance of the game apparatus, FIG. 1 (A) is a front view, FIG. 1 (B) is a rear view, FIG. 2 is a right side view, and FIG. 3 (A) is a plan view. FIG. 2B is a rear view. The left side view is omitted because it is symmetrical with the right side view.
[0023]
The game apparatus 1 is configured for amusement, and a large monitor 50 is disposed on the front surface. A fire hose-type controller 2 is connected to the game apparatus 1, and the player operates the controller 2 to extinguish a virtual “flame” (object) displayed on the monitor 50. A total of ten light emitting elements 52 a to 52 j are arranged around the monitor 50. As will be described later, a light receiving element is attached to the front end side (nozzle side) of the controller 2, and the game apparatus 1 calculates the position, angle, etc. of the controller from the amount of light received from each of the light emitting elements 52a to 52j. A cursor is displayed on the monitor 50. This cursor indicates the fire extinguishing position on the screen, and water is jetted to the cursor position by the operation of the controller 2. Further, an operation panel 5 on which a start button and the like are arranged is attached to the front side of the game apparatus 1. The game apparatus 1 can enjoy simultaneous play by two players. The entry to the game by the player 2 can also be made while the player 1 is playing.
[0024]
FIG. 4 shows the external appearance of the controller 2. The controller 2 mainly includes an outer cylinder 3, a grip part 4, a nozzle 5 and a hose 6. The outer cylinder 3 is processed by aluminum die-casting to produce the same appearance and texture as a real fire hose. The hose 6 is made of a flexible material, and the other end is connected to the game apparatus 1. The player has a part slightly on the rear end side (hose side) from the center of the outer cylinder 3 and the grip portion 4, and controls the cursor displayed on the screen by pointing the nozzle 5 toward the monitor 50. A light receiving element 9 is attached to the tip side of the nozzle 5 and receives irradiation light from each of the light emitting elements 52a to 52j. A switch 7 is attached to a substantially central portion of the outer cylinder 3, and the player controls the injection timing of water that is virtually injected from the nozzle 5 by pressing the switch 7. Further, the grip 4 is rotatably attached to the outer cylinder 3, and is a “switch” for switching the form of water virtually ejected from the nozzle 5 (for example, water columnar spray and mist spray). Play the role of
[0025]
FIG. 10 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the monitor 50. For example, in FIG. 10A, a cursor 37, a timer 38, a flame 39, and the like are displayed. As described above, the cursor 37 indicates the fire extinguishing position, and the timer 38 indicates the remaining time of the game. Reference numeral 39 denotes a flame that burns like a room, and it is assumed that the player intends to extinguish the flame 39 now. When it is desired to extinguish the flame 39 by water column injection, when the switch 7 is pressed, water 40 is injected in a column shape at the position of the cursor 37 ((B) in the figure). On the other hand, when it is desired to extinguish the flame 39 by mist injection, the mist-like water 41 is injected by turning the grip 4 and turning on the water injection mode changeover switch (see FIG. C)). Thus, according to the controller 2 of this Embodiment, the injection timing of water, an injection shape, etc. can be controlled arbitrarily.
[0026]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an eccentric cam 8 is attached inside the substantially center of the outer cylinder 3 of the controller 2. When the switch 7 is pressed, water is virtually ejected from the controller 2, but in order to more realistically reproduce the situation where water is being ejected from the hose, the eccentric cam 8 is disposed approximately inside the outer cylinder 3. When the eccentric cam 8 is driven at the same time as mounting and pressing the switch 7, vibration is generated in the controller 2 and a feeling as if water is being injected can be obtained. However, as long as the device includes a mechanism that generates vibration, not only the eccentric cam but also various vibrators can be applied.
[0027]
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the game apparatus 1. In this game apparatus, two CPUs are equipped to perform rendering processing on a model generated by a large number of polygons at high speed and to move the model at high speed. As shown in the figure, the CPU 10 and the CPU 11 are connected to the bus bridge 12 and the bus bridge 13 via the CPU bus 42 and the CPU bus 43, respectively, and image processing in computer graphics, for example, modeling to the world coordinate system. Conversion, visual field conversion to a virtual viewpoint, three-dimensional clipping processing, hidden line processing, texture mapping processing, shading processing, display priority processing, etc. are executed at high speed.
[0028]
RAMs 14 and 15 are connected to the CPU buses 42 and 43, respectively. The bus bridge 12 and the bus bridge 13 are connected in cascade through a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus (or an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Interconnect) bus) 46. The bus bridge 12 is connected to an expansion RAM 16 for expanding the functions of the game apparatus. The video processing unit 17 is connected to the bus bridges 12 and 13 via PCI buses (or AGP buses) 44 and 45, performs polygon rendering processing, and outputs the data to the D / A converter 18. A game screen is displayed on the monitor 50 based on the video signal from the D / A converter 18.
[0029]
The one-way bus buffer 19 is connected to the bus bridge 13 and supplies an address signal and the like to the address decoder 21, ROM board 22, I / O unit 23, communication board 24 and sound board 25. The address decoder 21 supplies a device selection signal to the ROM board 22, the I / O unit 23, the communication board 24, and the sound board 25 in accordance with the supplied address signal. The bidirectional bus buffer 20 is connected to the bus bridge 13 by a part of the PCI bus (or AGP bus) 45 (AD (address data) bus, CBE (command bit enable) bus), and transmits and receives data signals to the address decoder 21 and ROM. This is performed among the board 22, the I / O unit 23, the communication board 24, and the sound board 25.
[0030]
Each of the bus bridges 12 and 13 is configured to convert the address signal supplied from the CPUs 10 and 11 according to a predetermined rule and execute the boot program in the ROM board 22. In addition, the ROM board 22 stores a game program, polygon data, and the like in advance. In order to secure a storage area in the ROM board 22, the boot program can be stored in a dedicated boot ROM.
[0031]
The I / O unit 23 receives an operation signal from the controller 2 and supplies an external input interrupt signal to the CPUs 10 and 11. The CPUs 10 and 11 execute the game program based on the operation signal. The communication board 24 is configured to be connectable to the host computer 26, and for example, a communication game can be performed with a plurality of game devices. The sound board 25 is connected to the speaker 27 and outputs various sound signals such as sound effects on the game and BGM sounds.
[0032]
In this game apparatus, a plurality of (three or more) CPUs can be connected in cascade via a bus bridge in order to execute image processing by computer graphics at high speed. With such a configuration, it is possible to express image processing such as flame, smoke, water column, and water fog, which has been difficult to express with the processing capability of the conventional computer, with higher definition.
[0033]
Next, the virtual viewpoint control technique of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows a state in which the virtual viewpoint 28 travels along a path (virtual viewpoint movement route) 36 predetermined by the game program. In the vicinity of the path 36, various large and small flames 29, 30,... Are set at predetermined positions. Of the flames set in the virtual three-dimensional space, a flame that cannot be advanced unless the player extinguishes is called a “target”. In the flame shown in the figure, the targets are 29, 30, 31, 32 and 35. Since the flames 33 and 34 are relatively small flames, they are not targets. The position of the flame, the speed of fire spread, and whether or not the flame is the target are preset by the game program. The target flame is used for parameter calculation that affects the movement speed control of the virtual viewpoint 28.
[0034]
However, the virtual viewpoint 28 is programmed so that the moving speed changes according to a predetermined pattern corresponding to the shape of the path 36 and the game scene regardless of the presence or absence of the target. For example, the maximum value of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 is large in the path on the straight line, and the maximum value of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 is small on the curve or in the vicinity thereof. Point A, point B, point C, point D, point E and point F shown in the figure represent speed change points virtually set on the path 36. FIG. 7 is a table describing the maximum value (maxspd) of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 corresponding to the section AB, the section BC,. As described above, in the present invention, in addition to controlling the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 according to the shape of the path, etc., the above-described target is used for calculating the moving speed parameter of the virtual viewpoint 28. Control the moving speed.
[0035]
The moving speed control of the virtual viewpoint 28 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The series of steps shown in the figure is executed for each frame (for example, every 1/60 second). First, a camera matrix is set (step S1). As shown in FIG. 6, the camera matrix is set by converting the object in the virtual three-dimensional space from the body coordinate system to the world coordinate system (scaling, rotation, translation, etc. on the body coordinate system), the world coordinate system. To the viewpoint coordinate system (translation of the origin of the world coordinate system to the virtual viewpoint, rotation of the Z axis, etc.), hidden line processing of the object, clipping processing, and the like. The alternate long and short dash line shown in the figure represents the visual field region of the virtual viewpoint 28 set to the angle of view (viewing angle) θ. The size of the angle of view θ is appropriately set according to the zoom to the wide of the screen.
[0036]
Next, targets existing in the visual field region are obtained and sorted in the order of distance from the virtual viewpoint 28 (step S2). This step will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Although the targets 29, 30, 31, and 35 exist in the visual field region of the virtual viewpoint 28, the target 32 does not exist in the visual field region. It will not be. Distance L from the virtual viewpoint 28 for the targets 29, 30, 31, and 35₁, L₂, L₃And L₄Ask for. L₃≦ L₁≦ L₂≦ L₄Therefore, the targets 31, 29, 30 and 35 are sorted in this order.
[0037]
Next, it is determined whether or not the number of targets existing in the visual field area is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S3). If there are more than the specified number, ΣLen / N is substituted for the parameter AveLen (step S4). The parameter AveLen is an average value of the distances between the targets and the virtual viewpoints 28 that are sorted by the designated number in order from the shortest distance from the virtual viewpoint 28. Len represents the distance between the virtual viewpoint 28 and each target, and N represents the specified number. ΣLen is a total value of N Len values.
In this example, if the specified number is 3,
ΣLen / N = (L₃+ L₁+ L₂) / 3
It is. On the other hand, if the number of targets is less than the specified number N, MinLen is substituted for the parameter AveLen (step S8). MinLen is the minimum distance between the virtual viewpoint 28 and the target existing in the visual field region.₃Corresponds to the value of.
[0038]
Next, a parameter rat indicating how far the maximum distance from the virtual viewpoint 28 is from the average distance is calculated for a specified number of targets existing in the visual field region (step S5). The parameter rat is
(MaxLen-AveLen) / MaxLen
It is obtained by calculating the value of and substituting this value. MaxLen is the maximum distance from the virtual viewpoint 28. In this example, L₂Corresponds to the value of.
[0039]
Next, the moving speed camspd of the virtual viewpoint 28 is obtained (step S6). The moving speed camspd of the virtual viewpoint 28 at time n_nIs
camspd_n-1-(Maxspd / rat-camspd_n-1) ・ SPDCHG RATE
It is obtained by substituting the value of. Here, maxspd is the maximum value of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 set for each predetermined section on the path 36 as described above. SPDCHG RATE is a constant and represents a change rate of the moving speed. As the value of this parameter, for example, 0.0263 is set. After obtaining the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint 28 by the above steps, screen display is performed (step S7).
[0040]
As described above, according to the present invention, the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint is adjusted in real time in consideration of the position (or distance), the number, etc. of the target “flame”, and the “flame” that is not the target is virtual. Since the movement speed of the viewpoint is not affected, natural camera movement can be realized, and a situation in which the progress of the game becomes slower than necessary can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid the monotonousness of the game that occurs when the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint is fixed in advance and the unnaturalness that moves forward despite the presence of “flame”.
[0041]
In the present invention, a value obtained by multiplying the distance between the virtual viewpoint and the target by a weighting factor assigned in advance to the target can be used in the calculation of the parameter AveLen. For example,
(Len₁C₁+ Len₂C₂+ ... Len_NC_N) / N
Is substituted for the parameter AveLen and used to control the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint. Len_jIs the distance between the jth target and the virtual viewpoint when the distance from the virtual viewpoint is sorted in ascending order, C_jIs a weighting factor assigned to the target. In the game, by setting a small weighting factor for the “flame” that must be extinguished (for example, a large flame or a flame near the exit), the virtual viewpoint moves slowly near the “flame”. Therefore, appropriate camera movement can be realized.
[0042]
In addition, the fire fighting game can be played simultaneously by a plurality of players. In this fire fighting game, unlike the shooting game, the game does not end when the player receives damage. Therefore, a play time (for example, 5 minutes) is set in advance, and the game is automatically over after the play time has elapsed. Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, a game end procedure when two players execute a game will be described. When the game device is turned on, the game device waits for input (step T1). When the player 1 enters a game by operating a button on the operation panel 5 (step T2: YES), the timer is activated and the play time is measured (step T3). If the player 2 enters the game during play by the player 1 (step T4: YES), a predetermined time is added to the play time (step T5). The predetermined time may be a predetermined length of time, but may be set corresponding to the remaining time of the play time as described above. Then, after the added play time has elapsed (step T6: YES), the game execution of the player 1 and the player 2 is ended simultaneously. On the other hand, when the player 2 does not enter the game during the play of the player 1 (step T4: NO), after the play time has elapsed (step T8: YES), the game of the player 1 is ended (step T9). By adopting such a game end procedure, even when another player enters a game while one player is playing a game, the game end time is set simultaneously for a plurality of players. be able to.
[0043]
In the above description, the case where the game of two players is ended at the same time has been described. However, the number of players is not limited to two, and can be applied to the number of players who can play simultaneously.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the virtual viewpoint control apparatus of the present invention, viewpoint movement can be appropriately controlled according to the distance between a specific object located in the virtual three-dimensional space and the virtual viewpoint.
[0045]
According to the controller of the present invention, a controller suitable for a fire fighting game can be provided.
[0046]
According to the game device of the present invention, with respect to a game device in which the game is over due to time limitation, even when a player is executing a game and another player enters a game, the game can be ended simultaneously for all players. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view and a rear view of a game apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the game apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view and a back view of the game apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an external view of a controller of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the game device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of virtual viewpoint control according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a table in which the maximum value of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint is registered for each predetermined section on the virtual viewpoint path.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of virtual viewpoint control according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart defining the end of the game according to the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a screen of a fire fighting game.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game device, 2 ... Controller, 3 ... Outer cylinder, 4 ... Holding part, 5 ... Nozzle, 6 ... Hose, 7 ... Switch, 8 ... Eccentric cam, 28 ... Virtual viewpoint, 36 ... Pass

Claims (5)

In the image processing method configured to execute the image control step executed by the image control unit based on the game program stored in the storage unit,
This image control step
Setting a virtual viewpoint and a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space;
Moving the virtual viewpoint in a virtual space;
Obtaining a target set in advance by the game program from the plurality of objects existing in the visual field of the virtual viewpoint;
Calculating a distance between the target and a virtual viewpoint;
Determining whether the number of targets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number;
When the number of the targets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the maximum distance between the target and the virtual viewpoint and the average distance are calculated, and based on the calculation result, the virtual viewpoint is calculated. Determining the moving speed;
An image configured to capture a plurality of objects arranged in the virtual space from a moving virtual viewpoint, and display them on the screen of the display means as a state of view captured from the virtual viewpoint. Processing method. The image control step further includes a step of assigning a weighting factor in advance to each of the targets,
The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein in the step of obtaining the moving speed, the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint is obtained in consideration of a weighting factor previously assigned to the target . The image processing method is a processing method when moving the virtual viewpoint on a predetermined route,
The image control step includes a step of setting a plurality of speed change points of the virtual viewpoint for each predetermined section on the route based on the game program, and a maximum moving speed of the virtual viewpoint for each section of the change points. And setting a value ,
The image processing method according to claim 1 , wherein in the step of obtaining the moving speed, the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint is obtained in consideration of a maximum value of the moving speed of the virtual viewpoint .   A computer-readable recording medium on which an image processing program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 1 is recorded. In the image processing apparatus configured to execute image processing by the image control unit based on the game program stored in the storage unit,
Means for setting a virtual viewpoint and a plurality of objects in a virtual three-dimensional space;
Means for moving the virtual viewpoint in a virtual space;
Means for obtaining a target set in advance by the game program from among the plurality of objects existing in the visual field of the virtual viewpoint;
Means for calculating a distance between the target and the virtual viewpoint;
Means for determining whether or not the number of targets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number;
When the number of the targets is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the maximum distance between the target and the virtual viewpoint and the average distance are calculated, and based on the calculation result, the virtual viewpoint is calculated. Means for determining the moving speed;
An image comprising: means for capturing a plurality of objects arranged in the virtual space from a moving virtual viewpoint, and displaying the objects as a visual field captured from the virtual viewpoint on a screen of the display means. Processing equipment.

Images