JP4052843B2 - Image generation system, program, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
Conventionally, there has been known an image generation system (for example, a game system) that generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space. As popular.
[0003]
In such an image generation system, it is an important issue to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the virtual reality of the player.
[0004]
For example, it is desired that an image of a rowing boat or the like floating on the water surface is expressed more realistically. Here, when the positional relationship between the rowing boat and the water surface changes in real time, an image reflecting the changing positional relationship must be generated in real time.
[0005]
Therefore, in an image generation system that requires real-time image generation based on input information using limited hardware, such as a game device, a real image can be generated with a small calculation load. It will be an important issue.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide at least one second object positioned deeper than at least one part of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint. It is an object to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium that can realistically generate an image in which a part can be seen with less processing load.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image,
Means for disposing a first object and a second object at least partially including a recess at a given position in the object space;
Means for arranging a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object at a given position corresponding to the second object in the object space;
For the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination, the model information of the first object is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the concave portion of the second object can be seen. Means for generating an image of an object space including one object and a second object;
It is characterized by including.
[0008]
Further, the program according to the present invention is a program executable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and causes the computer to realize the above means (makes the computer function as the above means). And An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium readable (usable) by a computer, and includes a program for causing the computer to realize the above means (functioning the computer as the above means). It is said.
[0009]
Here, the object space refers to a virtual three-dimensional space in which an object whose shape is specified by a definition point (such as a vertex of a polygon or a control point of a free-form surface) is arranged.
[0010]
The third object for determination (volume object) prepared in association with the second object is constituted by a model having the same shape or a similar shape, for example, with the overlapping portion of the first object and the second object estimated in advance. It may be configured by a model having the same shape or similar shape as at least a part of the second object, or may be configured by a model having a shape to be cut by the second object, The shape of the second object may be a cut-out shape model, or at least a part of the second object may be formed of a simplified shape model. You may comprise with the model of the shape which covers. The shape of the model of the third object for determination can be appropriately determined according to the image to be generated and the image effect to be realized.
[0011]
The third object for determination may be prepared in advance or may be set in real time.
[0012]
The third object for determination may be arranged at the same position as the second object, or may be arranged at a position uniquely given from the second object.
[0013]
Changing the model information of the first object may be, for example, changing the texture information mapped to the first object or changing the α value associated with the primitive of the first object.
[0014]
Changing the rendering method of the first object is, for example, changing to the cullback (reverse surface erasing) method when rendering the first object.
[0015]
Detection of the intersection between the first object and the third object for determination may be performed in hardware or may be performed in software.
[0016]
According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which at least one concave portion of the second object located in the depth direction from at least one portion of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint can be seen. Further, even when the position of the second object changes in real time, it is convenient because the image can be generated only by changing the arrangement of the third object for determination.
[0017]
For example, in the case where the present image production apparatus is configured using hardware having a processing function (for example, shadow volume processing) for determining a portion where volumes intersect with each other, it is deeper than the first object when viewed from the viewpoint with a small processing load. An image in which the concave portion of the second object positioned in the direction can be seen can be generated.
[0018]
In addition, it is suitable for expressing a state in which the concave portion of the second object embedded in the first object is visible when the first object is, for example, water, sand, magma, mud, fluid, gas, or the like.
[0019]
(2) The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image,
Means for placing the first object and the second object at a given position in the object space;
Means for arranging a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object at a given position corresponding to the second object in the object space;
For the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination, the model information of the first object is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the surface of the second object can be seen. Means for generating an image of an object space including one object and a second object;
It is characterized by including.
[0020]
Further, the program according to the present invention is a program executable by a computer (a program embodied in an information storage medium or a carrier wave), and causes the computer to realize the above means (makes the computer function as the above means). And An information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium readable (usable) by a computer, and includes a program for causing the computer to realize the above means (functioning the computer as the above means). It is said.
[0021]
Here, the object space refers to a virtual three-dimensional space in which an object whose shape is specified by a definition point (such as a vertex of a polygon or a control point of a free-form surface) is arranged.
[0022]
The third object for determination (volume object) prepared in association with the second object is constituted by a model having the same shape or a similar shape, for example, with the overlapping portion of the first object and the second object estimated in advance. It may be configured by a model having the same shape or similar shape as at least a part of the second object, or may be configured by a model having a shape to be cut by the second object, At least a part of the second object may be configured with a simplified shape model, or may be configured with a shape model that covers the convex portions of the paired 2 objects. The shape of the model of the third object for determination can be appropriately determined according to the image to be generated and the image effect to be realized.
[0023]
The third object for determination may be prepared in advance or may be set in real time.
[0024]
The third object for determination may be arranged at the same position as the second object, or may be arranged at a position uniquely given from the second object.
[0025]
Changing the model information of the first object may be, for example, changing the texture information mapped to the first object or changing the α value associated with the primitive of the first object.
[0026]
Changing the rendering method of the first object means, for example, reversing the front / back determination when using the back surface erasing method when rendering the first object.
[0027]
Detection of the intersection between the first object and the third object for determination may be performed in hardware or may be performed in software.
[0028]
According to the present invention, it is possible to generate an image in which the surface of at least one part of the second object located in the depth direction from at least one part of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint can be seen. Further, even when the position of the second object changes in real time, it is convenient because the image can be generated only by changing the arrangement of the third object for determination.
[0029]
For example, in the case where the present image production apparatus is configured using hardware having a processing (shadow volume processing) function for determining a portion where volumes intersect with each other, the rearward direction from the first object as viewed from the viewpoint with a small processing load An image in which the surface of the second object located at can be seen can be generated.
[0030]
In addition, it is suitable for expressing a state in which the concave portion of the second object embedded in the first object is visible when the first object is, for example, water, sand, magma, mud, fluid, gas, or the like.
(3) Further, an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium according to the present invention are:
The texture mapped to the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed to a transparent texture.
[0031]
According to the present invention, since the transparent texture is mapped to the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object, at least the second object positioned in the back direction from at least one part of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint. An image in which one part can be seen can be generated.
(4) Further, an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium according to the present invention are:
The translucent information of a portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent, and translucent composition processing is performed.
[0032]
Here, the translucent information is equivalent to the transparency information and is information stored in association with each image unit or each pixel, and is set for each definition point of the object, for example, plus alpha information other than color information ( Information indicating transparency (equivalent to opacity or translucency) as (α value). When the translucent information indicates transparency information as, for example, plus alpha information, for example, translucent blending using the translucent information (α blending), addition translucent using the translucent information (α addition), and translucent information are used. There are composite processing methods such as subtractive translucency (α subtraction).
[0033]
For example, in the case of α blending, the following synthesis processing using translucent information (α) is performed.
[0034]
RQ = (1-α) × R1 + α × R2
GQ = (1-α) × G1 + α × G2
BQ = (1-α) × B1 + α × B2
Here, R1, G1, and B1 are R, G, and B components of the color (luminance) of the image after geometry processing already drawn in the drawing buffer, and R2, G2, and B2 are the colors of the drawn image. R, G and B components. RQ, GQ, and BQ are R, G, and B components of the color of the image generated by α blending. Here, as the α value, the α value of a given image after the geometry processing may be used, or the α value of the drawn original image may be used.
[0035]
According to the present invention, the translucent information of the portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent and the translucent composition processing is performed. It is possible to generate an image in which at least one part of the second object located in the depth direction from at least one part of the one object can be seen.
(5) An image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium according to the present invention include
The first object is an object for expressing the fluid, the second object is an object floating on the fluid surface, and the first object is located so that the second object located deeper than the fluid surface can be seen from the viewpoint. It is characterized by changing the model information or rendering method of the object.
[0036]
For example, the first object is an object representing water, the second object is a ship object floating on the water surface, and the model information can be changed so that the concave portion of the ship object located below the water surface can be seen.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0038]
In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not limit the content of this invention described in the claim at all. Further, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential as a solution means of the present invention.
[0039]
1. Constitution
FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (for example, a game system) of the present embodiment.
[0040]
In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 170, and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 160, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be arbitrary constituent elements.
[0041]
Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processing such as control of the entire system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, or sound processing, and functions thereof are various processors ( CPU, DSP, etc.) or hardware such as ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a given program (game program).
[0042]
The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.
[0043]
The storage unit 170 includes a main memory (main storage unit and the like) 172, a frame buffer (drawing buffer and the like) 174, and the like, and serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 and the communication unit 196. It can be realized by hardware.
[0044]
An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk. It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic tape or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on 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 (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100).
[0045]
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. Information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes a program for performing the processing of the present invention, image data, sound data, shape data of display objects, table data, list data, and information for instructing the processing of the present invention. And at least one piece of information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction.
[0046]
The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, LCD, or HMD (head mounted display).
[0047]
The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.
[0048]
The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, save data, and the like. As the portable information storage device 194, a memory card, a portable game device, and the like can be considered.
[0049]
The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions as hardware such as various processors or a communication ASIC. Or by a program.
[0050]
The program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) may be 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. Good. Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0051]
The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 110, an intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 120, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 150.
[0052]
Here, the game processing unit 110 receives a coin (price) reception process, various mode setting processes, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, the position and rotation angle (X, Processing for obtaining the rotation angle around the Y or Z axis), processing for moving the object (motion processing), processing for obtaining the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle), map object, etc. Various game processes such as a process for placing objects in the object space, a hit check process, a process for calculating game results (results, results), a process for multiple players to play in a common game space, or a game over process Operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the portable information storage device 194, storage data , Carried out on the basis of a game program.
[0053]
The game processing unit includes an intersecting part detection setting processing unit 112. The intersection detection setting processing unit 112 performs processing for specifying an object (an object affected by a volume object) whose model information and rendering method are changed for the intersection, and changes in model information and rendering method for the intersection. The third object for determination prepared in association with the second object or the second object is placed at a position corresponding to the second object in the object space.
[0054]
An intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 120 determines an intersection (overlapping part) between a volume object and a given object set to be affected by the volume object, and intersects (overlapping part). For, the model information of a given object is changed based on change information set in advance.
[0055]
The image generation unit 130 performs various types of image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, for example, generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190.
[0056]
The sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, generates a sound such as BGM, sound effect, or sound, and outputs the sound to the sound output unit 192.
[0057]
Note that all of the functions of the game processing unit 110, the intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit) 120, the image generation unit 130, and the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be programmed. May be realized. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.
[0058]
The image generation unit 130 includes a geometry processing unit (three-dimensional calculation unit) 132 and a drawing unit (rendering unit) 140.
[0059]
Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional calculation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation. In this embodiment, the object data (after the perspective transformation) after the geometry processing (object vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) is stored in the main storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 and saved. The
[0060]
The drawing unit 140 draws an object in the drawing buffer 174 based on the object data after geometry processing (after perspective transformation) and the texture stored in the storage unit 170. As a result, an image viewed from the virtual camera (viewpoint) is drawn (generated) in the object space in which the object moves.
[0061]
Note that the drawing unit 140 uses the model information of the contents changed by the intersection detection process for the intersection (overlapping part) with a given object set to be affected by the volume object, or the intersection The rendering process is performed by the rendering technique of the content changed by the partial detection process.
[0062]
Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or not only the single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. The system may also be provided.
[0063]
Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals.
[0064]
2. Features of this embodiment
In the following, the case of generating an image of a boat (second object) moving on the water surface (first object) will be described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to other cases.
[0065]
FIG. 2 shows an example of an image of a boat (second object) moving on the water surface (first object) in the present embodiment.
[0066]
boat 220 Is the bottom of the ship 222 A concave shape is visible. In this way, when an object having a concave portion such as a boat shown in FIG. 2 is floating on the water surface, for example, in the angle as shown in FIG. 222 I can see.
[0067]
FIG. 3 is an example of an image of a boat object generated using a boat model, and FIG. 4 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated using a water surface model.
[0068]
FIG. 5 shows a boat model and a water surface model in a state where the boat is not floating (the model used when generating the image of FIG. 4) in the object space. It is an example of the image produced | generated based on.
[0069]
Here, since the boat is a moving object, its position may be given in real time for each frame. Also, the water surface may be treated as a non-moving object and fixed position information may be given.
[0070]
Based on the given position information, the boat model and the water surface model are arranged in the object space, and the hidden surface is based on the depth information of the primitives (for example, polygonal surface and vertex) of each model given based on the position information and the model information. When erasure is performed, an image as shown in FIG. 5 is generated.
[0071]
Here, since the water surface model is in a state where the boat is not floating, the portion where the boat is floating is a flat state without deformation due to the boat where the boat is floating.
[0072]
Therefore, since the bottom of the boat corresponding to the concave portion of the boat is located behind the water surface (water surface) when viewed from the virtual camera (viewpoint), an image in which only a portion higher than the water surface of the board is visible as shown in FIG. 5 is generated. Will be.
[0073]
Here, if a water surface model reflecting the deformation caused by the boat floating is used, such a problem does not occur. However, for example, if a water surface object is deformed by reflecting a board that moves in real time based on input information, the processing load increases.
[0074]
A feature of the present embodiment is that a third object (volume object) for determination corresponding to a second object (for example, a boat) that includes at least a part of a recess, together with the first object (for example, the water surface) is an object space. Is detected so that the concave portion of the second object (for example, boat) can be seen by detecting the intersection specified by the first object (for example, water surface) and the third object for determination (volume object). The model information of the first object (for example, the water surface) corresponding to the intersected portion is changed or the rendering method is changed, and the object space including the first object (for example, the water surface) and the second object (for example, the boat) is changed. The point is to generate an image.
[0075]
By doing in this way, in this Embodiment, the image which can see the bottom of a boat can be produced | generated using the water model in the state where the boat model and the boat are not floating.
[0076]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example of a volume object (a third object for determination) used in the present embodiment.
[0077]
The volume object 230 shown in the figure is used to detect a crossing part specified by a boat object (second object) and a water surface object (first object) in a state where the boat is not floating. Is a third object for determination provided corresponding to the object.
[0078]
As shown in the figure, the volume object 230 has a shape obtained by cutting out the concave space of the boat located below the water surface (under the water surface where the boat is not floated). (A state that is not) and can be configured as a convex volume specified (cut). Even if the position of the boat changes, the same model can be used as the model corresponding to this volume object.
[0079]
Note that a convex object refers to an object having no two or more primitive surfaces overlapping in the line-of-sight direction, for example.
[0080]
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining the detection of the intersection specified by the first object (for example, the water surface) and the third object for determination (volume object).
[0081]
FIG. 7A shows a state in which the boat object 320 and the water surface object 310 are arranged in the object space at the time of image generation. FIG. 7B shows the volume object 330 and the water surface object 310 in the object space when the intersection is detected. It shows a state of arranging to.
[0082]
When detecting the intersection, the volume object 330 is arranged at the same position as the boat object 320 in the object space. Here, the position of the object is, for example, the position (position coordinate in the world coordinate system) where the representative point of the object is arranged.
[0083]
For example, when performing intersection detection using hardware that has a shadow volume function, specify the model information and placement position used to generate the image of the water surface object, and the model information and placement location of the volume object. Then, it is preferable to perform a process of determining the intersecting portion of the hardware volumes.
[0084]
Thereby, it is possible to determine the intersection (the shaded area in FIG. 7B) between the water surface object and the volume object. Then, the model information of the water surface object corresponding to the detected intersection is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the bottom (concave portion) of the boat object can be seen.
[0085]
For example, the texture information mapped to the water surface object may be changed for the intersection, or the α value associated with the primitive of the water surface object may be changed. Further, for example, when the back surface erasing method is used in the water surface object rendering method for the intersecting portion, the front / back determination may be reversed.
[0086]
FIG. 8 is an image of the water surface object from which the intersection is cut off. For the water surface other than the intersecting portion 350, the water surface texture is mapped. Here, for example, the model information can be changed so as to map the transparent texture with respect to the intersecting portion 350. This way the intersection 350 As for, an image (see FIG. 2) can be generated in which the bottom portion of the boat located deeper than the water surface can be seen.
[0087]
3. Processing example of this embodiment
Next, a detailed example of the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0088]
The following steps S10 to S50 are repeated for each frame.
[0089]
First, in the object affected by the volume object (for example, shadow volume), the texture inside the volume object (for example, shadow volume) is set to be replaced with a transparent one (step S10).
[0090]
Next, a water surface model for generating an image of the water surface object is placed in the object space in a state where it is affected by the volume object (for example, shadow volume) (step S20). Here, the state affected by the volume object (for example, shadow volume) means that the water surface object is in a state where rendering is performed with the setting in step S10. For example, a setting for indicating that a water surface object is affected by a volume object (for example, a shadow volume) may be turned on.
[0091]
Next, a boat model for generating an image of the boat object is arranged in the object space under the influence of the volume object (for example, shadow volume) (step S30).
[0092]
Next, the determination volume prepared in association with the boat is arranged as a volume object (for example, a shadow volume) at the same coordinates as the boat object in the object space (step S40).
[0093]
Then, rendering processing of the object space including the water surface object and the boat object is performed (step S50). When this rendering process is performed, a portion (such as a volume object) inside the volume object (eg, shadow volume) in the object (eg, water surface object) set to be affected by the volume object (eg, shadow volume) in step S10. The process of replacing the texture at the intersection) with a transparent one is performed.
[0094]
Note that the determination of the intersection between an object set to be affected by a volume object (eg, shadow volume) and a volume object (eg, shadow volume) may be performed by hardware or by a program. It may be.
[0095]
In the case of performing by a program, after step S40, determination processing of an intersection between an object set to be affected by a volume object (for example, shadow volume) and a volume object (for example, shadow volume) is performed. Also good.
[0096]
4). Hardware configuration
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0097]
The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of information storage media). Various processes such as processing, image processing, and sound processing are executed.
[0098]
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 processing such as matrix calculation is necessary for physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the processing to the coprocessor 902. )
[0099]
The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation. Run fast. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.
[0100]
The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen, the intermission screen, the ending screen, or the game screen. Note that the image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.
[0101]
The drawing processor 910 performs drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitives (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 transfer the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. 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 the object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written into the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.
[0102]
The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.
[0103]
Operation data from the game controller 942 (lever, button, chassis, pad type controller, gun type controller, etc.), save data from the memory card 944, and personal data are transferred via the serial interface 940.
[0104]
The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.
[0105]
The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.
[0106]
The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
[0107]
The CD drive 980 drives a CD 982 (information storage medium) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored, and enables access to these programs and data.
[0108]
The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, as a network connected to the communication interface 990, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like can be considered. By using a communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. Further, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer with other image generation systems becomes possible.
[0109]
Each means of the present invention may be realized (executed) only by hardware, or only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.
[0110]
When each means of the present invention is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for realizing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Become. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which is hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each of the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 and the like implements each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.
[0111]
FIG. 11A 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 button 1104, and the like while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors and various memories are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each means of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.
[0112]
FIG. 11B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in the CD 1206, which is an information storage medium that is detachable from the main system, or in the memory cards 1208, 1209, and the like.
[0113]
FIG. 11C shows a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a network 1302 (a small-scale network such as a LAN or a wide area network such as the Internet). An example of applying this embodiment to a system including In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program and the like for generating game images and game sounds from the terminal 1304-. 1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.
[0114]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 11C, each unit of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. Further, the storage 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.
[0115]
The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. A portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the arcade game system when the arcade game system is connected to the network. It is desirable to use (memory card, portable game device).
[0116]
The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0117]
In the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a part of the constituent features of the dependent claims can be omitted. Moreover, the principal part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention may be made dependent on another independent claim.
[0118]
For example, in the present embodiment, the first object is a water surface object, the second object is a boat object, and the case where an image of the bottom of a boat floating on the water surface is generated is described as an example. .
[0119]
For example, regarding another object (second object) that floats in a fluid or gas (first object) and has a concave portion, the second object positioned in the back direction from at least one part of the first object as viewed from the viewpoint. It is also possible to generate an image in which at least one part can be seen.
[0120]
Also, when the second object does not have a recess, an image is generated in which the surface of at least one part of the second object located deeper than at least one part of the first object can be seen from the viewpoint. But you can.
[0121]
The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).
[0122]
The present invention is also applicable to various image generation systems (game systems) such as a business 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 game images. Applicable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows an example of an image of a boat (second object) moving on the water surface (first object) in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an example of an image of a boat object generated using a boat model.
FIG. 4 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated using a water surface model.
FIG. 5 is an example of an image of a water surface object generated using a water surface model.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a volume object (a third object for determination) used in the present embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining detection of an intersection portion specified by a first object (for example, a water surface) and a third object for determination (volume object); .
FIG. 8 is an image of a water surface object with a crossing portion cut out.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a detailed example of processing of the present embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
11A, 11B, and 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 processor
110 Game processor
112 Intersection detection setting processing unit
120 Intersection detection processing unit (shadow volume processing unit)
130 Image generator
132 Geometry processing part
140 Drawing part
150 sound generator
160 Operation unit
170 Storage unit
172 Main memory (main memory)
174 Frame buffer (drawing buffer)
180 Information storage medium
190 Display
192 sound output section
194 Portable information storage device
196 Communication Department

Claims (9)

An image generation system for generating an image,
Means for disposing a first object and a second object at least partially including a recess at a given position in the object space;
Means for arranging a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object at a given position corresponding to the second object in the object space;
For the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination, the model information of the first object is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the concave portion of the second object can be seen. Means for generating an image of an object space including one object and a second object;
An image generation system comprising: In claim 1 ,
An image generation system, wherein a texture mapped to a portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed to a transparent texture. In claim 1 ,
An image generation system, wherein translucent information of a portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of the first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent, and translucent synthesis processing is performed. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 ,
The first object is an object for expressing the fluid, the second object is an object floating on the fluid surface, and the first object is located so that the second object located deeper than the fluid surface can be seen from the viewpoint. An image generation system characterized by changing model information or a rendering method of an object. A computer executable program,
Means for disposing a first object and a second object at least partially including a recess at a given position in the object space;
Means for arranging a third object for determination prepared in association with the second object at a given position corresponding to the second object in the object space;
For the intersection specified by the first object and the third object for determination, the model information of the first object is changed or the rendering method is changed so that the concave portion of the second object can be seen. Means for generating an image of an object space including one object and a second object;
A program characterized by causing a computer to realize. In claim 5 ,
The program which changes the texture mapped to the part corresponding to the said intersection part of a 1st object to a transparent texture. In claim 5 ,
A program characterized in that translucent information of a portion corresponding to the intersecting portion of a first object is changed so that the first object becomes transparent, and a translucent synthesis process is performed. In any of claims 5 to 7 ,
The first object is an object for expressing the fluid, the second object is an object floating on the fluid surface, and the first object is located so that the second object located deeper than the fluid surface can be seen from the viewpoint. A program characterized by changing model information or a rendering method of an object. An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 5 to 8 is stored.

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