JP4057760B2 - GAME DEVICE AND INFORMATION STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game apparatus or the like that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space and executes the given game by displaying the generated image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, when using computer graphics (hereinafter referred to as CG) to generate a moving image that expresses particle systems such as smoke, steam, and sparks in a three-dimensional virtual space, each particle is modeled. Without defining the number of particles, the position where each particle exists is determined for each frame of the moving image. More specifically, the source of particles is specified in the object space, the number of particles emitted from the source per unit time, initial conditions such as the initial velocity, direction, and life of the particles, as well as color and brightness. Set color conditions. In order to more realistically express a particle system that is easily affected by the atmosphere, a fluid field of air is defined, and the movement position of each particle is determined by calculation according to the dynamics.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the process of calculating the motion of the particles according to the dynamics of the fluid field is complicated and the number of particles is enormous, so that a lot of processing time is required. On the other hand, there is a game device as a device using three-dimensional CG. However, in this game device, since it is necessary to generate an image in response to a player's operation, a high processing speed is required for image generation. Is done. For this reason, the following methods have been taken as methods for expressing particles such as particles that fluctuate due to wind.
[0004]
One of them is a method of presetting a generation pattern of particle-based particles and sequentially reproducing and displaying them in accordance with given conditions. However, this method is unnatural because the same pattern is displayed every time, such as generation of particles and fluctuations with respect to the wind. As another method, there is a method of ignoring the presence of air and controlling the motion of particles with a dynamic system simplified to only heavy drop motion. However, there was a problem that the motion of the particles was simple, and there was no fluctuation that appeared in the actual particle system, and the expression became strange.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and an object thereof is to realize realistic expression of particles by simple calculation.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problems1st inventionIs a game device for generating a given game by generating an image of an object space viewed from a virtual camera and displaying the generated image, and for generating a given particle in the object space Generating means (for example, the spark generating section 220 in FIG. 4), area generating means (for example, the force field control section 224 in FIG. 4) for generating an effect applying area at a given position in the object space, When the given particle is present in the effect imparting region, effect imparting means (for example, the spark control unit 222 and the force field control unit 224 in FIG. 4) for giving a physical or color effect to the particle; WithIt is a game device.
[0007]
  Also,12th inventionIs an information storage medium that stores information for executing a given game by generating an image of the object space viewed from the virtual camera and displaying the generated image. Particle generation information for generating particles (for example, the spark generation program 420 in FIG. 4) and region generation information for generating an effect applying region at a given position in the object space (for example, the force field in FIG. 4). Control program 424) and, when the given particle is present in the effect imparting region, effect imparting information for giving a physical or color effect to the particle (for example, the spark control program 422 in FIG. 4) And includingAn information storage medium.
[0008]
Here, the particle means a particle constituting a particle system such as smoke, gas, steam, fire, cloud, and spark, and is defined by coordinates in the object space. The physical effect is to change the speed and direction of the particle, and the chromatic effect is to change the color, brightness, etc. given to the particle.
[0009]
  thisFirstOr12thAccording to the invention, particles existing in the effect imparting region can be given a physical or color effect peculiar to the region, so that particles having a motion or color different from the other particles are expressed. can do. Therefore, it is possible to represent the movement of the particle and the change in color more realistically by simple calculation without making it monotonous.
[0010]
  Also,As the second invention, the first inventionIn the game apparatus, the particle generating means generates the given particle according to a given condition relating to the movement or collision of the moving object.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0011]
  Also,As a thirteenth invention, a twelfth inventionIn the information storage medium, the particle generation information generates the given particle according to a given condition relating to the movement or collision of the moving object.Configuring an information storage mediumIt is good as well.
[0012]
  thisSecondOr13thAccording to the invention, for example, when the moving object is a racing car, sparks generated by friction between the racing car and the road surface, smoke generated from tires due to sudden braking, flames generated by collision of racing cars The particle system generated according to a given condition can be expressed with good timing. Alternatively, in a car racing game, it is possible to realistically represent a state in which dust or the like caused by a car running ahead flickers in the field of view (on the display screen).
[0013]
  Also,As the third invention, the first or second inventionIn the game apparatus, the area generating means generates the effect applying area at a given position associated with the moving object.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0014]
  Also,As a fourteenth invention, the twelfth or thirteenth inventionIn the information storage medium, the area generation information generates the effect applying area at a given position associated with the moving object.Configuring an information storage mediumIt is good as well.
[0015]
Here, the accompanying means that the movement of the effect applying region is restricted by the moving conditions such as the speed of the moving object, acceleration / deceleration, and direction change.
[0016]
  thisThirdOr14thAccording to the invention, since the effect imparting region is generated along with the moving object, the wind generated with the movement of the moving object can be expressed by the effect imparting region. Therefore, for example, dust that is rolled up by the movement of the moving object can be expressed by a simple calculation.
[0017]
  Also,As a fourth invention, any one of the first to third inventionsIn the game apparatus, the effect imparting means imparts a physical or color effect to the given particle based on a distance between the given particle and a given point in the effect imparting region.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0018]
  Also,As a fifteenth invention, any one of the twelfth to fourteenth inventionsIn the information storage medium, the effect imparting information gives a physical or color effect to the given particle based on a distance between the given particle and a given point in the effect imparting region.Configuring an information storage mediumIt is good as well.
[0019]
  this4thOr15thAccording to the invention, if a function of the distance between a particle and a given point is defined as a physical effect, and the particle in the effect applying region receives a force proportional to the function, the given point It is possible to express a force field where is an attractive point or a repulsive point. Alternatively, as the color effect, the color, brightness, transparency, and the like of the particles in the effect applying region can be variously changed according to the distance between the particles and a given point. Thus, for example, in a role-playing game, a monotonically rising yellow poisonous smoke is attracted by a character with an attractive point, or repels by a repulsive point, or the color of a poisonous smoke The fun of the game can be doubled by simple calculations, such as making it darker as it approaches ().
[0020]
  Also,As a fifth invention, any one of the first to fourth inventionsIn the game apparatus, the effect imparting means imparts a physical effect to the particle by changing a speed or a moving direction of the given particle.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0021]
  Also,As a sixteenth invention, any one of the twelfth to fifteenth inventionsIn the information storage medium, the effect providing information includes information for changing a speed or a moving direction of the given particle in order to give a physical effect to the given particle.Configuring an information storage mediumIt is good as well.
[0022]
  this5thOr16thAccording to the invention, since the speed and direction of movement of the particles in the effect imparting region can be changed and the motion different from the particles existing outside the effect imparting region can be made, the motion of the particles becomes complicated and realistic. A particle system can be expressed.
[0023]
  Also,As a sixth invention, any one of the first to fifth inventionsIn the above game device, the effect imparting means imparts a chromatic effect to the given particle by changing the color, brightness, transparency, or locus of the given particle.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0024]
  Also,As a seventeenth invention, any one of the twelfth to sixteenth inventionsIn the information storage medium, the effect imparting information includes information for changing the color, brightness, transparency, or locus of the given particle in order to impart a chromatic effect to the given particle.Configuring an information storage mediumIt is good as well.
[0025]
  this6thOr17thAccording to the invention, the particles in the effect imparting region have a color, brightness, transparency, or locus of particles different from those of other particles, so that it is possible to give variety to the entire particle system.
[0026]
  Also,As a seventh invention, any one of the first to sixth inventionsIn the game apparatus, the area generating means changes a position where the effect applying area is generated in accordance with the progress of the given game.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0027]
  this7thAccording to the invention, in accordance with various changes such as the progress of the game, that is, the change of the speed and acceleration of the moving object, the change of the area where the moving object exists in the object space, the change of the game stage, etc. The generation position can be changed variously. For this reason, it is possible to give fluctuation particles and color changes according to the progress of the game to particles that are generated in the same way, and the movement and appearance of the entire particle system are not patterned, and the user's game image Can maintain a fresh feeling.
[0028]
  Also,As an eighth invention, any one of the first to seventh inventionsIn the game apparatus, the area generating means changes the number of effect imparting areas to be generated according to the progress of the given game.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0029]
  this8thAccording to the invention, since the number of effect imparting regions can be changed according to the progress of the game, for example, in a car racing game, when a racing car enters sandy ground, the number of effect imparting regions is increased to generate dust. Variations in particle motion can be expanded by simple calculations, such as representing a state of soaring, or presenting a relatively calm environment by reducing the number when present on a paved road.
[0030]
  Also,As a ninth invention, any one of the first to eighth inventionsIn the above game apparatus, the region generating means changes the shape of the effect imparting region generated according to the progress of the given game.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well.
[0031]
  this9thAccording to the invention, for example, the shape of the effect imparting region is randomly changed to express the sense of fluctuation of the particles, or the shape of the effect imparting region is extended in a given direction so that the particles are blown by the wind Etc. can be expressed more realistically.
[0032]
  Also,As a tenth invention, any one of the first to ninth inventionsIn the game device, the given particle is made into a spark or smoke.Configuring a gaming device toMay be. Here, the smoke includes smoke generated by things other than fire, such as earth smoke.
[0033]
  this10thAccording to the invention, a realistic expression of sparks and smoke can be realized by simple calculation.
[0034]
  Also,As an eleventh invention, any one of the first to tenth inventionsIn the game device, the given particle is represented by a particle.Configure the game deviceIt is good as well. Here, particles represent objects with unclear boundaries such as sparks, flames, and smoke by controlling parameters such as particle generation time, moving speed, lifetime, brightness, and transparency. One method.
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, in a car racing game, a method for realistically expressing sparks generated by a racing car object (hereinafter simply referred to as a racing car) rubbing against a road surface by simple calculation will be described. However, what is applicable is not limited to this.
[0036]
The principle of the present invention will be described below.
In the present embodiment, sparks to be generated (each spark powder) are expressed by particles. That is, each of the sparks has coordinates in the object space and moves in the object space based on the initial velocity, the acceleration of gravity, the force in the force field region that is the effect applying region, and the like. In addition, brightness, transparency, color, and life are set for each spark.
[0037]
Then, the force field region is set so as to move along with the racing car which is a moving object. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a virtual spring 6 having a given spring constant is provided between the racing car 2 and the center point G of the force field region 4 as shown in FIG. It means to move according to the moving condition of the racing car 2. That is, the force field region 4 can move left and right, back and forth, up and down, etc. according to inertia with respect to acceleration / deceleration, direction change, and the like of the racing car 2.
[0038]
The spark generation timing is when the racing car 2 passes a spark generation point, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, sparks 8 are generated from a preset spark generation source 2-1. The spark 8 generated from the spark generation source 2-1 moves according to the initial condition and gravity. However, when entering the force field region 4 (spark 8-3), the influence of the force defined in the force field region 4 is affected. receive. In FIG. 1, the force field area 4 is shown for clarity, but the force field area 4 is not displayed on the display screen on the game.
[0039]
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of the force field region 4. In the figure, G is the center coordinate of the force field, p_iIs the position of the i th spark, d_iIs the center point G of the force field and the position p of the sparks_iThe distance between and F (d_i) Indicates the force that the spark i receives from the force field G, respectively. R_minAnd r_maxMeans the distance from the center point G, and each spark is r_min<D_i<R_maxOnly within a range that satisfies the condition, the influence of the force field G, ie, the force F (d_i) Moreover, the arrow in the figure means a vector.
[0040]
Force F (d_i)
F (d_i) = Α / d_i                ... (1)
The distance d_iDefined by the function. Where α is the distance d_iIs a coefficient related to the force F (d_i) Is a vector, α is also a vector. Here, the vector α is set in a direction toward the center point G so that the force field G becomes an attractive field, but the sign of the vector α may be changed to make the force field G a repulsive field. The distance d_iThe sign and value of α may be changed according to the direction.
[0041]
FIG. 2B represents the locus of the spark 8 that has moved under the influence of the force field G. In the figure, the spark 8 is in the region r._min<D_i<R_maxMoves according to gravity outside the region, but the region r_min<D_i<R_maxInside, in addition to gravity, it receives force from the force field G. Therefore, the sparks draw a different trajectory from a simple parabolic motion.
[0042]
Furthermore, the region r_min<D_i<R_maxIf sparks are present, the transparency, color, brightness, etc. of the sparks are changed. Specifically, the mixing ratio of each color of RGB is set according to the distance from G, and the gradation from red to yellow is set to d._iAssign to. And, a method of setting the spark i to change from red to yellow as it approaches the center point G, or d_iA method of changing the color according to the distance from G by applying brightness, transparency, and the like to is applied.
[0043]
Next, the configuration in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to a home game device. In the figure, the user enjoys a game such as a car racing game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, information necessary for playing a game such as a game program is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, an IC card 1208, a memory card 1212, and the like, which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.
[0044]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the present embodiment. In the figure, the functional block includes an operation unit 10, a processing unit 20, a display unit 30, and an information storage medium 40.
[0045]
The operation unit 10 is used to input an operation of the player's own character (racing car) in a car racing game and an instruction to start or stop the game. In addition, game controllers 1202 and 1204 illustrated in FIG. 3 correspond to the operation unit 10.
[0046]
The processing unit 20 mainly includes a game calculation unit 22 and an image generation unit 24, and can be realized by hardware such as a CISC type or RISC type CPU, DSP, or an image capture dedicated IC.
[0047]
The game calculation unit 22 reads the game program 42 from the information storage medium 40 in response to the instruction signal input from the operation unit 10 and constructs an object space that is a game space. A plurality of racing cars are moved into the object space in accordance with an operation signal input from the operation unit 10 or the game program 42 to execute a car racing game, and the constructed object space, the position of each racing car, etc. The indicated data is output to the image generation unit 24. In addition, the game calculation unit 22 includes a spark generation unit 220, a spark control unit 222, and a force field control unit 224.
[0048]
When the spark generation unit 220 receives a game start signal from the operation unit 10, the spark generation unit 220 reads the spark generation program 420 in the information storage medium 40, and sets the spark generation point 50 on the race course 56 as shown in FIG. Set. The spark generation point 50 is defined by position coordinates in the object space.
[0049]
In addition, the spark generation unit 220 determines whether each racing car has passed over the spark generation point 50 while the game is in progress. When it passes, as shown in FIG. 1, the spark 8 is emitted from the spark generation source 2-1 of the racing car 2 that has passed the spark generation point. At this time, the spark generation unit 220 sets initial conditions such as the amount of spark discharge, initial speed, direction, life, color, and brightness according to the speed of the racing car 2.
[0050]
The spark control unit 222 reads the spark control program 422 from the information storage medium 40, and sets the speed and position of the spark that fluctuates depending on the gravity and the force inside the force field area for all the sparks generated by the spark generation unit 220. calculate. In addition, for the spark present in the force field region, the color of the spark and the color such as luminance are determined according to the distance from the center point of the force field region.
[0051]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a spark control process executed by the spark control unit 222 when the spark generation unit 220 generates n pieces of sparks for the racing car that has passed the spark generation point. In the figure, the spark control unit 222 first searches for the position of the i = 0th spark (step S1).
[0052]
And the center point G of the force field and the spark p_iThe distance d between_iIs calculated (step S2), and it is determined whether or not the spark i is in the region affected by the force field G (step S3).
[0053]
In step S3, the spark i is a region r._min<D_i<R_maxIf not, the process proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, the region r_min<D_i<R_maxIf it is within, the distance d_iThe color corresponding to is determined (step S4). Then the force F (d_i) Based on speed V_iIs calculated (step S5). V_iIs the speed of sparks i, m_iMeans the mass of the spark i. Moreover, dt means the time interval which performs a spark control process.
[0054]
When the speed change due to the force field G is calculated in step S5, the speed change of the spark i due to gravity (g means gravitational acceleration) is obtained (step S6).
[0055]
In Steps S5 to S6, when calculation of all force fields that can affect the spark i is completed, the position of the spark i is calculated (Step S7), 1 is added to i (Step S8), and i = n It is determined whether or not (step S9). If i = n is not true, the process proceeds to step S2, and the position of the next spark i is calculated. On the other hand, if i = n is satisfied in step S11, it is determined that the positions of n sparks have been determined, and the spark control process is terminated.
[0056]
The force field control unit 224 reads the force field control program 424 from the information storage medium 40, sets the spring constant of the virtual spring 6 shown in FIG. Calculate the amount of expansion and contraction. Then, the position of the force field region 4 is determined from the expansion and contraction of the virtual spring 6 and the set spring constant. Further, the force field control unit 224 generates a force function F (d_i) (See equation (1)) is changed in accordance with the speed and acceleration of the racing car.
[0057]
The image generation unit 24 performs processing for generating an image based on a virtual camera that is a given viewpoint in the object space set by the game calculation unit 22. The image data generated by the image generation unit 24 is displayed on the display unit 30.
[0058]
The information storage medium 40 stores a game program 42. The function of the information storage medium 40 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, memory, and hard disk. The game program 42 includes a spark generation program 420, a spark control program 422, and a force field control program 424.
[0059]
Next, the spark generation processing executed by the game calculation unit 22 will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This process is executed as needed for all moving racing cars.
[0060]
In FIG. 7, first, the force field control unit 224 calculates the position of the force field region and the magnitude of the force in the force field region according to the moving condition of the racing car (step S20). Next, the spark generation unit 220 determines whether or not the racing car passes the spark generation point (step S21). If it is determined that the racing car passes the spark generation point, the spark generation unit 220 determines the spark generation source, emission rate, initial speed, direction, life, color, brightness, and the like to generate the spark (step) S22).
[0061]
And the spark control part 222 performs a spark control process with respect to the spark generated at step S22 (step S23), and ends the spark generation process.
[0062]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the racing car does not pass the spark generation point, the spark control unit 222 determines whether or not there is still spark in the object space (step S24). If there is no spark, the spark generation process is terminated.
[0063]
If it is determined in step S24 that there are sparks in the object space, the spark control unit 222 controls those sparks (step S23) and ends the spark generation process.
[0064]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, a ROM 1002, a RAM 1004, an information storage medium 1006, a sound generation IC 1008, an image generation IC 1010, and I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so as to be able to input and output data. . A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and communication is performed to the I / O port 1014. A device 1024 is connected.
[0065]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, play data, and the like. For example, in a home game device, a CD-ROM, a game cassette, a DVD, or the like is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like, and a memory card or the like is used as an information storage medium for storing play data. In the arcade game machine, a memory such as a ROM or a hard disk is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.
[0066]
The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of determination made by the user in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.
[0067]
In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the apparatus main body), a signal input by the control apparatus 1022, the CPU 1000 performs control of the entire apparatus and various data processing. Do. The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.
[0068]
Further, this type of apparatus is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game images can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. . The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information output from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. The display 1018 includes a display device such as a CRT, LCD, TV, plasma display, liquid crystal plasma display, or projector.
[0069]
The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices to send and receive given information according to the game program, It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs via the.
[0070]
1 to 5 includes an information storage medium 1006 storing a program for performing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, an image generation IC 1010, This is realized by the sound generation IC 1008 or the like. Note that the processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.
[0071]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example when the present embodiment is applied to the arcade game apparatus 1300. This arcade game apparatus 1300 is formed using a racing car shape as a model, and a user sitting on a seat 1310 looks at an image displayed on the display 1302 while a handle 1304 provided on the operation unit 10 and an accelerator. This is a device for operating a virtual racing car by operating 1306, a brake 1308, etc. and enjoying a game.
[0072]
A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted on a system board 1312 built in the arcade game apparatus 1300. A game program, a spark generation program, a spark control program, a force field control program, and the like are stored in a memory that is an information storage medium on the system board 1312.
[0073]
The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the present embodiment, only one force field region associated with the racing car is set, but a plurality of force field regions can be set. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a spark control process executed by the spark control unit 222 for each racing car when m force field regions are associated with each racing car.
[0074]
The difference between the spark control process shown in FIG. 10 and the spark control process shown in FIG. 6 is that an argument j for counting the force field region is added. In FIG. 10, the spark control unit 222 searches for the position of the i (= 0) th spark powder (step S1), and then searches for the position of the j (= 0) th force field region (step T1).
[0075]
In steps S2 to S5, when the influence of the force field region j on the spark i is calculated, 1 is added to j (step T2), and j = m, that is, whether all the force field regions have been calculated. Is determined (step T3). In addition, d shown in step S3_jiIs the center point G_jAnd the distance between sparks i and r_jminAnd r_jmaxIs the center point G_jEach of the values specifies the range of the force field area.
[0076]
If the condition of j = m is not satisfied in step T3, the process returns to step S2 to calculate the influence of the next force field region on the spark i. On the other hand, when the condition of j = m is satisfied in step T3, the process proceeds to step S6 assuming that the influence of all force field regions is calculated for the spark i. And the position of the spark i is determined by step S6-S7, and a process transfers to the next spark by step S8-S9. And after determining the position of all the sparks, this spark control process is complete | finished. However, F_j(D_ji) Means the force working inside the force field region j.
[0077]
According to the above processing, for example, when there are overlapping portions in two force field regions and sparks exist in those regions, it is possible to calculate the speed change for all forces that can affect the sparks. .
[0078]
In this embodiment, a center point is placed in the force field area, and the force and color change according to the distance from the center point. However, according to the distance from the line or surface, not the point. You may change so that a power and a color may change. Alternatively, the force function is defined as in equation (1), but F (d_i) Is defined as a function such as cubic, quadratic, or sin, and the magnitude of force, attractive force / repulsive force, etc. are defined as distance d._iIt may be possible to change it according to. Alternatively, the force and direction in the force field may be constant to simplify the calculation.
[0079]
In FIG. 2, the force field is shown as a sphere, but the region of the force field is not limited to a sphere, and may be changed to any other shape. In addition, r_minAnd r_maxThe value of may not be fixed, but may be changed according to the speed of the moving object, the area where the racing car exists, or the like.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the force field area is treated as colorless and transparent, but a color may be set in the effect imparting area to clearly display its presence. Furthermore, although the spark generation point is set on the race course, it may be set to a point where sparks such as a wall surface of a passenger seat or a curb are likely to be generated.
[0081]
Further, although the force field region is treated as a three-dimensional space extending in the object space, it may be treated planarly to express the flow on the water surface. For example, the present invention can also be applied to expressions in which a piece of wood flowing through a river receives a wave from a boat (moving object) that moves to the side and changes the traveling direction.
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, the method for expressing sparks generated when the racing car rubs against the road surface has been described. However, a flame generated by a collision between the racing car and another object, such as a collision between the racing cars. It can also be applied to smoke and sparks.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, when a particle system is generated according to a given condition, an effect imparting region associated with a moving object can be generated at that time. Therefore, particles that move more complicatedly by changing the speed and direction of the particles existing in the effect imparting region can be expressed by simple calculation. Moreover, since the color of the particle | grains in an effect provision area | region can be changed, the variety of expression of particle | grains can be expanded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example in which sparks are generated from a racing car.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a force field region.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to a home game device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a setting example of a spark generation point.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a spark control process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a spark generation process.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example when the present invention is applied to an arcade game device.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a spark control process when there are a plurality of force field regions.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Operation part
20 processor
22 Game calculator
220 Spark generation part
222 Spark Control Unit
224 Force field controller
24 Image generator
40 Information storage media
42 game programs
420 Spark generation program
422 Spark control program
424 Force field control program

Claims (11)

The computer to generate an image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera, a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for causing execution of a given game by displaying the generated image,
The program is
Generation source setting means for setting a generation source for generating given particles in the object space to a predetermined position around a moving object ;
Particle generating means for generating the given particles from the source;
An area setting means for setting an effect applying area at a given position that is different from the generation source and associated with the moving object ;
When the given particle enters the effect imparting region, an effect imparting process is performed to change at least one of the moving speed, the moving direction, the movement trajectory, the display color, the luminance, and the transparency of the particle. Effect imparting process execution means ,
An information storage medium that is a program for causing the computer to function as:   An information storage medium according to claim 1,
  The program is
  The area setting means causes the computer to set the effect imparting area at a position away from the moving object by a given distance, and the computer is further used as a distance variable means for changing the given distance. An information storage medium that is a program for functioning.   An information storage medium according to claim 1,
  The program is
  The region setting means sets a virtual spring between the moving object and the effect applying region, calculates an expansion / contraction amount of the virtual spring, and changes a position of the effect applying region relative to the moving object. An information storage medium which is a program for causing the computer to function. An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The program is
Wherein the particle generating means, in response to said predetermined condition of the movement or collision of the moving object, the given program in which the information storage medium for causing the computer to function such that particles generate. An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The program is
Based on the distance between the given particle and a given point in the effect imparting region, the effect imparting process execution means is configured to move the given particle at a moving speed, a moving direction, a moving locus, a display color, An information storage medium which is a program for causing the computer to function so as to change at least one of brightness and transparency .   An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
  The program is
  An information storage medium which is a program for causing the computer to function so that the area setting means changes a position where the effect applying area is set in accordance with the progress of the given game.   An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
  The program is
  An information storage medium that is a program for causing the computer to function so that the region setting means changes the number of effect imparting regions set in accordance with the progress of the given game.   An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
  The program is
  An information storage medium, which is a program for causing the computer to function so that the area setting means changes the shape of the effect applying area set in accordance with the progress of the given game.   An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
  The program is
  An information storage medium, which is a program for causing the computer to function so that the particle generating means generates sparks or smoke as the given particles.   An information storage medium according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
  The program is
  An information storage medium, which is a program for causing the computer to function so that the particle generating means represents the given particle by particles. A game device that executes a given game by generating an image of an object space viewed from a virtual camera and displaying the generated image,
Generation source setting means for setting a generation source for generating given particles in the object space at a predetermined position around a moving object ;
Particle generating means for generating the given particles from the source;
An area setting means for setting an effect applying area at a given position associated with the moving object at a position different from the generation source ;
When the given particle enters the effect imparting region, an effect imparting process for changing at least one of the moving speed, the moving direction, the movement locus, the display color, the brightness, and the transparency of the particle is executed. An effect imparting process execution means;
A game apparatus comprising:

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