JP4114824B2 - Image generating apparatus and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus and an information storage medium that generate an image at a given viewpoint in an object space.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image generation apparatuses that arrange a plurality of objects in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space and generate an image that can be viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space have been developed and put into practical use. It is popular as a way to experience reality. Taking an image generation device capable of enjoying a competitive game as an example, a player moves a character (human, robot, etc.) operated by the player in the object space and battles with a character operated by another player or a computer. Enjoy a 3D game.
[0003]
Now, in such an image generating apparatus, as shown in FIG. 13 (A), when an object 420 that becomes an obstacle enters between the character 400 and the viewpoint 410, the player's as shown in FIG. 13 (B). There is a problem that the field of view is blocked by the object 420 and the character 400 and its surroundings are not visible to the player.
[0004]
As a conventional technique for solving such a problem, for example, a technique disclosed in JP-A-9-50541 is known. In this conventional technique, it is determined whether or not an object that becomes an obstacle has entered between the viewpoint and the character, and when it is determined that the object has entered, the object is transparently displayed to solve the above problem. .
[0005]
However, in this prior art, it is necessary to determine whether or not an object has entered based on three positions: a viewpoint position, a character position, and an obstacle object position. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing load and the processing time become excessive.
[0006]
In addition, this conventional technique also has a problem that there is no other application example except that the viewpoint obstacle is transparently displayed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the technical problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation apparatus capable of various image expression only by examining the positional relationship between two objects, and An object is to provide an information storage medium.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image generation apparatus and an information storage medium that can prevent a situation in which an object to be watched cannot be seen because another object becomes a viewpoint obstacle.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention is an image generation apparatus that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space, and an object in which a plurality of objects including first and second objects are arranged. Means for forming a space; means for changing an image of the second object based on a positional relationship between the first object and the second object; and an image at a given viewpoint in the object space. Generating means.
[0010]
According to the present invention, an object space in which objects such as a moving object, a map, and a background are arranged is formed. Then, it is determined what the positional relationship between the first and second objects among these objects is, and the image of the second object is changed based on the positional relationship. For example, when the first object is a character and the second object is an obstacle, the obstacle is displayed transparently, translucently, or meshed according to the positional relationship between the character and the obstacle. Shape, color, brightness, texture, etc. are changed. By doing this, for example, it is possible to solve the problem that the obstacle becomes obstructive and the character behind the obstacle can not be seen from the viewpoint, or to make the game play easier by making the other side of the obstacle visible Is possible. In particular, according to the present invention, the image of the second object can be changed only by the positional relationship between the first and second objects without considering the position of the viewpoint. Can be greatly reduced.
[0011]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that when the second object enters a given area specified by the position of the first object, the image of the second object is changed. Here, as the position of the first object, for example, a representative point of the first object can be considered. In the given area, the place where the first object is provided is specified by the position of the first object. When the given area is, for example, a circle or a sector, the position of the first object or a position away from the position by a given distance can be set as the center of the circle or the sector. In addition, when the first object is a moving body, a given area can be moved following the movement. According to the present invention, when the second object enters such a given area, the image of the second object is changed. That is, an area where the image of the second object is changed can be provided in association with the first object.
[0012]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the given area is provided between the first object and a viewpoint that follows the first object. According to the present invention, the viewpoint follows the movement of the first object. The position of the given area is determined in advance so that the given area is interposed between the first object and the viewpoint that follows the first object. Then, when the second object enters the given area, the image of the second object is changed. In this case, whether or not to change the image is determined by the positional relationship between the first and second objects without considering the position of the viewpoint. Therefore, according to the present invention, the second object that has entered between the first object and the viewpoint is determined only by determining the positional relationship between the first and second objects and not the position of the viewpoint. Can be made transparent display, translucent display, or mesh display. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem of the viewpoint obstacle with much less processing load and processing time than the conventional technique that determines not only the first and second objects but also the positional relationship of the viewpoint.
[0013]
In the invention, it is preferable that the given area has a sector shape whose center is specified by the position of the first object. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the second object has entered a given area with simple and low-load processing.
[0014]
The present invention is characterized in that when the first object enters a given area specified by the position of the second object, the image of the second object is changed. Here, as the position of the second object, for example, a representative point of the second object can be considered. In a given area, the location where the second object is provided is specified by the position of the second object. For example, when a given area is a circle or a sector, the position of the second object or a position away from the position by a given distance can be set as the center of the circle or sector. According to the present invention, when the first object enters such a given area, the image of the second object is changed. That is, an area where the image of the second object is changed can be provided in association with the second object itself.
[0015]
In the invention, it is preferable that the given area has a sector shape whose center is specified by the position of the second object. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the first object has entered a given area with simple and low-load processing.
[0016]
Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the center is located outside the second object, and the given area in the shape of a sector overlaps the second object. In this way, even when the first object enters the part of the given area beyond the second object (the side with the fan-shaped center), the front side of the second object ( Even when the first object enters the portion on the side having the fan-shaped arc, the image of the second object can be changed.
[0017]
According to the present invention, at least one of the distance between the position of the second object and the center, the radius of the sector, and the central angle of the sector is changed according to the type of the second object. And In this way, an appropriate sector area can be set for each second object according to the type (size, shape) of the second object.
[0018]
In the present invention, it is desirable that the first object is a moving body that moves in the object space, and the second object is a fixed object whose position is fixed in the object space. .
[0019]
The processing for changing the image of the second object includes processing for making the second object transparent display, processing for making the second object semi-transparent display, and making the second object mesh display. Processing to switch the second object to another object, processing to change the shape of the second object, processing to change the color of the second object, and change the luminance of the second object A process and a process of changing the texture of the second object can be considered.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the case where the present invention is applied to a game in which a plurality of characters are divided into enemies and allies will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various games.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the image generation apparatus of the present embodiment.
[0022]
Here, the operation unit 10 is for a player to input operation data by operating a lever, a button, or the like, and the operation data obtained by the operation unit 10 is input to the processing unit 100.
[0023]
The processing unit 100 performs processing for arranging an object in the object space and processing for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space based on the operation data and a given program. The function of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.), memory, and the like.
[0024]
The information storage medium 190 stores programs and data. The function of the information storage medium 190 can be realized by hardware such as a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, DVD, hard disk, and ROM. The processing unit 100 performs various processes based on the program and data from the information storage medium 190.
[0025]
The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110 and an image generation unit 150.
[0026]
Here, the game calculation unit 110 performs a game mode setting process, a game progress process, a process for determining the position and direction of a moving object, a process for determining a viewpoint position and a line-of-sight direction, a process for placing an object in the object space, and the like.
[0027]
The image generation unit 150 performs a process of generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space formed by the game calculation unit 110. The image generated by the image generation unit 150 is displayed on the display unit 12.
[0028]
The game calculation unit 110 includes an object space forming unit 111.
[0029]
Here, the object space forming unit 111 performs processing for arranging various objects such as characters, enemy characters (targets), maps, and backgrounds in the object space. More specifically, the arrangement and type of the map and background objects are determined for each game stage, and calculations for moving a moving body (character, target, shot, etc.) in the object space are performed.
[0030]
The object space forming unit 111 includes a moving object calculation unit 112 and an image change unit 114.
[0031]
Here, based on the operation data input from the operation unit 10 or a given program, the moving body computing unit 112 is a character operated by the player (moving body in a broad sense), another player, or a given control program ( An operation for moving a character operated by a computer in the object space is performed. More specifically, a calculation for obtaining the position and direction of the character every frame (1/60 second) is performed.
[0032]
The image changing unit 114 determines the positional relationship between the first object and the second object, and performs processing for changing the image of the second object based on the positional relationship. More specifically, the following processing is performed.
[0033]
For example, as shown by A1 in FIG. 2, a given area 24 is provided behind the character 20 and between the character 20 and the viewpoint 22. The area 24 follows the character 20 as the character 20 moves as indicated by A2 (the viewpoint 22 also follows). That is, the position of the area 24 is specified by the position of the character 20. Then, as shown in B1 and B2 of FIG. 3, when the character (first object) 20 moves and the object (second object) 30 serving as an obstacle enters the area 24, the object 30 The image is changed. More specifically, the object 30 becomes transparent display (non-display). Further, as shown in B3 and B4 of FIG. 3, even when the object 30 moves and enters the area 24, the object 30 is transparently displayed.
[0034]
As described above, by providing the area 24 in which the object 30 entering the character 20 is transparently displayed (or translucent display or mesh display) behind the character 20, the object 30 becomes a viewpoint obstacle and the character 20 or It is possible to prevent the surroundings from being visible to the player. That is, the problem shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B can be solved. In addition, in the method of FIG. 3, only the positional relationship between the character (first object) 20 and the object 30 (second object) needs to be examined. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether or not an object has entered between the character and the viewpoint (the positional relationship between the character, the viewpoint, and the object must be examined), compared with the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541. Processing load and processing time can be greatly reduced.
[0035]
Various shapes of the area 24 can be considered. For example, in C1 and C2 in FIG. 4, the area 24 has a sector shape. When the object 30 enters the fan-shaped area 24, the image of the object 30 is changed (transparent display or the like). Thus, if a sector shape is adopted as the shape of the area 24, the processing load and the processing time can be further reduced. That is, whether or not the object 30 has entered the area 24 is determined by connecting the distance between the fan-shaped center C (specified by the position P of the character 20) and the position (for example, representative point) D of the object 30, and C and D. This is because it can be determined by examining the direction of the vector.
[0036]
When determining whether or not the object 30 has entered the area 24 in consideration of the Z coordinate (coordinate in the height direction), the area 24 is preferably a quadrangular pyramid or a cone.
[0037]
4, the location of the area 24 is specified by the position (for example, representative point) P of the character (first object) 20. That is, in C1 and C2 of FIG. 4, the sector-shaped center C of the area 24 coincides with the position P of the character 20 (may be shifted), and the sector-shaped area 24 moves when the character 20 moves. Also move. That is, the area 24 is attached to the character 20.
[0038]
However, the location of the area 24 may be specified by the position of the object (second object) 30. For example, in C3 and C4 in FIG. 4, the sector-shaped center C of the area 24 coincides with the position D of the object 30, and the location of the area 24 is specified by the position D of the object 30. That is, the area 24 is associated with the object 30 instead of the character 20. 4, the image of the object 30 is changed when the object 30 enters the area 24. However, in C3 and C4, the image of the object 30 when the character 20 enters the area 24. Is changed.
[0039]
As described above, the method of the present embodiment that changes the image of the second object based on the positional relationship between the first and second objects can be applied to various applications in addition to displaying the viewpoint obstacle transparently. It is.
[0040]
For example, in the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541, only disturbing objects that have entered between the character and the viewpoint can be transparently displayed. However, according to the present embodiment, as indicated by C4 in FIG. The object 30 that is in front of the character 20 and is an obstacle can be displayed transparently.
[0041]
Further, for example, when the character 20 enters the area 24, if the brightness of the object 30 is changed, an image expression such as lighting an object in front of a character walking with a flashlight is realized with simple processing. become able to. Such an image representation is usually realized by a very heavy process of performing a shading calculation using a flashlight as a light source. However, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize such an image representation by a very light processing that determines whether the character 20 has entered the area 24 and changes the brightness of the object 30 when the character 20 enters. It becomes like this.
[0042]
Thus, the method of the present embodiment has an advantage that it can be applied to various image representations as compared with the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-50541, which has only an application example in which a viewpoint obstacle is transmissively displayed. Have
[0043]
In C3 and C4 in FIG. 4, the area 24 has a sector shape, but may be a circle, a polygon, a quadrangular pyramid, a cone, or the like. However, if the area 24 is fan-shaped, the processing load and processing time can be reduced as described above. Further, if the image of the object 30 is changed when the character 20 comes to the right side or the left side of the object 30, there is a problem that the player feels unnatural. Thus, such a problem can be solved.
[0044]
Further, as shown by C5 and C6 in FIG. 4, the sector-shaped center C may be provided outside the object 30 and the area 24 may be provided so as to overlap the object 30. In this way, the object 30 can be displayed transparently when the character 20 is in front of the object 30 (C5 in FIG. 4), and also when the object 30 is between the character 20 and the viewpoint 22 The object 30 can be transparently displayed (C6). That is, both the characteristics of C1 and C2 in FIG. 4 and C3 and C4 can be combined.
[0045]
5, the distance LD between the position D of the object 30 and the fan-shaped center C, the fan-shaped radius R, and the fan-shaped central angle α depend on the type (shape of the object 30). It is desirable to change according to the size. For example, the distance LD and the radius R are increased for an object having a depth, and the central angle α is increased for an object having a large width. In this way, the area setting for each object can be adjusted to be optimal for each object. As a result, an image with less unnaturalness felt by the player can be generated.
[0046]
Next, an example of a battle game to which the present embodiment is applied will be described.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 6, in this competitive game, each character can squat, jump, climb to a high place, or move on the game field 270. Then, the characters P1 and P2 form a pair and play against the opponent characters P3 and P4. A number of obstacles are arranged in the game field 270. While the character is hiding behind these obstacles, it battles against the enemy through a gunfight using a gun.
[0048]
Here, the game field 270 is divided into a first base 250 and a second base 260. The characters P1 and P2 can move only within the first position 250, and the characters P3 and P4 can move only within the second position 260. By limiting the movement range in this way, the enemy is always located in front, and the position of the enemy can be easily grasped. Moreover, since the enemy does not come around from behind, the unreasonable situation of being attacked from an invisible position can be solved. Therefore, it is possible to realize a game that is very easy for the player to play, compared to a game that can freely move in all areas in the game field 270.
[0049]
7A, 7B, and 8 show examples of game images generated by the present embodiment. In FIG. 7A, the character 20 is hidden behind the object (obstacle) 30. In this case, since the distance between the character 20 and the object 30 is large, the image of the object 30 is not changed.
[0050]
On the other hand, in FIG. 7B, since the distance between the character 20 and the object 30 is close, the image of the object 30 is changed to mesh display (the image of the object 30 is displayed for each pixel or multiple pixels). (See C5 in FIG. 4). As a result, the player who operates the character 20 can grasp the state beyond the object 30.
[0051]
That is, if importance is attached to the realism of the image, it is not so desirable that the other side of the object 30 is visible in the case of FIG. 7B.
[0052]
However, this type of three-dimensional game has a drawback in that it is difficult to grasp the situation around you and it is difficult to play a game, so that it is avoided by beginners and those who are not confident in game operation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a game environment in which the player can easily play the game even if the realism of the image is sacrificed to some extent. The reason why the positions are divided as shown in FIG. 6 is to achieve such a purpose. In this embodiment, since the object 30 is displayed as a mesh in the case shown in FIG. 7B, the player can grasp the situation on the other side of the object 30. As a result, it is possible to provide a game environment in which the player can more easily play the game.
[0053]
On the other hand, in FIG. 8, the character 20 is located on the other side of the object 30. At this time, in the present embodiment, the object 30 is displayed in mesh so that the character 20 can be seen by the player (see C6 in FIG. 4). As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where the object 30 becomes an obstacle and the character 20 becomes invisible to the player.
[0054]
Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0055]
First, the position P (see FIG. 10) of the character 20 is calculated (step S1). The position P is calculated for each frame by the moving object calculation unit 112 in FIG. 1 based on operation data from the player.
[0056]
Next, a distance LP between the position P and the center C of the sector (area 24) is calculated (step S2). Here, the position P is calculated in step S1. The center C is specified from the position (representative point) D of the object 30.
[0057]
Next, it is determined whether or not the distance LP obtained in step S2 is smaller than the radius R of the sector (area 24) (step S3). If it is larger, it can be determined that the character 20 is outside the area 24, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is smaller, the process proceeds to the next step.
[0058]
Next, an angle θ formed by the direction of the vector connecting C and P and the direction of the vector connecting C and D is calculated (step S4). Then, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the angle θ is smaller than α / 2 (α is a sector central angle) (step S5). If it is larger, it can be determined that the character 20 is outside the area 24, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is smaller, it can be determined that the character 20 is inside the area 24, so the image of the object 30 is changed (step S6). That is, the object 30 is made transparent display, semi-transparent display, or mesh display, the shape, color, brightness, or texture of the object 30 is changed, or the object 30 is switched to another object.
[0059]
According to the present embodiment described above, not only the problem of the viewpoint obstacle can be solved, but also various video effects as shown in FIG. 7B can be obtained.
[0060]
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 that data can be transmitted and received. 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 a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.
[0061]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like. For example, a consumer game device uses a CD-ROM, game cassette, DVD, or the like as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like. The arcade game machine uses a memory such as a ROM. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.
[0062]
The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is a device for inputting a result of a determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the device main body.
[0063]
In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (such as device initialization information), a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire device and performs various data processing. . 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. Further, a data structure (for example, an object data structure) having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.
[0064]
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 sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head mounted display (HMD) can be used.
[0065]
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, and to connect a communication line. It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs.
[0066]
The various processes described in FIGS. 1 to 8 and 10 include an information storage medium 1006 that stores a program for performing the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the program, an image generation IC 1010, a sound This is realized by the generation IC 1008 or the like. 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.
[0067]
FIG. 12A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102 and the button 1104 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound processing IC, and the like are mounted on an IC substrate 1106 built in the apparatus. The second object is based on information for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the first and second objects are arranged, and the positional relationship between the first object and the second object. Information for changing the image, information for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space, and the second object enters a given area specified by the position of the first object. Information for changing the image of the second object, the second object when the first object enters a given area specified by the position of the second object. Information for changing the image is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the IC substrate 1106. Hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as stored information. The stored information includes at least one of program code, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the various processes described above.
[0068]
FIG. 12B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game device. 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 a CD-ROM 1206, IC cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.
[0069]
FIG. 12C shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302. Show. 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 have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound processing IC and can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives game images and games. A game program or the like for generating sound is delivered to the terminals 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.
[0070]
The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0071]
For example, the invention for changing the image of the second object based on the positional relationship between the first and second objects is not limited to that described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and various modifications can be made.
[0072]
In the present embodiment, the first object is a moving object such as a character that moves in the object space, and the second object is a fixed object such as an obstacle whose position is fixed in the object space. I explained a case. However, the first and second objects of the present invention are not limited to such objects. For example, the first object is a fixed object and the second object is a moving object, or the first, It is possible to make the second object a moving object together.
[0073]
In addition, as the image change processing of the second object, for example, the second object is displayed in a transparent display, a semi-transparent display, or a mesh display, the second object is switched to another object, A process of changing the shape, color, brightness, or texture can be considered. However, the image change process of the present invention is not limited to this.
[0074]
Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where this invention was applied to the battle game between characters, this invention is not limited to this, A variety of games (a martial arts game, a role-playing game, a shooting game, a sports game, a competition game, etc.) Applicable to.
[0075]
The present invention is not limited to home and business game devices, but also various image generation devices such as a simulator, a large attraction device in which a large number of players participate, a personal computer, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating game images. It can also be applied to.
[0076]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a character and an area.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a technique for transparently displaying an object that has entered an area provided behind a character.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present embodiment and various application examples.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of changing a sector radius, a center angle, and the like for each object.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing a game field of a battle game realized by the present embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating examples of images generated according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image generated according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a detailed processing example of the present embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship among a character, an object, and an area.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of apparatuses to which the present embodiment is applied.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the problem of viewpoint obstacles. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Operation part
12 Display section
20 characters (first object)
22 viewpoints
24 areas
30 objects (second objects)
100 processor
110 Game calculation part
111 Object space forming part
112 Mobile object calculation unit
114 Image change section
150 Image generator
190 Information storage media

Claims (7)

An image generation device that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space,
An object space forming means for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the first and second objects are arranged;
Moving body computing means for performing computation to move the first object in the object space;
Means for performing an operation of moving a viewpoint set in a predetermined direction of the first object in the object space by following the movement of the first object;
A predetermined area for establishing a predetermined positional relationship with the first object is set in a predetermined direction of the first object, and based on the positional relationship between the first object and the second object , Image changing means for determining whether or not the second object has entered the given area, and changing the image of the second object when it is determined that the second object has entered the given area When,
An image generation apparatus comprising: an image generation unit configured to generate an image at a given viewpoint in an object space. In claim 1 ,
The image changing means is
An image generating apparatus that changes an image of the second object when the second object enters a given sector-shaped area whose center is specified by the position of the first object. . An image generation device that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space,
An object space forming means for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the first and second objects are arranged;
Moving body computing means for performing computation to move the first object in the object space;
The center and the arc are outside the second object, the center is specified by the position of the second object, and a given sector-shaped area is arranged so as to overlap the second object. Then, based on the positional relationship between the first object and the second object, it is determined whether or not the first object has entered the given area, and the first object enters the given area. Image changing means for changing the image of the second object when it is determined that
Image generating means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space;
Means for setting at least one of the distance between the position of the second object and the center, the radius of the sector, and the central angle of the sector according to at least one of the shape and size of the second object image generating device which comprises and. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 ,
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first object is a moving body that moves in the object space, and the second object is a fixed object whose position is fixed in the object space. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 ,
The process of changing the image of the second object includes
A process for making the second object transparent, a process for making the second object semi-transparent, a process for making the second object mesh display, a process for switching the second object to another object, At least one of processing for changing the shape of the second object, processing for changing the color of the second object, processing for changing the brightness of the second object, and processing for changing the texture of the second object One image generating apparatus characterized by being one. A computer-readable information storage medium for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space,
An object space forming means for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the first and second objects are arranged;
Moving body computing means for performing computation to move the first object in the object space;
Means for performing an operation of moving a viewpoint set in a predetermined direction of the first object in the object space by following the movement of the first object;
A predetermined area for establishing a predetermined positional relationship with the first object is set in a predetermined direction of the first object, and based on the positional relationship between the first object and the second object , Image changing means for determining whether or not the second object has entered the given area, and changing the image of the second object when it is determined that the second object has entered the given area When,
As an image generation means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space,
An information storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to function. A computer readable information storage medium for generating an image at a given viewpoint in an object space,
An image generation device that generates an image at a given viewpoint in an object space,
Object space forming means for forming an object space in which a plurality of objects including the first and second objects are arranged;
Moving body computing means for performing computation to move the first object in the object space;
The center and the arc are outside the second object, the center is specified by the position of the second object, and a given sector-shaped area is arranged so as to overlap the second object. Then, based on the positional relationship between the first object and the second object, it is determined whether or not the first object has entered the given area, and the first object enters the given area. Image changing means for changing the image of the second object when it is determined that
Image generating means for generating an image at a given viewpoint in the object space;
Means for setting at least one of the distance between the position of the second object and the center, the radius of the sector, and the central angle of the sector according to at least one of the shape and size of the second object As
An information storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to function.

Images