JP4247856B2 - Image generation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation system and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generation system that generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space is known, and is popular as being able to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a gun game as an example, a player (operator) uses a gun-type controller (shooting device) that mimics a gun or the like to select a target object displayed on the screen. Enjoy 3D games by shooting.
[0003]
In such an image generation system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the player's virtual reality. Therefore, it is desirable that the shadow of the object can be expressed more realistically. As one method for expressing the shadow of the object, for example, the method shown in FIG. That is, in this method, a shadow object 802 is prepared, and this shadow object 802 is placed on the map (terrain) object 800 so as to express a shadow.
[0004]
However, it has been found that this method has the following problems.
[0005]
That is, when the map object 800 is flat as shown in FIG. 1A, no problem occurs. However, when the map object 800 has a complicated shape, the problem as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C occurs. Arise.
[0006]
For example, when the shadow object 802 is arranged on the upper stage of the staircase-like map object 800 as shown in FIG. 1B, the shadow object 802 appears to float from the ground.
[0007]
On the other hand, when the shadow object 802 is arranged at the lower stage of the map object as shown in FIG. 1C, the shadow object 802 appears to be embedded in the map object 800 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, when the drawing priority order of the shadow object 802 is higher than that of the surface 804, the shadow object 802 can be seen through the map object 800 as shown in FIG.
[0008]
As described above, in the method of FIG. 1A in which the shadow object 802 is simply arranged on the map object 800, when the shape of the map object 800 becomes complicated, an unnatural image is generated, and the player There is a problem that the virtual reality cannot be improved.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and an information storage medium that can realize realistic representation of shadows with a small processing load. is there.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, wherein the first object and the first object have the same shape or substantially the same shape but different rendering information. A second object, a means for cutting out a third object from the second object under a given condition, and an image in which the cut out third object is placed on the first object. Generating means. The information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes information (program or data) for realizing (executing) the above means. A program according to the present invention is a program (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) usable by a computer, and includes a processing routine for realizing (executing) the above means.
[0011]
According to the present invention, a first object and a second object are prepared. Here, the second object has the same shape or almost the same shape as the first object (these objects may be the same or almost the same within the range of interest), but the rendering information (shading information) , Semi-transparency information, refractive index information, reflectance information, color information, luminance information, texture information, etc.) are different from the first object. In the present invention, the third object is cut out from the second object under a given condition, and the cut out third object is placed on the first object and displayed. By doing so, only the portion of the third object appears to be different in rendering information from the other portions, and realistic expression such as a shadow becomes possible. Moreover, since the first object and the second object have the same or almost the same shape, the shape between the shape of the first object and the shape of the third object cut out from the second object. Consistency is also maintained. As a result, even when the first object has a complicated shape, it is possible to generate a realistic image without unnaturalness.
[0012]
In the image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the second object is an object for shadow extraction, and the second object for shadow extraction is based on information of the fourth object and light source information. The third object to be a shadow is cut out from the second object. In this way, it is possible to express a shadow reflecting information (position data, rotation angle data, shape data, etc.) and light source information (light source vector, light source intensity, etc.) of the fourth object. Further, even when the first object has a complicated shape, it is possible to express a shadow that is consistent with the shape.
[0013]
The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the fourth object is a simple object that simplifies the shape of the object to be shaded. In this way, the process of cutting out the third object from the second object can be simplified, and the processing burden can be reduced.
[0014]
The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention are characterized in that the third object is cut out from the second object using a given plane. If the third object is cut out using a plane in this way, the object cut-out process can be simplified.
[0015]
The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention are obtained by the first and second vertices of the fourth object, one of the first and second vertices, and a given vector. The plane is specified based on a third glue vertex. If the plane is specified in this way, the position data and shape data of the fourth object and the direction of the given vector can be reflected in the arrangement and shape of the third object to be cut out.
[0016]
In the image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention, two vertices are sequentially extracted from the vertex list of the object to be cut of the plane, and the extracted Kth and K + 1th vertices are the plane. Is determined based on the front and back information associated with the plane, and it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the front and the K + 1 vertex is in the back, or When it is determined that the Kth vertex is on the back and the K + 1th vertex is in the front, the Lth vertex that is the intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertex and the plane is Among the vertices of the object that is inserted into the vertex list and is to be cut in the plane, the vertices determined to be on either the back or the front of the plane are left in the vertex list and are on the other For constant vertex, characterized in that it is removed from the vertex list.
[0017]
The present invention is also an image generation system for generating an image, in which two vertices are sequentially extracted from a vertex list of an object to be cut in a plane, and the extracted Kth and K + 1th vertices are the plane. A means for determining which of the front and back is based on the front and back information associated with the plane, and when it is determined that the Kth vertex is on the front and the K + 1th vertex is on the back, Alternatively, when it is determined that the Kth vertex is on the back and the K + 1th vertex is in the table, the Lth vertex that is the intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertex and the plane And a vertex that is determined to be on either the back or front of the plane among the vertices of the object to be cut of the plane is left in the vertex list, and the other I think there is The vertices, characterized in that it comprises a means for deleting from the vertex list. The information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes information (program or data) for realizing (executing) the above means. A program according to the present invention is a program (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) usable by a computer, and includes a processing routine for realizing (executing) the above means.
[0018]
According to the present invention, it is determined whether the Kth and K + 1th vertices extracted from the vertex list (vertex link list; list structure data) are on the front or back of the plane. When it is determined that the Kth vertex is on the front and the (K + 1) th vertex is on the back, or when the Kth vertex is on the back and the (K + 1) th vertex is on the front , The intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertices and the plane is determined and inserted into the vertex list. Then, the vertex determined to be behind the plane (or front) is deleted from the vertex list. By doing in this way, in this invention, it becomes possible to cut | disconnect an object by a plane and to leave only one side of the object divided | segmented by cutting | disconnection.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
1. Constitution
FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. 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 140, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 140, and the information storage medium 150), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 130, the image generation unit 160, the display unit 162, the sound generation unit 170, the sound output unit 172, the communication unit 174, the I / F unit 176, the memory card 180, etc.) are optional components. Can do.
[0021]
Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, and game calculation, and functions thereof are a CPU (CISC type, RISC type), DSP. Alternatively, it can be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (gate array or the like) or a given program (game program).
[0022]
The operation unit 130 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, a gun-type controller (shooting device), and the like.
[0023]
The storage unit 140 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100, the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, the communication unit 174, and the I / F unit 176, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.
[0024]
An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 150 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 semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information (programs, data) for realizing (executing) the means (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100) of the present invention (this embodiment).
[0025]
Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is transferred to the storage unit 140 when the system is powered on. Information stored in the information storage medium 150 includes program code, image information, sound information, shape information of display objects, table data, list data, player information, and processing of the present invention. It includes at least one of information for instructing, information for performing processing in accordance with the instruction, and the like.
[0026]
The image generation unit 160 generates various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 100 and outputs them to the display unit 162. The function of the image generation unit 160 is hardware such as an image generation ASIC, CPU, or DSP, It can be realized by a given program (image generation program) and image information.
[0027]
The sound generation unit 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 100 and outputs them to the sound output unit 172. The function of the sound generation unit 170 is a hardware such as a sound generation ASIC, CPU, or DSP. Or a given program (sound generation program) and sound information (waveform data, etc.).
[0028]
The communication unit 174 performs various controls for communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions as a hardware such as a communication ASIC or a CPU. Alternatively, it can be realized by a given program (communication program).
[0029]
Note that information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 150 via the network and the communication unit 174. Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0030]
Further, part or all of the functions of the processing unit 100 may be realized by the functions of the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 174. Alternatively, part or all of the functions of the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, or the communication unit 174 may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.
[0031]
The I / F unit 176 serves as an interface for exchanging information with a memory card 180 (in a broad sense, a portable information storage device including a portable game machine) according to an instruction from the processing unit 100. This function can be realized by a slot for inserting a memory card, a controller IC for data writing / reading, and the like. In the case where information exchange with the memory card 180 is realized using radio waves such as infrared rays, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.
[0032]
The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110.
[0033]
Here, the game calculation unit 110 receives coins (price), processing for various modes, game progress, selection screen setting, object position and rotation angle (X, Y, or Z axis rotation angle). Processing to determine the viewpoint position and line-of-sight angle, processing to reproduce or generate the motion of the object, processing to place the object in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate the game results (results, results), multiple Various game calculation processes such as a process for players to play in a common game space or a game over process are performed based on operation data from the operation unit 130, data from the memory card 180, game programs, and the like.
[0034]
The game calculation unit 110 includes a moving body calculation unit 112, an object cutout unit 114, and an object placement unit 116.
[0035]
Here, the moving object calculation unit 112 calculates the position and rotation angle (direction) of a moving object such as a tank or a character. For example, the moving object calculation unit 112 moves based on operation data input from the operation unit 130 or a given program. Performs operations that move the body in the object space. In other words, based on an operation by a player (self player, other player) or an operation by a computer (a given movement control algorithm), an operation for moving the moving body in the object space is performed.
[0036]
More specifically, the moving body computing unit 112 performs a process of obtaining the position and rotation angle of the moving body every frame (1/60 seconds), for example. For example, assume that the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in k frames are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).
[0037]
PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
[0038]
The object cutout unit 114 first has a first object (for example, a map object) and a second object that has the same shape (or almost the same shape) as the first object but has different rendering information (for example, shading information). Process to prepare. That is, information on the shape and rendering of the first and second objects is read into the object information storage unit 142 from, for example, an information storage medium (CD, DVD, ROM, etc.). Next, the object cutout unit 114 performs processing for cutting out the third object from the second object under a given condition in real time.
[0039]
More specifically, for example, a shadow object is cut out (cut out) in real time from an object for shadow extraction based on information on an object (for example, a tank or a character) that should make a shadow and light source information (eg, a light source vector). ). In this case, the shadow object is cut out from the shadow cutout object using a plane specified by the information on the object to be made a shadow and the light source information. In addition, information on an object to be cast a shadow (tank and character position, rotation angle, etc.) is calculated by the moving object calculation unit 112.
[0040]
The object placement unit 116 performs a process for placing the clipped third object on the first object. More specifically, for example, the shadow object cut out from the shadow cut-out object is arranged so as to overlap the map object. In this way, even if the map object has a complicated shape, it is possible to express a realistic shadow that is consistent with the shape of the map object.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
2. Features of this embodiment
Next, features of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
In this embodiment, as shown by E1 and E2 in FIG. 3, first, a map object 10 (first object) and a shadow extraction object 20 (second object) for representing the terrain and the like are prepared. That is, information regarding the shape and rendering of the map object 10 and the shadow cutout object 20 is stored in the object information storage unit 142 of FIG. These objects are composed of, for example, one or a plurality of polygons (primitive surfaces in a broad sense).
[0045]
Here, as shown by E1 and E2 in FIG. 3, the map object 10 and the shadow cutout object 20 have the same shape, but different shading information (rendering information in a broad sense). That is, the shadowing (brightness) of the shadow cutout object 20 is darker than that of the map object 10.
[0046]
As the shadow cutout object 20, a black object unrelated to the pattern (texture) of the map object 10 may be prepared, or an object in which the brightness of the pattern of the map object 10 is totally darkened is prepared. Also good.
[0047]
Further, the shape of the shadow cutout object 20 does not have to be completely the same as that of the map object 10, and may be substantially the same shape. That is, for example, an object obtained by simplifying the complex shape of the map object 10 may be used as the shadow cutout object 20. Further, the shape of the map object 10 and the shape of the shadow cutout object 20 do not have to be the same or substantially the same in the entire range, and are sufficient if they are the same or almost the same in the narrow range of interest.
[0048]
Next, as shown by E <b> 3 in FIG. 3, the shadow cutout object 20 is cut by, for example, a plane 22. Similarly, as shown by E4, E5, and E6 in FIG. 3, the shadow cutout object 20 is cut along the planes 24, 26, and 28. In this way, the shadow object 30 (third object) is cut out from the shadow cutout object 20 (second object), as indicated by E7 in FIG.
[0049]
Finally, the extracted shadow object 30 (third object) is placed over the map object 10 (first object) and displayed on the screen.
[0050]
As described above, even if the map object 10 has a complicated shape, it is possible to prevent inconsistency between the shape of the map object 10 and the shape of the shadow object 30, and to create a realistic shadow. It becomes possible to express. That is, it is possible to effectively prevent the problem described with reference to FIGS.
[0051]
4A, 4B, and 5 show examples of game images generated by the present embodiment. In these drawings, the tank 40 is traveling on the map, and a shadow 42 of the tank 40 is projected on the map. In FIG. 4B and FIG. 5, the tank 40 passes over the steps with steps. In this case, in this embodiment, as shown by F1 in FIG. 4B and F2 and F3 in FIG. 5, the consistency between the shape of the stepped portion of the staircase and the shape of the shadow 42 is maintained. Can express a simple shadow.
[0052]
For example, as one technique that enables the expression of realistic shadows as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the shadow of the tank is based on the three-dimensional shape data of the tank and the map object and the light source vector. It is conceivable to obtain an accurate region by optical calculation. According to this method, it is possible to express a realistic shadow that is consistent with the shape of the map object. However, with this method, the processing load of calculation becomes excessive, and the real-time property of processing required for this type of image generation system cannot be maintained.
[0053]
On the other hand, in the method of FIGS. 1A to 1E, since a shadow can be expressed simply by placing a shadow object on a map object, the processing load is reduced compared to the above method using faithful optical calculation. However, the method shown in FIGS. 1A to 1E has a problem in that when the shape of the map object becomes complicated, it is not possible to express a real shadow that is consistent with the shape of the map object. is there.
[0054]
According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a simple process of cutting out the shadow object 30 from the shadow cutting object 20 and placing it on the map object 10, FIG. 4 (A), FIG. 4 (B), FIG. A realistic shadow as shown in FIG. 5 can be expressed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a real shadow that is consistent with the map object can be expressed with a small processing load, and a method using faithful optical calculation and FIGS. ) Produces a unique effect that cannot be realized by the method of ().
[0055]
In the present embodiment, a shadow object is cut out from the shadow cutout object based on the object (fourth object) information and the light source information.
[0056]
For example, in FIG. 6, the shadow object 30 is cut out and arranged on the map object 10 based on the shape data (object information in a broad sense) of the object 50 and the light source vector LV (light source information in a broad sense). More specifically, the planes 22, 24, 26, and 28 in FIG. 3 are specified based on the shape data of the object 50 and the light source vector LV, and the shadow clipping object 20 is shadowed by these planes 22 to 28. The object 30 is cut out.
[0057]
In this way, the direction of the light source vector LV and the position and shape of the object 50 are reflected in the arrangement position and shape of the shadow object 30. That is, if the direction of the light source vector LV or the position of the object 50 changes, the arrangement position of the shadow object 30 also changes. If the shape of the object 50 changes, the shape of the shadow object 30 also changes. Accordingly, a realistic shadow can be expressed with a small processing load.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 7, as the object 50, an object obtained by simplifying the shape of the tank 40 that is an object to be shaded may be used. That is, in FIG. 7, the position RP of the representative point of the object 50 is specified based on the position of the tank 40, and the length and width of the object 50 are specified based on the size of the tank 40. Then, using this object 50, the shadow object 30 is cut out as shown in FIG.
[0059]
By using the object 50 in which the shape of the tank 40 is simplified as described above, it is possible to simplify the process for determining the range for extracting the shadow object (process for specifying the plane), and to reduce the processing load.
[0060]
Note that the object 50 in FIG. 7 is an object that is used only for clipping a shadow object and is not actually displayed on the screen.
[0061]
In the present embodiment, as described in E3, E4, E5, and E6 in FIG. 3, the shadow object 30 is cut out from the shadow cutout object 20 using the planes 22, 24, 26, and 28. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, by using the four planes 22, 24, 26, and 28, a shadow object having a square shape can be cut out from the shadow cutout object.
[0062]
Such a shadow object clipping method using a plane has an advantage that the processing load is very light. That is, according to this method, as will be described later, a process for determining whether the vertex of an object to be cut is on the front or the back of the plane, a process for obtaining the intersection of the plane and the object, and a back (or front) This is because the object can be cut and the shadow object can be cut out simply by performing the process of deleting the vertex at ().
[0063]
It should be noted that it is desirable to specify the plane used for extracting the shadow object by the method described below.
[0064]
That is, as shown in FIG. 9, first, the vertex VG (third vertex) is specified based on the vertex V0 (first vertex) of the object 50 and the light source vector LV (given vector). More specifically, the end point of the LV when the start point of the light source vector LV is arranged at the vertex V0 is set as the vertex VG. Then, based on the vertices V0, V1 (first and second vertices) and the vertex VG (third vertex) of the object, the first plane including the triangle 52 composed of these vertices V0, V1, and VG is obtained. Identify. That is, the first plane parameter (normal vector information) is obtained. Then, the second plane is identified by performing the same processing for the vertices V1 and V2, the third plane is identified by performing for the vertices V2 and V3, and the fourth plane is performed by performing for the vertices V3 and V0. Is identified. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the shadow object is cut out from the shadow cutout object using the parameters of the identified first to fourth planes.
[0065]
According to the above method, the direction of the light source vector LV and the shape of the object 50 are reflected in the parameters of the first to fourth planes. As a result, the shadow reflecting the direction of the light source vector LV and the shape of the object 50 can be expressed with a small processing load.
[0066]
3. Processing of this embodiment
Next, detailed detailed examples of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.
[0067]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the overall processing flow of this embodiment.
[0068]
First, a shadow cutout object having the same shape (or almost the same shape) as the map object is prepared (step S1). That is, a shadow cutout object 20 as shown by E2 in FIG. 3 is prepared.
[0069]
Next, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9, the plane parameters used for extracting the shadow object are set based on the information on the object to be made a shadow and the light source vector (step S2).
[0070]
Next, as shown by E3 to E6 in FIG. 3, a process of cutting the shadow cutout object along the plane in which the parameters are set in step S2 is performed (step S3). Then, it is determined whether or not the cut-out process for all the planes has been completed (step S4), and if not, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, when the process is completed, as shown at E8 in FIG. 3, the shadow object cut out by the plane is placed on the map object so as to overlap (step S5).
[0071]
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flowcharts related to the object cutting processing by a plane.
[0072]
First, the first vertex is extracted from the vertex list (vertex link list) of the object to be cut, and the extracted vertex is set to VA (step T1). That is, the first vertex V0 is extracted from the vertex list shown in FIG. 13A and set to VA.
[0073]
Next, it is determined whether VA (= V0) is on the front or back of the plane (step T2). For example, in FIG. 13B, it is determined that V0 is in the table of the plane 60.
[0074]
The front / back determination is performed based on information on the normal vector NV (plane parameter; parameter parameter of plane equation) which is front / back information associated with the plane 60. That is, when the plane is specified by the method shown in FIG. 9, the plane parameters are obtained so that the normal vector of the plane always faces the inside of the object 50.
[0075]
Next, the next vertex is extracted from the vertex list, and the extracted vertex is set to VB (step T3). That is, the next vertex V1 is extracted from the vertex list shown in FIG. 13A and set to VB.
[0076]
Next, it is determined whether VB (= V1) is on the front or back of the plane (step T4). For example, in FIG. 13B, it is determined that V1 is behind the plane 60.
[0077]
Next, it is determined whether VA is on the front and VB is on the back, or VA is on the back and VB is on the front (step T5). If so, the process proceeds to step T6, so If not, the process proceeds to step T8. For example, in FIG. 13B, since V0 is on the front and V1 is on the back, the process proceeds to step T6.
[0078]
In step T6, the intersection of the line connecting VA and VB and the plane is obtained, and the obtained intersection is set to VC. For example, in FIG. 13B, the intersection point V01 is set to VC. Then, VC (V01) is inserted between VA (V0) and VB (V1) in the vertex list (step T7).
[0079]
Next, VB is set to VA (step T8). That is, V1 that has been set to VB until now is set to VA.
[0080]
Next, it is determined whether or not the processing for all vertices has been completed (step T9). And when not complete | finished, it returns to step T3. That is, in this case, V1 and V2 are set to VA and VB, and the processes in steps T3 to T8 are performed again. When the processing is completed, V2 and V3 are set to VA and VB, and the processing of steps T3 to T8 is performed. Next, V3 and V4 are set to VA and VB, and the processing of steps T3 to T8 is performed. Next, V4 and V0 are set to VA and VB, and the processing of steps T3 to T8 is performed.
[0081]
When it is determined that the processing for all the vertices has been completed, vertices determined to be back (or front) may be deleted from the vertex list (step T10). For example, in FIG. 13B, V1, V2, and V3 are deleted from the vertex list. Further, V01 and V34, which are intersections with the plane, are inserted between the vertex lists V0 and V1 and between V3 and V4, respectively.
[0082]
4). Hardware configuration
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the system 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.
[0083]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like. For example, in a home game system, a DVD, a game cassette, a CDROM, or the like is used as an information storage medium for storing a game program or the like. In the arcade game system, a memory such as a ROM is used. In this case, the information storage medium 1006 is a ROM 1002.
[0084]
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 player in accordance with the progress of the game to the system main body.
[0085]
In accordance with a program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002 (system body initialization information, etc.), a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 controls the entire system 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. A data structure having a logical configuration for realizing the present embodiment is constructed on the RAM or the information storage medium.
[0086]
Furthermore, this type of system 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.
[0087]
The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the image generation system with the outside, and is connected to other image generation systems to send and receive given information according to the game program, It is used to send and receive information such as game programs via a line.
[0088]
Various processes described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13B include an information storage medium 1006 that stores information such as programs and data, a CPU 1000 that operates based on information from the information storage medium 1006, and an image generation IC 1010. Alternatively, it is realized by a sound 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.
[0089]
FIG. 15A 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. The built-in system board (circuit board) 1106 is mounted with a CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like. Information for executing (implementing) the processing (means of the present invention) of this embodiment is stored in a semiconductor memory 1108 that is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.
[0090]
FIG. 15B shows an example in which the present 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 a DVD 1206, a memory card 1208, 1209, or the like, which is an information storage medium detachable from the main system.
[0091]
FIG. 15C shows a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304- connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line (small network such as a LAN or wide area network such as the Internet) 1302. An example in which the present embodiment is applied to an image generation system including n will be described. 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 semiconductor 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.
[0092]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 15C, the processing of the present invention may be distributed between the host device (server) and the terminal. The storage information for realizing 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.
[0093]
The terminal connected to the communication line may be a home game system or an arcade game system. And, when the arcade game system is connected to a communication line, portable information storage that can exchange information with the arcade game system and exchange information with the home game system. It is desirable to use a device (memory card, portable game machine).
[0094]
The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0095]
For example, 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 can be made dependent on another independent claim.
[0096]
In the present invention, a case has been described in which rendering information that differs between the first and second objects is shading information. For real shadow expression, it is particularly desirable that the rendering information is shading information as in the present embodiment, but the rendering information of the present invention is not limited to shading information. For example, various information such as translucent (transparent) information, reflectance information, refractive index information, texture information, color information, luminance information, or surface shape information can be considered as rendering information of the present invention. Thus, by using rendering information other than shading information, it is possible to express a puddle or amoeba that moves on the object.
[0097]
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the object is cut out using an object that simplifies the shape of the object (tank) that should make a shadow, but the object itself that should make a shadow is used, You may make it cut out an object.
[0098]
In the present embodiment, the object is cut out using a plane, but the object may be cut out using a figure other than the plane.
[0099]
Further, the present invention can be applied to various games such as a gun game, a shooting game, a fighting game, a robot battle game, a sports game, a competition game, a role playing game, a music performance game, and a dance game.
[0100]
The present invention also relates to various image generation 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, an image generation system, and a system board for generating game images. Applicable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A to 1E are diagrams for explaining problems of a technique for expressing a shadow by simply arranging a shadow object on a map object.
FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of an image generation system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an object clipping method according to the present embodiment;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are examples of game images generated according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an example of a game image generated according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of cutting out a shadow object based on a light source vector and object shape data.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a method using an object in which the shape of an object to be shaded is simplified.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method of cutting out a shadow object using a plane.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method for specifying a plane based on a light source vector and object shape data;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed example of processing according to the present exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a vertex list, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining an object cutting method.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Map object (first object)
20 Shadow extraction object (second object)
22, 24, 26, 28 plane
30 Shadow object (third object)
40 tanks
42 Shadow
50 objects (fourth object)
52 triangle
LV light source vector (light source information)
100 processor
110 Game calculation part
112 Mobile object calculation unit
114 Object cutout part
116 Object placement part
130 Operation unit
140 Storage unit
142 Object Information Storage Unit
150 Information storage medium
160 Image generator
162 Display section
170 Sound generator
172 sound output unit
174 Communication Department
176 I / F section
180 memory card

Claims (14)

An image generation system for generating an image,
A first object and a second object having the same shape or substantially the same shape as the first object but different in rendering information are prepared, and a third object is cut out from the second object under a given condition Means,
Means for generating an image in which the cut out third object is arranged to overlap the first object;
An image generation system comprising: In claim 1,
The second object is an object for shadow extraction,
An image generation system, wherein the third object to be a shadow is cut out from the second object for shadow extraction based on information on the fourth object and light source information. In claim 2,
The image generation system, wherein the fourth object is a simple object that simplifies the shape of an object to be shaded. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The image generation system, wherein the third object is cut out from the second object using a given plane. In claim 4,
The plane is specified based on the first and second vertices of the fourth object, and the third vertex obtained from one of the first and second vertices and a given vector. An image generation system characterized by the above. In claim 4 or 5,
Two vertices are sequentially extracted from the vertex list of the object to be cut of the plane, and whether the extracted Kth and K + 1 vertices are on the front or back of the plane is the front and back associated with the plane. Determined based on information,
When it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the front and the K + 1th vertex is in the back, or when it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the back and the K + 1 vertex is in the front In addition, the Lth vertex that is the intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertex and the plane is inserted into the vertex list,
Among the vertices of the object to be cut of the plane, the vertices determined to be on either the back or the front of the plane are left in the vertex list and the vertices determined to be on the other side The image generation system is deleted from the vertex list. An image generation system for generating an image,
Two vertices are sequentially extracted from the vertex list of the object to be cut of the plane, and whether the extracted K-th and K + 1-th vertices are on the front or back of the plane is the front-back information associated with the plane. Means for determining based on;
When it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the front and the K + 1th vertex is in the back, or when it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the back and the K + 1 vertex is in the front Means for inserting an Lth vertex, which is an intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertices, with the plane, into the vertex list;
Among the vertices of the object to be cut of the plane, the vertices determined to be in either the back or the front of the plane are left in the vertex list, and the vertices determined to be in the other are Means to remove from the vertex list;
An image generation system comprising: An information storage medium usable by a computer,
A first object and a second object having the same shape or substantially the same shape as the first object but different in rendering information are prepared, and a third object is cut out from the second object under a given condition Means,
Information storage medium, wherein the cut-out third object and to store a program for causing a computer to function as a means for generating an image to be arranged to overlap the said first object. In claim 8,
The second object is an object for shadow extraction,
An information storage medium characterized in that, based on information on a fourth object and light source information, the third object to be a shadow is cut out from the second object for shadow cutting. In claim 9,
The information storage medium characterized in that the fourth object is a simple object that simplifies the shape of an object to be shaded. In any one of Claims 8 thru | or 10.
An information storage medium, wherein the third object is cut out from the second object using a given plane. In claim 11,
The plane is specified based on the first and second vertices of the fourth object, and the third vertex obtained from one of the first and second vertices and a given vector. An information storage medium characterized by the above. In claim 11 or 12,
Two vertices are sequentially extracted from the vertex list of the object to be cut of the plane, and whether the extracted Kth and K + 1 vertices are on the front or back of the plane is the front and back associated with the plane. Determined based on information,
When it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the front and the K + 1th vertex is in the back, or when it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the back and the K + 1 vertex is in the front In addition, the Lth vertex that is the intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertex and the plane is inserted into the vertex list,
Among the vertices of the object to be cut of the plane, the vertices determined to be on either the back or the front of the plane are left in the vertex list and the vertices determined to be on the other side The information storage medium is deleted from the vertex list. An information storage medium usable by a computer,
Two vertices are sequentially extracted from the vertex list of the object to be cut of the plane, and whether the extracted K-th and K + 1-th vertices are on the front or back of the plane is the front-back information associated with the plane. Means for determining based on;
When it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the front and the K + 1th vertex is in the back, or when it is determined that the Kth vertex is in the back and the K + 1 vertex is in the front Means for inserting an Lth vertex, which is an intersection of the line connecting the Kth and (K + 1) th vertices, with the plane, into the vertex list;
Among the vertices of the object to be cut of the plane, the vertices determined to be in either the back or the front of the plane are left in the vertex list, and the vertices determined to be in the other are information storage medium characterized by storing a program for causing a computer to function as a means for deleting from the vertex list.

Images