JP4592087B2 - Image generation system, program, and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium.

  Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image that can be viewed from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character is set is known. It is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality.

  Now, in such a game system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the player's virtual reality. Here, since the effect of light is important for generating a more realistic image, the light source processing corresponding to the image to be expressed is performed to more realistically express the three-dimensional effect and texture of the object. In addition, an image having higher impact can be generated by expressing the reflection of light.

For example, if the object is subjected to Gouraud shading with a light source added, or if more intense light reflection is to be expressed, an image in which a highlight is generated on a part of the object surface is generated.
JP 2003-085578 A

  However, when light reflection is simulated based on the positional relationship between the light source and the object, the calculation addition increases, and it is difficult to process in a game device that requires real-time image generation with limited hardware resources. There was a point.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system, a program, and information capable of expressing light reflection with high impact and high impact with little processing addition. It is to provide a storage medium.

(1) The present invention
An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
Means for calculating a glare parameter used for performing glare expression based on a normal vector of a predetermined surface of a glare setting target object and at least one of a light source vector and a camera vector;
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
Means for generating an image of the object space in which the glare setting target object and the first glare object are viewed from a virtual camera;
It relates to an image generation system characterized by including.

  The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit.

  The glare expression is an effect in which the light is reflected and is dazzling, and displays, for example, images of reflected light of various shapes generated by part of the object reflecting the light.

  Further, the glare setting target object may be an object in which a glare object is arranged and a light reflection effect is performed. For example, a weapon such as a sword may be used.

  Here, the light source vector is a vector representing the direction of the light beam from the light source 0, and is a vector used when creating shadow data, for example. When a parallel light source is used, the vector has a uniform direction regardless of the position of the object.

  The normal vector of the predetermined plane is a normal vector of the predetermined plane of the glare setting target object, which is a normal vector set for this calculation, and may be a vector set as a representative point, for example.

  The camera vector is a vector that connects the coordinates of the virtual camera and the coordinates of the representative point of the glare setting target object.

  For example, the glare parameter may be obtained from the inner product value of the intermediate vector of the camera vector and the light source vector and the normal vector of the fixed surface of the glare setting target object. Further, the glare parameter f (KV, LV, NV) may be obtained by a predetermined function f from the camera vector, the light source vector, and the normal vector of the fixed plane of the glare setting target object.

  The glare trajectory is set in association with the glare setting target object. For example, information for generating a glare trajectory may be provided as model information when modeling a glare setting target object.

  When the glare object 260 is arranged in the object space, the glare object may be arranged with a slight shift in the virtual camera direction from the set point.

  According to the present invention, the glare parameter value can be changed according to changes in the normal vector, the light source vector, and the camera vector, and the set point of the glare object can be moved on the glare trajectory. Reflecting light with impact that moves or changes reflecting the change in the direction of the light beam can be expressed.

  In addition, since it is not necessary to perform complicated simulation calculations such as light reflection, it is possible to express light reflection with high impact and a large amount of change with a small amount of processing.

(2) The present invention
An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An operation for changing a glare parameter value for performing glare expression according to at least one change of a normal vector, a light source vector, a virtual camera position, and a position of the glare setting target object of a predetermined surface of the glare setting target object Means to do,
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
Means for generating an image of the object space in which the glare setting target object and the first glare object are viewed from a virtual camera;
It relates to an image generation system characterized by including.
The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable information storage medium that stores (records) a program that causes a computer to function as each unit.

(3) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Determining at least one of the length and transparency of the first glare object based on the light source vector and the normal vector of the surface of the object to be glare set facing the virtual camera direction;
An image of the glare object is generated using at least one of the determined length and transparency.

  Here, the normal vector facing the virtual camera direction is a normal vector on the side seen from the virtual camera when the glare setting target object is an object having two surfaces such as a sword.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the length and transparency of a glare object according to changes in the position of a light source and the position of a virtual camera position glare setting target object. The shape of the reflected light can be changed by changing the length of the glare object. Further, the intensity of the reflected light can be changed by changing the transparency of the glare object.

(4) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A plurality of feature points are set in the glare setting target object, and the glare trajectory is set based on the feature points.

  Setting a plurality of feature points in the glare setting target object may include, for example, coordinate values of the feature points (coordinate values in the local coordinate system of the glare object) as model information of the glare setting target object. Then, the glare trajectory may be obtained by performing spline interpolation on the feature points.

  For example, width data corresponding to the glare setting target object is set as the model information about the feature point, and the width of the first glare object may be determined based on the width data.

(5) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
In the feature point of the glare setting target object, width data corresponding to the glare setting target object is set,
The width of the first glare object is determined based on the width data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a glare object corresponding to the shape of the glare setting target object by setting width data corresponding to the shape of the glare setting target object as width data in advance in the feature point. it can. Therefore, it is possible to generate a reflection image of light according to the shape of the glare setting target object.

(6) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Based on the normal of the surface facing the virtual camera direction of the camera vector and glare setting target object,
Determine the width adjustment parameter of the first glare object,
An image is generated by adjusting the width of the glare object using the determined width adjustment parameter.

  Here, the normal vector of the surface facing the virtual camera direction is the normal vector on the side seen from the virtual camera when the glare setting target object is an object having two surfaces such as a sword.

  The camera vector is a vector that connects the coordinates of the virtual camera and the coordinates of the representative point of the glare setting target object.

  The width of the glare setting target object seen from the virtual camera varies depending on the arrangement of the glare setting target object and the orientation of the virtual camera.

  According to the present invention, the value of the width adjustment parameter is also changed in accordance with the width of the glare setting target object as viewed from the virtual camera (for example, the change in the width and the change in the parameter are linked, or a predetermined correlation is established. Thus, the size of the glare object can be adjusted according to the width of the glare setting object as viewed from the virtual camera.

  For example, when the width of the glare setting target object viewed from the virtual camera is narrowed, the width of the glare object may be narrowed.

(7) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A billboard object is used as the first glare object.

  The billboard object is an object directly facing the virtual camera, and may be a plate polygon having a normal vector parallel to the viewing direction of the virtual camera.

(8) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A texture storage unit for storing a first glare texture for performing the first glare expression;
The image generation unit
A first glare texture is mapped to the first glare object.

(9) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The width of the glare object is set to be wider than the width of the glare setting target object.

  For example, it can be realized by setting the width data set for each feature point wider than the actual width of the glare setting target object at each feature point.

  In this way, since a picture can be drawn outside the glare target object, for example, a glare effect that shines out of the glare setting target object can be expressed.

(10) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Means for holding information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past,
Further comprising afterimage generation means for generating an afterimage of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past based on the information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past;
The afterimage generating means includes:
The afterimage is rendered with a high transparency (set higher than the previous or past rendering or higher than the current glare object).

  The information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past is, for example, vertex data information, texture coordinates to be mapped (UV coordinate value, ST coordinate value), and the like.

  To set the transparency of the afterimage to be high is to set the transparency to be higher than, for example, the previous or previous drawing or the current glare object.

  As described above, the afterimage of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past based on the information on the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past and the information on the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past. By generating, an afterimage of the moving glare is displayed, so that the glare can be expressed smoothly without glare.

(11) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Means for determining whether a second glare object display event has occurred based on a normal vector and a light source vector of the glare target object;
Determining that a second glare object display event has occurred, and means for arranging a second glare object for performing a second glare expression based on the glare object set point,
Image generation is performed so that the second glare object is displayed for a predetermined period from the second glare object occurrence event.

  The normal vector of the glare target object may be a normal vector facing the virtual camera direction.

  According to the present invention, based on the normal vector and the light source vector of the glare target object, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not an event (second glare object display event) expressing strong light reflection has occurred.

  When such an event occurs, the second glare expression (for example, instantaneous strong light reflection) can be performed in addition to the first glare expression (normal light reflection).

(12) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Based on the glare parameter, the second glare object is arranged to rotate around an axis directly facing the virtual camera.

  According to the present invention, when the glare parameter changes, the second glare object rotates, so that it is possible to produce a more impactful effect on the light reflected on the glare setting target object.

(13) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
Means include fading out the second glare object over time.

  Note that the second glare object may be faded out as time passes. For example, the second glare object is rendered by the semi-transparent composition process, and the value of the α value that is the semi-transparent composition count is changed with time (the second glare object is changed so as to be transparent). You may do it.

(14) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A billboard object is used as the second glare object.

(15) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The texture storage unit
A texture storage unit for storing a second glare texture for performing the second glare expression;
The image generation unit
The second glare texture is mapped to the second glare object.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described.

  In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, a housing, or the like.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM or the like.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), magneto-optical disk (MO), magnetic disk, hard disk, and magnetic tape. Alternatively, it can be realized by a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores (records and stores) a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit).

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, game save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable game device.

  The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or a communication ASIC, It can be realized by a program.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and the communication unit 196. You may do it. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation data and programs from the operation unit 160. Here, as the game process, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result are calculated. There is a process or a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 114, a first glare object setting unit 116, a second glare object setting unit 118, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit. 130 is included. Some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 110 is a variety of objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as characters, trees, cars, columns, walls, buildings, and maps (terrain). The process of setting the placement in the object space is performed. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of an object (such as a car, an airplane, or a character). In other words, an object (moving object) is moved in the object space or an object is moved based on operation data, a program (movement / motion algorithm), or various data (motion data) input by the player through the operation unit 160. Perform processing (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part object) every frame (1/60 second). I do. Here, the frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a process of controlling the virtual camera for generating an image at a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. That is, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line of sight) is performed.

  For example, when an object is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle (direction of the virtual camera) of the virtual camera is controlled so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be rotated at a predetermined rotation angle while being moved along a predetermined movement route. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) and rotation angle of the virtual camera.

  The first glare object setting unit 116 calculates glare parameters used for performing glare expression based on a normal vector of a predetermined plane of the glare setting target object, at least one of a light source vector and a camera vector, Processing for determining a set point of a first glare object for performing one glare expression as any point on a glare trajectory set in association with a glare setting target object based on the glare parameter; The first glare object is placed on or near the glare trajectory based on the above.

  The first glare object setting unit 116 performs glare expression in accordance with at least one change in the normal vector, light source vector, virtual camera position, and glare setting target object position of the predetermined surface of the glare setting target object. You may make it perform the calculation for changing the value of a glare parameter.

  In addition, the first glare object setting unit 116 selects a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter. Based on the set point, the first glare object may be arranged on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point.

  Further, the first glare object setting unit 116 determines at least one of the length and transparency of the first glare object based on the light source vector and the normal vector of the surface of the glare setting target object facing the virtual camera direction. May be performed.

  The first glare object setting unit 116 may perform a process of setting the glare trajectory based on a plurality of feature points set in the glare setting target object.

  Further, width data corresponding to the glare setting target object is set in the feature point of the glare setting target object, and the first glare object setting unit 116 determines the width of the first glare object based on the width data. It is also possible to perform a process for determining.

  The first glare object setting unit 116 determines the width adjustment parameter of the first glare object based on the camera vector and the normal of the surface of the glare setting target object facing the virtual camera direction, and the determined width adjustment You may make it perform the process which adjusts the width | variety of a glare object using a parameter.

  The first glare object setting unit 116 may use a billboard object as the first glare object.

  The second glare object setting unit 118 determines whether or not the second glare object display event has occurred based on the normal vector and the light source vector of the glare target object, and generates the second glare object display event. If it is determined that there is a second glare object for performing a second glare expression based on the glare object set point and a second glare object for a predetermined period from the second glare object occurrence event, A process of controlling to be displayed is performed.

  Further, the second glare object setting unit 118 may perform processing of rotating and arranging the second glare object around the axis facing the virtual camera based on the glare parameter.

  The second glare object setting unit 118 may perform a process of fading out the second glare object as time passes.

  The second glare object setting unit 118 may perform processing using a billboard object as the second glare object.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed, and drawing data ( The position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of the vertexes of the primitive surface are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) after the perspective transformation (after the geometry processing) is converted into image information in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 172 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

  The image generation unit 120 includes a hidden surface removal unit 122, a texture mapping unit 124, and an α synthesis unit 126. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The hidden surface removal unit 122 performs hidden surface removal processing by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method) using a Z buffer 174 (depth buffer) in which a Z value (depth information) is stored.

  The mapping unit 124 performs a process of mapping a texture (texel value) such as the first glare texture and the first glare texture stored in the texture storage unit 176 to the object. Specifically, the texture (surface property such as α value, color brightness, or normal) is read from the texture storage unit 176 using the texture coordinates set (given) to the vertex of the object (primitive surface). . The texture coordinates used for texture reading can be obtained by the texture coordinate calculation unit 116. The texture mapping unit 124 maps a texture that is a two-dimensional image or pattern onto an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels and texels, bilinear interpolation (texel interpolation), and the like are performed.

  The α synthesis unit 126 performs α synthesis processing (α blending, α addition or α subtraction, α multiplication, α power addition, etc.) based on the α value (A value). For example, when α synthesis is α blending, a synthesis process as shown in the following equation is performed.

RQ = (1−α) × R1 + α × R2 (1)
GQ = (1−α) × G1 + α × G2 (2)
BQ = (1−α) × B1 + α × B2 (3)
Taking the case where the synthesis process is addition α blending as an example, the color synthesis unit 126 performs the α synthesis process according to the following equation.

RQ = R1 + α × R2 (4)
GQ = G1 + α × G2 (5)
BQ = B1 + α × B2 (6)
Taking the case where the composition processing is α multiplication as an example, the color composition unit 126 performs the α composition processing according to the following equation.

RQ = α × R1 (7)
GQ = α × G1 (8)
BQ = α × B1 (9)
Taking the case where the synthesis process is addition of α power as an example, the color synthesis unit 126 performs the α synthesis process according to the following equation.

RQ = α × R1 + R2 (7)
GQ = α × G1 + G2 (8)
BQ = α × B1 + B2 (9)
Here, R1, G1, and B1 are R, G, and B components of the color (luminance) of an image (background image) that has already been drawn in the drawing buffer 172, and R2, G2, and B2 are in the drawing buffer 172. The R, G, and B components of the color of the object (primitive) to be drawn. RQ, GQ, and BQ are R, G, and B components of the color of an image obtained by α blending. The α value is information that can be stored in association with each pixel (texel, dot), for example, plus alpha information other than color information. The α value can be used as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the reflection texture includes at least α value information as pixel information, and the image generation unit 120 multiplies the color value Cd of the original image and the α value αs of the reflection texture subjected to reflection mapping for each pixel. Processing Cd × αs is performed to calculate the color value of each pixel.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  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 may be a system having a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. 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 by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

2. Glare Representation Method Using First Glare Object FIG. 2 is an example of an image in which glare expression is performed using the first glare object of the present embodiment.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a glare setting target object (here, a sword), and 220 denotes a glare effect of light reflected on the glare setting target object (here, a sword) 200. Here, the effect shines around the sword along the shape of the sword. In this embodiment, the glare effect 220 is realized by using the first glare object.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining processing for obtaining a glare parameter according to the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a glare parameter used for performing glare expression is calculated based on at least one of a normal vector NV of a predetermined plane of the glare setting target object 200, a light source vector LV, and a camera vector KV.

  Here, the light source vector LV is a vector that represents the direction of light rays from the light source 230, and is a vector used when creating shadow data, for example. When a parallel light source is used, the vector has a uniform direction regardless of the position of the object.

  The normal vector NV of the predetermined plane is a normal vector of the predetermined plane of the glare setting target object 200, which is a normal vector set for this calculation, and may be a vector set to the representative point P, for example. .

  The camera vector KV is a vector that connects the coordinates of the virtual camera 240 and the coordinates of the representative point P of the glare setting target object 200.

  When the glare parameter is set in this manner, the value of the glare parameter can be changed according to changes in the normal vector NV, the light source vector LV, and the camera vector KV.

  For example, the glare parameter may be obtained from the inner product value of the intermediate vector of the camera vector KV and the light source vector LV and the normal vector NV of the fixed plane of the glare setting target object 200. Further, the glare parameter f (KV, LV, NV) may be obtained from the camera vector KV, the light source vector LV, and the normal vector NV of the fixed plane of the glare setting target object 200 by a predetermined function f.

  In addition, the glare parameter value is changed according to at least one change in the normal vector NV, the light source vector LV, the position of the virtual camera 240, and the position of the glare setting target object 200 of the predetermined plane of the glare setting target object 200. The glare parameter may be obtained by performing an operation for the purpose.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining set points of the first glare object on the glare trajectory.

  In the present embodiment, a glare trajectory 250 is set in association with the glare setting target object 200 as shown in FIG.

  Information for generating the glare trajectory 250 when modeling the glare setting target object 200 may be provided as model information. For example, the feature information for generating the glare trajectory 250 is included in the model information of the glare setting target object 200 (coordinate values in the local coordinate system of the glare object), and the glare trajectory is obtained by performing spline interpolation on the feature points. 250 may be obtained.

  Then, a glare object set point is determined at any point on the glare trajectory 250 based on the value of the glare parameter.

  In this way, the position of the glare object set point also changes according to the change of the glare parameter, such as P1, P2, and P3.

  FIG. 4B shows a state in which the first glare object 260 is arranged based on the determined glare object set point P1 on the glare trajectory. When the glare object 260 is arranged in the object space, the glare object 260 may be arranged slightly shifted from the set point P1 in the virtual camera direction.

  FIG. 4C shows a state in which the first glare object 260 is arranged based on the determined glare object set point P2 on the glare trajectory.

  FIG. 4D shows a state in which the first glare object 260 is arranged based on the determined glare object set point P3 on the glare trajectory.

  As described above, the glare object set points P1, P2, and P3 also move on the glare trajectory in accordance with the change in the glare parameter. It is possible to generate an image whose position changes.

  5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining feature points embedded in the glare setting target object.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of feature points K1, K2, K3,... Are set in the glare setting target object 200, and the feature points K1, K2, K3,. The glare trajectory 250 is set based on.

  FIG. 5B is an example of data regarding the feature points K1, K2, K3,... Included in the model information of the glare setting target object 200. As described above, as the model information 300 for the feature points K1, K2, K3,..., For example, the coordinate values 310 (coordinate values in the local coordinate system of the glare object) of the feature points K1, K2, K3,. In addition, the glare trajectory 250 may be obtained by performing spline interpolation on the feature points.

  Further, as model information 300 for K1, K2, K3,..., For example, width data 320 corresponding to the glare setting target object is set, and the width of the first glare object is determined based on the width data. You may do it.

  The width of the glare object may be set wider than the width of the glare target object. For example, the width data w1, w2, w3,... Set for each feature point K1, K2, K3,... Is used as the actual width ow1, ow2, ow3,. This can be realized by setting a wider range.

  In this way, since it is possible to draw a picture outside the glare target object, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the glare effect 220 that shines out of the sword (glare setting target object 200) can be expressed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining generation of the first glare object.

  In the present embodiment, the length l of the glare object 260 in the longitudinal direction and the widths wr and wl of the left and right ends are obtained to determine the shape of the glare object 260.

  For example, the length l and transparency of the first glare object may be determined based on the light source vector and the normal of the surface of the object facing the virtual camera.

  Further, the widths wr and wl of the left and right ends can be obtained according to the distance from the width data of nearby feature points (K1 and K2 for wr, K3 and K4 for wl) to each feature point.

  In this way, for each frame, the length l of the glare object 260 in the longitudinal direction and the widths wr and wl of the left and right ends are obtained, and the shape of the glare object 260 is determined in real time to generate the first glare object. To do.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a case where a billboard object is used as the glare object according to the present embodiment.

  The billboard object 262 is an object facing the virtual camera 240 and may be a plate polygon having a normal vector 264 parallel to the visual line direction 242 of the virtual camera 240.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the glare object set point is P, the billboard object 262 faces the virtual camera 240 at a point P ′ positioned in front of the virtual camera 240 without overlapping the glare object. Arrange as follows.

  When a billboard object is used as the glare object, even if the orientation of the glare setting target object with respect to the visual line direction 242 of the virtual camera changes as indicated by 200 ′ in FIG. The direction of the billboard object is the same as in FIG. 7A and does not change (assuming that the position does not change).

  When a billboard object is used as the glare object, if the line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera 240 changes as indicated by 242 ′ in FIG. 7C (if the position of the glare object set point P does not change). Assuming that) the billboard object orientation 264 ′ also changes to be parallel to the virtual camera viewing direction 242 ′.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the width of the glare object by the width adjustment parameter.

  FIGS. 8A and 9A are diagrams showing the positional relationship among the glare setting target object 200, the virtual camera 240, and the glare object in the XZ plane of the object space. In FIG. 8A, the virtual camera 240 is in a position viewed from the front (here, the wide part of the sword) of the glare setting target object 200 as shown in FIG. 8B.

  In FIG. 9A, the virtual camera 240 is in a position to see the blade of the glare setting target object 200 from above as shown in FIG. 9B.

  Therefore, in the case of FIG. 9B, the width of the glare setting target object when viewed from the virtual camera is narrower than that of FIG. 8B (ow1> ow2).

  In such a case, in the present embodiment, the width of the glare object to be set is adjusted so as to be narrower in the case of FIG. 9B than in the case of FIG. 8B (adjusted so that ow1> ow2). ).

  That is, in the present embodiment, the width adjustment parameter of the first glare object 260 is determined based on the camera vector KV and the normal vector KVN of the surface 206 facing the virtual camera 240 direction of the glare setting target object 200.

  Here, the normal vector NV of the surface 206 facing the direction of the virtual camera 240 is the normal vector on the side seen from the virtual camera when the glare setting target object 200 is an object having two surfaces such as a sword. It is. For example, in the case of FIG. 9A, a normal vector of a surface that can be seen from the camera may be used.

  The camera vector KV is a vector that connects the coordinates of the virtual camera 240 and the coordinates of the representative point of the glare setting target object 200.

  Then, using the determined width adjustment parameter, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 6, by correcting the width value of the glare object determined based on the width data of the feature points, the width of the glare object to be set is set as shown in FIG. 9B can be adjusted to be narrower than (B) (adjusted so that ow1> ow2).

  FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the afterimage display in the present embodiment.

  410 in FIG. 10A is an image of the first glare object generated in the nth frame, and 420 in FIG. 10B is an image of the first glare object generated in the (n + 1) th frame. is there.

  In the present embodiment, information (vertex data and texture coordinates) necessary for generating the first glare object image 410 generated in the nth frame is held, and the first frame generated in the previous frame or in the past is stored. Based on the glare object information, as shown in FIG. 10C, a residual image 410 ′ of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past is generated.

  Here, the transparency of the afterimage 410 'is set high (set higher than the previous or previous image 410 or set higher than the first glare object 420 this time).

  In this way, the information (vertex data and texture coordinates) of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past is held, and the information in the previous frame or in the past is determined based on the information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past. By generating the afterimage of the generated first glare object, the afterimage of the moving glare is displayed, and the glare expression can be performed with smooth glare movement and no sense of incongruity.

  FIG. 11 is an example of the first glare texture mapped to the first glare object of the present embodiment.

  For example, the first glare texture as shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the texture storage unit, and the first glare texture is mapped to the first glare object, thereby following the shape of the sword as shown at 220 in FIG. Then, an effect (first glare expression) image that shines around the sword may be generated.

3. Glare Representation Method Using Second Glare Object FIG. 12 is an example of an image in which glare expression is performed using the first glare object and the second glare object of the present embodiment.

  In the figure, 200 is a glare setting target object (here, a sword), 220 (an effect that shines around the sword along the shape of the sword), and 510 (an effect of light shaped like a star). This is a glare effect of light reflected on the setting target object (here, a sword) 200. In the present embodiment, the glare effects 220 and 510 are realized using the first glare object and the second glare object.

  FIGS. 13 and 14A to 14C are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the second glare object.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, whether or not the second glare object display event has occurred based on the normal vector of the glare target object 200 (normal line facing the virtual camera 230) and the light source vector LV. Judging.

  When it is determined that the second glare object display event has occurred, the glare object set point P (as shown in FIG. 14A) is set as shown in FIG. 14B. ) To place the second glare object 560. Then, an image is generated so that the second glare object is displayed for a predetermined period from the second glare object occurrence event.

  Note that the second glare object 560 may be faded out as time passes. For example, the second glare object is rendered by the semi-transparent composition process, and the value of the α value that is the semi-transparent composition count is changed with time (the second glare object is changed so as to be transparent). You may do it.

  A billboard object may be used as the second glare object. The billboard object is an object directly facing the virtual camera, and may be a plate polygon having a normal vector parallel to the viewing direction of the virtual camera.

  In this way, during the predetermined period after the second glare object occurrence event, both the first glare object and the second glare object are arranged as shown in FIG. 14C, and the glare as shown in FIG. Can express.

  FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining the rotation of the second glare object.

  In the present embodiment, based on the glare parameter, the second glare object 560 may be rotated around an axis 590 that faces the virtual camera.

  In this way, when the glare parameter changes, the second glare object rotates (see 600) as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, so that the light reflected on the glare setting target object has a more impactful effect. It can be carried out.

  FIG. 16 is an example of the second glare texture mapped to the second glare object of the present embodiment.

  For example, the second glare texture as shown in FIG. 16 is stored in the texture storage unit, and the second glare texture is mapped to the second glare object, thereby forming a star-like shape as shown in 510 of FIG. A light effect (second glare expression) image may be generated.

4). Processing of this Embodiment FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for performing glare expression using the first glare object.

  First, a spline rail serving as the trajectory of the first glare object is created from the feature points charged in the glare setting target object (step S10).

  Next, an intermediate vector between the camera vector (camera coordinate and the representative point of the glare setting target object) and the light source vector (vector for creating shadow data), and the normal vector of the fixed plane of the glare setting target object A glare parameter is obtained from the inner product value, and a set point on the trajectory is calculated based on the glare parameter (step S20).

  Next, the length and brightness (translucency) of the first glare object are determined from the inner product value of the normal vector of the surface of the light source vector and the glare setting target object facing the camera direction (step S30).

  The glare object width adjustment parameter is determined from the inner product value of the normal of the surface of the glare setting target object facing the camera direction and the camera vector (step S40).

  Each coordinate point of the glare billboard to be used as the first glare object is determined based on the width data and the width adjustment parameter stored in association with the determined set point and length and the set point (step S50).

  The glare billboard is perspective-transformed to the screen coordinate system, and the first glare texture is mapped (step S60).

  Next, the glare billboard is drawn (step S70).

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for performing glare expression using the second glare object.

  First, it is determined whether or not the second glare object is being displayed (step S110). If the second glare object is not being displayed, the process goes to step S130.

  If it is being displayed, whether or not the second glare occurrence object display event has occurred is determined from the inner product value of the light source vector and the normal of the surface facing the camera direction of the weapon (step S120).

  If it has occurred (step S120), the set point and rotation of the second glare object are determined based on the glare parameter (step S130). Here, as the glare parameter, the one obtained for the first glare object in each frame (the one obtained in step S20 in FIG. 17) can be used.

  Next, the translucency is determined based on the elapsed time from the occurrence of the second glare occurrence object display event (step S140).

  Based on the obtained translucency, a second glare object is drawn (step S140).

Next, if the predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the second glare occurrence object display event, the second glare object is deleted (step S150).
4). Hardware Configuration FIG. 19 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, and the like, and includes game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Execute. The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of compressed image data and sound data, and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture. The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input via the serial interface 940.

  The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950. The RAM 960 is a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The CD drive 980 accesses a CD 982 in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each part of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each part of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, terms (α values / luminance, gradient patterns, polygons, etc.) cited as broad or synonymous terms (texel values, texel value patterns, primitive surfaces, etc.) in the description or drawings are described in the specification or In other descriptions in the drawings, terms can be replaced with terms having a broad meaning or the same meaning.

  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.

  Also, the texture mapping process is not limited to that described in the present embodiment, and a conversion process equivalent to these is also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention is applied 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, a system board for generating a game image, and a portable terminal. it can.

The functional block diagram of the image generation system of this embodiment. An example of the image which carried out the glare expression using the 1st glare object. The figure for demonstrating the process which calculates | requires a glare parameter. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining set points of the first glare object on the glare trajectory. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining feature points embedded in a glare setting target object. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation of a 1st glare object. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating a case where a billboard object is used as a glare object. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the width of the glare object by the width adjustment parameter. FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the width of the glare object by the width adjustment parameter. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining afterimage display. An example of a first glare texture mapped to a first glare object. It is an example of the image which performed the glare expression using the 1st glare object and the 2nd glare object. The figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a 2nd glare object. FIGS. 14A to 14C are diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the second glare object. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining the rotation of the second glare object. An example of a second glare texture mapped to a second glare object. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process for performing the glare expression using a 1st glare object. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the process for performing the glare expression using a 2nd glare object. It is a hardware structural example.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit, 110 object space setting unit, 112 movement / motion processing unit, 114 virtual camera control unit, 116 first glare object setting unit, 118 second glare object setting unit, 120 image generation unit, 122 hidden surface removal Unit, 124 texture mapping unit, 126 α synthesis unit, 130 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 172 drawing buffer, 174 Z buffer, 176 texture storage unit, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output Part, 194 portable information storage device, 196 communication part

Claims (18)

A program for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
Means for calculating a glare parameter used for performing glare expression based on a normal vector of a predetermined surface of a glare setting target object and at least one of a light source vector and a camera vector;
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
A program that causes a computer to function as a means for generating an image of an object space in which a glare setting target object and a first glare object are arranged viewed from a virtual camera. A program for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An operation for changing a glare parameter value for performing glare expression according to at least one change of a normal vector, a light source vector, a virtual camera position, and a position of the glare setting target object of a predetermined surface of the glare setting target object Means to do,
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
A program that causes a computer to function as a means for generating an image of an object space in which a glare setting target object and a first glare object are arranged viewed from a virtual camera. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 2.
Determining at least one of the length and transparency of the first glare object based on the light source vector and the normal vector of the surface of the object to be glare set facing the virtual camera direction;
A program for generating an image of a glare object using at least one of a determined length and transparency. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
A program characterized in that a plurality of feature points are set in the glare setting target object, and the glare trajectory is set based on the feature points. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
In the feature point of the glare setting target object, width data corresponding to the glare setting target object is set,
A program for determining a width of a first glare object based on the width data. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
Based on the normal of the surface facing the virtual camera direction of the camera vector and glare setting target object,
Determine the width adjustment parameter of the first glare object,
A program for generating an image by adjusting a width of a glare object using a determined width adjustment parameter. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
A program using a billboard object as a first glare object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
A texture storage unit for storing a first glare texture for performing the first glare expression;
The image generation unit
A program for mapping a first glare texture to the first glare object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
A program characterized in that the width of the glare object is set to be wider than the width of the object to be glare set. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
Means for holding information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past,
Further comprising afterimage generation means for generating an afterimage of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past based on the information of the first glare object generated in the previous frame or in the past;
The afterimage generating means includes:
A program characterized by rendering with a high transparency of the afterimage. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10.
Means for determining whether a second glare object display event has occurred based on a normal vector and a light source vector of the glare target object;
Determining that a second glare object display event has occurred, and means for arranging a second glare object for performing a second glare expression based on the glare object set point,
A program for generating an image so that a second glare object is displayed for a predetermined period from a second glare object occurrence event. In claim 11,
A program characterized in that, based on the glare parameter, the second glare object is rotated and arranged around an axis facing the virtual camera. In any of claims 11 to 12,
A program comprising means for fading out the second glare object over time. In any of claims 11 to 13,
A program using a billboard object as the second glare object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
The texture storage unit
A texture storage unit for storing a second glare texture for performing the second glare expression;
The image generation unit
A program image generation system, wherein a second glare texture is mapped to the second glare object.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is stored. An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
Means for calculating a glare parameter used for performing glare expression based on a normal vector of a predetermined surface of a glare setting target object and at least one of a light source vector and a camera vector;
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
Means for generating an image of the object space in which the glare setting target object and the first glare object are viewed from a virtual camera;
An image generation system comprising: An image generation system for generating an image visible from a virtual camera in an object space,
An operation for changing a glare parameter value for performing glare expression according to at least one change of a normal vector, a light source vector, a virtual camera position, and a position of the glare setting target object of a predetermined surface of the glare setting target object Means to do,
Means for determining a set point of the first glare object for performing the first glare expression as any point on the glare trajectory set in association with the glare setting target object based on the glare parameter;
Means for placing a first glare object on or near the glare trajectory based on the set point;
Means for generating an image of the object space in which the glare setting target object and the first glare object are viewed from a virtual camera;
An image generation system comprising: