JP4954043B2 - Image generation program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, when a user inputs an address on the WEB at a terminal, such as a WWW (World Wide Web) browser, a file corresponding to the input address is communicated with an external system such as a server. There is a browser system that obtains a page image from a server and displays it on a display unit of a user terminal. As such a browser system, there is a conventional technique disclosed in, for example, JP-T-2002-519950.
Special table 2002-519950 gazette

  In such a browser system, when communicating with a server functioning as a WEB search engine, when a user inputs search information such as a search keyword on the terminal, a search result corresponding to the input search information is acquired from the server, The search result is displayed as a page image. Then, when the user performs an operation of selecting a desired address from the search result, the address corresponding to the selected search result is accessed and the corresponding page image is displayed.

  However, in a conventional browser system, a page image drawn based on a file acquired from an external system is merely displayed as a two-dimensional image in a rectangular display area such as a window. That is, in the conventional browser system, in order to make it easy to see the page image, all the page images are displayed uniformly, and it has not been possible to change how the page image is displayed.

  In addition, the conventional browser system requires input of a character string of an address, and even when a search engine is used, it requires input of a character string of search information, and further displays an image for selecting a search result, and inputs to the image display. Requires reception. Therefore, there is a problem that, for example, the character is moved / moved mainly, and the compatibility with a game system that does not assume the input of a character string is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a first object thereof is to provide an image generation program, an information storage medium, and an image generation system that can change how a page image is displayed. The second object is to move and move a character, etc., and an image generation program, an information storage medium, and an image in which a game system and a browser system that do not assume input of a character string are combined To provide a generation system.

(1) The present invention
An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
A page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address;
The drawing unit
The present invention relates to an image generation system that renders a page image corresponding to the position of the object based on the page configuration information. 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.

  In the present invention, the “search unit” can be realized by an external search system that searches a database built in an external system, such as a server that functions as a WEB search engine. In the present invention, the “search result” may be information including address information such as a WEB site. In the present invention, “page configuration information” refers to text data described in a markup language such as HTML, XML, XHTML, image data referred to in the markup language, or text specified in the markup language. And image arrangement data, hyperlink data to other addresses, and the like.

  In the present invention, the first search information corresponding to the satisfied condition is acquired and the search result is obtained when the given condition is satisfied without relying on the operator's input operation of the search information. In addition to the acquisition, the page configuration information corresponding to the search result is acquired without depending on the selection operation of the search result by the operator. Therefore, according to the present invention, when a given condition is satisfied, a page image corresponding to the satisfied condition is automatically displayed, and the display mode of the page image changes according to the position of the object. Can be given.

(2) In the image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
A movement processing unit that moves the object based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit may be further included.

  In the present invention, the “evaluation result” is rendered based on page configuration information or page configuration information such as the data amount and type of page configuration information, and the color distribution (color arrangement) of image data included in the page configuration information. The evaluation value can be set according to the data characteristics and attributes of the page image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the display mode of a page image according to the characteristics and attributes of the page image by moving the page image and the object image according to the characteristics and attributes of the page image. .

(3) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
An object control unit that controls at least one of the type, shape, size, and color of the object based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit may be further included.

  According to the present invention, the type, shape, size, and color of the object associated with the page image are changed in accordance with the characteristics and attributes of the page image, whereby the page image characteristics and attributes are changed in the page image display mode. Can be changed according to

(4) The present invention also provides:
An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
A page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address;
The drawing unit
The present invention relates to an image generation system that renders a page image corresponding to the position of the object based on the page configuration information. 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.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the display mode of the page image by displaying the page image corresponding to the movement / motion of the object.

(5) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
The movement / motion processing unit
The object may be moved and operated based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the display mode of a page image according to the characteristics and attributes of the page image by moving the page image and the object image according to the characteristics and attributes of the page image. .

(6) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
An object control unit that controls at least one of the type, action, size, and color of the object,
The object control unit
Based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit, at least one of the type, action, size, and color of the object may be controlled.

  According to the present invention, by changing the type, action, size, and color of an object associated with a page image according to the characteristics and attributes of the page image, the page image characteristics and attributes are changed to the page image display mode. Can be changed according to

(7) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
A storage unit for storing second search information for searching a given database;
The search result acquisition unit
Search results corresponding to the first search information and the second search information may be acquired.

  According to the present invention, the second search information can give a certain tendency to the page image displayed in correspondence with the position of the object.

(8) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The drawing unit
A 3D image drawing unit that maps a texture to the object and draws a 3D image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera;
A page image drawing unit for drawing a page image based on the page configuration information,
The page image drawing unit
A process for associating the page image with the texture coordinates,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
You may make it perform the process which maps the said page image matched with the said texture coordinate to the said object as the said texture.

  According to the present invention, a page image can be displayed as a part of a three-dimensional image by mapping the page image to an object as a texture. Therefore, according to the present invention, the page image can be displayed in various modes by changing the display mode of the object to which the page image is mapped as the texture.

(9) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The object space setting unit
Set a specific object that moves with the character object and the character object in the object space,
The drawing unit
A three-dimensional image drawing unit for mapping a texture to the character object and the specific object and drawing a three-dimensional image when the object space is viewed from a virtual camera;
A page image drawing unit for drawing a page image based on the page configuration information,
The page image drawing unit
A process for associating the page image with the texture coordinates,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
You may make it perform the process which maps the said page image matched with the said texture coordinate to the said specific object as the said texture.

  According to the present invention, a page image can be displayed as a part of a three-dimensional image by mapping the page image as a texture to a specific object. Therefore, according to the present invention, the page image can be displayed in various modes by changing the display mode of the character object or the specific object.

(10) In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
In the page image associated with the texture coordinates, a range mapped to the object as the texture may be changed.

  According to the present invention, a texture corresponding to a page image can be scroll-displayed in an object in which the page image is mapped as a texture.

(11) The present invention also provides:
An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
A search result obtaining unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and obtaining a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
The present invention relates to an image generation system that draws a specific image in correspondence with the position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result. 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.

  In the present invention, “specific image information” refers to “search results” in text information described in markup languages such as HTML, XML, and XHTML, in addition to address information such as a WEB site, and in markup languages. Image information that is specified to be displayed as part of a page indicating the search result.

  In the present invention, the first search information corresponding to the satisfied condition is acquired and the search result is obtained when the given condition is satisfied without relying on the operator's input operation of the search information. Acquiring and acquiring specific image information included in the search result without depending on the selection operation of the search result by the operator. Therefore, according to the present invention, when a given condition is satisfied, a specific image corresponding to the satisfied condition is automatically displayed, and the display mode of the specific image changes according to the position of the object. Can be given.

(12) The present invention also provides:
An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
A search result obtaining unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and obtaining a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
The present invention relates to an image generation system that draws a specific image in correspondence with the position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result. 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.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change the display mode of the specific image by displaying the specific image corresponding to the movement / motion of the object.

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below. 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.

1-1. FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a game system to which the image generation system of this embodiment is applied. The game system GS of the present embodiment includes an operation unit CT for a player to input operation information, a main unit PS that generates a game image based on the operation information from the operation unit CT, and a game image generated by the main unit PS. And a monitor MN to be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit CT is provided with a left grip GL that the player holds with the left hand and a right grip GR that the player holds with the right hand. A directional key DK and a left analog stick ASL that can be operated with the thumb of the left hand by a player who holds the left grip GL with the left hand are provided on the left side of the figure. The direction key DK is configured to be able to input a different signal depending on the position where the direction key DK is pressed, and the left analog stick ASL differs depending on the angle and direction in which the left analog stick ASL is tilted. A signal can be input. In addition, a right analog stick ASL that can be operated with the thumb of the right hand, and four buttons BT, are provided at the front right part of the drawing. The right analog stick ASL has the same configuration as the left analog stick ASL, and the four buttons BT are configured so that different signals can be input according to the pressed button.

  The operation unit CT is provided with an L1 button L1 that can be operated by the player with the index finger of the left hand and an L2 button L2 that can be operated with the middle finger on the upper left side in the drawing. An R1 button R1 that can be operated with the index finger of the right hand and an R2 button R2 that can be operated with the middle finger are provided in the section. These L1 buttons L1 to R2 buttons R2 are configured such that different signals can be input depending on the pressed button.

  The main body device PS executes various game operations such as generating game images based on operation information and programs from the operation unit CT. In particular, the main body device PS of the present embodiment generates a three-dimensional image in which a player character or the like moves and moves in the object space in real time in accordance with operation information from the operation unit CT as a game image and displays it on the monitor MN.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which the game system GS of the present embodiment and an external system are connected via a network. The main device PS of this embodiment can be connected to a server SV or another terminal device (another main device PS) via the Internet (an example of a network) IN as a kind of terminal device.

  The main device PS of the present embodiment can communicate with the server SV via the Internet IN, and can upload data to the server SV or download data from the server SV. In particular, the main device PS of the present embodiment has a function as a WEB browser, and can access the server SV and other terminal devices to acquire page configuration information and display a WEB page image on the monitor MN. .

  The server SV functions as a WEB server or functions as a mail server according to installed applications, and provides various services to terminals such as the main device PS. In particular, the server SV1 (an example of a search unit) functioning as a WEB search engine has index information (index) for page configuration information and address information constituting a WEB page (WEB site) stored in another server SV2 or a terminal device. Create a database. When the server SV1 receives search information such as a search keyword from a terminal device such as the main device PS, the server SV1 searches the database, and uses the address of the WEB page including the character string of the search information as a search result to the terminal device such as the main device PS. Send.

  The main device PS of the present embodiment functions as a WEB browser, accesses an address included in the received search result, and causes the monitor MN to display a WEB page image including a character string of the search information. In particular, the main unit PS of the present embodiment maps a WEB page image including a character string of search information to an object as a texture, and displays it on the monitor MN as a part of a game image that is a three-dimensional image.

1-2. Functional Block of Game System FIG. 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the game system (image generation system) of this embodiment. Note that the game system of this embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 3 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation information of a player character (including a moving object, a player object, and a game character), and functions thereof are an analog stick, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, This can be realized by a camera, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a housing.

  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, a VRAM, or the like. In particular, the storage unit 170 of the present embodiment includes a main storage unit 172, a drawing buffer 174, a texture buffer 176, and a page image buffer 178.

  The information storage medium 180 (computer-readable medium) is used for inputting 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), a memory card, or the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) input to the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each unit) and various data.

  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 communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a server or other game system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, etc. Can be realized.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment may be downloaded from a server via a network and stored in the information storage medium 180. The output of the program input to such a 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, and WEB browser processing based on operation information (operation data) from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in 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 a game processing unit 102, a movement / motion processing unit 104, an object space setting unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, a drawing unit 109, a sound generation unit 112, a search information acquisition unit 114, and a search result acquisition unit 116. , A page configuration information acquisition unit 118, a page evaluation unit 122, and an object control unit 124. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The game processing unit 102 is a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing a game, a process for generating a game event, a process for determining a game condition, a process for calculating a game result, or a game Various game processes such as a process of ending the game when the end condition is satisfied are performed.

  The movement / motion processing unit 104 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of a model (player character, AI character, car, train, airplane, or the like). That is, the model is moved in the object space or the object is moved (motion, animation) based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), or the like. ) Process. Specifically, object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part that constitutes the object) are sequentially transmitted every frame (1/60 seconds). Perform the required simulation process. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The object space setting unit 106 includes various objects (polygons, free-form surfaces, subdivision surfaces, etc.) representing display objects such as player characters, AI characters, moving objects, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, columns, walls, and maps (terrain). The object is arranged and set in the three-dimensional object space. 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.

  In addition, the object space setting unit 106 may perform a process of arranging and setting various objects (for example, sprites) defined by the two-dimensional data in the two-dimensional object space. When the object space is a two-dimensional space, the object space setting unit 106 arranges the objects based on the priority order set for each of the plurality of objects. For example, it is possible to perform processing in which objects are arranged in order from the object that the user wants to appear on the back side, and the objects that the user wants to see on the near side are superimposed. Also, if you place an object with a large drawing size below the image and an object with a small drawing size above the image, you can make the object space corresponding to the top of the screen appear to be on the back side. It is possible to make it appear that the corresponding object space is on the troublesome side.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs a virtual camera control process for generating an image that can be viewed from a given (arbitrary) virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space. Specifically, based on operation data, a program (movement algorithm), various data (movement data) input by the player through the operation unit 160, the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle ( Processing for controlling the rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes (processing for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed. Further, the angle of view may be controlled.

  For example, when an object (for example, a player character, a ball, or a car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. The direction). 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 104. The virtual camera may be controlled based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160 regardless of the position of the object. Further, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  The drawing unit 109 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating a game image and outputting the game image to the display unit 190. In the present embodiment, the game image generated by the drawing unit 109 may be a two-dimensional game image or a three-dimensional game image. For example, in the case of generating a two-dimensional game image, the drawing unit 109 draws the first moving object having a lower priority set in order in the drawing buffer 174, and when the objects overlap each other, the priority is set. Draw over a high object.

  When generating a three-dimensional game image, the drawing unit 109 functions as the three-dimensional image drawing unit 110. First, vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, legal data) of each vertex of the object (model) is generated. Object data (model data) including line vectors or α values is input, and vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed based on vertex data included in the input object data (model data). When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary. In the vertex processing, according to the vertex processing program (vertex shader program, first shader program), vertex movement processing, coordinate conversion (world coordinate conversion, camera coordinate conversion), clipping processing, perspective processing, and other geometric processing are performed. On the basis of the processing result, the vertex data given to the vertex group constituting the object is changed (updated or adjusted). Then, rasterization (scan conversion) is performed based on the vertex data after the vertex processing, and the surface of the polygon (primitive) is associated with the pixel. Subsequent to rasterization, pixel processing (shading or fragment processing by a pixel shader) for drawing pixels (fragments forming a display screen) constituting an image is performed. In pixel processing, according to a pixel processing program (pixel shader program, second shader program), various processes such as texture reading (texture mapping), color data setting / change, translucent composition, anti-aliasing, etc. are performed, and an image is processed. The final drawing color of the constituent pixels is determined, and the drawing color of the perspective-transformed object is output (drawn) to the drawing buffer 174 (a buffer capable of storing image information in units of pixels; VRAM, rendering target). That is, in pixel processing, per-pixel processing for setting or changing image information (color, normal, luminance, α value, etc.) in units of pixels is performed. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. Note that when there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image can be generated so that an image seen from each virtual camera can be displayed as a divided image on one screen.

  Note that the vertex processing and pixel processing are realized by hardware that enables polygon (primitive) drawing processing to be programmed by a shader program written in a shading language, so-called programmable shaders (vertex shaders and pixel shaders). Programmable shaders can be programmed with vertex-level processing and pixel-level processing, so that the degree of freedom of drawing processing is high, and expressive power is greatly improved compared to conventional hardware-based fixed drawing processing. Can do.

  The three-dimensional image drawing unit 110 performs geometry processing, texture mapping, hidden surface removal processing, α blending, and the like when drawing an object.

  In the geometry processing, processing such as coordinate conversion, clipping processing, perspective projection conversion, or light source calculation is performed on the object. Then, the object data (positional coordinates of object vertices, texture coordinates, color data (luminance data), normal vector, α value, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective projection conversion) is stored in the storage unit 170. .

  Texture mapping is a process for mapping a texture (texel value) stored in the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170 to an object. Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color (RGB) and α value) is read from the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170 using the texture coordinates set (given) at the vertex of the object. Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image is mapped to an object. In this case, processing for associating pixels with texels, bilinear interpolation or the like is performed as texel interpolation.

  As the hidden surface removal processing, hidden surface removal processing can be performed by a Z buffer method (depth comparison method, Z test) using a Z buffer (depth buffer) to which a Z value (depth information) of a drawing pixel is input. . That is, when a drawing pixel corresponding to the primitive of the object is drawn, the Z value input to the Z buffer is referred to. Then, the Z value of the referenced Z buffer is compared with the Z value at the drawing pixel of the primitive, and the Z value at the drawing pixel is a Z value (for example, a small Z value) on the near side when viewed from the virtual camera. In some cases, the drawing process of the drawing pixel is performed and the Z value of the Z buffer is updated to a new Z value.

  α blending (α synthesis) is a translucent synthesis process (usually α blending, addition α blending, subtraction α blending, or the like) based on an α value (A value).

  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 output as mask information, translucency (equivalent to transparency and opacity), bump information, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 112 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.

  As described above, the game system according to the present embodiment generates a three-dimensional image in which a character object or the like moves in the object space in real time in accordance with operation information from the operation unit 160 as a game image and causes the display unit 190 to display the game image. The game system of this embodiment has a function as a browser such as a WEB page, and can access a server or another terminal device to display a WEB page image or the like on the display unit 190. The browser function will be described in detail below.

  The search information acquisition unit 114 acquires first search information that is a keyword for searching a given database. Specifically, in the present embodiment, first search information corresponding to each object is stored in the storage unit 170 for various objects set in the object space. Then, the search information acquisition unit 114 acquires the first search information associated with the object when a given condition is satisfied for the object.

  In the present embodiment, the first search information corresponding to each condition is stored in the storage unit 170 for various conditions set in association with the game. Then, when a given condition set in association with the game is satisfied, the search information acquisition unit 114 acquires first search information associated with the satisfied condition.

  The search information acquisition unit 114 may acquire the first search information based on the input from the operation unit 160. In this case, in this embodiment, a keyboard image in which characters are arranged is displayed on the display unit 190, and selection and determination of input characters are accepted in response to an operation on the direction key DK, the button BT, or the like shown in FIG. One search information may be acquired.

  The search information acquisition unit 114 may acquire one character string as the first search information for one object or condition, or may acquire a plurality of character strings.

  The search result acquisition unit 116 accesses the search unit 200 that searches a given database, and acquires a search result corresponding to the first search information. In the present embodiment, when the search information acquisition unit 114 acquires the first search information, the search result acquisition unit 116 accesses the search unit 200 via the network and transmits the first search information. A database search request using search information is transmitted. Then, the search unit 200 searches the database based on the received first search information, transmits the search result corresponding to the first search information to the game system that is the transmission source of the search request, and the search result acquisition unit 116. Get this.

  Here, in the present embodiment, as the search unit 200, a server connected to the game system of the present embodiment via a network such as WEB, WAN, or LAN and functioning as a search engine can be used. In the search unit 200, a public page such as a WEB page stored in another server or terminal and published to the network is described in a markup language such as HTML, XML, XHTML using a program such as a crawler. Text data, image data referenced in a markup language, layout data of text and images on a public page that is finally displayed on the display unit 190, hyperlink data to addresses of other public pages, etc. In addition, various page configuration information and address information for configuring the public page that is finally displayed on the display unit 190 are collected, and index information (index) is created to create a database. Then, the search unit 200 refers to the index information of the database based on the input first search information, thereby obtaining the first search information such as the address information of the public page including the character string of the first search information. Corresponding search results are extracted and provided to a terminal such as the game system of this embodiment.

  Accordingly, the search result acquisition unit 116 can acquire address information such as a public page including the character string of the first search information as a search result corresponding to the first search information.

  In the present embodiment, the second search information for searching a given database is stored in the storage unit 170. In the present embodiment, the second search information can be a character string indicating the world view or atmosphere to be provided to the player through the game of the present embodiment. For example, characters such as “fun”, “freely”, etc. Can be a column. When the search information acquisition unit 114 acquires the first search information, the search result acquisition unit 116 transmits the first search information and the second search information to the search unit 200, and the first search information and A database search request using the second search information is transmitted, and search results corresponding to the first search information and the second search information are acquired. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to acquire a search result including address information of a WEB page related to the world view and atmosphere to be provided to the player through the game.

  The page configuration information acquisition unit 118 accesses address information corresponding to the search result, and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address information. Here, the page configuration information includes various types of information for configuring a public page that is finally displayed on the display unit 190, such as text data described in a markup language such as HTML, XML, and XHTML, This includes image data referred to in a markup language, text and image arrangement data on a public page that is finally displayed on the display unit 190, hyperlink data to addresses of other public pages, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, when the search result acquisition unit 116 acquires a search result, the page configuration information acquisition unit 118 automatically selects arbitrary address information from among a plurality of address information included in the search result (based on the operation of the operator). Select). In the present embodiment, the page configuration information acquisition unit 118 obtains a plurality of address information randomly or based on a given algorithm regardless of the priority order of each address information in the plurality of address information provided by the search unit 200. select. Based on the selected address information, the file of the WEB server or another terminal is accessed via the network, and the page configuration information stored in the file is acquired.

  Then, the drawing unit 109 functions as the page image drawing unit 120 and draws a page image based on the acquired page configuration information. Specifically, the page image drawing unit 120 draws an image in which text, an image, and a hyperlink are arranged in a page image buffer 178 of the storage unit 170 within a range specified by the page configuration information as a page image. The page image drawn in the page image buffer 178 is for display on the display unit 190 in a window format.

  When the drawing unit 109 functions as the three-dimensional image drawing unit 110 to draw a three-dimensional game image, the page image drawing unit 120 performs processing for associating the page image with the texture coordinates. Specifically, the page image drawing unit 120 copies part or all of the page image drawn in the page image buffer 178, and applies texture coordinates (UV coordinates) to each pixel constituting the copy of part or all of the page image. A copy of a part or all of the page image is stored in the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170 as a page image texture while associating (an example of two-dimensional coordinates).

  Note that the page image drawing unit 120 draws the page image directly in the texture buffer 176 based on the page configuration information, thereby associating the page image with the texture coordinates to each pixel constituting the page image. May be stored in the texture buffer 176.

  In this embodiment, the three-dimensional image drawing unit 110 performs a process of mapping a page image associated with texture coordinates to an object as a texture. Specifically, when drawing an object in which a page image is mapped as a texture, the 3D image drawing unit 110 reads the corresponding page image texture from the texture buffer 176, and sets the texture coordinates set in advance at the vertex of the object. The object to which the page image texture is mapped is drawn by associating the pixel corresponding to the object with the texel of the page image texture. In addition, you may make it map a page image as a texture to a character object.

  On the other hand, when the drawing unit 109 draws a two-dimensional game image, the drawing unit 109 copies a part or all of the page image drawn in the page image buffer 178 to the position of a specific object in the drawing buffer 174. Draw corresponding to. The page image drawing unit 120 may draw the page image directly in the drawing buffer 174 based on the page configuration information.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the drawing unit 109 draws an image of an object set in the object space and generates a page configuration in any case of generating a two-dimensional game image or a three-dimensional game image. Based on the information, the page image is drawn in correspondence with the position of the object.

  The page evaluation unit 122 evaluates the page image based on the page configuration information acquired by the page configuration information acquisition unit 118, based on the page image drawn based on the page configuration information, or based on the page image texture. To do. Specifically, the page evaluation unit 122 determines the data amount and data type of the page configuration information, the color distribution (color arrangement) of the image data included in the page configuration information, the data amount and color distribution of the page image or page image texture. To give an evaluation result.

  The object control unit 124 controls the type, shape, size, and color of an object to which the page image is mapped as a texture, and controls the type, action, size, and color of the character object. Specifically, the object control unit 124 performs a process of selecting an object or character object set in the object space from a plurality of types of objects or character objects, deforms the object or character object set in the object space, A process of changing the color or changing the texture mapped to the object is performed. Further, as control of the action of the character object, processing for changing the motion data used for the character object from a plurality of motion data, or changing the display or voice indicating the dialogue of the character object is performed. Then, the object control unit 124 performs these processes based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit 122.

  In this embodiment, the movement / motion processing unit 108 moves an object on which a page image is mapped as a texture based on the evaluation result of the page evaluation unit 122. In this embodiment, the movement / motion processing unit 108 moves / moves the character object in association with an object to which the page image is mapped as a texture. For example, the position, rotation angle, and the like of the object and the character object to which the page image is mapped as the texture are controlled so that the character object moves while holding the object to which the page image is mapped as the texture. In this case, an object in which the page image is mapped as a texture may be configured as a part of the character object.

1-3. Method of the present embodiment The game system GS of the present embodiment employs a method of mapping a WEB page image corresponding to search information to an object as a texture and displaying it on the monitor MN as a part of a game image that is a three-dimensional image. . Hereinafter, an example of the method of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

1-3-1. Acquisition of Page Configuration Information In the game system GS of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a player character is moved and operated in real time in the object space in accordance with operation information from the operation unit CT, and is set in the object space. A game that generates various events, such as causing an AI character or various objects to encounter or shopping, is executed.

  In this embodiment, a character string corresponding to each object is stored in association with various objects set in the object space as first search information. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), an apple-shaped object is associated with the character string “apple” as the first search information, and an object having a car shape is The character string “car” is associated as the first search information. In this embodiment, when the player character eats an apple-shaped object, a character string such as “apple” is acquired as the first search information, and when the character comes into contact with a car-shaped object, “car "Is acquired as the first search information.

  In the present embodiment, a character string corresponding to each condition is stored in association with the various conditions set in association with the game as first search information. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, a character string such as “night” is associated as the first search information with the condition that the time progress during the game is night, and the player character A character string such as “Swimming” is associated as first search information with the condition of swimming. In this embodiment, when the time progress in the game is night, the character string “night” is acquired as the first search information, and when the player character swims, the character string “swimming” is acquired as the first search information. To do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the search character is not acquired by causing the user to input the character string of the search information, such as a WEB browser installed in a personal computer or the like. The first search information is acquired when triggered by an operation for performing movement / motion or when a condition is satisfied when the player advances the game.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of information transmitted and received between the game system GS and the server SV after the game system GS of the present embodiment acquires the first search information. The game system GS according to the present embodiment, in response to the acquisition of the first search information, tries to provide it to the player through the game according to the present embodiment in addition to the first search information as shown in A1 of FIG. 2nd search information predetermined as a character string indicating the world view and atmosphere to be transmitted is transmitted to the server SV1 functioning as a search engine via the Internet IN. In the present embodiment, a character string obtained by adding an expression for requesting a database search to the address information of the search engine and an expression for connecting the character string of the first search information and the second search information with an AND condition, Transmit according to the TCP / IP protocol group.

  Then, the server SV1 includes the character string of the first search information and the character string of the second search information by referring to the index information of the database based on the first search information and the second search information. Search the WEB page. When the server SV1 extracts 10 WEB pages in the priority order according to the algorithm of the search engine, as shown in A2 of FIG. 5, the address information 1 to 10 of each WEB page for 10 WEB pages Then, HTML-format text data arranged in correspondence with some text information 1 to 10 included in the WEB page is created as search configuration page configuration information RS, and transmitted to the game system GS of the present embodiment. .

  Then, the game system GS does not display the page image of the search result based on the page configuration information RS of the search result like the WEB browser installed on the personal computer or the like, but displays the page configuration information RS of the search result. A plurality of pieces of address information are extracted from the included address information 1 to 10 randomly or based on a given algorithm. Then, as shown at A3 in FIG. 5, based on the extracted plurality of address information, the WEB server corresponding to the plurality of address information and the files of other terminals are accessed via the Internet IN. In the example of A3 in FIG. 5, address information 1, 5, 6, and 8 are extracted from the address information 1 to 10 included in the page configuration information RS of the search result acquired in A2 of FIG. The server SV2 corresponding to 1, 5, 6, 8 is accessed.

  Then, the server SV2 corresponding to the address information 1, 5, 6, 8 transmits the page configuration information ST stored in the file corresponding to each address information to the game system GS of the present embodiment. Then, the game system GS of the present embodiment includes HTML text data TD1, 5, 6, 8 corresponding to the address information 1, 5, 6, 8 and each text data TD, as indicated by A4 in FIG. Referenced image data PD1, 5, 6, and 8 are acquired as page configuration information ST1, 5, 6, and 8.

  Thus, the game system GS of the present embodiment is triggered by an operation for moving / moving the player character with respect to the operation unit CT or when a condition is satisfied by the player progressing the game. The page configuration information ST constituting the page can be automatically acquired. That is, in the game system GS of the present embodiment, page configuration information that configures a WEB page while playing a game while using the operation unit CT as shown in FIG. 1 that does not have the number of operators corresponding to a character string like a keyboard. ST can be acquired.

1-3-2. Association of Texture Coordinates FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a technique for drawing a WEB page image in the game system GS of the present embodiment. In the game system GS of the present embodiment, the page image buffer 178 of the storage unit 170 is based on the page configuration information ST1, 5, 6, 8 corresponding to the address information 1, 5, 6, 8 acquired as described above. WEB page images PP1, 5, 6, and 8 corresponding to the address information 1, 5, 6, and 8 are drawn. The WEB page images PP1, 5, 6, and 8 drawn in the page image buffer 178 are for display in the window format on the monitor MN. The page range information ST1, 5, 6, and 8 , Text, image, hyperlink placement position, etc. are specified.

  In this embodiment, the WEB page images PP1, 5, 6, and 8 drawn in the page image buffer 178 are not displayed in the window format on the monitor MN, and UV coordinates are used as texture coordinates for each pixel constituting these copy images. , The copy image is stored in the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170 as page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8. Thus, in the present embodiment, page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8 are generated based on the WEB page images PP1, 5, 6, and 8.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining details when the page image texture TX is generated based on the WEB page image PP. In a general WEB browser, a large amount of information can be posted on one WEB page image PP by performing scroll display in which the range of the WEB page image PP displayed on the monitor MN is moved in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the WEB page image PP is often vertically long. Here, if the page image texture TX corresponding to the entire range of the vertically long WEB page image PP is generated, the page image texture TX becomes a very small image when mapped to an object, and the page image texture TX to the WEB The contents of the page cannot be determined.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, among the vertically long WEB page images PP shown in FIG. 7, the WEB page image PP in the range of one screen including the upper end, which is the range to be displayed on the monitor MN, is copied first. A process of associating texture coordinates (UV coordinates) with the upper left corner of the pixel as (0, 0) is performed. Thus, in the present embodiment, the page image texture TX shown in FIG. 7 is generated based on the WEB page image PP in the range of one screen. Thus, in the present embodiment, the page image texture TX can be generated so that the contents of the WEB page can be determined from the page image texture TX when mapped to an object.

1-3-3. Page Image Evaluation and Object Control In this embodiment, the page image texture TX generated as described above is mapped to the plate-like object BO possessed by the AI character AI that acts regardless of the operation of the player on the operation unit CT. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of types of AI characters AI and plate-like objects BO are prepared, and different action pattern data are prepared for each AI character AI. Then, texture coordinates (UV coordinates) for mapping the page image texture TX are associated with the vertices of the polygons constituting each plate-like object BO, with the upper left corner of each plate-like object BO being (0, 0). ing.

  In this embodiment, any one of the plate-like objects BO (AI character AI) is associated with each page image texture TX of the page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8 generated as shown in FIG. 6 as a mapping destination. In the present embodiment, each page image texture TX is associated with a page image PP that is the original image, its address information, one of the AI characters AI, and one of the plate-like objects BO. The AI character AI and the plate-like object BO may be associated in advance as one model.

  Here, in this embodiment, the data amount and the color distribution of each of the page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8 are analyzed using a predetermined algorithm, and an evaluation result is given to each. For example, when the amount of data is larger than a predetermined value, evaluation A is performed. When the ratio of image data is large, evaluation B is performed. When the ratio of text data is large, evaluation C is performed. In some cases, rating D is given. Here, when a plurality of evaluation criteria are satisfied, one of the evaluation results may be given according to the priority order of each evaluation criteria, or another new evaluation result may be given.

  In this embodiment, based on the evaluation result, the AI object AI having the plate-like object BO and the plate-like object BO to which each page image texture TX is mapped is selected. For example, the page image texture TX given with the evaluation A given when the data amount is larger than a predetermined value has an action pattern that moves slowly while holding the plate-like object BO1 as shown in FIG. An AI character AI1 controlled by data 1 is associated.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of AI characters AI are arranged in the object space, and the page image texture TX associated with each AI character AI is mapped to the plate-like object BO included in each AI character AI. As shown, a three-dimensional image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera is drawn. Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when the player character PC eats an apple object AP having an apple shape, a WEB page image related to “apple” is mapped as a page image texture TX. An image in which an AI character AI having BO moves and operates with an action pattern corresponding to each AI character AI can be displayed on the monitor MN.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the action pattern data of each AI character AI can take various forms, and each AI character AI approaches the player character PC so as to appeal each WEB page image according to the evaluation result. Or the operation of raising and lowering the plate-like object BO can be performed. Here, in the present embodiment, the AI character AI need not be acted so that the player can easily view the page image texture TX mapped to the plate-like object BO. For example, like the AI character AI2 shown in FIG. 9, the surface on which the page image texture TX is mapped may be directed in a direction different from the direction of the virtual camera.

1-3-4. WEB page image window display In this embodiment, when there is a WEB page in which the player is interested by looking at the page image texture TX, the player character PC is moved by operating the operation unit CT, and the WEB in which the player is interested is displayed. A page is brought into contact with a plate-like object BO (AI character AI) mapped as a texture. In this embodiment, the WEB page image PP corresponding to the page image texture TX mapped to the contacted plate-like object BO is read from the page image buffer 178, and the WEB page image PP is displayed on the monitor MN as shown in FIG. Are displayed in a rectangular window area WD.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, an arrow-shaped pointer PT is displayed in the window area WD as shown in FIG. 10, as in the case of a WEB browser installed in a personal computer or the like. The pointer PT can be moved by the player operating the analog stick AS or the like of the operation unit CT, and the pointer PT is aligned with a position where a text or image with a hyperlink is displayed on the WEB page image PP. By pressing the button BT of the operation unit CT, the link destination data can be displayed in the window area WD. Further, the window area WD can be enlarged, reduced, deformed and moved by operating the operation unit CT, and a plurality of window areas WD can be displayed in an overlapping manner. A three-dimensional image including the player character PC and the like is displayed on the background of the window area WD. In this embodiment, the player character PC is moved while the window area WD is displayed on the monitor MN. Is not accepted, and the movement / movement of the AI character AI and the time progress during the game are also stopped.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the game system GS having the operation unit CT as shown in FIG. 1, a game for moving / moving the player character PC in the object space is executed, and the game operation using the operation unit CT for the player is performed. , The web page image desired by the player can be displayed on the monitor MN while being related to the progress of the game. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to fuse a game system and a browser system that do not assume the input of a character string without a sense of incongruity, centering on moving / moving the character.

1-4. Process Flow of the Present Embodiment Next, an example of a process for realizing the control method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the game system GS of the present embodiment first monitors whether or not a given condition such as a player character touching an object associated with the first search information is satisfied. When a given condition is satisfied (Y in step S10), first search information associated with the object is acquired (step S12). Then, the first search information and the second search information are transmitted to a server functioning as a search engine (step S13), and the page configuration information of the search result is acquired (step S14).

  Then, a plurality of address information is extracted from the page configuration information of the search result (step S16), and a file corresponding to the extracted plurality of address information is accessed (step S18). Then, the page configuration information stored in each file is acquired from the plurality of accessed files (step S20), and each WEB page image is drawn based on each page configuration information (step S22).

  Then, for each WEB page image, a WEB page image for a range of one screen is copied, and texture coordinates are associated with each pixel of the copy to generate a page image texture (step S24). Then, the page image texture is evaluated (step S26), and an AI character associated with each page image texture is selected based on the evaluation result (step S28).

  Then, the AI character is arranged in the object space (step S30), the page image texture is mapped to the plate-like object possessed by the AI character (step S32), and a three-dimensional image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera is drawn (step S32). S34). Then, it is monitored whether or not the player character has touched the AI character. If the player character has touched (Y in step S36), a WEB page image corresponding to the touched AI character is displayed in a window (step S38).

1-5. Hardware Configuration FIG. 12 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the DVD 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, texture 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 DVD drive 980 accesses a DVD 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) of the present 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.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, only the characteristic features of the second embodiment will be described below.

2-1. Configuration of the present embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the page configuration information acquisition unit 118 accesses the address corresponding to the search result from the search unit 200, acquires the page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address, The page image drawing unit 120 has been described with an example in which the page image is drawn based on the page configuration information and the process of associating the page image with the texture coordinates has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the specific image drawing unit performs the search. The specific image is drawn based on the specific image information included in the search result from the unit 200, the specific image and the texture coordinate are associated with each other, and the three-dimensional image drawing unit 110 performs the identification in which the texture coordinate is associated. A process of mapping an image to an object as a texture is performed.

  Specifically, the data stored in the database in the search unit 200 described above is described in a markup language such as HTML, XML, or XHTML in addition to the address information such as the WEB page described in the first embodiment. Text data, image data referenced in a markup language, text and image arrangement data on a public page that is finally displayed on the display unit 190, hyperlink data to addresses of other public pages, etc. Various page configuration information for configuring the WEB page finally displayed on the display unit 190 can be included.

  Therefore, in addition to the address information corresponding to the first search information, the search unit 200 performs various types of page configuration information such as text data and image data of the WEB page corresponding to the address information as a search result. Can be provided to a terminal such as a main device PS in the form. Particularly, as shown by A2 in FIG. 5, the search unit 200 includes not only text data such as address information 1 to 10 and text information 1 to 10 but also A2 in FIG. 13 in the page configuration information RS of the search result. In this way, it is possible to include specific image information SP1 to SP10 designated to be displayed in correspondence with the address information 1 to 10 in the page image of the search result. The specific image information SP1 to SP10 can be representative product image information arranged on a WEB page for selling products, for example.

  In the game system GS of this embodiment, the search result acquisition unit 116 acquires the search result corresponding to the first search information including the specific image information SP, and extracts the specific image information SP from the search result. In the present embodiment, a plurality of specific image information is extracted from the specific image information SP1 to SP10 included in the page configuration information RS as a search result, randomly or based on a given algorithm. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the specific image rendering unit associates texture coordinates with each pixel constituting the specific image information SP and sets the specific image as the specific image texture ST, and the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170. To store. In the example of FIG. 14, the specific image information SP1, 5, 6, 8 corresponding to the address information 1, 5, 6, 8 is extracted from the specific image information SP1 to 10 acquired in A2 of FIG. Yes.

  As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in A3 and A4 in FIG. 5, the page configuration information ST corresponding to the address information included in the search result is acquired, and as shown in FIG. Instead of generating the page image texture TX based on it, as shown in A2 of FIG. 13, when the special image information SP1-10 included in the search result is acquired, the special image information SP1, 5 is obtained as shown in FIG. , 6, and 8 generate special image textures ST1, 5, 6, and 8.

2-2. Process Flow of the Present Embodiment Next, an example of a process for realizing the control method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the game system GS of the present embodiment first monitors whether or not a given condition such as a player character touching an object associated with the first search information is satisfied. When the given condition is satisfied (Y in step S50), the first search information associated with the object is acquired (step S52). Then, the first search information and the second search information are transmitted to the server SV functioning as a search engine (step S53), and the page configuration information of the search result is acquired (step S54).

  Then, a plurality of specific image information and address information are extracted from the page configuration information of the search result (step S56), and texture coordinates are associated with each pixel of each specific image information to generate a specific image texture (step S58). . Then, the specific image texture is evaluated (step S60), and the AI character associated with each specific image texture is selected based on the evaluation result (step S62).

  Then, an AI character is arranged in the object space (step S64), a specific image texture is mapped to the plate-like object possessed by the AI character (step S66), and a three-dimensional image obtained by viewing the object space from the virtual camera is drawn (step S66). S68). Then, it is monitored whether or not the player character has touched the AI character. If the player character has touched (Y in step S70), the file corresponding to the address information of the specific image texture associated with the touched AI character is accessed. (Step S72). Then, the page configuration information is acquired from the accessed file (step S74), and the WEB page image on which the specific image is posted is drawn based on the page configuration information (step S76). In this way, in this embodiment, the WEB page image corresponding to the touched AI character is displayed in the window (step S78).

3. Modification The method described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and even when an equivalent method that achieves the same effect as the method of the above embodiment is employed, it can be included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The first embodiment, the second embodiment, and various methods described later as modified examples can be appropriately combined as a method for realizing the present invention.

  For example, the method for generating a two-dimensional game image, the method for evaluating a page image, the method for controlling an AI object, the method for displaying a WEB page image in a window, etc. described in the first embodiment are the second ones. The embodiments can also be adopted as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 6, the copy images of the WEB page images PP1, 5, 6, and 8 drawn in the page image buffer 178 are used as page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8, respectively. Although an example of storing in the texture buffer 176 of the storage unit 170 has been described, as shown in FIG. 16, texture coordinates are assigned to each pixel (texel) directly based on the page configuration information ST 1, 5, 6, 8. The page image textures TX1, 5, 6, and 8 may be generated by drawing the page image in the texture buffer 176 while associating with each other.

  In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 7, an example of generating the page image texture TX corresponding to the WEB page image PP in the range of one screen has been described, but as shown in FIG. Alternatively, a page image texture TX corresponding to a range wider than one screen or the entire range of the WEB page image PP may be generated, and the range MA to be mapped to the object may be changed in the page image texture TX. . Thereby, the page image texture TX can be scroll-displayed on the plate-like object OB possessed by the AI character. In this case, the page image drawing unit 120 generates a page image texture TX corresponding to the entire range of the vertically long WEB page image PP, and the three-dimensional image drawing unit 110 forms each of the vertically long page image texture TX. The texture coordinates associated with the texel may be translated in the vertical direction based on an input from the operation unit CT or by a predetermined algorithm.

  In the first embodiment described above, the page image texture TX is evaluated after the page image texture TX is generated, and the mapping destination plate-like object BO (AI character AI) is associated with the evaluation result. However, before generating the page image texture TX, the page configuration information ST and the page image information PP are evaluated, and the mapping destination plate-like object BO (AI character AI) is associated with the evaluation result. It may be. In this case, by determining the mapping destination plate-like object BO and generating the page image texture TX, each pixel of the page image PP is matched with the texture coordinates set in the mapping destination plate-like object BO. Each page image texture TX may be generated by associating texture coordinates. Therefore, in this case, the shape and size of each plate-like object BO can be made different, and the range of texture coordinates associated with the vertex of each plate-like object BO can be made different.

  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 mobile phone. it can.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the network of 1st Embodiment. The functional block diagram of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data table of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information transmitted / received in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image drawn in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image drawn in the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information matched by 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image drawn in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image drawn in the first embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information transmitted / received in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image drawn by 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart figure which shows an example of the flow of a process of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the image drawn by embodiment of a modification. The figure which shows an example of the image drawn by embodiment of a modification.

Explanation of symbols

GS game system, CT operation unit, PS main unit, MN monitor,
GL left grip, GR right grip, DK direction key,
ASL left analog stick, ASL right analog stick, BT button,
L1 L1 button, L2 L2 button, R1 R1 button, R2 R2 button,
IN Internet, SV server, RS search result page configuration information,
ST page configuration information, PP WEB page image, TX page image texture,
PC player character, AI AI character, BO plate-like object,
WD window area, PT pointer, SP specific image information,
ST Specific image texture

Claims (17)

An image generation program,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The computer functions as a page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address.
The drawing unit
An image generation program for rendering a page image corresponding to the position of the object based on the page configuration information. In claim 1,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
An image generation program that causes a computer to further function as a movement processing unit that moves the object based on an evaluation result of the page evaluation unit. In any one of Claims 1, 2.
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
An image generation program that causes a computer to further function as an object control unit that controls at least one of the type, shape, size, and color of the object based on an evaluation result of the page evaluation unit. An image generation program,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The computer functions as a page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address.
The drawing unit
An image generation program for rendering a page image corresponding to the position of the object based on the page configuration information. In claim 4,
Further functioning a computer as a page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image,
The movement / motion processing unit
An image generation program that moves and operates the object based on an evaluation result of the page evaluation unit. In any one of Claims 4 and 5,
A page evaluation unit for evaluating the page image;
Further causing the computer to function as an object control unit that controls at least one of the type, action, size, and color of the object,
The object control unit
An image generation program that controls at least one of a type, an action, a size, and a color of the object based on an evaluation result of the page evaluation unit. In any one of Claims 1-6,
Further causing the computer to function as a storage unit for storing second search information for searching a given database;
The search result acquisition unit
An image generation program that acquires search results corresponding to the first search information and the second search information. In any one of Claims 1-7,
The drawing unit is
A 3D image drawing unit that maps a texture to the object and draws a 3D image of the object space viewed from a virtual camera;
Function as a page image drawing unit for drawing a page image based on the page configuration information;
The page image drawing unit
A process for associating the page image with the texture coordinates,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
An image generation program that performs a process of mapping the page image associated with the texture coordinates to the object as the texture. In any one of Claims 1-7,
The object space setting unit
Set a specific object that moves with the character object and the character object in the object space,
The drawing unit is
A three-dimensional image drawing unit for mapping a texture to the character object and the specific object and drawing a three-dimensional image when the object space is viewed from a virtual camera;
Function as a page image drawing unit for drawing a page image based on the page configuration information;
The page image drawing unit
A process for associating the page image with the texture coordinates,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
An image generation program that performs processing of mapping the page image associated with the texture coordinates as the texture to the specific object. In any one of Claims 8 and 9,
The three-dimensional image drawing unit
An image generation program that changes a range that is mapped to the object as the texture in the page image associated with the texture coordinates. An image generation program,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
Accessing a search unit for searching a given database, causing the computer to function as a search result acquisition unit for acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
An image generation program for rendering a specific image corresponding to the position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result. An image generation program,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
Accessing a search unit for searching a given database, causing the computer to function as a search result acquisition unit for acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
An image generation program for rendering a specific image corresponding to the position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is stored. An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
A page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address;
The drawing unit
An image generation system, wherein a page image is rendered in correspondence with the position of the object based on the page configuration information. An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
A search result acquiring unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and acquiring a search result corresponding to the first search information;
A page configuration information acquisition unit that accesses an address corresponding to the search result and acquires page configuration information corresponding to the accessed address;
The drawing unit
An image generation system, wherein a page image is rendered in correspondence with the position of the object based on the page configuration information. An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A storage unit for storing first search information for searching a given database;
A search information acquisition unit that acquires the first search information corresponding to the condition from the storage unit when a given condition is satisfied;
A search result obtaining unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and obtaining a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
An image generation system, wherein a specific image is drawn in correspondence with a position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result. An image generation system,
An object space setting section for setting an object in the object space;
A movement / motion processing unit for moving / moving the object;
A drawing unit for drawing an image of the object set in the object space;
A search information acquisition unit for acquiring first search information for searching a given database;
A search result obtaining unit for accessing a search unit for searching a given database and obtaining a search result corresponding to the first search information;
The drawing unit
An image generation system, wherein a specific image is drawn in correspondence with a position of the object based on specific image information included in the search result.

Images