JP5220349B2 - Program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character imitating a sports player is placed and set Is known and is popular as a place to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system capable of enjoying a tennis game as an example, a player operates his / her character using an operation unit such as a game controller, and a ball shot by an opponent character operated by another player or a computer. Enjoy the game by hitting back with a racket.

  In such a tennis game, it is common to employ an operation interface in which the player hits the ball by pressing an operation instruction button on the game controller at the timing when the ball flies to the character.

  However, with such an operation interface, it is not possible to determine what kind of shot action is to be performed by the character before the player presses the action instruction button of the character. That is, if the player presses the top spin or slice shot operation instruction button immediately before the shot timing, for example, the trajectory of the hit ball can be changed to the top spin or slice trajectory. It was difficult to make the motion according to the topspin or slice shot motion.

  In order to solve the problems as described above, the present inventor has developed a prior input system capable of instructing a character's movement prior to the timing at which the ball (moving body) is shot (captured) by the character. doing. According to this prior input system, for example, when the player presses the top spin or slice action instruction button before the shot timing, not only the trajectory of the ball but also the motion of the character up to the shot timing, the top spin and slice It becomes possible to make the motion faithfully reproduce the motion.

However, when such a prior input system is adopted, it has been found that depending on the operation of the player, a situation may occur in which the ball cannot be shot properly at the shot timing of the ball.
JP-A-8-90638 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-90046

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation capable of realizing a moving object shot process or capture process suitable for a prior input system. To provide a system.

  The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, which is input when a player makes a prior input instructing the action of the character prior to the timing when the moving object is shot or captured by the character. An input receiving unit that receives the preceding input, a moving body control unit that performs control processing of the moving body shot or captured by the character, and the character control process based on the received operation data of the preceding input. A character control unit that performs a hit position calculation unit that obtains a hit position that is a position where a hit event occurs between the character and the moving object, and the obtained hit position corresponds to a shot condition of the moving object by the character or A determination unit that determines whether or not the position satisfies a capture condition, and the hit position calculation unit , If the hit position is not the the shot condition or said capture satisfying position is related to an image generation system that moves the hit position by performing the re-calculation of the hit position. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  In the present invention, when the player makes a prior input for instructing the movement of the character prior to the timing when the moving object is shot or captured by the character, the hit position of the hit event (predicted hit) between the character and the moving object. Position). Then, it is determined whether or not the obtained hit position is a position that satisfies the shot condition or capture condition of the moving object. If the position does not satisfy the shot condition or the capture condition, hit position recalculation processing is performed, and hit position movement processing (correction processing) is performed. In this way, if the previous input operation instruction from the player is followed as it is, even if the shot condition or the capture condition is not satisfied, the hit position is recalculated so that these conditions are satisfied by the recalculation processing of the hit position. Can move. Therefore, it is possible to realize the shot processing or capture processing of the moving object by the character, which is suitable for the preceding input system.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the hit position calculation unit includes a trajectory specified by the position and moving direction of the character at the timing of the preceding input, and a trajectory of the moving object. The hit position may be obtained by obtaining the intersection point.

  In this way, the first hit position before the recalculation process can be obtained simply by obtaining the intersection of the character trajectory and the moving object trajectory.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the hit position calculation unit may calculate the intersection point from the moving object positions of the trajectory data of the moving object that has already been calculated at the timing of the preceding input. The hit position may be obtained by selecting a moving body position corresponding to.

  In this way, the hit position can be acquired by a light-loading process of simply selecting the moving body position included in the trajectory data.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the hit position calculation unit may repeat the process of moving the hit position until the hit position becomes a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. Good.

  In this way, it is possible to realize a hit position recalculation process that reflects the player's intention regarding the prior input to some extent.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the hit position calculation unit calculates the hit position on the trajectory of the moving object until the hit position reaches the shot condition or the capture condition. You may move.

  In this way, the hit position after the recalculation process can be guaranteed as a place where the hit event between the character and the moving object occurs.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the obstacle exists between the character and the hit position, the determination unit determines that the hit position satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. It may be determined that it is not.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a character chasing a moving object passes through an obstacle.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the direction from the hit position to the position of the moving body at the timing of the preceding input is the first direction, the hit position The calculation unit may perform a process of moving the hit position toward the first direction as the recalculation process.

  In this way, even when the player makes a prior input for moving the character in the direction opposite to the first direction, this can be corrected and the hit position can be moved to an appropriate location.

  In the image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, the hit position calculation unit obtains first, second, and third coordinates of the hit position, and the determination unit moves the movement at the hit position. If the second coordinate of the body is not within a given coordinate range, it may be determined that the hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the second coordinate is shifted between the character and the moving object at the hit position and the moving object cannot be shot or captured.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the second coordinate is a coordinate in the height direction, and the determination unit determines that the height of the moving body at the hit position is a given height. If it is not within the range, it may be determined that the hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the determination unit may perform the determination process by changing the coordinate range based on the body parameters of the character.

  In this way, it is possible to set an appropriate shot condition or capture condition according to the character's body parameters.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, as the recalculation process, the hit position calculation unit may move the moving body so that the second coordinate of the moving object falls within the coordinate range. You may perform the process which moves a hit position on the track | orbit of a body.

  In this way, the hit position can be moved to a place where there is little deviation between the second coordinates of the character and the moving body.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the character cannot reach the hit position within the arrival time of the moving body at the hit position, the hit position May not be a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the character cannot reach the hit position within the arrival time of the moving object, and the moving object cannot be shot or captured by the advance input action instruction from the player.

  In addition, the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention include a motion data storage unit that stores the motion data of the character and a motion playback unit that performs the motion playback of the character based on the motion data (or The computer functions as each of these units), and when the preceding input is received, the motion reproducing unit performs motion reproduction that causes the character to perform an action instructed by the action instruction data of the preceding input, The determination unit determines that the hit position is not a position satisfying the shot condition or the capture condition when the shot timing or capture timing of the moving object in the motion of the character is a timing later than the arrival time. May be.

  In this way, even when the shot timing or the capture timing in the motion does not satisfy the shot condition or the capture condition, this can be solved by the recalculation process.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, as the recalculation process, the hit position calculation unit performs a process of moving the hit position to a position where the character can reach within the arrival time. May be.

  In this way, effective player operation assistance can be realized in the prior input system.

  In addition, the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention include a motion data storage unit that stores the motion data of the character and a motion playback unit that performs the motion playback of the character based on the motion data (or The computer functions as each of these units), and the motion reproduction unit is a motion data for reproducing a preparatory operation for the moving object to be shot or captured by the character and a shot operation or a capture operation following the preparatory operation. The motion data specified based on the hit position finally obtained by the recalculation process may be selected and reproduced.

  In this way, since the shot or capture preparation operation and the shot operation or capture operation following the preparation operation can be integrally reproduced with one motion data, a motion reproduction process suitable for the preceding input system can be realized. .

  Further, in the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the motion reproducing unit is based on the arrival time of the moving body at the finally obtained hit position and the operation instruction data of the preceding input. Motion data may be selected.

  In this way, it is possible to select the optimal motion data according to the length of the arrival time and the operation instruction of the player.

  In the image generation system, program, and information storage medium according to the present invention, a motion data storage unit that stores motion data of the character, a motion playback unit that performs motion playback of the character based on the motion data, and the character A playback speed changing unit that performs a process for changing the playback speed of the motion (or causing the computer to function as each of these parts), and the playback speed changing unit is a period from the timing of the preceding input to the first timing. The degree of change in the first reproduction speed in one period is the second reproduction speed in the second period that is a period from the first timing to the timing when the hit event of the character and the moving object occurs. It is also possible to perform a reproduction speed changing process that is larger than the degree of change.

  According to the present invention, the motion playback period is a first period from the preceding input timing to the first timing, and a second period from the first timing to the hit event occurrence timing. Divided into periods. When the motion playback speed change process is performed, the degree of change in the first playback speed in the first period is greater than the degree of change in the second playback speed in the second period. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an unnatural motion is reproduced due to a change in the reproduction speed during the second half of the shot operation or the capture operation, and real and high-quality motion reproduction can be realized.

  Further, in the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the playback speed changing unit is configured to determine the arrival time of the moving body at the hit position where the hit event is generated and the playback time of the motion. A first change magnification that is a change magnification of the first reproduction speed in the first period and a second change magnification that is a change magnification of the second reproduction speed in the second period are set. May be.

  In this way, it is possible to realize change magnification setting processing according to, for example, the time ratio between the arrival time of the moving object and the reproduction time.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the reproduction speed changing unit obtains the first change magnification when the second change magnification is set to 1 and the obtained change magnification is obtained. When the first change magnification is larger than the first threshold value, the first change magnification is decreased and the second change magnification is increased, and the obtained first change magnification is the first change magnification. If the threshold value is smaller than 2, the first change magnification may be increased and the second change magnification may be decreased.

  In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the first change magnification becomes too large or too small and unnatural motion reproduction is performed.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the motion data storage unit associates the data of the partition frame for specifying the frame that partitions the first and second periods with each motion. And the playback speed changing unit may perform the playback speed changing process by specifying the first timing based on the data of the partition frame.

  In this way, the first timing can be made different for each motion, and more appropriate and diverse motion reproduction can be realized.

  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 block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of the present 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 direction key, operation button, analog stick, lever, microphone, touch panel display, 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 (DRAM, VRAM) or the like. The storage unit 170 can be configured by a volatile memory that loses data when the power is turned off, but is a storage device that is faster than the auxiliary storage device 194. Then, the game program and game data necessary for executing the game program are held in the storage unit 170.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions thereof by an optical disk (CD, DVD), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), and the like. realizable. 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, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  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 auxiliary storage device 194 (auxiliary memory, secondary memory) is a storage device used to supplement the capacity of the storage unit 170, and can be realized by a memory card such as an SD memory card or a multimedia card, an HDD, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 194 is detachable, but may be built-in. The auxiliary storage device 194 is used to save save data such as the game midway results, personal image data and music data of the player (user), and the like.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with the outside (for example, another image generation system, a server, or a host device) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC, a communication processor, or the like. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is obtained from an information storage medium of a server (host device) via an information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170, auxiliary storage) via a network and communication unit 196. May be distributed to the device 194). Use of an information storage medium by such a server (host device) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, image generation processing, sound generation processing, and the like based on operation data from the operation unit 160, a program, and the like. 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, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an input receiving unit 102, an object space setting unit 104, a game calculation unit 106, a moving body control unit 108, a character control unit 110, a motion playback unit 112, a playback speed change unit 113, a hit position calculation unit 114, and a determination. Unit 116, virtual camera control unit 118, image generation unit 120, and sound generation unit 130. Note that some of these components (for example, the playback speed changing unit) may be omitted.

  The input receiving unit (operation data acquiring unit) 102 performs processing for receiving an operation input from the player. For example, the operation of the operation unit 160 by the player is monitored, and the operation instruction data (motion instruction data, direction instruction data) input by the operation unit 160 when the player operates the operation unit 160 for a character operation instruction or the like. Operation information such as is acquired.

  In this embodiment, the input receiving unit 102 precedes the timing when the moving body (ball) is shot (hit, kick) or captured (catch, keep) by the character. When the player inputs the operation instruction data), the input preceding input is accepted. Here, for example, the preceding input is an input for determining a motion (motion) of the character from at least the timing at which the preceding input is performed to the timing at which the moving object is shot or captured. For example, when a preceding input that instructs a hit operation (shot operation such as top spin or slice) is performed, a motion specified by the operation instruction data of the preceding input is reproduced, and at the hit timing (shot timing, capture timing) The character performs a hit motion (shot motion, capture motion) of the moving body (ball, play object). In this way, it is possible to select and play back the motion (for example, one motion data) specified by the preceding input from the timing of the preceding input to at least the hit timing, thereby realizing a realistic and high-quality motion expression. it can.

  The object space setting unit 104 includes model objects (characters, robots, cars, fighters, balls, missiles, bullets, etc.), game fields (court, ground), walls, buildings, trees, maps (terrain), courses (roads). Various kinds of objects (objects composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces or subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as display objects are arranged and set in the 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.

  For example, the shape data storage unit 171 of the storage unit 170 stores shape data (polygon data) for determining the shape of an object (model object) such as a character. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the object data storage unit 172 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, and the like of these objects in association with the object numbers.

  The object space setting unit 104 performs an object setting (arrangement) process in the object space using the shape data and the object data. The object data in the object data storage unit 172 is sequentially updated by a movement control process in the moving body control unit 108 and the character control unit 110.

  The game calculation unit 106 performs game calculation processing. Here, as a game calculation, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for calculating a game result, or a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied and so on.

  The moving body control unit (moving body calculation unit) 108 performs control processing of a moving body (play object) such as a ball that moves in the object space. For example, control processing (arithmetic processing) for moving or operating the moving body is performed. That is, processing for moving the moving body in the object space (in the game space) is performed based on an algorithm for determining the moving trajectory of the moving body and various data. For example, a simulation process is performed in which movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and movement information (part object position or rotation angle) of the moving body are sequentially obtained for each frame (1/60 second). A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  The character control unit (character calculation unit) 110 performs control processing of a character imitating a human or the like (for example, a sports player). For example, a control process for moving or moving the character is performed. That is, processing for moving and moving the character in the object space is performed based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, algorithms for determining character movement and motion, and various data. For example, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining character movement information and motion information for each frame based on operation data is performed.

  In this embodiment, the moving body control unit 108 performs control processing (movement control processing) of a moving body such as a ball (play object) shot or captured by the character. Further, the character control unit 110 performs a character control process (movement control process) based on the operation data of the preceding input received by the input receiving unit 102. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the trajectory data of the moving body that moves by the control process is stored in the trajectory data storage unit 175. For example, when the opponent character operated by the computer or another player shots (hits) a moving body such as a ball, as shown in FIG. 3, the moving body position (predicted position) in each frame with the shot frame as the first frame is shown. Is stored as orbit data.

  The motion playback unit 112 performs motion playback processing. That is, motion reproduction processing (motion processing, motion generation processing) for causing the character to perform motion (animation) is performed. This motion reproduction process can be realized by reproducing the motion of the character based on the motion data stored in the motion data storage unit 173.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a model object MOB representing a character or the like includes a plurality of part objects (waist 12, chest 14, neck 16, head 18, upper right arm 20, right forearm 22, right hand 24, left upper arm 26, left Forearm 28, left hand 30, right crotch 32, right shin 34, right foot 36, left crotch 38, left shin 40, left foot 42). The positions and rotation angles (directions) of these part objects (parts) are the positions of the bones B0 to B19 constituting the skeleton model (positions of the joints J0 to J15) and the rotation angles (the bones of the child relative to the parent bone). Relative rotation angle). Note that these bones and joints are virtual and are not actually displayed objects.

  For example, the position and rotation angle of these bones (part objects, joints) are stored in the motion data storage unit 173 as motion data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation angles α, β, γ, etc. around the X, Y, and Z axes of the child bone BMC with respect to the parent bone BMP are stored as motion data.

  The structure of the motion data is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and various modifications can be made. For example, only the rotation angle of the bone may be included in the motion data, and the bone position (joint position) may be included in the model data of the model object. In addition to the bones B1 to B19 in FIG. 4, auxiliary bones that assist the deformation of the model object by the motion bones may be provided.

In addition, the motion data stored in the motion data storage unit 173 can be created by attaching a sensor to a person in the real world and performing motion capture. However, the motion data is generated by physical simulation (simulation using physical calculation. Or may be generated in real time by motion blending. In addition, in order to reproduce realistic motion with a small amount of motion data, motion reproduction may be performed using inverse kinematics or the like. FIG. 6 shows an example of the data structure of motion data used in this embodiment. . The motion file stores the data of each motion described in FIGS. 4 and 5 (such as the rotation angle of the bone). That is, data of each motion for expressing each operation such as “front ball shot”, “normal shot from step”, “normal shot from small run”, “running shot”, and the like is stored. As shown in FIG. 6, the motion data storage unit 173 stores the data of the section frames and shot frames in association with the motion.

  The motion parameter storage unit 174 stores motion parameters set for each motion group. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, motion shot frame data and motion playback time (number of playback frames) data included in the motion group are stored as motion parameters. For example, the maximum value and average value of shot frames and playback times in the motion group are stored.

  In this embodiment, the motion reproduction unit 112 reproduces motion data for reproducing a shot or capture preparation operation (for example, takeback operation, running operation, etc.) of a character and a shot operation or capture operation following the preparation operation. To do. In addition, the motion data specified by the hit position finally obtained by the recalculation process is selected and reproduced. In this case, the motion data can be selected based on the arrival time (movement time) of the moving body at the hit position and the operation instruction data of the preceding input.

  The reproduction speed changing unit 113 performs a process for changing the reproduction speed of the character motion. Specifically, the degree of change (degree of change, change magnification) of the first playback speed in the first period, which is the period from the timing of the preceding input to the first timing (foot slip prevention start timing), It is made larger than the degree of change in the second reproduction speed in the second period (foot slip prevention period), which is the period from the timing 1 to the timing when the hit event between the character and the moving object occurs. For example, the arrival time (movement time, movement distance) of the moving object to the hit position (shot position, capture position), which is the generation position of the hit event (shot event, capture event), and the motion playback time (number of playback frames) Based on the above, a first change magnification that is a change rate of the first reproduction speed and a second change magnification that is a change magnification of the second reproduction speed are set. More specifically, the first change magnification when the second change magnification is set to 1 is obtained. When the obtained first change magnification is larger than the first threshold value (first magnification), the first change magnification is reduced and the second change magnification is increased. On the other hand, when the obtained first change magnification is smaller than the second threshold value (second magnification), the first change magnification is increased and the second change magnification is decreased.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the motion data storage unit 173 stores the data of the partition frames in association with each motion. The data of the partition frame is data for specifying a frame that partitions the first and second periods. Specifically, it is data for specifying a period during which it is not desired to slide the character's feet. Then, the playback speed changing unit 113 specifies the first timing (foot slip prevention start period) based on the data of the divided frames, and performs playback speed changing processing.

  The hit position calculation unit 114 obtains a hit position (shot position, capture position) that is a position (location) where a hit event occurs between a character (for example, a racket or a bat possessed by the character) and a moving object (such as a ball). I do. For example, a shot position where the character shots the moving body and a capture position where the character captures the moving body are obtained. That is, the hit check process between the character and the moving object is performed, and the position of the moving object when the hit event occurs is obtained as the hit position. The obtained hit position data is stored in the hit position storage unit 176.

  The determination unit 116 performs a process of determining whether or not the hit position obtained by the hit position calculation unit 114 is a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition of the moving object by the character (the position where the shot or capture is successful). Do. Specifically, when an obstacle (for example, a wall or another character) exists between the character and the hit position, or the second coordinate (for example, Y coordinate) of the moving object at the hit position is a given coordinate range. The hit position is a position that satisfies the shot condition or capture condition when it is not within the height range (for example, within the height range), or when it is determined that the character cannot reach the hit position within the arrival time of the moving object to the hit position. It is determined that it is not.

  If the hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition, the hit position calculation unit 114 performs a hit position recalculation process, and moves the hit position, for example. In this case, the process of moving the hit position is repeated until the hit position reaches a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. For example, the hit position is moved, and it is determined again whether the hit position after the movement is a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. The movement process and the re-determination process are repeated until these conditions are satisfied. That is, the hit position is moved on the trajectory of the moving body until the hit position becomes a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition.

  Specifically, the hit position calculation unit 114 moves the hit position to the first direction side when the direction from the hit position to the position of the moving body at the timing of the preceding input is the first direction. Perform the process. For example, the hit position is moved in the first direction on the trajectory of the moving body. Alternatively, the hit position is moved on the trajectory of the moving body so that the coordinates of the moving body fall within a given coordinate range. Alternatively, the hit position is moved to a position where the character can reach within the arrival time.

  The virtual camera control unit 118 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  For example, when a character is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle (the 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 character. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the character position, rotation angle, or speed obtained by the character control unit 110. Alternatively, 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.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processing (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image, writing the image in the drawing buffer 177, and outputting the image to the display unit 190. When generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, model data including vertex data (vertex position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of each vertex of the model (object) is first input. Based on the vertex data included in the input model data, vertex processing (shading by a vertex shader) is performed. When performing the vertex processing, vertex generation processing (tessellation, curved surface division, polygon division) for re-dividing the polygon may be performed as necessary.

  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. Next, a specific example of the method of this embodiment will be described. In the following, the case where the method of the present embodiment is applied to a tennis game will be mainly described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, for example, various sports games such as soccer, American football, baseball, and the like. It can also be applied to games.

2.1 Prior Input In the tennis game to which the method of the present embodiment is applied, as shown in FIG. 8, a character CH operated by a player and an opponent character CC operated by a computer or another player are in an object space (virtual three-dimensional On the court set in (Space), hit the ball BL and play. For example, in the world coordinate system of the object space of FIG. 8, the X axis and Z axis (first and third coordinate axes in a broad sense) are set in the plane direction, and the Y axis (second coordinate axis in the broad sense) is set in the height direction. ) Is set, and the origin is set at the center of the coat (net). The character CH moves on the X and Z plane courts based on the operation data input by the player, and hits the ball BL hit by the opponent character CC.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, after the opponent character CC shots the ball BL, the player performs a prior input instructing the action of the character CH. That is, prior to the timing when the character BL shots (or captures) the ball BL (moving body in a broad sense), a prior input is performed to instruct the movement of the character CH. Specifically, the direction of movement of the character CH is instructed with the direction instruction key 50 (joystick, direction instructing unit), and the operation button 61 for instructing the type of shot of the character CH is pressed. Here, the operation buttons 61, 62, 63, and 64 are buttons for instructing top spin, slice, flat, and lob shots, respectively, and the character CH performs a motion according to the instructed shot. In FIG. 9A, since the operation button 61 for instructing the top spin is pressed, the top spin motion data is reproduced.

  The operation of the direction instruction key 50 and the operation button 61 is not necessarily performed simultaneously. For example, the operation of the direction instruction key 50 is performed after the operation button 61 is operated, or the operation button 61 is operated after the direction instruction key 50 is operated. May be.

  When the preceding input as described above is performed, as shown in FIG. 9B, a hit that is a position where a hit event (shot event) between the character CH (character racket) and the ball BL (moving body) occurs. A position HP (shot position, capture position) is obtained. That is, the position (location) where the ball BL is predicted to be shot (hit) by the character CH is obtained as the hit position HP. For example, the hit position HP is obtained by obtaining the intersection of the trajectory RC specified by the position and moving direction of the character CH at the timing of the preceding input and the trajectory RB of the ball BL.

  Specifically, the trajectory RB of the ball BL is calculated when the opponent character CC hits the ball BL, and the calculated trajectory is stored in the trajectory data storage unit 175 as trajectory data as shown in FIG. The hit position HP is a ball position corresponding to the intersection of the trajectories RC and RB (ball position closest to the intersection) among the data of a plurality of ball positions (moving body positions in each frame) included in the trajectory data of FIG. It can be acquired by selecting the data.

  At this time, the arrival time tr of the ball BL at the hit position HP is also acquired. Specifically, the arrival time tr can be acquired as the number of frames until the ball BL reaches the hit position HP in the trajectory data of FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, a motion (motion data) is selected based on the obtained arrival time tr (number of arrival frames) and the operation instruction data in FIG. 9A. By reproducing the motion, the shot motion of the character CH is expressed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of motions having different playback times (number of playback frames) are prepared as the motion of each shot. When the top spin is selected in FIG. 9A, a motion with a playback time having a length corresponding to the arrival time tr is selected from a plurality of motions prepared for the top spin. For example, if the arrival time tr is short, a motion with a short reproduction time is selected, and if the arrival time tr is long, a motion with a long reproduction time is selected. Further, by performing a process of changing the motion playback speed, fine adjustment is performed to make the arrival time tr and the length of the playback time coincide.

  As shown in FIG. 9D, when a hit event (shot event) between the character CH and the ball BL occurs, the ball BL strikes back in the direction indicated by the player with the direction key 50 at that time. It is. In FIG. 9D, the higher the degree of coincidence between the occurrence timing of the hit event (shot timing) and the timing at which the player releases the operation button 61, the higher the speed of the ball BL or the more severe in the opponent's court. The ball BL starts to fly. That is, after the operation button 61 is pressed in FIG. 9A, the operation button 61 is continuously pressed, and when the ball BL comes close to the character CH, the operation button 61 is released in a timely manner so that a so-called sump operation is realized. A strong and accurate shot is returned to the opponent's court.

  According to the method of the prior input system shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, since the motion instructed by the prior input is reproduced without interruption, the motion of the player, the behavior of the ball, the camera angle, etc. are realistic. Can express. In other words, various high-quality motions prepared for each shot can be reproduced, and the player can enjoy the game by using various shots.

  For example, as a method of the comparative example, when the start condition of the take-back operation, which is a preparation operation, is satisfied, the character automatically starts the take-back operation, and then when the player presses an operation button for instructing a shot, A method of hitting a ball can be considered. In this method, after a take back motion (preparation operation motion) is reproduced, when a shot operation is instructed, the shot motion is reproduced. That is, take back motion and shot motion are stored and reproduced as separate motion data. Therefore, the take back motion and the shot motion may not be smoothly connected, and there is a possibility that a real and smooth motion expression cannot be realized.

  In this regard, according to the preceding input system of the present embodiment, the takeback operation (preparation operation) and the shot operation (capture operation) are realized by reproducing one motion data. Accordingly, the take-back operation and the shot operation (follow operation) are smoothly connected, and a more realistic motion expression can be realized.

  For example, in the method of the comparative example, if the ball is high at the hit position, a shot motion for a high ball is played after the normal takeback motion is reproduced. If the ball is low at the hit position, the shot is low after the normal takeback motion is reproduced. The shot motion for the ball will be played. That is, even if the ball is high or low, since the same motion is reproduced for the takeback operation, a realistic motion expression cannot be realized.

  On the other hand, according to the preceding input system of the present embodiment, when the preceding input is performed, the height of the ball at the hit position is predicted, and the takeback operation and the shot operation for a high ball are integrated. Can be selected and reproduced, or a motion in which a take-back operation and a shot operation for a low ball are integrated can be selected and reproduced. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a realistic motion expression with less unnaturalness.

2.2 Recalculation processing of hit position When the preceding input system as described above is adopted, there is a problem that inconvenience occurs if the hit position HP predicted in FIG. 9B is not an appropriate position. is there. In this embodiment, in order to solve such a problem, a method described below is adopted. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart for explaining the processing of this embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not a prior input (shot operation) has been performed by the player (step S1). For example, in FIG. 9A, when both the direction instruction key 50 and the operation button 61 (or 62 to 64) are operated, it can be determined that the preceding input has been performed. And the operation information of the received prior input is acquired (step S2). For example, operation instruction data (direction instruction data, shot instruction data) from the direction instruction key 50 and the operation button 61 is acquired.

  Next, the position and moving direction of the character CH are acquired based on the acquired operation information (motion instruction data) (step S3). For example, the position and moving direction of the character CH at the timing when the preceding input is performed are acquired. In this case, the movement direction is obtained based on the direction instruction data of the direction instruction key 50 or the like.

  Next, the trajectory of the ball BL is acquired (step S4). Specifically, the trajectory data in FIG. 3 is read. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, a hit position HP (shot position) is obtained from the trajectory of the character CH and the trajectory of the ball BL (step S5). For example, the ball position (orbit point) corresponding to the hit position HP is selected from the trajectory data of the ball BL. That is, the hit position HP is obtained by selecting the ball position corresponding to the intersection (the ball position closest to the intersection) from the ball positions (moving body positions) of the trajectory data already calculated at the timing of the prior input. .

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is an obstacle between the hit position HP and the character CH (step S6). If there is no obstacle, it is determined whether or not the height of the ball BL at the hit position HP is within an appropriate height range (step S7). If it is within the appropriate height range, it is determined whether or not the character CH has reached the hit position HP (shot position) within the arrival time tr of the ball BL (step S8).

  If the determination of each shot condition (capture condition) shown in steps S6, S7, and S8 is “NO”, a recalculation process for obtaining an optimum hit position before and after the obtained hit position is performed (step S9). ). That is, the hit position is recalculated to move the hit position. Then, the process of steps S6 to S9, which is a hit condition determination process and a hit position movement process, is repeated until the hit position reaches a position that satisfies the shot condition (capture condition).

  On the other hand, when all the shot conditions in steps S6, S7, and S8 are “YES”, the motion data is selected based on the operation instruction data of the preceding input and the finally obtained hit position. (Step S10), the selected motion data is reproduced (Step S11). Specifically, for example, the arrival time tr of the ball BL is obtained based on the finally obtained hit position HP. Then, the motion that can be reproduced within the arrival time tr is selected from the shot motions selected by the player according to the preceding input. For example, a comparison process between the arrival time tr and the motion playback time is performed to select an optimal motion, and a motion playback speed changing process is performed if necessary.

  As shown in steps S6, S7, and S8 of FIG. 10, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the hit position is a position that satisfies the shot condition (capture condition) of the moving object by the character. As shown in step S9, when the hit position is not a position satisfying the shot condition (capture condition), the hit position recalculation process is performed. Thereafter, returning to step S6, it is determined again whether or not the hit position after the recalculation process satisfies the shot condition, and the process is repeated until the shot condition is satisfied. That is, the process of moving the hit position is repeated until the hit position reaches a position that satisfies the shot condition. That is, the hit position is moved on the ball trajectory until the shot condition is satisfied.

  As described above, if the final hit position is obtained by repeated processing, the initial hit position obtained by the player's prior input can be moved little by little to obtain the final hit position. Therefore, hit position recalculation processing (correction processing) that reflects the player's intention about the prior input to some extent can be realized. In addition, if the hit position is moved on the trajectory of the ball in the recalculation process, the hit position obtained by the recalculation process can be guaranteed as a place where the hit event (shot event) of the character and the ball occurs. Become.

  If it is determined that the hit position is a position that satisfies the shot condition, motion data is selected and reproduced based on the finally obtained hit position and the like as shown in steps S10 and S11.

  In this way, when the hit position HP predicted in FIG. 9B is not a position that satisfies the shot condition, the hit position is corrected, and the character CH can shot the ball BL at an appropriate hit position. It becomes like this. That is, in the prior input system, the predicted hit position HP may become a position that is not suitable for the shot of the ball BL. However, according to the method of the present embodiment, the appropriateness of the ball BL is also appropriate in such a case. Shot becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to realize shot processing suitable for the prior input system, and to realize both real and high-quality motion reproduction and appropriate shot processing.

2.3 Shot conditions and capture conditions Next, details of shot conditions and capture conditions will be described. Although an example of application to a tennis game will be described below, in the tennis game, the shot condition is a condition as to whether or not a ball can be shot (hit) by a character's racket. On the other hand, the method of the present embodiment can be applied to games such as soccer, American football, and baseball. For example, in a soccer game, whether or not a ball can be kicked with a foot or a head can be headed with a head is a shot condition, and whether or not a ball can be kept is a capture condition. In an American football game, whether or not a flying ball can be caught is a catch condition. In a baseball game, whether or not a ball can be hit with a bat is a shot condition, and whether or not a fly or a goro can be caught is a catching (catching) condition.

  For example, in FIG. 11A, since there is a wall WOB that is an obstacle between the hit position HP0 calculated first and the character CH, the determination unit 116 determines that the hit position HP0 satisfies the shot condition. It is determined that it is not. Accordingly, in this case, recalculation processing is performed as shown in FIG. 11B to move the hit position from HP0 to HP1. That is, when the direction from the hit position to the ball position at the timing of the preceding input is the first direction D1, the hit position calculation unit 114 moves the hit position to the D1 direction side as recalculation processing. Perform the process. Specifically, in the trajectory data of FIG. 3, HP1, which is the ball position on the BL side from HP0, is selected. Whether or not a wall exists between the character and the hit position can be determined by performing a known hit check process between the trajectory connecting the character and the hit position and the object on the wall.

  In FIG. 11B, the hit position HP1 after the recalculation process is also located on the other side of the wall WOB, so that the shot condition cannot be satisfied. Accordingly, recalculation processing is performed, and the hit position is moved from HP1 to HP2 as shown in FIG. That is, the hit position is moved again in the direction D1. Specifically, HP2 that is the ball position on the BL side of HP1 is selected in the trajectory data. In this case, since there is no wall WOB between the hit position HP2 after the recalculation process and the character CH, HP2 becomes a position that satisfies the shot condition and becomes the final hit position. Then, the motion data is selected and reproduced based on the final hit position HP2.

  FIG. 12A to FIG. 13B show examples of game images generated by this embodiment. In FIG. 12A, the opponent character CC is shooting the ball BL. In FIG. 12B, the player operates the direction instruction key 50 and the top spin shot operation button 61 to perform a prior input of the action instruction for the character CH.

  In this case, as shown by A1 in FIG. 12B, the player has instructed the direction on the wall direction side, which is the front side of the screen, with respect to the deep shot ball BL by the direction instruction key 50. . Therefore, if this is the case, the character CH may slip through the wall WOB on the near side of the screen. That is, when the player determines that it is difficult to shot the ball BL flying from the back side of the screen, the player often instructs the direction in front of the actual hit position with the direction instruction key 50. Then, if such a player's direction instruction is used as it is and the final hit position is obtained, there is a problem that the character slips through the wall WOB.

  In order to prevent such a problem, in this embodiment, recalculation processing for correcting the hit position is performed as shown in FIG. As a result, as indicated by A2 in FIG. 12B, the character CH moves in the direction toward the back of the screen relative to the direction indicated by A1, and the shot condition is satisfied. Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, it is possible to generate a game image in which the character CH is appropriately shot while the character CH is disturbed.

  In this case, since the preceding input system is used in this embodiment, a series of operations from the timing of the preceding input in FIG. 12B to the shot timing (and follow swing) in FIG. Can be played using two motion data. Therefore, real and high-quality motion expression that has never been possible can be realized.

  In FIG. 14A, the hit position calculation unit 114 acquires the coordinates XH1, YH1, and ZH1 (first, second, and third coordinates in a broad sense) of the predicted hit position HP1. If the coordinate YH1 (for example, the coordinate in the height direction) of the ball BL (moving body) at the hit position HP1 is not within the given coordinate range, the determination unit 116 determines that the hit position HP1 is shot conditions (capture conditions). ). Specifically, when the height of the ball BL at the hit position HP1 does not fall within a given height range, it is determined that the shot condition is not satisfied.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14B, the hit position calculation unit 114 performs the recalculation process so that the coordinate YH (height) of the ball BL falls within the coordinate range (within the height range). A process of moving the hit position from HP1 to HP2 on the trajectory is performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14C, when the height of the ball BL is too high compared to the height of the character CH and does not fall within the coordinate range HR, the coordinate YH of the ball BL becomes small. Thus, the hit position HP is moved on the trajectory. That is, when the ball BL bounces too high, for example, when the ball BL exceeds the height of the head of the character CH, the hit position is moved so that the ball BL is lowered.

  On the other hand, when the height of the ball BL is too low with respect to the height of the character CH and does not fall within the coordinate range HR, the hit position HP is moved on the trajectory so that the coordinate YH of the ball BL increases. That is, when the bounce of the ball BL is too low and, for example, it becomes 2 bounces, the hit position is moved so that the height of the ball BL is increased.

  In this case, it is desirable to search for the hit position using the trajectory data of FIG. That is, the final hit position is obtained by searching for a trajectory point where the height of the ball BL is within the optimum range from a plurality of trajectory points of the trajectory data.

  In determining the hit position, it is desirable to consider the positional relationship with the apex of the parabolic trajectory of the ball BL. That is, when the height of the ball BL is lowered, the hit position is moved away from the apex, and when the height of the ball BL is increased, the hit position is moved in the direction approaching the apex. In the case of two bounces, the hit position is moved to a position where two bounces are not made.

  Further, the determination unit 116 desirably changes the height range HR based on the body parameter (height) of the character CH. For example, in FIG. 14C, since the height of the character CH selected by the player is low, the height range HR is set to a low place or the height range HR is narrowed. On the other hand, in FIG. 14D, since the height of the character CH is high, the height range HR is set to a high place or the height range HR is widened. In this way, since the body parameters of the character CH can be taken into account, more realistic hit position calculation processing can be realized.

  In this case, the changing process of the height range HR can be realized by using table data in which each character CH is associated with the height range HR. That is, as the parameters of each character, the set position and size of the height range HR may be stored in association with each character.

  FIG. 15A to FIG. 16B show examples of game images generated by this embodiment. In FIG. 15A, the opponent character CC is shooting the ball BL. In FIG. 15B, the player operates the direction instruction key 50 and the slice shot operation button 62 to input a character CH motion instruction in advance.

  In this case, as shown by B1 in FIG. 15B, the player has instructed the direction on the near side of the screen with the direction instruction key 50 with respect to the short shot ball BL. Therefore, if it remains as it is, there is a possibility that the ball BL becomes too low at the hit position and cannot be shot.

  Even in such a case, according to the present embodiment, the recalculation process for correcting the hit position is performed so that the height of the ball BL at the hit position falls within an appropriate height range. As a result, as indicated by B2 in FIG. 15B, the character CH moves in the direction toward the back of the screen relative to the direction indicated by B1, and the shot condition is satisfied. Then, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, it is possible to generate an image in which the character CH appropriately shots the ball BL before the ball BL becomes two bounds.

  In this case, since the preceding input system is used in this embodiment, a series of operations from the timing of the preceding input in FIG. 15B to the shot timing in FIG. 16B are performed using one motion data. Can play. Therefore, real and high-quality motion expression that has never been possible can be realized.

  Although FIG. 14A to FIG. 16B have described the correction processing of the hit position in the height direction of the ball BL, the method of the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when kicking a ball in soccer, the hit position correction process in the horizontal direction may be performed.

  In FIG. 17A, the determination unit 116 obtains the arrival time tr (the number of arrival frames) of the ball BL at the hit position HP1. For example, in the trajectory data of FIG. 3, when the ball position corresponding to the intersection of the trajectory of the character CH and the trajectory of the ball BL is selected, the number of frames at the ball position can be obtained as the arrival time tr.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the determination unit 116 determines that the character CH cannot reach the hit position HP1 within the arrival time tr, the hit position HP satisfies the shot condition (capture condition). It is determined that it is not.

  Specifically, for example, the moving distance of the character CH within the arrival time tr is obtained based on the moving speed (maximum speed) of the character CH. When it is determined that the hit position HP1 cannot be reached with the obtained movement distance, it is determined that the shot condition is not satisfied.

  Alternatively, when the shot timing (capture timing) of the ball BL in the motion of the character CH is a timing later than the arrival time tr, it may be determined that the hit position HP1 is not a position that satisfies the shot condition. That is, the rough motion of the character CH is specified based on the motion instruction data at the prior input in FIG. Then, the number of shot frames (maximum number of shot frames) of the specified motion is acquired using the motion parameters as shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the shot timing specified by the number of shot frames is later than the arrival time tr. That is, for example, when the number of shot frames is significantly larger than the number of reached frames, the shot timing is not in time, so it is determined that the shot condition is not satisfied.

  When it is determined that the hit position HP1 does not satisfy the shot condition as described above, the hit position calculation unit 114 performs the recalculation process as shown in FIG. 17C as the hit position HP1. Is moved to the position HP2 where the character CH can reach within the arrival time tr. Specifically, it is determined whether or not there is a position where the character CH can reach within the arrival time tr on the trajectory of the ball BL. For example, the ball position where the character CH can reach within the arrival time tr is searched from the ball positions in the trajectory data of FIG. When the final hit position HP2 is obtained, the character CH is moved in the direction of the hit position HP2.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 17C, motion data for reproducing the shot operation (capture operation) of the ball BL by the character CH and the shot operation (capture operation) following the preparation operation are reproduced. Are identified and reproduced based on the finally obtained hit position HP2. That is, motion data in which the motions of the preparation operation and the shot operation are integrated is reproduced. In this way, the motion of the preparation operation and the motion of the shot operation are smoothly connected, and real and smooth motion reproduction can be realized.

  Also, the selection of motion data in this case can be performed based on the arrival time tr of the ball BL to the hit position HP2 finally obtained and the operation instruction data of the preceding input. For example, when the top spin shot is selected based on the operation instruction of the prior input in FIG. 17A, the reproduction time is the arrival time tr from a plurality of motion data for the top spin shot prepared in advance. Select and play motion data that matches or is close to. In this case, for example, when the arrival time tr is longer or shorter than the playback time, the adjustment is performed by changing the playback speed of the motion as described later.

  In this way, even when the moving direction of the character CH instructed by the player (the direction from CH to HP1) deviates from the direction of the position that satisfies the shot condition (the direction from CH to HP2), The deviation of direction can be corrected appropriately. A game image in which the character CH appropriately shots the ball BL can be generated, and a suitable user operation assist function can be realized in the preceding input system.

2.4 Change of playback speed In the preceding input system, the arrival time of the ball changes according to the timing of the player's preceding input. If a large number of motion data is prepared so as to be able to cope with all such changes in arrival time, the storage capacity of the motion data storage unit 173 is compressed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a technique is adopted in which the motion playback speed is changed in accordance with the length of the ball arrival time (character movement distance). That is, if the character motion playback time is longer than the ball arrival time, the motion fast-forward playback is performed, and if the character motion playback time is shorter, the slow motion playback is performed. In this way, even if the arrival time of the ball fluctuates in accordance with the player's prior input timing, it becomes possible to handle this with a relatively small amount of motion data.

  However, it has been found that when the reproduction speed changing process is performed, a phenomenon in which the character's feet appear to slide is caused. That is, if the moving distance of the character assumed in the motion data is different from the actual moving distance of the character on the game field such as a court, the foot will appear to slip. In particular, the preceding input system of this embodiment realizes smooth and high-quality motion expression by reproducing a character's shot motion using one motion data having a longer playback time than the conventional system. . Therefore, if such a foot slip phenomenon becomes conspicuous, there is a problem that the meaning of realizing a smooth and high-quality motion expression is impaired.

  In order to solve such a problem, in this embodiment, the character motion playback period is divided into first and second periods, and the playback speeds in the first and second periods are changed (change magnification). ) Is adopted.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18A, the motion playback period is divided into a first period T1, which is a period from the timing of the preceding input to the first timing TM1, and from the first timing TM1 to the character and the ball. This is divided into a second period T2, which is a period until the timing of occurrence of the hit event. Then, the degree of change in the first reproduction speed RS1 in the first period T1 is set larger than the degree of change in the second reproduction speed RS2 in the second period T2. That is, when the playback speed has to be changed because the ball arrival time does not match the motion playback time, the playback speed in the period T1 is largely changed compared to the period T2. Then, much of the change in the reproduction speed is absorbed in the period T1, so that the influence of the change in the reproduction speed is as small as possible in the period T2.

  Here, the timing TM1 is a timing set for each motion, for example, as a start timing of foot slip prevention. For example, even if the foot slip phenomenon of the character CH occurs in the first half period of the shot motion as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, it is not so noticeable. However, if a foot slip phenomenon occurs in the latter half of the shot operation as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the player will notice it and there is a risk that the virtual reality will be reduced.

  That is, generally, since the moving speed of the character CH is high in the first half of the shot motion, it is not so noticeable even if the foot slips. On the other hand, since the moving speed of the character CH becomes slow in the second half of the shot, it becomes noticeable when the foot slips and is noticed by the player.

  Therefore, in this case, for example, the timing of FIG. 16A is set to the foot slip prevention start timing TM1. In the foot slip prevention period T2, the change in the reproduction speed is minimized as compared with the period T1 so that the foot slip is as inconspicuous as possible. In this way, when the motion playback speed changing process is performed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the image quality is degraded due to the occurrence of foot slip.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 6, the motion data storage unit 173 stores partition frame data for specifying frames that divide the periods T1 and T2 in association with each motion. For example, in FIG. 19, the timing TM1 of motion 1 is specified by the segment frame DF1 associated with motion 1 (motion file 1), and the timing of motion 2 is identified by the segment frame DF2 associated with motion 2 (motion file 2). TM1 is specified. For example, in “front ball shot 1” in FIG. 6, 32 frames, which are division frames, are set as foot slip prevention start frames. The frames from 32 frames to 41 frames, which are shot timing frames, are set in the foot slip prevention period, and the change in the reproduction speed is minimized. Similarly, in “normal shot 1 from step” in FIG. 6, 15 frames are set as a foot slip prevention start frame. From the 15th frame to the 24th frame, which is a shot frame, is set as a foot slip prevention period, and the change in the playback speed is minimized.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 18B, the change rate of the reproduction speed RS1 in the period T1 is calculated based on the arrival time tr of the ball (moving body) at the hit position and the motion reproduction time tm. A change magnification m1 of 1 is set, and a second change magnification m2 that is a change magnification of the reproduction speed RS2 in the period T2 is set. That is, when the playback time tm is longer than the arrival time tr, fast-forward playback is required, so the change magnifications m1 and m2 are set to a value of 1 or more to increase the motion playback speed. On the other hand, when the playback time tm is shorter than the arrival time tr, slow playback is required, so the change magnifications m1 and m2 are set to a value of 1 or less to slow down the motion playback speed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the reproduction speed change magnification m1 in the period T1 when the reproduction speed change magnification m2 in the period T2 is set to 1 is obtained. .

  For example, in FIG. 20A, since the reproduction time tm is longer than the arrival time tr, fast-forward reproduction is necessary. Therefore, in this case, the change rate m1 of the reproduction speed RS1 in the period T1 is set to a value larger than 1, and the change in the reproduction speed due to fast-forwarding is absorbed only in the period T1 side, Do not reach. In this way, the playback speed is not changed in the period T2 after the timing TM1, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a foot slip phenomenon due to fast-forwarding.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 20B, since the playback time tm is shorter than the arrival time tr, slow playback is required. Therefore, in this case, the change magnification m1 is set to a value smaller than 1 so that the change in the reproduction speed due to the slow reproduction is absorbed only on the period T1 side and not on the period T2 side. As a result, the occurrence of a foot slip phenomenon due to slow playback can be prevented.

  As described above, in FIGS. 20A and 20B, only the change magnification m1 in the period T1 is changed while the change magnification m2 in the period T2 is kept at 1. In this way, the foot slip phenomenon in the period T2, which is a conspicuous period for the player, can be prevented, but if the change magnification m1 is made too large or too small, the difference in the reproduction speed between the periods T1 and T2 will be caused. It may stand out and the player may feel unnatural.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21A, it is determined whether or not the change magnification m1 when the change magnification m2 is set to 1 is larger than the first threshold value mth. If it is large (m1> mth), the change magnification m1 is decreased and the change magnification m2 is increased. That is, when the change magnification in the period T1 when m2 is 1 is m1, the change magnification in the period T1 is set to m1 ′ <m1, and the change magnification in the period T2 is m2 ′> m2 = 1. Set to.

  In this case, the relationship of m1 ′> m2 ′ is established. That is, it is assumed that the change magnification m1 when the change magnification m2 is set to 1 is too large, for example, m1 = 1.4. In this case, for example, the change in the playback speed is set such that m1 ′ = 1.3 (<m1 = 1.4) and m2 ′ = 1.1 (> m2 = 1). The reproduction speed is averaged not only for the period T1 but also for the period T2.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, when the change magnification m1 when the change magnification m2 is set to 1 is smaller than the second threshold value mtl, the change magnification m1 is increased. The change magnification m2 is reduced. That is, when the change magnification in the period T1 when m2 = 1 is m1, the change magnification in the period T1 is set to m1 ′> m1, and the change magnification in the period T2 is set to m2 ′ <m2 = 1. To do.

  In this case, the relationship of m1 ′ <m2 ′ is established. That is, it is assumed that the change magnification m1 when the change magnification m2 is set to 1 is too small, for example, m1 = 0.6. In this case, for example, the change in the playback speed is set such that m1 ′ = 0.7 (> m1 = 0.6) and m2 ′ = 0.9 (<m2 = 1). The reproduction speed is averaged not only for the period T1 but also for the period T2.

  According to the methods shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the degree of foot slip in the period T2 can be reduced, and the difference between the reproduction speeds in the periods T1 and T2 increases and becomes noticeable. Can be prevented.

  22 and 23 are flowcharts for explaining the playback speed changing process.

  First, the arrival time tr of the ball to the hit position (shot position) is obtained (step S21). Then, a motion is selected based on the operation instruction data of the preceding input, the arrival time tr, etc. (step S22). For example, when a top spin operation is instructed by a prior input, a motion whose playback time tm is close to the arrival time tr is selected from a plurality of top spin motions.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the selected motion is a motion for changing the playback speed (first motion) (step S23). For example, for the motion (second motion) such as “smash”, “missing”, “volley that returns instantly”, and “shot while moving forward”, the playback speed is not changed in this embodiment. This is because in these motions, there is no need to change the playback speed itself, or it becomes unnatural if the playback speed is changed.

  If it is determined in step S23 of FIG. 22 that the selected motion is a motion that does not change the playback speed (second motion), the playback time tm of the motion is acquired (step S24). That is, the number of playback frames (total number of frames) stored in association with each motion is acquired as the playback time tm. Then, it is determined whether or not the reproduction time tm is longer than the ball arrival time tr (step S25).

  If tm> tr, the motion is reproduced from the middle (step S26). That is, only the latter half part is reproduced without reproducing the first half part of the motion. In this case, the motion blending process of the motion that the character was performing before the midway playback and the midway playback motion (the motion of the frame that starts the midway playback) is performed so that the motion appears to change smoothly. .

  On the other hand, if tm> tr is not satisfied, the motion is reproduced after performing another motion reproduction such as a standby motion (step S27). In other words, when other motions such as a ready motion and a normal running motion are being played back for the time being, and it is determined that the remaining playback time matches the arrival time tr, it is selected in step S22. Starts motion playback.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the motion data storage unit 173 stores the data of the first motion whose motion playback speed is changed and the second motion (for example, smash, idling, volley) whose motion playback speed is not changed. Remember. Then, as shown in step S23 of FIG. 22 and the processing of FIG. 23, the reproduction speed changing unit 113 selects the first motion (first motion group) based on the character movement instruction by the preceding input. The playback speed change process is performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in steps S23 and S24, when the second motion (second motion group) is selected based on the character motion instruction by the prior input, the motion reproducing unit 112 performs the second motion. Get the playback time of. Then, as shown in steps S25 and S26, when the reproduction time tm is longer than the arrival time tr of the ball at the hit position, the motion reproduction is started from the middle of the second motion. On the other hand, when the reproduction time tm is shorter than the arrival time tr, reproduction of the second motion is started after performing other motion reproduction such as standby motion.

  In this way, the first motion that requires the playback speed change process and the second motion that does not require the playback speed change process can be categorized and processed, so that the processing efficiency can be improved.

  If it is determined in step S23 of FIG. 22 that the selected motion is a motion that requires a playback speed change process, the playback time tm of the motion (first motion) is acquired (step S31). Further, a time t2 of the foot slip prevention period T2 before the shot is acquired (step S32). That is, the length (number of frames) of the period T2 shown in FIG. This can be obtained, for example, from the number of frames of the trajectory data in FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether tr <t2 (step S33). If tr <t2, the motion is reproduced as it is in accordance with the impact of the shot (step S42). That is, the motion is reproduced without performing the reproduction speed changing process.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the arrival time tr of the ball (moving body) at the hit position is shorter than the time t2 of the period T2, the motion reproduction unit 112 performs the character without performing the reproduction speed change process. CH motion is being played.

  On the other hand, if tr <t2, the movement distance LCH of the character CH on the game field (court) within the arrival time tr is acquired (step S34). Further, the movement distance L2 in the motion of the character CH in the foot slip prevention period T2 is acquired (step S35). These movement distances LCH and L2 can be obtained based on, for example, the arrival time tr and time t2, the moving speed of the character CH, the playback time of motion, and the like.

  Next, it is determined whether LCH <L2 (step S36). If LCH <L2, the motion is reproduced as it is in accordance with the impact of the shot (step S42).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the motion reproducing unit 112 determines that the moving distance LCH of the character CH on the game field within the arrival time tr is shorter than the moving distance L2 of the character CL in the period T2. The motion of the character CH is reproduced without performing the reproduction speed changing process.

  On the other hand, if LCH <L2 is not satisfied, as described in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the period T1 when the reproduction speed change magnification m2 in the period T2 is set to 1 is used. The reproduction speed change magnification m1 is obtained (step S37).

  Next, it is determined whether m1> mth (step S38). That is, it is determined whether or not the motion playback speed RS1 in the period T1 set by the change magnification m1 is too fast. If m1> mth, as described with reference to FIG. 21A, the change magnification m1 is reduced (slowed down) and the change magnification m2 is increased (fastened), so that the overall reproduction speed is increased. Are averaged (step S39).

  Next, it is determined whether m1 <mtl (step S40). That is, it is determined whether or not the motion playback speed RS1 in the period T1 set by the change magnification m1 is too slow. If m1 <mtl, as described with reference to FIG. 21B, the change magnification m1 is increased (fastened) and the change magnification m2 is decreased (slowed down), so that the overall reproduction speed is increased. Are averaged (step S41).

3. Hardware Configuration FIG. 24A shows a hardware configuration example that can realize the present embodiment.

  The CPU 900 (main processor) is a multi-core processor including a plurality of CPU cores 1, CPU cores 2, and CPU cores 3. The CPU 900 includes a cache memory (not shown). Each of the CPU cores 1, 2, and 3 is provided with a vector calculator and the like. Each of the CPU cores 1, 2, and 3 can execute, for example, two H / W thread processes in parallel without performing a context switch, and a multi-thread function is supported by hardware. A total of three CPU cores 1, 2, and 3 can execute six H / W thread processes in parallel.

  The GPU 910 (drawing processor) performs vertex processing and pixel processing to realize drawing (rendering) processing. Specifically, according to the shader program, the vertex data is created / changed and the drawing color of the pixel (fragment) is determined. When an image for one frame is written into the VRAM 920 (frame buffer), the image is displayed on a display such as a TV via a video output. The main memory 930 functions as a work memory for the CPU 900 and the GPU 910. Further, in the GPU 910, a plurality of vertex threads and a plurality of pixel threads are executed in parallel, and a multi-thread function of drawing processing is supported by hardware. The GPU 910 is also provided with a hardware tessellator. The GPU 910 is a unified shader type in which the vertex shader and the pixel shader are not distinguished in terms of hardware.

  The bridge circuit 940 (south bridge) is a circuit that controls the flow of information inside the system, and incorporates a controller such as a USB controller (serial interface), a network communication controller, an IDE controller, or a DMA controller. The bridge circuit 940 implements an interface function among the game controller 942, the memory card 944, the HDD 946, and the DVD drive 948.

  Note that the hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment is not limited to FIG. 24A, and may be, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 24B, the CPU 902 includes a processor element PP and eight processor elements PE1 to PE8. The processor element PP is a general-purpose processor core, and the processor elements PE1 to PE8 are processor cores having a relatively simple configuration. The architectures of the processor element PP and the processor elements PE1 to PE8 are different, and the processor elements PE1 to PE8 are SIMD type processor cores that can simultaneously perform the same processing on a plurality of data with one instruction. Thereby, multimedia processing such as streaming processing can be executed efficiently. The processor element PP can execute two H / W thread processes in parallel, and each of the processor elements PE1 to PE8 can execute one H / W thread process. Therefore, the CPU 902 can execute a total of 10 H / W thread processes in parallel.

  In FIG. 24B, the GPU 912 and the CPU 902 are closely linked, and the GPU 912 can directly perform the rendering process on the main memory 930 on the CPU 902 side. Further, for example, the CPU 902 can perform geometry processing to transfer vertex data, or easily return data from the GPU 912 to the CPU 902. It is also easy for the CPU 902 to perform rendering pre-processing and post-processing, and the CPU 902 can execute tessellation (plane division) and dot fill. For example, the CPU 902 can perform a process with a high level of abstraction, and the GPU 912 can perform a detailed process with a low level of abstraction.

  When the processing of each unit of the present embodiment is realized by hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each unit of the present embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs a processor (CPU, GPU), which is hardware, to pass data if necessary. And a processor implement | achieves the process of each part of this invention based on the instruction | indication and the passed data.

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or drawings, terms (ball, X, Y, Z coordinates, etc.) described at least once together with different terms (moving body, first, second, third coordinates, etc.) having a broader meaning or the same meaning May be replaced by the different terms anywhere in the specification or drawings.

  In addition, the preceding input process, the hit position calculation process, the shot condition / capture condition determination process, the motion playback process, the playback speed change process, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these can also be used. It is included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games other than tennis 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 game images, and a mobile phone. it can.

The example of the block diagram of the image generation system of this embodiment. Examples of character and ball object data. Example of ball trajectory data. Example of model object and skeleton structure. Explanatory drawing of parent-child relationship of bone. An example of character motion data. Examples of motion parameters. An example of setting an object space in a tennis game. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9D are explanatory diagrams of a prior input system. The flowchart explaining the hit position calculation process of this embodiment. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams of shot condition determination processing and hit position calculation processing. 12A and 12B show examples of game images generated by this embodiment. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are examples of game images generated by this embodiment. 14A to 14D are explanatory diagrams of shot condition determination processing and hit position calculation processing. FIGS. 15A and 15B show examples of game images generated according to the present embodiment. FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show examples of game images generated by this embodiment. 17A to 17C are explanatory diagrams of shot condition determination processing and hit position calculation processing. FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B are explanatory diagrams of a motion reproduction speed changing method. Explanatory drawing of the method using division frame data. FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are explanatory diagrams of specific examples of motion playback speed change processing. FIGS. 21A and 21B are explanatory diagrams of a specific example of the motion playback speed changing process. The flowchart explaining the process of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining the process of this embodiment. 24A and 24B show examples of hardware configurations.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit, 102 input receiving unit, 104 object space setting unit,
106 game calculation unit, 108 moving body control unit, 110 character control unit,
112 motion playback unit, 113 playback speed change unit, 114 hit position calculation unit,
116 determination unit, 118 virtual camera control unit, 120 image generation unit, 130 sound generation unit,
160 operation unit, 170 storage unit, 171 shape data storage unit,
172 Object data storage unit, 173 Motion data storage unit,
174 Motion parameter storage unit, 175 orbit data storage unit,
176 hit position storage unit, 177 drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium,
190 Display unit, 192 Sound output unit, 194 Auxiliary storage device, 196 Communication unit

Claims (22)

An input receiving unit that receives an input prior input when a player performs prior input instructing the movement of the character prior to the timing at which the moving object is shot or captured by the character;
A moving body control unit that performs control processing of the moving body shot or captured by the character;
A character control unit that performs control processing of the character based on the received operation data of the preceding input;
A hit position calculation unit for obtaining a hit position that is a position where a hit event occurs between the character and the moving body;
As a determination unit that determines whether the obtained hit position is a position that satisfies the shot condition or capture condition of the moving object by the character,
Make the computer work,
The hit position calculation unit
When the hit position is not a position satisfying the shot condition or the capturing condition, the hit position is recalculated to move the hit position. In claim 1,
The hit position calculation unit
A program for obtaining a hit position by obtaining an intersection of a trajectory specified by the position and movement direction of the character at the timing of the preceding input and a trajectory of the moving body. In claim 2,
The hit position calculation unit
A program for obtaining a hit position by selecting a moving body position corresponding to the intersection from the moving body positions of trajectory data of the moving body that has already been calculated at the timing of the preceding input. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The hit position calculation unit
A program that repeats the process of moving the hit position until the hit position reaches a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. In claim 4,
The hit position calculation unit
A program for moving a hit position on a trajectory of the moving body until the hit position becomes a position satisfying the shot condition or the capture condition. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The determination unit
A program characterized in that, when an obstacle exists between the character and a hit position, the hit position is determined not to be a position satisfying the shot condition or the capture condition. In claim 6,
When the direction from the hit position to the position of the moving body at the timing of the preceding input is the first direction,
The hit position calculation unit
As the recalculation process, a program for performing a process of moving a hit position to the first direction side. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The hit position calculation unit
Find the first, second and third coordinates of the hit position,
The determination unit
A program for determining that a hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition when the second coordinate of the moving body at the hit position is not within a given coordinate range. In claim 8,
The second coordinate is a coordinate in the height direction,
The determination unit
A program that determines that a hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition when the height of the moving object at the hit position is not within a given height range. In claim 8 or 9,
The determination unit
A program for performing determination processing by changing the coordinate range based on a body parameter of the character. In any one of Claims 8 thru | or 10.
The hit position calculation unit
As the recalculation process, a program for performing a process of moving a hit position on a trajectory of the moving body so that the second coordinates of the moving body fall within the coordinate range. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The determination unit
When it is determined that the character cannot reach the hit position within the arrival time of the moving body at the hit position, it is determined that the hit position is not a position that satisfies the shot condition or the capture condition. program. In claim 12,
A motion data storage unit for storing the motion data of the character;
As a motion playback unit that performs motion playback of the character based on the motion data,
Make the computer work,
The motion playback unit
When the preceding input is received, motion playback is performed to cause the character to perform an action instructed by the action instruction data of the preceding input.
The determination unit
When the shot timing or capture timing of the moving body in the motion of the character is a timing later than the arrival time, it is determined that the hit position is not a position satisfying the shot condition or the capture condition Program to do. In claim 12 or 13,
The hit position calculation unit
As the recalculation process, a program for performing a process of moving a hit position to a position where the character can reach within the arrival time. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
A motion data storage unit for storing the motion data of the character;
As a motion playback unit that performs motion playback of the character based on the motion data,
Make the computer work,
The motion playback unit
Motion data for reproducing a shot or capture operation of the moving object by the character and a shot operation or capture operation following the preparation operation, based on the hit position finally obtained by the recalculation process A program characterized by selecting and reproducing specified motion data. In claim 15,
The motion playback unit
A program for selecting motion data on the basis of the arrival time of the moving body at the finally obtained hit position and the operation instruction data of the preceding input. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 16.
A motion data storage unit for storing the motion data of the character;
A motion playback unit that performs motion playback of the character based on the motion data;
As a playback speed changing unit for performing the playback speed changing process of the motion of the character,
Make the computer work,
The playback speed changing unit
The degree of change in the first reproduction speed in the first period, which is the period from the preceding input timing to the first timing, is the timing at which the hit event between the character and the moving object occurs from the first timing. A program characterized by performing a reproduction speed changing process that is larger than the degree of change of the second reproduction speed in the second period, which is a period up to. In claim 17,
The playback speed changing unit
A first change magnification that is a change magnification of the first reproduction speed in the first period based on the arrival time of the moving body at the hit position where the hit event is generated and the reproduction time of the motion And a second change magnification which is a change magnification of the second reproduction speed in the second period. In claim 18,
The playback speed changing unit
The first change magnification when the second change magnification is set to 1 is obtained, and when the obtained first change magnification is larger than a first threshold value, the first change magnification is calculated. When the change magnification is decreased and the second change magnification is increased, and the obtained first change magnification is smaller than a second threshold value, the first change magnification is increased and the first change magnification is increased. A program for reducing the second change magnification. In any of claims 17 to 19,
The motion data storage unit
Storing partition frame data for identifying a frame partitioning the first and second periods in association with each motion;
The playback speed changing unit
A program for specifying the first timing based on data of the partition frame and performing the reproduction speed changing process.   A computer-readable information storage medium, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is stored. An image generation system for generating an image,
An input receiving unit that receives an input prior input when a player performs prior input instructing the movement of the character prior to the timing at which the moving object is shot or captured by the character;
A moving body control unit that performs control processing of the moving body shot or captured by the character;
A character control unit that performs control processing of the character based on the received operation data of the preceding input;
A hit position calculation unit for obtaining a hit position that is a position where a hit event occurs between the character and the moving body;
A determination unit that determines whether the obtained hit position is a position that satisfies a shot condition or a capture condition of the moving object by the character;
Including
The hit position calculation unit
When the hit position is not a position satisfying the shot condition or the capture condition, the hit position is recalculated to move the hit position.

Images