JP5860329B2 - Game program and game system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program and a game system for controlling character movement in a virtual game space.

  Conventionally, there are games such as an action game and a role-playing game that cause a player character to move in a virtual game space in accordance with a player's operation. In this type of game, in addition to the player character, for example, a non-player character such as an enemy character that attacks the player character also appears. The non-player character is a character that cannot be directly operated by the player, and is set to act in the game space according to a predetermined rule.

  In such characters (player character and non-player character), the same character may be used depending on the environment and conditions (for example, the appearance position of the non-player character in the game space, an instruction to change the equipment by the player character, and before and after the event). Sometimes expressed as if wearing different clothes. In such a case, it is known that a texture (clothing texture) representing clothing is prepared separately from the texture representing the character itself, and both textures are mapped such that the clothing texture is superimposed on the texture of the character itself. . According to this, by selecting a clothing texture according to the environment and conditions from among a plurality of clothing textures and mapping it on the corresponding character, it is possible to wear a plurality of clothing even on the same character (for example, Patent Literature) 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-103047

  By the way, in action games and role-playing games such as those described above, character damage expressions (such as clothing tears and burns, blood splashing, etc.) and expressions in response to character environmental changes (such as clothes getting wet, mud stains) ) Or the like may be added to the character.

  However, in order to apply the same effect expression to a plurality of clothes textures, it is necessary to prepare a clothes texture after the effect expression is added for each clothes texture. For this reason, if the number of types of clothing textures increases, the number of clothing textures after the effect expression is added also increases, increasing the amount of data. Furthermore, when trying to express multiple effects, the number of clothing textures has increased dramatically, which is not realistic.

  Also, in order to make such effect expression more realistic, effect expression corresponding to a plurality of parts constituting the character is also assumed. For example, when the character receives damage on the right side of the body, it is conceivable that only the right side of the body is given a torn clothing or blood splash as a damage expression. In such a case, for one clothing expression, in addition to the clothing texture for realizing the clothing expression, a clothing texture provided with the effect expression for each effect expression and for each part is prepared, and the amount of data is It was too much and it was not realistic.

  These problems are not limited to the above-mentioned human-type characters, but are also three-dimensional in monster-type, robot-type, car and airplane characters, and virtual game spaces such as buildings, road surfaces, trees, mountains, weapons, and shields. The same problem arises for all objects drawn on the screen.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game program and a game system that can give various effect expressions to an object while suppressing an increase in the amount of data.

  The game program according to the present invention allows a computer to correlate a plurality of reference texture images having different characteristics of at least a part of the object for the object expressed in three dimensions and the three-dimensional coordinates of the object surface. A reference texture data acquisition means for acquiring reference texture data including a two-dimensional reference texture map indicating a correlation between an effect expression texture image expressed on the reference texture image and a three-dimensional coordinate of the reference texture An effect expression texture data acquisition means for acquiring effect expression texture data including a two-dimensional effect expression texture map shown, an object mapping means for mapping the reference texture image using the reference texture map, in a predetermined case, The effect expression texture map is used to perform the effect expression reflection means for effect expression by mapping the effect expression texture image to the reference texture image mapped by the object mapping means, The effect expression texture image is configured to be commonly applicable to at least a part of the plurality of reference texture images.

  The effect expression texture map may be provided for each reference texture data, and may be configured to have a common correlation with the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference texture image.

  The plurality of reference texture images are a plurality of clothing texture images for a character expressed in three dimensions, and the effect expression texture image is at least corresponding to at least two parts of a plurality of parts constituting the character. Two base texture images are provided, and the effect expression texture map is configured such that the at least two base texture images are superimposed on each other, and the computer determines whether the character satisfies the predetermined condition. And when the condition determination means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the condition determination means functions as a selection means for selecting at least one of the plurality of base texture images according to the condition, The effect expression reflecting means is the condition determination means. Is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition, the base texture image corresponding to the portion where the effect expression is performed among the at least two base texture images constituting the effect expression texture data is determined using the effect expression texture map. It is good also as mapping so that it may overlap with the said clothes texture image.

  The effect expression texture image may be configured by storing the at least two base texture images in at least two of the three RGB channels when a color is expressed by a computer.

  The effect expression texture image may include at least one of a texture image that represents torn clothing and a texture image that represents blood splash attached to the clothing.

  A game system according to the present invention includes a program storage unit that stores the game program and a computer that executes the program stored in the program storage unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game program and game system which can provide various effect expression to an object can be provided, suppressing the increase in data amount.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the game device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example (army best) of clothing texture data in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example (tank top) of clothing texture data in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional effect expression texture map and an effect expression texture image constituting the effect expression texture data in the present embodiment. FIG. 6A shows an example of an effect expression texture image of the present embodiment shown on an effect expression texture map, and an example of a three-dimensional image (b) when it is mapped so as to be superimposed on a clothing texture image. FIG. FIG. 7A shows an example of an effect expression texture image of the present embodiment on an effect expression texture map and FIG. 7B shows an example of a three-dimensional image (b) when it is mapped so as to be superimposed on a clothing texture image. FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example of an effect expression texture image of the present embodiment shown on an effect expression texture map, and an example of a three-dimensional image (b) when it is mapped so as to be superimposed on a clothing texture image. FIG. FIG. 9A shows an example of an effect expression texture image according to the present embodiment shown on an effect expression texture map, and an example of a three-dimensional image (b) when mapping the image so as to be superimposed on a clothing texture image. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base texture image that configures an effect expression texture image according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a clothing texture image (army vest) on which an effect expression is performed in the present embodiment is mapped to a character. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a clothing texture image (tank top) on which an effect expression is performed in the present embodiment is mapped to a character. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect expression processing in the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of effect expression texture data in the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data structure (comparative example) when effect expression texture data is provided for each part where effect expression is simply performed and for each target clothing texture image.

  Hereinafter, a game program and a game system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Game Overview]
In the following description, an action game executed in a home game device will be described as an example. The action game according to the present embodiment proceeds by operating a player character in a virtual game space and searching for an item or capturing a predetermined event while fighting an enemy character. In the following, description will be given based on a configuration in which effect expression is performed on the clothes of such a humanoid character.

[Hardware configuration]
A configuration of a game device that realizes the above-described game will be described. The game system in the present embodiment includes the following game device 2 and external devices such as a monitor 19, a speaker 22, and a controller 24 connected to the game device 2, and a game program read from the following disk-type storage medium 30. A game can be played based on 30a and game data 30b. However, in the following, in order to simplify the description, the game device 2 may be simply referred to. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the game apparatus 2 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 2 can communicate with another game apparatus 2 and the server apparatus 3 via a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN. The game apparatus 2 includes a CPU 10 that is a computer for controlling the operation thereof, and a disk drive 12, a memory card slot 13, an HDD 14 that constitutes a program storage unit, a ROM 15, and a RAM 16 are connected to the CPU 10 via a bus 11. Yes.

  The disc drive 12 can be loaded with a disc type recording medium 30 such as a DVD-ROM, and the disc type recording medium 30 will be described in the game program 30a according to the embodiment of the present invention and the present embodiment. The game data 30b such as characters appearing in the game and objects and textures necessary for forming the game space are recorded. In addition, a card-type recording medium 31 can be loaded in the memory card slot 13, and save data indicating a play status such as a game progress can be recorded in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 10.

  The HDD 14 is a large-capacity recording medium built in the game apparatus 2 and records the game program 30a and game data 30b read from the disk-type recording medium 30, save data, and the like. The ROM 15 is a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM or PROM, and stores a start program for starting the game apparatus 2 and a program for controlling an operation when the disk type recording medium 30 is loaded. The RAM 16 is composed of DRAM, SRAM, or the like, and reads a game program 30a to be executed by the CPU 10 or game data 30b necessary for the execution from the disk-type recording medium 30 or the HDD 14 according to the game play status. To record temporarily.

  Further, the graphic processing unit 17, the audio synthesis unit 20, the wireless communication control unit 23, and the network interface 25 are connected to the CPU 10 via the bus 11.

  Among these, the graphic processing unit 17 draws a game image including a game space and each character in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 10. An external monitor 19 is connected to the graphic processing unit 17 via a video conversion unit 18, and the game image drawn by the graphic processing unit 17 is converted into a moving image format by the video conversion unit 18, and the monitor 19 Is displayed.

  The audio synthesizing unit 20 reproduces and synthesizes digital game sound in accordance with instructions from the CPU 10. An external speaker 22 is connected to the audio synthesis unit 20 via an audio conversion unit 21. Therefore, the game sound reproduced and synthesized by the audio synthesizing unit 20 is decoded into an analog format by the audio converting unit 21 and further outputted from the speaker 22 to the outside.

  The wireless communication control unit 23 includes a 2.4 GHz band wireless communication module, and is wirelessly connected to the controller 24 attached to the game apparatus 2 so that data can be transmitted and received. The user can input a signal to the game apparatus 2 by operating an operator (not shown) such as a button provided in the controller 24, and controls the movement of the player character displayed on the monitor 19. It is possible. The network interface 25 connects the game apparatus 2 to a communication network NW such as the Internet or a LAN, and can communicate with another game apparatus 2 or the server apparatus 3. Then, by connecting the game apparatus 2 to another game apparatus 2 via the communication network NW and transmitting / receiving data to / from each other, a plurality of player characters can be displayed in synchronization within the same game space 100. . Therefore, multiplayer in which a plurality of people work together to advance a game is possible.

[Functional configuration of game device]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game apparatus 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus 2 includes a control unit 4 including a CPU 10, an HDD 14, a ROM 15, a RAM 16, a graphic processing unit 17, a video conversion unit 18, an audio synthesis unit 20, an audio conversion unit 21, a network interface 25, and the like. Act as a computer. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 4 of the game apparatus 2 executes the game program 30a of the present invention, so that the game space generation means 41, the character motion control means 42, the character damage determination means 43, the reference texture, Functions such as data acquisition means 44, effect expression texture data acquisition means 45, object mapping means 46, condition determination means 47, selection means 48, and effect expression reflection means 49 are exhibited.

  Among these, the game space generation means 41 operates in the virtual game space in which the character operates and in the game space, generates each character expressed in three dimensions, and displays it on the monitor 19. For example, the game space generation means 41 reads data such as objects and textures included in the game data 30b as the player character moves, and generates a three-dimensional virtual game space. Furthermore, in order to display the game space on the monitor 19 of the game apparatus 2, the game space generation means 41 generates a two-dimensional image when the generated game space is photographed with a predetermined virtual camera.

  The character action control means 42 controls the action of the character in the game space according to the operation of the controller 24 by the user and the progress of the game.

  The character damage determination means 43 determines the damage applied to the character (the presence / absence of damage and the amount of damage) when the character is damaged. In the present embodiment, a hit area is set for each of a plurality of parts constituting the character, and the character damage determination unit 43 determines the coordinates of damage elements (weapons used for attack, objects to be contacted, etc.) and each part. The coordinates of the hit area (boundary coordinates) are compared, and if the coordinates of the damage element are within the hit area (exceeding the boundary coordinates), the damage amount is stored as damage to the part of the hit area. If the same part has been damaged by the previous time, a value obtained by accumulating the previous damage amount and the current damage amount is stored.

  The reference texture data acquisition unit 44 acquires, for each object expressed in three dimensions, a plurality of reference texture data having at least some characteristics of the object different from the game data 30b. In the present embodiment, the plurality of reference texture images are a plurality of clothing texture images for a character expressed in three dimensions. That is, the reference texture data acquisition unit 44 acquires a plurality of costume texture data different for each character from the game data 30b. Clothes texture data The service standard texture data has a general configuration used for three-dimensional computer graphics. That is, the reference texture data is a two-dimensional reference texture map (generally referred to as a UV map) in which the correlation with the three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z) on the object surface is represented by two-dimensional coordinates (U, V). Data) and texture image data corresponding to the two-dimensional map.

  The effect expression texture data acquisition unit 45 includes an effect expression texture image expressed on the reference texture image according to a predetermined condition and a two-dimensional effect expression texture map indicating a correlation between the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference texture image. Is obtained from the game data 30b. The effect expression texture in the present embodiment is a texture that expresses a surface change of the character and clothes according to a change in the character state and / or surrounding environment (game progress). For example, the effect expression texture data includes texture data representing stains and tears on clothes, stains when liquid or blood gets on clothes, and the like. As described above, a plurality of types of effect expression texture data are stored as the game data 30b so that a plurality of effect expressions (effect expression by a plurality of types of phenomena) can be performed according to conditions. Further, as will be described later, a plurality of effect expression texture data different depending on the part is stored for the same type of effect expression so that a plurality of different effect expressions can be performed according to a plurality of parts of the character.

  The object mapping means 46 maps the reference texture image using the reference texture map. The object mapping means 46 in this embodiment maps one clothing texture image among a plurality of clothing texture images to the character using a clothing texture map. Specifically, the object mapping means 46 determines whether the predetermined two-dimensional coordinate position is based on the corresponding three-dimensional coordinate on the character surface based on the two-dimensional clothing texture map corresponding to the data of the two-dimensional clothing texture image as described above. The clothing texture is expressed as Thereby, it is possible to realize clothing representation (three-dimensional representation) based on clothing texture data on the character surface represented in three dimensions.

  Condition determining means 47 determines whether the character satisfies a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, one of the predetermined conditions includes that the character has been damaged, and the condition determination unit 47 determines for each part whether the character has been damaged. In addition, as a predetermined condition, whether or not the damaged part satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, exceeding a predetermined damage amount, winning in a lottery process having a predetermined winning probability, etc.) It may be determined. That is, the predetermined condition in the present embodiment may satisfy the condition that the part is damaged and the effect expression is performed on the damaged part.

  When the condition determining unit 47 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the selecting unit 48 selects at least one of a plurality of effect expression texture images (base texture images described later) according to the condition. Specifically, for example, when damage is given to the right arm of the clothing when the right arm is damaged, a predetermined condition is damage to the right arm. Select an effect expression texture image related to the right arm part tear expression.

  The effect expression reflection means 49 performs effect expression when the condition determination means 47 determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied. Specifically, the effect expression reflecting means 49 uses the effect expression texture map to perform mapping so as to synthesize the effect expression texture image with the reference texture image mapped by the object mapping means 46. As will be described in detail later, for example, when the character is damaged, an effect expression is performed such that a predetermined part of the clothes on the damaged part is torn or the surrounding area is stained with blood.

[Structure of reference texture data and effect expression texture data]
Here, the structure of the reference texture data (that is, clothing texture data) and the effect expression texture data in the present embodiment will be described more specifically. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing examples of clothing texture data in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of an army vest (front opening), and FIG. 4 shows an example of a tank top. FIGS. 3 (a) and 4 (a) are diagrams each showing a two-dimensional clothing texture map superimposed on a two-dimensional clothing texture image. FIGS. 3 (b) and 4 (b) are respectively diagrams. It is a figure when the three-dimensional image after mapping the clothes texture image of Fig.3 (a) and Fig.4 (a) is seen from the front. The two-dimensional texture map represents a vertex position on a two-dimensional coordinate indicating a correspondence relationship between each vertex of the surface polygon of the three-dimensional object and a position on the two-dimensional texture image. 3A and 4A, the two-dimensional clothing texture map is shown as a boundary line of the polygon when the polygon forming the object surface is developed two-dimensionally.

  As described above, the clothing texture data as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A is configured as a developed view of the three-dimensional image shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B. . For this reason, the development mode (that is, the correspondence relationship between the two-dimensional coordinates and the three-dimensional coordinates) differs depending on the clothing texture so that there is no sense of incongruity in the three-dimensional display state (for example, the seam is not conspicuous). For example, in the army vest shown in FIG. 3 (a), the left and right sides of the front body are separated (the center portion does not exist), so the clothing texture data is set so that the separated portions are located at the left and right ends of the clothing texture map. Is configured. In addition, the texture data of the pocket which is a solid part of an army vest is provided in the lower part of Fig.3 (a) separately from the vest main-body part.

  On the other hand, in the tank top shown in FIG. 4 (a), the left and right sides of the front body are not separated like the army vest, so the clothes are cut at the underarm portions that are less noticeable, and the cut portions are the clothes texture map. The clothing texture data is configured so as to be positioned at the left and right ends. In accordance with this, the portion where the character's head enters is positioned at the center portion in the vertical direction of the clothing texture map so that the shoulder portions are connected. As long as the correspondence between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image (the correspondence between the two-dimensional coordinates and the three-dimensional coordinates) is obtained, the clothing texture image may be developed in any way. For this reason, in general, the correspondence between the two-dimensional coordinates of the clothing texture map and the three-dimensional coordinates of the character surface often differs depending on the clothing to be expressed.

  In one character (which may be common to a plurality of characters), a plurality of clothes texture data as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is stored as game data 30b. In a plurality of clothes texture data, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the shape and length of clothes are different. For example, when there are various differences such as the presence or absence of a three-dimensional part (pocket), the difference in length, the presence or absence of a sleeve, and the difference in length in addition to whether or not the front body is open as described above There is.

  Next, effect expression texture data applied to the above-described clothing texture data will be described. The effect expression texture image in the present embodiment is configured to be applicable to any of a plurality of reference texture images (clothing texture images in the present embodiment). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a two-dimensional effect expression texture map and an effect expression texture image constituting the effect expression texture data in this embodiment. FIG. 5 (a) shows an effect expression texture map for the army vest, FIG. 5 (b) shows an effect expression texture map for the tank top, and FIG. 5 (c) shows an effect expressing blood splash attached to the clothes. The example of an expression texture image is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the effect expression texture data is common to a plurality of two-dimensional effect expression texture maps provided for each clothing texture data and a plurality of clothes texture data. Effect expression texture image. In the effect expression texture map, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the correlation with the three-dimensional coordinates of the clothing texture image is represented by two-dimensional coordinates (U, V). The effect expression texture map provided for each clothing texture data is configured to have a common correlation with the three-dimensional coordinates of the clothing texture image.

  Thus, in addition to the two-dimensional clothes texture map (first two-dimensional map) in the clothes texture data, the effect expression texture map (second second map) having a common correlation with the three-dimensional coordinates in the plurality of clothes texture data. (Dimensional map) is stored as game data 30b. Such an effect expression texture map is configured such that the same part is located at substantially the same position regardless of the difference in clothing texture images. For example, in the effect expression texture maps corresponding to the army vest shown in FIG. 5A and the tank top shown in FIG. 5B, the right shoulder portion of the front body is located at the upper left corner (near the origin). Are arranged as follows.

  As described above, a two-dimensional texture map in which the correlation between the three-dimensional coordinates and the two-dimensional coordinates is common between different clothing texture images is used as the effect expression texture map for effect expression. Therefore, a common two-dimensional effect expression texture image as shown in FIG. 5C can be used regardless of the difference in clothing texture images. In addition, by preparing such an effect expression texture map for each clothing texture data, different types of effect expression (for example, blood spray expression and tear expression) are performed on the same clothes texture image. However, only one effect expression texture map is required for each costume texture data. That is, for each garment texture data, by preparing one effect expression texture map and data of a plurality of types of effect expression texture images corresponding to the effect expression texture map, a plurality of types of effect expressions can be converted into a garment texture image. Can be granted on top.

  The effect expression texture image data common to the plurality of clothes texture images as shown in FIG. 5C does not feel uncomfortable even if the effect expression texture images are mapped on the plurality of clothes texture images. Further, it is configured as a two-dimensional image (the greatest common divisor) corresponding to all of the plurality of clothing texture images. For example, as described above, in the army vest as shown in FIG. 3, there is no central part of the front body, so that the effect expression expressed on the army vest is not originally required in the central part of the front body. On the other hand, the tank top as shown in FIG. Even in this case, in order to achieve an effect expression on the army vest and tank top with a single effect expression texture image, the effect expression is also displayed in the center part of the front (if necessary). The represented effect expression texture image is also applied to the army vest. When such an effect expression texture image is applied to the army vest, mapping is performed so that a central portion of the front part of the effect expression texture image is partially cut out.

  6 to 9 are diagrams (each diagram (a)) showing the effect expression texture image of the present embodiment on the effect expression texture map, and a three-dimensional image when mapping the image so as to be superimposed on the clothing texture image ( It is a figure which shows the example of each figure (b)). FIG. 6 shows the case of expressing blood spray adhering to the army vest, FIG. 7 shows the case of expressing blood spatter adhering to the tank top, FIG. 8 shows the case of expressing the tear of the army vest, Indicates a case where the tank top is torn.

  In FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, effect expression texture data of blood spray expression (such as bleeding marks and return blood) adhering on clothes is used as a common effect expression. The data of the effect expression texture image of the blood splash expression is configured as data colored in translucent red in order to express the blood splash attached on the clothes at a predetermined portion. 6A and 7A, only the internal area (area inside the boundary line) in the effect expression texture map is cut out from the effect expression texture image in FIGS. 6A and 7A. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), an effect expression without a sense of incongruity can be realized even when superimposed on any clothing texture image. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 also use effect expression texture data representing partial tearing of clothes as the common effect expression. The data of the effect expression texture image of the tear expression is configured as a transparency mask that makes the corresponding part of the clothing texture image transparent. In this example as well, as in the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the clothing tearing expression is realized without any discomfort on any of the clothing texture images.

  Further, as described above, the effect expression texture map applied to the army vest shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 and the effect expression texture map applied to the tank top shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. If one effect expression texture image is added, the effect expression can be applied to all of the plurality of clothes texture data. Thus, a plurality of various effect expressions can be easily applied to all clothes texture images by preparing only one effect expression texture map corresponding to each of a plurality of clothes texture data. Therefore, various effect expressions can be given to the character while suppressing an increase in the data amount.

  In the present embodiment, the clothing texture map for mapping the clothing texture image and the effect expression texture map for mapping the effect expression texture image are used as different maps. Not limited to. That is, the clothing texture map for mapping the clothing texture image and the effect expression texture map for mapping the effect expression texture image may be configured as a common two-dimensional map.

  Although FIGS. 6 to 9 show examples in which only one effect expression is performed, a plurality of effect expressions may be performed simultaneously. That is, the selection unit 48 can simultaneously select a plurality of effect expression texture images. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 to be described later, on the army vest shown in FIG. 3, an effect expression texture image for blood splash expression shown in FIG. 6A and an effect for tear expression shown in FIG. By mapping so as to overlap the expression texture image, it is possible to perform an effect expression that a predetermined portion of the army vest is torn and blood splashes around the torn portion.

  The effect expression texture data is a state in which the effect expression texture map is applied in advance to the data of each effect expression texture image (FIGS. 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A). In the game data 30b. That is, at the time of applying the effect expression, the effect expression reflecting means 49 may read and execute the effect expression texture data in a state where the effect expression texture map is applied in advance to the effect expression texture image. Alternatively, the effect expression texture map and the data of each effect expression texture image may be stored separately and associated with each other in the game data 30b. That is, when applying the effect expression, the effect expression reflecting means 49 reads the effect expression texture map and the effect expression texture image, respectively, and executes the effect expression to convert the effect expression texture map into an effect expression texture image for effect expression. It may be applied.

[Data structure of effect expression texture image]
In this embodiment, as described above, a hit area related to damage is set for each of a plurality of parts constituting the character, and the condition determination unit 47 determines whether or not the character has been damaged for each part. Then, the effect expression reflecting means 49, when the condition determining means 47 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, by mapping the effect expression texture according to the condition on the clothing texture corresponding to the damaged part, Perform effect expression.

  In this case, in order to execute the effect expression only on the damaged part, a plurality of effect expression texture images are required for the same type (same phenomenon) of effect expression. For example, when blood spray expression is performed for each part, when effect expression is to be executed only on one of the right flank part, left flank part, and chest part, the effect expression texture with the blood spray expression applied to the right flank part At least an image, an effect expression texture image in which blood splash expression is applied to the left flank region, and an effect expression texture image in which blood expression is applied to the chest region are required. Furthermore, when it is allowed to perform effect expression simultaneously for two or more of a plurality of parts, if simply considered, image data for effect expression when effect expression is simultaneously performed for two or more parts is necessary. It becomes.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of effect expression texture data in the present embodiment, and FIG. 15 simply provides effect expression texture data for each part where effect expression is performed and for each clothing texture image to be processed. It is a figure which shows the data structure (comparative example) at the time of being. FIG. 14A and FIG. 15 show an example in which effect expressions corresponding to the three parts are provided for the same phenomenon expression (for example, blood spray expression). In this case, in addition to the case where the effect expression is made only in each part, if a combination of a plurality of these effect expressions is allowed, there are a total of seven combinations of effect expressions.

  If this is separate image data as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 15, the more the object to which the effect expression is applied (clothing texture image), the part to which the effect expression is applied, and / or the type (phenomenon) of the effect expression increases. Data volume increases exponentially. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the effect expression corresponding to each of the three parts is applied to only one clothing texture image (for example, tank top), seven data (seven data capacity is almost the same). However, if the effect expression is also applied to the vest and the jacket (applied to three clothing texture images), 21 data (21 data capacity is almost the same) is required. . Although not shown, if the number of parts where effect expression can be performed independently is increased from three to four, fifteen pieces of data are required even in one clothes texture image. If the number of images is increased to three, 45 pieces of data are required. Further, for example, if four parts of three clothes texture images are to be expressed in addition to the blood spray expression as well as tearing expression (when the number of effect expression types is increased to two), 90 pieces of data are required.

  In order to prevent the data amount from increasing exponentially as described above, in the present embodiment, the effect expression texture image includes at least two parts corresponding to at least two parts among a plurality of parts constituting the character. It has a base texture image. The effect expression texture map is configured such that the at least two base texture images are superimposed on each other.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the effect expression corresponding to each of the three parts is applied to only one clothing texture image, there are three data. Mu Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), it is only necessary to use nine data to apply such effect expression to three clothes texture images. Furthermore, although not shown, even if two types of effect expression are performed for four parts of three clothes texture images, in the comparative example, only 90 pieces of data are needed as described above.

  More specifically, the effect expression texture image according to the present embodiment includes at least two channels of at least two of the three RGB channels when the effect is expressed with respect to at least two parts. It is constructed by storing two base texture images. Alternatively, the effect expression texture image is configured by storing at least two base texture images in at least two of the four channels including the channel α when the color transparency is expressed by the computer. Also good. Then, the effect expression reflecting means 49 reads the corresponding effect expression texture data when performing the effect expression according to the condition, and performs the effect expression among at least two base texture images constituting the effect expression texture data. The base texture image corresponding to the part is mapped so as to be superimposed on the clothing texture image using the effect expression texture map.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base texture image that configures an effect expression texture image according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 (a) shows the blood spray expression at the right flank site, FIG. 10 (b) shows the blood spray expression at the left flank site, FIG. 10 (c) shows the blood spray expression at the chest site, and FIG. FIG. 10 (d) shows a superposition of FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (c).

  When effect expression is performed for three parts as shown in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C, base texture images corresponding to the three parts are respectively selected from, for example, three primary colors (R, G, B). Assigned to one channel and stored. The color or transparency in the data channel representing the three primary colors (R, G, B) and transparency (α) can be set separately using a programmable shader. The effect expression texture image is often monochromatic or transparent (breaking expression, etc.) regardless of the combination of the base texture images. For this reason, in the base texture image using each of the data channels representing the three primary colors (R, G, B) and the transparency (α), it is often unnecessary to express individual colors. Therefore, a data channel composed only of gradation representations such as the three primary colors (R, G, B) and transparency (α) can be used as the base texture image of the effect expression texture image.

  In the present embodiment, the base texture image is drawn so as to correspond to the two-dimensional effect expression texture map shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10A, the blood splash expression of the right flank region is drawn at the left end and the right end corresponding to the right flank region in the two-dimensional map. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, the blood splash expression of the left flank region is drawn at the center corresponding to the left flank region in the two-dimensional map. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10C, the blood spray expression of the chest part is drawn at a position (between the central part and the left end part) corresponding to the chest part of the front body in the two-dimensional map.

  Such a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 10) base texture images can be expressed in a superimposed manner as shown in FIG. 10 (d), and each base texture image is displayed. (Turned on) or not can be independently switched and set. A programmable shader is used for this switching setting.

  The programmable shader is configured to set the effect effect strength of each base texture image to the clothing texture image, and 0 (does not display the base texture image) to 1 (the effect expression effect by the base texture image is maximized). Multiple values can be entered and set within the range of In the programmable shader, 0 is input and set when the base texture image is not displayed, and a value other than 0 (for example, 0.1 to 1.0) is set according to the type of effect expression when the base texture image is displayed. Input is set.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 10, when only the left flank portion of the three portions is to be expressed with blood splash, the base texture image of the right flank portion stored in the red (R) data channel in the three primary colors is turned on ( For example, R = 0.1), and the base texture image of the left flank region stored in the green (G) data channel in the three primary colors and the chest stored in the blue (B) data channel in the three primary colors Turn off the base texture image (set G = B = 0). Thereby, the effect expression texture image represented as a result of superimposing the base texture images is generated on the assumption that only the base texture image of the right flank region is displayed.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 10, when blood splash expression is performed on the right flank region and the left flank region among the three regions, the base texture image (R) of the right flank region and the base texture image of the left flank region are illustrated. (G) is turned on (R = G = 0.1 is set), and the base texture image (B) of the chest region is turned off (B = 0 is set). Thereby, the effect expression texture image represented as a result of superimposing the base texture images is generated as a display of the base texture images of the right flank region and the left flank region superimposed.

  In this way, by switching each base texture image on or off, it is possible to easily express the effect by combining each part and a plurality of parts. For example, in the effect expression texture image using the three base texture images of RGB as shown in the example of FIG. 10, a combination of three parts, that is, seven types of effect expression is possible with one effect expression texture image. (See also FIG. 14A). In addition, in an effect expression texture image using four base texture images of RGBα, a combination of four parts, that is, 15 types of effect expression can be performed with one effect expression texture image. In this way, more effect expression can be performed with the data of one effect expression texture image, and the data capacity can be effectively reduced.

  In addition, by changing the effect effect intensity according to the base texture image to be turned on, the effect expression provided on the clothing texture image can be made a realistic expression. For example, a realistic feeling can be obtained by appropriately setting the effect effect intensity set in the blood splash expression as described above. Further, in the tearing expression, the effect effect strength becomes a threshold value of the gradation of the clothing texture image that makes it transparent. For example, if the effect effect strength of the tearing expression is set to 128/256 in the clothing texture image expressed in 256 gradations, the gradation of 128 gradations or more in the area of the clothing texture image in which the effect expression texture images are overlaid. The expressed part is made transparent. Therefore, if the effect effect intensity is 256/256 = 1, the entire region of the clothing texture image in which the effect expression texture is lent together is made transparent.

  Further, the blood splash expression shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 and the tear expression shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 are each configured as an effect expression texture image using a plurality of base texture images different for each part as described above. By expressing the effect expression texture image of blood splash expression and the effect expression texture image of tearing expression so as to overlap each other on the clothing texture image, a more realistic effect expression can be realized. At this time, each base texture image is configured such that the base texture image of the blood spray expression is larger than the base texture image of the torn expression in the same part, and the same part is set to be turned on at the same time in any part. . That is, the condition in the condition determination means 47 is made equal between the blood splash expression and the tear expression. As a result, it is possible to easily realize an effect expression in which the surroundings of the torn clothes due to damage are stained with blood.

  FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which a clothing texture image on which an effect expression is performed in this embodiment is mapped to a character. FIG. 11 shows the case of army vest, and FIG. 12 shows the case of tank top. In both FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, effect expression of both blood splash expression and tear expression is performed. Also in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, base texture images (right flank) corresponding to three parts (right flank part, left flank part, chest part) for each of the blood splash expression and the tear expression as shown in FIG. Region = R, left flank region = G, chest region = B) are set. Even if the examples of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are combined, only two effect expression texture images are necessary: a blood expression and a tear expression.

  FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 12 (a) show a case without effect expression. In this case, the effect expression texture image itself may not be mapped, or all the three base texture images may be turned off (R = G = B = 0 is set for any effect expression texture image). Good. FIG. 11B and FIG. 12B show a case where effect expression is performed on the right flank region. In this case, the effect expression texture image in which only the base texture image (R) of the right flank region is turned on may be mapped so as to be superimposed on the clothing texture image. Specifically, the base texture image in the blood splash expression is set to R (blood) = 0.1, G (blood) = B (blood) = 0, and the base texture image in the tear expression is R (break). = 1, G (break) = B (break) = 0. FIG. 11C and FIG. 12C show a case where effect expression is performed on the left flank region. In this case, the effect expression texture image in which only the base texture image (G) of the left flank region is turned on may be mapped so as to be superimposed on the clothing texture image. Specifically, the base texture image in the blood splash expression is set to G (blood) = 0.1, R (blood) = B (blood) = 0, and the base texture image in the tear expression is G = 1 ( Torn), R (torn) = B (torn) = 0. FIG. 11D and FIG. 12D show a case where effect expression is performed on the chest region. In this case, the effect expression texture image in which only the base texture image (B) of the chest part is turned on may be mapped so as to be superimposed on the clothing texture image. Specifically, the base texture image in the blood splash expression is set to B (blood) = 0.1, R (blood) = G (blood) = 0, and the base texture image in the tear expression is B (break). = 1, R (break) = G (break) = 0.

  FIG. 11 (e) and FIG. 12 (e) show the case where the effect expression is implemented in the right flank region and the left flank region. In this case, an effect expression texture image in which the base texture image (R) of the right flank region and the base texture image (G) of the left flank region are turned on and the base texture image (B) of the chest region is turned off is used as a clothing texture image. Mapping may be performed so as to overlap. Specifically, the base texture image in the blood splash expression is set to R (blood) = G (blood) = 0.1 and B (blood) = 0, and the base texture image in the tear expression is R (break). = G (break) = 1, B (break) = 0.

  Thus, if one effect expression texture image is prepared for each type of effect expression, it is possible to realize a plurality of modes with different parts where the effect expression is performed regardless of the number of clothes texture images. Accordingly, the more the effect is expressed, that is, the more the number of clothing texture images per character and / or the more parts to be used for effect expression, the more effectively the data amount can be saved. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, an effect expression texture image common to a plurality of clothing texture images is stored for each type (base texture images of the same type and different parts are stored in one RGB (α)). Although the example has been mainly described, the data storage mode is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 14C, an effect expression texture image common to a plurality of characters (character data itself becomes reference texture data) may be stored for each type. That is, a data structure in which data is stored for each type of effect expression may be used regardless of the character to be applied.

[Effect expression processing]
Here, the flow of the effect expression process until the effect expression texture image is mapped will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect expression processing in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the game space generation means 41 acquires data necessary for the game progress, such as a virtual game space in which the character moves and objects and background data to be displayed in the game space (step S1). The reference texture data acquisition unit 44 acquires a clothing texture image of the character as a reference texture image from the game data 30b, and the object mapping unit 46 stores the character data and the clothing texture image acquired separately in a predetermined memory (general (Called a texture memory) is drawn (rendered) (step S2). Further, the object mapping unit 46 performs geometry processing on the rendered image and converts it into a two-dimensional image viewed from a predetermined viewpoint in the game space. The converted character data is stored in a predetermined memory (generally called main memory).

  The condition determining means 47 performs a condition determining process for determining whether or not the character in the game space satisfies a predetermined condition (step S3). The condition determination process may be performed every predetermined time (every predetermined frame) or when a predetermined action is performed (for example, when the character damage determination unit 43 determines that there is damage). Good.

  In the condition determination process, when it is determined that the character satisfies the predetermined condition (Yes in step S3), the effect expression texture data acquisition unit 45 responds to the condition determined to be satisfied in the condition determination process from the game data 30b. Effect expression texture data is acquired (step S4).

  Then, the effect expression reflecting means 49 performs a mask process on the acquired effect expression texture data (step S5). As described in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12, the mask processing is realized by turning on a portion that satisfies a predetermined condition among a plurality of base texture images and turning off a portion that does not satisfy the predetermined condition. The object mapping means 46 maps the clothing texture image on the character surface using a clothing texture map. At this time, the effect expression reflecting means 49 performs an effect mapping by mapping the effect expression texture image obtained by the mask processing (a plurality of base texture images superimposed) so as to be superimposed on the character's clothing texture image. Expression is performed (step S6).

  On the other hand, in the condition determination process, when it is determined that the character does not satisfy the predetermined condition (No in step S3), the object mapping unit 46 uses the acquired clothing texture image on the surface of the character as a clothing texture map. Mapping as it is (step S7).

  In this way, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the effect expression is realized by superimposing the effect expression texture image corresponding to the condition on the clothes texture image to display the effect expression. Can be set independently. For this reason, there is no need to separately prepare a texture image when an effect expression is added for each clothing texture image, and an increase in the amount of data related to the effect expression can be suppressed even if the types of clothing texture images increase. In addition, by creating an effect expression texture map that is common to multiple clothing texture images applied to a character, even if the number of effect expression texture images increases, it can be easily applied to all clothing texture images. Also, the work burden of game creation is reduced.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements, changes, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the effect expression texture image is single color or transparent has been described. However, an effect expression texture image in which a plurality of colors are used may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the effect expression texture image on the character's torso has been described. However, as long as it is on the clothing texture image, it can be applied to any part of the character such as the arm, foot, or head. That is, for example, the effect expression may be applied to a clothing texture image representing clothing worn on the lower body such as pants or a skirt. Moreover, even if it is the same character, clothes may differ as a whole, and one of the upper body and lower body clothes may be different. According to the above configuration, the same effect expression can be applied while suppressing an increase in the amount of data regardless of the difference in clothing for each character.

  The character that expresses the effect may be an enemy character (non-player character) or a player character. The present invention can also be applied to characters other than human characters (for example, monster type, robot type, etc.). Examples of the clothing having clothing texture include an armor, a skin such as a monster, and an exterior such as a robot. In addition, moving objects such as cars and airplanes are also included in the character.

  Furthermore, the effect expression as described above can be performed on an object other than a character, such as a building, a road surface, a tree, a mountain, a weapon, or a shield.

  Further, the reference texture image to which the effect expression is applied is not limited to the clothing texture image. For example, in a humanoid character, it may be the skin (that is, the character's body itself). In this case, the effect expression can be applied by holding the change on the body surface as an effect expression texture image, such as red blood coming out of the body, bluish violet wrinkles, or skin changing to red and black due to burns. it can. Furthermore, the effect expression applied to the above-described clothing texture image may be combined with the effect expression applied to the skin texture image. According to this, for example, it is possible to express an effect that the clothes of the damaged part are torn and the skin of the character is damaged or blood is drawn.

  Further, in this case, the condition for effect expression may be set according to the type of attack. For example, the selection means 48 selects an effect expression texture image that sheds blood in the case of an attack with a sharp weapon such as a knife, and selects an effect expression texture image that expresses a spear in the case of an attack with a blunt instrument such as a hammer. In the case of an attack by a flame such as a flame bottle, an effect expression texture image that represents a burn is selected.

  The effect expression may be expressed in stages. Specifically, as the condition of effect expression, for example, multiple thresholds are set for the number of times of damage received or the remaining physical strength, etc., the more times the damage has been received or the lower the remaining physical strength, the more Serious effect expressions (for example, a large amount of blood flowing out, increased tearing of clothes, etc.) may be performed.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the aspect in which the condition for performing an effect expression includes that a character receives damage, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the effect may be expressed on the character in accordance with a change in the environment where the character is present (for example, a change in position when water enters a place where there is water or a change in time in the game space).

  Such changes in the environment can be expressed as an effect according to changes in the weather, location, and the like. For example, in a car racing game, the adhesion of dirt to each part of the car body can be realized as an effect expression. For example, one round of the course in the rainy condition can be set as a condition for effect expression, and each time the car goes around the course, the number of dirt can be increased or the amount of dirt can be increased. Also, different effect expressions (dirt adhesion) can be obtained depending on the road surface conditions such as desert, mud, snow, and coastline.

  Further, in the game space, a character for which effect expression is performed and a character for which effect expression is not performed may coexist, or portions where effect expression is performed may be varied depending on the type of character. Moreover, even if it is the same kind of character, you may vary the site | part which performs the effect expression of each character. At this time, for example, when generating a character in the game space, a part for effect expression of the character may be determined at random, or a part for effect expression of the character for each character or stage may be set in advance. It is good.

  In the above embodiment, the effect expression is set to be performed in three parts (a right flank part, a left flank part, and a chest part) among a plurality of parts constituting the character. It is not limited to this. For example, it may be set so that the effect expression can be performed in at least one part of the plurality of parts constituting the character, or the effect expression can be performed in all of the plurality of parts constituting the character. Alternatively, the character may be divided into a plurality of parts, and one effect expression may be performed regardless of the part throughout the character.

  When effect expression is performed in more parts, a dedicated data structure that can store a required number of base texture images (the number of parts that require different effect expressions) may be constructed. Even in the configuration in which the base texture image is stored in each of the four channels of RGBα described above, it is possible to express different effects for five or more parts by devising the data storage mode. For example, two base texture images of an upper arm part and a lower arm part are stored in one channel of RGBα, and in the reference texture data, the upper arm part and the lower arm part are set as different parts (separate parts). This is realized by dividing the condition for effect expression into the upper arm part and the lower arm part. .

  Note that even when one effect expression is performed for one character regardless of the part, a plurality of types of effect expression texture data may be provided according to the type (phenomenon) of the effect expression. When one effect expression is performed on one character regardless of the part, a plurality of base texture images are not necessary, and step S4 of performing mask processing on the effect expression texture data in the flowchart shown in FIG. It becomes unnecessary.

  In the above description, the case where one player plays an offline game has been exemplified. However, in the present invention, a plurality of players cause their player characters to appear in the same game space and act in cooperation with each other. It can also be applied to online games.

  Further, although the stationary game apparatus has been described in the present embodiment, the present invention can be preferably applied to computers such as portable game apparatuses, mobile phones, and personal computers.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for giving a variety of effect expressions to a character while suppressing an increase in data amount in a game program and a game system.

2 game device 30a game program 30b game data 44 reference texture data acquisition means 45 effect expression texture data acquisition means 46 object mapping means 47 condition determination means 48 selection means 49 effect expression reflection means

Claims (2)

Computer
A plurality of reference texture images having different characteristics of at least a part of the object for the object expressed in three dimensions, and a two-dimensional reference texture map indicating a correlation between the three-dimensional coordinates of the object surface Reference texture data acquisition means for acquiring reference texture data;
Effect expression texture data acquisition for acquiring effect expression texture data including an effect expression texture image expressed on the reference texture image and a two-dimensional effect expression texture map indicating a correlation between the three-dimensional coordinates of the reference texture means,
Object mapping means for mapping the reference texture image using the reference texture map;
Effect expression reflecting means for performing effect expression by mapping the effect expression texture image to the reference texture image mapped by the object mapping means using the effect expression texture map in a predetermined case Function as,
The effect expression texture image is configured to be commonly applicable to at least a part of the plurality of reference texture images ,
The plurality of reference texture images are a plurality of clothing texture images for a character expressed in three dimensions,
The effect expression texture image includes at least two base texture images corresponding to at least two parts among a plurality of parts constituting the character,
The effect expression texture map is configured such that the at least two base texture images are superimposed on each other,
The computer,
Condition determining means for determining whether the character satisfies the predetermined condition; and
When the condition determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the condition determining unit functions as a selecting unit that selects at least one of the plurality of base texture images according to the condition,
The effect expression reflecting means, when the condition determining means determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the base corresponding to a portion where effect expression is performed among at least two base texture images constituting the effect expression texture data. it mapped as superimposed on the garment texture image texture image using the effect representation texture map, the game program. A program storage unit storing the game program according to claim 1 ;
A game system comprising: a computer that executes a program stored in the program storage unit.