JP7507458B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

An information processing device is known for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

JP 2013-208269 A

With conventional techniques such as those described above, it is difficult to generate diverse representations of field objects in a virtual space viewed from a virtual camera.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to generate diverse representations of a virtual space viewed from a virtual camera.

According to one aspect, there is provided an information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are orthogonal to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, the information processing device comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a predetermined object arranged with respect to the field object;
a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera relative to the field object;
a second movement processing unit that changes a position of the predetermined object relatively to the field object;
a transformation processing unit that transforms the field object,
the first movement processing unit changes a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object with respect to the field object;
The transformation processing unit transforms the field object based on a position of the virtual camera.

In one aspect, the present invention makes it possible to generate a variety of representations of a virtual space viewed from a virtual camera.

1 is a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a field image. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an entire field surface forming a field object and an entire background surface forming a background object. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a field surface and a background surface. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by drawing an image seen from a virtual camera. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of deformation parameters for realizing bending deformation of a field surface; FIG. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of bending deformation of a field surface based on a function. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the degree of freedom of change of the position of the virtual camera. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation of the line of sight of the virtual camera. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of camera parameters. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a drawing function of the server device; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of deformation parameter data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of distance parameter data. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of direction parameter data. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing a flow of processing realized by a server control unit. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a distance parameter calculation process (step S1608). FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an interpolation processing range. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a direction parameter calculation process (step S1610). 13 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an attack angle parameter calculation process (step S1612). 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a transformation process (step S1615) accompanying the movement of a predetermined object. FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a rotation process (step S1618) based on a rotation instruction. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a transformation process (step S1619) after a rotation process (step S1618) based on a rotation instruction. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an interpolation angle range. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an application scene of the operation example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a drawing function of another server device; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a method for setting an interpolation processing range. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a method for setting an interpolation processing range.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

(Game System Overview)
An overview of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the game system 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a field image. The game system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are shown in Fig. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

The server device 10 is an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator. The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or a game device. The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a game application according to this embodiment. The game application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 30, or may be stored in advance in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network 30. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to the game.

The network 30 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired network, or any combination of these.

Here, an overview of the game according to this embodiment will be described. The game according to this embodiment is, for example, a role-playing game or a simulation game, and game media is used as the game is executed. For example, the game according to this embodiment is a game in which game media is moved on a field in a three-dimensional virtual space.

Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes any media, such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-game currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. Game media may also be game-related information, such as level information, status information, game parameter information (stamina value and attack power, etc.), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or donated by a user in a game, but the manner of use of the game media is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

Unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with the user ID of the user. "Giving game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID. "Discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.). "Transferring game media owned by a user to another user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with the user ID of the other user.

The game according to this embodiment generally includes a first game part, a second game part, and a third game part.

In the first game part, the user operates a user character to progress through the game while exploring a field in a virtual space. Specifically, the user character moves on the field in response to user operations. Various areas, such as towns and dungeons, are provided in the field, and various events occur according to the area, such as conversations with town resident characters and battles with enemy characters encountered in dungeons. The main story of the game progresses as events are executed. In addition, in the first game part, if the user wins a battle against an enemy character, for example, game media such as items, virtual currency, or characters may be granted to the user. The granted game media can be used, for example, in the third game part described below.

In the second game part, the user changes the game media owned. The user collects various game media, such as items, virtual currency, and characters. Specifically, when the user moves the user character to a specific area, such as a mining site or fishing pond, provided on the field, or selects a specific character or other game media (for example, by touching the screen), a sub-event occurs in which the game media can be acquired. Sub-events include, for example, the progression of a sub-story and the execution of a mini-game, but the content of the sub-event is not limited to these. Depending on the result of the execution of the sub-event, various game media can be granted to the user. The granted game media can be used, for example, in the third game part described below.

In the third game part, the user changes parameters related to the game media. For example, the user strengthens the user character. Specifically, as described above, various game parameters of the user character change as the game media granted to the user in the first and second game parts are consumed. Game parameters include, but are not limited to, the user character's level, HP, attack power, defense power, attributes, and skills. The user character is strengthened in response to changes in the user character's game parameters. Strengthening the user character increases the likelihood that the user character will win a battle against an enemy character in the first game part.

In this way, in the game according to this embodiment, the user repeatedly plays the first game part, the second game part, and the third game part.

(Configuration of the server device)
A specific description will be given of the configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 is configured by a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together.

The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly to send and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 can send and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 30.

The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for game processing. For example, the server storage unit 12 stores game applications.

The server storage unit 12 also stores various images (texture images) for projection (texture mapping) onto various objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.

For example, the server storage unit 12 stores an image of a user character. Hereinafter, the user character is referred to as the first game medium, and an object that is drawn (placed) on a field object (described later) based on the image of the first game medium is also referred to as the first object. Note that in this embodiment, only one first object is placed in the virtual space, but two or more first objects may be placed. Note that the first object may be a group of multiple first game media. Also, the first game medium (and the first object based thereon) used in the virtual space may be interchangeable by the user as appropriate.

The server storage unit 12 also stores images related to game media, such as buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs (Non Player Characters). Hereinafter, any game media (e.g., buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs) different from the first game medium that can be placed on a field object described later will be referred to as the second game medium, and an object onto which the second game medium is projected will also be referred to as the second object. In this embodiment, the second object may include an object fixed to a field object described later, an object movable to a field object described later, etc. The second object may also include an object that is always placed on a field object described later, or an object that is placed only when a certain condition is met, etc.

The server storage unit 12 also stores an image of a background (background image), such as the sky or a distant view. Hereinafter, an object onto which a background image is projected is also referred to as a background object. Note that multiple types of background images may be prepared and used differently.

The server storage unit 12 also stores an image (field image) of a field (e.g., the ground). The field image is projected onto a field surface, which will be described later. Hereinafter, an object onto which the field image is projected onto the field surface is also referred to as a field object. Note that the field object is used as a virtual field (ground) in the virtual space.

Here, a texture coordinate system having mutually orthogonal u-axis and v-axis is set in the field image, for example as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, a horizontal passage 14, a vertical passage 15, and a curved path 17 are defined in the field image. The horizontal passage 14, the vertical passage 15, and the curved path 17 form a path through which the first object in the field object can move. Note that although a specific passage configuration is shown in FIG. 2, the passage configuration is arbitrary. Also, although the field image in FIG. 2 is rectangular, it may be of other shapes. Also, multiple types of field images may be prepared and used differently.

The server storage unit 12 also stores correspondence information that associates the second object with the texture coordinates of the field image. The correspondence information is used by the server control unit 13, which executes the process of placing the second object on the field object.

The server control unit 13 is a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU that realizes specific functions by loading specific programs. For example, the server control unit 13 executes a game application in response to user operations on the display unit 23. The server control unit 13 also executes various processes related to the game.

For example, the server control unit 13 causes the display unit 23 to display a field image in which the field object, the first object, etc. are displayed. In addition, the server control unit 13 moves the first object on the field object relative to the field object in the virtual space in response to a predetermined user operation. Specific details of the processing by the server control unit 13 will be described later.

(Configuration of terminal device)
A specific description will be given of the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly to send and receive information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 21 can send and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 30.

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage unit and a secondary storage unit. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in game processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in game processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a game application program may be acquired from a specified application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is also simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-mentioned information about the user and information about the game medium of the opponent may be acquired from the server device 10.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations.

The input unit 24 includes an input interface including, for example, a touch panel that is integral with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 is capable of accepting user input to the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may also include physical keys, and may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse.

The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20.

The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used in game processing from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22.

The terminal control unit 25 starts a game application in response to a user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute the game. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display various images (for example, various field images described later) used in the game. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) that detects a user operation may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect a user's tap operation, long tap operation, flick operation, swipe operation, etc. A tap operation is an operation in which a user touches the display unit 23 with a finger and then releases the finger. The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10.

(Game drawing function)
The server control unit 13, in cooperation with the terminal device 20, displays a field image on the display unit 23 and updates the field image as the game progresses. In this embodiment, the server control unit 13, in cooperation with the terminal device 20, renders objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

The drawing process described below is realized by the server control unit 13, but in other embodiments, some or all of the drawing process described below may be realized by the server control unit 13. For example, in the following description, at least a part of the field image displayed on the terminal device 20 may be a web display displayed on the terminal device 20 based on data generated by the server device 10, and at least a part of the screen may be a native display displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 20.

Figures 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams of an example of a field object and a background object. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the entire field surface 70 forming the field object and the background surface 72 forming the background object, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the field surface 70 and the background surface 72 when viewed in an oblique direction including the directional component of the arrow R0 in Figure 3. Figure 4 also shows a schematic diagram of the virtual camera 60. Also, in Figure 4, the background surface 72 is shown in the form of a background object onto which a background image including pictures of clouds and the sun is projected.

In the following description, the movement of various objects refers to movement within the virtual space. Furthermore, the visible range of various objects refers to the range visible from the virtual camera 60 (i.e., the range within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60).

Figure 3 shows an x, y, z coordinate system (hereinafter also referred to as the "global coordinate system") as a spatial coordinate system of the virtual space. The origin of the global coordinate system may be fixed at any position. In the following, the positive side of the z direction is the upper side of the virtual space, and the negative side is the lower side of the virtual space. In the present embodiment, the x axis is an example of the first axis, and the y axis is an example of the second axis. In the following, the terms x direction, y direction, and z direction respectively mean the direction parallel to the x axis, the direction parallel to the y axis, and the direction parallel to the z axis. For example, the z direction represents the direction parallel to the z axis passing through any point in the xy plane, unless otherwise specified.

The field surface 70 is arranged in correspondence with the xy plane of the virtual space. In this embodiment, as an example, the field surface 70 is arranged in correspondence with the xy plane so that the u-axis, v-axis, and origin of the texture coordinate system of the projected field image coincide with the x-axis, y-axis, and origin of the global coordinate system. Note that in FIG. 3, the u-axis, v-axis, and origin of the texture coordinate system are shown apart from the x-axis, y-axis, and origin of the global coordinate system as a state before the correspondence is established. The field surface 70 is not allowed to move in a translational manner (moving linearly) in each of the x-, y-, and z-directions. However, in other embodiments, the field surface 70 may be allowed to move in a translational manner in the global coordinate system.

When a plane parallel to the xy plane is set as the normal state, the field surface 70 can be deformed from the normal state. Thus, in this embodiment, the field object is shaped based on the deformable field surface 70. That is, the field object is deformed with respect to the plane parallel to the xy plane by being shaped based on the field surface 70 deformed from the normal state. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the deformation of the field surface 70 and the field object means the deformation when the plane parallel to the xy plane is set as the normal shape (state). Note that the deformed field object may be realized by projecting a field image onto the deformed field surface 70, or may be realized by projecting a field image onto the field surface 70 in the normal state and then deforming the field surface 70.

When a field image is projected onto the field surface 70, in a normal state, the field surface 70 can inherit the texture coordinates of the projected field image. That is, each position on the field surface 70 onto which the field image is projected can essentially be specified by the texture coordinate system of the field image (see FIG. 2). In the following, the coordinate system for specifying each position on the field surface 70 coincides with the texture coordinate system of the field image projected onto the field surface 70, and is also referred to as the "field coordinate system."

The background surface 72 extends in the z direction of the background object. However, in other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the z direction. In FIG. 3, the background surface 72 is arranged to surround the field surface 70. In this case, the background surface 72 may be fixed with respect to the global coordinate system, or may be movable only in the z direction as described below. However, in other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be arranged to surround only a portion of the field surface 70. In this case, the background surface 72 may be rotated and moved in response to the rotation of the virtual camera 60, which will be described later. Furthermore, in still other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be deformable, similar to the field surface 70.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships when viewed vertically on a plane including the line of sight V and the z direction of the virtual camera 60 shown in Figure 4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "Vz plane"). Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a first object 3 located in the area of a field object within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera 60.

In FIG. 5, the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 (the angle of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z direction) is shown between the boundaries 6211 and 6212. Note that in this embodiment, the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is constant, but in other embodiments, the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 may be variable.

5, the angle of view 62 has an upper boundary 6211 that intersects with the background surface 72 (see point P2) and a lower boundary 6212 that intersects with the field surface 70 (see point P1). In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the field image G60 includes the background surface 72 (and the associated background object) and the field surface 70 (and the associated field object). Note that in FIG. 5, the first object 3 is located in the area of the field object within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, so the field image G60 includes a representation of the first object 3.

In this embodiment, the field surface 70 is bent and deformed as shown in FIG. 5 so that the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) represents a virtual horizon HL (FIG. 6). Specifically, the field surface 70 is deformed in a downward direction as it moves further away in the line of sight direction V (i.e., toward the background surface 72). Note that such deformation may be realized only within the range of the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, or may be realized over the entire field surface 70.

When the entire field surface 70 is deformed, the shape of the field surface 70 when cut in the Vz plane (the shape represented by the lines in FIG. 5) may be approximately the same at any cross-sectional position (i.e., the cross-section may be approximately equal). Note that approximately the same is a concept that allows for an error of 10% or less. Note that, since the field object is shaped based on the field surface 70 as described above, the shape of the field object when cut in the Vz plane is the same as the shape of the field surface 70 when cut in the Vz plane, but it may have a slightly different shape (e.g., fine irregularities, etc.) compared to the shape of the field surface 70.

As shown in FIG. 5, the horizon HL in this representation is formed by the intersection P3 of a tangent 6213 (a tangent within the angle of view 62) from the virtual camera 60 to the field surface 70. Note that in FIG. 6, the first object 3 is located in front of the horizon HL, so part of the representation of the horizon HL is hidden by the first object 3. Conversely, if the first object 3 is located behind the horizon HL (closer to the background surface 72), part or all of the first object 3 will be hidden by the field object.

Here, the height H1 of the horizon HL (see FIG. 6) depends on the angle α of the tangent 6213 with respect to the boundary line 6212. The angle α can change depending on the bending manner of the field surface 70. For example, in the case of the field surface 70' shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, the angle α' of the tangent 6213' with respect to the boundary line 6212 is smaller than the angle α, and therefore the height H1 of the horizon HL is smaller (not shown). It can be seen that the height of the horizon HL can be changed by changing the bending manner of the field surface 70 in this way. Note that when the height of the horizon HL changes, the range of the background surface 72 that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 also changes accordingly.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the horizon HL can be appropriately represented by bending the field surface 70 downward as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight V. In addition, by changing the deformation mode (degree of deformation, etc.) of the bending deformation, the height H1 of the horizon HL (and therefore the visible range of the field object, background object, etc.) can be freely changed. Hereinafter, the bending deformation in which the field surface 70 is deformed downward as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight V is also referred to simply as the "bending deformation of the field surface 70."

Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of deformation parameters for achieving bending deformation of the field surface 70.

In FIG. 7, a two-dimensional coordinate system Xc, Yc (hereinafter also referred to as the "local coordinate system") in the Vz plane is defined. The XcYc plane is a plane parallel to the Vz plane, the Yc axis is an axis parallel to the z axis, and the positive side of the Yc axis corresponds to the upper side of the virtual space. In FIG. 7, a function F1 that determines the deformation mode of the field surface 70 is shown.

The function F1 is a function in which the value of the Yc coordinate monotonically decreases nonlinearly as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate value increases. The function F1 is also symmetrical with respect to the Yc axis. However, in other embodiments, the function F1 may be a function in which the value of the Yc coordinate monotonically decreases linearly as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate value increases, and/or may be asymmetrical with respect to the Yc axis. In the present embodiment, as an example, the function F1 is a quadratic function and is expressed as follows.
yc = -A1 x (xc) ²
Here, xc is the value of the Xc coordinate, yc is the value of the Yc coordinate, and A1 is a coefficient that determines the degree of deformation (hereinafter, referred to as "deformation parameter A1").

Note that the above function F1 is merely an example, and a different function such as the following may be used.
When xc>a, yc=-A1×(xc-a) ²
When xc≦-a, yc=-A1×(xc+a) ²
- when a≦xc≦a, yc=0
In this case, a is a positive constant, and a flat plane is realized in the range of -a≦xc≦a.

Or, when xc>-a1, yc=-A1×(xc) ²
When xc≦-a1, yc=0
In this case, a1 may be a positive fixed value, and the position of xc=-a1 may be set to coincide with the intersection of the lower boundary line 6212 of the field of view 62 and the field plane 70 (point P1 in Figure 5).

In other embodiments, multiple types of functions may be prepared, and different functions may be selected depending on various conditions.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 based on function F1.

The field surface 70 is deformed according to the function F1. Therefore, the greater the value of the deformation parameter A1, the greater the degree of deformation of the field surface 70. In FIG. 8, the field surface 70 is bent and deformed with a substantially uniform cross section, as described above.

When the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (position relative to the field object) changes, the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (for example, the area of the field object) changes, so that the field image can be diversified. However, even in this case, if the state of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is monotonous even if the position of the virtual camera 60 (position relative to the field object) changes, the field image cannot be diversified. Therefore, by making it possible to change the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (position relative to the field object) and increasing the number and types of second objects placed on the field object, the field image can be effectively diversified. Hereinafter, the position of the virtual camera 60 means the position (relative position) relative to the field object, unless otherwise specified.

However, in this embodiment, as described above, the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) is bent and deformed, but if the degree of deformation during bending and deformation is always constant, the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60 tends to become monotonous.

In this regard, in this embodiment, not only is the position of the virtual camera 60 variable, but the degree of deformation associated with the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) can also be changed. When the degree of deformation associated with the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) changes, the same field object area appears different when viewed from the virtual camera 60, so that it is possible to further diversify the field image obtained by drawing it as viewed from the virtual camera 60.

In addition, in this embodiment, a single material for the field object (field image and field surface 70) is used to vary the degree of deformation related to the bending deformation of the field surface 70, thereby realizing field objects of various shapes. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the storage area for field objects compared to the case where a variety of field objects (field objects of fixed shapes that cannot be deformed) are prepared in advance. In other words, it is possible to realize field objects of various shapes by efficiently using the storage area.

As described above, when the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed, the height H1 of the horizon HL changes, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable. For example, if the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed while the position of the virtual camera 60 remains fixed, this is likely to cause the user to feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 changes, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed in accordance with the change. For example, when the position of the virtual camera 60 changes, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed in accordance with the change. This makes it possible to reduce inconvenience (i.e., discomfort that may be felt by the user) that may occur due to a change in the degree of deformation of the field surface 70.

For example, when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in one or more specific positions or within a specific range, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 may be greater than when the position of the virtual camera 60 is not in that range. This allows the field image when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in a specific position or within a specific range (i.e., the representation of various objects within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60) to be expressed in a manner different from the field image when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in another position. For example, it is possible to give an effect such as making the field image related to the specific position more prominent than the field image related to other positions, or giving a specific meaning to the field image related to the specific position. Note that the specific position or specific range may be set corresponding to, for example, a position where the first object turns while moving (for example, the intersection position of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15 shown in FIG. 2), or may be set corresponding to a position where an object to be emphasized (for example, an object related to a game medium with a low appearance probability) is placed. In this case, for example, the specific position may be a position having a predetermined relationship with the position of the object. In addition, the specific position may be dynamically changed. For example, the one or more specific positions may include a specific position set corresponding to the position where an object related to a game medium with a low appearance probability is placed only when the object is placed.

Here, if the position of the virtual camera 60 can be changed, the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object changes with the change in the position of the virtual camera 60. In this case, if various second objects are arranged in various ways on the field object, the way in which the first object operated by the user is reflected and the degree of overlap of the multiple second objects change, so that the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60 can be diversified. Also, even if overlap (overlap) occurs between the second object and/or the first object, as described above, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is adjusted so that the overlapping objects are arranged at positions shifted from each other vertically. Therefore, the visibility of each object or one or more objects focused on among the overlapping objects can be improved.

In addition, by diversifying the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60, it is possible to highlight parts of the field image, improving the user's visibility of the objects. Furthermore, operability is improved by clarifying the objects to be operated and the operation locations. Furthermore, even if multiple objects exist within a limited screen, the situation in the virtual space can be expressed without compromising visibility (without limiting the amount of information). This effect is particularly noticeable on a small screen such as a smartphone.

In addition, the expression of the horizon, etc. can be achieved by a simple process of bending and deforming the field object, which reduces the processing load. Also, there is no need to draw objects (hidden objects) outside the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, which also reduces the processing load.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the degree of freedom of change in the position of the virtual camera 60. As shown in Figure 9, changes in the position of the virtual camera 60 include change V1 along the line of sight V, changes V2 and V3 in directions intersecting the line of sight V, and combinations of these. Change V2 is a change within the Vz plane, and V3 is a change in a direction perpendicular to the Vz plane. Note that changes in the position of the virtual camera 60 may be achieved by displacement (movement) of the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system, by displacement (movement) of the field object in the global coordinate system, or by a combination of these.

Thus, in this embodiment, the manner in which the position (relative position) of the virtual camera 60 changes includes a manner in which the position (relative position) with respect to the field object changes in a direction (V2, V3) intersecting the line of sight direction V (hereinafter referred to as the "first change manner"), and a manner in which the position (relative position) with respect to the field object changes in a direction (V1) along the line of sight direction V (hereinafter referred to as the "second change manner").

In this regard, the change in the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 may be realized in association with either the first change mode or the second change mode, or in association with both the first change mode and the second change mode. For example, the position of the virtual camera 60 changes along the line of sight V while changing in a direction intersecting the line of sight V.

When the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 changes, the change that is realized at the same time (i.e., the change in the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60) is not limited to a change in position (relative position) with respect to the field object, but may also be realized by rotating the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 (see FIG. 10). In addition, it is also possible to change the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 by setting the optical parameters of the virtual camera 60 to variable values and changing the values of the optical parameters of the virtual camera 60. Such optical parameters may be optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60, such as the focal length and angle of view.

In this embodiment, as an example, not only is the position (relative position) of the virtual camera 60 variable with respect to the field object, but the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 is also variable. Specifically, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 is rotatable around an axis (an example of a third axis) parallel to the z direction (hereinafter referred to as the "revolution axis Pc"). Note that the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotatable only around the revolution axis Pc, or may be rotatable around other axes (rotation, described later). For example, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the Vz plane. That is, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotated in such a manner that the angle of attack (angle of attack parameter ψ, described later) of the virtual camera 60 changes. In this case, the center of rotation may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the position of the virtual camera 60, and the predetermined relationship may be fixed or may be changed.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the rotation of the virtual camera 60 means the rotation of the line of sight V around the revolution axis Pc. The orientation of the virtual camera 60 means the orientation of the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation (change) of the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60, and is a diagram that shows a schematic representation of the virtual camera 60 viewed in the z direction and its angle of view 62. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the virtual camera 60 at two positions during rotation.

In FIG. 10, the revolution axis Pc related to the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 passes through the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and is offset rearward from the virtual camera 60 in the line of sight V when viewed in the z direction. In this case, when the virtual camera 60 rotates 360 degrees, the virtual camera 60 draws a circular trajectory C70 around the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction. However, the position of the revolution axis Pc is arbitrary and may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the virtual camera 60, and the predetermined relationship may be fixed or may be changed. However, in this specification, the revolution axis Pc is distinguished from the rotation axis when it passes through the virtual camera 60, and therefore is set to be different from the rotation axis.

10, the line of sight V always passes through the revolution axis Pc and is directed away from the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction during the rotation of the virtual camera 60, but is not limited to this. For example, the line of sight V may always pass through the revolution axis Pc and be directed toward the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction during the rotation of the virtual camera 60. That is, the revolution axis Pc may pass through the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 when viewed in the z direction and be offset from the virtual camera 60 to the front side (distant side) of the line of sight V. In this case, the revolution axis Pc may be set to pass through a predetermined object (for example, a predetermined object described later) that is to be shown to the user from all directions. In another embodiment, the line of sight V may rotate on its own axis when viewed in the z direction during the rotation (revolution) of the virtual camera 60. That is, the virtual camera 60 may be made rotatable (rotate) around the rotation axis 61 (an axis parallel to the z axis (another example of the third axis)). Alternatively, the line of sight V may be capable of rotating independently of the revolution.

As described above, the horizon HL is formed by bending the field surface 70. Therefore, when the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates, the deformation mode of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 changes accordingly. In other words, when the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates, the deformation mode of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 changes accordingly so that the Xc axis of the local coordinate system is positioned within the Vz plane based on the changed line of sight V. This makes it possible to realize the horizon HL in the virtual space in a manner that does not feel unnatural, even if the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates.

Next, the drawing function of the server device 10 will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 11 onward.

Here, we will first refer to FIG. 11 to explain the camera parameters used in the explanations from FIG. 12 onwards, and then provide a detailed explanation of the server device 10.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of camera parameters. In Figure 11, the field surface 70 (normal state) positioned in the global coordinate system is shown. As described above, the field surface 70 can be bent, but the entire field surface 70 in the global coordinate system cannot be translated or rotated. Therefore, the coordinates of each position on the field surface 70 in the field coordinate system can be converted to each coordinate in the global coordinate system using a predetermined conversion formula, and the reverse conversion is also possible. In the following, for the sake of explanation, the origin of the field coordinate system is the same as the origin of the global coordinate system, the u axis of the field coordinate system (= the u axis of the texture coordinate system) coincides with the x axis of the global coordinate system, and the v axis of the field coordinate system (= the v axis of the texture coordinate system) coincides with the y axis of the global coordinate system. In the following, the field surface 70 refers to the field surface 70 (field surface 70 of a field object) in a state where a field image is projected, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, the camera parameters include two position parameters (X, Y), a distance parameter A2, an orientation parameter θ, and an angle of attack parameter ψ. Once the values of all these parameters are determined, the virtual camera 60 can be uniquely positioned with respect to the global coordinate system.

The position parameter X is the x coordinate of the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane, the position parameter Y is the y coordinate of the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane, and the distance parameter A2 is the distance from the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane to the virtual camera 60 (the distance along the line of sight V). The orientation parameter θ is the angle between the x-axis and the projection vector V' on the xy plane of the line of sight V. The angle of attack parameter ψ is the angle between the line of sight V and the xy plane. Note that in this embodiment, the angle of attack parameter ψ is used, but the angle of attack parameter ψ may be omitted. In other words, the angle of attack parameter ψ may be a constant value (fixed value).

Note that these camera parameters are for the purposes of the following explanation, and different parameters may be used equivalently in actual processing.

Figure 12 is an example of a functional block diagram relating to the drawing function of the server device 10. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of transformation parameter data. Note that in Figure 13, "-" indicates that it is optional, and "..." indicates the same repetition. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of distance parameter data. Similarly, in Figure 14 (similar to Figure 15), "..." indicates the same repetition. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of orientation parameter data.

The server device 10 includes a drawing information storage unit 130, an operation information acquisition unit 132, a drawing data transmission unit 134, and a drawing processing unit 140. The drawing information storage unit 130 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, the operation information acquisition unit 132 and the drawing data transmission unit 134 can be realized by the server communication unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, and the drawing processing unit 140 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, with regard to the processing of each unit, "calculation" is a concept that includes processing that simply reads out calculated values, setting values, etc. stored as data.

The drawing information storage unit 130 stores various information and data used by the drawing processing unit 140.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes deformation parameter data. In the deformation parameter data, a value of the deformation parameter A1 different from the normal value β0 is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position (described above). The normal value β0 of the deformation parameter A1 is a constant value, but when multiple types of field images G60 are prepared, it may be a variable value that may differ for each field image. In addition, the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position may further be associated with the value of the orientation parameter θ. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the value of the deformation parameter A1 according to the value of the orientation parameter θ is associated with each value (XA, YA), (XB, YB), (XC, YC), etc. of the position parameter (X, Y) related to the specific position for each specific position. For example, in FIG. 13, the value β1 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific position A = (XA, YA) regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. On the other hand, the specific position C=(XC, YC) is associated with the value β3 of the deformation parameter A1 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θC1, and is associated with the value β4 of the deformation parameter A1 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θC2. Hereinafter, a specific position where the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes depending on the orientation of the virtual camera 60, such as the specific position C, is also referred to as a "specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60", and an orientation where a value different from the normal value β0, such as the value β3 or value β4, is associated in the deformation parameter data (the orientation where the orientation parameter θ=θC1 or θC2) is referred to as a "specific orientation". Note that in other embodiments, a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 may not be set. Also, although two specific orientations are set for the specific position C, only one specific orientation may be set, or three or more specific orientations may be set.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes distance parameter data. In the distance parameter data, a value of a distance parameter A2 different from the normal value γ0 is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to a specific position. The normal value γ0 of the distance parameter A2 is a constant value, but when multiple types of field images G60 are prepared, it may be a variable value that may differ for each field image. The value of the distance parameter A2 related to a specific position of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that the corresponding area (and an object located within the area) is captured by the virtual camera 60 at the specific position at a desired distance. For example, when it is desired to show a specific second object to the user at a close distance, a value of the distance parameter A2 that allows the specific second object to be captured at a close distance by the virtual camera 60 may be associated with the position parameter (X, Y) related to the specific position. For example, in FIG. 14, the specific position A = (XA, YA) is associated with a value γ1 of the distance parameter A2, the specific position B = (XB, YB) is associated with a value γ2 of the distance parameter A2, and so on. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, the value of the distance parameter A2 defined by the distance parameter data, such as the value γ1 or the value γ2, is significantly smaller than the normal value γ0. Note that the smaller the value of the distance parameter A2, the shorter the distance between the virtual camera 60 and the field object.

In this embodiment, the distance parameter data 14A relating to the specific position does not define a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes depending on the value of the orientation parameter θ. However, as in the above-mentioned deformation parameter data 13A, a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes depending on the value of the orientation parameter θ may be defined. That is, a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 may be defined. In this case, preferably, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific orientation relating to a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60. For example, the value γ31 of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific position C=(XC, YC) when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θC1, and the value γ32 of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific position C=(XC, YC) when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θC2. This allows the value of the distance parameter A2 to be changed when the degree of bending deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes orientation parameter data. In the orientation parameter data, the value of the orientation parameter θ is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the orientation change position. The value of the orientation parameter θ related to the position of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that a desired area falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 at that position. For example, when a specific second object is to be shown to the user, the value of the orientation parameter θ may be associated with the position parameter (X, Y) related to that position so that the specific second object is located in an area that falls within the angle of view. The orientation change position may be set in correspondence with, for example, a position where the first object changes direction while moving (for example, the start and end positions of the curved road 17 shown in FIG. 2, the intersection position of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15, etc.). For example, in FIG. 15, the orientation parameter θ value θ1 is associated with the orientation change position T1 (XP1, YP1), the orientation parameter θ value θ2 is associated with the orientation change position T2 (XP2, YP2), and so on. The orientation change positions T1 and T2 may be positions associated with a transformation parameter A1 value different from the normal value β0, such as specific positions A and B, and/or positions associated with a distance parameter A2 value different from the normal value γ0.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes angle-of-attack parameter data. In the angle-of-attack parameter data, although not shown, similar to the orientation parameter data, the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may be associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 relating to the angle-of-attack change position. The value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ relating to a certain position of the virtual camera 60 may be determined so that a desired area falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 at that position. For example, when it is desired to show a specific second object to the user, the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may be associated with the position parameter (X, Y) relating to that position so that the specific second object is located in an area that falls within the angle of view.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 does not need to be managed in the manner shown in Figures 13, 14, and 15, but may be managed in an integrated manner as appropriate.

The operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires user operation information. The user operation information is generated in response to various operations by the user on the terminal device 20. The operation information may be generated by gestures, voice input, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation information includes a movement instruction for a specific object and a rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60. The movement instruction for the specific object is an instruction to change the position of the specific object relative to the field object (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "position of the specific object"), and may include an instruction for the movement direction, the movement amount, and the like. The rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 is an instruction to realize the above-mentioned rotation of the virtual camera 60, and may include an instruction for the type of rotation (rotation around the revolution axis Pc, i.e., revolution, or rotation around the rotation axis 61, i.e., rotation, or rotation that changes the value of the attack angle parameter ψ), the rotation direction, and the like. The specific object is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, it is preferably the first object. The operation information may also include an instruction to move the virtual camera 60, and the like.

The drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits drawing data for the field image generated by the drawing processing unit 140 to the terminal device 20. As described above, in other embodiments, part or all of the drawing processing of the drawing processing unit 140 may be realized on the terminal device 20 side. For example, when the drawing processing unit 140 is realized by the terminal device 20, the drawing data transmission unit 134 may be omitted.

The drawing processing unit 140 generates drawing data for the field image based on various data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and operation information from the terminal device 20.

The drawing processing unit 140 includes a change processing unit 142, a second movement processing unit 144, a transformation processing unit 145, a projection processing unit 146, a background processing unit 147, and a drawing data generation unit 148.

The change processing unit 142 changes the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 in response to operation information, etc., and when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are changed, it executes various processes in response to the changes.

The change processing unit 142 includes a first movement processing unit 1420, a distance change unit 1421, a direction change unit 1422, an angle of attack change unit 1423, an update reflection unit 1424, and a rotation processing unit 1425.

When a predetermined first movement condition is met, the first movement processing unit 1420 updates the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60. The predetermined first movement condition is arbitrary, but may be met, for example, by the movement of a predetermined object based on an instruction to move the predetermined object in the operation information, or may be met based on the progress of the game or other factors.

The distance change unit 1421 associates the value of the distance parameter A2 with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the distance change unit 1421 refers to the distance parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the distance parameter A2 corresponding to each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the distance parameter A2 is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the distance parameter data, an interpolated value may be calculated. An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Then, the distance change unit 1421 associates the calculated value of the distance parameter A2 with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). Note that in another embodiment, if the value of the distance parameter A2 is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the distance parameter data, the distance change unit 1421 may directly associate the normal value γ0.

The orientation change unit 1422 associates the value of the orientation parameter θ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the orientation change unit 1422 refers to the orientation parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the orientation parameter θ corresponding to each value of the position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the orientation parameter θ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Then, the orientation change unit 1422 associates the calculated value of the orientation parameter θ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). Note that in another embodiment, if the value of the orientation parameter θ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may directly associate the normal value θ0. The normal value θ0 may be set so that the line of sight direction V is perpendicular to the movement direction of the predetermined object when viewed in the z direction.

The angle of attack change unit 1423 associates the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the angle of attack change unit 1423 refers to the angle of attack parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ corresponding to each value of the position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack change unit 1423 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Then, the angle of attack change unit 1423 associates the calculated value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each value of the changed position parameter (X, Y). Note that in another embodiment, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack change unit 1423 may directly associate the normal value ψ0.

The update reflecting unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 relative to the global coordinate system based on the updated position parameters (X, Y) and the various parameters (distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, and angle of attack parameter ψ) associated with the updated position parameters (X, Y). This positions the virtual camera 60 relative to the field surface 70 (and the field object associated with it).

When a predetermined rotation condition is met, the rotation processing unit 1425 executes a rotation process for the virtual camera 60. The predetermined rotation condition may be determined based on, for example, operation information (a command to rotate the virtual camera 60), or may be satisfied based on the progress of the game or other factors.

The rotation processing unit 1425 may include a revolution processing unit 14251, a rotation processing unit 14252, and an angle of attack processing unit 14253. In other embodiments, some or all of the revolution processing unit 14251, the rotation processing unit 14252, and the angle of attack processing unit 14253 may be omitted.

The revolution processing unit 14251 realizes rotation of the line of sight V around a revolution axis Pc (see FIG. 10) that is separated from the virtual camera 60. The revolution processing unit 14251 may set the position of the revolution axis Pc as appropriate depending on the position of the virtual camera 60, the position of a specified object, etc.

The rotation processing unit 14252 realizes the rotation of the line of sight V around the rotation axis 61 (see FIG. 10), which is an axis parallel to the z direction passing through the virtual camera 60.

The angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 realizes a change in the angle-of-attack parameter ψ (see FIG. 5), which is the angle between the line-of-sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 and the xy plane (i.e., a rotation around an axis perpendicular to the Vz plane passing through the virtual camera 60).

In addition, in one processing cycle, two or more of the revolution processing unit 14251, the rotation processing unit 14252, and the angle of attack processing unit 14253 may simultaneously perform processing.

When a predetermined second movement condition is met, the second movement processing unit 144 updates the position of the predetermined object relative to the field object. The predetermined object may be any object whose position relative to the field object can change, but is preferably the first object as described above. The predetermined second movement condition is arbitrary, but may be satisfied, for example, by operation information (a movement instruction for the predetermined object), or may be satisfied based on the progress of the game or other factors. The position of the predetermined object may be defined, for example, in the texture coordinate system of the field image.

The deformation processing unit 145 executes a bending deformation process to bend and deform the field surface 70 (and the field object accordingly) based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60. The bending deformation of the field surface 70 is as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 13, for example, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are (XA, YA), the deformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the field object accordingly) based on the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 and the value β1 of the deformation parameter A1, regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. Furthermore, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are (XC, YC), the transformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the associated field object) based on the value β3 of the transformation parameter A1 and the line of sight direction V when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is "θC1", and bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the associated field object) based on the value β4 of the transformation parameter A1 and the line of sight direction V when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is "θC2".

The projection processing unit 146 places various objects (second objects, etc.) other than the background object on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the transformation processing unit 145. The placement of various objects can be realized based on the correspondence information described above. At this time, the projection processing unit 146 places a specific object at the position after movement calculated by the second movement processing unit 144. Note that the field image may be projected after bending and deforming the field surface 70, as described above.

The background processing unit 147 places a background object on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the transformation processing unit 145. The background processing unit 147 determines the position of the background object in the z direction based on the degree of bending and deformation of the field surface 70. Specifically, the background processing unit 147 determines the position of the background object along the z direction relative to the field object based on the height H1 (see FIG. 6) of the virtual horizon HL represented by the field object. For example, when the height H1 of the horizon HL becomes smaller due to a change in the degree of bending and deformation of the field surface 70, the background processing unit 147 moves the position of the background object in the z direction downward. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, when the angle changes from α to α', the background processing unit 147 may move the position of the background object in the z direction downward by a distance Δ1. As shown in FIG. 5, distance Δ1 is the distance between point P4 of intersection P5 of tangent 6213' (tangent within angle of view 62) with background plane 72 from virtual camera 60 to field plane 70. In this case, even if height H1 of horizon HL changes due to a change in the degree of bending deformation, the background object can be positioned in a manner that is unlikely to cause discomfort due to the change.

In addition, in a certain case, the background processing unit 147 may not change the position of the background object relative to the field object along the z direction. For example, when the amount of change in the degree of bending deformation of the bending deformation by the deformation processing unit 145 is relatively small, the background object may not change the position of the background object relative to the field object along the z direction.

The drawing data generation unit 148 generates a field image (drawing data) that includes a representation of various objects viewed from the virtual camera 60.

Next, the operation of the server control unit 13 related to the drawing function will be further explained with reference to FIG. 16 onwards. In the process flow diagrams (flowcharts) that follow, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between the input and output of each step is not lost.

Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart showing the process flow realized by the server control unit 13.

The process shown in FIG. 16 may be executed at every predetermined processing cycle. The predetermined processing cycle may be the same as the frame cycle (update cycle) of the field image. In the following, the "pre-update" value corresponds to the previous value (the value derived in the previous processing cycle (k)) based on a certain processing cycle (k+1), and the "update" value corresponds to the current value derived in the processing cycle (k+1). In this example, in the first processing cycle, the position (u(0), v(0)) of the predetermined object after the update is set to a predetermined initial position, each value (X(0), Y(0)) of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 after the update is set to the same as the position (u(0), v(0)) of the predetermined object, and each value (X(0), Y(0), γ(0), θ(0), ψ(0)) of the camera parameters is set to the respective normal values.

In step S1600, the operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires operation information. Note that the operation information may be received from the terminal device 20 by interrupt processing and stored in a predetermined storage unit of the server storage unit 12. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 132 sequentially reads out the operation information from the predetermined storage unit.

In step S1602, the second movement processing unit 144 determines whether or not the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes an instruction to move a specific object. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1604; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1616.

In step S1604, the second movement processing unit 144 calculates the position of the specified object after it has been moved, based on the movement instruction of the specified object in the operation information obtained in step S1600. Here, the position of the specified object after it has been moved is assumed to be (u(k+1), v(k+1)) in field coordinates. Note that the position of the specified object before it has been moved is assumed to be (u(k), v(k)) in field coordinates. In this case, the movement vector in the field coordinate system is (u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)). Note that the movement instruction of the specified object may be an instruction that represents such a movement vector (movement direction).

In step S1606, the first movement processing unit 1420 calculates the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the virtual camera 60 based on the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specific object after the movement obtained in step S1604. Note that the values of the position parameters (X, Y) before the update are (X(k), Y(k)). In this case, the change vector of the values of the position parameters (X, Y) is (X(k+1)-X(k), Y(k+1)-Y(k)). In this case, (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) may be calculated so that (X(k+1)-X(k), Y(k+1)-Y(k))=(u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)).

In step S1608, the distance change unit 1421 calculates the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 to be associated with the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 based on the values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) (distance parameter calculation process). A specific example of this distance parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

In step S1610, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ corresponding to (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) based on each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 (orientation parameter calculation process). A specific example of this orientation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 19.

In step S1612, the angle-of-attack change unit 1423 calculates the value ψ(k+1) of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ corresponding to the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 based on the values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) (angle-of-attack parameter calculation process). A specific example of this angle-of-attack parameter calculation process will be outlined later with reference to FIG. 20.

In step S1614, the update reflection unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system based on the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) of the various parameters obtained in steps S1606 to S1612.

In step S1615, the transformation processing unit 145 executes transformation processing associated with the movement of a predetermined object. A specific example of transformation processing associated with the movement of a predetermined object will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

In step S1616, the second movement processing unit 144 sets the updated position of the specified object (u(k+1), v(k+1)) to the pre-update position of the specified object (u(k), v(k)). In other words, the current value is set to the same as the previous value.

In step S1617, the rotation processing unit 1425 determines whether or not the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes an instruction to rotate the virtual camera 60. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1618; otherwise, the current processing cycle ends.

In step S1618, the rotation processing unit 1425 executes a rotation process of the virtual camera 60 based on the operation information obtained in step S1600 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "rotation process based on a rotation instruction"). A specific example of the rotation process based on a rotation instruction will be described later with reference to FIG. 23.

In step S1619, the transformation processing unit 145 executes bending transformation processing of the field object after the rotation processing based on the rotation instruction (hereinafter, also referred to as "transformation processing after the rotation processing based on the rotation instruction"). A specific example of the transformation processing after the rotation processing based on the rotation instruction will be described later with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

In step S1620, the background processing unit 147 determines whether the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 used in the current processing cycle has changed relative to the previous value β(k). If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S1622, and otherwise proceed to step S1624. In a modified example, in step S1620, the background processing unit 147 may determine whether the change amount of the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 used in the current processing cycle relative to the previous value β(k) is a predetermined amount or more. This allows step S1622 to be skipped if the change amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, thereby reducing the processing load for calculating the z-direction position of the background object. In another modified example, in step S1620, the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 may not be directly compared with the previous value β(k). For example, in another embodiment in which, unlike this embodiment, a specific position such as the specific position C described above where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 is not set, if the processing content up to step S1619 of the current processing cycle is revolution, the judgment result of this step S1620 may be a "negative judgment (NO)" without directly comparing the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 with the previous value β(k).

In step S1622, the background processing unit 147 changes the z-direction position of the background object based on the difference between the current value β(k+1) and the previous value β(k) of the deformation parameter A1 (i.e., the difference in the bending degree of the bending deformation). Note that this process of changing the z-direction position of the background object based on the change in the bending degree of the bending deformation may be as described above.

In step S1624, the drawing data generation unit 148 generates drawing data (drawing data of the field image) after various updates for the current processing cycle.

In step S1626, the drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits the drawing data generated in step S1624 to the terminal device 20. Upon receiving the drawing data, the terminal device 20 updates the display of the field image on the display unit 23 based on the drawing data.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 16, drawing data reflecting operation information received from the terminal device 20 can be generated based on the operation information, and the generated drawing data can be transmitted to the terminal device 20. Therefore, it is possible to realize real-time updates of the field image as the game progresses.

Figure 17 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the distance parameter calculation process (step S1608). Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the interpolation processing range, and is a perspective view showing the field surface 70.

In step S1700, the distance change unit 1421 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any specific position set in the distance parameter data (see FIG. 14). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1702, otherwise the process proceeds to step S1704.

In step S1702, the distance change unit 1421 sets the value of the distance parameter A2 γ(k+1) to the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with the specific position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to the specific position A (XA, YA), the value of the distance parameter A2 γ(k+1) = γ1.

In step S1704, the distance change unit 1421 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with any specific position set in the distance parameter data (see FIG. 14). The interpolation processing range may be set in association with a texture coordinate system (= field coordinate system) for each specific position. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the interpolation processing range is assumed to be within a circular area of radius r centered on the specific position, as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, it may be determined whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is within a circular area of radius r centered on the specific position. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined as an area of another form. For example, the interpolation processing range may be set so that, when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter is the normal value γ0, ψ0, the specific position related to the interpolation processing range is located within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 even when the value of the orientation parameter θ is any value. This is similar to other interpolation processing ranges described later. In FIG. 18, three specific positions Ps(1) to Ps(3) are shown on the field surface 70, and the corresponding interpolation processing ranges Rs(1) to Rs(3) are shown. In FIG. 18, the interpolation processing range Rs(2) and the interpolation processing range Rs(3) overlap each other, and the overlapping area Rs' is shown by a hatched area. In addition, each specific position Ps(1), Ps(2), and Ps(3) is set in the distance parameter data (see FIG. 14) like specific positions A, B, etc. Additionally, the interpolation processing range (as well as the interpolation processing ranges related to other parameters described below) may also be predefined using distance parameter data, etc.

In step S1706, the distance change unit 1421 calculates the distance (interpolation distance) between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, if each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) is located within the interpolation processing range Rs(1), the distance d(1) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the specific position Ps(1) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(1) is calculated. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 18, if the updated position parameter (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) are located within the overlapping region Rs', the distance d(2) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the specific position Ps(2) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(2) and the distance d(3) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the specific position Ps(3) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(3) are calculated.

In step S1708, the distance change unit 1421 calculates an interpolated value of the distance parameter A2 based on the distance obtained in step S1706. For example, the interpolated value γ(1) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(1) may be calculated by the following formula.
γ(1) = (γ1 - γ0) / r x (r - d(1)) + γ0
The value γ1 is a value associated with the specific position Ps(1), and is smaller than the normal value γ0 as described above.
On the other hand, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is located within the overlap region Rs′, the interpolated value γ(Rs′) may be calculated using the following formula based on the interpolated value γ(2) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(2) and the interpolated value γ(3) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(3).
γ(Rs′)=B0×γ(2)+(1−B0)×γ(3)
Here, γ(2) and γ(3) are as follows: γ(2) = (γ2 - γ0) / r x (r - d(2)) + γ0
γ(3) = (γ3 - γ0) / r x (r - d(3)) + γ0
The values γ2 and γ3 are values associated with the specific positions Ps(2) and Ps(3), respectively, and are smaller than the normal value γ0 as described above. B0 is a coefficient that changes within the range of 0 to 1, and approaches 1 as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach the specific position Ps(2), and becomes 1 at the boundary position on the specific position Ps(2) side in the overlapping region Rs'. In addition, the coefficient B0 approaches 0 as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach the specific position Ps(3), and becomes 0 at the boundary position on the specific position Ps(3) side in the overlapping region Rs'. For example, B0 may be as follows.
B0 = (r-d(2)) / {(r-d(2)) + (r-d(3))}
In step S1710, the distance change unit 1421 sets the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 to the interpolated value calculated in step S1708.

In step S1712, the distance change unit 1421 sets the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 to the normal value γ0.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 17, the value of the distance parameter A2 can be changed gradually in conjunction with the change in the values of the position parameters (X, Y) for each predetermined processing cycle, so that a gentler change in distance can be achieved compared to, for example, a sudden change from the normal value γ0 to a value γ1, etc., in a processing cycle in which a specific position is reached. As a result, the distance parameter A2 can be changed while reducing the sense of discomfort that may be felt by the user.

Figure 19 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the orientation parameter calculation process (step S1610).

In step S1900, the orientation change unit 1422 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see FIG. 15). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1902, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S1904.

In step S1902, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value of the orientation parameter θ associated with the orientation change position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) to the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to the orientation change position T1 (XP1, YP1), the value of the orientation parameter θ is set to θ(k+1) = θ1.

In step S1904, the orientation change unit 1422 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see FIG. 15). The interpolation processing range may be set for each orientation change position. In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply set to a circular area of radius r centered on the orientation change position (see FIG. 18), similar to the interpolation processing range related to the distance parameter A2. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined by an area of another form. Also, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may not be set for some or all of the orientation change positions. If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S1906, and otherwise proceed to step S1912.

In step S1906, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates the distance between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs. The method of calculating the distance may be the same as in step S1706 described above.

In step S1908, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates an interpolated value of the orientation parameter θ based on the distance obtained in step S1906. The method of calculating the interpolated value may be the same as that in step S1708 described above.

In step S1910, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to the interpolated value calculated in step S1908.

In step S1912, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to a normal value θ0. The normal value θ0 may be set so that the projection vector V' is perpendicular to the movement vector (u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)) of the specified object.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 19, the value of the orientation parameter θ can be gradually changed in conjunction with the change in the values of the position parameters (X, Y) at each predetermined processing cycle, so that a gentle change in orientation can be achieved that reduces the discomfort that may be felt by the user, compared to, for example, a sudden change from the normal value θ0 to a value θ1, etc., at the processing cycle in which the orientation change position is reached.

Figure 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the attack angle parameter calculation process (step S1612). The process shown in Figure 20 is substantially the same as the orientation parameter calculation process shown in Figure 19 described above, except for the parameters, so a description of the process will be omitted.

Figure 21 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the deformation process (step S1615) accompanying the movement of a specified object. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation process, and is a perspective view in which a local coordinate system is associated with the field surface 70 onto which the field image shown in Figure 2 is projected.

In step S2100, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any specific position set in the transformation parameter data (see FIG. 13). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2102, otherwise the process proceeds to step S2104.

In step S2102, the transformation processing unit 145 sets the value of the transformation parameter A1 associated with a specific position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) to the value β(k+1) of the updated transformation parameter A1. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position A (XA, YA), the value of the updated transformation parameter A1 is set to β(k+1)=β1.

In step S2104, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary specific position set in the transformation parameter data (see FIG. 13). The interpolation processing range may be set for each specific position. In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply set to be within a circular area of radius r centered on the specific position (see FIG. 18), similar to the interpolation processing range associated with the specific position related to the distance parameter A2. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined as an area of another form, as described above.

In step S2106, the transformation processing unit 145 calculates the distance between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs. The method of calculating the distance may be the same as that of step S1706 described above.

In step S2108, the transformation processing unit 145 calculates an interpolated value of the transformation parameter A1 based on the distance obtained in step S2106. The method of calculating the interpolated value may be the same as that in step S1708 described above.

However, in the case of a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60, such as specific position C in Fig. 13, the value β(C0) of the deformation parameter A1 may be calculated as follows based on the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ. Here, a description will be given of specific position C. First, the value β(C0) of the deformation parameter A1 associated with specific position C may be calculated by the following formula (1) when θC1-Δθ1≦θ(k+1)≦θC1+Δθ1, and by the following formula (2) when θC2-Δθ1≦θ(k+1)≦θC2+Δθ1. In other ranges, the value β(C0) may be set to be equal to the normal value β0.
β(C0)=-(β3-β0)/Δθ1×|(θ(k+1)-θC1)|+β3 Equation (1)
β(C0)=-(β4-β0)/Δθ1×|(θ(k+1)-θC2)|+β4 Equation (2)
For example, in formula (1), β(C0) is obtained by multiplying the absolute value of (θ(k+1)-θC1) by (β3-β0)/Δθ1 and subtracting the result from β3. Here, Δθ1 is a value that determines the interpolation angle range, and β3 and β4 are greater than the normal value β0. Note that although the same Δθ1 is used in formulas (1) and (2), a different Δθ1 may be used.
Then, if the distance between the specific position C and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is distance d(dC), the interpolated value β(dC) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(dC) may be calculated by the following formula using the above-mentioned β(C0).
β(dC) = (β(C0) - β0) / r x (r - d(dC)) + β0
In addition, the same applies to the case where the interpolation processing ranges for each of the specific positions A and B have an overlapping region Rs', for example, as in the case of the distance parameter A2. Specifically, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is located within the overlapping region Rs', if the distance between the specific position A and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is the distance d(dA) and the distance between the specific position B and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is the distance d(dB), the interpolated value β(Rs') may be calculated by the following formula based on the interpolated value β(dA) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(dA) and the interpolated value β(dB) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(dB).
β(Rs')=B1×β(dA)+(1−B1)×β(dB)
Here, β(dA) and β(dB) are as follows: β(dA) = (β1 - β0) / r x (r - d(dA)) + β0
β(dB) = (β2-β0)/r × (r-d(dB)) + β0
B1 is a coefficient that varies within a range from 0 to 1, and approaches 1 as each updated position parameter (X, Y) value approaches specific position A, and is 1 at the boundary position on the specific position A side in the overlap region Rs'. Moreover, coefficient B1 approaches 0 as each updated position parameter (X, Y) value approaches specific position B, and is 0 at the boundary position on the specific position B side in the overlap region Rs'. For example, B1 may be as follows.
B1 = (r-d(d _A )) / {(r-d(d _A )) + (r-d(d _B ))}
In step S2110, the transformation processing unit 145 sets the value β(k+1) of the updated transformation parameter A1 to the interpolated value calculated in step S2108.

In step S2112, the transformation processing unit 145 sets the value β(k+1) of the updated transformation parameter A1 to the normal value β0.

In step S2114, the deformation processing unit 145 associates the origin O of the local coordinate system with the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) (an example of a predetermined position) of the specified object after the movement on the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 on which the field image is projected). That is, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement. The example shown in FIG. 22 shows a state in which the origin O of the local coordinate system is associated with (u(k+1), v(k+1)) on the field surface 70. Note that in other embodiments, the position (position on the field surface 70) to which the origin O of the local coordinate system is associated may be a position other than the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement. Furthermore, the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system is associated (the position on the field surface 70) does not need to exactly match the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after it has been moved, but may be in the vicinity of it.

In step S2116, the transformation processing unit 145 associates a local coordinate system (see Figures 7 and 22) with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 (texture coordinate system of the field image) based on the origin O set in step S2114 and the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ. Specifically, the axis that passes through the origin O set in step S2114 and has the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ in the x direction is set as the Xc axis.

In step S2118, the transformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 based on the value β(k+1) of the updated transformation parameter A1 set in step S2102, step S2110, or step S2112, and the local coordinate system associated with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 in step S2116. In this case, for example, the transformation processing unit 145 can bend and deform the field surface 70 based on the function F1 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

According to the example shown in FIG. 21, the entire field surface 70 is bent and deformed with a substantially equal cross section, regardless of the area of the entire field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60. In this case, the processing load can be reduced compared to when the range of bending and deformation is changed depending on the area of the entire field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60.

Figure 23 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the rotation process (step S1618) based on a rotation instruction. Note that in Figure 23, the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 does not include both an instruction to revolve and an instruction to rotate on its own axis at the same time.

In step S2300, the rotation processing unit 1425 sets the updated position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) to the same values as the pre-update position parameters (X, Y) (X(k), Y(k)). In other words, the current values are set to the same as the previous values.

In step S2301, the rotation processing unit 1425 determines whether or not the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 includes a revolution instruction. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2302; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2303.

In step S2302, the revolution processing unit 14251 calculates the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ based on the value θ(k) of the orientation parameter θ before the update. For example, the revolution processing unit 14251 calculates the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ by increasing or decreasing the value θ(k) of the orientation parameter θ before the update by a predetermined angle Δθ according to the rotation direction included in the revolution instruction.

In step S2303, the rotation processing unit 14252 determines whether the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 includes a rotation instruction. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2304; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2307.

In step S2304, the rotation processing unit 14252 calculates the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ based on the value θ(k) of the orientation parameter θ before the update. For example, the rotation processing unit 14252 calculates the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ by increasing or decreasing the value θ(k) of the orientation parameter θ before the update by a predetermined angle Δθ according to the rotation direction included in the rotation instruction.

In step S2306, the rotation processing unit 14252 corrects the updated position parameters (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) set in step S2300 by the amount of movement due to the rotation. Specifically, the rotation processing unit 14252 achieves the correction by rotating the point associated with each value (X(k), Y(k)) of the position parameters (X, Y) before the update around the rotation axis 61 (see Figures 10 and 11) in the uv plane by a predetermined angle Δθ according to the rotation direction included in the rotation instruction. In this case, the position of the point after the rotation becomes the corrected updated position parameters (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)).

In step S2307, the rotation processing unit 14252 sets the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to the same value θ(k) of the orientation parameter θ before the update. In other words, the current value is set to the same as the previous value.

In step S2308, the angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 determines whether the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 includes an instruction to change the angle of attack. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2310; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2312.

In step S2310, the angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 calculates the updated value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ(k+1) based on the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ(k) before the update. For example, the angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 calculates the updated value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ(k+1) by increasing or decreasing the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ(k) before the update by a predetermined angle Δψ according to the direction of rotation included in the angle-of-attack change instruction. Note that the range of change of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may be limited to a predetermined range, for example, within a range from 0 degrees to 60 degrees.

In step S2312, the angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 sets the updated value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ (k+1) to the same value as the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ before the update ψ (k). In other words, the current value is set to the same as the previous value.

According to the process shown in FIG. 23, the orientation of the virtual camera 60 can be changed according to various instructions included in the rotation instruction. Note that FIG. 23 assumes a case in which the rotation instruction may simultaneously include either a revolution instruction or a rotation instruction and an angle of attack change instruction, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the rotation instruction in one processing cycle may include only one of a revolution instruction, a rotation instruction, and an angle of attack change instruction. Note that in this case, when steps S2302 and S2306 are completed, the process of FIG. 23 may end. Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which rotation and/or angle of attack cannot be changed, the corresponding process may be omitted.

Figure 24 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the transformation process (step S1619) after the rotation process based on the rotation instruction (step S1618). Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram of the interpolation angle range.

In step S2400, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 includes a rotation instruction. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2402; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2404.

In step S2402, the transformation processing unit 145 sets the value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 after the update to the same value β(k) of the transformation parameter A1 before the update. In other words, the current value is set to the same value as the previous value. However, in another embodiment, the value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 after the update may be calculated in the same manner as the transformation processing shown in FIG. 21 based on the corrected and updated values of the position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ obtained in step S2306. In this case, it is determined whether the corrected and updated values of the position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) correspond to a specific position (step S2100), and thereafter, the value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 after the update is set in step S2102, step S2110, or step S2112 according to the processing in FIG. 21.

In step S2404, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether the rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 includes a revolution instruction. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2406; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2402.

In step S2406, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in the rotation process (see FIG. 23) based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 is at any specific position (see specific position C in FIG. 13) where the degree of transformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60, or is within the interpolation processing range associated with the specific position. As described above, in this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply defined as a circular area of radius r centered on the specific position. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined as an area of other form. If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S2408; otherwise (i.e., if the updated position parameters (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) are not any specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 and are not within the interpolation processing range associated with the specific position), proceed to step S2402.

In step S2408, the transformation processing unit 145 determines whether the value θ(k+1) of the updated orientation parameter θ obtained in the rotation process based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 (see FIG. 23) is a value θ related to a specific orientation (for example, θ _C1 or θ _C2 in the case of the specific position C in FIG. 13) or is within an interpolation angle range related to the specific orientation. The interpolation angle range is set for a specific orientation related to a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60, such as the specific position C in FIG. 13. Note that FIG. 25 shows the interpolation angle range for the specific position C in a schematic manner. In FIG. 25, the interpolation angle range is within an angle range of ±Δθ ₁ centered on the value θ related to the specific orientation (θ _C1 or θ _C2 ). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2410, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S2402.

In step S2410, the transformation processing unit 145 calculates the updated value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 based on the relationship between the value θ(k+1) of the updated orientation parameter θ obtained in the rotation process based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 (see FIG. 23) and the value θ relating to the specific orientation. Specifically, the updated value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 may be calculated as follows. Here, a description will be given of the specific position C. First, when θ _C1 -Δθ ₁ ≦θ(k+1)≦θ _C1 +Δθ ₁ , the calculation may be performed by the following formula (3), and when θ _C2 -Δθ ₁ ≦θ(k+1)≦θ _C2 +Δθ ₁ , the calculation may be performed by the following formula (4). In other ranges, β(k+1)=normal value β ₀ may be used.
β(k+1)=-(β ₃ -β ₀ )/Δθ ₁ ×|(θ(k+1)-θ _C1 )|+β ₃ Equation (3)
β(k+1)=-(β ₄ -β ₀ )/Δθ ₁ ×|(θ(k+1)-θ _C2 )|+β ₄ Equation (4)
For example, in equation (3), the absolute value of (θ(k+1) _-θC1 ) is multiplied by ( _β3 - _β0 )/ _Δθ1 and then subtracted from _β3 to obtain the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1.

In addition, in Fig. 25, the interpolation angle ranges for the two specific directions do not overlap, but they may overlap. If they overlap (i.e., if the interpolation angle ranges for the two specific directions have an overlapping angle range), the final value β(k+1) may be derived based on the two values β(k+1) calculated by Equation (3) and Equation (4), respectively. Specifically, the final value β(k+1) may be calculated by the following equation.
Final value β(k+1) = B2 x β(k+1)' + (1-B2) x β(k+1)"
Here, β(k+1)′ represents the value calculated by equation (3), β(k+1)″ represents the value calculated by equation (4), and B2 is a coefficient that changes within the range from 0 to 1. Coefficient B2 approaches 1 as θ(k+1) approaches value _θC1 , and becomes 1 at the boundary position on the _θC1 side in the overlap angle range. Coefficient B2 approaches 0 as θ(k+1) approaches value _θC2 , and becomes 0 at the boundary position on the _θC2 side in the overlap angle range. For example, B2 may be as follows.
B2 = (θ(k+1) - θ _C2 ) / {(θ(k+1) - θ _C1 ) + (θ(k+1) - θ _C2 )}
In step S2412, the transformation processing unit 145 associates the origin O of the local coordinate system with each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) (an example of a predetermined position) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in the rotation process (see FIG. 23) based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 on the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 on which the field image is projected). Note that when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) is the same as each value (X(k), Y(k)) of the position parameters (X, Y) before the update (for example, in the case of a revolution instruction), each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to the position of a predetermined object.

In step S2414, the transformation processing unit 145 associates a local coordinate system (see Figures 7 and 22) with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 (texture coordinate system of the field image) based on the origin O associated in step S2412 and the updated value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ obtained in the rotation process based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 (see Figure 23). Specifically, the axis that passes through the origin O set in step S2114 and has the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ in the x direction is set as the Xc axis.

In step S2416, the transformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 based on the updated value β(k+1) of the transformation parameter A1 set in the rotation process based on the rotation instruction in step S1618 (see FIG. 23) and the local coordinate system associated with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 in step S2414. In this case, for example, the transformation processing unit 145 can bend and deform the field surface 70 based on the function F1 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

Next, with reference to Figures 26 to 27C, an example of an application scenario of the operational example described with reference to Figures 16 to 25 will be described.

26 to 27C are explanatory diagrams of application scenes of the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 25, FIG. 26 is a plan view of the field object 77, FIG. 26A is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface related to position M1, FIG. 26B is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface related to position M2, and FIG. 26C is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface related to position M3. Also, FIG. 27A shows an example of a field image G24A related to position M1, FIG. 27B shows an example of a field image G24B related to position M2, and FIG. 27C shows an example of a field image G24C related to position M3. In FIG. 26, the field object 77 is shown in a representation in which the field image is projected onto the field surface 70 in the normal state. In FIG. 26, positions M1 to M3 are illustrated, and positions M2 and M3 are near the start and end positions of the curved road 17. In addition, in Figures 26A to 26C, for convenience of drawing, the curved road 17 and the like have parts that are away from the field surface 70 (parts outside the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60), but the entirety may be projected onto the field surface 70.

Here, we will explain the drawing function when the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3 on the field object 77. Note that this type of movement may be realized by a user operation, or may be realized as an output of a demonstration image. Note that here, it is assumed that there is no orientation change position between position M1 and position M3. Furthermore, it is assumed that positions M1 and M3 are not located within the interpolation processing range of the orientation change position or the interpolation processing range of the specific position.

The values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 in a state where the first object 3 is located at the position M1 (an example of the first position) correspond to the position of the first object 3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is set to a normal value θ ₀ , that is, the projection vector V′ (see FIG. 11 ) is set perpendicular to the moving direction of the first object 3 (in this case, the u direction). Note that FIG. 26 shows the projection vector V′ of the virtual camera 60 in a state where the first object 3 is located at the position M2. At this time, the first object 3 is located in an area that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, and the bending deformation of the field surface 70 as shown in FIG. 26A may be realized to generate the field image G24A shown in FIG. 27A. Note that in this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the normal value β ₀ of the deformation parameter A1, and the first object 3 and the like have a display size according to the normal value γ ₀ of the distance parameter A2.

The values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 in a state where the first object 3 is located at the position M2 correspond to the position of the first object 3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is set to the normal value θ ₀ , that is, the projection vector V' (see FIG. 11) is set to be perpendicular to the moving direction of the first object 3 (in this case, the tangent direction of the curved road 17 passing through the position of the first object 3). At this time, the first object 3 is located in an area that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, and the field image G24B shown in FIG. 27B may be drawn by realizing the bending deformation of the field surface 70 as shown in FIG. 26B. In this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the normal value β ₀ of the deformation parameter A1, and the first object 3 and the like have a display size according to the normal value γ ₀ of the distance parameter A2.

When the first object 3 is moved from position M1 to position M3 along the curved road 17 by the movement amount Δu for each processing cycle, each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is moved along the curved road 17 by the movement amount Δu for each processing cycle. During this time, the value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is maintained at the normal value θ _0. When the first object 3 moves along the curved road 17 (for example, the curved road 17 with a constant radius of curvature), the virtual camera 60 may rotate about a rotation axis 61 passing through the center of curvature of the curved road 17. In this case, the transition from a state before the start of rotation (for example, a state in which the first object 3 is located at position M1) to a rotating state may be realized by changing the value of the distance parameter A2 or the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ. In this case, for example, the value of the distance parameter A2 or the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ may be set so that the radius of curvature of the curved road 17=A2×cosψ. During the rotation of the virtual camera 60, the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position of the first object 3, and the transition from the rotation state to a state after the rotation ends (for example, a state in which the first object 3 is located at position M3) may return the value of the distance parameter A2 and the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ to their original values (for example, normal values γ0, ψ0). Note that such changes in the value of the distance parameter A2 and the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ may also be realized via interpolated values.

The values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 when the first object 3 has reached the position M3 (an example of the second position) correspond to the position of the first object 3 that has reached the position M3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ is set to the normal value θ ₀ , that is, the projection vector V′ (see FIG. 11 ) is set to be perpendicular to the moving direction of the first object 3 (in this case, the tangent direction of the curved road 17 that passes through the position of the first object 3). At this time, the bending deformation of the field surface 70 as shown in FIG. 26C may be realized to draw the field image G24C shown in FIG. 27C. In this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the normal value β ₀ of the deformation parameter A1, and the first object 3 and the like have a display size according to the normal value γ ₀ of the distance parameter A2.

In this way, according to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 25, while the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3, the height H1 of the horizon HL does not change, as shown in the field images G24A, G24B, and G24C. That is, when the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 changes from the orientation when the first object 3 is located at position M1 (an example of the "first direction") to the orientation when the first object 3 is located at position M3 (an example of the "second direction") as the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3, bending deformation of the field object 77 according to the changed line of sight V (bending deformation of the same deformation mode as seen from the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60) is realized, so that the height H1 of the horizon HL does not change. This makes it possible to keep the height H1 of the horizon HL constant while making the virtual camera 60 follow the curved movement of the first object 3. However, in a modified example, the height H1 of the horizon HL may be changed within a level that does not feel strange to the user. For example, a level that does not feel strange to the user may be a level that corresponds to minute irregularities that the field object may have (i.e., a shape that is slightly different from the shape of the field surface 70). If the change is within such a level, the height H1 of the horizon HL will be approximately the same.

Here, according to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 25, the deformation mode of the field surface 70 as shown in FIG. 8 dynamically changes in conjunction with the dynamic change in the line of sight V so as to be the same bending deformation as seen in the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 (see FIG. 26A to FIG. 26C). Specifically, while the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3, it dynamically changes in response to the movement. That is, the deformation mode of the field surface 70 and the associated field object 77 dynamically changes due to the movement of the origin O in response to the movement of the first object 3 and the change in the Xc axis due to the change in the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 in response to the movement of the first object 3 (see step S2116 in FIG. 21 and step S2414 in FIG. 24). Despite such a dynamic change in the change mode of the field object 77, it is possible to draw a field image that does not give the user a sense of incongruity (uncomfortableness due to a change in the horizon, etc.). In addition, compared to the case where a single field object (or multiple overlapping field objects) that have been bent and deformed in advance are prepared to match the road (e.g., curved road 17), it is possible to draw a field image in a more flexible manner that corresponds to the situation at each time, and the visibility of the field image is improved. For example, when the first object 3 passes through N1 positions while moving from position M1 to position M3 and the field images at each of the N1 positions are drawn, N1 bending deformations are performed in this embodiment. In contrast, if only N2 field objects (field objects that have been bent and deformed in advance), which is less than N1, can be prepared, the change in the field image becomes awkward (lacks smoothness) and visibility is likely to decrease. Note that if N1 field objects (field objects that have been bent and deformed in advance) can be prepared, such inconveniences can be avoided, but as described above, the storage area for the field object is likely to become excessive. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to efficiently use the storage area for the field object while improving visibility.

26 to 27C show a scene in which the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 changes with the movement of the first object 3, but the same applies to a scene in which the virtual camera 60 rotates or revolves without moving the first object 3 (i.e., a scene in which a rotation process based on a rotation instruction (step S1618) is realized). In this case, too, when the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 changes from a certain direction (an example of the "first direction") to another direction (an example of the "second direction") due to rotation or revolution, a bending deformation of the field object 77 according to the changed line of sight V (bending deformation having the same deformation mode as seen from the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60) is realized, so that the height H1 of the horizon HL does not change. This makes it possible to maintain the height H1 of the horizon HL constant while increasing the degree of freedom of movement of the virtual camera 60. In this case, too, in a modified example, the height H1 of the horizon HL may be changed within a level that does not feel strange to the user during the rotation or revolution of the virtual camera 60.

Next, a variation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 28 is an example of a functional block diagram relating to the drawing function of a server device 10A according to a modified example. The server device 10A according to the modified example differs from the server device 10 according to the above-described embodiment in that the drawing processing unit 140 is replaced with a drawing processing unit 140A.

The rendering processing unit 140A of this modified example differs from the rendering processing unit 140 of the above-described embodiment in that the distance change unit 1421 is replaced with a zoom amount change unit 1421A.

The zoom amount change unit 1421A changes the values of optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60, such as the focal length and the angle of view. The zoom amount change unit 1421A may change the values of the optical parameters so as to achieve the same effect as that of the distance change unit 1421. For example, the effect obtained by the distance change unit 1421 reducing the value of the distance parameter A2 may be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount increases. Similarly, the effect obtained by the distance change unit 1421 increasing the value of the distance parameter A2 may be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount decreases. In this way, the function of the distance change unit 1421 can be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A.

In another variation, the distance change unit 1421 and the zoom amount change unit 1421A may function simultaneously.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or some of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the bending deformation of the field object is realized by bending the entire field object, but this is not limited to this. For example, the bending deformation of the field object may be performed only on the area of the entire field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, or only on a partial area that includes that area.

In the above-described embodiment, the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object corresponds basically corresponds to the position of the first object, but is not limited to this. When a predetermined condition is met, the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object corresponds may be changed to correspond to the position of a specific object. In this case, the specific object may be an object such as the first object whose position can change relative to the field object, or an object such as the second object whose position is fixed relative to the field object.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the values of various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 when the specified object moves are the same every time when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are the same. For example, when the specified object moves and the specified object is located at a certain position, the same values of various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) are realized for the certain position. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the values of various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 when the specified object moves may be changed depending on the progress of the game or other factors (e.g., the moving direction of the specified object, etc.) even when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are the same. For example, the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific position A may be set to a value β1 when a certain condition is met based on the progress of the game or other factors, and may be set to a normal value β0 otherwise. Furthermore, such a change may be performed, for example, when a specific event occurs, when the moving second object enters an area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 (is placed on the screen), or in response to a manual operation by the user to change the angle of view.

In the above-described embodiment, each specific position such as specific positions A and B was a fixed position on the field object, but may be a movable position on the field object. For example, some of the specific positions may be set to correspond to the position of a specific second object that moves among the second objects. In this case, one specific position may be a position that has a predetermined relationship to the position of one specific second object that moves.

As described above, in the above embodiment, when the interpolation processing range is fixed and not dynamically changed, the specific position related to the interpolation processing range may be set to be located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object even when the direction parameter θ is any value when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ is the normal value γ0, ψ0. For example, Fig. 29 shows the interpolation processing range Rs(A) related to the specific position A in a plan view, and Fig. 30 shows a cross-sectional view along the line J1-J1 of Fig. 29 superimposed on a cross-sectional view along the line J2-J2. In this case, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to position P260 and the values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , as shown in Fig. 30, when the value of the parameter θ is θ(P260) as shown in Fig. 29, the specific position A is located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Note that the boundary line 6211 in Fig. 30 is the upper boundary line of the angle of view 62 (the angle of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z direction) (see Fig. 5) of the virtual camera 60. Therefore, in this case, position P260 belongs to the interpolation processing range Rs(A). On the other hand, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position P261 and the values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , as shown in Fig. 30, even when the value of the parameter θ is θ(P261) as shown in Fig. 29, the specific position A is not located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Therefore, in this case, the position P260 does not belong to the interpolation processing range Rs(A). However, as yet another setting mode, the interpolation processing range may be set to change dynamically based on the values of the camera parameters at that time. For example, the interpolation processing range for one specific position may be dynamically set so that when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ after (or before) the update (which may be different from the normal values γ0, ψ0) is applied, the one specific position is located in a region that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 even when the value of the orientation parameter θ is any value. This is because even if each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is outside a certain interpolation processing range, the value of the distance parameter A2, etc. may be an interpolated value that is not a normal value because it is located within another interpolation processing range. Note that, although a specification in which the revolution or rotation of the virtual camera 60 is possible at any position is assumed here, in a specification in which the revolution or rotation of the virtual camera 60 is possible only at a limited position or a specification in which the revolution or rotation itself is impossible, "even when the value of any orientation parameter θ" in the above description may be read as "when the value of the orientation parameter θ at that time point is".

The width of the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the rate of change (amount of change per time) of each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60, such that the interpolation processing range is wider as the rate of change (amount of change per time) of each value is greater. Alternatively, based on a similar concept, a predetermined margin may be set for the interpolation processing range regardless of the rate of change. This can reduce inconvenience (a feeling of discomfort that may be felt by the user due to a relatively sudden change in the field image) that may occur when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 changes to a value corresponding to a specific position (or specific object) while the rate of change (amount of change per time) of each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 remains large.

In addition, if the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is variable, the width of the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, such that the smaller the angle of view, the wider the interpolation processing range. This can reduce inconvenience (a feeling of discomfort that may be felt by the user due to a relatively sudden change in the field image) that may occur when, for example, the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 change to values corresponding to a specific position (specific object) while the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 remains small.

The following additional notes are provided regarding the above examples.

[Appendix 1]
An information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis;
a rotation processing unit that changes a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object around the third axis;
a transformation processing unit that, when the line of sight direction is changed by the rotation processing unit, transforms the field object based on the changed line of sight direction.

[Appendix 2]
The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the deformation processing unit bends and deforms the field object in the same deformation manner when viewed in the line of sight direction when the line of sight direction is a first direction and when the line of sight direction is a second direction different from the first direction.

[Appendix 3]
The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein the deformation processing unit bends and deforms the field object so that the height of a virtual horizon represented by the field object when viewed in the line of sight is approximately the same when the line of sight direction is a first direction and when the line of sight direction is a second direction different from the first direction.

[Appendix 4]
the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transformation processing unit deforms the basic surface so that a shape of the basic surface when cut by a plane including the line of sight direction and the third axis is approximately the same along a direction perpendicular to the plane.

[Appendix 5]
the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, on a plane including the line of sight and the third axis, a predetermined position is defined as the origin, an axis passing through the origin and parallel to the third axis is defined as the Y axis, a direction toward the upper side with respect to the field object is defined as the positive side of the Y axis, and an axis passing through the origin and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as the X axis, the transformation processing unit deforms the basic surface according to a function in which the Y coordinate value monotonically decreases linearly or nonlinearly as the absolute value of the X coordinate value increases.

[Appendix 6]
The objects further include a predetermined object arranged relative to the field object;
a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting the line of sight;
a second movement processing unit that changes a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object,
The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first movement processing unit changes a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object with respect to the field object.

[Appendix 7]
The objects further include a predetermined object arranged relative to the field object;
a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting the line of sight;
a second movement processing unit that changes a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object,
the first movement processing unit changes a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object with respect to the field object;
The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the transformation processing unit determines the predetermined position based on a position of the predetermined object.

[Appendix 8]
The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the rotation processing unit determines the line of sight direction based on a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object.

[Appendix 9]
The objects further include a background object;
9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a background processing unit that determines a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis based on the height of a virtual horizon represented by the field object.

[Appendix 10]
The information processing device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 9, wherein the transformation processing unit further differs the degree of deformation of the field object when the position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is at a first position and when the position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is at a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight.

[Appendix 11]
The objects further include a background object;
The information processing device described in Appendix 10, further including a background processing unit that makes the position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis different when the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is at the first position and when the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is at the second position.

[Appendix 12]
The information processing device according to claim 11, wherein the background processing unit determines a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis based on the height of a virtual horizon represented by the field object.

[Appendix 13]
1. An information processing method for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis;
changing a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object around the third axis;
An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: when the line of sight direction is changed, transforming the field object based on the changed line of sight direction.

[Appendix 14]
1. An information processing program for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space,
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis;
changing a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object around the third axis;
When the line of sight direction is changed, the field object is deformed based on the line of sight direction after the change.
An information processing program that causes a computer to execute processing.

1 Game system 3 First object 10 Server device 11 Server communication unit 12 Server memory unit 13 Server control unit 14 Side passage 15 Vertical passage 16 Roadside tree object 20 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit 30 Network 60 Virtual camera 62 View angle 70 Field surface 72 Background surface 77 Field object 130 Drawing information storage unit 132 Operation information acquisition unit 134 Drawing data transmission unit 140 Drawing processing unit 142 Change processing unit 1420 First movement processing unit 1421 Distance change unit 1421A Zoom amount change unit 1422 Orientation change unit 1423 Angle of attack change unit 1424 Update reflection unit 1425 Rotation processing unit 14251 Revolution processing unit 14252 Rotation processing unit 14253 Angle of attack processing unit 144 Second movement processing unit 145 Transformation processing unit 146 Projection processing unit 147 Background processing unit 148 Drawing data generation unit

Claims (9)

An information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a predetermined object arranged with respect to the field object;
a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera relative to the field object;
a second movement processing unit that changes a position of the predetermined object relatively to the field object;
a transformation processing unit that transforms the field object,
the first movement processing unit changes a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object with respect to the field object;
The information processing device, based on the position of the virtual camera, changes the degree of deformation of the field object between when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a first position and when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight . the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the transformation processing unit transforms the basic surface such that a shape of the basic surface when cut by a plane including the line of sight direction and the third axis is substantially the same along a direction perpendicular to the plane. the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, on a plane including the line of sight and the third axis, a predetermined position is defined as an origin, an axis passing through the origin and parallel to the third axis is defined as a Y axis, a direction toward the upper side with respect to the field object is defined as the positive side of the Y axis, and an axis passing through the origin and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as an X axis, the transformation processing unit transforms the basic surface according to a function in which the Y coordinate value monotonically decreases linearly or nonlinearly as the absolute value of the X coordinate value increases. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the transformation processing unit determines the predetermined position based on the position of the predetermined object. The objects further include a background object;
5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a background processing unit that determines a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis based on a height of a virtual horizon represented by the field object. The objects further include a background object;
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a background processing unit that changes a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at the first position and when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at the second position. The information processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the background processing unit determines a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis based on a height of a virtual horizon represented by the field object. 1. An information processing method for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a predetermined object arranged with respect to the field object;
changing a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera relative to the field object;
changing a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object;
transforming the field object;
a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is changed in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object;
An information processing method executed by a computer, in which the degree of deformation of the field object is changed based on the position of the virtual camera when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a first position and when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight. 1. An information processing program for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space,
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a predetermined object arranged with respect to the field object;
changing a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera relative to the field object;
changing a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object;
transforming said field object;
The process is executed by a computer,
a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is changed in conjunction with a change in a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object;
An information processing program in which the degree of deformation of the field object is changed based on the position of the virtual camera when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a first position and when the position of the specified object relative to the field object is at a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight .

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