JPH07634A - Three-dimensional game device and map setting method using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a three-dimensional game device and a map setting method using it in which even a narrow game space can be felt to be wide, and a pseudo three-dimensional image of high quality can be formed at real time with less data quantity. CONSTITUTION:A map setting part 106 sets a self-machine moving range map and an extension map on the basis of a position coordinate calculated by a self-machine coordinate arithmetic part 130. The extension map is formed into the same form as the map situated in the symmetrical position to the map situated on the end part within the self-machine moving range, and formed to at least the visual field distance of a player or more. The self-machine coordinate arithmetic part 130 resets the position coordinate of the self machine to the coordinate in the symmetrical position to the passing point when the self machine passes the boundary of the self-machine moving range. Thus, the player can feel a narrow game space to be infinitely wide.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a three-dimensional game apparatus for moving a virtual three-dimensional space by a predetermined moving body and a map setting method using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a three-dimensional game device capable of synthesizing pseudo three-dimensional images, a three-dimensional game device having a structure as shown in FIG. 16 is known. As shown in the figure, this three-dimensional game device includes an operation unit 510, a game space calculation unit 500, an image composition unit 512, and a CRT 518. Here, the game space calculation unit 500 uses the virtual 3
The game space formed in the dimensional space is set, and includes a central processing unit 502, a game space setting unit 504, and an image information storage unit 506. Further, the image synthesizing unit 512 forms a pseudo three-dimensional image actually seen by the player according to the setting from the game space setting unit 504. The image supply unit 514 and the image forming unit 516.
It is composed of

Next, the operation of this conventional example will be described. An operation signal from the player is input to the game space calculation section 500 via the operation section 510. In FIG. 17 (A), this 3
An example of a game space formed in a virtual three-dimensional space by a three-dimensional game device is shown. That is, the game space calculation unit 5
00 is a three-dimensional object, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 according to the operation signal and the game program stored in advance.
Arrangement of the ground 519, the mountain 520, the building 522, the base 524, the enemy aircraft 532, the own aircraft 530, and the like on the game field 540 shown in FIG. 7 (A) is performed.

The central processing unit 502 controls the entire three-dimensional game apparatus. Also, the ground 519, the mountain 520,
Actual image information of three-dimensional objects such as the building 522, the base 524, and the enemy aircraft 532 is stored in the image information storage unit 506. In this case, the image information storage unit 506 stores 3
Image information represented by dividing a three-dimensional object into polygons is stored. The image information is composed of polygon vertex information and its associated data.

The game space setting unit 504 arranges these three-dimensional display objects in the virtual three-dimensional space in accordance with the operation signal from the player, the game program, and the control signal from the central processing unit 502. Specifically, the image information read from the image information storage unit 506 includes data for determining the arrangement position / direction of the image information, and outputs the image information to the image supply unit 514.

In the image supply unit 514, for these input data, coordinate conversion from the absolute coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system, clipping processing for removing data outside the visual field,
Processing such as perspective conversion to the screen coordinate system and sorting processing is performed, and the processed data is output to the image forming unit 516.

The image forming section 516 forms image information that should be actually seen by the player from these input data. That is, since the data input from the image supply unit 514 is represented as image information composed of polygon vertex information and the like, the image forming unit 516
Image information inside the polygon is formed from the vertex information of the polygon. Then, the processed data is a CRT.
Output to 518, and a virtual three-dimensional image as shown in FIG. 17B is formed.

[0008]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the map formed of the ground 519, the mountain 520, the building 522, the base 524, etc. is all arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and is seen by the player. It formed a three-dimensional image. This conventional method has the advantage that the flow of data processing and the data prepared in advance are simple. However, in the fighter game as in this conventional example, the moving range of the player's own aircraft is set extremely wide. Then, it is preferable to set the game space so that the player feels that the player can fly infinitely. However, the amount of data for expressing the map of the ground, mountains, etc. in the virtual three-dimensional space increases as the moving range of the own device becomes wider. Further, if an attempt is made to set an infinitely wide moving range, the processed data will be infinite. In particular, when the amount of data to be processed increases, it becomes difficult to display images in real time due to hardware restrictions, for example, the movement of the self-viewpoint becomes extremely slow, or the image becomes discontinuous like a disassembled photograph, There was a problem that many objects were not displayed. As described above, the conventional three-dimensional game device cannot make the player feel an infinitely wide narrow game space, and the technical problem of displaying a high-quality image in real time is insufficient.

The present invention has been made in order to achieve the technical problems as described above, and an object of the present invention is to make it feel wide even in a small game space and to realize high quality in real time with a small amount of data. A three-dimensional game device capable of forming a pseudo three-dimensional image and a map setting method using the same.

[0010]

A three-dimensional game device according to the present invention is a three-dimensional game device in which a player operates an operation section to move in a virtual three-dimensional space by a moving body of the player. And a map within the movement range of the own machine based on the position coordinates of the own machine, and a map within the movement range of the own machine is set as the own machine movement range map. , Including a map setting unit which is formed on the outer periphery of the own machine movement range map and which sets an extension map whose range is at least the visual field distance of the player,
The extended map adjacent to the map at the end in the own-machine moving range is formed in the same shape as the map at the symmetrical position with the map at the end in the own-machine moving range,
The own machine coordinate calculation unit resets the position coordinates of the own machine to the coordinates of a symmetrical position with the passing point when the own machine passes through the boundary of the own machine movement range.

In this case, a game coordinate system is set in the moving range of the own machine, and the map setting section continuously sets a plurality of moving range maps of the own machine in different scenes and between the plurality of moving range maps of the own machine. And a connection map to be connected to the map are set in the map coordinate system, and the own machine coordinate calculation unit changes the origin coordinates of the game coordinate system in the map coordinate system, whereby the game between the own machine movement range map and the connection map It is desirable to change the scene.

Also, the setting of the visual field distance of the player is
It is desirable that the color information of the map image at the position of the visual field distance be brought close to the predetermined color information so as to be blurred in the background.

A map setting method for a three-dimensional game device according to the present invention is a map setting method for a three-dimensional game in which a player operates an operation unit to move in a virtual three-dimensional space by a moving body of the player. A map within the movement range of the machine is set as the movement range map of the machine, and the map has the same shape as the start position at a portion adjacent to the end position in the movement direction of the machine, and the range is at least the visual distance of the player or more. When the player's own aircraft controlled by the player sets the extended map, the position coordinates of the player's own aircraft are changed to the start end position, so that the map can be set infinitely with a small amount of map data. It is characterized by performing.

In this case, a plurality of the movement range maps of the own machine in different scenes and a connection map for continuously connecting the plurality of movement range maps of the own machine are prepared. It is desirable to allow continuous transition of game scenes between own-machine movement range maps of different scenes by allowing the player's own machine to pass as it is when passing through the connection map.

Further, the visibility distance of the player is set by
It is desirable that the color information of the map image at the position of the visual field distance be brought close to the predetermined color information so as to be blurred in the background.

[0016]

According to the present invention, the extended map adjacent to the map at the end of the mobile range is formed in the same shape as the map at the symmetrical position to the map at the end of the mobile range. Has been done. Further, this extended map is formed to be at least the field of view of the player. Therefore, even when the player's own aircraft is at the end, it is possible to see a map having the same shape as the map at the symmetrical position to the map at the end, outside the range of movement of the player.
Then, when the own machine passes the boundary of the own machine movement range from the position of this end portion, the position coordinate of the own machine is reset to the coordinate of the symmetrical position with the passing point. This makes it possible for the player to feel that the narrow game space is infinitely wide.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of own machine movement range maps in different scenes and a connection map for continuously connecting the plurality of own machine movement range maps are prepared. When the game scene is changed, the player's machine is allowed to pass through when passing between the player's movement range map and the connection map. As a result, the player's machine can continuously move to another player's machine movement range map in a different scene, and the game scene can be changed without making the player feel uncomfortable.

[0018]

【Example】

1. Outline of Game First, an example of a three-dimensional game realized by the present three-dimensional game device will be briefly described.

A three-dimensional game realized by the present three-dimensional game device is a fighter in which a player freely flies in a virtual three-dimensional space by his or her own fighter, which is a moving body, and attacks an enemy plane, an enemy base, or the like. It's a game. FIG. 2 shows an external view of the three-dimensional game device. The three-dimensional game device of this embodiment has a cockpit portion 8 and a display device, such as a CRT 10, arranged in front of the cockpit portion 8.

The cockpit portion 8 is formed assuming a cockpit of a fighter, and the player 3 sitting on the seat 18
The CRT 10 is located in front of 02. Player 30
When the player operates the operation unit 140 to start the game, the pseudo three-dimensional image 30 is displayed on the CRT 10. This pseudo three-dimensional image 30 shows a pseudo three-dimensional image seen by the player in the virtual three-dimensional space. In FIG. 2, the pseudo three-dimensional image 30 of a scene in which a fighter operated by the player leaves the airport is shown. ing. The player 302, as shown in FIG.
The control lever 14 provided at 0 is operated to control the own fighter. Then, the trigger button 16 or the like attached to the operation lever 14 is used to attack the enemy base or enemy fighter plane.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of maps forming the game space of the present three-dimensional game. Also, in FIG.
FIG. 6 shows an example of a pseudo three-dimensional image seen from the own fighter flying on these maps.

The map shown in FIG. 3 is a map set within the movement range of the own fighter plane, and includes the airport 20, the enemy base 22,
Mountains 24, 26, 28, 30, rivers 31, 32, streams 34,
It consists of topographical information such as 36. Then, around this own movement range map 40, as shown in FIG. 4, extended maps 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54,
56 are arranged. These extended maps 42-56 are
In the example of this map, it is formed so as to have the same shape as the own machine moving range map 40. The width of this extended map is the same as the visual field distance of the player. Similarly, in FIG. 4, around the own-machine movement range map 70 representing the sea, the same shape as the own-machine movement range map 70,
Extended maps 72 to 8 whose width is the field of view of the player
6 are arranged. Then, the connection map 60 and the extension maps 62 and 64 thereof are maps that connect these own movement range maps 40 and 70. The expansion maps 56, 60, and 78 can also be referred to as own-machine movement range maps in the sense of the range in which the own-machine fighter can move, but they are handled separately here.

The terrain at the boundary between the own-machine moving range map 40 and the extended maps 42 to 56 is formed so as to be continuous when these maps are arranged side by side.
For example, in FIG. 4, the stream 34 of the own-machine movement range map 40 is formed so as to be continuous with the stream 36 of the expansion map 48. In other words, in FIG. 3, the streams 34 and 36 in the own-machine moving range map 40 are formed so as to be continuous even if they are arranged side by side. Also,
The river 31 is arranged above the own-machine movement range map 40, and the river 32 is also arranged below the expansion map 44. Therefore, these own movement range map 40 and extended map 44
Even if and are arranged above and below, the boundaries of these maps are formed continuously. Similarly, the own machine movement range map 70 and the extension maps 72 to 86 are formed so as to be continuous when they are arranged side by side. Also, the connection map 60
Also, the extended maps 56, 78 and the extended maps 62, 64 are formed so that the terrain continues.

FIG. 5A shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 90 seen by the player at point A in FIG. The pseudo three-dimensional image 90 shows a game scene when an attack is made on the enemy base 88 by the own fighter, and the mountain 26 is shown behind the enemy base 90.

FIG. 5B shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 92 seen by the player in the field of view X at the point B in FIG. As shown in the figure, the pseudo three-dimensional image 92 includes
In addition to the mountain 26 and the river 31, topography such as the river 32, the stream 36, and the mountain 30 is also shown. In this way, river 32, stream 3
6, the topography of the mountain 30 and the like is also displayed because the extended map 44 having the same shape as the own-machine moving range map 40 is arranged above the own-machine moving range map 40 as shown in FIG. is there. Further, as described above, since the rivers are arranged both on the upper side of the own machine moving range map 40 and on the lower side of the expansion map 44, the boundaries are also formed continuously. As a result, it is possible to make the player feel that the map is formed infinitely far, without making the player feel unnatural.

The player-controlled fighter is a C shown in FIG.
When the point is reached, the position coordinate of the own fighter is changed from point C to point D in FIG. In the present embodiment, by infinitely looping at the boundary in this way, it is possible to provide a game space that can be moved infinitely with a small amount of map data. In addition,
The image showing the airport 20 is set so that the player's fighter flies above the sky and becomes invisible to the player at the same time.
Therefore, when the player re-enters the own-machine moving range map 40 from the point D in FIG. 3, the airport 20 cannot be seen by the player. This can prevent the player from recognizing that the same player movement range map 40 is infinitely looped.

FIG. 5C shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 94 seen by the player in the field of view Y at the point E in FIG. This pseudo three-dimensional image 94 shows the enemy fighters 420, 42.
2 shows a game scene when an attack is made on 2. As shown in the figure, this pseudo three-dimensional image 94
In addition to the river 32 and the stream 36, the terrain such as the mountain 24 is also shown in FIG. This mountain is expanded map 54 in FIG.
The mountain 24 is located at

Now, in this three-dimensional game, for example, when a player-controlled fighter operated by a player shoots down a predetermined number of enemy fighters or finishes an attacking mission to an enemy base and obtains a required score in advance, the game scene Will be converted. Then, this game scene change is performed, for example, by changing the scene from the land to the sea via the coastline.
In this embodiment, when the game scene is changed in this way, the player-controlled fighter operated by the player is, for example, F in FIG.
When it reaches the point, let it pass through. That is, in this case, the position coordinate change from the point C to the point D as described above is not performed.

When the game scene is changed in this way, the own fighter will proceed to point G through point F in FIG. FIG. 6A shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 96 seen by the player at this G point. This pseudo three-dimensional image 96 is different from the pseudo three-dimensional image 94 shown in FIG. 5C in that the mountain 24 is not projected. This is because the mountain 24 is not arranged at the point H of the connection map 64 in FIG. This makes it possible to shift from the extension map 56 to the connection map 60 without giving the player a feeling of strangeness.

FIG. 6B shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 98 seen by the player at point I in FIG. This pseudo three-dimensional image 98 represents a game scene when the own fighter plane passes the coastline 424 and moves from the land 426 to the sea 428. The conversion of the game scene from the land 426 to the sea 428 is performed by the connection map 60 and its extension maps 62 and 64.

FIG. 6C shows a pseudo three-dimensional image 99 seen by the player at point J in FIG. This pseudo three-dimensional image 99 shows a game scene when the own fighter is located in the own movement range 70 representing the sea.
The sea 428, the island 430, etc. are projected. After changing to the game scene representing the sea in this way, for example, when the own fighter comes to the point K in FIG. 4, the position coordinate of the own fighter is changed to the L point. By forming an infinite loop in this manner, the player can feel as if he / she is flying infinitely at sea.

Finally, the game ends when the player-controlled fighter operated by the player is shot down, or when the attack mission to the enemy base or fighter is completed. The above explanation is
Although the case of a one-player game has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and can of course be applied to a multi-player type game of two or more players. 2. Description of Entire Device FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a three-dimensional game device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present three-dimensional game device has an operation unit 140 for a player to input an operation signal, a game space calculation unit 100 for setting a game space by a predetermined game program, and a player's viewpoint position. An image synthesizing unit 200 that forms a pseudo three-dimensional image and a CRT 10 that outputs the pseudo three-dimensional image are configured.

When the present three-dimensional game device is applied to a driving game, for example, a steering wheel, a gear or the like for driving a sports car is connected to the operation unit 140,
As a result, the operation signal is input. Further, when applied to a shooting game such as a fighter battle as described above, an operation lever 14 for operating a fighter and a trigger button 1 for launching a machine gun, a missile or the like.
6 etc. are connected.

The game space calculation unit 100 is comprised of a central processing unit 1
02, own machine coordinate calculation unit 130, game space setting unit 10
4, mobile information storage unit 108, map information storage unit 11
0, the object image information storage unit 120 is included.

The central processing unit 102 controls the entire three-dimensional game device. Further, a predetermined game program is stored in the storage unit provided in the central processing unit 102. The game space calculation unit 100 calculates the game space according to the game program and operation signals from the operation unit 140.

The own machine coordinate calculation section 130 comprises a game coordinate calculation section 132 and a map coordinate calculation section 134. In the own machine coordinate calculation unit 130, according to the operation signal from the operation unit 140 and the instruction from the central processing unit 102,
The position coordinates of the own fighter are calculated.

The mobile unit information storage unit 108 stores position information / direction information of mobile unit objects such as enemy fighters and the object numbers of enemy fighters and the like to be displayed at this position (hereinafter, this storage will be described). The generated position / direction information and object number are called mobile body information). Also,
In the map information storage unit 110, map information including the ground, mountains, enemy bases, rivers, etc. is divided into squares, and the position information of this divided map and the object numbers of the ground, mountains, etc. to be displayed at this position. Is stored (hereinafter, the stored position information and object number are referred to as division map information). Object image information storage unit 12
In 0, image information of the enemy fighter designated by the object number, the ground, the mountain, the enemy base, etc. is stored. In this case, these pieces of image information are expressed as a set of a plurality of polygons. For example, as shown in FIG.
The enemy fighter 420, which is a moving object, has a polygon 3
It is represented by a set such as 62 to 370. And
Image information including the coordinates of each vertex of the polygons 362 to 370 is stored in the moving object image information storage unit 122 in the object image information storage unit 120. Similarly, map information such as enemy bases is also expressed as a set of polygons,
Image information including the vertex coordinates of the polygon is stored in the map image information storage unit 124.

The game space setting unit 104 reads corresponding image information from the object image information storage unit 120 based on the moving body information and the divided map information read from the moving body information storage unit 108 and the map information storage unit 110. Set the game space. In this case, map setting is performed by the map space setting unit 106 incorporated in the game space setting unit. The details of the calculation processing in the game space calculation unit 100 will be described later.

In the image synthesizing unit 200, a pseudo three-dimensional image that can be seen from an arbitrary viewpoint position of the player 302 in the virtual three-dimensional space, that is, a pseudo three-dimensional image displayed on the CRT 10 in FIG. Therefore, the image composition unit 200 includes an image supply unit 212 and an image forming unit 240.

The image supply unit 212 performs various three-dimensional arithmetic processing such as coordinate conversion processing, clipping processing, perspective conversion processing, and sorting processing according to the game space setting information set by the game space setting unit 104. .

In the image forming section 240, the image supply section 212
In step (3), the image composition of the image of all the dots in the polygon is performed based on the image information such as the vertex coordinates of the polygon subjected to the three-dimensional calculation processing. This combined image is a CRT
10 outputs the image as a pseudo three-dimensional image.

As a calculation method of image composition in the image forming section 240, the contour line of the polygon is obtained from the vertex coordinates of the polygon, the contour point pair which is the intersection of this contour line and the scanning line is obtained, and this contour point is obtained. A method of associating the line formed by the pair with predetermined color data or the like may be used. In addition, the image information of all the dots in each polygon is stored in advance in a ROM or the like as texture information, and the texture coordinates given to each vertex of the polygon are used as an address to read and paste the texture information. A so-called method may be used. 3. Detailed Description of Calculation Process in Game Space Calculation Unit Next, the calculation process performed by the game space calculation unit 100 will be described in detail.

FIG. 8A shows a conceptual diagram of the own machine movement range map 150 and the extension map 152 set by the map setting unit 106. As shown in the figure, the own machine moving range map 150 is formed by being divided into 1 to 9 division maps. Similarly, the extension map 152 is also formed by being divided into division maps. In this case, for example, in FIG. 7A, the sixth division map is arranged at the position of a which is the end of the own-machine movement range map 150.
Then, at the position of b next to it, the fourth division map arranged at the position of c which is a symmetrical position of the position of a is arranged as an expansion map. Similarly, at the position of e adjacent to the position of d, the 9th division map is arranged at the position of f which is a symmetrical position to d. As described above, in this embodiment, the extended map adjacent to the map at the end of the own-machine moving range has the same shape as the map at the symmetrical position with the map at the end of the own-machine moving range. Is set to. As a result, the player can play the game shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), mountains 30, rivers 32, streams 36, etc. can be seen in addition to mountains 26 and rivers 31, and the player can be illusioned that they are flying on an infinite map.

FIG. 8 (B) shows a conceptual diagram of the visual field distance of the own device. In the example shown in the figure, the visual field distance L of the player is set to the same distance as the length of one side of one divided map. However, the setting of the visual field distance L of the player in this case is completely arbitrary, and the visual field distance may be, for example, the length of two divided maps. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, as the extended map, the same map as the own machine movement range map is arranged on the outer circumference, and the view distance is set to the same distance as the length of one side of the own machine movement range map. May be. Note that the extended map needs to be configured by arranging at least a divided map corresponding to the view distance or more around the own-machine moving range map.

In the present embodiment, the visual field distance is set by making the color of the map image at the visual field distance position closer to, for example, gray. For example, the image of the map that should be at the point a shown in FIG. 5B is blurred in the background because its color is close to gray. As a result, the image of the map farther than the point a cannot be seen by the player, and the visibility distance is set. In this way, for example, the image of the map is brought closer to gray and shaded in the background as follows. That is, first, the distance Z between the own fighter and the target map is obtained.
The distance Z can be easily obtained from the position coordinates of the own fighter and the position coordinates of the target map. Then, as the distance Z approaches the set visual field distance L, color calculation processing is performed such that the color of the map image generally approaches gray. For example, the following two types of methods can be considered as the method of this color calculation processing.

First, the first method is the image synthesizing unit 20 shown in FIG.
RG output from the color palette circuit built into 0
This is a method of performing linear interpolation on the B signal. The linear interpolation in this case is performed using the depth coordinate Z of each polygon to be color-displayed. For example, it is assumed that the RGB signal of the polygon output from the color palette circuit is CPOL, the RGB signal of the color that should shade the polygon is CBAK, the depth coordinate of this polygon is ZPOL, and the view distance is ZBAK. Then,
The color data of the polygon is linearly interpolated and output as follows.

COUT = CPOL + (CBAK-CPOL) ×
(ZPOL / ZBAK) As a result, when the polygon is at the forefront in the viewpoint coordinate system (ZPOL = 0), the color data COUT is output as it is. On the contrary, when the polygon is at the innermost position within the view distance (ZPOL = ZBAK), COUT = C
It becomes a BAK, and the polygon becomes hazy in the background.

The second method is a method of selecting a palette built in the color palette circuit. In this method, a plurality of, for example, first to eighth color palettes are prepared in advance in the color palette circuit. Here, the first color palette is a color palette used when the polygon is at the frontmost side, and the eighth color palette is a color palette used when the polygon is at the deepest side. Further, the second to seventh color palettes are color palettes used when they are in the middle. The first to eighth color palettes are set so that the stored color code approaches a faint color, for example, gray, as the first color palette moves to the eighth color palette. And the color palette circuit
The color palette to be used is selected according to the depth coordinate Z of the polygon to be color-calculated. For example, if the coordinate Z of the polygon is large, the eighth color palette is selected, and if it is small, the first color palette is selected. As a result, the larger the depth coordinate Z, the closer the color information of the polygon becomes to gray, for example.

It should be noted that the color of the map image at the position of the visual field distance is made closer to gray by, for example, setting the map image to the blue sky,
It is effective when you want to make it cloudy or foggy.
In addition to this, for example, when the background is the night sky, it is preferable to make the color of the map image close to black. In addition, when the sky is a sunset sky, it is preferable to bring it closer to a reddish color. Further, for example, if the three-dimensional game represented by the present three-dimensional device is a submarine game, it is preferable to bring it closer to blue or blue close to black. Also, book 3
If the 3D game represented by the 3D device is a game like Future Tank Battle on the Green Planet, make it greenish. If the planet has a yellow sandstorm, use a yellowish color.

FIG. 8C shows a map when the connection map 160 representing the coast is arranged between the own mobile range map 150 representing the land scene and the own mobile range map 170 representing the maritime scene. A conceptual diagram is shown. As described above, in this embodiment, a game scene is switched between a plurality of scenes, for example, when a land scene is changed to a sea scene by arranging a connection map that continuously connects the scenes. In this case, when the own fighter moves between, for example, the No. 6 divided map and the No. 4 divided map, the calculation of the infinite loop is not performed. As a result, the own fighter can move to the connection map of 18th, 13th, 12th
It is possible to change the game scene to a maritime scene through the turn map.

Further, in the present embodiment, the conversion between the land scene and the sea scene has been described as the conversion of a plurality of game scenes, but various scene conversions can be considered. For example, a scene change in a forest area and a scene change in an urban area can be considered between the same land scenes. Further, a plurality of scenes having different weathers such as a snow scene, a rain scene, a fog scene, and a night scene may be continuously connected. Further, in a spaceship game or the like, a scene change from a scene that takes off from the earth to a space can be considered. In this case, the connection map may be, for example, a scene representing the stratosphere.
Also, in future amphibious submarine games that can fly,
It is possible to switch from deep sea scenes to sea scenes and land scenes. In this case, the scene where the future submarine jumps out of the sea becomes the connection map.

Next, the calculation operation in the game space calculation section 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The symbols used in FIGS. 9 and 10 have the following meanings. (Xg, Zg): Own coordinate in the game coordinate system (Xgmax, Zgmax): Maximum coordinate in the game coordinate system (Xm, Zm): Own coordinate in the map coordinate system (Xmg, Zmg): In the map coordinate system Coordinates of the origin of the game coordinate system Xmlim: Maximum value of the coordinates of the origin of the game coordinate system in the map coordinate system Here, the game coordinate system is a coordinate system that is set in the moving range of the own device where the own device is currently located. . On the other hand, the map coordinate system is an absolute coordinate system that is set on the entire game field regardless of the movement range of the player's machine.

FIG. 11A shows the relationship between these symbols, that is, the relationship between the coordinate systems. Also,
FIG. 11B shows an arrangement diagram of maps arranged in each block of FIG. 11A.

Next, the flow of the arithmetic operation when the own fighter is in an infinite loop will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 800, the game starts. Next, according to the operation signal from the operation unit 140 and the instruction signal from the central processing unit 102, the amount (dX, dZ) of the own device moved during one frame is obtained in step 802. Next, at step 804, the present position coordinates (Xg, Zg) in the game coordinate system of the player's own machine are obtained from the moving amount of the player's own machine.

Next, in step 810, Xg is Xg
It is determined which range of <0, 0≤Xg≤Xgmax, Xg> Xgmax. When it is determined that 0 ≦ Xg ≦ Xgmax, the process directly proceeds to step 814 and Xg
The value of does not change. On the other hand, when it is determined that Xg> Xgmax, that is, when it is determined that the player's own machine has moved beyond the end of the own-machine moving range, for example, point a in FIG. The calculation of Xg-Xgmax is performed. As a result, the position coordinates of the player's game in the game coordinate system are changed to point b in FIG. 11A, and an infinite loop is formed. Similarly, when it is determined that Xg <0, the calculation of Xg = Xg + Xgmax is performed in step 812. As a result, the position coordinates of the player's own machine are, for example, from point b to point a
It will be changed to a point and an infinite loop will be formed.

With respect to the Zg coordinate, the same calculation as above is performed in steps 820-826.

Next, at step 830, Xm = Xg + X
The calculation of mg, Zm = Zg + Zmg is performed, and the coordinate conversion of the position coordinate of the own device is performed from the game coordinate system to the map coordinate system.

An address in the map information storage unit 110 is designated by designating coordinates in the map coordinate system. That is, by designating the coordinates in this map coordinate system, the predetermined map information is read from the map information storage unit 110. For example, in FIG. 11 (B),
If you specify the coordinates (X0, Z0) in the map coordinate system, (X0, Z0) will be displayed on the landing vehicle movement range map 40.
Map information (for example, mountain topographical information) at the position is read. Similarly, coordinates (X1, Z1), (X2, Z2)
Is specified, the map information on the coastline connection map 60 and the marine vehicle travel range map 70 are read out.

Further, in the case of a game configuration in which only an infinite loop is formed and scenes are not changed, it is not always necessary to introduce the concept of a map coordinate system. This is because, in this case, the game coordinate system in which the player's machine moves remains fixed in FIG. 11 (A).

All of the above-described calculation of the position coordinate of the own device is performed by the own device coordinate calculation unit 130. Then, the game space is set in the game space setting unit 106 using the information such as the calculated position coordinates.

First, at step 832, position coordinates (X
Map setting is performed using information such as m, Zm).
This map setting is performed by the map setting unit 106 in the game space setting unit 104. In this case, in the map setting unit 106, in addition to the setting of the moving range map of the own device, the extension map, and the connection map described above, calculation for selecting a map in the visual range of the own device is also performed. FIG. 12 conceptually shows an example of this map selection method.

In FIG. 12, the movement range map 4 of the vehicle itself is displayed.
0 and the extended maps 42 to 56 are each divided into 8 × 8 divided maps. Further, the visibility distance L is set to be the same as the length of one side of the own machine moving range map.

First, the position setting information (Xm, Zm) of the player's machine and the information on the player's visual field are input to the map setting unit 106. Then, in the map setting unit 106, FIG.
A fan-shaped figure whose center is (Xm, Zm) and whose radius is the visual field distance L is set. Here, in this embodiment, since the viewing angle is 60 degrees, the central angle of this sector is also set to 60 degrees.

Next, the map setting unit 106 reads the map information of the divided map (divided map shown by the thick line in FIG. 12) in the set fan shape from the map information storage unit 110. FIG. 13 shows an example of a data storage structure in the map information storage unit 110. As shown in the figure, the map information storage unit 110 stores the position information (Xn, Zn) of each divided map and the object number OBn. Location information (X
n, Zn) is data indicating the position where the division map is to be arranged. Also, the object number OBn
Indicates the object number to be arranged at the position (Xn, Zn). With this object number, the corresponding object image information is read from the map image information storage unit 124. The object image information is composed of the vertex coordinates of polygons forming the division map and its associated data.

In the map setting section 106, the position information (Xn, Zn) stored in the map information storage section 110 is stored.
Is read, and it is determined whether or not the map information is within the fan-shaped range. Then, when it is determined that the object image information is within the fan-shaped range, the object image information is read from the map image information unit 124 according to the corresponding object information.

Next, at step 834, the read object image information is sent to the image synthesizing section 200 together with the position information (Xn, Zn).

As described above, in this embodiment, only the sector-shaped divided map, that is, only the image information of the map within the visual field of the player is output to the image synthesizing unit 200.
As a result, the amount of data processing in the image synthesizing unit 200 can be significantly reduced, and the image synthesizing unit 200 is most suitable for an image synthesizing apparatus that performs processing in real time.

Now, the flow chart shown in FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation in the case of changing the scene by the connection map. As shown in the figure, this flowchart has a new flow including steps 817 and 818 added to the flowchart shown in FIG. This will be described below.

First, in step 810, Xg is Xg
It is determined which range of <0, 0≤Xg≤Xgmax, Xg> Xgmax. If it is determined that Xg> Xgmax, that is, if it is determined that the player's own machine has moved beyond the end of the own vehicle's movement range, for example, point a in FIG. 11A, Xg = Xg-Xgmax in step 816. Is calculated,
The position coordinates of the player's own machine in the game coordinate system are changed from point a to point b, for example.

Next, at step 817, it is determined whether or not the origin coordinate Xmg of the game coordinate system in which the player's machine is located is equal to the maximum value Xmlim of the origin coordinate of the game coordinate system. Then, if the origin coordinate Xmg has not yet reached Xmlim in FIG. 11A, it is determined that Xmg and Xmlim are not equal. Then, in step 818, Xmg =
Xmg + Xgmax is calculated, and the origin coordinate Xmg of the game coordinate system is shifted by Xgmax which is the maximum coordinate of the game coordinate system. Then, in step 830, Xm = Xg + Xmg is calculated with respect to the position coordinate of the own device in the map coordinate system with respect to Xm. As a result, in FIG. 11 (A), the moving range of the own device is shifted by Xgmax, and the own device is
The map 56 can be directly entered.

As described above, the self-opportunity is on the maps 56, 6
You can pass through 0, 78, 80 one after another, and it is possible to change the scene from land to coast, coast to sea.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

For example, in the present embodiment, the fighter game has been described as an example, but the three-dimensional game device according to the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to all kinds of three-dimensional games.
For example, the present invention can be applied not only to a game of moving in the sky like a fighter game but also to a game of moving on land. Examples of such a game include a driving game and a future tank game. In such a land game as well, the map configuration can be set in the same manner as in the fighter game described above. In addition to the land game, it can be applied to, for example, a naval battle game on the sea, a submarine game in the sea, and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the map formed on the two-dimensional plane of the ground, mountains, rivers, enemy bases, etc. has been described as an example of the map forming the game space. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a map formed three-dimensionally in a three-dimensional space may be used. As a three-dimensional game using such a map, for example, a space battle game in which enemy spaceships are shot down one after another while flying in a space where meteorites and the like fly. In such a three-dimensional game, for example, meteorites and planets arranged around the own spaceship are set as a three-dimensional map.
14 (A), (B), (C) and FIG. 15 show an example of such a three-dimensional map.

For example, FIG. 14A shows the concept of the visual field distance in this three-dimensional map. This corresponds to FIG. 8B in this embodiment, but since the map is three-dimensional, the range of the viewing distance is also formed in a spherical shape. In addition, in FIG. 14 (B) and (C), this 3
A conceptual diagram of a three-dimensional divided map obtained by dividing the dimensional map is shown. A map image 180 representing a meteorite or the like is shown in FIG.
As shown in (3), the image is divided by the three-dimensional divided map and stored in the map image information storage unit 124.

In FIG. 15, the own machine movement range map 182 and the extension maps 184, 18 in this three-dimensional map are shown.
6, 188 and other conceptual diagrams are shown. This corresponds to FIG. 8A in the present embodiment, but since it is a three-dimensional map, the extended maps 184 to 188 and the like surround the own machine movement range map 182 three-dimensionally. . Then, the range of the extended map is set to be equal to or larger than the view distance shown in FIG. Then, in the same manner as shown in FIG. 8A, in FIG. 15, the extended map adjacent to the map at the end of the own-machine moving range is different from the map at the end of the own-machine moving range. It is set to have the same shape as the map at the symmetrical position. As a result, the player operating the spacecraft can be made to feel as if he is flying in an infinitely wide space.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when the player's own plane operated by the player comes to the end portion within the own plane movement range, the map having a predetermined shape can be seen outside the own plane movement range. Further, when the own machine passes the boundary of the own machine movement range from the position of this end portion, the position coordinates of the own machine is reset to the coordinates of the symmetrical position with the passing point. This makes it possible for the player to feel that the narrow game space is infinitely wide. Therefore, high-quality image composition can be performed with a small amount of data, and the configuration is optimal for a three-dimensional game that requires real-time image composition.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of own machine movement range maps in different scenes are prepared, and when the own machine passes between the own machine movement range map and the connection map, the own machine passes through as it is. can do. As a result, the game scene can be changed without the player being aware of it.
It is possible to express a variety of three-dimensional games. Moreover, in this case, since the data required for the connection map is small, the configuration is optimal for a three-dimensional game that requires real-time image composition.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an appearance of the present three-dimensional game device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an own-machine movement range map.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a map composed of an own-machine movement range map, an extension map, and a connection map.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pseudo three-dimensional image that is image-synthesized by the present three-dimensional game device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pseudo three-dimensional image that is image-synthesized by the present three-dimensional game device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a three-dimensional object represented by a set of polygons.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a moving range map of an own device, an extension map, and a visual field distance set by a map setting unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a calculation process performed by a game space calculation unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a calculation process performed by a game space calculation unit when a game scene is changed.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the map coordinate system and the game coordinate system and the arrangement of map blocks.

FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory diagram for explaining a method of selecting a division map performed in a map setting unit.

FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a storage structure of data stored in a map information storage unit.

FIG. 14 is a view distance concept and 3 in a three-dimensional map.
It is a schematic diagram showing a dimensional division map.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a moving range map of the own device and an extension map in a three-dimensional map.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a conventional three-dimensional game device.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a game space represented by a conventional three-dimensional game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 CRT 100 Game Space Operation Unit 102 Central Processing Unit 104 Game Space Setting Unit 106 Map Setting Unit 108 Mobile Object Information Storage Unit 110 Map Information Storage Unit 120 Object Image Information Storage Unit 122 Mobile Image Information Storage Unit 124 Map Image Information Storage Unit 130 own coordinate calculation unit 132 game coordinate calculation unit 134 map coordinate calculation unit 140 operation unit 200 image combining unit 212 image supply unit 240 image forming unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A three-dimensional game device in which a player operates an operation unit to move in a virtual three-dimensional space by a moving body of the own device, wherein position coordinates of the own device are determined based on an operation signal from the operation unit. Own machine coordinate calculation unit to calculate, set a map within the movement range of the own machine based on the position coordinates of the own machine as the own machine movement range map, formed on the outer periphery of this own machine movement range map, The extension map includes a map setting unit that sets an extension map whose range is at least the visual distance of the player, and the extension map adjacent to the map at the end of the movement range of the player has this end within the movement range of the player. Is formed in the same shape as the map at a symmetrical position with the map in, the own machine coordinate calculation unit, when the own machine has passed the boundary of the own machine movement range, the position coordinate of the own machine is the passing point. Coordinates of symmetrical position Three-dimensional game apparatus characterized by reset. 2. The game coordinate system according to claim 1, wherein a game coordinate system is set in the moving range of the own machine, and the map setting unit includes a plurality of moving range maps of the different scenes and a plurality of moving range maps of the own machine. And a connection map for continuously connecting between them are set in the map coordinate system, and the own machine coordinate calculation unit changes the origin coordinates of the game coordinate system in the map coordinate system to connect with the own machine movement range map. A three-dimensional game device characterized in that a game scene is switched between maps. 3. The player according to claim 1, wherein the visibility distance of the player is set by bringing the color information of the map image at the position of the visibility distance closer to the predetermined color information and causing the background to be blurred. A characteristic three-dimensional game device. 4. A map setting method for a three-dimensional game in which a player operates an operation unit to move in a virtual three-dimensional space by a moving body of the player, wherein a map within the moving range of the player is a moving range map of the player. Set an extended map that has the same shape as the starting end position in the area adjacent to the ending position in the moving direction of the player's machine, and the range is at least the player's visual distance or more When reaches the end position, by changing the position coordinate of the own machine to the start position,
A map setting method for a three-dimensional game device, characterized in that a map that can be moved infinitely is set with a small amount of map data. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the movement range maps of the own machine in different scenes and a connection map for continuously connecting the plurality of movement range maps of the own machine are prepared. When passing between the movement range map and the connection map, the map setting of the three-dimensional game device that allows continuous transition of the game scene between the movement range maps of the own machine by passing the own machine as it is Method. 6. The player according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the visibility distance of the player is set by bringing the color information of the map image at the position of the visibility distance closer to predetermined color information and causing the background to be blurred. A characteristic three-dimensional game device map setting method.