KR101195765B1 - Image generation device, image generation method, and information recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The object position manager 230 stores position information of each object including the main character. The camera position management part 240 stores the positional information of the some directing cameras which head to a main character in a different direction. The obstacle discrimination unit 250 determines the presence or absence of the obstacle blocking each of the direction camera and the main character based on the position information of each direction camera and the position information of each object to be stored, and the direction that is not blocked by the obstacle. Stores camera information. The camera selection unit 270 selects any one of the directing cameras stored in the camera list. The camera control unit 280 controls the selected directing camera to perform a photographing operation for directing. The image drawing unit 290 generates an image photographed by the controlled directing camera.

Description

Image generating apparatus, image generating method and information recording medium {IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE, IMAGE GENERATION METHOD, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM}

The present invention relates to an image generating apparatus, an image generating method and an information recording medium, and moreover, a program capable of generating an image appropriately photographing a character of interest even in a situation where an obstacle may exist.

Background Art Conventionally, game apparatuses (video game apparatuses, etc.) that can enjoy action games, role playing games, and the like with three-dimensional display have been developed for home use and business use. In such a three-dimensional action game, for example, a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint is used to generate and display an image in which the main character is photographed (viewed).

In addition to the main character, various objects are arranged in the virtual space, so that another object may be positioned between the main character and the camera. For example, when an object of a tree is positioned between the main character and the camera, the object of the tree becomes an obstacle that blocks (ie blocks) the gaze of the camera.

In this state, if an image captured by the camera is generated as it is, the obstacle becomes an image in which the main character is hidden (all or part of it is not visible), which hinders the player's operation.

As a countermeasure for such a problem, when the main character is obscured by an obstacle, a technique of increasing the transparency of the obstacle to be drawn and making the main character more visible is also disclosed (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JPH11-042370 A (pp. 5-12, 8)

In the above-described three-dimensional action game, etc., for example, when an event occurs, such as when the main character of the character wants to pay more attention, the camera was taken beforehand from the camera that had been the viewpoint up to that point The main character is photographed by a shooting operation for directing such as zoom-up, panorama shooting, etc., by switching to a directing camera having a fixed position (virtual camera for directing), and displaying such directed image.

In this directing camera, it is most important to display the directed image for the player's attention, so that the main character to be photographed is covered by the obstacle. Therefore, conventionally, such a directing camera was generally used only in a situation in which no other object that could become an obstacle in the vicinity of the main character (for example, a large place without a building or a tree, etc.) exists. .

Nevertheless, in recent years, games in which game contents (scenes and situations, etc.) are diversified according to the manner in which the player proceeds, and even in situations where such obstacles may exist, a request to display using a production camera is required. Is happening. In order to meet these demands, for example, before shooting with the production camera, it is checked whether an obstacle exists, and when the obstacle exists, the production camera is closer to the main character than the obstacle (by moving), Taking pictures so as not to be blocked by obstacles is considered.

However, if the directing camera is moved to the main character rather than the obstruction, the directing camera may be too close to the main character depending on the position of the obstruction.

In that case, the character of the main character is displayed larger than necessary (the zoom up becomes excessive), and the role of the production camera is insufficient.

From these things, the technique which can image | capture suitably by the directing camera was calculated | required considering the obstacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides an image generating apparatus, an image generating method, an information recording medium and a program capable of generating an image appropriately photographing a character of interest even in a situation where an obstacle may exist. For the purpose of

The image growth value according to the first aspect of the present invention is a game device that generates an image of a character of interest placed in a virtual space by using a virtual camera as a viewpoint, and includes: an object position storage unit, a camera position storage unit, It includes an obstacle determining unit, a camera selecting unit, a camera control unit, and an image generating unit.

First, the object position storage unit stores the position in the virtual space with respect to the plurality of objects including the character of interest. In addition, the camera position storage section stores positions of a plurality of cameras arranged to photograph the character of interest from another direction. The obstacle determination unit determines whether or not there is an object that becomes an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest based on the position of each camera to be stored and the position of each object. The camera selection unit selects any one camera among the cameras determined to be free of obstacles. The camera control unit controls the selected camera to perform a photographing operation for directing, for example, zoom-up or panorama shooting. The image generator generates an image photographed by the controlled camera.

That is, by using a plurality of cameras to shoot in a different direction, and select a camera capable of shooting the character of interest without being blocked by the obstacle, among them, it is possible to shoot the character of interest even in situations where obstacles may exist Become.

As a result, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, it is possible to generate an image in which the character of interest is appropriately photographed.

When the obstacle selection unit determines that there are obstacles for all the cameras, the camera selection unit selects a camera having the longest distance between the attention character and the obstacle, and the camera control unit pays attention to the selected cameras rather than the obstacles. After moving to the character side, you may make it perform the photography operation | movement for directing, for example.

In this case, even if all the cameras are obstructed by the obstacle, select the camera of the obstacle that is farthest from the character of interest, and move the camera to the front of the obstacle (where the point of view can penetrate the obstacle and shoot the character of interest). Let's shoot. Thus, an appropriate image can be generated without the camera being too close to the character of interest.

After the camera control unit starts, for example, the photographing operation for the production, the obstacle determination unit sequentially determines whether there is an obstacle blocking the camera and the character of interest, and determines that there is an obstacle. When the distance from the obstacle is equal to or greater than the reference value, the camera control unit may move the camera toward the attentional character rather than the obstacle, for example, and then continue the photographing operation for the production.

In this case, even after a selected camera starts shooting operation, even if a situation is blocked by a new obstacle, the camera is moved to the front of the obstacle (the position where the viewpoint can penetrate the obstacle and shoot the attention character). To continue the shooting operation. For this reason, it is possible to generate an appropriate image subsequently.

After the camera control unit starts the photographing operation for directing, the obstacle determining unit sequentially determines whether there is an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest, and determines that there is an obstacle blocking between the camera being photographed and the character of interest. And when the distance between the character of interest and the obstacle is shorter than the reference value, the camera selector selects any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles, and then any one of the other cameras determined to be free of obstacles. May be selected again, and the camera control unit may control the reselected camera to continue the shooting operation for example.

In this case, after the selected camera starts shooting operation, even if a situation is blocked by a new obstacle (obstacle close to the main character), the camera is reselected to switch to another camera. For this reason, it is possible to generate an appropriate image subsequently.

The image generating method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit, a calculation unit, and a drawing unit, and an image generation device for generating an image of a character of interest placed in a virtual space, taken by a virtual camera as a viewpoint. In the image generation method in the above, the storage unit stores a position in a virtual space with respect to a plurality of objects including a character of interest and positions of a plurality of cameras arranged to photograph the character of interest in different directions, And an obstacle determination step, a camera selection step, a camera control step, and an image generation step.

In the obstacle determination step, based on the position of each camera and the position of each object stored in the storage unit, the presence or absence of an object serving as an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest is determined. In the camera selection step, any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles is selected. In the camera control step, the selected camera is controlled to perform, for example, a photographing operation for directing. In the image generation step, an image photographed by the controlled camera is generated.

That is, by using a plurality of cameras to shoot in a different direction, and select a camera capable of shooting the character of interest without being blocked by the obstacle, among them, it is possible to shoot the character of interest even in situations where obstacles may exist Become.

As a result, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, it is possible to generate an image in which the character of interest is appropriately photographed.

An information recording medium according to a third aspect of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the server.

For reference, the program according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (including an electronic device) to function as the image generating apparatus.

The program can be recorded on a computer readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory.

The program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. In addition, the information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of a computer.

According to the present invention, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, it is possible to generate an image in which the character of interest is properly photographed.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between a production camera arranged and the main character;
4A is a schematic diagram for explaining an obstacle blocking the line of sight of a production camera;
4B is a schematic view for explaining an obstacle blocking the line of sight of the production camera;
5A is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a production camera and an obstacle;
5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a camera list;
6A is a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between a production camera and each obstacle;
6B is a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between a production camera and each obstacle;
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram for explaining control of the directing camera when all the directing cameras are blocked by obstacles; FIG.
FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram for explaining control of the directing camera when all the directing cameras are blocked by obstacles; FIG.
8A is a schematic diagram for explaining a relationship between a production camera and a main character;
8B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a generated game image.
8C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a generated game image.
9 is a flowchart showing an example of image generation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the Example of this invention is described. In the following, an embodiment to which the present invention is applied to a game device will be described for ease of understanding, but the present invention can be similarly applied to information processing devices such as various computers, PDAs, and cellular phones. That is, the embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all the elements are equivalent to this, and therefore these embodiments are included in the scope of the present invention.

( Example  One)

1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical game device in which an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized. The following description will be made with reference to this drawing.

The game device 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a read only memory (ROM) 102, a random access memory (RAM) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, An external memory 106, a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk-ROM) drive 107, an image processing unit 108, an audio processing unit 109, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110 are provided.

In addition, the DVD-ROM storing the game program and data is mounted in the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the power source of the game device 100 is turned on to execute the above program, thereby realizing the image generating device of the present embodiment. .

The CPU 101 controls the operation of the entire game device 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

In the ROM 102, an IPL (Initial Program Loader) to be executed immediately after power-on is recorded. When this is executed, the program recorded in the DVD-ROM is read into the RAM 103, and execution by the CPU 101 starts. do. In the ROM 102, a program and various data of an operating system required for operation control of the entire game device 100 are recorded.

The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs. The RAM 103 holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM, and data necessary for the progress and chat communication of other games.

The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed when the user executes a game. For example, the controller 105 receives an input such as a character string (message) in accordance with the operation input.

The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 is stored so that data indicating the progress of the game, log (recording) data of chat communication, and the like can be recorded again. The user can appropriately write these data to the external memory 106 by inputting an instruction via the controller 105.

In the DVD-ROM mounted in the DVD-ROM drive 107, a program for realizing a game and image data or audio data accompanying the game are recorded. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 reads out a DVD-ROM attached thereto, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like. .

The image processing unit 108 processes the data read out from the DVD-ROM by an image computing processor (not shown) included in the CPU 101 or the image processing unit 108, and then the image processing unit 108 includes the data. Write to a frame memory (not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. This makes it possible to display various images.

In addition, the image computing processor can execute a superimposition operation of two-dimensional images, a transmission operation such as alpha blending, and various saturation operations at high speed.

Further, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z-buffer method to look down on the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position. It is also possible to perform a high speed operation of obtaining a rendered image.

In addition, by cooperative operation of the CPU 101 and the image calculation processor, it is possible to draw a character string in a frame memory as a two-dimensional image or to draw on each polygonal surface in accordance with font information defining the shape of a character. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use exclusive font information recorded in the DVD-ROM.

The audio processing unit 109 converts the audio data read out from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal and outputs it from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. In addition, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and audio corresponding thereto is output from the speaker.

The NIC 110 is for connecting the game device 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when forming a local area network (LAN). Analog modems for connecting to the Internet using telephone lines, Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) modems, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modems, cable modems for connecting to the Internet using cable television lines, It is comprised by the interface (not shown) which mediates with 101. FIG.

In addition, the game device 100 uses a large capacity external storage device such as a hard disk, and is mounted on the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, and the DVD-ROM drive 107. You may comprise so that a function similar to ROM may be performed.

Moreover, the form which connects the keyboard for receiving edit input of a character string from a user, the mouse for accepting designation and selection input of various positions, etc. is also employable.

Instead of the game device 100 of the present embodiment, a general computer (general purpose personal computer or the like) may be used as the image generating device. For example, a general computer is provided with a CPU, RAM, ROM, DVD-ROM drive, and NIC similarly to the said game apparatus 100, and is provided with the image processing part with a function simpler than the game apparatus 100, In addition to having a hard disk as an external storage device, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or the like can be used. In addition, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is used as the input device, not the controller. After the game program is installed and executed, the program functions as an image generating device.

(Schematic Configuration of Image Generator)

2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image generating device according to the present embodiment. This image raw growth value is, for example, from a virtual camera that has been in view until when the main character is to be noticed, such as when a predetermined event occurs in an action game or a role playing game of a three-dimensional display. It is an apparatus which switches to the directing camera (virtual camera for directing), and performs the shooting operation | movement for directing, such as a zoom up and a panorama photography, to a character of interest (the main character to be noticed). The following description will be made with reference to this drawing.

As shown in the drawing, the image generating apparatus 200 includes the object information storage unit 210, the operation accepting unit 220, the object position managing unit 230, the camera position managing unit 240, the obstacle determining unit 250, and the camera list. 260, a camera selection unit 270, a camera control unit 280, and an image drawing unit 290 are provided.

First, the object information storage unit 210 stores information about various objects such as a main character (player character), an enemy character, a tree, a rock, and a building arranged in a virtual space. Specifically, information such as a three-dimensional model or a texture is stored for each object.

The RAM 103 or the like can also function as the object information storage 210.

The operation accepting unit 220 receives an operation input such as an operation instruction for the main character that the player operates. For example, the operation accepting unit 220 corresponds to an operation such as moving in a predetermined direction, using a weapon (shooting a gun, wielding a sword), acquiring an object, squatting, or lying down. Any one of a plurality of buttons (for example, a direction key disposed on the controller 105, an A button, a B button, an X button, a Y button, etc.) is pressed by the player, thereby inputting an operation toward the main character. Receive.

In addition, the controller 105 can function as this operation accepting unit 220.

The object position manager 230 manages position information (such as a current position or a direction) of an object whose position is changed in a virtual space called a main character or an enemy character. For example, since the position or direction in the virtual space changes according to a movement instruction or the like received by the operation accepting unit 220, the main character is managed by the object position managing unit 230. In addition, since the enemy character is also appropriately moved in accordance with a predetermined logic to change the position in the virtual space or the like, the positional information is similarly managed.

In addition, the object location manager 230 manages location information of an object whose location in a virtual space such as a building, a tree, or a stone does not change.

In addition, the RAM 103 and the CPU 101 can function as the object position management unit 230.

The camera position manager 240 stores the positions of the plurality of directing cameras facing the main character in different directions.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the camera position management unit 240 manages the positional information of three directing cameras EC1 to EC3 disposed in front of the main character SC. In addition, the direction (shooting direction) of each of the directing cameras EC1 to EC3 is managed to face the main character SC during the shooting. In addition, in FIG. 3, for easy description, the main character SC in a virtual space is shown with the top view seen from the top. Also in the subsequent drawings, this plan will be appropriately described.

The positional information of these directing cameras EC1 to EC3 may be an absolute position determined in accordance with an event, or a relative position determined in accordance with the position of the main character SC.

As an example of the absolute position, when an event occurs because the main character acquires (obtains) a special weapon, it is three positions etc. which were respectively set so as to oppose the initial position (the position etc.) of the weapon.

In addition, as an example of the relative position, when an event occurs in a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, the explosion of a time bomb installed), the position is three positions facing away from the current position of the main character by a predetermined distance.

In addition, the RAM 103 and the CPU 101 can function as such a camera position manager 240.

Returning to FIG. 2, the obstacle determining unit 250 is based on the positional information of each object stored in the object position management unit 230 and the positional information of each of the directing cameras stored in the camera position management unit 240. Determine whether there is an obstacle blocking between the character and the main character.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the obstacle determining unit 250 determines whether or not an object serving as an obstacle exists on the line of sight VL directed from the directing cameras EC EC1 to EC3 toward the main character SC. Determine.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, the obstacle determining unit 250 uses a plurality of auxiliary eyes HL that form a predetermined angle θ with the gaze VL starting from the production camera EC, respectively, to assist each other. You may determine whether an object exists on the visual line HL, respectively. In addition, although FIG. 4B has shown the situation which the auxiliary visual line HL spreads only in the horizontal direction in order to make description easy, it is assumed that the auxiliary visual line HL is similarly spread also in a vertical direction.

In this way, when the auxiliary line of sight HL is used, a case where a part of the main character is blocked by the obstacle can be determined.

In addition, the CPU 101 can function as such an obstacle determining unit 250.

Returning to FIG. 2, the camera list 260 stores the information of the directing camera determined by the obstacle determination unit 250 that there is no obstacle.

For example, as shown in Fig. 5A, when there is an obstacle SB to block the line of sight VL2 of the production camera EC2 (the line of sight VL1 and VL3 are not blocked), the camera list ( In 260, as shown in FIG. 5B, the information of the directing cameras EC1 and EC3 is stored.

That is, in the camera list 260, the information of the direction camera which can photograph a main character without being obstructed by an obstacle is stored.

RAM 103 may also function as such a camera list 260.

Returning to FIG. 2, the camera selection unit 270 randomly selects one camera, for example, from the production cameras stored in the camera list 260. That is, any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles is selected.

In addition, it may be determined that there are obstacles in all the directing cameras, so that no information of the directing cameras is stored in the camera list 260. In this case, the camera selection unit 270 selects the direction camera corresponding to the distance between the main character and the obstacle.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the visual fields VL1 to VL3 of the production cameras EC1 to EC3 are all blocked by obstacles SB1 to SB3, respectively. . In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the camera selection unit 270 has a distance d1 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB1 and a distance d2 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB2. ) And the distance (d3) between the main character (SC) and the obstacle (SB3). And the directing camera EC3 corresponding to the distance d3 used as the largest (distant) distance is selected.

In addition, a plurality of obstacles may occur on the line of sight of the production camera. In this case, the obstacle closer to the main character is the object of finding the distance.

The CPU 101 can function as this camera selector 270.

Returning to Fig. 2, the camera control unit 280 controls the selected directing camera to perform the photographing operation for the directing.

For example, the camera control unit 280 performs a shooting operation for directing such as zoom up, panorama shooting, swinging, and the like, and captures an image with a motion that attracts the main character to the player.

In addition, when it is determined that there is an obstacle with respect to all the directing cameras, and the directing camera with the longest distance between the main character and the obstacle is selected by the camera selection unit 270 described above, the camera control unit 280 After moving the selected direction camera toward the main character rather than the obstacle, the photographing operation for the direction is performed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the state where the directing cameras EC1 to EC3 are blocked by the obstacles SB1 to SB3, the directing camera EC3 having the longest distance is selected. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the camera control unit 280 captures the position of the production camera EC3 at a substantial viewpoint (the lens unit in the drawing) through the obstacle SB3 to photograph the main character SC. After moving to the position, the photographing operation for directing is performed. That is, the directing camera EC3 is moved to a position where the obstacle character SB3 is not blocked and the main character SC can be photographed as far as possible. Then, the directing operation is started from the moving position.

The CPU 101 can function as the camera control unit 280.

Returning to FIG. 2, the image drawing unit 290 is in the virtual space (in the field of view) according to the information of the object stored in the object information storage unit 210 and the position information of the character managed by the object position management unit 230. A game image is drawn using the normal virtual camera or the directing camera controlled by the camera control unit 280 described above.

Specifically, when a predetermined event occurs and one of the directing cameras is selected by the camera selection unit 270 described above, the image drawing unit 290 views the directed camera controlled by the camera control unit 280. An image is drawn.

For example, when the shooting operation for directing controlled by the camera control unit 280 is zoom up, the viewpoint of the virtual camera EC moves from the position X to the position Y, as shown in FIG. 8A. Therefore, the image drawing part 290 draws the game image which the directing camera EC photographed by the position X as shown in FIG. 8B, and the directing camera EC moves from the position X to the position Y. FIG. As a result, the main character SC is enlarged (zoom up), and as a result, the production camera EC as shown in Fig. 8C draws the game image photographed at the position Y.

In addition, even when the rendering operation is panorama shooting, swinging, or the like, the image drawing unit 290 draws an image according to the position or direction (viewpoint position or line of sight) of the production camera as in the above.

In addition, the image processing unit 108 can function as this image drawing unit 290.

(Operation of the image generating device)

9 is a flowchart showing the flow of image generation processing executed in the image generating apparatus 200 having the above-described configuration. Hereinafter, the operation of the image generating apparatus 200 will be described with reference to this drawing. This image generation process is executed before the event process, for example, when a predetermined event generation condition is satisfied during game execution. Further, at the start of the image generation process, the camera list 260 is cleared (nothing is registered).

In the game, when a predetermined event occurrence requirement is satisfied, first, the image generating apparatus 200 sets the position of the production camera (step S301).

That is, the camera position management part 240 sets the position of the some directing cameras which head to a main character in three different directions. That is, the positional information of each of the directing cameras EC1 to EC3 facing the main character as shown in FIG. 3 described above is set and managed in the camera position management unit 240. As described above, the positions of the directing cameras EC1 to EC3 may be absolute positions determined in accordance with the event or relative positions determined in accordance with the position of the main character SC.

The image generating apparatus 200 discriminates | determines the presence or absence of the obstacle which obstruct | blocks between each direction camera and the main character, and registers the direction camera without an obstacle in the camera list 260 (step S302).

That is, the obstacle determination unit 250 is each directed camera directed to the main character based on the position information of each object stored in the object position manager 230 and the position information of each directed camera stored in the camera position manager 240. Determine whether there is any obstacle blocking the line of sight. The obstacle determining unit 250 stores the information of the production camera, which is determined to be no obstacle, in the camera list 260.

That is, in the camera list 260, the information of the direction camera which can photograph a main character without being obstructed by the obstacle is stored. In addition, when it is discriminated that all the directing cameras are blocked by the obstacle, the camera list 260 does not store one information of the directing cameras.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not the information of the production camera is registered in the camera list 260 (step S303). That is, it is determined whether one or more pieces of the information of the direction camera that can photograph the main character without being blocked by the obstacle are stored in the camera list 260.

If the image generating apparatus 200 determines that the information of the production camera is registered in the camera list 260 (step S303: YES), the image generating apparatus 200 advances the processing to step S305 described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the information of the production camera is not registered (step S303: NO), the image generating apparatus 200 finds the distance between the main character and each obstacle (step S304). That is, since all the directing cameras are blocked by the obstacles, the image generating device 200, as shown in FIG. 6B, the distance d1 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB1, the main character. The distance d2 between the SC and the obstacle SB2 and the distance d3 between the main character SC and the obstacle SB3 are obtained, respectively.

The image generating apparatus 200 selects one production camera (step S305).

First, when the information of the directing camera is registered in the camera list 260, the camera selector 270 randomly selects one directing camera from the list. In other words, any one of the directing cameras selected as no obstacle is selected. When only one is registered in the camera list 260, the directed camera is automatically selected.

In addition, when the information of the production camera is not registered in the camera list 260, the camera selection unit 270 is the largest (distant) of the distances (distance between the main character and each obstacle) found in step S304. We choose directing camera corresponding to thing. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 7A, the directing camera EC3 blocked by the obstacle SB3 farthest from the main character is selected.

The image generating device 200 generates a game image photographed from the direction camera while performing a photographing operation for direction on the direction camera (step S306).

That is, the camera control unit 280 controls the selected directing camera to start a photographing operation for directing, for example, a zoom up. Moreover, when the information of the direction camera is not registered in the camera list 260, and the direction camera with which the distance from the main character and the obstacle is farthest is selected, the camera control unit 280 selects the selected direction camera than the obstacle. After moving to the main character side, the shooting operation for direction is started. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B described above, the position of the production camera EC3 is moved to a position where a substantial viewpoint (lens portion in the drawing) penetrates the obstacle SB3 to photograph the main character SC. After that, the photographing operation for directing is performed.

And the image drawing part 290 draws the game image which used the controlled production camera as the viewpoint.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines the presence or absence of the obstacle which obstructs between the selected directing camera (directing camera performing a shooting operation) and the main character (step S307).

That is, it is determined whether or not a new obstacle exists between the directed camera and the main character during the directed operation.

If the image generating apparatus 200 determines that there are no obstacles (step S307: NO), it advances a process to step S310 mentioned later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an obstacle (step S307: Yes), the image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not the distance between the main character and the obstacle is equal to or less than the reference value (step S308).

For example, when the reference distance in the virtual space is set to 1.5 m, it is discriminated whether or not the distance between the main character and the obstacle is 1.5 m or less. The reference distance may be changed as appropriate depending on the situation during the game.

The image generating apparatus 200 advances the process to step S310 described later, if it is determined that the distance between the main character and the obstacle is not below the reference value, that is, larger than the reference value (step S308; no). That is, the directing camera is controlled to maintain the shooting operation for directing.

At that time, the camera control unit 280 moves the position of the directing camera to the front surface (the position where the viewpoint can penetrate the obstacle and photograph the main character), and then continues the directing operation. In addition, in a situation where the obstacle is temporarily blocked due to movement of the obstacle, the directing operation may be continued without changing the position of the directing camera. That is, referring to the object position management unit 230, if the obstacle (object) is a moving object and the object is moving at a predetermined speed (movement amount) (when the moving direction of the obstacle is different from the visual direction of the production camera) ), The camera control unit 280 continues the directing operation without changing the position of the directing camera.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the distance between the main character and the obstacle is equal to or less than the reference value (step S308: YES), the image generating apparatus 200 performs the selection processing of the directing camera again (step S309).

That is, the image generating apparatus 200 performs the same process as the above-mentioned steps S302-S305, and selects a production camera again.

The image generating apparatus 200 determines whether or not the photographing operation for rendering is completed (step S310).

That is, it is determined whether the directing operation such as zoom up by the camera control unit 280 is completed.

If it is determined that the photographing operation is not completed (step S310; NO), the image generating apparatus 200 returns the processing to step S306, and repeatedly executes the processing of steps S306 to S310 described above.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the photographing operation is completed (step S310: YES), the image generating apparatus 200 ends the image generating process.

By such an image generating process, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, it is possible to appropriately select and photograph a direction camera that can photograph the main character without being blocked by the obstacle among the direction cameras in three directions.

For example, even if all the directing cameras are blocked by the obstacles, the directing cameras of the obstacles that are farthest from the main character are selected, and the front of the obstacles (the point of view can penetrate the obstacles and shoot the main character). Position) to shoot the main character by moving the camera. For this reason, a proper image can be produced | generated without the director camera being too close to a main character.

As a result, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, it is possible to generate an image in which the main character to be noticed is appropriately photographed.

(Other Example )

In the above embodiment, the case where the directing operation such as zooming of the directing camera is normally performed (similar to the conventional one) has been described. However, when the moving amount of the directing camera is larger than the prescribed value, the moving of the directing camera is not gradually performed by position interpolation or the like. You may make it move instantaneously.

For example, when the movement amount of the production camera moves more than a certain distance within a predetermined time (for example, for 1/60 seconds), the production camera is moved not by moving but by interpolation. Thereby, the image to which an image is switched can be drawn so that cut switching may be performed.

In the above embodiment, the character to be noticed is used as an example of the main character, and the case where the main character is photographed by the directing camera has been described. As a character to be noted, the character may be photographed by the directing camera.

For example, when an event in which character X, which is a companion of the main character, appears, occurs, a situation such as performing a directing operation on the character X may occur. Also in this case, the production camera is arranged so as to face the character X in three directions. Then, any directing camera or the like that can be photographed without being obstructed by the obstacle is selected, and an image of the captured character X is generated while directing operation is performed from the directing camera.

Even in this case, in a situation where an obstacle may exist, an image of properly photographing a character to be noticed can be generated.

In the above embodiment, the case where three production cameras are arranged so as to capture images from any one of the three directions has been described. However, the number of the production cameras is not limited to these three, but can be appropriately applied if two or more. Do.

As described above, according to the present invention, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, an image obtained by appropriately capturing a character of interest can be generated.

In addition, about this application, the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-065473 is claimed, and all the content of the said basic application is used for this application.

As described above, even in a situation where an obstacle may exist, an image generating device, an image generating method and an information recording medium capable of generating an image appropriately photographing a character of interest, and a program thereof can be provided. .

100: game device 101: CPU
102: ROM 103: RAM
104: interface 105: controller
106: external memory 107: DVD-ROM drive
108: image processing unit 109: audio processing unit
110: NIC 200: image generating device
210: object information storage unit 220: operation reception unit
230: object position management unit 240: camera position management unit
250: obstacle determination unit 260: camera list
270: camera selection unit 280: camera control unit
290: image drawing unit

Claims (7)

An image generating apparatus for generating an image of a character of interest placed in a virtual space by a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint,
An object position storage unit 230 for storing a position in a virtual space with respect to the plurality of objects including the character of interest;
A camera position storage section 240 for storing positions of a plurality of cameras arranged for photographing a character of interest in a different direction;
An obstacle discrimination unit 250 for determining whether there is an object that becomes an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest based on the position of each camera and the position of each object to be stored;
A camera selector 270 for selecting any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles;
A camera controller 280 for controlling the selected camera to perform a predetermined shooting operation; And
And an image generator (290) for generating an image captured by the controlled camera. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera selection unit 270 selects a camera having the longest distance between the object of interest and the obstacle when it is determined by the obstacle determination unit 250 that there are obstacles for all the cameras. and,
The camera control unit (280) is characterized in that the photographing operation is performed after the selected camera is moved to the object of interest rather than the obstacle. According to claim 1, After the camera control unit 280 starts the shooting operation, the obstacle determination unit 250 sequentially determines whether there is an obstacle blocking between the camera being photographed and the character of interest,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle and the distance between the character of interest and the obstacle is equal to or greater than the reference value, the camera control unit 280 moves the camera to the object of interest rather than the obstacle, and continues the shooting operation. . According to claim 1, After the camera control unit 280 starts the shooting operation, the obstacle determination unit 250 sequentially determines the presence or absence of obstructions between each camera and the character of interest,
When it is determined that there is an obstacle blocking between the camera being photographed and the attentional character, and the distance between the attentional character and the obstacle is shorter than the reference value, the camera selector 270 selects any one of the other cameras determined that there is no obstacle. Reselect one camera,
The camera control unit (280) controls the reselected camera, characterized in that to continue the shooting operation. As an image generating method in an image generating apparatus having a storage unit, a calculating unit, and a drawing unit, and generating an image of a character of interest placed in a virtual space by a virtual camera serving as a viewpoint,
The storage unit stores a position in a virtual space with respect to a plurality of objects including a character of interest and positions of a plurality of cameras arranged to photograph the character of interest from another direction,
An obstacle determination step (S302) for discriminating whether or not there is an object that becomes an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest, based on the position of each camera and the position of each object stored in the storage unit by the calculation unit;
A camera selection step (S305) for selecting any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles by the calculation unit;
A camera control step (S306) for controlling a selected camera performed by said calculating unit to perform a predetermined shooting operation; And
And an image generation step (S306) for generating an image taken by the controlled camera, which is performed by the drawing unit. The computer which produces | generates the image which photographed the character of interest arrange | positioned in a virtual space by the virtual camera used as a viewpoint,
An object position memory unit 230 that stores a position in a virtual space with respect to the plurality of objects including the character of interest;
A camera position storage section 240 for storing positions of a plurality of cameras arranged for photographing a character of interest in a different direction;
An obstacle determination unit 250 for determining whether there is an object that becomes an obstacle blocking between each camera and the character of interest based on the position of each camera and the position of each object to be stored;
A camera selector 270 for selecting any one of the cameras determined to be free of obstacles;
A camera controller 280 that controls the selected camera to perform a predetermined shooting operation; And
Image generation unit 290 for generating an image taken by the controlled camera
And a computer readable information recording medium having a program recorded thereon. delete

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