JP4136341B2 - Image processing apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a program for configuring the image processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a game in which a character placed in a virtual three-dimensional space is operated, it is necessary to appropriately express a predetermined motion when a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the player's operation and the character situation. For example, a motion such as jumping over an obstacle or kicking an obstacle.
[0003]
As a method for expressing such a motion, a method is known in which an operation process of an operation part in a motion is converted into data in advance, and the motion data is read and expressed as necessary.
[0004]
For example, in the case of a human-type character, a realistic motion can be appropriately expressed by analyzing a complex motion process of each joint in an actual human motion and reflecting it in the motion data of the character.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional motion expression method always expresses a constant motion without considering the positional relationship between the character in motion and surrounding objects. Therefore, an unnatural image may be formed depending on the positional relationship between the character and surrounding objects.
[0006]
For example, when a humanoid character is placed near a wall, an unnatural image may be displayed in which a limb stretched by the character is recessed into the wall.
[0007]
In this case, multiple types of motion data with different actual expression contents are prepared for one type of motion (for example, a motion in which a character jumps over an obstacle and jumps over a body vertically) Data, motion data that jumps over the body), and a method of selecting motion data according to the positional relationship between the character and surrounding objects. However, with this method, the motion data stored in the recording medium becomes enormous.
[0008]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of expressing motion so that unnatural video can be prevented from being displayed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention will be described below. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are appended in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.
[0010]
An image processing apparatus (10) according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that expresses a predetermined motion of a character (30) arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space based on motion data prepared in advance corresponding to the motion. Means for determining whether or not the motion can be executed while maintaining a proper positional relationship between the character and a specific object (32) arranged around the character when the motion needs to be expressed; When the determination means determines that the motion cannot be performed, the motion data is converted so that the motion appears to be reversed when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and processing necessary for expressing the motion according to the converted data and means for performing the motion data, for each of a plurality of elements forming the character, A set of three-dimensional coordinates set in time series according to the motion, and the means for determining is a distance from a predetermined reference line (50) set for the character to each part of the character Means for determining the maximum direction during the motion, determining whether or not the motion can be performed with the object positioned in the maximum direction as the specific object, and performing the processing necessary for the expression, The three-dimensional coordinates for each element of the character included in the motion data are symmetrical with respect to the reference plane so that the motion is reversed with respect to a reference plane that includes the reference line and is perpendicular to the maximum direction. The above-described problem is solved by converting to .
[0011]
The image processing program of the present invention is an image processing device that expresses a predetermined motion of a character (30) arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space based on motion data prepared in advance corresponding to the motion. When it is necessary for the computer as 10) to express the motion, whether or not the motion can be executed while appropriately maintaining the positional relationship between the character and the specific object (32) arranged around the character. The motion data is converted so that the motion appears to be reversed when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and the motion is determined according to the converted data. is configured to function as a means for performing processing necessary for expression, the motion data, the Each of a plurality of elements forming a character is a set of three-dimensional coordinates set in time series according to the motion, and the means for determining is a predetermined reference line (set for the character) 50) to determine the direction in which the distance from the character to each part becomes the maximum during the motion, and determine whether or not the motion can be executed with the object located in the maximum direction as the specific object, The means for performing processing necessary for the expression reverses the three-dimensional coordinates relating to each element of the character included in the motion data with respect to a reference plane perpendicular to the maximum direction in which the motion includes the reference line. As described above, the above-described problem is solved by performing the conversion symmetrically with respect to the reference plane .
[0012]
According to the present invention, when the positional relationship between a character in motion and a specific object arranged around the character cannot be properly maintained, the motion data corresponding to the motion is used, Different motions will be expressed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent an unnatural image formed because the conventional method always expresses only a constant motion. In addition, since motion data prepared in advance is used, new data is not required and the capacity of the storage medium can be saved. Further, since rendering is performed after the coordinates of the character are reversed in the virtual three-dimensional space, the reversed motion can be made natural. The predetermined reference line may be set as a character-specific reference by setting it at the center of the character, or may be set as a reference specific to the motion by setting it at the center of the moving range of the character accompanying the motion.
[0013]
The determining means may determine whether or not the motion can be executed without contact between the character and the specific object. In this case, in the situation where the object is close to one of the characters, when the character may extend in the direction of the object and touch the object during the motion, there is a risk that it will penetrate the object. Is done. Therefore, it is possible to prevent generation of an unnatural image in which the character is embedded in the object. The determination of whether or not to make contact may be based on whether or not the contact actually occurs, or may be based on whether or not the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.
[0014]
Wherein the means for discriminating includes a distance (Lmax) of the maximum in the motor Shon, distance from the reference line when it is assumed that placing the character in a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space to said specific object (Lref) may be compared to determine whether the motion can be executed. In this case, from the perspective of whether or not proper distance between the character and the object in motion is ensured, Ru can be determined whether it is possible to perform the motion.
[0015]
The determining means may specify a distance from the reference line to the specific object with reference to model data describing the object. Or you may specify the distance of the virtual surface (52) for discrimination | determination obtained by simplifying the said specific object, and the said reference line as a distance to the said specific object. In this case, even if an object having a complicated shape is arranged around the character, it is possible to easily determine whether or not an appropriate positional relationship can be maintained using a simplified virtual plane. Therefore, the discrimination process is made efficient and the processing load can be reduced.
[0016]
An area (70) in which the character can move is set in association with the specific object, and the means for determining the maximum distance during the motion and the boundary line of the movable area from the reference line. The distance may be compared to determine whether the motion can be executed. In this case, the following inconvenience can be solved. When it becomes necessary to express motion, the motion is executed while maintaining the proper positional relationship between the character and the specific objects placed around it based on the positional relationship between the character and the object close to the character. When determining whether or not it is possible, when the character moves with the motion, even if the appropriate positional relationship with the specific object placed around the object is maintained at the start of the motion, the position with the specific object placed around The relationship may not be maintained properly. However, the above inconvenience can be solved by determining from the positional relationship with the boundary surface of the movable region set as described above instead of the object close to the character. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of forming an image in which the character intrudes into an area where it is unnatural for the character to invade.
[0017]
If this is particularly a view to whether or not capable of ensuring a suitable distance between the character and the boundary surface, it is possible to determine whether it is possible to perform the motion.
[0019]
The program of the present invention may be provided to the user in a state recorded in a storage medium, or may be distributed to the user through a wired or wireless network.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game machine configured as an embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention. The game machine 10 is configured as a computer that executes a predetermined game in accordance with a game program recorded on a DVD-ROM 25 as a storage medium. The game machine 10 includes a CPU 11 mainly composed of a microprocessor, a ROM 12 and a RAM 13 as main storage devices for the CPU 11, and an image drawing apparatus that performs processing suitable for image processing and sound processing based on instructions from the CPU 11. 14 and a sound processing device 16, and a DVD-ROM reader 18 for reading a program and data from the DVD-ROM 25. In the ROM 12, an operating system is written as a program necessary for overall operation control of the game machine 10. Programs and data read from the DVD-ROM 25 as a storage medium are written in the RAM 13 as necessary.
[0021]
Inside the CPU 11, there is provided an image processing calculation unit 11a for performing geometric processing such as polygon coordinate conversion and vector calculation in so-called three-dimensional computer graphics. The image processing arithmetic unit 11a is constituted by a combination of a microprocessor and specific software, for example.
[0022]
On the other hand, the image drawing device 14 executes a so-called rendering process for receiving polygon data or the like from the CPU 11 and drawing it in the video memory 15, and a video reproduction signal constituting one frame based on the image data rendered in the video memory 15. And the video playback signal is output to the monitor 19 at a predetermined timing.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, the video memory 15 is provided as a drawing-dedicated memory corresponding to the image drawing device 14, but the video memory may be secured on the RAM 13 as the main memory. Also, what processing is borne by the CPU 11 and the image drawing device 14 is different depending on the hardware configuration, and the present invention is not limited to the above configuration.
[0024]
The sound processing device 16 reproduces data such as voice and musical sound read from the DVD-ROM 25, sound source data, and the like, and outputs them from the speaker 20. The reading device 18 reads a program or data recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 11 and outputs a signal corresponding to the read content.
[0025]
Further, an input device 22 and an external storage device 23 are connected to the CPU 11 via the bus 24. The external storage device 23 is a rewritable storage device such as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like. Such a configuration is merely an example, and the configuration of a computer to which the image processing method of the present invention is applied may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the connection aspect of each apparatus with respect to CPU11 is not limited to FIG.
[0026]
The game program recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 as a storage medium executes a game in which characters arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space perform various actions in accordance with user operations. The game program in FIG. 1 includes an image processing module for expressing various motions of the character.
[0027]
The game data recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 includes terrain data for representing a virtual three-dimensional space and motion data serving as a basis for motion.
[0028]
FIG. 2 represents a motion of the character 30 jumping over the fence 31 as an example of the motion displayed based on the motion data.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the motion data in this example shows that the character 30 puts his left hand on the fence 31 to support the body, and jumps over the fence 31 while throwing his leg to the right side for a predetermined number of frames. It is created to express in. In this case, if the motion is always displayed using the motion data as it is without considering the positional relationship between the character 30 and the wall 32 in motion, when the character 30 is approaching the wall 32, its feet In some cases, an unnatural image that is embedded in 32 is formed (see the hatched portion in FIG. 2A).
[0030]
Therefore, the image processing module according to the present embodiment keeps the positional relationship between the character 30 and the wall 32 appropriate (that is, the character 30 is not sunk into the wall 32) when it becomes necessary to express motion. Whether or not the motion can be executed is determined. If it is determined that the motion cannot be executed, the motion data is converted so that the motion appears to be reversed as shown in FIG. Thus, while using the same motion data, it is possible to prevent the generation of an unnatural image by expressing the motion in a manner different from the motion data prepared in advance.
[0031]
FIG. 3A shows a conceptual diagram of motion data. As shown in the figure, the motion data includes a motion name 40, a longest distance Lmax of motion, and time series data 42 of motion. A large number of such motion data is recorded on the DVD-ROM 25.
[0032]
The motion name 40 is used for identification and search of motion data. When it is necessary to display a motion, the image processing module determines a motion to be expressed according to the player's operation on the controller 22 and the situation of the character at that time, and the motion data actually used based on the motion name 40 To express a specific motion using the extracted motion data.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the longest motion distance Lmax is a distance from a predetermined reference line 50 set for the character 30 to each part of the character 30 (eg, elbow, hand, knee, toe, etc.). Is defined as the maximum value during the motion. In the example shown in the figure, a vertical line passing through the reference point 44 set on the waist of the character 30 is used as the reference line 50.
[0034]
Here, the reference point 44 and the reference line 50 are defined according to a local coordinate system 60 unique to the character 30 as shown in FIG. The local coordinate system 60 is arranged in a world coordinate system 61 that is the basis of a virtual three-dimensional space. The position and inclination of the local coordinate system 60 in the world coordinate system 61 are held in the RAM 13 and updated for each frame in accordance with the player's operation on the controller 22 or the like.
[0035]
After specifying the motion to be expressed by the motion name, the image processing module determines the position of the local coordinate system 60 in the world coordinate system 61 with respect to the reference line 50 of the motion data and the direction of the portion that gives the longest distance Lmax when viewed from the reference line 50. And coordinate conversion to the world coordinate system 61 based on the inclination. Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, the coordinate-converted reference line 50 and a specific object (the wall 32 in the example in the figure) existing in the direction of the part that gives the longest distance Lmax when viewed from the reference line 50. It is determined whether or not the difference ΔL between the distance Lref and the longest distance Lmax of motion is greater than or equal to a predetermined allowable value.
[0036]
The identification of the distance Lref may be performed based on model data for arranging the wall 32 in the virtual three-dimensional space. However, the determination data obtained by simplifying the wall 32 is prepared in association with the wall 32 in advance. The distance Lref may be obtained using the data for determination. For example, when several pipes 51... 51 are installed on the wall 32 as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the virtual plane 52 for determination is prepared to execute each of the walls 32 and the pipes 51 ... 51. The determination to be performed may be performed for one virtual plane, and the determination can be performed efficiently. The target for preparing simplified determination data is not limited to the wall on which the pipe is arranged, but may be an object having a complicated shape arranged around the character.
[0037]
If the distance difference ΔL shown in FIG. 4A is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable value, the motion is represented as the motion data. If the distance difference ΔL is less than the allowable value, the positional relationship between the character 30 and the wall 32 is appropriately maintained. However, it is determined that the motion cannot be executed. In this case, the motion data is converted to express the motion so that the motion appears to be reversed.
[0038]
The conversion of motion data is as follows. The time series data 42 of motion is time series data of the coordinates of the elements forming the character 30 such as the reference point 44 and the joint 45 as shown in FIG. These coordinates are defined according to a local coordinate system 60 unique to the character 30 as shown in FIG. When it is necessary to invert the motion, the image processing module converts the coordinates of the time series data 42 of the motion symmetrically with respect to a predetermined reference plane 62 in the local coordinate system 60. In the example of FIG. 5, the plane 62 including the reference line 50 and parallel to the character traveling direction is used as a reference. This coordinate conversion process may be executed by the image processing module issuing a coordinate conversion instruction to the image processing calculation unit 11a, or may be executed by another calculation unit inside the CPU 11. By expressing the motion based on the time-series data of the motion after the coordinate conversion, the motion can be inverted and expressed.
[0039]
The motion expression method based on time-series data is as follows. The coordinates of the time series data of the motion defined in the local coordinate system 60 are based on the position and inclination of the local coordinate system 60 in the world coordinate system 61 by the image processing arithmetic unit 11a in FIG. The coordinates are converted to The image drawing device 14 executes rendering processing based on the coordinates after the coordinate conversion of the motion data, forms one frame of video, and outputs it to the monitor 19. The image processing module displays the character 30 having a different posture for each frame by causing the image processing arithmetic unit 11a and the image drawing device 14 to execute these processes in the order recorded in the time-series data of the motion. Express. In this embodiment, the time series data of the motion is converted with respect to the reference plane 62 in the local coordinate system 60 and then converted onto the world coordinate system 61. However, the time series data of the motion is converted together with the reference plane 62. After conversion on the world coordinate system 61, conversion may be performed symmetrically with respect to the reference plane 62.
[0040]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a motion display process executed by the CPU 11 when it is necessary to express a motion in order to actually realize the reversal of the motion. In this process, first, it is determined whether or not a motion can be executed while maintaining an appropriate positional relationship between the character 30 and a specific object arranged around the character 30 (step S1). If it is determined that execution is possible, the motion is displayed according to the motion data, and the process ends. If it is determined that the motion cannot be executed, an instruction to reverse the motion is given (step S2), the reversed motion is displayed, and the process ends.
[0041]
In the above embodiment, the wall 32 is exemplified as the specific object arranged around the character 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be various objects. Use model data describing a specific object placed around the character, or use judgment data created in advance in association with the object to determine whether the character and the object maintain an appropriate positional relationship Although the example to do was demonstrated, the said positional relationship can also be determined by another method. For example, in consideration of various objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, an area in which the character can move is set in advance in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the character is set appropriately for the object by referring to data in the area. It can be determined whether or not the positional relationship is maintained. An example will be described with reference to FIG.
[0042]
FIG. 7 shows a situation where the character 30 is hanging on the edge 71 of the floor 72. From this situation, when the character 30 expresses a motion that climbs up the floor 72, the protruding portion 73 of the floor is not detected, and the character 30 may form an unnatural image in which the character 30 sinks into the protruding portion 73 during the motion execution. is there. Therefore, an area 70 in which the character 30 can move is defined in consideration of an object such as a protruding portion 73 that the character 30 may sink into, and a motion is performed with reference to the distance from the boundary surface 70a of the area 70. It is determined whether or not execution is possible.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the positional relationship between a character in motion and a specific object arranged around the character cannot be properly maintained, motion data corresponding to the motion is obtained. While using it, it will express motions with different contents. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or prevent an unnatural image formed because the conventional method always expresses only a constant motion. In addition, since motion data prepared in advance is used, new data is not required and the capacity of the storage medium can be saved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game machine configured as an embodiment of an image processing system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows an example of motion displayed by the game machine of FIG. 1 based on motion data.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of motion data used by the game machine of FIG.
4 is a conceptual diagram of a method for determining whether or not the motion of FIG. 2 can be executed while appropriately maintaining the positional relationship between a character and a specific object arranged around the character, which is executed by the game machine of FIG. 1; .
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of motion data coordinates used by the game machine of FIG. 1 and an inversion method thereof.
6 is a flowchart of motion display processing executed by the game machine of FIG. 1 when it is necessary to express motion in order to realize reversal of motion.
FIG. 7 is a video example when a movable region is set as a modification of the method for determining whether or not a character and a specific object maintain an appropriate positional relationship.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image processing apparatus 30 Character 32 The specific object 45 arrange | positioned around the character The three-dimensional coordinate 50 regarding each part of the character contained in motion data The predetermined reference | standard 52 set with respect to the character Simplify a specific object The obtained virtual plane 62 for discrimination The predetermined reference plane 70 for converting the motion data The movable area Lmax of the character The maximum distance Lref during the motion out of the distance between the predetermined reference and each part of the character The predetermined reference The distance from the specific object to

Claims (12)

In an image processing apparatus that expresses a predetermined motion of a character placed in a virtual three-dimensional space based on motion data prepared in advance corresponding to the motion,
Means for determining whether or not the motion can be executed while maintaining a proper positional relationship between the character and a specific object arranged around the character when the motion needs to be expressed;
When the means for determining determines that the motion cannot be performed, the motion data is converted so that the motion appears to be reversed when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and processing necessary for expressing the motion is performed according to the converted data. Means for performing ,
The motion data is an aggregate of three-dimensional coordinates set in time series according to the motion for each of a plurality of elements forming the character.
The means for determining identifies a direction in which a distance from a predetermined reference line set for the character to each part of the character is maximized during a motion, and an object located in the maximum direction is Determine whether the motion can be executed as a specific object,
The means for performing processing necessary for the expression reverses the three-dimensional coordinates relating to each element of the character included in the motion data with respect to a reference plane perpendicular to the maximum direction in which the motion includes the reference line. Transform symmetrically with respect to the reference plane,
An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the motion can be executed without contact between the character and the specific object. Said means for determining includes comparing a distance which maximizes in said motor Shon, and a distance from the reference line when it is assumed that placing the character in a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space to said specific object The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the motion can be executed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit specifies a distance from the reference line to the specific object with reference to model data describing the object. 4. The determination unit according to claim 3, wherein a distance between a determination virtual plane obtained by simplifying the specific object and the reference line is specified as a distance to the specific object. The image processing apparatus described. A region where the character can move is set in association with the specific object,
The means for determining determines whether or not the motion can be executed by comparing a maximum distance during the motion with a distance from the reference line to a boundary surface of the movable region. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. A computer as an image processing device that expresses a predetermined motion of a character placed in a virtual three-dimensional space based on motion data prepared in advance corresponding to the motion,
Means for determining whether or not the motion can be executed while maintaining a proper positional relationship between the character and a specific object arranged around the character when the motion needs to be expressed;
When the means for determining determines that the motion cannot be performed, the motion data is converted so that the motion appears to be reversed when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and processing necessary for expressing the motion is performed according to the converted data. Configured to function as a means to do ,
The motion data is an aggregate of three-dimensional coordinates set in time series according to the motion for each of a plurality of elements forming the character.
Said means for discriminating is an object distance from a predetermined reference line set for the character until each portion of the character Kuta is to identify the direction of maximum in-motion, is located in a direction in which said maximum Determine whether the motion can be executed as the specific object,
The means for performing processing necessary for the expression reverses the three-dimensional coordinates relating to each element of the character included in the motion data with respect to a reference plane perpendicular to the maximum direction in which the motion includes the reference line. Transform symmetrically with respect to the reference plane,
An image processing program characterized by the above . The image processing program according to claim 7 , wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the motion can be executed without contact between the character and the specific object. Said means for determining includes comparing a distance which maximizes in said motor Shon, and a distance from the reference line when it is assumed that placing the character in a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space to said specific object The image processing program according to claim 7 , wherein it is determined whether or not the motion can be executed. The image processing program according to claim 9 , wherein the determining unit specifies a distance from the reference line to the specific object with reference to model data describing the object. 10. The determination unit according to claim 9 , wherein a distance between a virtual surface for determination obtained by simplifying the specific object and the reference line is specified as a distance to the specific object. The image processing program described. A region where the character can move is set in association with the specific object,
The means for determining determines whether or not the motion can be executed by comparing a maximum distance during the motion with a distance from the reference line to a boundary surface of the movable region. The image processing program according to claim 7 .

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