JP4169263B2 - Image generating apparatus and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation device and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game apparatus that arranges a plurality of objects in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space and generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in the object space is known, and a so-called virtual reality can be experienced. Popular as a thing. Taking a game device that enjoys the operation of a fighter as an example, a player flies a fighter operated by the player in the object space, and another player or a computer battles the operated fighter and enjoys the game.
[0003]
Now, in such a game apparatus, in order to improve the player's virtual reality, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image with a small calculation load. Therefore, for example, as shown in the display image of FIG. 1, it is desirable to generate a more realistic airplane image with less calculation load even for an airplane cloud attached to the movement of a missile or the like.
[0004]
As a method for generating such a contrail image, there is a method in which small 2D sprites are placed at certain intervals. However, there is a problem that a large amount of sprite is required to express a contrail, which increases the processing amount.
[0005]
Although it is conceivable to express a contrail using a single cylindrical polygon object, depending on the viewing direction, only the bottom surface of the cylinder can be seen, and there is a problem that only a straight cylinder can be handled.
[0006]
It is also possible to express a curved contrail by arranging a plurality of shorter cylindrical polygon objects in succession. However, in the case of a cylindrical object, it is impossible to express the core of clouds, smoke, etc. whose center is white and becomes thinner toward the outside.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional game apparatus as described above, and the object of the present invention is a mist-like shape generated accompanying or following a moving body such as a contrail. An object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus and an information storage medium that can realistically represent an object with a small calculation load.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) An image generation device that generates an image to be displayed on a display unit,
Performs processing to place at least one or more sub-objects consisting of primitive faces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line in the object space so that the center lines are continuous. Arrangement processing means;
Image generating means for generating an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in the object space in which the sub-object is arranged,
The image generating means
Rendering processing is performed so that the characteristic color of an object generated using the sub-object is darker as it is closer to the center line of the primitive surface and lighter as it is closer to the edge.
(2) The image generation apparatus of the present invention
The arrangement processing means
The sub-object is arranged so as to follow the moving object or to follow the moving object.
(3) The image generation apparatus of the present invention
The arrangement processing means
In the case where a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged, it includes means for generating the vertex positions of the primitive surfaces in real time so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape.
(4) The image generation apparatus of the present invention includes:
The image generating means
Goro shading processing is performed so that the characteristic color of the object appears darker as it approaches the center line of the primitive surface.
(5) The image generation apparatus of the present invention includes:
The image generation processing means
In the case where a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged so that center lines are continuous, perspective conversion is performed on vertices located on the center line, and the primitive is based on whether the coordinates of the center point after perspective conversion are within the screen display range. Clipping processing means for determining whether or not a surface image is output is included.
(6) The image generation apparatus of the present invention includes:
The sub-object is composed of three quadrilateral primitive surfaces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line.
(7) The present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for generating an image to be displayed on a display unit,
Performs processing to place at least one or more sub-objects consisting of primitive faces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line in the object space so that the center lines are continuous. Arrangement processing means;
A program for causing a computer to function as image generation means for generating an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space in which the sub-object is arranged is stored,
The image generating means
It includes a program for performing a rendering process so that the feature color of an object generated using the sub-object is darker as it is closer to the center line of the primitive surface and lighter as it goes to the end.
(8) The information storage medium of the present invention is
The arrangement processing means
A program for arranging the sub-object to accompany the moving object or follow the moving object is included.
(9) The information storage medium of the present invention is
The arrangement processing means
When a plurality of sub-objects are arranged, a program for generating vertex positions of the primitive surface in real time is included so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape.
(10) The information storage medium of the present invention is
The image generating means
It includes a program for performing Gouraud shading processing so that the characteristic color of the object appears darker as it approaches the center line of the primitive surface.
(11) The information storage medium of the present invention is
In the case where a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged so that center lines are continuous, perspective conversion is performed on vertices located on the center line, and the primitive is based on whether the coordinates of the center point after perspective conversion are within the screen display range. Judging presence / absence of image output
It is characterized by including the program for.
(12) The information storage medium of the present invention is
The sub-object includes a program for forming three quadrilateral primitive surfaces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present embodiment is a game device that generates an image to be displayed on a display unit, and is a sub-device that includes primitive surfaces that are shared in an object space with a side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line. Arrangement processing means for performing processing for arranging at least one object so that centerlines are continuous, and image generation means for generating an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in the object space in which the sub-object is arranged It is characterized by including.
[0010]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0011]
When a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged, it is preferable to determine a vertex position other than on the center line so that the opposite side of the center line of the primitive surface also has a continuous band shape.
[0012]
According to the present embodiment, a band-shaped object can be formed by arranging a plurality of the sub-objects in succession. By using such a band-like object, it is possible to generate an image such as an airplane cloud or a smoke band with a small number of primitive surfaces. Unlike the case where a cylindrical closed object is used, an image rich in reality can be generated without causing a defect in the image even when the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction changes.
[0013]
As described above, the present embodiment can generate an image of an airplane cloud or the like that is rich in reality with a small calculation load.
[0014]
In the game device according to the present embodiment, the arrangement processing unit generates a vertex position of the primitive surface in real time so that the primitive surface is connected in a strip shape when a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged. It is characterized by including.
[0015]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0016]
In the present embodiment, strip-shaped objects having various shapes can be generated according to the game situation. Therefore, a realistic image can be generated with a small calculation load even with a contrail such as a twisted shape or a complicated shape, smoke or spur.
[0017]
The game device according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the arrangement processing means arranges at least one of the sub-objects so as to follow or follow the moving object.
[0018]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0019]
Clouds, smoke, and the like following the moving body may draw a complicated trajectory depending on the movement of the moving body. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to express clouds and smoke rich in reality with a small calculation load.
[0020]
In the game apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image generation unit performs a rendering process necessary for the feature color of the object generated using the sub-object to appear darker as the image is closer to the center line of the primitive surface. Means.
[0021]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0022]
For example, a gradient can be applied such that the closer to the center line, the stronger the characteristic color of the object generated using the sub-object, and the stronger the background color, the farther away from the center line.
[0023]
Here, the characteristic color of the object generated using the sub-object is, for example, white when the object generated using the sub-object is a contrail, and gray when the object is smoke, If it is a flame, it is red.
[0024]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to express the core of clouds, fog, or flame in an image with a small calculation load. Therefore, it is very effective when generating a mist-like object having a shape.
[0025]
The game apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the rendering processing means performs a Guro shading process so that the characteristic color of the sub-object looks darker as it is closer to the center line of the primitive surface.
[0026]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0027]
The game device according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the rendering processing means performs an alpha addition process so that the characteristic color of the sub-object looks darker as it is closer to the center line of the primitive surface.
[0028]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0029]
In the game device according to the present embodiment, when the image generation processing unit arranges a plurality of the sub-objects so that the center lines are continuous, the perspective conversion is performed on the vertexes located on the center lines, and the center after the perspective conversion is performed. Clipping processing means is included for determining whether or not an image of the primitive surface is output based on whether the coordinates of the point are within the screen display range.
[0030]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0031]
In the present embodiment, the clipping process of the primitive surface can be efficiently performed with a small calculation load.
[0032]
The game device according to the present embodiment is characterized in that the sub-object is composed of three quadrilateral primitive surfaces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line.
[0033]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment includes information for realizing the above means.
[0034]
This embodiment is effective in reducing the calculation load because the sub-object can be configured with the least number of primitive planes.
[0035]
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking a case of a fighter game (flight simulator) as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various games. In the following description, the primitive surface constituting the object is a polygon.
[0036]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the game device of the present embodiment. In the figure, at least the processing unit 100 and the image generation unit 160 (or the processing unit 100, the image generation unit 160, and the storage unit 140, or the processing unit 100, the image generation unit 160, and the storage unit) are used. 140 and the information storage medium unit 150), and other blocks (for example, the operation unit 130, the display unit 162, the sound generation unit 170, the sound output unit 172, the communication unit 174, the I / F unit 176, the memory card) Etc.) can be optional elements. Note that if the processing unit 100 also performs processing for image generation, the image generation unit 160 may be an arbitrary element.
[0037]
Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processing such as control of the entire device, instruction instruction to each block in the device, game calculation, etc., and its functions are CPU (CISC type, RISC type), It can be realized by hardware such as DSP, ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a given program (game program).
[0038]
The operation unit 130 is for a player to input operation information, and the function can be realized by hardware such as buttons.
[0039]
The storage unit 140 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100, the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, the communication unit 174, and the I / F unit 176, and its functions can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.
[0040]
An information storage medium (storage medium from which information can be read by a computer) 150 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), and a magnetic field. This can be realized by hardware such as a disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, and a semiconductor memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on information stored in the information storage medium 150. That is, the information storage medium 150 stores various information for realizing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100).
[0041]
Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 150 is transferred to the storage unit 140 when the apparatus is powered on. The information stored in the information storage medium 150 includes program code for performing the processing of the present invention, image information, sound information such as the waveform data stored in the storage unit 140, shape information of the display object, and table data. , List data, player information, information for instructing the processing of the present invention, information for performing processing according to the instruction, and the like.
[0042]
The image generation unit 160 generates various images in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 100 and outputs them to the display unit 162. The functions of the image generation unit 160 include hardware such as an image generation ASIC, CPU, DSP, and the like. It can be realized by a given program (image generation program) and image information.
[0043]
The sound generation unit 170 generates various sounds in accordance with instructions from the processing unit 100 and outputs them to the sound output unit 172. The function of the sound generation unit 170 includes hardware such as a sound generation ASIC, CPU, and DSP. It can be realized by a given program (sound generation program) and sound information (waveform data, etc.).
[0044]
The communication unit 174 performs various controls for communicating with an external device (for example, a host device or another game device), and functions as hardware or a place such as a communication ASIC or CPU. This can be realized by a given program (communication program).
[0045]
Information for realizing the processing of the present invention (this embodiment) may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device to the information storage medium of the game device via the network and the communication unit 174. Such use of the information storage medium of the host device and use of the information storage medium of the game device are also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0046]
Further, some or all of the functions of the image generation unit 160, the sound generation unit 170, and the communication unit 174 may be realized by the function of the processing unit 100.
[0047]
The I / F unit 176 exchanges information with a memory card (PDA in a broad sense, a portable information storage device including a game device) 180 according to an instruction from the processing unit 100 It serves as an interface, and its function can be realized by a data write / read controller IC controlled by a command from the CPU. In the case where information exchange with the memory card 180 is realized using radio waves such as infrared rays, the function of the I / F unit 176 can be realized by hardware such as a semiconductor laser and an infrared sensor.
[0048]
The processing unit 100 includes a game calculation unit 110. Here, the game calculation unit 110 receives coins (price) reception processing, game mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, processing for determining the position and direction of a moving object (fighter, missile, etc.), Processing to determine viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction, processing to reproduce the motion of a moving object, processing to place an object in the object space, hit check processing, processing to calculate game results (results), multiple players in a common game space Various game calculation processes such as a process for playing or a game over process are performed based on operation information from the operation unit 130, information from the memory card 180, a game program, and the like. In addition, when the present invention is applied to a game other than a fighter game, as a moving body, airplanes other than fighters, ships (battleships, submarines, yachts, motorboats, etc.), water bikes, water skis, surfboards, vehicles Various things such as motorcycles, tanks, robots, airplanes, spaceships, balls, bullets and skis can be considered.
[0049]
The game calculation unit 110 includes a moving object calculation unit 120, a viewpoint control unit 122, an arrangement processing unit 124, a clipping calculation unit 126, and a rendering information calculation unit 128.
[0050]
Here, the moving object calculation unit 120 calculates movement information (position information, direction information, etc.) of a moving object such as a fighter, and is based on operation information input from the operation unit 130 or a given program, for example. Processing for moving the moving object in the object space is performed. That is, a process of moving the moving body in the object space is performed based on operation information from the player (self player, other player) and a command from the computer (a given movement control algorithm).
[0051]
More specifically, the moving body computing unit 120 performs processing for obtaining the position and direction of the moving body, for example, every frame (1/60 seconds). For example, assume that the position of the moving body in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and the speed VMk of the moving body in k frames are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).
PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
The viewpoint control unit 122 performs processing for obtaining the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction, and the like based on information on the position and direction of the moving object obtained by the moving object calculation unit 120. More specifically, a process of changing the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction so as to follow the position or direction of the moving body operated by the player is performed. In this case, it is preferable to follow the viewpoint position or the line-of-sight direction with respect to the position or direction of the moving body, for example, while having inertia. The image generation unit 160 generates an image that can be seen at the viewpoint controlled by the viewpoint control unit 122.
[0052]
The arrangement processing unit 124 arranges at least one or more sub-objects, each of which is a polygonal surface, sharing a side as a center line and opening radially around the center line so that the center lines are continuous in the object space. Process to do. When a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged, the vertex position of the polygon surface is generated in real time so that the polygon surface is connected in a band shape.
[0053]
When a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged so that the center lines are continuous, the clipping calculation unit 126 performs perspective transformation on the vertex located on the center line, and the coordinates of the center point after the perspective transformation are within the screen display range. Based on the above, processing for calculating the presence / absence of image output of the primitive surface is performed.
[0054]
The image generation unit 160 performs an image generation process on the polygons constituting the sub-object that the clipping processing unit 126 determines to have image output. Thus, in this embodiment, the clipping calculation unit 126 and the image generation unit 160 function as a clipping processing unit.
[0055]
The rendering information calculation unit 128 calculates information necessary for performing a rendering process necessary for the feature color of the sub-object to appear darker as it is closer to the center line of the polygon surface of the sub-object.
[0056]
In the present embodiment, in order to express a contrail, the sub-object is close to the center of the sub-object so that white appears strong, and as it moves away from the center, the sub-object appears to be merged with the background sky color. Render the object's polygonal surface. Accordingly, the rendering information calculation unit 128 calculates information necessary for performing such rendering processing, and the image generation unit 160 performs rendering processing according to the calculation result to generate an image. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rendering information calculation unit 128 and the image generation unit 160 function as a rendering processing unit.
[0057]
Note that in order to make the characteristic color of the sub-object appear darker as it is closer to the center line of the polygon surface, a Guro shading process or an alpha addition process may be used.
[0058]
Features of this embodiment
FIG. 3 shows a game image generated according to the present embodiment. In the fighter game realized by the present embodiment, the player controls his / her fighter to fly in the object space while viewing the game image shown in FIG. The game is played against other players and fighters operated by the computer.
[0059]
Although FIG. 3 shows an image from the third person viewpoint on which the player's own device 300 is displayed, an image from the first person viewpoint that the player will see from the cockpit can also be generated.
[0060]
FIG. 3 shows an image in which contrail images 330 and 340 are generated after the trajectory of the missiles 310 and 320.
[0061]
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining sub-objects used for generating a contrail in this embodiment.
[0062]
A feature of the present embodiment is that a plurality of sub-objects as shown in FIG. 4A are arranged in succession to generate an airplane cloud or the like that is a long mist-like object that is output as the moving body moves. In the point.
[0063]
The sub-object of FIG. 4A is composed of three rectangular polygon planes P1, P2, and P3 that share one side a1a2 as a center line and are radially opened around the center line a1a2.
[0064]
Consecutive cloud objects are generated by continuously arranging such sub-objects 400. When objects are generated continuously, the sub-object 400-1 and the sub-object 400-2 are arranged so that the center lines a1a2a3 are continuous as shown in FIG. Then, the vertex positions of the polygon faces are generated in real time so that the polygon faces (P1 and P4, P2 and P5, P3 and P6) are connected in a strip shape.
[0065]
For example, in FIG. 4B, vertex information is generated so that the vertex a2b2c2d2 is shared with the vertex a2b2c2d2 of the subobject 400-1 when the subobject 400-2 is arranged. By doing so, it is possible to generate a flying cloud object in which a polygonal surface is connected in a band shape around the center line as shown in FIG.
[0066]
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the sub-objects are arranged along with the movement of a moving object such as a missile. In a certain frame, it is assumed that the position of the missile is K1, as shown in FIG. 6A, and two sub-objects SOB1 and SOB2 are arranged as shown in FIG.
[0067]
When the missile position has advanced to K2 in the next frame as shown in FIG. 6B, SOB1 and SOB2 are arranged in the same manner as in the previous frame, and SOB3 and SOB4 are newly described in FIG. 4B. And arranged continuously in SOB2. At this time, the vertex position of SOB4 is the vertex a4b4c4d4 that is determined by the position of the common vertex a3b3c3d3 with the SOB3 and the missile K2.
[0068]
Further, in the present embodiment, the rendering processing necessary for the feature color of the object generated using the sub-object to appear darker as it is closer to the center line of the polygon surface is performed.
[0069]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the polygons P1 and P2 constituting the sub-object 500 are darker in the characteristic color of the sub-object as they are closer to the center line 510 of the sub-object, and the background color is increased toward the ends 520 and 530. Gradation takes place as if to be absorbed. For example, when generating a contrail object with this sub-object, the characteristic color of the object is white and the background color is the sky color, for example, light blue. Therefore, the vicinity of the center line 510 in FIG. 7A is dark white, and the whiter the closer to the end, the lighter the color of the sky, the closer to light blue, and the vicinity of 510 and 530 is light blue.
[0070]
FIG. 7 (B) is a diagram showing a state where gradients are applied to each polygon of an object in which a plurality of the sub-objects are continuously arranged. By placing such an object behind a missile or the like, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to express an airplane cloud that melts into the sky as the center portion is white and goes to the end.
[0071]
In the present embodiment, the process of applying the gradient is realized by performing the α addition process.
[0072]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for schematically explaining an example of a process of applying a gradient by synthesizing a sub-object image and a background image by an α addition process. Reference numeral 610 schematically represents the state of the α buffer storing image information of the sub-object, and reference numeral 620 stores image information of the background of the sub-object. The α buffer is a kind of mat buffer having the RGB value and α value of the image for each pixel.
[0073]
Reference numeral 630 schematically represents the state of the frame buffer of the composite image of 610 and 620. A1 of 610, A2 of 620, A3 of 630, B1 of 610, B2 of 620, and B3 of 630 respectively represent pixels at the same position.
[0074]
In the α addition process, the color of the image 610 and the color of the image 620 are weighted by the α value set for each pixel and added to generate a composite image.
[0075]
For example, the RGB and α values of A1 are (Ra1, Ga1, Ba1, αa1), the RG values of A2 are (Ra2, Ga2, Ba2), the RGB values of A3 are (Ra3, Ga3, Ba3), and the RGB and α values of B1 are The RGB values of (Rb1, Gb1, Bb1, αb1) and B2 are (Rb2, Gb2, Bb2), and the RGB value of B3 is (Rb3, Gb3, Bb3).
[0076]
When the color information of the pixel A3 is set by overlapping the points A1 and A2, it can be expressed by the following equation, for example.
[0077]
αa1 × Ra1 + Ra2 = Ra3
αa1 × Ga1 + Ga2 = Ga3
αa1 × Ba1 + Ba2 = Ra3
Here, since A1 (A2) is located on the center line of the sub-object, the color of the sub-object is the strongest, so αa1 is a value close to 1, and the following equation is established.
[0078]
Ra3 ≒ Ra1
Ga3 ≒ Ga1
Ba3 ≒ Ba1
When the color information of the pixel at point B3 is set by overlapping the points B1 and B2, it can be expressed by, for example, the following expression.
[0079]
αb1 × Rb1 + Rb2 = Rb3
αb1 × Gb1 + Gb2 = Gb3
αb1 × Bb1 + Bb2 = Rb3
Here, B1 (B2) is located at the end of the sub-object, so that the background color is the strongest, so αb1 is close to 0, and the following equation is established.
[0080]
Ra3 ≒ Ra2
Ga3 ≒ Ga2
Ba3 ≒ Ba2
[0081]
Processing in this embodiment
Next, a processing example of the present embodiment will be described.
[0082]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the arrangement process in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the processing of step S10 to step S50 is repeated to perform processing for arranging the vertices of the sub-objects in the object space.
[0083]
First, for example, a set of vertices (a1, b1, c1, d1) in FIG. 4A is generated (step S10). If this is the first vertex to be placed, that vertex is stored (step S30).
[0084]
Next, for example, a set of vertices (a2, b2, c2, d2) in FIG. 4A is generated (step S10). Since this is not the first vertex placement, a band that ties the last placed (a1, b1, c1, d1) and the current created (a2, b2, c2, d2) is generated (step S50). Thereby, the sub-object 400 as shown in FIG. 4A is arranged in the object space.
[0085]
When (a3, b3, c3, d3) shown in FIG. 4B is generated as the next vertex (step S10), this is not the first vertex placement, so it was placed last time (a2, b2, c2, d2). ) And the band generated between (a3, b3, c3, d3) generated this time (step S50). As a result, the sub-object 400-2 as shown in FIG. 4B is arranged in the object space.
[0086]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of clipping processing when generating images of a plurality of sub-objects arranged in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the clipping processing.
[0087]
First, N pieces corresponding to the length of the three-dimensional position data smoke zone consisting of 4 smoke zone vertices (3 vertices + center vertex) are inputted (step S110). A smoke band refers to an object such as a contrail formed by connecting sub-objects into a band (see 700 in FIG. 12). The four vertices are, for example, ak, bk, ck, dk (k = 1 to 9) in FIG. 12, and the central vertex in this case is ak. In FIG. 12, since eight sub-objects SOB1 to SOB8 are connected to form a smoke zone, N = 9, and there are nine sets of the four vertices.
[0088]
Next, the data of the center vertex located on the center line among the four smoke zone vertices is perspective-projected for all the N smoke zone data to obtain the two-dimensional data of the screen (step S120). For example, in FIG. 12, nine pieces of data of the center vertex ak (k = 1 to 9) are input.
[0089]
Then, a series of bands in which the coordinates of the central vertex after perspective transformation are located within the screen display range and a band (one on the edge of the screen) that is one before and one after that are extracted (step) S130). A band means a sub-object of the present embodiment. In FIG. 12, if 710 is within the screen display range, the central vertices a3 to a7 are within the screen display range 710, so the vertices of the sub-objects SOB2 to SOB7 including the central vertices a2 and a8 before and after that are extracted. .
[0090]
Then, the three vertices other than the center of the first strip that was extracted and the three vertices other than the central point sharing the first and second strips were perspective-transformed, and their coordinates and previously obtained Three polygons are formed using the coordinates after the perspective transformation of the center vertex (step S150).
[0091]
For example, the first band extracted in FIG. 12 is SOB2, and the second band is SOB3. Therefore, b2, c2, d2 which are three vertices other than the central vertex a2 of the first band, and b3, c3, d3 which are three vertices other than the middle point sharing the first band with the second band, Is converted to perspective, and three polygons P21, P22, and P23 are formed using the coordinates and the coordinates after the perspective conversion of the central vertices a2 and a3 previously obtained.
[0092]
Further, perspective transformation is performed on vertices other than the central vertex shared by the second and third bands, and three more polygons are formed using the four coordinates after the previous perspective transformation (step S150).
[0093]
For example, in FIG. 12, the third band is SOB4. Therefore, b4, c4, and d4, which are three vertices other than the midpoint sharing the second and third bands, are perspective transformed, and the four coordinates after the previous perspective transformation and the center vertex obtained previously are converted. Three polygons P31, P32, and P33 are formed using a4.
[0094]
The polygon is repeatedly formed in the same manner until the end of the extracted band is reached (step S160). For example, in FIG. 12, since the last band extracted is SOB7, the same processing is repeated up to the end vertices a8, b8, c8, and d8.
[0095]
Hardware configuration example of the present embodiment
Next, a hardware configuration example of a game device that can realize the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the game apparatus shown in the figure, a CPU 1000, ROM 1002, RAM 1004, information storage medium 1006, sound generation IC 1008, image generation IC 1010, I / O ports 1012, 1014 are connected to each other via a system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received between them. . A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, a control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and a communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014. Has been.
[0096]
The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores game programs, image information for representing display objects, and the like, and a CD-ROM, game cassette, IC card, MO, FD, memory, or the like is used. The ROM 1002 stores initialization information of the game apparatus body.
[0097]
The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, and is a device for inputting the result of the determination made by the player in accordance with the progress of the game to the game device body.
[0098]
In accordance with a game program stored in the information storage medium 1006, a system program stored in the ROM 1002, a signal input by the control device 1022, the CPU 1000 performs control of the entire device and various data processing. The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000 and stores the given contents of the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002 or the calculation result of the CPU 1000.
[0099]
Furthermore, this type of game device is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that game sounds and game screens can be suitably output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and the ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information to be output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, the ROM 1002, the information storage medium 1006, and the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head mounted display (HMD) can be used.
[0100]
The communication device 1024 exchanges various types of information used inside the game device with the outside. The communication device 1024 is connected to other game devices to send and receive given information according to the game program, and to connect a communication line. It is used for sending and receiving information such as game programs.
[0101]
2 and 12 are realized by an information storage medium 1006 that stores a game program, a CPU 1000 that operates according to the game program, an image generation IC 1010, and the like. The processing performed by the image generation IC 1010, the sound generation IC 1008, and the like may be performed by software using the CPU 1000 or a general-purpose DSP.
[0102]
FIG. 14A shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game machine. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102 and the button 1104 while watching the game screen displayed on the display 1100. A CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted on an IC substrate 1106 built in the apparatus. Information for playing a fighter game and information for generating images such as contrails by arranging sub-objects in succession are stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the IC board 1106. Hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as stored information. The stored information includes at least one of program code, image information, sound information, display object shape information, table data, player information, and the like for performing the various processes described above.
[0103]
FIG. 14B shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a home game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game screen displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, IC cards 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media detachable from the main unit.
[0104]
FIG. 14C shows an example in which the present embodiment is applied to a game device including a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304 -n connected to the host device 1300 via a communication line 1302. Indicates. In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n have a CPU, an image generation IC, and a sound generation IC and can generate a game image and a game sound stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game image and a game A game program or the like for generating sound is delivered to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304 -n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.
[0105]
The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0106]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where an image of a contrail is generated using sub-objects arranged continuously is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be smoke or a flame band injected by the moving body. Further, it may be sand smoke generated following a moving body traveling in a desert or a dusty road, a spur formed as a movement track of a skier, a splash band formed after running a water ski, or the like.
[0107]
In addition, the present invention is very effective in generating a long object that follows a moving body, but a short object may be used. When a short object is generated, the object may be composed of only one sub-object.
[0108]
Moreover, you may use when expressing the object which does not follow a mobile body. For example, even a rainbow or chimney smoke that does not follow a moving object is effective because it can be realistically expressed with a small calculation load corresponding to a change in viewpoint position.
[0109]
Further, the shape of the sub-object is not limited to the shape described with reference to FIG. Any primitive surface may be used as long as it is composed of a primitive surface that shares one side as a center line and is radially opened around the center line. For example, a shape in which two surfaces as shown in FIG. It may be a thing. Further, four or more primitive surfaces may be arranged radially around the center line.
[0110]
The shape of the primitive surface is not limited to a quadrangle. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B, a triangular primitive surface may be arranged around the center line. This is particularly effective when a flame object is generated with one sub-object.
[0111]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the polygon surface is gradientized by performing the α addition process has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be realized by Gouraud shading processing or may be realized by texture mapping processing.
[0112]
The game of the present invention can be configured not only as a single player game but also as a multiplayer game.
[0113]
Further, the embodiment is not limited to the case where each game apparatus is executed alone, but may be a case where the processing is distributed and executed by connecting to hardware such as a computer or another game apparatus via a communication line or the like.
[0114]
In addition, a program necessary for processing may be downloaded and executed from hardware such as a computer or another game device via a communication line or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image in which a contrail is displayed.
FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the game device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a game image generated according to the present embodiment.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining sub-objects for generating contrails according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flying cloud object in which a polygonal surface is connected in a band shape around a center line.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the sub-objects are arranged in accordance with movement of a moving object such as a missile.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining a rendering process necessary for the feature color of the sub-object to appear darker as it is closer to the center line of the polygon surface. FIGS.
FIG. 8 is an example of an image representing an airplane cloud that is white in the center and melts into the sky as it goes to the end.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for schematically explaining an example of a process of applying a gradient by synthesizing a sub-object image and a background image by an α addition process;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of arrangement processing in the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of clipping processing when generating a plurality of sub-object images arranged in the present embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of clipping processing;
FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a hardware configuration example of a game device capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are diagrams illustrating game devices of various modes to which the present embodiment is applied.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining various examples of the shape of a sub-object according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 processor
110 Game calculation part
120 Mobile object calculation unit
122 Viewpoint control unit
124 Arrangement processing unit
126 Clipping operation unit
128 Rendering information calculation unit
130 Operation unit
140 Storage unit
150 Information storage medium
160 Image generator
162 Display section
170 Sound generator
172 sound output unit
174 Communication Department
176 I / F section
180 memory card
1000 CPU
1002 ROM
1004 RAM
1006 Information storage medium
1008 Sound generation IC
1010 Image generation IC
1012 I / O port
1014 I / O port
1016 System bus
1018 display
1020 Speaker
1022 Control device
1024 communication device
1100 display
1200 display
1202, 1204 Game controller
1206 CD-ROM
1208, 1209 IC card
1300 Host device
1302 Communication line
1304-1 to 1304-n terminal
1306 Information storage medium

Claims (12)

An image generation device that generates an image to be displayed on a display unit,
Performs processing to place at least one or more sub-objects consisting of primitive faces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line in the object space so that the center lines are continuous. Arrangement processing means;
Image generating means for generating an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in the object space in which the sub-object is arranged,
The arrangement processing means
An image generating apparatus comprising: means for generating a vertex position of the primitive surface in real time so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape when a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged . In claim 1,
The arrangement processing means
An image generation apparatus, wherein the sub-object is arranged so as to follow or follow the moving object. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 2.
The arrangement processing means
An image generating apparatus comprising: means for generating a vertex position of the primitive surface in real time so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape when a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The image generating means
An image generating apparatus that performs Gouraud shading processing so that the characteristic color of the object appears darker as it approaches the center line of the primitive surface. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The image generation processing means
In the case where a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged so that center lines are continuous, perspective conversion is performed on vertices located on the center line, and the primitive is based on whether the coordinates of the center point after perspective conversion are within the screen display range. An image generation apparatus comprising clipping processing means for determining whether or not an image of a surface is output. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-object is composed of three quadrilateral primitive surfaces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line. A computer-readable information storage medium storing a program for generating an image to be displayed on a display unit,
Performs processing to place at least one or more sub-objects consisting of primitive faces that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line in the object space so that the center lines are continuous. Arrangement processing means;
A program for causing a computer to function as image generation means for generating an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space in which the sub-object is arranged is stored,
The arrangement processing means
An information storage medium comprising means for generating the vertex positions of the primitive surfaces in real time so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape when a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged. In claim 7,
The arrangement processing means
An information storage medium comprising a program for arranging the sub-object so as to follow the moving object or to follow the moving object. In any of claims 7 to 8,
The arrangement processing means
An information storage medium comprising: a program for generating vertex positions of the primitive surface in real time so that the primitive surfaces are connected in a strip shape when a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged. In any one of Claims 7 thru | or 9,
The image generating means
An information storage medium comprising: a program for performing a Guro shading process so that the characteristic color of the object appears darker as it approaches the center line of the primitive surface. In any one of Claims 7 thru | or 9,
In the case where a plurality of the sub-objects are arranged so that center lines are continuous, perspective conversion is performed on vertices located on the center line, and the primitive is based on whether the coordinates of the center point after perspective conversion are within the screen display range. An information storage medium comprising a program for determining whether or not an image of a surface is output. In any of claims 7 to 10,
An information storage medium comprising: a program for the sub-object to be composed of three quadrilateral primitive planes that share one side as a center line and are radially opened around the center line.

Images