JP4275155B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for the image processing apparatus, and a program.

An image processing apparatus that displays a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint is known. In such an image processing apparatus, there is a case where it is desired to express a state in which a large number of people and objects exist. For example, in a game device that provides a sports game (such as a soccer game) by displaying a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint, a large number of spectators are present in the spectator seat to improve the reality of the game. You may want to express how you are.
Japanese Patent No. 3453111 Japanese Patent No. 2883514

  However, for example, the spectator expression as described above is not indispensable for providing a sports game, and the processing for spectator expression prevents the execution of processes essential for providing a sport game. Is not preferred. For this reason, in order to realize the audience expression as described above, it is necessary to reduce the processing load.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing a processing load when expressing a situation in which a large number of people and objects exist. An object is to provide a control method and program for an image processing apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention displays a human image representing a person or an object image representing an object in an image processing apparatus that displays a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint. At least one image storage means for storing, and at least one image pasting object is disposed in a given area of the virtual three-dimensional space, and the human image or the object image is assigned to each image pasting object. Arrangement means for affixing an image comprising at least one, the number of the image affixing objects arranged in the given region, and the human image or the image included in the image affixed to each image affixing object Control means for controlling the number of object images based on a distance between a reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space and the given region, That.

  The image processing device control method according to the present invention is an image processing device control method for displaying a state in which a virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from a given viewpoint, wherein an image is displayed in a given region of the virtual three-dimensional space. The person image or the image stored in the image storage means that stores at least one object for pasting and stores at least one person image representing a person or object image representing an object for each image pasting object Included in the placement step for pasting an image comprising at least one object image, the number of image pasting objects placed in the given area, and the image pasted on each image pasting object For controlling the number of human images or object images to be controlled based on a distance between a reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space and the given region. A step, characterized in that it comprises a.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention is an image processing device that displays a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint, as a home game machine, a portable game machine, an arcade game machine, a mobile phone, and portable information. A program for causing a computer such as a terminal (PDA) or a personal computer to function, image storage means for storing at least one human image representing a person or an object image representing an object, a given of the virtual three-dimensional space An arrangement means for arranging at least one image pasting object in an area and pasting an image comprising at least one of the person image or the object image to each image pasting object, and the given The number of the image pasting objects arranged in the area, and the human image or the front included in the image pasted on each image pasting object A program for causing the computer to function as a control unit that controls the number of object images based on a distance between a reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space and the given region. is there.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program. A program distribution apparatus according to the present invention is a program distribution apparatus that includes an information storage medium that records the program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program. A program distribution method according to the present invention is a program distribution method that includes an information storage medium storing the program, reads the program from the information storage medium, and distributes the program.

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for displaying a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint. In the present invention, at least one person image representing a person or object image representing an object is stored. In addition, at least one image pasting object is arranged in a given region of the virtual three-dimensional space, and an image including at least one human image or object image is pasted on each image pasting object. The Then, the number of image pasting objects arranged in the given area and the number of human images or object images included in the images pasted on the respective image pasting objects are set in the virtual three-dimensional space. Control is based on the distance between the reference position and the given region. According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the processing load when expressing a situation where a large number of people and objects are present.

  In the aspect of the invention, the arrangement unit may include a unit that controls the posture of each image pasting object based on the position of the image pasting object and the position of the viewpoint.

  In the aspect of the invention, the arranging unit arranges the first number of the image pasting objects in the given region, and the human image or the object image for each image pasting object. A first placement means for pasting an image comprising a third number, and placing a second number of the image pasting object in the given area, which is smaller than the first number, for each image pasting Second placement means for attaching an image comprising a fourth number greater than the third number to the object, or the object image to the object, and the control means comprises the given Deciding which of the first placement means and the second placement means to place the image pasting object in a region is based on the distance between the reference position and the given region Like It may be.

  In the aspect of the invention, the reference position may be the position of the viewpoint.

  In one aspect of the present invention, posture information storage means for storing posture information indicating the posture of at least one human object or object object, and the posture information storage means according to the arrival of a given posture update timing. Attitude information updating means for updating the stored attitude information, and when the attitude information stored in the attitude information storage means is updated, the attitude information storage means for each of the at least one human object or object object. An image representing a state in which the human object or the object object taking the posture indicated by the stored posture information is viewed from a given direction is generated, and the image is stored as the human image or the object image. An image generating means for storing the image, and the image pasting object is the human object or the object Objects may be constituted by the number of polygons less than the number of polygons constituting the.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a game device (image processing device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game apparatus 10 shown in the figure is configured by attaching a DVD-ROM 25 and a memory card 28 as information storage media to a consumer game machine 11 and further connecting a monitor 18 and a speaker 22. For example, a home television receiver is used for the monitor 18, and its built-in speaker is used for the speaker 22.

  The home game machine 11 includes a bus 12, a microprocessor 14, an image processing unit 16, an audio processing unit 20, a DVD-ROM playback unit 24, a main memory 26, an input / output processing unit 30, and a controller 32. It is a computer game system. Components other than the controller 32 are accommodated in a housing.

  The bus 12 is for exchanging addresses and data among the units of the consumer game machine 11. The microprocessor 14, the image processing unit 16, the main memory 26, and the input / output processing unit 30 are connected by the bus 12 so that mutual data communication is possible.

  The microprocessor 14 controls each part of the consumer game machine 11 based on an operating system stored in a ROM (not shown), a program read from the DVD-ROM 25, and data read from the memory card 28. The main memory 26 is configured to include, for example, a RAM, and a program read from the DVD-ROM 25 and data read from the memory card 28 are written as necessary. The main memory 26 is also used for work of the microprocessor 14.

  The image processing unit 16 includes a VRAM, and draws a game screen (display image) to be displayed on the monitor 18 on the VRAM based on the image data sent from the microprocessor 14. That is, the image processing unit 16 determines the vertex coordinates (X, Y, Z), vertex color information (R, G, B) of each polygon described in the viewpoint coordinate system, and the position in the texture image corresponding to each vertex. Received texture coordinates (vx, vy), an alpha value, and the like are received from the microprocessor 14. Then, using such information, the color information, Z value (depth information), alpha value and the like of each pixel constituting the display image are drawn in the VRAM game screen drawing area. At this time, the texture image is written in the VRAM in advance, and the region in the texture image specified by each texture coordinate is mapped (pasted) to the polygon specified by the vertex coordinate corresponding to the texture coordinate. It has become. The display image generated in this way is converted into a video signal at a predetermined timing and output to the monitor 18.

  The input / output processing unit 30 is an interface for the microprocessor 14 to access the audio processing unit 20, the DVD-ROM playback unit 24, the memory card 28, and the controller 32. An audio processing unit 20, a DVD-ROM playback unit 24, a memory card 28 and a controller 32 are connected to the input / output processing unit 30.

  The sound processing unit 20 is configured to include a sound buffer, and reproduces various sound data such as game music, game sound effects, and messages read from the DVD-ROM 25 and stored in the sound buffer, from the speaker 22. Output.

  The DVD-ROM playback unit 24 reads a program recorded on the DVD-ROM 25 in accordance with an instruction from the microprocessor 14. Here, the DVD-ROM 25 is used to supply the program to the consumer game machine 11, but any other information storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a ROM card may be used. Further, the program may be supplied to the consumer game machine 11 from a remote location via a data communication network such as the Internet.

  The memory card 28 includes a nonvolatile memory (for example, EEPROM). The home-use game machine 11 includes a plurality of memory card slots for mounting the memory card 28, and the plurality of memory cards 28 can be mounted simultaneously. The memory card 28 is configured to be removable from the memory card slot, and is used for storing various game data such as saved data.

  The controller 32 is general-purpose operation input means for the player to input various game operations. The input / output processing unit 30 scans the state of each unit of the controller 32 at regular intervals (for example, every 1/60 seconds), and passes an operation signal representing the scan result to the microprocessor 14 via the bus 12. The microprocessor 14 determines the player's game operation based on the operation signal. The home-use game machine 11 is configured so that a plurality of controllers 32 can be connected, and the microprocessor 14 performs game control based on an operation signal input from each controller 32.

  In the game apparatus 10 having the above configuration, a soccer game is realized by executing a program read from the DVD-ROM 25.

  In order to realize the soccer game, a virtual three-dimensional space is constructed in the main memory 26. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual three-dimensional space. As shown in FIG. 2, a virtual three-dimensional space 40 includes a field object 42 representing a soccer field, a goal object 44 representing a goal, and a spectator seat object 46 representing a spectator seat. A venue is formed. Although omitted in FIG. 2, 22 player objects representing soccer players and a ball object representing a soccer ball are arranged on the field object 42. On the spectator seat object 46, objects for expressing a large number of spectators are arranged. Details will be described later (see FIGS. 14 to 16, 18 and 20).

  A virtual camera 48 is set in the virtual three-dimensional space 40. For example, the virtual camera 48 follows a player object or a ball object to be operated. A game screen showing the virtual three-dimensional space 40 viewed from the virtual camera 48 is displayed on the monitor 18. The player operates the controller 32 while looking at the game screen, and gives an action instruction to the player object to be operated, for example.

  Hereinafter, a technique for reducing the processing load in the case where a state in which a large number of spectators cheer according to the game situation or the like in the soccer game will be described.

  First, data stored in the DVD-ROM 25 will be described.

  The DVD-ROM 25 stores, for example, audience object model data (shape data), texture image data, and support motion data (support animation data) representing the audience. Here, the texture image data is image data representing the appearance (clothing, etc.) of the audience object. Further, the support motion data is data indicating a series of support operations of the audience object, and more specifically, every predetermined time (1/60 seconds in the case of the present embodiment) during the support operation of the audience object. It is the data which shows the attitude | position of. In the present specification, causing the audience object to perform a support operation according to the support motion data is referred to as “reproducing support motion data”.

  In the case of the present embodiment, one model data of the audience object is stored in the DVD-ROM 25. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the DVD-ROM 25 stores eight types of combinations of texture image data and support motion data corresponding to the model data. That is, in this embodiment, eight types of spectator objects (first to eighth spectator objects) having different clothes, cheering actions, and the like are prepared. The “nth spectator object” is a spectator that maps texture image data associated with the spectator object ID “n” and performs a cheering operation according to the cheering motion data associated with the spectator object ID “n”. It is an object. In the present embodiment, normal motion data and scoring motion data are prepared as support motion data. The scoring motion data is motion data that is played back when a scoring event occurs. The scoring motion data is reproduced from when the scoring event occurs until a predetermined time elapses. Alternatively, scoring motion data is repeatedly reproduced a predetermined number of times when a scoring event occurs. The normal motion data is motion data that is reproduced when the scoring motion data is not reproduced (normal).

  Next, processing executed by the game apparatus 10 will be described.

  4 and 5 are processes that are repeatedly executed every predetermined time (in the case of the present embodiment, 1/60 seconds) from the start to the end of the first half or the second half of the soccer game. It is a flowchart which mainly shows the thing relevant to this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the motion data reproduction status table is first updated (S101). The motion data playback status table is information relating to the playback status of motion data of each spectator object. FIG. 6 shows an example of the motion data reproduction status table. As shown in FIG. 6, the motion data playback status table includes a “audience object ID” field, a “motion data being played back” field, and a “current playback position” field. Information (motion data name) indicating motion data being reproduced is stored in the “motion data being reproduced” field. In the “current playback position” field, information indicating the current playback position of the motion data is stored. In the present embodiment, a numerical value indicating the elapsed time from the start of the reproduction of the currently reproduced motion data in 1/60 second unit is stored. The posture of the audience object is specified by the “motion data being played” field and the “current playback position” field.

  For example, in S101, 1 is added to the value of the “current playback position” field. Further, for example, in S101, it is determined whether or not the reproduction of motion data has been completed. When the reproduction of the motion data is completed, the value of the “current reproduction position” field is updated to the initial value (0) in order to repeat the reproduction of the motion data.

  For example, in S101, it is determined whether or not a scoring event has occurred. When a scoring event occurs, the name of the motion data at the time of scoring is set in the “motion data being played” field and the value of the “current playback position” field is set to start playback of the motion data at the time of scoring. It is updated to the initial value (0).

  Also, for example, in S101, when scoring motion data is being reproduced, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the scoring event, or whether the scoring motion data has been repeatedly reproduced a predetermined number of times. Determined. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the scoring event, or when the motion data at the time of scoring is replayed a predetermined number of times, the “motion data being played” field is entered to start playback of the normal motion data. In addition, the normal motion data name is set and the value of the “current playback position” field is updated to the initial value (0).

  After S101 is executed, the value of variable i is initialized to 1 (S102). Then, the posture of the i-th spectator object is acquired (S103). That is, the contents of the “motion data during playback” field and the “current playback position” field corresponding to the audience object ID “i” are read, and the posture of the i-th audience object is acquired.

  Next, a spectator object image representing a state in which the i-th spectator object taking the posture acquired in S103 is viewed from a given direction is drawn on the VRAM (S104).

  Here, the “given direction” is determined based on the relative positional relationship between the spectator seat object 46 and the virtual camera 48 arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 40, for example. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the relationship among the spectator seat object 46, the virtual camera 48, and the viewpoint when the spectator object image is generated. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the positional relationship between the spectator seat object 46 and the virtual camera 48. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a viewpoint when generating a spectator object image.

  For example, when the virtual camera 48 is arranged in the front direction (Z-axis negative direction) of the spectator seat object 46 as in the virtual camera 48a shown in FIG. 7, for example, as in the viewpoint 52a shown in FIG. A viewpoint is set in the front direction F of 50, and a spectator object image representing a state in which the spectator object 50 is viewed from the viewpoint 52a is generated. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, a spectator object image 53 representing a state in which the spectator object 50 is viewed from the front direction F of the spectator object 50 is generated.

  Further, when the virtual camera 48 is arranged in the left direction (X-axis positive direction) with respect to the front direction of the spectator seat object 46 as in the virtual camera 48b shown in FIG. 7, for example, the viewpoint shown in FIG. As in 52b, a viewpoint is set in the left direction L of the spectator object 50, and a spectator object image representing a state in which the spectator object 50 is viewed from the viewpoint 52b is generated. That is, as shown in FIG. 9B, a spectator object image 53 representing a state in which the spectator object 50 is viewed from the left direction L of the spectator object 50 is generated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the viewpoint (viewpoint 52a, viewpoint 52b, etc.) when generating the audience object image is on the trajectory 51 such that the distance from the representative point 50a of the audience object 50 is a constant distance r. Is set.

  In the present embodiment, at least a part of the area other than the game screen drawing area on the VRAM is used as an area for drawing the spectator object image 53 (hereinafter referred to as a spectator object image drawing area). FIG. 10 shows an example of the spectator object image drawing area. As shown in FIG. 10, the spectator object image drawing area 54 is composed of 24 partial areas 55 of the same shape and size, which are 3 in the vertical direction and 8 in the horizontal direction. One partial region 55 is used for drawing one spectator object image 53. In the following description, it is assumed that identification information for uniquely identifying each partial region 55 (hereinafter referred to as a partial region ID) is set for each partial region 55 as shown in FIG. . Further, the partial area 55 of the partial area ID “n” is referred to as “nth partial area 55”.

  In S <b> 104, the audience object image 53 of the i-th audience object 50 is drawn in the i-th partial area 55.

  After S104 is executed, 1 is added to the value of the variable i (S105). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable i is 8 or less (S106). When the value of the variable i is 8 or less, S103 to S106 are executed again.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the state of the spectator object image drawing area 54 at the time when the value of the variable i is determined to be larger than 8 in S106. As shown in FIG. 11, audience object images 53-1 to 53-8 of the first to eighth audience objects 50 are drawn in the audience object image drawing area 54 at that time. That is, the audience object image 53-1 of the first audience object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-1 (first partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-2 of the second spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-2 (second partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-3 of the third spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial region 55-3 (third partial region 55). A spectator object image 53-4 of the fourth spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-4 (fourth partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-5 of the fifth spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-5 (fifth partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-6 of the sixth spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-6 (sixth partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-7 of the seventh spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-7 (seventh partial area 55). A spectator object image 53-8 of the eighth spectator object 50 is drawn in the partial area 55-8 (eighth partial area 55). In addition, in this audience object image drawing area 54 at this time, an audience object group image 56 in which the audience object images 53-1 to 53-8 of the first to eighth audience objects 50 are arranged in a horizontal row is formed. ing. In FIG. 11, the boundary lines of the partial areas 55 are represented by dotted lines, but in actuality, the dotted lines are not drawn (the same applies to FIG. 13 described later).

  If it is determined in S106 that the value of the variable i is greater than 8, processing for rendering the spectator object image 53 on the ninth to twenty-fourth partial regions 55 is executed.

  In the case of the present embodiment, for the ninth to twenty-fourth partial areas 55, the spectator object image 53 (spectator object images 53-1 to 53-8) drawn in the first to eighth partial areas 55. One of these is copied. Specifically, “the copy control table in which any of the first to eighth partial areas 55 is associated with each of the ninth to twenty-fourth partial areas 55 as the copy source partial area 55” is the main memory. 26 or any of the audience object images 53 drawn in the first to eighth partial areas 55 with respect to the ninth to twenty-fourth partial areas 55 in accordance with this copy control table. Is copied. FIG. 12 shows an example of a copy control table. In the copy control table shown in FIG. 12, each of the ninth to sixteenth partial regions 55 is associated with one of the first to eighth partial regions 55 so as not to overlap, and the seventeenth to twenty-fourth portions. Each of the regions 55 is associated with one of the first to eighth partial regions 55 so as not to overlap.

  In the process for drawing the spectator object image 53 in the ninth to twenty-fourth partial areas 55, first, the copy source partial area ID associated with the partial area ID “i” is substituted into the variable j ( S107). Then, the audience object image 53 drawn in the j-th partial area 55 is copied to the i-th partial area 55 (S108).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable i is 24 (S109). If the value of the variable i is not 24, 1 is added to the value of the variable i (S110), and S107 to S109 are executed again.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the state of the spectator object image drawing area 54 at the time point when the value of the variable i is determined to be 24 in S109. As shown in FIG. 13, three types of audience object group images 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3 are formed in the audience object image drawing area 54 at this time. The audience object group images 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 are common in that the audience object images 53 of the first to eighth audience objects 50 are images arranged in a horizontal row. The arrangement order of the audience object images 53 of the first to eighth audience objects 50 is different. That is, the above-described copy control table is set so that the arrangement order of the spectator object images 53 in the spectator object group images 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3 is different.

  If it is determined in S109 that the value of the variable i is 24, a process for placing the spectator expression object on the spectator seat object 46 is executed.

  Here, the audience expressing object will be described. In the present embodiment, two types of audience expression objects, an audience expression object A and an audience expression object B, are prepared.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the audience expression object A. As shown in FIG. 14, the audience expression object A58a is a plate-like object and is composed of a single polygon. That is, the audience expression object A58a is configured by a smaller number of polygons than the number of polygons constituting the audience object 50. One audience object image 53 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a. In FIG. 14, the audience object image 53 of the first audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of an object B for audience expression. As shown in FIG. 15, the audience expressing object B58b is also a plate-like object and is composed of a single polygon. That is, the audience expressing object B58b is also configured by a smaller number of polygons than the number of polygons constituting the audience object 50. Any one of the audience object group images 56 (audience object group images 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 shown in FIG. 13) formed in the audience object image drawing area 54 is mapped to the audience expression object B58b. The Therefore, the width of the audience expression object B58b is longer than that of the audience expression object A58a. The audience object group image 56-2 shown in FIG. 13 is mapped to the audience expression object B58b shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, an area (hereinafter referred to as an audience expression object arrangement area) for arranging an object for audience expression is set on the audience seat object 46. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the object arrangement area for audience expression. As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of rectangular audience representation object placement areas 60 are set on the spectator seat object 46.

  A spectator expression object arrangement area information table related to the spectator expression object arrangement area 60 is stored in the main memory 26. FIG. 17 shows an example of an object arrangement area information table for audience expression. As shown in FIG. 17, the audience expression object arrangement area information table includes an “audience expression object arrangement area ID” field, a “center point” field, a “vertex” field, and an “audience object group image type” field. And an “audience expression object type” field.

  In the “spectator expression object arrangement area ID” field, an audience expression object arrangement area ID for uniquely identifying the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is stored. Hereinafter, the spectator expression object arrangement area 60 having the spectator expression object arrangement area ID “n” is referred to as an “nth spectator expression object arrangement area 60”. The “center point” field stores the coordinates of the center point 60 a of the audience expression object placement area 60. The “vertex” field stores the coordinates of the vertices 60b of the audience expression object arrangement area 60.

  In the “audience object group image type” field, one of spectator object group images 56 (audience object group images 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 shown in FIG. 13) formed in the spectator object image drawing area 54 is displayed. Information for identifying is stored. In FIG. 17, “1”, “2”, and “3” stored in the “audience object group image type” field are respectively audience object group images 56-1, 56-2, 56-shown in FIG. 13. 3 is supported.

  Information indicating the type of spectator expression object (either spectator expression object A 58a or spectator expression object B 58b) placed in the spectator expression object placement area 60 is stored in the “spectator expression object type” field. The In FIG. 17, “A” and “B” stored in the “audience expression object type” field correspond to the audience expression object A 58 a and the audience expression object B 58 b, respectively.

  It should be noted that the center point coordinates, vertex coordinates, and audience object group image type of each audience representation object placement area 60 are predetermined. However, the audience representation object type in each audience representation object placement area 60 is determined each time by the following processing (S110 to S116) shown in FIG.

  In the process for arranging the spectator expression object on the spectator seat object 46, first, the value of the variable k is initialized to 1 (S110). Next, a distance d (a distance in the virtual three-dimensional space 40) between the center point 60a of the kth audience representation object arrangement region 60 and the virtual camera 48 is acquired (S111). Then, it is determined whether or not the distance d acquired in S111 is less than a predetermined reference distance D (S112). If the distance d is less than the reference distance D, the “spectator expression object type” field corresponding to the object expression area ID “k” for the audience expression is updated to “A” (S113). On the other hand, if the distance d is greater than or equal to the reference distance D, the “spectator expression object type” field corresponding to the audience expression object placement area ID “k” is updated to “B” (S114).

  After S113 or S114 is executed, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable k is N (S115). N is the total number of spectator expression object placement areas 60 set on the spectator seat object 46. If the value of the variable k is not N, 1 is added to the value of the variable k (S116), and then S111 to S115 are re-executed.

  On the other hand, if the value of the variable k is N, a game screen is generated based on the audience representation object placement area information table (S117). In other words, the virtual three-dimensional space 40 in which the spectator expression object A 58a or the spectator expression object B 58b is arranged in each spectator expression object arrangement area 60 of the spectator seat object 46 according to the spectator expression object arrangement area information table is virtualized. A game screen representing the state viewed from the camera 48 is drawn in the game screen drawing area of the VRAM. The game screen drawn on the VRAM is output to the monitor 18 at a predetermined timing.

  Here, the arrangement of spectator expression objects in the spectator expression object arrangement area 60 will be described.

  When the audience expression object type in the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is “A”, the audience expression object arrangement area 60 includes the first to eighth audience objects 50 (in other words, the first to first audience objects). A spectator expression object A58a corresponding to each of the spectator object images 53) of the eight spectator objects 50 is arranged.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the arrangement of spectator expression objects when the spectator expression object type in the spectator expression object arrangement area 60 is “A”. As shown in FIG. 18, in this case, eight audience expression objects A58a (audience expression objects A58a-1 to 58a-8) are arranged in the audience expression object arrangement area 60.

  Audience expressing objects A58a-1 to 58a-8 are arranged at equal intervals. The positions of the audience expression objects A 58 a-1 to 58 a-8 are calculated based on the coordinates of the vertices 60 b of the audience expression object arrangement area 60. The coordinates of each vertex 60b of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 are acquired from the audience expression object arrangement area information table.

  The audience object images 53 mapped to the audience expression objects A 58 a-1 to 58 a-8 are determined based on the audience object group image type of the audience expression object arrangement area 60. More specifically, the audience object images 53 included in the audience object group image 56 corresponding to the audience expression object placement area 60 are sequentially mapped to the audience expression objects A58a-1 to 58a-8.

  The example illustrated in FIG. 18 illustrates a case where the audience object group image type of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is “2”. For this reason, in FIG. 18, the audience object image 53 of the third audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-1. Further, the audience object image 53 of the sixth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-2. The audience object image 53 of the first audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-3. The audience object image 53 of the fifth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-4. The audience object image 53 of the seventh audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-5. The audience object image 53 of the second audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-6. The audience object image 53 of the eighth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-7. The audience object image 53 of the fourth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-8.

  For example, when the audience object group image type of the audience representation object arrangement area 60 is “1”, the audience object image 53 of the first audience object 50 is mapped to the audience representation object A58a-1. . In addition, the audience object image 53 of the second audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-2. The audience object image 53 of the third audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-3. The audience object image 53 of the fourth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-4. The audience object image 53 of the fifth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-5. The audience object image 53 of the sixth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-6. The audience object image 53 of the seventh audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-7. The audience object image 53 of the eighth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-8.

  Further, for example, when the audience object group image type of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is “3”, the audience object image 53 of the seventh audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-1. . The audience object image 53 of the fourth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-2. The audience object image 53 of the eighth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-3. The audience object image 53 of the sixth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-4. The audience object image 53 of the third audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-5. The audience object image 53 of the fifth audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-6. The audience object image 53 of the second audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-7. The audience object image 53 of the first audience object 50 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a-8.

  Further, posture control is individually performed on the audience expression objects A58a-1 to 58a-8 so as to face the virtual camera 48. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating posture control for the audience expression objects A58a-1 to 58a-3. As shown in FIG. 19, the orientation of the audience expression object A58a-1 is the front direction (normal direction) F1 of the audience expression object A58a-1, and the direction from the audience expression object A58a-1 to the virtual camera 48. And are controlled to match. Similarly, the posture of the audience expression object A58a-2 is controlled so that the front direction F2 of the audience expression object A58a-2 matches the direction from the audience expression object A58a-2 to the virtual camera 48. The posture of the audience expression object A58a-3 is controlled so that the front direction F3 of the audience expression object A58a-3 matches the direction from the audience expression object A58a-3 to the virtual camera 48. Although omitted in FIG. 19, the postures of the audience expression objects A58a-4 to 58a-8 are similarly controlled.

  Since the audience expression object A58a is a plate-like object, the audience may not be appropriately displayed on the game screen depending on the positional relationship between the virtual camera 48 and the audience expression object A58a. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the posture control is performed as described above, so that the audience is appropriately displayed on the game screen.

  FIG. 20 shows an example of the arrangement of spectator expression objects when the spectator expression object type in the spectator expression object arrangement area 60 is “B”. As shown in FIG. 20, in this case, one audience expression object B58b is arranged in the audience expression object arrangement area 60. In other words, when the audience representation object type in the audience representation object placement area 60 is “B”, it is placed in the audience representation object placement area 60 compared to when the audience representation object type is “A”. The number of audience expression objects to be reduced is reduced.

  The position of the audience expression object B58b is calculated based on the coordinates of each vertex 60b of the audience expression object placement area 60. The coordinates of each vertex 60b of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 are acquired from the audience expression object arrangement area information table.

  The audience object group image 56 mapped to the audience expression object B 58 b is determined based on the audience object group image type in the audience expression object arrangement area 60. More specifically, the audience object group image 56 corresponding to the audience object group image type of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is mapped to the audience expression object B58b. The example illustrated in FIG. 20 illustrates a case where the audience object group image type of the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is “2”. Therefore, in FIG. 20, the audience object group image 56-2 shown in FIG. 13 is mapped to the audience expression object B58b. For example, when the audience object group image type of the audience representation object arrangement area 60 is “1”, the audience object group image 56-1 shown in FIG. 13 is mapped to the audience representation object B58b, and the audience object group image When the type is “3”, the audience object group image 56-3 shown in FIG. 13 is mapped to the audience expression object B58b.

  Further, the attitude of the audience expression object B 58 b is controlled based on the Y-axis coordinates of the virtual camera 48. In other words, the posture control according to the position change of the virtual camera 48 in the Y-axis direction is performed on the posture of the audience expression object B58b. FIG. 21 is a diagram for describing posture control with respect to the object for object representation B58b. As shown in FIG. 21, when the Y-axis coordinate of the virtual camera 48 becomes larger than the Y-axis coordinate of the audience expression object B58b (or the audience expression object arrangement area 60 where the audience expression object B58b is arranged), The posture of the audience expression object B58b is controlled such that the front direction (normal direction) F of the audience expression object B58b intersects the Y-axis coordinates of the virtual camera 48. Thus, as the Y-axis coordinate of the virtual camera 48 increases, the audience expressing object B58b tilts backward. Since the audience expression object B58b is a plate-like object, the audience may not be appropriately displayed on the game screen depending on the positional relationship between the virtual camera 48 and the audience expression object B58b. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the posture control is performed as described above, so that even if the position of the virtual camera 48 changes in the Y-axis direction, the audience is appropriately displayed on the game screen. ing.

  Note that even if the position of the virtual camera 48 changes in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the audience expression object B58b), the attitude of the audience expression object B58b does not change. That is, for the audience expressing object B58b, the posture control according to the position change of the virtual camera 48 in the X-axis direction is restricted (suppressed). In the present embodiment, the spectator seat object 46 is formed in a staircase shape. In addition, the width of the audience expression object B58b is longer than that of the audience expression object A58a. Therefore, similarly to the audience expression object A58a, the position of the virtual camera 48 with respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the audience expression object B58b so that the audience expression object B58b always faces the virtual camera 48. If the posture of the audience expression object B58b is controlled according to the change, the audience expression object B58b is arranged across different stages of the spectator seat object 46, and as a result, the audience is unnatural on the game screen. May be displayed. In this regard, in the present embodiment, such a problem is prevented from occurring by performing the posture control as described above.

  Next, functions realized in the game apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram mainly showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized in the game apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 22, the game apparatus 10 functionally includes an object data storage unit 70, a spectator object posture information update unit 71 (posture information update unit), a display control unit 72, and a display unit 74. It is out. These functions are realized by, for example, reading a program for executing FIGS. 4 and 5 from the DVD-ROM 25 and executing it by the microprocessor 14.

[Object data storage]
The object data storage unit 70 is realized by the DVD-ROM 25 or the main memory 26, for example. The object data storage unit 70 stores data related to various objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 40. The object data storage unit 70 includes a spectator object data storage unit 76 and a spectator object posture information storage unit 78 (posture information storage means).

[Audience object data storage]
The audience object data storage unit 76 stores model data of the audience object 50 and a plurality of types of combinations of texture image data and support motion data corresponding to the model data (see FIG. 3).

[Audience Object Posture Information Storage Unit]
In the audience object attitude information storage unit 78, attitude information indicating the current attitude of the audience object 50 is stored (see FIG. 6).

[Audience Object Posture Information Update Unit]
The audience object posture information update unit 71 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 14, for example. The audience object attitude information update unit 71 updates the attitude information stored in the audience object attitude information storage unit 78 in response to the arrival of a given attitude update timing. In the case of the present embodiment, the spectator object posture information update unit 71 updates the posture information stored in the spectator object posture information storage unit 78 every predetermined time (1/60 seconds) (see S101 in FIG. 4). .

[Display control unit and display unit]
The display control unit 72 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 14, the main memory 26, and the image processing unit 16, for example. The display unit 74 is realized by the monitor 18, for example. Based on the data stored in the object data storage unit 70, the display control unit 72 generates a game screen that shows the virtual three-dimensional space 40 viewed from the virtual camera 48, and displays the game screen on the display unit 74. Let

  The display control unit 72 includes a spectator object image generation unit 80 (image generation unit), a spectator object image storage unit 82 (image storage unit), an audience expression object arrangement unit 84 (arrangement unit), and an arrangement mode control unit. 86 (control means).

[Audience object image generation unit and storage unit]
The spectator object image generation unit 80 is realized mainly by the microprocessor 14, the main memory 26, and the image processing unit 16, for example. The spectator object image storage unit 82 is realized by, for example, the VRAM included in the image processing unit 16 or the main memory 26. The spectator object image generation unit 80 views the spectator object image 53 (human person) representing a state in which “the spectator object 50 having the posture indicated by the posture information stored in the spectator object posture information storage unit 78” is viewed from a given direction. Image) and the audience object image 53 is stored in the audience object image storage unit 82.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the spectator object image generation unit 80 generates spectator object images 53 of the first to eighth spectator objects 50 and stores the spectator object images 53 in the spectator object image storage unit 82. (See FIG. 11). The spectator object image generation unit 80 also stores a plurality of types of spectator object group images 56 in the VRAM based on the spectator object images 53 of the first to eighth spectator objects 50 stored in the spectator object image storage unit 82. It is formed on top (see FIG. 13).

[Object placement part for audience expression]
The spectator expression object placement unit 84 is implemented mainly by the microprocessor 14, the main memory 26, and the image processing unit 16, for example. The audience representation object placement unit 84 places at least one audience representation object (image pasting object) in each audience representation object placement region 60 (given region), and the at least one audience. An image including at least one spectator object image 53 is mapped to each expression object.

  The audience representation object placement unit 84 includes a first audience representation object placement unit 88 (first placement unit) and a second audience representation object placement unit 90 (second placement unit).

[First Audience Representation Object Placement Section]
The first audience representation object placement unit 88 places the first number (8 in the present embodiment) of the audience representation objects A58a in one audience representation object placement area 60 ( (See FIG. 18). An image including the third number (one in the case of the present embodiment) of the audience object images 53 is mapped to the audience expression object A58a. Further, the first audience representation object placement unit 88 controls the posture of each audience representation object A58a based on the position of the audience representation object A58a and the position of the virtual camera 48 (see FIG. 19). .

[Second Audience Representation Object Placement Section]
The second audience representation object placement unit 90 has a second number (one in the case of this embodiment) of audiences smaller than the first number for one audience representation object placement area 60. An expression object B58b is arranged (see FIG. 20). A spectator object group image 56 is mapped to the spectator expression object B58b. That is, an image including the fourth number (eight in the case of the present embodiment) of the spectator object images 53, which is larger than the third number, is mapped to the spectator expression object B58b. The second audience representation object placement unit 90 controls the posture of each audience representation object B58b based on the position of the audience representation object B58b and the position of the virtual camera 48 (see FIG. 21). .

[Arrangement control unit]
The arrangement mode control unit 86 includes the number of audience expression objects arranged in the audience expression object arrangement area 60, the size of each audience expression object (horizontal width in the case of the present embodiment), and each audience expression. The number of spectator object images 53 included in the image mapped to the object for the object is set to the distance between the reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space 40 and the object expression area 60 for spectator expression. Control based on. In the present embodiment, the reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space 40 is the position of the virtual camera 48. When the virtual camera 48 follows a predetermined object (for example, a player object or a ball object to be operated) arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 40, the position of the predetermined object may be set as a reference position.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the arrangement mode control unit 86 determines the arrangement of the audience expression object with respect to the audience expression object arrangement area 60 for each audience expression object arrangement area 60. Which of the second audience representation object placement unit 90 is to be performed is between the position of the virtual camera 48 and the reference point (center point in the case of the present embodiment) of the audience representation object placement area 60. Determine based on the distance. More specifically, when the distance is less than a predetermined reference distance, the first audience representation object placement unit 88 places the audience representation object in the audience representation object placement area 60. On the other hand, when the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined reference distance, the second audience representation object placement unit 90 places the audience representation object in the audience representation object placement area 60.

  The arrangement mode control unit 86 may store information in which the distance in the virtual three-dimensional space 40 is associated with the number of spectator expression objects and the number of spectator object images 53. Then, the arrangement mode control unit 86 includes the number of spectator expression objects arranged in the spectator expression object arrangement area 60, and the number of spectator object images 53 included in the image mapped to each spectator expression object. May be determined based on this information and “the distance between the reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space 40 and the audience expression object placement region 60”. In addition, the arrangement mode control unit 86 stores information that associates the number of spectator object images 53 with the size of the spectator expression object (in the case of the present embodiment, the horizontal width). Also good. Then, the arrangement mode control unit 86 sets the size of each audience expression object arranged in the audience expression object arrangement area 60 to the audience object image 53 included in this information and the image mapped to each audience expression object. It may be determined based on the number of.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 10, there is a state in which a large number of spectators are present in the spectator seat by arranging the spectator expression objects for expressing the eight spectators in each spectator expression object arrangement region 60. Expressed. If the audience is displayed relatively large on the game screen, the player may feel dissatisfied if the audience is not shown finely on the game screen (if insufficient audience expression is performed). is there. On the other hand, when the audience is displayed relatively small on the game screen, there is a low possibility that the player will be dissatisfied even if the audience is not shown finely on the game screen. In this regard, in the game apparatus 10, when the distance between the virtual camera 48 and the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is small (that is, when the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is displayed relatively large on the game screen). In this case, eight audience expression objects A58a are arranged in the audience expression object arrangement area 60. In this case, one spectator object image is mapped to each spectator expression object A58a, and the posture of each spectator expression object A58a is the position of the spectator expression object A58a, the position of the virtual camera 48, Is controlled so as to face the virtual camera 48, the spectator is finely displayed on the game screen. On the other hand, when the distance between the virtual camera 48 and the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is large (that is, when the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is displayed relatively small on the game screen), the audience expression. One spectator expression object B 58 b is arranged in the object arrangement area 60. In this case, a spectator object group image 56 including eight spectator object images 53 is mapped to one spectator expression object B58b, and there is a certain restriction on the posture control of the spectator expression object B58b. It can be applied. In this case, the audience is not shown finely on the game screen, but the processing load on the audience expression is reduced. As described above, according to the game device 10, it is possible to reduce the processing load in the case where a state where a large number of spectators are present in the spectator seat is expressed while the player does not feel dissatisfied.

  In this embodiment, the spectator object image 53 is generated every predetermined time. However, a spectator image created in advance (an image representing the spectator) is read from, for example, the DVD-ROM 25 and is stored on the VRAM (audience object image). You may make it memorize | store in the area | region equivalent to the drawing area | region 54). Then, an image including this spectator image may be mapped to the spectator expression object A 58a or the spectator expression object B 58b. Even in this way, it is possible to express how many spectators are in the audience seats, and it is also possible to reduce the processing load when expressing how many spectators are in the audience seats. is there.

  Further, in the game apparatus 10, a spectator object image 53 representing a state in which “the spectator object 50 performing the cheering operation” is viewed from a given direction is drawn on the VRAM. In the virtual three-dimensional space 40, a large number of spectator expressing objects, which are plate-like objects composed of one polygon, are arranged, and each spectator expressing object includes a spectator object image 53 drawn on the VRAM. Is mapped. Then, a game screen representing a state in which the virtual three-dimensional space 40 in which a large number of spectator expressing objects as described above are arranged is viewed from the virtual camera 48 is generated, and the game screen is displayed on the monitor 18. In this way, in the game apparatus 10, a state in which a large number of spectators perform a support operation is displayed on the game screen.

  According to the game device 10, it is possible to realize an expression of how many spectators perform a support operation while reducing the processing load. When a large number of spectator objects 50 are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 40 in order to express a state in which a large number of spectators perform a cheering operation, coordinate conversion is performed on each polygon of each spectator object 50 when generating a game screen. Since processing or the like has to be executed, the processing load becomes heavy. For example, when 500 singular object objects 50 composed of 100 polygons are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space 40, coordinate conversion processing for 50000 (= 100 × 500) polygons must be executed. No longer. In this regard, according to the game apparatus 10, first, in order to generate the audience object image 53 of the one type of audience object 50, coordinate conversion processing or the like is executed for 100 polygons, and then 500 audience representations are performed. For example, coordinate conversion processing or the like may be performed on polygons constituting the object (audience expression object A58a), that is, 500 (= 1 × 500) polygons. That is, it is only necessary to execute a coordinate conversion process for 600 (= 100 + 500) polygons.

  In the game apparatus 10, the audience object image 53 of each of the first to eighth audience objects 50 is drawn on the VRAM. A plurality of types of audience object group images 56 are formed on the VRAM by copying the audience object image 53 drawn on the VRAM. If there is only one type of spectator object group image 56, the pattern of the spectator group displayed on the game screen is uniformed, and the reality may be impaired. In this regard, in the game apparatus 10, since a plurality of types of audience object group images 56 are generated, it is possible to prevent the pattern of the audience group displayed on the game screen from being uniform, and the reality is not impaired. It becomes possible to plan. In the game apparatus 10, a plurality of types of audience object group images 56 are generated on the VRAM by copying the audience object images 53 of the first to eighth audience objects 50 drawn on the VRAM. Therefore, a plurality of types of audience object group images 56 are generated relatively easily.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, the copy control table may be created in advance, or may be generated based on random numbers at the timing when the first half or the second half of the soccer game is started, for example. Further, for example, the audience object group type of each audience expression object arrangement area 60 may be determined based on random numbers at the timing when the first half or the second half of the soccer game is started, for example.

  Further, for example, each audience representation object placement area 60 is associated with either one of two teams performing a game, and the colors of the vertices of the audience representation objects placed in each audience presentation object placement area 60 Information (RGB values) may be controlled based on a team associated with the audience expression object arrangement area 60. For example, as the color information (RGB value) of each vertex of the audience expression object arranged in each audience expression object arrangement area 60, the color information corresponding to the team associated with the audience expression object arrangement area 60 is obtained. You may make it set. In this way, the audience supporting one team and the audience supporting the other team may be suitably expressed.

  Further, for example, the present invention can be applied to cases other than the case where a state where a large number of spectators are present in the spectator seat is expressed. The present invention can be applied to the case where a large number of people are represented. The present invention can also be applied to a case where a state in which a large number of objects (for example, trees) are present is expressed.

  Further, for example, in the above description, the program is supplied from the DVD-ROM 25 as an information storage medium to the consumer game machine 11, but the program may be distributed to a home or the like via a communication network. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a program distribution system using a communication network. A program distribution method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the program distribution system 100 includes a game database 102, a server 104, a communication network 106, a personal computer 108, a consumer game machine 110, and a PDA (personal digital assistant) 112. Among these, the game database 102 and the server 104 constitute a program distribution device 114. The communication network 106 includes, for example, the Internet and a cable television network. In this system, a game database (information storage medium) 102 stores a program similar to the content stored in the DVD-ROM 25. Then, when a consumer makes a game distribution request using the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, or the like, it is transmitted to the server 104 via the communication network 106. Then, the server 104 reads the program from the game database 102 in response to the game distribution request, and transmits it to the game distribution request source such as the personal computer 108, the home game machine 110, the PDA 112, and the like. Here, the game is distributed in response to the game distribution request, but the server 104 may transmit the game unilaterally. Further, it is not always necessary to distribute (collectively distribute) all programs necessary for realizing the game at a time, and a necessary portion may be distributed (divided distribution) according to the situation of the game. If the game is distributed via the communication network 106 in this way, the consumer can easily obtain the program.

It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the game device which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of virtual three-dimensional space. It is a figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in DVD-ROM. It is a flowchart shown about the process performed with a game device. It is a flowchart shown about the process performed with a game device. It is a figure which shows an example of a motion data reproduction | regeneration status table. It is a figure which shows the example of the positional relationship of a spectator seat object and a virtual camera. It is a figure explaining the viewpoint at the time of producing | generating a spectator object image. It is a figure which shows an example of a spectator object image. It is a figure shown about a spectator object image drawing area | region. It is a figure shown about a spectator object image drawing area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of a copy control table. It is a figure shown about a spectator object image drawing area | region. It is a figure which shows an example of the object A for audience expression. It is a figure which shows an example of the object B for audience expression. It is a figure shown about the object arrangement | positioning area | region for audience expression. It is a figure which shows an example of the object arrangement | positioning area | region information table for audience expression. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the object for audience expression. It is a figure shown about attitude | position control of the object for object representation. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the object for audience expression. It is a figure shown about attitude | position control of the object for object representation. It is a functional block diagram of the game device concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the program delivery system which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game device, 11,110 Home-use game machine, 12 bus | bath, 14 Microprocessor, 16 Image processing part, 18 Monitor, 20 Sound processing part, 22 Speaker, 24 DVD-ROM reproduction | regeneration part, 25 DVD-ROM, 26 Main memory , 28 Memory card, 30 Input / output processing unit, 32 Controller, 40 Virtual three-dimensional space, 42 Field object, 44 Goal object, 46 Audience seat object, 48, 48a, 48b Virtual camera, 50 Audience object, 50a Representative point, 51 Orbit, 52a, 52b Viewpoint, 53, 53-1, 53-2, 53-3, 53-4, 53-5, 53-6, 53-7, 53-8 Audience object image, 54 Audience object image drawing area 55, 55-1, 55-2, 55-3, 55-4, 55 5, 55-6, 55-7, 55-8 Partial region, 56, 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 Audience object group image, 58a, 58a-1, 58a-2, 58a-3, 58a- 4, 58a-5, 58a-6, 58a-7, 58a-8 Audience Representation Object A, 58b Audience Representation Object B, 60 Audience Representation Object Placement Area, 60a Center Point, 60b Vertex, 70 Object Data Storage 71 Audience object attitude information update unit, 72 Display control unit, 74 Display unit, 76 Audience object data storage unit, 78 Audience object attitude information storage unit, 80 Audience object image generation unit, 82 Audience object image storage unit, 84 Audience expression Object placement unit, 86 placement mode control unit, 88 first audience expression object placement unit, 90 second object representation object arrangement unit, 100 program distribution system, 102 game database, 104 server, 106 communication network, 108 personal computer, 112 personal digital assistant (PDA), 114 program distribution device.

Claims (6)

In an image processing apparatus that displays a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint,
Image storage means for storing at least one human image representing a person or object image representing an object;
A plurality of image pasting objects are arranged at predetermined intervals in a given area of the virtual three-dimensional space, and the human image or the object image is transferred to each of the plurality of image pasting objects . First arrangement means for attaching an image including the number ;
One image pasting object is arranged in the given region, and the human image or the object image includes a fourth number larger than the third number for the image pasting object. A second arrangement means for attaching an image;
And the reference position that is set before Symbol virtual three-dimensional space, the given case region and is less than the reference distance the distance between the arrangement of image sticking object first to the given region Control means for causing the second placement means to place the image pasting object in the given area when the distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance ;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Said first positioning means and said second positioning means, the posture of the image sticking object, characterized in that it comprises a position of the image sticking object, the position of the viewpoint, the means for controlling, based on Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the reference position is a position of the viewpoint. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Attitude information storage means for storing attitude information indicating the attitude of at least one human object or object object;
Attitude information update means for updating the attitude information stored in the attitude information storage means in response to the arrival of a given attitude update timing;
When the posture information stored in the posture information storage means is updated, the human object that takes the posture indicated by the posture information stored in the posture information storage means for each of the at least one human object or object object Or an image generation unit that generates an image representing a state in which the object object is viewed from a given direction, and stores the image in the image storage unit as the person image or the object image,
The image pasting object is composed of a smaller number of polygons than the number of polygons constituting the human object or the object object.
An image processing apparatus. In a control method of an image processing apparatus that displays a state in which a virtual three-dimensional space is viewed from a given viewpoint,
The first arrangement means arranges a plurality of image pasting objects at given intervals in a given region of the virtual three-dimensional space, and a human image representing a person for each of the plurality of image pasting objects Or a first arrangement step for applying an image including a third number of the human images or the object images stored in an image storage means that stores at least one object image representing an object;
The second arrangement means arranges one image pasting object in the given area, and the human image or the object image is larger than the third number for the image pasting object. A second placement step of pasting an image comprising four pieces;
When the distance between the reference position set in the virtual three-dimensional space and the given area is less than the reference distance , the control unit arranges the image pasting object in the given area. A control step for causing the first placement means to cause the second placement means to place an image pasting object in the given area when the distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance ;
A control method for an image processing apparatus. A program for causing a computer to function as an image processing apparatus that displays a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a given viewpoint,
Image storage means for storing at least one human image representing a person or object image representing an object;
A plurality of image pasting objects are arranged at predetermined intervals in a given area of the virtual three-dimensional space, and the human image or the object image is transferred to each of the plurality of image pasting objects . A first arrangement means for affixing an image including the number thereof;
One image pasting object is arranged in the given region, and the human image or the object image includes a fourth number larger than the third number for the image pasting object. A second arrangement means for attaching an image; and
And the reference position that is set before Symbol virtual three-dimensional space, the given case region and is less than the reference distance the distance between the arrangement of image sticking object first to the given region Control means for causing the second placement means to place the image pasting object in the given area when the distance is equal to or greater than the reference distance ;
A program for causing the computer to function as

Images