JP4349551B2 - Image generation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation system and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image generation system that generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space is known, and is popular as being able to experience so-called virtual reality. Taking an image generation system that can enjoy a racing game as an example, a player operates a racing car (object) to run in the object space and competes with other racing cars operated by other players and computers. Enjoy a 3D game.
[0003]
In such an image generation system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the player's virtual reality. A technique called multi-texture mapping is known as a technique that can dramatically improve the detail expression of an image with a small number of polygons. In this multi-texture mapping (multi-texture blending), a plurality of textures are superimposed on one object (polygon). Therefore, according to this multi-texture mapping, various high-detail images that cannot be expressed by the conventional texture mapping in which only one texture is mapped can be expressed.
[0004]
However, this multi-texture mapping has a problem that the processing load of hardware is very heavy. Therefore, this multi-texture mapping is used in the CG world where real-time property of image generation is not required, but in image generation systems such as home and business game systems that require real-time property of image generation, Currently, such a multi-texture mapping function is not supported by hardware. Therefore, in an image generation system that does not support such a multi-texture mapping function, how to realize multi-texture mapping with a small processing load is an important issue.
[0005]
Furthermore, in home and business game systems, it has become an important issue to provide games that do not get bored over a long period of time. For that purpose, it is desirable to prepare objects of various designs that can meet the demands of players of a wide range of objects (racing cars, fighting game characters, etc.) operated by the player.
[0006]
However, the storage capacity of the memory of the image generation system is finite, and there is a limit to the increase in the types of objects operated by the player. Therefore, an important issue is how many types of objects can be provided to the player without consuming much storage capacity of the memory.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and an information storage medium that can realize multi-texture mapping with a small processing load.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and an information storage medium capable of increasing the variety of design of objects operated by a player without consuming much storage capacity.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image generation system for generating an image, which performs geometry processing on an object and stores object data after the geometry processing in a storage means; A drawing unit that draws the object based on the processed object data and the texture stored in the texture storage unit; and a unit that changes the texture mapped to the object, the drawing unit including the storage unit Based on the object data after geometry processing and the texture after modification, the object mapped with the texture after modification is drawn on the object mapped with the texture before modification. To do. The information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. The program according to the present invention is a program (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) that can be used by a computer, and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.
[0010]
According to the present invention, the object data after the geometry processing is stored in the storage means and saved without being erased. Then, the object is drawn based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture before the change. Then, the object drawn by the saved object data after the geometry processing and the texture after the change are overwritten on the object. In this way, multi-texture mapping can be realized even in an image generation system or the like that does not support the multi-texture mapping function. Moreover, according to the present invention, the geometry processing of the object can be performed only once. Therefore, multi-texture mapping can be realized with a small processing load.
[0011]
The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention issue a first command that calls object data after geometry processing from the storage unit, transfers the object data to the drawing unit, and returns to the calling source. Issuing a second command for transferring the texture after the change to the texture storage means, and then reissuing the first command to call again the object data after the geometry processing from the storage means to draw the drawing means It is characterized by transferring to. By effectively using the first command for returning to the call after calling the object data, the reuse of the object data after the geometry processing can be realized with a small processing load.
[0012]
In the image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention, the texture before the change is a texture that represents the background of the object, and the texture after the change is a texture that represents an overlay object with respect to the background. Features. In this way, for example, an object with a different design can be expressed simply by changing the texture of the ground while using the texture of the same overlay object. Therefore, the diversity of object design can be increased with a small consumption of storage capacity.
[0013]
The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention are characterized in that anti-aliasing using a translucent process is performed on the contour of the texture overlay after the change. In this way, it is possible to prevent the jagged outline of the overlay object from being noticeable regardless of the difference in the color or the like of the background texture.
[0014]
The present invention is also an image generation system for generating an image, wherein an editing screen for the player to edit at least one texture among a plurality of textures to be multi-textured mapped to an object operated by the player is provided. A player operates a plurality of textures including a means for displaying, a means for performing an operation for moving or moving an object based on operation data input by the player through the operation means, and a texture edited by the player. And means for drawing the object so that the multi-texture mapping is performed on the object. The information storage medium according to the present invention is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. The program according to the present invention is a program (including a program embodied in a carrier wave) that can be used by a computer, and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.
[0015]
According to the present invention, the player can edit at least one texture among a plurality of textures subjected to multi-texture mapping on the editing screen. The player can operate or move or operate an object in which a plurality of textures including the edited texture are subjected to multi-texture mapping. Therefore, the variety of the design of the object operated by the player can be increased without consuming much storage capacity. In addition, since multi-texture mapping is used in the present invention, for example, when the player edits the first texture, the effect of the editing does not reach the other second texture. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which the color scheme or the design becomes unnatural due to the player changing the first texture.
[0016]
The image generation system, information storage medium, and program according to the present invention may be configured such that the editing screen displays a palette color used for at least one texture among a plurality of textures that are multi-textured mapped to an object operated by the player. This is a screen for the player to select or edit. If the player can change the color of the texture palette in this way, the texture pattern mapped to the object can be changed in various ways by simple editing operations of the player, and the degree of variety in the design of the object Can be increased.
[0017]
The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention include the K1... K1 selected or edited when the player selects or edits the color index number K1... KN of the palette. -Colors of other color index numbers are automatically generated based on the color of the color index number of KN. In this way, when the player simply selects or edits the color of the color index numbers of K1... KN, the colors of other color index numbers are automatically determined. Therefore, the object design can be variously changed by simple editing operations of the player.
[0018]
The image generation system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present invention are characterized in that the texture edited by the player on the editing screen is a texture representing a background of an object operated by the player. In this way, the player can operate various objects with different backgrounds, and can provide a game that does not get tired for a long time. Further, by limiting the editing target of the player to the background texture, it is possible to prevent a situation where the final object design to which other textures are mapped becomes unnatural.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a racing game will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various games.
[0020]
1. Constitution
FIG. 1 shows an example of a block diagram of this embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment may include at least the processing unit 100 (or may include the processing unit 100 and the storage unit 170, or the processing unit 100, the storage unit 170, and the information storage medium 180), and other blocks. (For example, the operation unit 160, the display unit 190, the sound output unit 192, the portable information storage device 194, and the communication unit 196) can be arbitrary constituent elements.
[0021]
Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. , DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a given program (game program).
[0022]
The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.
[0023]
The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 or the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.
[0024]
An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk. It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic tape or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or program and data) for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100).
[0025]
Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the system is powered on. Information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes program code, image data, sound data, display object shape data, table data, list data, and data for instructing the processing of the present invention. It includes at least one of information, information for performing processing according to the instruction, and the like.
[0026]
The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, LCD, or HMD (head mounted display).
[0027]
The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.
[0028]
The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, save data, and the like. As the portable information storage device 194, a memory card, a portable game device, and the like can be considered.
[0029]
The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions as hardware such as various processors or a communication ASIC. Or by a program.
[0030]
The program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. Good. Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0031]
The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 110, an image processing unit 140, and a sound processing unit 150.
[0032]
Here, the game processing unit 110 receives coins (cost), various mode setting processing, game progress processing, selection screen setting processing, object position and rotation angle (rotation angle around X, Y, or Z axis). , Processing to move the object (motion processing), processing to determine the viewpoint position and line-of-sight angle (gaze direction), processing to place objects such as map objects in the object space, hit check processing, game results (results, results) ), Various game processes such as a process for a plurality of players to play in a common game space, a game over process, etc., from the operation data from the operation unit 160 and the portable information storage device 194. This is based on personal data, stored data, game programs, etc.
[0033]
The image processing unit 140 performs various types of image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110. The sound processing unit 150 performs various types of sound processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110 and the like.
[0034]
Note that all of the functions of the image processing unit 140 and the sound processing unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.
[0035]
The game processing unit 110 includes an edit screen display unit 112 and a movement / motion calculation unit 114.
[0036]
Here, the edit screen display unit 112 displays an edit screen for the player to edit at least one of a plurality of textures that are multi-texture mapped to an object (such as a car or a fighting game character) operated by the player. Process to display. In this case, the multi-texture mapping may be realized by mapping a plurality of textures on one object, or may be realized by drawing an object on which different textures are mapped.
[0037]
The movement / movement calculation unit 114 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data of each part of the object, rotation angle data) of an object such as a car. Based on the operation data input by the player, the game program, etc., the process of moving or moving the object is performed.
[0038]
More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 114 performs processing for obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object every frame (1/60 seconds), for example. For example, the position of the object 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 speed VMk of the object in the k frame are obtained by the following equations (1) and (2), for example.
[0039]
PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
The image processing unit 140 includes a geometry processing unit (three-dimensional coordinate calculation unit) 142, a texture change unit 144, and a drawing unit (rendering unit) 146.
[0040]
Here, the geometry processing unit 142 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional coordinate calculation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation. In the present embodiment, the object data after the geometry processing (after perspective transformation) (object vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, normal vector, etc.) is stored in the main memory 172 of the storage unit 170. Saved.
[0041]
The texture changing unit 144 performs processing for changing the texture mapped to the object. More specifically, for example, a process of changing the texture mapped to the object from a texture expressing the background of the object to a texture expressing an overlay object (such as a sticker) with respect to the background.
[0042]
The drawing unit 146 performs processing for drawing an object based on the object data after the geometry processing (after perspective transformation) and the texture stored in the texture storage unit 176. In this embodiment, the drawing unit 146 uses the object data after the geometry processing stored in the main memory 172 and the texture changed by the texture changing unit 144 to change the texture to which the texture before the change is mapped. Above, the object to which the texture after the change is mapped is drawn (α blending). In this way, even in an image generation system that does not support the multi-texture mapping function, multi-texture mapping can be realized with a small processing load.
[0043]
Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, or not only the single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. The system may also be provided.
[0044]
Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals.
[0045]
2. Features of this embodiment
(1) Reuse of object data after geometry processing
In the CG world, a technique called multi-texture mapping, in which a plurality of textures are superimposed on an object, is known as a method for improving the detail expression of an object image.
[0046]
However, in an image generation system such as a game system that requires real-time processing, such a multi-texture mapping function (multi-texture mapping in a narrow sense of mapping a plurality of textures to one object) has a function. Currently it is not supported.
[0047]
Therefore, how to realize multi-texture mapping in an image generation system that does not support such multi-texture mapping function is an important issue.
[0048]
In this case, for example, an image generation system that does not support the multi-texture mapping function can be achieved by adopting a technique in which an object to which the second texture is mapped is simply superimposed on an object to which the first texture is mapped. Also in the multi-texture mapping can be realized.
[0049]
However, according to this method, the processing load is, for example, about twice that in the case where only one texture is mapped to an object. This increase in processing load is not a problem in CG where there is no time limit for drawing an image for one frame, but an image that requires real-time processing that all drawing processing must be completed within one frame. This is a serious problem in production systems.
[0050]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the object data after the geometry processing is stored in the main memory, and the stored object data is reused to solve the problem of increasing the processing load.
[0051]
More specifically, as shown in (A1) of FIG. 2, geometry processing is performed based on the object data (object vertex coordinates, vertex texture coordinates, luminance, normal vector, etc.) in the main memory, and the geometry processing is performed. The subsequent object data is stored in the main memory and saved without being erased. That is, based on the object data, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, and perspective transformation is performed, and the object data after perspective transformation is stored in the main memory.
[0052]
Next, as shown in (A2) of FIG. 2, texture 1 (for example, the texture of the background) is transferred to the texture storage unit (texture storage area) of the VRAM (may be transferred before geometry processing).
[0053]
Next, as shown in FIG. 2A3, an object is drawn in the frame buffer of the VRAM based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture 1 stored in the texture storage unit. As a result, an object to which the texture 1 is mapped is drawn on the frame buffer.
[0054]
Next, as shown in (A4) of FIG. 2, texture 2 (for example, the texture of an overlay such as a sticker) is transferred to the texture storage unit, and the texture mapped to the object is changed from texture 1 to texture 2.
[0055]
Next, as shown in (A5) of FIG. 2, an object is stored in the frame buffer based on the object data after the geometry processing stored in the main memory and the texture 2 stored in the texture storage unit. Overlapping and drawing by blending. As a result, the object to which the texture 2 is mapped is drawn on the object to which the texture 1 is mapped.
[0056]
By performing the above processing within one frame, multi-texture mapping (broad sense) can be realized even in an image generation system that does not support the multi-texture mapping (narrow sense) function.
[0057]
In addition, in the present embodiment, drawing of the object to which the texture 2 after the change is mapped is performed based on the object data after the geometry processing already stored in the main memory. Accordingly, it is not necessary to perform the geometry processing on the object again, and only one time is required. Therefore, multi-texture mapping can be realized without increasing the processing load so much.
[0058]
In particular, the geometry processing (three-dimensional coordinate calculation) needs to be performed on all the vertices of the object, and is a very heavy processing. Therefore, the processing load can be greatly reduced by performing this geometry processing only once instead of performing it twice.
[0059]
In the above description, the case where two textures are overlapped and mapped has been described. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to a case where three or more textures are overlapped and mapped. Even when three or more textures are overlapped and mapped in this way, according to the present embodiment, the geometry processing is only required once.
[0060]
In the present embodiment, reuse of object data after geometry processing is realized by using the following command.
[0061]
That is, as shown in FIG. 3B1, first, a texture 1 transfer command is issued. As a result, the texture 1 is transferred to the texture storage unit of the VRAM.
[0062]
Next, a CALL (call) command is issued as shown in FIG. Thereby, the object data after the geometry processing is called from the main memory and transferred to the drawing unit. When the transfer of the object data is completed, the RET (return) command written at the end of the object data returns the processing to the caller as shown in (B3) of FIG. Will be issued. Thereby, as shown in (B4) of FIG. 3, the texture 2 is transferred to the texture storage unit, and the texture mapped to the object is rewritten.
[0063]
Next, as shown in (B5) of FIG. 3, the CALL command is issued again. Thereby, the object data after the geometry processing is transferred to the drawing unit, and the object data after the geometry processing can be reused.
[0064]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, the object data after geometry processing can be reused by using the CALL command to call the object data after geometry processing and return to the caller after transferring the object data. Realized with a small processing load.
[0065]
4A and 4B show examples of textures used in this embodiment.
[0066]
A texture 1 (texture before change) in FIG. 4A is a texture expressing the background of a car (object). The texture 2 (texture after change) in FIG. 4B is a texture that represents an overlay object (sticker, bib, window, blinker, etc.) with respect to the background.
[0067]
5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B show examples of car images generated in the present embodiment.
[0068]
FIG. 5A is an example of a car image in which only texture 1 (background) in FIG. 4A is mapped. FIG. 5B is an example of a car image in which textures 1 and 2 in FIGS. 4A and 4B are multi-textured.
[0069]
On the other hand, FIG. 6A is an example of an image of a car in which only a background texture 1 ′ (two-tone background) different from the texture 1 in FIG. 4A is mapped. FIG. 6B is an example of a car image in which the texture 1 ′ and the texture 2 of FIG. 4B are multi-textured.
[0070]
As can be understood by comparing FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, in this embodiment, by changing the texture of the background, the shape of the object is the same, but the design has a completely different impression. It has succeeded in expressing a visible car.
[0071]
Moreover, in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, the texture 2 representing an overlay object such as a sticker is commonly used. That is, the increase in the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit when expressing a car with a design as shown in FIG. 6B is only an increase in the texture of the new background. Thus, in this embodiment, it has succeeded in expressing the car of various designs, without increasing the use memory capacity of a texture memory | storage part so much.
[0072]
In addition to the sticker, bib, window, and winker, various overlay objects that can improve the detail expression of the image, such as dirt and shadows, can be considered as the overlay object for the background. For example, if a dirt texture is used, it is possible to express how the surface of the car gradually gets dirty as it travels. Moreover, since multi-texture mapping is used in the present embodiment, the influence of one texture does not affect other textures. For example, even when the dirt texture is sequentially rewritten, it does not affect the underlying texture. For this reason, when a car enters the water, it is possible to immediately return to a car without dirt by not mapping the dirt texture.
[0073]
Further, the number of textures mapped in an overlapping manner may be three or more.
[0074]
Note that it is desirable to perform anti-aliasing using a translucent process on the outline of the overlay object expressed by the texture 2.
[0075]
For example, as shown by C1 in FIG. 7, the periphery of the outline 10 of the overlay object is made translucent and gradient is applied so that the translucency gradually changes. In this way, the jaggedness of the contour 10 becomes inconspicuous and the contour 10 looks smooth.
[0076]
In this case, in the present embodiment, since the background and the overlay are expressed by different textures, anti-aliasing as shown by C1 in FIG. 7 can be expressed by a texture using a palette with a small number of colors.
[0077]
That is, consider a case where the background texture color is gradient as shown in C2 of FIG. In such a case, if anti-aliasing is realized using only one texture without separating the texture of the background and the overlay, the number of colors in the texture palette increases greatly (for example, 32768 colors). This increases the storage capacity of the texture storage unit.
[0078]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the background and the overlay object are expressed by different textures, and therefore, as shown by C1 in FIG. Anti-aliasing can be realized simply by preparing the texture of one overlay object that has been subjected to transparency processing. Therefore, the number of colors in the palette of each texture can be reduced (for example, 256 colors), and the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit can be saved.
[0079]
(2) Editing texture
In the present embodiment, the player can edit at least one texture among a plurality of textures that are multi-texture mapped to a car (an object operated by the player in a broad sense).
[0080]
8A and 8B show examples of texture editing screens.
[0081]
First, the player selects a car whose texture is to be edited on the editing screen shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 8A, the player has a type 1 car having a monotone background in which all parts of P1 are painted in one color, and a two-tone background in which parts of P1 and P2 are separately colored in two colors. Select the desired car from Type 2 and 3 cars.
[0082]
Next, the player selects (or edits) the color of the background texture palette on the editing screen of FIG. That is, when the two-tone type 2 car is selected in FIG. 8A, the color 1 of the P1 portion and the color 2 of the P2 portion are selected (or edited). .
[0083]
For example, if red is selected as the color of the P1 portion and white is selected as the color of the P2 portion, the background portion of the car is separately painted in red and white. As a result, for example, a car having a ground texture as shown in FIG. Then, the vehicle as shown in FIG. 6B is created by superimposing the texture of the overlay on the underlying texture. In the actual game, the player can enjoy the game by operating the car designed in this way. That is, each player can enjoy the game by operating his / her own original car, and can provide a game that does not get tired for a long time.
[0084]
In particular, according to the present embodiment, since a plurality of textures are subjected to multi-texture mapping, even if one texture among them is edited, the other textures are not affected. For example, even if the player changes the color of the base texture palette, the effect does not reach the color of the overlay texture palette. Therefore, the player can freely edit the color of the palette of the background texture without any restrictions.
[0085]
In other words, if the player changes the palette color of the underlying texture, if the palette color of the overlay texture is also changed, the overlay color scheme becomes unnatural or the car design becomes unnatural. May occur. Furthermore, the management of palette colors becomes complicated.
[0086]
If the texture can be edited independently by the player as in this embodiment, the effect of editing one texture does not affect other textures, and the above situation occurs. Can be prevented.
[0087]
In the present embodiment, on the basis of the color selected (or edited) by the player, the color of the color index number of the color is automatically generated.
[0088]
For example, in FIG. 9A, the player selects color 1 with color index number 0 and color 2 with color index number 255. In this case, the colors of other color index numbers 1 to 254 are automatically generated by interpolating colors 1 and 2. In this way, as shown in FIG. 9B, the color is gradually changed from color 1 to color 2 at the boundary 12 between color 1 and color 2 (the boundary between P1 and P2 in FIG. 8B). In this case, the color at the boundary 12 can be obtained by interpolation processing. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, colors with color index numbers 1 to 254 are automatically generated based on colors 1 and 2 with color index numbers 0 and 255. Then, as indicated by D1 in FIG. 9B, the color index number of the color at the boundary 12 is gradually changed to 0, 1, 2,. In this way, the color at the boundary 12 changes smoothly, and a situation in which aliasing occurs at the boundary 12 can be prevented.
[0089]
In this embodiment, even if the colors of the color index numbers 1 to 254 change according to the colors 1 and 2 selected (or edited) by the player as described above, the influence is an overlay object as described above. It does not reach the texture of. Accordingly, there is no situation where the coloration of the overlay object becomes unnatural or the car design becomes unnatural due to the change of the color index number 1 to 254 of the background texture.
[0090]
In addition, when the outline 10 of the overlay object shown in C1 of FIG. 7 overlaps the location of the boundary 12 of FIG. 9B, when trying to realize anti-aliasing by a method using only one texture, The number of colors in the palette of the texture becomes very large (for example, 32768 colors).
[0091]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, in order to realize anti-aliasing of the overlay object, it is only necessary to devise the translucency and color of the texture of the overlay object as shown in FIG. There is no need to devise anything. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of colors in the palettes of the textures of both the background and the overlay (for example, both 256 colors), and it is possible to save the used storage capacity of the texture storage unit.
[0092]
3. Processing of this embodiment
Next, a detailed example of the processing of this embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0093]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the multi-texture mapping process described in FIG.
[0094]
First, geometry processing is performed based on object data. That is, the object is coordinate-transformed from the local coordinate system to the world coordinate system (step S1), and then coordinate-transformed from the world coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system (step S2). Then, clipping processing is performed (step S3), and perspective transformation to the screen coordinate system is performed (step S4).
[0095]
Next, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the object data after the perspective transformation is stored in the main memory and saved (step S5). Then, the texture 1 mapped to the object is transferred to the VRAM (step S6).
[0096]
Next, an object is drawn in the frame buffer based on the object data after perspective transformation stored in the main memory in step S5 and the texture 1 transferred to the VRAM in step S6 (step S7).
[0097]
Next, the texture 2 to be mapped to the object is transferred to the VRAM (step S8). Then, the object is drawn in the frame buffer based on the object data after the perspective transformation stored in the main memory in step S5 and the texture 2 transferred to the VRAM in step S8 (step S9). That is, the object mapped with texture 2 is overwritten on the object mapped with texture 1 already drawn in step S7 by α blending processing or the like.
[0098]
As described above, by drawing an object to which different textures are mapped in the frame buffer twice in one frame, multi-texture mapping can be realized in an image generation system that does not support the multi-texture mapping function.
[0099]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the display processing of the texture editing screen described with reference to FIGS.
[0100]
First, a vehicle selection screen as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed (step S10). When the player selects a desired car (step S11), a color selection (editing) screen as shown in FIG. 8B is displayed (step S12). When the player selects (or edits) a desired color, as described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the other color index numbers of the palette are selected based on the selected (or edited) color. The color is calculated (step S14). When the game is started (step S15), game processing is performed (step S16), and the car on which the texture including the edited texture is subjected to multi-texture mapping runs on the course in the object space by the operation of the player. It will be.
[0101]
4). Hardware configuration
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0102]
The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of information storage media). Various processes such as processing, image processing, and sound processing are executed.
[0103]
The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and executes matrix calculation (vector calculation) at high speed. For example, if a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the processing to the coprocessor 902. )
[0104]
The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and performs matrix computation (vector computation). Run fast. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.
[0105]
The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen, the intermission screen, the ending screen, or the game screen. Note that the image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.
[0106]
The drawing processor 910 performs drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass the object data to the drawing processor 910 and transfer the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the rendering processor 910 renders the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), mip mapping, fog processing, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.
[0107]
The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.
[0108]
Operation data from the game controller 942, save data from the memory card 944, and personal data are transferred via the serial interface 940.
[0109]
The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.
[0110]
The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.
[0111]
The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
[0112]
The CD drive 980 drives a CD 982 (information storage medium) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored, and enables access to these programs and data.
[0113]
The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, as a network connected to the communication interface 990, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like can be considered. By using a communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. In addition, by using a high-speed serial bus, data transfer with another image generation system, another game system, or the like becomes possible.
[0114]
All of the means of the present invention may be executed by hardware alone, or may be executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.
[0115]
When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program (program, data) for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Will be stored. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which is hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc. executes each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.
[0116]
FIG. 13A shows an example when the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors and various memories are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. A program (or program or data) for executing each unit of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.
[0117]
FIG. 13B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in the CD 1206, which is an information storage medium that is detachable from the main system, or in the memory cards 1208, 1209, and the like.
[0118]
FIG. 13C shows a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a network 1302 (a small-scale network such as a LAN or a wide area network such as the Internet). An example of applying this embodiment to a system including 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 can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program and the like for generating game images and game sounds from the terminal 1304-. 1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, 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.
[0119]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13C, each unit of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. The storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the terminal.
[0120]
The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When connecting the arcade game system to a network, a portable information storage device capable of exchanging information with the arcade game system and exchanging information with the home game system. It is desirable to use (memory card, portable game device).
[0121]
The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0122]
For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a part of the constituent features of the dependent claims can be omitted. Moreover, the principal part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention can be made dependent on another independent claim.
[0123]
In the present embodiment, coordinate transformation or perspective transformation is given as an example of the geometry processing, but the geometry processing of the present invention is not limited to these.
[0124]
Further, the texture mapped to the object is not limited to the texture of color information, but luminance information, translucent information (α value), surface shape information (bump value), reflectance information, refractive index information, or depth information. The texture about etc. may be sufficient.
[0125]
In addition, the mapping of the texture edited on the editing screen of the present invention may be realized by multi-texture mapping in a narrow sense of mapping a plurality of textures on one object, or overlapping objects to which different textures are mapped. It may be realized by multi-texture mapping as described in FIG.
[0126]
Further, as the plurality of textures to be subjected to the multi-texture mapping, the texture of the base and the texture of the overlay are particularly desirable, but are not limited to these.
[0127]
In addition to the racing game, the present invention can be applied to various games (a fighting game, a shooting game, a robot battle game, a sports game, a competition game, a role playing game, a music playing game, a dance game, etc.).
[0128]
The present invention also relates to various image generation systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, an image generation system, and a system board for generating game images. Applicable.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an example of a block diagram of an image generation system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a multi-texture mapping method according to the present embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining various commands used in the present embodiment.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of textures used in the present embodiment.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a car image generated according to the present embodiment.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are also diagrams illustrating an example of a car image generated according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an anti-aliasing process for an outline of an overlay object.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of an edit screen displayed according to the present embodiment.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining a method of automatically generating a color with another color index number based on a color selected (or edited) by a player.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Contour
12 border
100 processor
110 Game processor
112 Edit screen display
114 Movement / motion calculation unit
140 Image processing unit
142 Geometry processing unit
144 Texture change section
146 Drawing part
150 Sound processor
160 Operation unit
170 Storage unit
172 Main memory
174 frame buffer
176 texture storage
180 Information storage medium
190 Display
192 sound output section
194 Portable information storage device
196 Communication Department

Claims (6)

An image generation system for generating an image,
Means for performing geometry processing based on the object data, and storing the object data after the geometry processing in a storage means;
A drawing means for drawing an object based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture stored in the texture storage means;
Means for changing the texture mapped to the object,
The drawing means;
By drawing an object based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture before the change, the object to which the texture before the change is mapped is drawn, and then the object data after the geometry processing stored in the storage means An image generation system, wherein an object to which a texture after change is mapped is drawn on an object to which the texture before change is mapped by drawing the object based on the texture and the texture after change. In claim 1,
A call command for calling the object data after geometry processing from the storage means and transferring it to the drawing means is issued, and when the transfer of the object data is completed, the call command is called by a return command described at the end of the object data. The processing is returned to the original, and then a transfer command for transferring the texture after the change to the texture storage means is issued. Thereafter, the call command is issued again, and the object data after geometry processing is again read from the storage means. Calling and transferring to the drawing means. In claim 1 or 2,
An image generation system, wherein the texture before the change is a texture that represents the background of the object, and the texture after the change is a texture that represents an overlay on the background. An information storage medium usable by a computer,
Means for performing geometry processing based on the object data, and storing the object data after the geometry processing in a storage means;
A drawing means for drawing an object based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture stored in the texture storage means;
Means to change the texture mapped to the object;
Including a program for causing a computer to realize
The drawing means;
By drawing an object based on the object data after the geometry processing and the texture before the change, the object to which the texture before the change is mapped is drawn, and then the object data after the geometry processing stored in the storage means An information storage medium characterized by rendering an object to which the texture after the change is mapped on an object to which the texture before the change is mapped by drawing the object based on the texture and the texture after the change. In claim 4,
A call command for calling the object data after geometry processing from the storage means and transferring it to the drawing means is issued, and when the transfer of the object data is completed, the call command is called by a return command described at the end of the object data. The processing is returned to the original, and then a transfer command for transferring the texture after the change to the texture storage means is issued. Thereafter, the call command is issued again, and the object data after geometry processing is again read from the storage means. An information storage medium which is called and transferred to the drawing means. In claim 4 or 5,
An information storage medium, wherein the texture before the change is a texture that represents the background of the object, and the texture after the change is a texture that represents an overlay on the background.

Images