JP4535855B2 - Program, information storage medium, and image generation system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and an image generation system.

  Conventionally, an image generation system (game system) that generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (a given viewpoint) in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space is known. Popular. Taking an image generation system capable of enjoying a role-playing game (RPG) as an example, a player operates a character (object), which is his or her own character, and moves it on a map in the object space to play against an enemy character. Play games by interacting with other characters or visiting various towns.

  In such an image generation system, a technique called movie texture mapping is known in which a movie image is mapped to an object as a texture in order to improve the player's virtual reality. According to this movie texture mapping, the texture mapped to the object changes sequentially with time (frame update), so it is possible to generate a more varied image than when mapping a static texture. Can do.

  In addition, according to this movie texture mapping, high-quality CG video produced over a long period of time with a CG tool and live-action video taken with a camera in the real world can be used as textures, making it more realistic and realistic. Expression is possible.

However, in such an image generation system, for example, a movie image read from a disk-type information storage medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a hard disk is simultaneously played when streaming playback is performed using a movie texture mapping technique. If the number of movie images increases, the seek time (moving time of the read head) of the disk drive for a plurality of movie image files may not be in time for frame update, and the images may become unnatural. Such a phenomenon becomes more prominent as the number of movie images to be played back simultaneously increases. Especially in a system where the amount of internal memory (memory mounted on a video card such as VRAM) is limited, a large number of movies It becomes difficult to smoothly reproduce the image. In addition, for example, when movie texture mapping is performed so that a plurality of types of movie images are sequentially reproduced on a given object, a situation may occur in which images are interrupted when switching between the movie images.
JP-A-6-162165

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image generation system, a program, and an information storage medium capable of smoothly reproducing a plurality of different movie images.

  The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image, and causes a storage unit to read an integrated movie image in which each frame image of first to Nth (N ≧ 2) movie images is formed as one frame image. At least one or more frame images among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image read into the movie reading unit and the storage unit are set in the object space. And an image generation system including an image generation unit configured to generate an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that can be read by a computer and stores (records) a program that causes the computer to function as each of the above-described units.

  In the present invention, the number of movie images included in the integrated movie image and the number of primitive planes to be mapped may be the same or different. For example, when the number of movie images is the same as the number of primitive surfaces, the frame images of each movie image are mapped to each primitive surface with a one-to-one correspondence. For example, when the number of movie images is larger than the number of primitive surfaces, a frame image corresponding to a movie image selected from the first to Nth movie images is mapped to each primitive surface. For example, when the number of movie images is smaller than the number of primitive surfaces, at least one or more movie images of the first to Nth movie images are mapped to a plurality of primitive surfaces.

  According to the present invention, since each frame image of the first to Nth movie images to be reproduced at the same time is stored as one frame image in the integrated movie image, a large number of movie images are to be reproduced simultaneously. However, it is possible to smoothly reproduce the first to Nth movie images simultaneously without causing a read delay or the like due to the seek time from the information storage medium.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, at least two frame images among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images in the integrated frame image have different image sizes. May be. In this way, it is possible not only to map a movie image with an image size corresponding to the size of the primitive surface and the distance from the viewpoint, but also to display a high-definition video image for a movie image with a large image size. It can be used, and a plurality of movies having different resolutions can be reproduced smoothly at the same time.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the image generation unit has a Kth (1 ≦ K ≦ N) with respect to the primitive plane arranged and set at the first position in the object space. ) For a primitive plane that is mapped to a first image size frame image corresponding to the movie image and is set at a second position different from the first position in the object space. A frame image having a second image size different from the first image size corresponding to the movie image of ≦ L ≦ N, K ≠ L) may be mapped. In this way, it is possible not only to generate a high-quality image by mapping a frame image of an appropriate image size according to the size of the primitive surface and the distance from the viewpoint, but also to have a high resolution if necessary. High-quality video representation can be realized by mapping a high-definition frame image having a large image size on the primitive surface present in the required portion.

  The image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention further include a character movement control unit that controls a moving range in the height direction of the character object arranged and set in the object space in the object space, The generation unit may map a frame image having a larger image size as the primitive plane is closer to the moving range of the character object in the height direction. In this way, it is possible to realize a high-quality video expression by mapping a frame image having a high resolution and a large image size on a primitive surface where the character is likely to approach, and the character is not approached. By mapping a frame image having a small image size on the primitive surface, the data amount of the integrated movie image can be saved.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the integrated movie image includes at least one of the first to Nth movie images and display contents in addition to the first to Nth movie images. Are included, and the image generation unit changes a frame image to be mapped to the primitive surface according to a distance between the viewpoint and the primitive surface, and The closer the distance between the viewpoint and the primitive surface, the larger the frame image may be mapped. In this way, it is possible to switch the accuracy of the image as needed while simultaneously reproducing a large number of movie images, and it is possible to realize advanced video expression.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the first to Nth movie images are movie images that are repeatedly reproduced at a given repetition timing, and the repetition of at least two movie images is performed. The timing may be different. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which all of the repeatedly played movie images are simultaneously repeated at the same timing and the images are interrupted, and the image can be prevented from becoming unnatural.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the image generation unit changes the correspondence relationship between the first to Nth movie images and the one or more primitive surfaces at predetermined intervals. Then, at least one or more frame images among the respective frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images may be mapped to the one or more primitive surfaces. In this way, since the movie image mapped to the primitive surface changes every predetermined period, the variety of video expression can be increased. In this way, for example, a movie with a long display time can be played back on a plurality of primitive planes by using one integrated movie image by dividing one continuous display content movie and arranging it as an integrated movie image. It becomes.

  In the image generation system, the program, and the information storage medium according to the present invention, the integrated movie image is stored as one file in a continuous sector of a disk type information storage medium, and the movie reading unit is configured to store the disk type. The integrated movie image may be read into the storage unit from consecutive sectors of the information storage medium. When reading a plurality of data from a disk-type information storage medium, a read delay is likely to occur due to the movement time (seek time) of the head. However, if a plurality of movie images to be reproduced simultaneously are integrated into one file and stored in continuous sectors of the information storage medium, a plurality of movie images can be smoothly reproduced without causing a read delay. .

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of an image generation system (game system) of the present embodiment. Note that the image generation system of the present embodiment may have a configuration in which some of the components (each unit) in FIG. 1 are omitted.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data of a player object (player character operated by the player), and the function is realized by a lever, a button, a steering, a microphone, a touch panel display, or a casing. it can.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (VRAM) or the like.

  The information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk (HDD). , Magnetic tape, or memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores a program for causing the computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute the processing of each unit).

  The information storage medium 180 is mapped to one or more primitive surfaces (first to Mth primitive surfaces; M ≧ 1) constituting one or more objects arranged in the object space in the present embodiment. An integrated movie texture (integrated movie image) in which each frame image of a plurality of movie textures (first to Nth movie images; N ≧ 2) is configured as one frame image is stored. When the information storage medium 180 is a disk-type information storage medium such as an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, or a hard disk (HDD), the integrated movie texture is continuous. Preferably, it is stored as one file in the sector. When reading a plurality of data from a disk-type information storage medium, a read delay is likely to occur due to the movement time (seek time) of the head. However, if a plurality of movie textures to be reproduced simultaneously or sequentially are integrated into one integrated movie texture and stored as one file in consecutive sectors of the information storage medium 180, a plurality of movie textures are generated without causing a read delay. Movie texture can be played smoothly.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a CRT, LCD, touch panel display, HMD (head mounted display), or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The portable information storage device 194 stores player personal data, game save data, and the like. Examples of the portable information storage device 194 include a memory card and a portable game device. The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other image generation system), and functions thereof are hardware such as various processors or communication ASICs, programs, and the like. It can be realized by.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of this embodiment is distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 (storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. May be. Use of the information storage medium of such a host device (server) can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs processing such as game processing, image generation processing, or sound generation processing based on operation data and programs from the operation unit 160. Here, as the game process, a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, a process for placing an object such as a character or a map, a process for displaying an object, and a game result are calculated. There is a process or a process of ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the main storage unit 172 in the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes an object space setting unit 110, a movement / motion processing unit 112, a virtual camera control unit 114, a movie reading processing unit 116, a decompression unit 118, a texture coordinate change unit 119, an image generation unit 120, and a sound generation unit 130. Including. Note that some of these may be omitted.

  The object space setting unit 110 includes various objects (primitive surfaces such as polygons, free-form surfaces, and subdivision surfaces) representing display objects such as characters, buildings, stadiums, cars, trees, columns, walls, and maps (terrain). The processing for setting the object) in the object space is performed. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Arrange objects.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 performs a movement / motion calculation (movement / motion simulation) of an object (such as a character, a car, or an airplane). That is, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., the object is moved in the object space, or the object is moved (motion, animation). ) Is performed. Specifically, a simulation process for sequentially obtaining object movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and motion information (position or rotation angle of each part object) every frame (1/60 second). I do. A frame is a unit of time for performing object movement / motion processing (simulation processing) and image generation processing.

  The movement / motion processing unit 112 includes a character movement control unit 113.

  The character movement control unit 113 performs a process of controlling a moving range (movable range) in the object space of a character object operated by the player using the operation unit 160. More specifically, a movement range in the Y-axis direction (height direction) of the character object in the object space is set, and the character object is moved in the object space within the set movement range.

  The virtual camera control unit 114 performs a virtual camera (viewpoint) control process for generating an image viewed from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, a process for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or the rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axes) of the virtual camera (process for controlling the viewpoint position and the line-of-sight direction) is performed.

  For example, when an object (eg, character, ball, car) is photographed from behind using a virtual camera, the position or rotation angle of the virtual camera (the direction of the virtual camera is set so that the virtual camera follows changes in the position or rotation of the object. ) To control. In this case, the virtual camera can be controlled based on information such as the position, rotation angle, or speed of the object obtained by the movement / motion processing unit 112. Alternatively, the virtual camera may be controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation angle or to move along a predetermined movement path. In this case, the virtual camera is controlled based on the virtual camera data for specifying the position (movement path) or rotation angle of the virtual camera. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), the above control process is performed for each virtual camera.

  The movie read processing unit 116 performs a process for causing the texture storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170 to read an integrated movie texture configured from each frame image of the first to Nth movie textures as one frame image.

  More specifically, the movie read processing unit 116 generates a command (read instruction) for reading the integrated movie texture stored in the information storage medium 180 via the disk drive 182, and stores the read integrated movie texture file data. Processing for generating a command (write instruction) to be transferred to the texture storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170 by DMA transfer is performed. When the integrated movie texture is stored as compressed data in the information storage medium 180, the movie read processing unit 116 performs decompression processing on the read compressed data by the decompression unit 118 (to be described later) and then decompresses the decompressed data. A command is generated to write to the texture storage unit 176.

  The decompression unit 118 (development unit, decoding unit) performs processing for decompressing (developing and decoding) data compressed by a compression method such as MPEG or JPEG. More specifically, a series of I pictures (I frames) compressed by the MPEG method is expanded.

  For example, data compression can be realized as follows.

  First, data is divided into a plurality of macroblocks. Then, DCT (discrete cosine transform, orthogonal transformation including Hadamard transform, eigenvalue transform, etc. in a broad sense) is applied to each divided block. As a result, the data is decomposed in frequency (spatial frequency). Next, each DCT coefficient (orthogonal transform coefficient in a broad sense) obtained by DCT is quantized. Then, Huffman coding (entropy coding, variable length coding) is performed, whereby compressed data (compressed movie image data) is obtained.

  On the other hand, data decompression can be realized as follows.

  First, compressed data is read from the information storage medium 180 via the disk drive 182. Alternatively, the compressed data may be read from the outside via a network (transmission line, communication line) and communication unit 196. The decompression unit 118 performs Huffman decoding (entropy decoding, variable length decoding) on the read compressed data. Next, the decompression unit 118 performs inverse quantization on the data after Huffman decoding. Then, inverse DCT is performed, whereby decompressed data (expanded movie image data) is obtained.

  In the case of MPEG (MPEG2, MPEG4, etc.), for example, predictive encoding and predictive decoding (prediction between motion compensation frames) using temporal correlation may be performed.

  The texture coordinate changing unit 119 changes (sets) the texture coordinates according to the distance between the virtual camera (viewpoint) and one or more (first to M-th) primitive surfaces constituting one or more objects, A process of changing (switching) the frame image to be mapped to each primitive surface is performed.

  More specifically, first, in addition to the first to Nth movie textures in the integrated movie texture, the display content is the same as at least one of the first to Nth movie textures, and the image size (pixels) of the frame image The integrated movie texture is configured to include N + 1 to N + α (α ≧ 1) movie textures having different numbers. That is, in this case, the first to N + α movie textures are included in the integrated movie texture.

  Then, based on the position information (camera position vector) of the virtual camera in the object space and the position information (primitive surface position vector) of the primitive surface to be mapped, the relative position information (relative position vector) of both is obtained. Then, based on the obtained relative position information, the primitive surface located near the virtual camera has a frame with a large image size (a large number of pixels) among the first to N + α movie textures included in the integrated movie texture. The texture coordinates are changed so that the image (texture) is mapped, and the primitive surface located far from the virtual camera has a small image size (number of pixels) among the first to N + α movie textures included in the integrated movie texture. The texture coordinates are changed so that a frame image (texture) with a small number of frames is mapped.

  Further, the texture coordinate changing unit 119 periodically changes (sets) the texture coordinates of the movie texture mapped to one or a plurality of (first to M-th) primitive surfaces, and the first to N-th movie textures and 1 Alternatively, a process of changing the correspondence relationship with a plurality of (first to Mth) primitive surfaces every predetermined period is performed. For example, when the integrated movie texture includes the first movie texture and the second movie texture, first, the first movie texture is mapped to the first primitive surface, and the second movie texture is assigned to the second movie texture. Map to 2 primitive planes. Next, when the reproduction of the first movie texture is finished on the first primitive surface (the display content is completed) and the reproduction of the second movie texture is finished on the second primitive surface, the texture coordinate changing unit 119 The texture coordinate setting is changed so that the frame image of the first movie texture is mapped to the second primitive surface, and the texture coordinate is set to map the frame image of the second movie texture to the first primitive surface. To change. By doing so, it is possible to change the contents of the movie played back on the first and second primitive planes, and to realize an image expression with a high variety without causing the player to get bored. Note that the timing (switching timing) for changing the correspondence between each movie texture and each primitive surface may be the timing at which the playback of the movie texture ends (one round), or an arbitrarily set timing. Also good.

  The image generation unit 120 performs drawing processing based on the results of various processes (game processing) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting the image to the display unit 190. In the case of generating a so-called three-dimensional game image, first, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, or perspective transformation is performed, and drawing data ( The position coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) of the vertexes of the primitive surface are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometric processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is stored in the drawing buffer 174 (frame buffer, intermediate buffer, etc.) as pixel information. Can be drawn in a VRAM). Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated. When there are a plurality of virtual cameras (viewpoints), an image that can be seen from each virtual camera is generated as a divided image so that it can be displayed on one screen.

  The image generation unit 120 includes a texture mapping unit 122.

  The texture mapping unit 122 performs processing for mapping the texture (texel value) stored in the texture storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170 to an object (in a narrow sense, a primitive surface constituting the object).

  Specifically, the texture (surface properties such as color and α value) is read from the texture storage unit 176 using texture coordinates or the like set (given) at the vertices of the object (primitive surface constituting the object). Then, a texture that is a two-dimensional image or pattern is mapped to the object. In this case, processing for associating pixels and texels, bilinear interpolation (texel interpolation), and the like are performed.

  In the present embodiment, the compressed integrated movie texture read into the texture storage unit 176 by the movie reading processing unit 116 is expanded by the expansion unit 118, and the first to Nth included in the expanded integrated movie texture are included. A process for sequentially mapping at least one frame image among the frame images of the movie texture to one or a plurality of (first to Mth) primitive surfaces is performed. In this way, the first to Nth movie textures can be simultaneously read into the texture storage unit 176 simply by reading the integrated movie texture, so that each movie texture can be read from the information storage medium 180. A smooth simultaneous reproduction of a plurality of movie textures can be realized without causing a delay.

  Here, each of the one or plural (first to Mth) primitive surfaces to which the first to Nth movie textures are mapped may be one polygon such as a plate-shaped polygon, One or a plurality of polygons constituting at least a part of Further, one or a plurality of (first to M-th) primitive surfaces may constitute one object, or may constitute two or more objects.

  The frame images of the first to Nth movie textures included in the integrated movie texture may have the same image size (number of pixels) or different image sizes (number of pixels). In particular, when two or more frame images among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie textures have different image sizes, the texture mapping unit 122 is arranged and set at the first position in the object space. A frame image having a first image size corresponding to the Kth (1 ≦ K ≦ N) movie texture is mapped to the primitive surface, and is set at a second position different from the first position in the object space. Different from the first image size corresponding to the Lth (1 ≦ L ≦ N, L ≠ K) movie texture with respect to the primitive surface to be processed. The process for mapping a frame image of the second image size performing that. By doing this, a frame image with an appropriate image size (number of pixels, resolution) according to the size of the primitive surface (the size of the primitive surface viewed from the viewpoint) is mapped to generate a high-quality image. In addition, it is possible to realize a high-quality video expression by mapping a high-definition frame image having a large image size onto a primitive surface present in a portion where high resolution is required as required.

  The sound generation unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, or sounds, and outputs the game sounds to the sound output unit 192.

  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 may be a system having a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. 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 by distributed processing using a plurality of terminals (game machine, mobile phone).

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where an image displayed on a display provided on a wall surface of a building or the like placed in the object space is described as an example, but the present embodiment uses other expressions than the image displayed on the display. Can also be widely applied.

2.1 Movie Texture Mapping In this embodiment, a movie texture mapping method is employed in order to simultaneously play a plurality of movies on the game screen.

  In this movie texture mapping, as shown in FIG. 2, a series of compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN (compressed frame images) representing the contents of the movie are prepared. This series of compressed textures is stored in the movie storage area 182 of the information storage medium 180. Then, after these compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN are read into the storage unit 170, they are expanded into a series of expanded textures ETEX1 to ETEXN (expanded frame images), and sequentially mapped onto the primitive surface of the object OB (cyclically mapped). Play a movie). If the compressed textures CTEX1 to CTEXN are used in this way, it is possible to save the used storage capacity of the information storage medium and the communication capacity of the network.

2.2 Method Using Integrated Movie Texture Here, in this embodiment, an integrated movie texture (integrated movie image) in which each frame image of a plurality of different movie textures (movie images) is configured as one integrated frame image is obtained. Use.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, with respect to the first to Nth movie textures to be reproduced simultaneously on the first to Nth primitive planes, these frame images I1 (1) to I1 (n ), I2 (1) to I2 (n),..., IN (1) to IN (n) are integrated into a series of textures in one frame image for each frame from the first frame to the nth frame. The movie texture is stored in an information storage medium such as a DVD as shown in FIG. The first to Nth movie textures constitute one movie with n consecutive frame images. Further, the integrated movie texture may be stored in the information storage medium in a state compressed (encoded) by a given compression method (for example, MPEG method). Here, as shown in FIG. 4B showing a comparative example, when a plurality of movie files are stored as independent files in a disk-type information storage medium, streaming is started during the reading of movie data. When performing reproduction, a read delay is likely to occur due to the moving time (seek time) of the head. However, as in the method of this embodiment shown in FIG. 4 (A), if a plurality of movie images to be reproduced simultaneously are integrated into one file and stored in consecutive sectors of the information storage medium, a read delay is caused. It is possible to smoothly reproduce a plurality of movie images without causing any problems.

  In the present embodiment, the integrated movie texture read from the information storage medium is sequentially expanded (read) in the texture storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170, and a given frame image corresponding to each movie is given to the given frame image. Mapping to the primitive surface.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a frame image of an integrated movie texture obtained by integrating the first to fourth movie textures. In this example, the texture region is divided into four, and frame images I1 (m) to I4 (m) of the mth frame (1 ≦ m ≦ n) of each movie texture are arranged in each region. In the present embodiment, the frame images I1 (m) to I4 (m) are simultaneously read into the texture storage unit 176, so that the frame images I1 (m) to I1 (m) to the time without causing a time lag between the primitive surfaces to be mapped. I4 (m) can be mapped. That is, according to the method of the present embodiment, a plurality of different first to fourth movie textures can be simultaneously and smoothly reproduced. For example, a large number of movies can be smoothly and simultaneously reproduced on a game screen. become able to.

  In the present embodiment, the image sizes (number of pixels) of the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie textures included in the integrated movie texture are not limited to being equal to each other as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, an integrated movie texture can be configured by mixing frame images having different image sizes (number of pixels). In this case, the resolution is low for a frame image having a sufficiently small image size compared to the other. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, simplification is achieved by reducing the image size in the frame image I3 (m). In this way, it is possible to prevent deterioration in image quality by mapping a frame image suitable for the size of the primitive surface to be mapped (the size of the primitive surface viewed from the viewpoint).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an integrated movie texture may be configured by mixing a low resolution frame image and a high resolution frame image for movie textures having the same display content. In this way, for example, the frame image to be mapped is changed according to the distance from the viewpoint, and a frame image having a large image size is mapped to a portion requiring a high resolution such as a primitive surface close to the viewpoint. By doing so, a higher quality image representation can be realized.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, according to the distance L between the virtual camera and the primitive surface, the frame image of each movie texture shown in FIG. 7 is large when the distance to the virtual camera is short. A frame image that provides a high resolution with an image size is mapped, and if the distance from the virtual camera is long, a frame image that provides a low resolution with a small image size is mapped. For example, if the value of the distance L from the virtual camera to the primitive surface is larger than a preset threshold value Lth, it is determined that the distance from the virtual camera is a primitive surface far away, and the value of the distance L is the threshold value. When the value is smaller than the value Lth, it can be determined that the primitive surface is close to the virtual camera. That is, when the virtual camera is at the position C1, since the distance from the position P of the primitive surface PR is long, a frame image with a small image size (low resolution) is mapped, and when the virtual camera is at the position C2. Since the distance from the position P of the primitive surface is short, a frame image having a large image size (high resolution) is mapped.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show examples of game images generated by using the method of the present embodiment described above. In FIG. 9, four plate-like polygons are arranged in front of two wall objects LOB and ROB, and the movie texture included in the integrated movie texture shown in FIG. 7 is mapped to the primitive surfaces PR1 to PR4. Yes. At this time, since the primitive surfaces PR1 and PR4 are closer to the virtual camera than the primitive surfaces PR2 and PR3, frame images I1 (m) and I4 having a high resolution (larger image size) of the frame images shown in FIG. (M) is mapped. On the other hand, since the primitive planes PR2 and PR3 are located farther from the virtual camera than the primitive planes PR1 and PR4 and the geometry processing is performed, the size of the primitive plane also appears to be small, so that the frame image I2 having a low resolution (small image size). '(M), I3' (m) are mapped. When the wall objects LOB and ROB and the character object KOB approach each other by operating the character, the distance between the virtual camera whose position changes following the character object KOB and the primitive surfaces PR2 and PR3 is reduced. Therefore, in this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the frame images mapped to the primitive planes PR2 and PR3 are changed, and the frame images I2 (m) and I3 (m) are obtained with a large image size and high resolution. Are mapped.

  In this embodiment, for a primitive plane arranged and set outside the movement range of the character object operated by the player, a frame image having a larger image size is mapped to a primitive plane closer to the movement range in the height direction. A primitive surface having a farther distance in the height direction from the moving range can map a frame image having a smaller image size. At this time, a frame image having a larger image size than the primitive plane located at a position distant from the moving range of the character object is mapped to the primitive plane arranged and set within the moving range of the character object.

  More specifically, for example, consider a case where the character object KOB jumps up by a player's operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, if the moving range is controlled so that the character object KOB can jump to the height Hk, the character object KOB is placed outside the moving range of the character object KOB with reference to the height Hk. The distances L1 to L3 in the height direction are determined for the primitive surfaces PR2 to PR4 to be set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the primitive surface PR2 having a small distance L in the height direction from the moving range of the character object is a primitive surface that needs to be displayed in detail as the character object approaches. Therefore, a frame image having a large image size is mapped. Since it is preferable to perform detailed display on the primitive surface PR1 within the movement range of the character object KOB, a frame image having a large image size is mapped in the same manner as the primitive surface PR1. On the other hand, the primitive surfaces PR3 and PR4 having a large distance L in the height direction with respect to the moving range of the character object do not approach the character object KOB, so that even if the display is simple, unnaturalness does not occur. Therefore, a frame image having a small image size is mapped to the primitive surfaces PR3 and PR4.

  Here, FIG. 13 shows an example of a frame image of an integrated movie texture when this method is applied. As shown in FIG. 14, frame images I1 and I2 having a large image size (high resolution) in FIG. 13 have a primitive plane PR1 and a movement range of the character object within the movement range of the character object and a distance L1 in the height direction. Maps to a small primitive plane PR2. Also, the frame images I3 and I4 with small image size (low resolution) in FIG. 13 are mapped to primitive planes PR3 and PR4 having large distances L2 and L3 in the height direction and the moving range of the character object as shown in FIG. The In this way, it is only necessary to prepare a frame image having a large image size for only the primitive planes PR1 and PR2 that require detailed display (high resolution is required), thus saving the amount of memory used. High-quality image representation can be performed.

  Note that this method is not only applicable when mapping to a primitive surface that exists in the upward direction with respect to the moving range of the character object, but also when mapping to a primitive surface that exists in the downward direction with respect to the moving range. Can also be applied.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the first to Nth movie textures are movies that are repeatedly reproduced at a given repetition timing, at least two movies among a plurality of movie textures included in the integrated movie texture are used. The integrated movie texture can be configured so that the texture repeat timing is different.

  For example, consider a case where frame images I1 to I4 of each movie texture are mapped to primitive planes PR1 to PR4 using an integrated movie texture including four movie textures as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, I1 (1), I2 (1), I3 (1), I4 (1), which are the first frames of the display content of the movie, are stored in another frame in the integrated movie texture. As shown in FIG. 16, the movie repetition timings LT1 to LT4 are different on the primitive surfaces PR1 to PR4. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which all the movie textures that are repeatedly played are simultaneously repeated at the same time and the image is interrupted (blacked out) at the same time.

  In the present embodiment, the correspondence relationship between the first to Nth movie textures and one or a plurality of (first to Mth) primitive surfaces to which the frame images of the respective movie textures are mapped is switched at the switching timing KT ( It is possible to map at least one or more frame images among the respective frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie textures to each primitive surface by changing every predetermined period). In this way, the movie texture mapped to the primitive surface changes periodically at each switching timing KT, so that the variety of video expression can be increased.

  For example, consider a case in which frame images I1 to I4 of each movie texture are mapped to primitive planes PR1 to PR4 using an integrated movie texture including four movie textures as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, the movie texture mapped to the primitive planes PR1 to PR3 is changed at timings KT1, KT2, and KT3 with the timing at which the movie content makes a round as the switching timing KT. For example, for the primitive plane PR1, after first mapping the frame images I1 (1) to I1 (n), the frame images I2 (1) to I2 (n) are mapped after the switching timing KT1. Then, after the switching timings KT2 and KT3, the frame images I3 (1) to I3 (n) and I4 (1) to I4 (n) are sequentially mapped. Similarly, for the primitive surfaces PR2 to PR3, the frame image to be mapped is changed at the switching timings KT1 to KT3. In this way, for example, a movie with one continuous display content is divided into frame images I1 to I4 in time series and configured as an integrated movie texture, so that a plurality of primitive planes PR1 are formed using one integrated movie texture. It is possible to play a movie for a long time in .about.PR4.

  This technique can also be applied to effect expressions such as how the flame fluctuates.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 19A, an object composed of plate-shaped polygons for mapping each movie texture included in the integrated movie texture is prepared. These objects are arranged and set so as to overlap each other when viewed from the viewpoint, and the primitive surfaces PR1 to PR4 also overlap each other when viewed from the viewpoint. When the technique of the present embodiment is applied to the movie texture mapping onto the primitive surfaces PR1 to PR4, the frame images of the movie texture are mapped onto the primitive surface PR1 in the order of I1, I2, I3, and I4. For the primitive planes PR2 to PR4, the frame images I1 to I4 of the movie texture are mapped in the same order as shown in FIG. At this time, the frame images I1 to I4 of each movie texture have overlapping portions in all the playback frames as shown in FIG. 19B, so that a set of small flames is one large flame. A visual effect can be given to the player, and a large flame occupying a wide range can be expressed with a relatively small amount of data.

3. Processing of this embodiment Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 20 shows a processing example when mapping the integrated movie texture stored in the information storage medium.

  First, the movie read processing unit 116 issues an instruction to read the integrated movie texture stored in the information storage medium 180 via the disk drive 182, and the disk head of the disk drive 182 receives the compressed data of the integrated movie texture from the information storage medium 180. Is read (step S1).

  Next, the decompression unit 118 decodes (decompresses) the compressed data of the integrated movie texture read via the disk drive 182 and restores the decompressed data (step S2). Then, in response to an instruction from the movie read processing unit 116, the decoded integrated movie texture data is DMA-transferred and expanded in the texture storage unit 176 of the storage unit 170 (step S3).

  Next, the texture mapping unit 122 obtains texture coordinates for mapping the frame images of the movie textures included in the integrated movie texture onto the primitive surface (step S4), and the frame images of the movie textures correspond to the predetermined predetermined values. The object mapped to the primitive surface and mapped with the movie texture is displayed and output (step S5).

  FIG. 21 shows a processing example when mapping frame images having different image sizes according to the distance between the viewpoint and the primitive surface.

  First, the distance L between the viewpoint (virtual camera) and the primitive surface to be mapped is obtained (step S10). Next, the distance L is compared with the threshold value Lth (step S11). If the value of the distance L is smaller than the threshold value Lth (Y in step S11), it is determined that the surface is a primitive surface close to the viewpoint, and texture coordinates are set so that a frame image having a large image size is mapped. Change (step S12). On the other hand, when the value of the distance L is larger than the threshold value Lth (N in step S11), it is determined that the surface is a primitive surface far from the viewpoint, and the texture is set so that a frame image with a small image size is mapped. The coordinates are changed (step S13). Finally, based on the designated texture coordinates, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the frame image is mapped to the primitive surface to display the object.

  FIG. 22 shows a processing example in the case where the primitive surface to be mapped of the frame image of each movie texture included in the integrated movie texture is periodically changed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the switching timing has arrived (step S20). For example, it can be determined that the switching timing has arrived when the playback of each movie texture has been completed. When the switching timing has arrived (Y in step S20), the frame image I1 of the movie texture mapped to the primitive plane PR1 is mapped to the primitive plane PR2, and the frame image of the movie texture mapped to the primitive plane PR2 The texture coordinates are changed so that I2 is mapped to the primitive surface PR1 (step S21). Finally, based on the texture coordinates after the change, the frame image I2 is mapped to the primitive plane PR1, and the frame image I1 is mapped to the primitive plane PR2 to display the object.

4). Hardware Configuration FIG. 23 shows an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing this embodiment. The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the DVD 982 (information storage medium), a program downloaded via the communication interface 990, a program stored in the ROM 950, and the like, and includes game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. Execute. The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, and executes matrix operation (vector operation) at high speed. For example, when a matrix calculation process is required for a physical simulation for moving or moving an object, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the process to the coprocessor 902.

  The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate conversion, perspective conversion, light source calculation, and curved surface generation based on an instruction from a program operating on the main processor 900, and executes matrix calculation at high speed. The data decompression processor 906 performs decoding processing of compressed image data and sound data, and accelerates the decoding processing of the main processor 900. Thereby, a moving image compressed by the MPEG method or the like can be displayed on the opening screen or the game screen.

  The drawing processor 910 executes drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the DMA controller 970 to pass the drawing data to the drawing processor 910 and, if necessary, transfers the texture to the texture storage unit 924. Then, the drawing processor 910 draws the object in the frame buffer 922 while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the drawing data and texture. The drawing processor 910 also performs α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, 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.

  The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, generates game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds, and outputs them through the speaker 932. Data from the game controller 942 and the memory card 944 is input via the serial interface 940.

  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. The RAM 960 is a work area for various processors. The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and the memory. The DVD drive 980 (which may be a CD drive) accesses a DVD 982 (which may be a CD) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored. The communication interface 990 performs data transfer with the outside via a network (communication line, high-speed serial bus).

  The processing of each unit (each unit) in this embodiment may be realized entirely by hardware, or may be realized by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Also good. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.

  When the processing of each part of this embodiment is realized by both hardware and a program, a program for causing the hardware (computer) to function as each part of this embodiment is stored in the information storage medium. More specifically, the program instructs the processors 902, 904, 906, 910, and 930, which are hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930 realizes the processing of each unit of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.

  The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, terms (polygon, movie texture, position vector, switching timing, etc.) cited as broad or synonymous terms (primitive surface, movie image, position information, predetermined period, etc.) in the description or drawings are as follows: In other descriptions in the specification or drawings, terms can be replaced with broad or synonymous terms.

  Further, the method of constructing the integrated movie texture and the method of movie texture mapping are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and methods equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the number of movie textures included in the integrated movie texture is the same as the number of primitive surfaces to be mapped has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the number of movie textures included in the integrated movie texture may be larger than the number of primitive surfaces to be mapped. In this case, at least one movie texture selected from a plurality of movie textures included in the integrated movie texture is mapped to each primitive surface. For example, the number of movie textures included in the integrated movie texture may be smaller than the number of primitive surfaces to be mapped. In this case, the same movie texture is overlapped and mapped to at least two or more primitive surfaces.

  The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot fighting games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.). Further, the present invention is applied 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, a system board for generating a game image, and a mobile phone. it can.

The example of a functional block diagram of the image generation system of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. The example of the image produced | generated by the method of this embodiment. The example of the image produced | generated by the method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. The example of the image produced | generated by the method of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the method of this Embodiment. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams of the method of the present embodiment. The flowchart of the specific process of this embodiment. The flowchart of the specific process of this embodiment. The flowchart of the specific process of this embodiment. Hardware configuration example.

Explanation of symbols

100 processing unit,
110 Object space setting unit, 112 Movement / motion processing unit,
113 character movement control unit, 114 virtual camera control unit,
116 movie reading processing unit, 118 decompressing unit, 119 texture coordinate changing unit,
120 image generation unit,
122 texture mapping unit,
140 sound generation unit, 160 operation unit,
170 storage unit,
172 main storage unit, 174 drawing buffer, 176 texture storage unit 180 information storage medium, 182 disk drive, 194 portable information storage device,
190 Display unit, 192 Sound output unit, 196 Communication unit

Claims (9)

A computer readable program for generating an image,
A movie reading unit that causes the storage unit to read an integrated movie image in which each frame image of the first to Nth (N ≧ 2) movie images is configured as one frame image;
One or a plurality of frame images that are arranged and set in the object space among at least one frame image corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image read into the storage unit mapped to the primitive surface, an image generating unit that generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space,
A character movement control unit that is placed in the object space and controls movement of the character object in the object space;
And a viewpoint control unit for controlling so as to follow the viewpoint to the character object in the object space,
Make the computer work ,
Among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image, at least two frame images have different image sizes,
The image generator
A program that maps a frame image having a larger image size to the primitive surface closer to the position of the character object or the moving range . A computer readable program for generating an image,
A movie reading unit that causes the storage unit to read an integrated movie image in which each frame image of the first to Nth (N ≧ 2) movie images is configured as one frame image;
One or a plurality of frame images arranged and set in the object space among at least one frame image corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image read into the storage unit mapped to the primitive surface, an image generating unit that generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space,
And a viewpoint control unit for controlling the viewpoint in the object space,
Make the computer work ,
Among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image, at least two frame images have different image sizes,
The image generator
A program that maps a frame image having a larger image size to the primitive surface closer to the viewpoint position or movement range . In claim 1 or 2 ,
The image generator
Mapping a frame image having a first image size corresponding to a Kth (1 ≦ K ≦ N) movie image to a primitive plane arranged and set at a first position in the object space;
The first plane corresponding to the Lth (1 ≦ L ≦ N, K ≠ L) movie image with respect to a primitive plane arranged and set at a second position different from the first position in the object space. A program for mapping a frame image having a second image size different from the image size. In any one of Claims 1-3 ,
In addition to the first to Nth movie images, the integrated movie image includes a movie image having the same display content and a different image size as at least one of the first to Nth movie images. And
The image generator
According to the distance between the viewpoint and the primitive surface, the frame image mapped to the primitive surface is changed,
A program for mapping a frame image having a larger image size as the distance between the viewpoint and the primitive surface is closer. In any one of Claims 1-4 ,
The first to Nth movie images are movie images that are repeatedly reproduced at a given repetition timing, and the repetition timing of at least two movie images is different. In any one of Claims 1-5 ,
The image generator
At least one or more of the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images by changing the correspondence relationship between the first to Nth movie images and the one or more primitive surfaces at predetermined intervals. A frame image is mapped to the one or more primitive planes. An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is stored. An image generation system for generating an image,
A movie reading unit that causes the storage unit to read an integrated movie image in which each frame image of the first to Nth (N ≧ 2) movie images is configured as one frame image;
At least one or more frame images among the respective frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image read into the storage unit are arranged and set in the object space 1 or An image generation unit that maps to a plurality of primitive surfaces and generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space ;
A character movement control unit that is placed in the object space and controls movement of the character object in the object space;
Look including a viewpoint control unit for controlling so as to follow the viewpoint to the character object in the object space,
Among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image, at least two frame images have different image sizes,
The image generator
An image generation system characterized by mapping a frame image having a larger image size as the primitive surface is closer to the position of the character object or the moving range . An image generation system for generating an image,
A movie reading unit that causes the storage unit to read an integrated movie image in which each frame image of the first to Nth (N ≧ 2) movie images is configured as one frame image;
At least one or more frame images among the respective frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image read into the storage unit are arranged and set in the object space 1 or An image generation unit that maps to a plurality of primitive surfaces and generates an image viewed from a given viewpoint in the object space ;
Look including a viewpoint control unit for controlling the viewpoint in the object space,
Among the frame images corresponding to the first to Nth movie images included in the integrated movie image, at least two frame images have different image sizes,
The image generator
An image generation system characterized by mapping a frame image having a larger image size as the primitive plane is closer to the viewpoint position or movement range .

Images