JP7672183B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

An information processing device is known for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

JP 2013-208269 A

With conventional techniques such as those described above, it is difficult to generate diverse expressions that correspond to the relationship (e.g., positional relationship) between the virtual camera and a specific object.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to generate a variety of expressions according to the relationship between the virtual camera and a specific object.

According to one aspect, there is provided an information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are orthogonal to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, the information processing device comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
a change processing unit that changes an area of the field object that falls within an angle of view of the virtual camera;
a transformation processing unit that transforms the field object,
The deformation processing unit varies a deformation mode of the field object based on a lateral position of the specific object within the area.

In one aspect, the present invention makes it possible to generate a variety of representations according to the relationship between the virtual camera and a specific object.

1 is a block diagram of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a field image. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an entire field surface forming a field object and an entire background surface forming a background object. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a field surface and a background surface. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by rendering an image seen from a virtual camera. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of deformation parameters for realizing bending deformation of a field surface; FIG. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of bending deformation of a field surface based on a function. 1A to 1C are explanatory diagrams illustrating scenes in which bending deformation of a field surface is applied. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and bending deformation of the field surface. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the degree of freedom of change of the position of the virtual camera. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation of the line of sight of the virtual camera. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of camera parameters. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific object region, etc. 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of various object regions. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a drawing function of the server device; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of deformation parameter data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of distance parameter data. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of direction parameter data. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing a flow of processing realized by a server control unit. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a first distance parameter calculation process (step S1608). FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an interpolation processing range. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a direction parameter calculation process (step S1610). 13 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an attack angle parameter calculation process (step S1612). 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a transformation process (step S1615) accompanying the movement of a predetermined object. FIG. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing a first deformation parameter calculation process (step S2102) by a first deformation parameter calculation unit. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing a second deformation parameter calculation process (step S2104) by a second deformation parameter calculation unit. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing a deformation parameter adjustment process (step S2106) performed by a deformation parameter adjustment unit. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of an origin setting process (step S2108) performed by an origin setting processing unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an internal division point Pi. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a second distance parameter calculation process (step S1623). FIG. 2 is a plan view of a field object. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image relating to a position E1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image relating to position E2. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image relating to position E3. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image relating to a position E3 in another operation example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a field image relating to position E3 in yet another operation example. FIG. 13 is an example of a functional block diagram relating to a drawing function of a server device according to a modified example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a method for setting an interpolation processing range. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a method for setting an interpolation processing range.

Each embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

(Game System Overview)
An overview of a game system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the game system 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a field image. The game system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. For simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are shown in Fig. 1, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

The server device 10 is an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator. The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or a game device. The terminal device 20 is capable of executing a game application according to this embodiment. The game application may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or a predetermined application distribution server via the network 30, or may be stored in advance in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network 30. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to the game.

The network 30 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired network, or any combination of these.

Here, an overview of the game according to this embodiment will be described. The game according to this embodiment is, for example, a role-playing game or a simulation game, and game media is used as the game is executed. For example, the game according to this embodiment is a game in which game media is moved on a field in a three-dimensional virtual space.

Game media is electronic data used in a game, and includes any media, such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-game currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. Game media may also be game-related information, such as level information, status information, game parameter information (stamina value and attack power, etc.), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or donated by a user in a game, but the manner of use of the game media is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

Unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with the user ID of the user. "Giving game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID. "Discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media. "Selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.). "Transferring game media owned by a user to another user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with the user ID of the other user.

The game according to this embodiment generally includes a first game part, a second game part, and a third game part.

In the first game part, the user operates a user character to progress through the game while exploring a field in a virtual space. Specifically, the user character moves on the field in response to user operations. Various areas, such as towns and dungeons, are provided in the field, and various events occur according to the area, such as conversations with town resident characters and battles with enemy characters encountered in dungeons. The main story of the game progresses as events are executed. In addition, in the first game part, if the user wins a battle against an enemy character, for example, game media such as items, virtual currency, or characters may be granted to the user. The granted game media can be used, for example, in the third game part described below.

In the second game part, the user changes the game media owned. The user collects various game media, such as items, virtual currency, and characters. Specifically, when the user moves the user character to a specific area, such as a mining site or fishing pond, provided on the field, or selects a specific character or other game media (e.g., by touching the screen), a sub-event occurs in which the game media can be acquired. Sub-events include, for example, the progression of a sub-story and the execution of a mini-game, but the content of the sub-event is not limited to these. Depending on the result of the execution of the sub-event, various game media can be granted to the user. The granted game media can be used, for example, in the third game part described below.

In the third game part, the user changes parameters related to the game media. For example, the user strengthens the user character. Specifically, as described above, various game parameters of the user character change as the game media granted to the user in the first game part and the second game part are consumed. Game parameters include, but are not limited to, the user character's level, HP, attack power, defense power, attributes, and skills. The user character is strengthened in response to changes in the user character's game parameters. Strengthening the user character increases the likelihood that the user character will win a battle against an enemy character in the first game part.

In this way, in the game according to this embodiment, the user repeatedly plays the first game part, the second game part, and the third game part.

(Configuration of the server device)
A specific description will be given of the configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 is configured by a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers working together.

The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly to send and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 can send and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 30.

The server storage unit 12 is, for example, a storage device, and stores various information and programs necessary for game processing. For example, the server storage unit 12 stores game applications.

The server storage unit 12 also stores various images (texture images) for projection (texture mapping) onto various objects placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.

For example, the server storage unit 12 stores an image of a user character. Hereinafter, the user character is referred to as the first game medium, and an object that is drawn (placed) on a field object (described later) based on the image of the first game medium is also referred to as the first object. Note that in this embodiment, only one first object is represented in the virtual space, but two or more first objects may be represented. Note that the first object may be a group of multiple first game media. Also, the first game medium (and the first object based thereon) used in the virtual space may be interchangeable by the user as appropriate.

The server storage unit 12 also stores images related to game media, such as buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs (Non Player Characters). Hereinafter, any game media (e.g., buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs) different from the first game medium that can be placed on a field object described later will be referred to as the second game medium, and an object onto which the second game medium is projected will also be referred to as the second object. Note that in this embodiment, the second object may include an object that is fixed to a field object described later, an object that is movable to a field object described later, etc. Also, the second object may include an object that is always placed on a field object described later, or an object that is placed only when a certain condition is satisfied, etc.

The server storage unit 12 also stores an image of a background (background image), such as the sky or a distant view. Hereinafter, an object onto which a background image is projected is also referred to as a background object. Note that multiple types of background images may be prepared and used differently.

The server storage unit 12 also stores an image (field image) of a field (e.g., the ground). The field image is projected onto a field surface, which will be described later. Hereinafter, an object onto which the field image is projected onto the field surface is also referred to as a field object. Note that the field object is used as a virtual field (ground) in the virtual space.

Here, a texture coordinate system having mutually orthogonal u-axis and v-axis is set in the field image, for example as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, a horizontal passage 14, a vertical passage 15, and a curved path 17 are defined in the field image. The horizontal passage 14, the vertical passage 15, and the curved path 17 form a path through which the first object in the field object can move. Note that although a specific passage configuration is shown in FIG. 2, the passage configuration is arbitrary. Also, although the field image in FIG. 2 is rectangular, it may be of other shapes. Also, multiple types of field images may be prepared and used differently.

The server storage unit 12 also stores correspondence information that associates the second object with the texture coordinates of the field image. The correspondence information is used by the server control unit 13, which executes the process of placing the second object on the field object.

The server control unit 13 is a dedicated microprocessor or a CPU that realizes specific functions by loading specific programs. For example, the server control unit 13 executes a game application in response to user operations on the display unit 23. The server control unit 13 also executes various processes related to the game.

For example, the server control unit 13 causes the display unit 23 to display a field image in which the field object, the first object, etc. are displayed. In addition, the server control unit 13 moves the first object on the field object relative to the field object in the virtual space in response to a predetermined user operation. Specific details of the processing by the server control unit 13 will be described later.

(Configuration of terminal device)
A specific description will be given of the configuration of the terminal device 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or wiredly to send and receive information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module that supports a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 21 can send and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 30.

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used in game processing received from the server device 10. The information and programs used in game processing may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a game application program may be acquired from a specified application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program is also simply referred to as an application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-mentioned information about the user and information about the game medium of the opponent may be acquired from the server device 10.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 is capable of displaying a variety of images. The display unit 23 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and functions as an interface that detects a variety of user operations.

The input unit 24 includes an input interface including, for example, a touch panel that is integral with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 is capable of accepting user input to the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may also include physical keys, and may further include any input interface including a pointing device such as a mouse.

The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20.

The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used in game processing from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22.

The terminal control unit 25 starts a game application in response to a user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute the game. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display various images (for example, various field images described later) used in the game. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) that detects a user operation may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect a user's tap operation, long tap operation, flick operation, swipe operation, etc. A tap operation is an operation in which a user touches the display unit 23 with a finger and then releases the finger. The terminal control unit 25 transmits operation information to the server device 10.

(Game drawing function)
The server control unit 13, in cooperation with the terminal device 20, displays a field image on the display unit 23 and updates the field image as the game progresses. In this embodiment, the server control unit 13, in cooperation with the terminal device 20, renders objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

The drawing process described below is realized by the server control unit 13, but in other embodiments, some or all of the drawing process described below may be realized by the server control unit 13. For example, in the following description, at least a part of the field image displayed on the terminal device 20 may be a web display displayed on the terminal device 20 based on data generated by the server device 10, and at least a part of the screen may be a native display displayed by a native application installed on the terminal device 20.

Figures 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams of an example of a field object and a background object. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the entire field surface 70 forming the field object and the background surface 72 forming the background object, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the field surface 70 and the background surface 72 when viewed in an oblique direction including the directional component of the arrow R0 in Figure 3. Figure 4 also shows a schematic diagram of the virtual camera 60. Also, in Figure 4, the background surface 72 is shown in the form of a background object onto which a background image including pictures of clouds and a sun is projected.

In the following description, the movement of various objects refers to movement within the virtual space. Furthermore, the visible range of various objects refers to the range visible from the virtual camera 60 (i.e., the range within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60).

Figure 3 shows an x, y, z coordinate system (hereinafter also referred to as the "global coordinate system") as a spatial coordinate system of the virtual space. The origin of the global coordinate system may be fixed at any position. In the following, the positive side of the z direction is the upper side of the virtual space, and the negative side is the lower side of the virtual space. In the present embodiment, the x axis is an example of the first axis, the y axis is an example of the second axis, and the z axis is an example of the third axis. In the following, the terms x direction, y direction, and z direction respectively mean the direction parallel to the x axis, the direction parallel to the y axis, and the direction parallel to the z axis. For example, the z direction represents the direction parallel to the z axis passing through any point in the xy plane, unless otherwise specified.

The field surface 70 is arranged in correspondence with the xy plane of the virtual space. In this embodiment, as an example, the field surface 70 is arranged in correspondence with the xy plane so that the u-axis, v-axis, and origin of the texture coordinate system of the projected field image coincide with the x-axis, y-axis, and origin of the global coordinate system. Note that in FIG. 3, the u-axis, v-axis, and origin of the texture coordinate system are shown apart from the x-axis, y-axis, and origin of the global coordinate system as a state before the correspondence is established. The field surface 70 is not allowed to move in a translational manner (moving linearly) in each of the x-, y-, and z-directions. However, in other embodiments, the field surface 70 may be allowed to move in a translational manner in the global coordinate system.

The field surface 70 can be deformed from the normal state when a plane parallel to the xy plane is set as the normal state. Thus, in this embodiment, the field object is shaped based on the deformable field surface 70. That is, the field object is deformed with respect to the plane parallel to the xy plane by being shaped based on the field surface 70 deformed from the normal state. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the deformation of the field surface 70 and the field object means the deformation when the plane parallel to the xy plane is set as the normal shape (state). Note that the deformed field object may be realized by projecting a field image onto the deformed field surface 70, or may be realized by projecting a field image onto the field surface 70 in the normal state and then deforming the field surface 70.

When a field image is projected onto the field surface 70, in a normal state, the field surface 70 can inherit the texture coordinates of the projected field image. In other words, each position on the field surface 70 onto which the field image is projected can essentially be specified by the texture coordinate system of the field image (see FIG. 2). In the following, the coordinate system for specifying each position on the field surface 70 coincides with the texture coordinate system of the field image projected onto the field surface 70, and is also referred to as the "field coordinate system."

The background surface 72 extends in the z direction of the background object. However, in other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the z direction. In FIG. 3, the background surface 72 is arranged to surround the field surface 70. In this case, the background surface 72 may be fixed with respect to the global coordinate system, or may be movable only in the z direction as described below. However, in other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be arranged to surround only a portion of the field surface 70. In this case, the background surface 72 may be rotated and moved in response to the rotation of the virtual camera 60, which will be described later. Furthermore, in still other embodiments, the background surface 72 may be deformable, similar to the field surface 70.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships when a plane including the line of sight V and the z direction of the virtual camera 60 shown in Figure 4 (hereinafter also referred to as the "Vz plane") is viewed vertically. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a first object 3 located in the area of a field object within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by drawing an image viewed from the virtual camera 60.

In FIG. 5, the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 (the angle of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z direction) is shown between the boundaries 6211 and 6212. Note that in this embodiment, the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is constant, but in other embodiments, the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 may be variable.

5, the angle of view 62 is such that the upper boundary 6211 intersects with the background surface 72 (see point P2) and the lower boundary 6212 intersects with the field surface 70 (see point P1). In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the field image G60 includes the background surface 72 (and the associated background object) and the field surface 70 (and the associated field object). Note that in FIG. 5, the first object 3 is located in the area of the field object within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, so the field image G60 includes a representation of the first object 3.

In this embodiment, the field surface 70 is bent and deformed as shown in FIG. 5 so that the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) represents a virtual horizon HL (FIG. 6). Specifically, the field surface 70 is deformed in a downward direction as it moves further away in the line of sight direction V (i.e., toward the background surface 72). Note that such deformation may be realized only within the range of the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, or may be realized over the entire field surface 70.

When the entire field surface 70 is deformed, the shape of the field surface 70 when cut in the Vz plane (the shape represented by the lines in FIG. 5) may be approximately the same at any cross-sectional position (i.e., it may be an approximately equal cross-section). Note that approximately the same is a concept that allows for an error of 10% or less. Note that, since the field object is shaped based on the field surface 70 as described above, the shape of the field object when cut in the Vz plane is the same as the shape of the field surface 70 when cut in the Vz plane, but it may have a slightly different shape (e.g., fine irregularities, etc.) compared to the shape of the field surface 70.

As shown in FIG. 5, the horizon line HL in this representation is formed by the intersection point P3 of a tangent 6213 (a tangent within the angle of view 62) from the virtual camera 60 to the field surface 70. Note that in FIG. 6, the first object 3 is located in front of the horizon HL, so part of the representation of the horizon HL is hidden by the first object 3. Conversely, if the first object 3 is located behind the horizon HL (closer to the background surface 72), part or all of the first object 3 will be hidden by the field object.

Here, the height H1 of the horizon HL (see FIG. 6) depends on the angle α of the tangent 6213 with respect to the boundary line 6212. The angle α can change depending on the bending manner of the field surface 70. For example, in the case of the field surface 70' shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, the angle α' of the tangent 6213' with respect to the boundary line 6212 is smaller than the angle α, and therefore the height H1 of the horizon HL is smaller (not shown). It can be seen that the height of the horizon HL can be changed by changing the bending manner of the field surface 70 in this way. Note that when the height of the horizon HL changes, the range of the background surface 72 that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 also changes accordingly.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the horizon HL can be appropriately represented by bending the field surface 70 downward as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight V. In addition, by changing the deformation mode (degree of deformation, etc.) of the bending deformation, the height H1 of the horizon HL (and therefore the visible range of the field object, background object, etc.) can be freely changed. Hereinafter, the bending deformation in which the field surface 70 is deformed downward as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight V is also simply referred to as the "bending deformation of the field surface 70."

Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of an example of deformation parameters for achieving bending deformation of the field surface 70.

In FIG. 7, a two-dimensional coordinate system Xc, Yc (hereinafter also referred to as a "local coordinate system") in the Vz plane is defined. The XcYc plane is a plane parallel to the Vz plane, the Yc axis is an axis parallel to the z axis, and the positive side of the Yc axis corresponds to the upper side of the virtual space. In FIG. 7, a function F1 that determines the deformation mode of the field surface 70 is shown.

The function F1 is a function in which the value of the Yc coordinate monotonically decreases nonlinearly as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate value increases. The function F1 is also symmetrical with respect to the Yc axis. However, in other embodiments, the function F1 may be a function in which the value of the Yc coordinate monotonically decreases linearly as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate value increases, and/or may be asymmetrical with respect to the Yc axis. In the present embodiment, as an example, the function F1 is a quadratic function and is expressed as follows.
yc=-A1×(xc) ²
Here, xc is the value of the Xc coordinate, yc is the value of the Yc coordinate, and A1 is a coefficient that determines the degree of deformation (hereinafter, referred to as "deformation parameter A1").

Note that the above function F1 is merely an example, and a different function such as the following may be used.
When xc>a, yc=-A1×(xc-a) ²
When xc≦-a, yc=-A1×(xc+a) ²
- when a≦xc≦a, yc=0
In this case, a is a positive constant, and a flat plane is realized in the range of -a≦xc≦a.

Or, when xc>-a1, yc=-A1×(xc) ²
When xc≦-a1, yc=0
In this case, a1 may be a positive fixed value, and the position of xc=-a1 may be set to coincide with the intersection of the lower boundary line 6212 of the field of view 62 and the field plane 70 (point P1 in FIG. 5).

In other embodiments, multiple types of functions may be prepared, and different functions may be selected depending on various conditions.

Figure 7A is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 based on function F1.

The field surface 70 is deformed according to the function F1. Therefore, the greater the value of the deformation parameter A1, the greater the degree of deformation of the field surface 70. In FIG. 7A, the field surface 70 is bent and deformed with a substantially uniform cross section, as described above.

Here, an example of an application scenario for bending deformation of the field surface 70 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 8C.

8 is a plan view of the field object 77, FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the state of bending deformation of the field surface at position M1, FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the state of bending deformation of the field surface at position M2, and FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of the state of bending deformation of the field surface at position M3. In FIG. 8, the field object 77 is shown with a representation in which the field image is projected onto the field surface 70 in the normal state. In FIG. 8, positions M1 to M3 are illustrated, and positions M2 and M3 are near the start and end positions of the curved road 17. Note that in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C, for convenience of drawing, the curved road 17 etc. has a part away from the field surface 70 (a part outside the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60), but the entire part may be projected onto the field surface 70.

Here, positions M1 and M3 respectively correspond to the intersection positions between the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and the xy plane (or the field surface 70 before deformation). Figure 8 shows the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 (the projection vector V' on the xy plane of the line of sight V) when it is at position M2. Positions M1 and M3 correspond to the position of the first object 3. That is, we will explain the bending deformation of the field surface 70 that accompanies the movement of the virtual camera 60 when the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3 along the curved road 17.

When the intersection position between the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and the field surface 70 is located at position M1, the bending deformation of the field surface 70 is realized as shown in FIG. 8A. When the intersection position between the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and the field surface 70 is located at position M2, the bending deformation of the field surface 70 is realized as shown in FIG. 8B. When the intersection position between the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and the field surface 70 is located at position M3, the bending deformation of the field surface 70 is realized as shown in FIG. 8C.

In this way, when the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 changes as the first object 3 moves from position M1 to position M3, a bending deformation of the field object 77 in accordance with the changed line of sight direction V (a bending deformation having the same deformation pattern as seen in the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60) is realized.

When the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (position relative to the field object) changes, the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (for example, the area of the field object) changes, so that the field image can be diversified. However, even in this case, if the state of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is monotonous even if the position of the virtual camera 60 (position relative to the field object) changes, the field image cannot be diversified. Therefore, by making it possible to change the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (position relative to the field object) and increasing the number and types of second objects placed on the field object, the field image can be effectively diversified. Hereinafter, the position of the virtual camera 60 means the position (relative position) relative to the field object, unless otherwise specified.

However, in this embodiment, as described above, the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) is bent and deformed, but if the degree of deformation during bending and deformation is always constant, the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60 tends to become monotonous.

When the position of the virtual camera 60 can be changed, the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object changes as the position of the virtual camera 60 changes. Therefore, by arranging various second objects in various ways on the field object, the way the first object operated by the user is depicted and the degree to which multiple second objects overlap each other will change, and the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60 can be diversified.

The advantage of diversifying the game field is that it makes it possible to highlight parts of the game field, improving the user's visibility of objects, and further improving operability by clarifying the objects to be operated and the locations to be operated. In addition, even if there are multiple objects within a limited screen, the situation in the virtual space can be expressed without compromising visibility (without limiting the amount of information). This effect is particularly noticeable on small screens such as smartphones.

In addition, the expression of the horizon, etc. can be achieved by a simple process of bending and deforming the field object, which reduces the processing load. Also, there is no need to draw objects (hidden objects) outside the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, which also reduces the processing load.

In this regard, in this embodiment, not only is the position of the virtual camera 60 variable, but the degree of deformation associated with the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) can also be changed. When the degree of deformation associated with the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) changes, the same field object area appears different when viewed from the virtual camera 60, so that it is possible to further diversify the field image obtained by drawing it as viewed from the virtual camera 60.

In addition, in this embodiment, a single material for the field object (field image and field surface 70) is used to vary the degree of deformation related to the bending deformation of the field surface 70, thereby realizing field objects of various shapes. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the storage area for field objects compared to the case where a variety of field objects (field objects of fixed shapes that cannot be deformed) are prepared in advance. In other words, it is possible to realize field objects of various shapes by efficiently using the storage area.

As described above, when the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed, the height H1 of the horizon HL changes, which may cause the user to feel uncomfortable. For example, if the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed while the position of the virtual camera 60 remains fixed, this is likely to cause the user to feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 changes, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed in accordance with the change. For example, when the position of the virtual camera 60 changes, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed in accordance with the change. This makes it possible to reduce inconvenience (i.e., discomfort that may be felt by the user) that may occur due to a change in the degree of deformation of the field surface 70.

For example, when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in one or more specific positions or within a specific range, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 may be greater than when the position of the virtual camera 60 is not in that range. This allows the field image when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in a specific position or within a specific range (i.e., the representation of various objects within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60) to be expressed in a manner different from the field image when the position of the virtual camera 60 is in another position. For example, it is possible to give an effect such as making the field image related to the specific position more prominent than the field image related to other positions, or giving a specific meaning to the field image related to the specific position. Note that the specific position or specific range may be set corresponding to, for example, a position where the first object turns while moving (for example, the intersection position of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15 shown in FIG. 2), or may be set corresponding to a position where an object to be emphasized (for example, an object related to a game medium with a low appearance probability) is placed. In this case, for example, the specific position may be a position having a predetermined relationship with the position of the object. In addition, the specific position may be dynamically changed. For example, the one or more specific positions may include a specific position set corresponding to the position where an object related to a game medium with a low appearance probability is placed only when the object is placed.

Here, if the position of the virtual camera 60 can be changed, the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object changes with the change in the position of the virtual camera 60. In this case, if various second objects are arranged on the field object in various ways, the way in which the first object operated by the user is reflected and the degree of overlap of the multiple second objects change, so that the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60 can be diversified. Also, even if overlap (overlap) occurs between the second object and/or the first object, as described above, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is adjusted so that the overlapping objects are arranged at positions shifted from each other vertically. Therefore, the visibility of each object or one or more objects focused on among the overlapping objects can be improved.

In addition, by diversifying the field image obtained by drawing it as seen from the virtual camera 60, it is possible to highlight parts of the field image, improving the user's visibility of the objects. Furthermore, operability is improved by clarifying the objects to be operated and the operation locations. Furthermore, even if multiple objects exist within a limited screen, the situation in the virtual space can be expressed without compromising visibility (without limiting the amount of information). This effect is particularly noticeable on a small screen such as a smartphone.

In addition, the expression of the horizon, etc. can be achieved by a simple process of bending and deforming the field object, which reduces the processing load. Also, there is no need to draw objects (hidden objects) outside the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, which also reduces the processing load.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the degree of freedom of change in the position of the virtual camera 60. As shown in Figure 9, the change in the position of the virtual camera 60 includes a change V1 along the line of sight V, changes V2 and V3 in directions intersecting the line of sight V, and combinations of these. Change V2 is a change within the Vz plane, and V3 is a change in a direction perpendicular to the Vz plane. Note that the change in the position of the virtual camera 60 may be achieved by displacing (moving) the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system, by displacing (moving) the field object in the global coordinate system, or by a combination of these.

Thus, in this embodiment, the manner in which the position (relative position) of the virtual camera 60 changes includes a manner in which the position (relative position) with respect to the field object changes in a direction (V2, V3) intersecting the line of sight direction V (hereinafter referred to as the "first change manner"), and a manner in which the position (relative position) with respect to the field object changes in a direction (V1) along the line of sight direction V (hereinafter referred to as the "second change manner").

In this regard, the change in the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 may be realized in association with either the first change mode or the second change mode, or in association with both the first change mode and the second change mode. For example, the position of the virtual camera 60 changes along the line of sight V while changing in a direction intersecting the line of sight V.

When the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 changes, the change that is realized at the same time (i.e., the change in the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60) is not limited to a change in position (relative position) with respect to the field object, but may also be realized by rotating the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 (see FIG. 10). In addition, it is also possible to change the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 by setting the optical parameters of the virtual camera 60 to variable values and changing the values of the optical parameters of the virtual camera 60. Such optical parameters may be optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60, such as the focal length and angle of view.

In this embodiment, as an example, not only is the position (relative position) of the virtual camera 60 variable with respect to the field object, but the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 is also variable. Specifically, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 is rotatable around an axis parallel to the z direction (hereinafter referred to as the "revolution axis Pc"). Note that the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotatable only around the revolution axis Pc, or may be rotatable around other axes (rotation, described later). For example, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the Vz plane. That is, the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotated in such a manner that the angle of attack (angle of attack parameter ψ, described later) of the virtual camera 60 changes. In this case, the center of rotation may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the position of the virtual camera 60, and the predetermined relationship may be fixed or may be changed.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the rotation of the virtual camera 60 means the rotation of the line of sight V around the revolution axis Pc. The orientation of the virtual camera 60 means the orientation of the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the rotation (change) of the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60, and is a diagram that shows a schematic representation of the virtual camera 60 viewed in the z direction and its angle of view 62. Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the virtual camera 60 in two positions during rotation.

In FIG. 10, the revolution axis Pc related to the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 passes through the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and is offset rearward from the virtual camera 60 in the line of sight V when viewed in the z direction. In this case, when the virtual camera 60 rotates 360 degrees, the virtual camera 60 draws a circular trajectory C70 around the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction. However, the position of the revolution axis Pc is arbitrary and may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the virtual camera 60, and the predetermined relationship may be fixed or may be changed. However, in this specification, the revolution axis Pc is distinguished from the rotation axis when it passes through the virtual camera 60, and therefore is set to be different from the rotation axis.

10, the line of sight V always passes through the revolution axis Pc and is directed away from the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction during the rotation of the virtual camera 60, but is not limited to this. For example, the line of sight V may always pass through the revolution axis Pc and be directed toward the revolution axis Pc when viewed in the z direction during the rotation of the virtual camera 60. That is, the revolution axis Pc may pass through the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 when viewed in the z direction and be offset forward (farther) from the virtual camera 60 in the line of sight V. In this case, the revolution axis Pc may be set to pass through a predetermined object (for example, a predetermined object described later) that is to be shown to the user from all directions. In another embodiment, the line of sight V may rotate on its own axis when viewed in the z direction during the rotation (revolution) of the virtual camera 60. That is, the virtual camera 60 may be rotatable (rotated) around the rotation axis 61. Alternatively, the line of sight V may be rotatable independently of the revolution.

As described above, the horizon HL is formed by bending the field surface 70. Therefore, when the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates, the deformation mode of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 changes accordingly. In other words, when the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates, the deformation mode of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 changes accordingly so that the Xc axis of the local coordinate system is positioned within the Vz plane based on the changed line of sight V. This makes it possible to realize the horizon HL in the virtual space in a manner that does not feel unnatural, even if the line of sight V changes as the virtual camera 60 rotates.

Next, the drawing function of the server device 10 will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 11 onwards.

Here, we will first refer to FIG. 11 to explain the camera parameters used in the explanations from FIG. 12 onwards, and then provide a detailed explanation of the server device 10.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of camera parameters. In Figure 11, the field surface 70 (normal state) positioned in the global coordinate system is shown. As described above, the field surface 70 can be bent, but the entire field surface 70 in the global coordinate system cannot be translated or rotated. Therefore, the coordinates of each position on the field surface 70 in the field coordinate system can be converted to each coordinate in the global coordinate system using a predetermined conversion formula, and the reverse conversion is also possible. In the following, for the sake of explanation, the origin of the field coordinate system is the same as the origin of the global coordinate system, the u axis of the field coordinate system (= the u axis of the texture coordinate system) coincides with the x axis of the global coordinate system, and the v axis of the field coordinate system (= the v axis of the texture coordinate system) coincides with the y axis of the global coordinate system. In the following, the field surface 70 refers to the field surface 70 (field surface 70 of a field object) in a state where a field image is projected, unless otherwise specified.

In this embodiment, the camera parameters include two position parameters (X, Y), a distance parameter A2, an orientation parameter θ, and an angle of attack parameter ψ. Once the values of all these parameters are determined, the virtual camera 60 can be uniquely positioned with respect to the global coordinate system.

The position parameter X is the x-coordinate of the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane, the position parameter Y is the y-coordinate of the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane, and the distance parameter A2 is the distance from the intersection of the line of sight V on the xy plane to the virtual camera 60 (the distance along the line of sight V). The orientation parameter θ is the angle between the x-axis and the projection vector V' on the xy plane of the line of sight V. The angle of attack parameter ψ is the angle between the line of sight V and the xy plane. Note that in this embodiment, the angle of attack parameter ψ is used, but the angle of attack parameter ψ may be omitted. In other words, the angle of attack parameter ψ may be a constant value (fixed value).

Note that these camera parameters are for the purposes of the following explanation, and different parameters may be used equivalently in actual processing.

Figure 12 is an example of a functional block diagram relating to the drawing function of the server device 10. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of transformation parameter data. Note that in Figure 13, "-" indicates that it is optional, and "..." indicates the same repetition. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of distance parameter data. Similarly, in Figure 14 (similar to Figure 15), "..." indicates the same repetition. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of orientation parameter data.

The server device 10 includes a drawing information storage unit 130, an operation information acquisition unit 132, a drawing data transmission unit 134, and a drawing processing unit 140. The drawing information storage unit 130 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1, the operation information acquisition unit 132 and the drawing data transmission unit 134 can be realized by the server communication unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, and the drawing processing unit 140 can be realized by the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, with regard to the processing of each unit, "calculation" is a concept that includes processing that simply reads out calculated values, setting values, etc. stored as data.

The drawing information storage unit 130 stores various information and data used by the drawing processing unit 140.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes the transformation parameter data 13A related to the specific position described above. In the following, the specific position is assumed to be a position where a specific object, which will be described later, can be located. In other words, the specific position is assumed to be a position that can coincide with the position of a specific object, which will be described later.

In the deformation parameter data 13A, a value of the deformation parameter A1 different from the normal value _β0 is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position described above. The normal value _β0 of the deformation parameter A1 is a constant value, but may be a variable value that may differ for each field image when multiple types of field images G60 are prepared. In addition, the value of the orientation parameter θ may be further associated with the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the value of the deformation parameter _A1 according to the value of the orientation parameter θ is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) related to the specific position, such as ( _XA , _YA ), ( _XB , YB), ( _XC , _YC ), etc. In the deformation parameter data 13A of FIG. 13, for example, the value _β1 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific position A=( _XA , _YA ), regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. On the other hand, when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ= _θC1 , the value _β3 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific position C=( _XC , _YC ), and when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ= _θC2 , the value _β4 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific position C. Hereinafter, a specific position where the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes depending on the orientation of the virtual camera 60, such as the specific position C, is also referred to as a "specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60", and an orientation where a value different from the normal value _β0 , such as the value _β3 or value _β4 , is associated on the deformation parameter data 13A (the orientation where the orientation parameter θ= _θC1 or _θC2 ) is referred to as a "specific orientation". The specific orientation is fixed, but may be changed. Note that in other embodiments, the specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 may not be set. Further, two specific orientations are set for the specific position C, but only one may be set, or three or more may be set.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes deformation parameter data 13B relating to a specific object. In the deformation parameter data 13B, a value of the deformation parameter A1 different from the normal value β ₀ is associated with the specific object. The specific object is any object different from a predetermined object described later. For example, the specific object is preferably an object of the second object that the user is to pay attention to. For example, the specific object may be an object relating to a moving object (e.g., a character) or an object relating to a fixed object. In the deformation parameter data 13B of FIG. 13, the value β _G1 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G1, and the value β _{G2 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G2. On the other hand, the value β G3 of} the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G3 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θ _C3 , and the value β _G4 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G3 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θ _C4 . As in the case of the deformation parameter data 13A, hereinafter, a specific object such as the specific object G3, whose value of the deformation parameter A1 changes depending on the orientation of the virtual camera 60, is also referred to as a "specific object whose degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60", and an orientation associated with a value different from the normal value _β0 , such as the value _βG3 or value _βG4 in the deformation parameter data 13B (an orientation in which the orientation parameter θ= _θC3 or _θC4 ) is referred to as a "specific orientation". The specific orientation is fixed, but may be changed. For example, if the specific object G3 has a forward orientation, the specific orientation may be changed in response to a change in the forward orientation of the specific object G3.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes the distance parameter data 14A related to the specific position described above. In the distance parameter data 14A, a value of the distance parameter A2 different from the normal value γ _{0 is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position. The normal value γ 0 of} the distance parameter A2 is a constant value, but may be a variable value that may differ for each field image when multiple types of field images G60 are prepared. The value of the distance parameter A2 related to the specific position of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that the corresponding area (and an object located within the area) is captured at a desired distance by the virtual camera 60 positioned at the specific position. For example, when it is desired to show a specific second object to the user at a close distance, the value of the distance parameter A2 that allows the specific second object to be captured at a close distance by the virtual camera 60 may be associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) related to the specific position. 14, for example, a value _γ1 of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific position A=( _XA , _YA ), a value _γ2 of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific position B=( _XB , _YB ), and so on. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, the value of the distance parameter A2 defined in the distance parameter data 14A, such as the value _γ1 or the value _γ2 , is significantly smaller than the normal value _γ0 . Note that the smaller the value of the distance parameter A2, the shorter the distance between the virtual camera 60 and the field object.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes distance parameter data 14B related to specific objects. In the distance parameter data 14B, each specific object is associated with a distance parameter A2 value smaller than a normal value γ _0. In the distance parameter data 14B of Fig. 14, the specific object G1 is associated with the distance parameter A2 value γ _G1 , and the specific object G2 is associated with the distance parameter A2 value γ _G2 .

In this embodiment, the distance parameter data 14A relating to the specific position does not define a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes depending on the value of the orientation parameter θ. However, as in the above-described deformation parameter data 13A, a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes depending on the value of the orientation parameter θ may be defined. That is, a specific position where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 may be defined. In this case, preferably, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific orientation relating to a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60. For example, the value γ ₃₁ of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific position C=(X _C , Y _C ) when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θ _C1 , and the value γ ₃₂ of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific position C=(X C , Y C ₎ . This allows the value of the distance parameter A2 to be changed when the degree of bending deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60.

Similarly, in this embodiment, the distance parameter data 14B relating to the specific object does not define a specific object in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes according to the value of the orientation parameter θ, but a specific object in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes according to the value of the orientation parameter θ may be defined as in the above-mentioned deformation parameter data 13B. That is, a specific object in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 may be defined. In this case, too, preferably, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific orientation relating to the specific object for a specific object whose deformation degree changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60. For example, the value γ G31 of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific object G3 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θ _C3 , and the value γ _G32 of the distance parameter A2 may be associated with the specific object _G3 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ=θ _C4 . This allows the value of the distance parameter A2 to be changed when the bending deformation degree changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes orientation parameter data. In the orientation parameter data, the value of the orientation parameter θ is associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the orientation change position. The value of the orientation parameter θ related to the position of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that a desired area falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 at that position. For example, when a specific second object is to be shown to the user, the value of the orientation parameter θ may be associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) related to that position so that the specific second object is located in an area that falls within the angle of view. The orientation change position may be set in correspondence with, for example, a position where the first object changes direction while moving (for example, the start and end positions of the curved road 17 shown in FIG. 2, the intersection position between the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15, etc.). For example, in FIG. 15, the orientation parameter θ value θ1 is associated with the orientation change position T1 (XP1, YP1), the orientation parameter θ value θ2 is associated with the orientation change position T2 (XP2, YP2), and so on. The orientation change positions T1 and T2 may be positions associated with a transformation parameter A1 value different from the normal value β0, such as specific positions A and B, and/or may be positions associated with a distance parameter A2 value different from the normal value γ0.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 also includes angle-of-attack parameter data. In the angle-of-attack parameter data, although not shown, similarly to the orientation parameter data, the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may be associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 relating to the angle-of-attack change position. The value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ relating to the position of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that a desired area falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 at that position. For example, when it is desired to show a specific second object to the user, the value of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ may be associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) relating to that position so that the specific second object is located in an area that falls within the angle of view.

The data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 does not need to be managed in the manner shown in Figures 13, 14, and 15, but may be managed in an integrated manner as appropriate.

The operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires user operation information. The user operation information is generated in response to various operations by the user on the terminal device 20. The operation information may be generated by gestures, voice input, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation information includes a movement instruction for a specific object and a rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60. The movement instruction for the specific object is an instruction to change the position of the specific object relative to the field object (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the "position of the specific object"), and may include an instruction for the movement direction, the movement amount, and the like. The rotation instruction for the virtual camera 60 is an instruction to realize the above-mentioned rotation of the virtual camera 60, and may include an instruction for the type of rotation (rotation around the revolution axis Pc, i.e., revolution, or rotation around the rotation axis 61, i.e., rotation, or rotation that changes the value of the attack angle parameter ψ), the rotation direction, and the like. The specific object is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, it is preferably the first object. The operation information may also include an instruction to move the virtual camera 60, and the like.

The drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits drawing data for the field image generated by the drawing processing unit 140 to the terminal device 20. As described above, in other embodiments, part or all of the drawing processing of the drawing processing unit 140 may be realized on the terminal device 20 side. For example, when the drawing processing unit 140 is realized by the terminal device 20, the drawing data transmission unit 134 may be omitted.

The drawing processing unit 140 generates drawing data for the field image based on various data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and operation information from the terminal device 20.

The drawing processing unit 140 includes a change processing unit 142, a second movement processing unit 144, a transformation processing unit 145, a projection processing unit 146, a background processing unit 147, and a drawing data generation unit 148.

The change processing unit 142 changes the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in response to operation information, etc. For example, the change processing unit 142 changes each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60, and when changing each value of the position parameters (X, Y), executes various processes according to the changes.

In this embodiment, since a specific object is placed in the field object 77, when the area of the field object that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is changed, a specific object may be located within the area. In other words, the area of the field object that fits within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 is substantially the number of all possible combinations of the values of the camera parameters, and among them, there is an area where the specific object is located (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific object area"), and there is also an area (an example of a predetermined object area) around the specific object area. In addition, in this embodiment, since the values of the camera parameters can be changed with a relatively small resolution, the specific object area includes a first object area in which the specific object is located at the center and a second object area in which the specific object is located at the end.
Here, the specific object and the like will be described with reference to FIG. 11A. FIG. 11A shows regions R1, R2, and R3 that fall within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 when three different camera parameters (here, camera parameters 1, 2, and 3) are used. The camera parameters 1, 2, and 3 differ in at least one value among the elements (X, Y, A2, θ, and ψ) of the camera parameters described above. Therefore, the three regions shown in FIG. 11A are different regions. Among the three regions R1, R2, and R3 shown in FIG. 11A, the specific objects G5 and G7 are located in the regions R1 and R3. Therefore, in this case, the regions R1 and R3 are examples of specific object regions. On the other hand, the specific object is not located in the region R2. Therefore, in this case, the region R2 is an example of a predetermined object region in which the specific object is not located. Note that, when the specific object is a moving object, a region that was a specific object region at a certain time point may not be a specific object region at another time point. For example, in the case of region R2, when a specific object G6 that was currently located outside the angle of view 62 moves and is positioned within region R2, region R2 becomes a specific object region.

The change processing unit 142 includes a first movement processing unit 1420, a distance change unit 1421, a direction change unit 1422, an angle of attack change unit 1423, an update reflection unit 1424, and a rotation processing unit 1425.

When a predetermined first movement condition is met, the first movement processing unit 1420 updates the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60. The predetermined first movement condition is arbitrary, but may be met, for example, by the movement of a predetermined object based on an instruction to move the predetermined object in the operation information, or may be met based on the progress of the game or other factors.

The distance change unit 1421 associates the value of the distance parameter A2 with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the distance change unit 1421 refers to the distance parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the distance parameter A2 to be associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the distance parameter A2 is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the distance parameter data 14A, an interpolated value may be associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Note that, in another embodiment, if the value of the distance parameter A2 is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the distance parameter data, the distance change unit 1421 may directly associate the normal value γ ₀ instead of the interpolated value.

The distance change unit 1421 includes a first distance change unit 14211 and a second distance change unit 14212. Note that in other embodiments in which a specific position is not set, unlike the example shown in FIG. 14, the first distance change unit 14211 may be omitted.

The first distance modification unit 14211 calculates the value of the distance parameter A2 based on the relationship between the position of the virtual camera 60 and the specific position (first distance parameter calculation process). In this embodiment, the first distance modification unit 14211 calculates the value of the distance parameter A2 based on the position of the virtual camera 60 by referring to the distance parameter data 14A related to the specific position as described above with reference to FIG. 14. An example of the first distance parameter calculation process by the first distance modification unit 14211 will be described later with reference to FIG. 17.

The second distance modification unit 14212 associates the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with the specific object with each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (second distance parameter calculation process). In this embodiment, when the specific object is located in an area of the field object that falls within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60, the second distance modification unit 14212 refers to the distance parameter data 14B related to the specific position as described above with reference to FIG. 14, and calculates the value of the distance parameter A2 based on the specific object located in an area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60.

In addition, when a specific object is located in an area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, the second distance change unit 14212 may calculate the value of the distance parameter A2 according to the position of the specific object in the area. In this case, the second distance change unit 14212 may change the value of the distance parameter A2 when the specific object is located in the center of the area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object and when the specific object is located at both ends of the area. Specifically, when the specific object is located in the center of the area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the second distance change unit 14212 may make the value of the distance parameter A2 smaller than when the specific object is located at both ends of the area. This makes it possible to effectively highlight a specific object when the specific object is located near the center of the angle of view of the virtual camera 60. Note that the center of the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of virtual camera 60 may be, for example, in the upper specific object area of FIG. 11A, a portion of range 771 within distance L0 centered on center line CT. In this case, distance L0 is any value that is significantly smaller than the entire distance L1 of the specific object area, and may be, for example, approximately L1/2. In this case, the portions of ranges 772 and 773 on both sides of range 771 correspond to the ends of the central area. An example of the second distance parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

The orientation change unit 1422 associates the value of the orientation parameter θ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the orientation change unit 1422 refers to the orientation parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the orientation parameter θ corresponding to each value of the position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the orientation parameter θ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Then, the orientation change unit 1422 associates the calculated value of the orientation parameter θ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). Note that in another embodiment, if the value of the orientation parameter θ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may directly associate the normal value θ0. The normal value θ0 may be set so that the line of sight direction V is perpendicular to the movement direction of the predetermined object in the z direction.

The angle of attack change unit 1423 associates the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y). In this embodiment, the angle of attack change unit 1423 refers to the angle of attack parameter data in the drawing information storage unit 130 and calculates the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ corresponding to each value of the position parameter (X, Y). At this time, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack change unit 1423 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of a method for calculating the interpolated value will be described later. Then, the angle of attack change unit 1423 associates the calculated value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each value of the changed position parameter (X, Y). Note that in another embodiment, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each value of the updated position parameter (X, Y) on the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack change unit 1423 may directly associate the normal value ψ0.

The update reflecting unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 relative to the global coordinate system based on the updated position parameters (X, Y) and the various parameters (distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, and angle of attack parameter ψ) associated with the updated position parameters (X, Y). This positions the virtual camera 60 relative to the field surface 70 (and the field object associated with it).

When a predetermined rotation condition is met, the rotation processing unit 1425 executes a rotation process for the virtual camera 60. The predetermined rotation condition may be determined based on, for example, operation information (a command to rotate the virtual camera 60), or may be satisfied based on the progress of the game or other factors.

The rotation processing unit 1425 may include a revolution processing unit 14251, a rotation processing unit 14252, and an angle of attack processing unit 14253. In other embodiments, some or all of the revolution processing unit 14251, the rotation processing unit 14252, and the angle of attack processing unit 14253 may be omitted.

The revolution processing unit 14251 realizes rotation of the line of sight V around a revolution axis Pc (see FIG. 10) that is separated from the virtual camera 60. The revolution processing unit 14251 may set the position of the revolution axis Pc as appropriate depending on the position of the virtual camera 60, the position of a specified object, etc.

The rotation processing unit 14252 realizes the rotation of the line of sight V around the rotation axis 61 (see FIG. 10), which is an axis parallel to the z direction passing through the virtual camera 60.

The angle-of-attack processing unit 14253 realizes a change in the angle-of-attack parameter ψ (see FIG. 5), which is the angle between the line-of-sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 and the xy plane (i.e., a rotation around an axis perpendicular to the Vz plane passing through the virtual camera 60).

In addition, in one processing cycle, two or more of the revolution processing unit 14251, the rotation processing unit 14252, and the angle of attack processing unit 14253 may simultaneously perform processing.

When a predetermined second movement condition is met, the second movement processing unit 144 updates the position of the predetermined object relative to the field object. The predetermined object may be any object whose position relative to the field object can change, but is preferably the first object as described above. The predetermined second movement condition is arbitrary, but may be satisfied, for example, by operation information (a movement instruction for the predetermined object), or may be satisfied based on the progress of the game or other factors. The position of the predetermined object may be defined, for example, in the texture coordinate system of the field image.

The deformation processing unit 145 executes bending deformation processing to bend and deform the field surface 70 (and the field object accordingly) based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60. The bending deformation of the field surface 70 is as described above. In the deformation parameter data 13A shown in FIG. 13, for example, when each value of the position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position A ( _XA , _YA ), the deformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the field object accordingly) based on the value _β1 of the deformation parameter A1, regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. Furthermore, when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position C ( _XC , _YC ), the deformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) based on the value _β3 of the deformation parameter A1 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is " _θC1 ", and bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and therefore the field object) based on the value _β4 of the deformation parameter A1 when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is " _θC2 ".

In this embodiment, the transformation processing unit 145 includes a first transformation parameter calculation unit 1451, a second transformation parameter calculation unit 1452, a transformation parameter adjustment unit 1453, an origin setting processing unit 1454, and a transformation function application unit 1455. Note that in other embodiments in which a specific position is not set unlike the example shown in FIG. 13, the first transformation parameter calculation unit 1451 and the transformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 may be omitted.

The first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 refers to the deformation parameter data 13A relating to the specific position as described above with reference to FIG. 13, and calculates the value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60 (first deformation parameter calculation process). An example of the first deformation parameter calculation process by the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 will be described later with reference to FIG. 23.

The second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 refers to the deformation parameter data 13B related to the specific object as described above with reference to FIG. 13, and calculates the value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60 (second deformation parameter calculation process). An example of the second deformation parameter calculation process by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

When the value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated by the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 and the value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 do not match, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 calculates an interpolated value by an interpolation process. An example of the interpolation process related to the deformation parameters will be described later. Note that, in another embodiment, when the value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated by the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 and the value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 do not match, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 may preferentially use one of them (for example, the value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452).

The origin setting processing unit 1454 sets a position (hereinafter also referred to as "origin position") to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object corresponds based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60. The origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the origin position in two or more setting modes. In this embodiment, as an example, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the origin position based on the position of a specified object as the first setting mode, and sets the origin position based on the position of a specific object different from the specified object as the second setting mode. For example, the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines whether a specific object is located in an area that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, and if it is determined that the specific object is located in an area that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, it sets the origin position based on the position of the specific object. On the other hand, if the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines that the specific object is not located in an area that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, it sets the origin position based on the position of the specific object. In other embodiments, the origin setting processing unit 1454 may set the origin position based on the position of a specific object, regardless of whether the specific object is located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, or may set the origin position based on other factors.

The transformation function application unit 1455 bends and transforms the field surface 70 based on the origin position set by the origin setting processing unit 1454, the value of the transformation parameter A1 calculated (set) by the transformation parameter adjustment unit 1453, and the orientation of the virtual camera 60, and based on the function F1 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

The projection processing unit 146 places various objects (second objects, etc.) other than the background object on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the transformation processing unit 145. The placement of various objects can be realized based on the correspondence information described above. At this time, the projection processing unit 146 places a specific object at the position after movement calculated by the second movement processing unit 144. Note that the field image may be projected after bending and deforming the field surface 70, as described above.

The background processing unit 147 places a background object on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the transformation processing unit 145. The background processing unit 147 determines the position of the background object in the z direction based on the degree of bending deformation of the field surface 70. Specifically, the background processing unit 147 determines the position of the background object along the z direction relative to the field object based on the height H1 (see FIG. 6) of the virtual horizon HL represented by the field object. For example, when the height H1 of the horizon HL becomes smaller due to a change in the degree of bending deformation of the field surface 70, the background processing unit 147 moves the z direction position of the background object downward. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5, when the angle changes from α to α', the background processing unit 147 may move the z direction position of the background object downward by a distance Δ1. As shown in FIG. 5, distance Δ1 is the distance between point P4 of intersection P5 of tangent 6213' (a tangent within angle of view 62) with background plane 72 from virtual camera 60 to field plane 70. In this case, even if height H1 of horizon HL changes due to a change in the degree of bending deformation, the background object can be positioned in a manner that is unlikely to cause discomfort due to the change.

In addition, in a certain case, the background processing unit 147 may not change the position of the background object relative to the field object along the z direction. For example, when the amount of change in the degree of bending deformation of the bending deformation by the deformation processing unit 145 is relatively small, the background object may not change the position of the background object relative to the field object along the z direction.

The drawing data generation unit 148 generates a field image (drawing data) that includes a representation of various objects viewed from the virtual camera 60.

Next, the operation of the server control unit 13 related to the drawing function will be further explained with reference to FIG. 16 onwards. In the process flow diagrams (flowcharts) that follow, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between the input and output of each step is not lost.

Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart showing the process flow realized by the server control unit 13.

The process shown in FIG. 16 may be executed at each predetermined processing cycle. The predetermined processing cycle may be the same as the frame cycle (update cycle) of the field image. In the following, the "pre-update" value corresponds to the previous value (the value derived in the previous processing cycle (k)) based on a certain processing cycle (k+1), and the "update" value corresponds to the current value derived in the processing cycle (k+1). In this example, in the first processing cycle, the position (u(0), v(0)) of the predetermined object after the update is set to a predetermined initial position, each value (X(0), Y(0)) of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 after the update is set to the same as the position (u(0), v(0)) of the predetermined object, and each value (X(0), Y(0), γ(0), θ(0), ψ(0)) of the camera parameters is set to the respective normal values.

In step S1600, the operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires operation information. Note that the operation information may be received from the terminal device 20 by interrupt processing and stored in a predetermined storage unit of the server storage unit 12. In this case, the operation information acquisition unit 132 sequentially reads out the operation information from the predetermined storage unit.

In step S1602, the second movement processing unit 144 determines whether or not the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes an instruction to move a specific object. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1604; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1616.

In step S1604, the second movement processing unit 144 calculates the position of the specified object after it has been moved, based on the movement instruction of the specified object in the operation information obtained in step S1600. Here, the position of the specified object after it has been moved is assumed to be (u(k+1), v(k+1)) in field coordinates. Note that the position of the specified object before it has been moved is assumed to be (u(k), v(k)) in field coordinates. In this case, the movement vector in the field coordinate system is (u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)). Note that the movement instruction of the specified object may be an instruction that represents such a movement vector (movement direction).

In step S1606, the first movement processing unit 1420 calculates the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the virtual camera 60 based on the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specific object after the movement obtained in step S1604. Note that the values of the position parameters (X, Y) before the update are (X(k), Y(k)). In this case, the change vector of the values of the position parameters (X, Y) is (X(k+1)-X(k), Y(k+1)-Y(k)). In this case, (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) may be calculated so that (X(k+1)-X(k), Y(k+1)-Y(k))=(u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)).

In step S1608, the first distance change unit 14211 of the distance change unit 1421 calculates the value γ(k+1) of the updated distance parameter A2 to be associated with the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606, based on the respective values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) (first distance parameter calculation process). A specific example of this first distance parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

In step S1610, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ corresponding to (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) based on each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 (orientation parameter calculation process). A specific example of this orientation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 19.

In step S1612, the angle-of-attack change unit 1423 calculates the value ψ(k+1) of the angle-of-attack parameter ψ corresponding to the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 based on the values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) (angle-of-attack parameter calculation process). A specific example of this angle-of-attack parameter calculation process will be outlined later with reference to FIG. 20.

In step S1615, the transformation processing unit 145 executes transformation processing associated with the movement of a predetermined object. A specific example of transformation processing associated with the movement of a predetermined object will be described later with reference to FIG. 21.

In step S1616, the second movement processing unit 144 sets the updated position of the specified object (u(k+1), v(k+1)) to the pre-update position of the specified object (u(k), v(k)). In other words, the current value is set to the same as the previous value.

In step S1617, the rotation processing unit 1425 determines whether or not the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes an instruction to rotate the virtual camera 60. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1618; otherwise, the current processing cycle ends.

In step S1618, the rotation processing unit 1425 executes the rotation processing of the virtual camera 60 based on the operation information obtained in step S1600. The rotation processing is as described above.

In step S1619, the deformation processing unit 145 performs the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and the field object therewith) described above with reference to Figures 7 and 7A, etc., based on the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 after the rotation processing in step S1618.

In step S1620, the background processing unit 147 determines whether the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 used in the current processing cycle has changed relative to the previous value β(k). If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S1622, and otherwise proceed to step S1623. In a modified example, in step S1620, the background processing unit 147 may determine whether the change amount of the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 used in the current processing cycle relative to the previous value β(k) is a predetermined amount or more. This allows step S1622 to be skipped if the change amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, thereby reducing the processing load for calculating the z-direction position of the background object. In another modified example, in step S1620, the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 may not be directly compared with the previous value β(k). For example, in another embodiment in which a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during revolution of the virtual camera 60, such as the specific position C described above, is not set, unlike this embodiment, if the processing content up to step S1619 of the current processing cycle is revolution, the judgment result of this step S1620 may be a "negative judgment (NO)" without directly comparing the current value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 with the previous value β(k).

In step S1623, the second distance change unit 14212 of the distance change unit 1421 executes a second distance parameter calculation process. A specific example of the second distance parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 27.

In step S1624, the update reflection unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system based on the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) of the various parameters obtained in steps S1606 to S1612, or the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) of the various parameters obtained in steps S1606, S1610 to S1612, and S1623.

In step S1625, the drawing data generation unit 148 generates drawing data (drawing data of the field image) after various updates for the current processing cycle.

In step S1626, the drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits the drawing data generated in step S1625 to the device communication unit 21. Upon receiving the drawing data, the device communication unit 21 updates the display of the field image on the display unit 23 based on the drawing data.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 16, drawing data reflecting operation information received from the terminal device 20 can be generated based on the operation information, and the generated drawing data can be transmitted to the terminal device 20. Therefore, it is possible to realize real-time updates of the field image as the game progresses.

Figure 17 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the first distance parameter calculation process (step S1608). Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the interpolation processing range, and is a perspective view showing the field surface 70.

In step S1700, the first distance change unit 14211 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any specific position set in the distance parameter data 14A (see FIG. 14). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1702, otherwise the process proceeds to step S1704.

In step S1702, the first distance change unit 14211 associates the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with a specific position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) with the value γ(k+1) of the updated distance parameter A2. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 14, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to the specific position A ( _XA , _YA ), the value of the distance parameter A2 is set as γ(k+1) = _γ1 .

In step S1704, the first distance change unit 14211 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary specific position set in the distance parameter data 14A (see FIG. 14). The interpolation processing range may be set in association with a texture coordinate system (=field coordinate system) for each specific position. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the interpolation processing range is assumed to be within a circular area with a radius r centered on the specific position, as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, it may be determined whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is within a circular area with a radius r centered on the specific position. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined as an area of another form. For example, the interpolation processing range may be set so that, when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter is the normal value γ ₀ , ψ ₀ , the specific position related to the interpolation processing range is located within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 even when the direction parameter θ is any value. This is similar to other interpolation processing ranges described later. In FIG. 18, three specific positions Ps(1) to Ps(3) are typically shown on the field surface 70, and the corresponding interpolation processing ranges Rs(1) to Rs(3) are typically shown. In FIG. 18, the interpolation processing range Rs(2) and the interpolation processing range Rs(3) overlap each other, and the overlapping area Rs' is shown by a hatched area. In addition, the specific positions Ps(1), Ps(2), and Ps(3) are set in the distance parameter data 14A (see FIG. 14) like the specific positions A and B. In addition, The interpolation processing range (as well as the interpolation processing ranges relating to other parameters described later) may also be defined in advance by the distance parameter data 14A or the like.

In step S1706, the first distance modification unit 14211 calculates the distance (interpolation distance) between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 18, if each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) is located within the interpolation processing range Rs(1), the distance d(1) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the specific position Ps(1) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(1) is calculated. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 18, if the updated position parameter (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) are located within the overlapping region Rs', the distance d(2) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and a specific position Ps(2) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(2) and the distance d(3) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and a specific position Ps(3) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(3) are calculated.

In step S1708, the first distance change unit 14211 calculates an interpolated value of the distance parameter A2 based on the distance obtained in step S1706. For example, the interpolated value γ(1) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(1) may be calculated by the following formula.
γ(1)=(γ ₁ - _{γ 0} )/r×(rd(1))+γ ₀
The value γ ₁ is a value associated with the specific position Ps(1), and is smaller than the normal value γ ₀ as described above.
On the other hand, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is located within the overlap region Rs′, the interpolated value γ(Rs′) may be calculated using the following formula based on the interpolated value γ(2) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(2) and the interpolated value γ(3) of the distance parameter A2 related to the above-mentioned distance d(3).
γ(Rs')=B0×γ(2)+(1-B0)×γ(3)
Here, γ(2) and γ(3) are as follows: γ(2) = (γ ₂ - _{γ 0} )/r x (r - d(2)) + γ ₀
γ(3)=(γ ₃ - _{γ 0} )/r×(rd(3))+γ ₀
The values γ2 _{and γ3} are values associated with the specific positions Ps(2) and Ps(3), respectively, and are smaller than the normal value _γ0 as described above. B0 is a coefficient that changes within a range from 0 to 1, and approaches 1 as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach the specific position Ps(2), and becomes 1 at the boundary position on the specific position Ps(2) side in the overlapping region Rs'. The coefficient B0 approaches 0 as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach the specific position Ps(3), and becomes 0 at the boundary position on the specific position Ps(3) side in the overlapping region Rs'. For example, B0 may be as follows.
B0=(rd(2))/{(rd(2))+(rd(3))}
In step S1710, the first distance change unit 14211 sets the interpolated value calculated in step S1708 to the value γ(k+1) of the updated distance parameter A2.

In step S1712, the first distance change unit 14211 sets the updated value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 to the normal value γ ₀ .

17, the value of the distance parameter A2 can be gradually changed in conjunction with the change in the values of the position parameters (X, Y) for each predetermined processing cycle, so that a gentle change in distance can be achieved compared to, for example, a sudden change from the normal value γ ₀ to a value γ ₁ in a processing cycle in which a specific position is reached. As a result, the value of the distance parameter A2 can be changed while reducing the sense of discomfort that may be felt by the user.

Figure 19 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the orientation parameter calculation process (step S1610).

In step S1900, the orientation change unit 1422 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see FIG. 15). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1902, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S1904.

In step S1902, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to the value of the orientation parameter θ associated with the orientation change position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to the orientation change position T1 (XP1, YP1), the value of the orientation parameter θ is set to θ(k+1) = θ1.

In step S1904, the orientation change unit 1422 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see FIG. 15). The interpolation processing range may be set for each orientation change position. In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply set to a circular area of radius r centered on the orientation change position (see FIG. 18), similar to the interpolation processing range related to the distance parameter A2. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined by an area of another form. Also, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may not be set for some or all of the orientation change positions. If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S1906, and otherwise proceed to step S1912.

In step S1906, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates the distance between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs. The method of calculating the distance may be the same as in step S1706 described above.

In step S1908, the orientation change unit 1422 calculates an interpolated value of the orientation parameter θ based on the distance obtained in step S1906. The method of calculating the interpolated value may be the same as that in step S1708 described above.

In step S1910, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to the interpolated value calculated in step S1908.

In step S1912, the orientation change unit 1422 sets the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ to a normal value θ0. The normal value θ0 may be set so that the projection vector V' is perpendicular to the movement vector (u(k+1)-u(k), v(k+1)-v(k)) of the specified object.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 19, the value of the orientation parameter θ can be gradually changed in conjunction with the change in the values of the position parameters (X, Y) at each predetermined processing cycle, so that a gentle change in orientation can be achieved that reduces the discomfort that may be felt by the user, compared to, for example, a sudden change from the normal value θ0 to a value θ1, etc., at the processing cycle in which the orientation change position is reached.

Figure 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the attack angle parameter calculation process (step S1612). The process shown in Figure 20 is substantially the same as the orientation parameter calculation process shown in Figure 19 described above, except for the parameters, so a description of the process will be omitted.

Figure 21 is a schematic flow chart showing an example of the deformation process (step S1615) accompanying the movement of a specified object. Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation process, and is a perspective view in which a local coordinate system is associated with the field surface 70 onto which the field image shown in Figure 2 is projected.

In step S2102, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 calculates the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 by referring to the deformation parameter data 13A (FIG. 13) relating to the specific position (first deformation parameter calculation process). Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 obtained in the first deformation parameter calculation process will be referred to as the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1. A specific example of the first deformation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 23.

In step S2104, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 calculates the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 by referring to the deformation parameter data 13B (FIG. 13) related to the specific object (second deformation parameter calculation process). Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 obtained in the second deformation parameter calculation process will be referred to as the second value β"(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1. A specific example of the second deformation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

In step S2106, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 sets the final updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 based on the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 obtained in step S2102 and the second value β"(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 obtained in step S2104 (deformation parameter adjustment process). A specific example of this deformation parameter adjustment process will be described later with reference to Figure 25.

In step S2108, the origin setting processing unit 1454 executes an origin setting process to set the origin position (the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object corresponds) (an example of a predetermined position). A specific example of the origin setting process will be outlined later with reference to FIG. 26.

In step S2110, the transformation function application unit 1455 associates a local coordinate system (see Figures 7 and 22) with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 (texture coordinate system of the field image) based on the origin O associated with the origin position set in step S2108 and the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ. Specifically, the axis that passes through the origin set in step S2108 and has the value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ in the x direction is set as the Xc axis. Note that the example shown in Figure 22 shows a state in which the local coordinate system is associated with (u(k+1), v(k+1)) on the field surface 70 as the origin position.

In step S2112, the transformation function application unit 1455 bends and deforms the field surface 70 based on the value β(k+1) of the updated transformation parameter A1 set in step S2106 and the local coordinate system associated with the field coordinate system of the field surface 70 in step S2110. In this case, for example, the transformation function application unit 1455 can bend and deform the field surface 70 based on the function F1 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

Figure 23 is a schematic flowchart showing the first transformation parameter calculation process (step S2102) by the first transformation parameter calculation unit 1451.

In step S2300, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 corresponds to any specific position set in the deformation parameter data 13A (see FIG. 13). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2302, otherwise the process proceeds to step S2304.

In step S2302, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 sets the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) to the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1. For example, in the deformation parameter data 13A shown in Fig. 13, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) corresponds to the specific position A ( _XA , _YA ), the value of the updated deformation parameter A1 is set as β(k+1) = _β1 .

In step S2304, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within an interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary specific position set in the deformation parameter data (see FIG. 13). The interpolation processing range may be set for each specific position. In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply set to be within a circular area of radius r centered on the specific position (see FIG. 18), similar to the interpolation processing range associated with the specific position related to the distance parameter A2. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined as an area of another form, as described above.

In step S2306, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 calculates the distance d(k+1) between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) and the specific position related to the interpolation processing range to which each value belongs. The method of calculating the distance may be the same as that of step S1706 described above.

In step S2308, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 calculates an interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the distance d(k+1) obtained in step S2306. The method of calculating the interpolated value may be the same as that in step S1708 described above.

However, in the case of a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60, such as specific position C in the deformation parameter data 13A in Fig. 13, the value β(C0) may be calculated as follows based on the value θ( _k +1) of the orientation parameter θ. Here, a description will be given of specific position C. First, the value β( _C0 ) of the deformation parameter A1 associated with specific position C may be calculated by the following formula (1) when _θC1 - _Δθ1 ≦θ(k+1)≦θC1+Δθ1, and by the following formula (2) when _θC2 -Δθ1≦θ(k+1)≦θC2+Δθ1. In other ranges, the value β( _C0 ) may be set to be the normal value _β0 .
β(C ₀ )=-(β ₃ -β ₀ )/Δθ1×|(θ(k+1)-θ _C1 )|+β ₃ Equation (1)
β(C ₀ )=-(β ₄ -β ₀ )/Δθ1×|(θ(k+1)-θ _C2 )|+β ₄ Formula (2)
For example, in equation (1), β(C ₀ ) is obtained by multiplying the absolute value of (θ(k+1)-θ _C1 ) by (β ₃ - β ₀ )/Δθ1 and subtracting the result from β _3. Here, Δθ1 is a value that determines the interpolation angle range, and β ₃ and β ₄ are values of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific orientation of specific position C, and as described above, are greater than the normal value β _0. Note that although the same Δθ1 is used in equations (1) and (2), different Δθ1s may also be used.
Then, if the distance between a specific position C and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is distance d( _dC ), the interpolated value β( _dC ) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d( _dC ) may be calculated using the above-mentioned β( _C0 ) according to the following formula:
β(d _C )=(β(C ₀ )−β ₀ )/r×(rd(d _C ))+β ₀
The same applies to the case where the interpolation processing ranges for each of the specific positions A and B have an overlapping region Rs', for example, as in the case of the distance parameter A2. Specifically, when each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameter (X, Y) is located within the overlapping region Rs', if the distance between the specific position A and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is distance d(d _A ) and the distance between the specific position B and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is distance d(d _B ), the interpolated value β(Rs') may be calculated by the following formula based on the interpolated value β(d _A ) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(d _A ) and the interpolated value β(d B ) of _the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(d _B ).
β(Rs')=B1×β(d _A )+(1−B1)×β(d _B )
Here, β(d _A ) and β(d _B ) are as follows: β(d _A )=(β ₁ -β ₀ )/r×(r−d(d _A ))+β ₀
β(d _B )=(β ₂ -β ₀ )/r×(rd(d _B ))+β ₀
B1 is a coefficient that varies within a range from 0 to 1, and approaches 1 as each updated value of the position parameter (X, Y) approaches specific position A, and is 1 at the boundary position on the specific position A side in the overlap region Rs'. Moreover, coefficient B1 approaches 0 as each updated value of the position parameter (X, Y) approaches specific position B, and is 0 at the boundary position on the specific position B side in the overlap region Rs'. For example, B1 may be as follows.
B1=(rd(d _A ))/{(rd(d _A ))+(rd(d _B ))}
In step S2310, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 sets the interpolated value calculated in step S2308 to the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1.

In step S2312, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 sets the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to the normal value _β0 .

Figure 24 is a schematic flowchart showing the second transformation parameter calculation process (step S2104) by the second transformation parameter calculation unit 1452.

In step S2400, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 determines whether a specific object is located in an area in the field object that is located within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 positioned in the absolute coordinate system based on the updated values of the camera parameters (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) obtained in steps S1608 to S1612 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object" or simply the "area within the angle of view"). Note that the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object is uniquely determined based on the values of the camera parameters.

In addition, the horizontal distance of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object in the normal state (for example, the distance in the field coordinate system) is determined according to the value of the distance parameter A2. Therefore, for example, if the horizontal distance of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object is L1, it may be determined whether or not L1/2≦d _{L (k+1) is satisfied based on the distance d L} (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object in the direction perpendicular to the projection vector V' (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "horizontal direction"). In this case, if L1/2≦d _L (k+1), it may be determined that the specific object is located in the area within the angle of view _of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.

In this embodiment, if the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the position parameters (X, Y) are located within the interpolation processing range associated with the specific object, it is determined that the specific object is located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. In this case, the interpolation processing range associated with a specific object may be set, as described above, such that if the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are located within the interpolation processing range, the specific object is located within the area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60.

If the result of the determination in step S2400 is "YES", proceed to step S2402; otherwise, proceed to step S2410.

In step S2402, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 determines whether or not the specific object is located at the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. For example, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 may determine that the specific object is located at the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object when the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object is 0. Alternatively, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 may determine that the specific object is located at the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object when the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) is equal to or less than a predetermined distance (a distance significantly smaller than L1/2, for example, L1/4). The projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 can be derived based on the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), θ(k+1)) of the position parameters and orientation parameters obtained in steps S1608 and S1610. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2404, and otherwise the process proceeds to step S2406.

In step S2404, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 sets the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific object located in the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object to the second value β"(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1. For example, in the case of the deformation parameter data 13B shown in FIG. 13, when a specific object G1 is located in the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the value β _G1 of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object G1 is associated with the second value β"(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1.

In step S2406, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 calculates an interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the lateral distance d _L (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object. For example, using the above-mentioned lateral distance d _L (k+1), the interpolated value β(d _L ) may be calculated by the following formula:
β(d _L )=(β _G* - β ₀ )/L1/2×(L1/2-d(d _L ))+β ₀
The value β _G* is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific object located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, and in the case of the specific object G1, it is the value β _G1 . L1/2 is half the horizontal distance L1 of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.

In step S2408, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 sets the second value β''(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to the interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 obtained in step S2406.

In step S2410, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 sets the second value β″(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to the normal value _β0 .

Figure 25 is a schematic flowchart showing the transformation parameter adjustment process (step S2106) by the transformation parameter adjustment unit 1453.

In step S2500, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether or not the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 and the second value β"(k+1) obtained in step S2104 are both the normal value _β0 . If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2502; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2506.

In step S2502, the deformation parameter adjusting unit 1453 sets the parameter state to the “normal state.” The normal state corresponds to a state in which the value of the deformation parameter A1 is the normal value _β0 .

In step S2504, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 associates the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 with the normal value β _0. In this case, the adjustment by the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 is not implemented.

In step S2506, the deformation parameter adjusting unit 1453 determines whether or not the second value β″(k+1) obtained in step S2104 is the normal value β _0. If the determination result is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S2508; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2512.

In step S2508, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 sets the parameter state to the "first state." The first state corresponds to a state in which the value of the deformation parameter A1 is the first value β'(k+1).

In step S2510, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 associates the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 with the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1.

In step S2512, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether or not the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 is the normal value β _0. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2514, and otherwise (i.e., if both are not normal values), the process proceeds to step S2518.

In step S2514, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 sets the parameter state to the "second state." The second state corresponds to a state in which the value of the deformation parameter A1 is the second value β"(k+1). Hereinafter, in this second state, the specific object related to the second value β"(k+1) is also referred to as the "specific object of interest."

In step S2516, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 associates the second value β"(k+1) obtained in step S2104 with the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1.

In step S2518, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether or not d _L (k+1)>d(k+1) is satisfied based on the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object and the interpolation distance d(k+1) obtained in step S2306. If the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific position (see step S2302), the interpolation distance d(k+1)=0 is set. Similarly, if the second value β"(k+1) obtained in step S2104 is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object (see step S2404), the horizontal distance d _L (k+1)=0 is set. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2508, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2514.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 25, when the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 and the second value β"(k+1) obtained in step S2104 are both not the normal value _β0 (for example, when a specific position and a specific object's position belong simultaneously to the angle-of-view area), one of the first value β'(k+1) and the second value β"(k+1) is selected in such a manner that the smaller of the above-mentioned distance _d (k+1) and the lateral distance d L (k+1) is given priority. Therefore, when a specific object is located in the center of the angle-of-view area of virtual camera 60 in the field object, the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object is used with priority.

However, in a modified example, when the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 and the second value β"(k+1) obtained in step S2104 are not the normal value _β0 (for example, when a specific position and a specific object's position simultaneously belong to the area within the angle of view), an average value or a weighted composite value may be used. In the case of weighting, for example, the updated composite value β _com (k+1) may be calculated as follows using weighting coefficients w1 and w2.
β _com (k+1)={w1×β'(k+1)+w2×β”(k+1)}/(w1+w2)
In this case, for example, the weighting coefficients w1, w2 may be as follows:
w1 = 1/d(k+1), where d(k+1) = 0, β _com (k+1) = β'(k+1)
w2 = 1/d _L (k+1), where β _com (k+1) = β″ (k+1) when d _L (k+1) = 0
Fig. 26 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the origin setting process (step S2108) by the origin setting processing unit 1454. Fig. 26A is an explanatory diagram of the internal division point Pi.

In step S2600, the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines whether or not a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. The determination method may be the same as step S2400 in FIG. 24 described above. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2602, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2610. In the following, the specific object refers to the specific object determined in step S2600 to be located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.

In step S2602, the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines whether or not a specific object is located in the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. The determination method may be the same as that of step S2402 in FIG. 24 described above. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2604; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2606.

In step S2604, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position of the specific object to the origin position. That is, the origin setting processing unit 1454 associates the origin O of the local coordinate system with the position of the specific object on the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 onto which the field image is projected). Therefore, in this case, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position of the specific object. However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation does not need to exactly match the position of the specific object, and may be in the vicinity of it.

In step S2606, the origin setting processing unit 1454 calculates the position (X Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) of the internal division point Pi between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and the position of the specific object based on the horizontal distance _{d L} (k+1) between the projection _vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object. As shown in FIG. 26A, the internal division point Pi is a position obtained by internally dividing the distance between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and the position of the specific object at m:(1-m). At this time, m approaches 0 as the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) is larger, and when the horizontal distance d _L (k+1)=L1/2, m=0. When m=0, the internal division point Pi coincides with each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y). As described above, _L1 is the maximum value of the lateral distance dL(k+1) that can be taken when a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Furthermore, m approaches 1 as the lateral distance _dL (k+1) is smaller, and when the lateral distance _dL (k+1)=0, m=1. When m=1, the internal division point Pi coincides with the position of the specific object.

In step S2608, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position of the internal division point Pi obtained in step S2606 as the origin position. That is, the origin setting processing unit 1454 associates the origin O of the local coordinate system with the position (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) of the internal division point Pi obtained in step S2606 on the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 on which the field image is projected). Therefore, in this case, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) of the internal division point Pi. However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation does not need to strictly match the position (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) of the internal division point Pi, and may be in the vicinity thereof.

In step S2610, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement to the origin position. That is, the origin setting processing unit 1454 associates the origin O of the local coordinate system with the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement on the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 on which the field image is projected). Therefore, in this case, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement. However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation does not need to exactly match the position (u(k+1), v(k+1)) of the specified object after the movement, and may be in the vicinity of it.

As described above, according to the process shown in FIG. 26, when it is determined that a specific object is located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position is set based on the position of the specific object. This makes it easier to make the entire specific object visible, and effectively emphasizes the specific object. For this reason, it is preferable that the specific object is an object that you want the user to focus on.

Also, according to the process shown in FIG. 26, when it is determined that a specific object is not located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position is set based on the position of the specified object (u(k+1), v(k+1)). This makes it easier to make the entire specified object visible, and the specified object can be effectively emphasized. Also, when a transition is made from a state in which it is determined that a specific object is not located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object to a state in which it is determined that a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position changes from the position of the specified object toward the position of the specific object, and a change (effect) in the appearance of the field image due to this change can be produced. This allows the specific object to be effectively emphasized.

In addition, according to the process shown in FIG. 26, in the processing cycle in which a transition is made from a state in which it is determined that a specific object is not located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object to a state in which it is determined that a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position is not suddenly changed from the position of the specific object to the position of the specific object. That is, when it is determined that a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position gradually changes from the position of the specific object to the position of the specific object as the interpolation distance d(k+1) decreases (see step S2608). This reduces the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user by the change in the origin position as described above, compared to when the change in the origin position is realized in a relatively small number of processing cycles (e.g., one processing cycle).

Figure 27 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the second distance parameter calculation process (step S1623).

In step S2700, the second distance modification unit 14212 determines whether the parameter state is the second state. As described above, the second state corresponds to a state in which the value β(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 is the second value β"(k+1). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2702; otherwise, the process ends. If the process ends, the value of the distance parameter A2 is determined to be the value calculated by the first distance modification unit 14211 described above (step S1608).

In step S2702, the second distance modification unit 14212 determines whether the second value β"(k+1) is an interpolated value calculated using the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being gazed upon (the interpolated value associated in step S2408). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2704; otherwise (i.e., if the second value β"(k+1) is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being gazed upon), the process proceeds to step S2703.

In step S2703, the second distance change unit 14212 associates the value of the distance parameter A2 (normal value) associated with the specific object of the gaze target with the value of the distance parameter A2 after update γ(k+1) (step S1608), instead of the value calculated by the first distance change unit 14211 described above, with the value of the distance parameter A2 after update γ(k+1) (normal value) _{γG* associated} with the specific object of the gaze target. In this case, the update reflection unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system based on the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) of the various parameters obtained in steps S1606, S1610 to S1612, and S1623.

In step S2704, the second distance modification unit 14212 calculates the ratio between the second value β"(k+1) and the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being gazed upon. In other words, if the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being gazed upon is βG _* , then the ratio = β"(k+1)/βG _* is calculated. Note that in the deformation parameter data 13B of FIG. 13, when the specific object being gazed upon is specific object G1, the ratio = β"(k+1)/ _βG1 is calculated.

Here, the ratio β″(k+1)/βG _* represents the proximity of the position of the specific object being gazed upon to the center of the area within the angle of view. When β″(k+1)/βG _* =1, this corresponds to a state in which the specific object being gazed upon is located in the center of the area within the angle of view, and as β″(k+1)/βG _* becomes smaller, the specific object being gazed upon is closer to the edge (horizontal edge) of the area within the angle of view.

In step S2706, the second distance modification unit 14212 calculates an interpolation value γ' _G* based on the ratio = β"(k+1)/β _G* obtained in step S2704. Specifically, if the value (normal value) of the distance parameter A2 associated with the specific object to be gazed upon is γ _G* , the interpolation value γ' _G* may be as follows.
γ' _G* = β''(k+1)/β _G* ×γ _G*
In this case, the interpolated value γ'G _* approaches the value γG* associated with the specific object being gazed upon as β"(k+1)/ _{βG* approaches} 1 (i.e., as the specific object being gazed upon approaches the center of the area within the angle of view).In the distance parameter data 14B of Figure 14, when the specific object being gazed upon is specific object G1, the value γG _* = _γG1 .

In step S2708, the second distance change unit 14212 associates the interpolated value γ'G _* obtained in step S2706 with the updated value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2. In this case, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with the value calculated by the second distance change unit 14212 instead of the value calculated by the first distance change unit 14211 described above (step S1608). In this case, the update reflecting unit 1424 positions the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system based on the updated values (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)) of the various parameters obtained in steps S1606, S1610 to S1612, and S1623 (see step S1624).

In the process shown in FIG. 27, the interpolated value γ'G _* is calculated from the normal value _γGr in accordance with the ratio β"(k+1)/βG _* , but this is not limited to this. For example, the interpolated value γ'G _* may be calculated from the normal value γG _* in accordance with the ratio between the horizontal distance _dL (k+1) and L1/2 described above. More specifically, this is as follows.
γ' _G* = d _L (k+1)/L1/2×γ _G*
27, if it is determined in step S2700 that the parameter state is the second state, the process proceeds to step S2702, but is not limited to this. For example, in step S2700, it may be determined whether or not a specific object to be gazed upon is located in the area within the angle of view, and if it is determined that the specific object to be gazed upon is located in the area within the angle of view, the process may proceed to step S2702.

In addition, in the process shown in FIG. 27, for example, when a specific position and a specific object position simultaneously belong to the area within the angle of view, the value of the distance parameter A2 may change relatively greatly when the parameter state transitions from the first state to the second state. Such a relatively large change may be appropriately corrected (filtered so that the change becomes smaller). This can reduce the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user due to such a relatively large change (and the accompanying sudden change in the field image). For example, when the parameter state transitions from the first state to the second state, if the difference between the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after the update and the value γ(k) of the distance parameter A2 before the update exceeds a predetermined threshold, the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after the update may be further corrected in a direction approaching the value γ(k) of the distance parameter A2 before the update. Furthermore, if the pre-update value γ(k) of the distance parameter A2 is greater than the pre-update value γ(k), the pre-update value γ(k) of the distance parameter A2 may be maintained so that the post-update value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 does not become greater than the pre-update value γ(k). In this case, it is possible to reduce discomfort or other issues that may be felt by the user due to the unstable behavior of the distance parameter value decreasing, then increasing, and then decreasing again (and the associated unstable changes in the field image).

Next, with reference to Figures 28 to 29C, an example of an application scenario of the operational example described with reference to Figures 16 to 27 will be described.

28 to 29C are explanatory diagrams of application scenes of the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 28, in which FIG. 28 is a plan view of the field object 77, FIG. 29A shows an example of a field image G24A related to position E1, and FIG. 29B shows an example of a field image G24B related to position E2. FIG. 29C shows an example of a field image G24C related to position E3. In FIG. 28, the field object 77 is shown as a representation in which the field image is projected onto the field surface 70 in the normal state. In FIG. 28, positions E1 to E3 are exemplified, and position E3 corresponds to the position where the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15 intersect, and a plurality of roadside tree objects 16, which are second objects, are arranged on both sides of the vertical passage 15. The plurality of roadside tree objects 16 are erected on the field object 77 and extend in the z direction. In addition, a floating object object 19 such as a balloon is arranged in the vertical passage 15. Here, it is assumed that the floating object object 19 is a specific object G2. In FIG. 28, the floating object object 19 is disposed on the side farther from position E3 in the v direction than the roadside tree object 16. Position E2 corresponds to a position in front of position E3 from position E1, and is a position where the horizontal distance _dL between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object is equal to or less than L1/2 as described above, but is significantly greater than 0. As described above, L1 is the horizontal distance of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. In FIG. 28, as an example, the multiple roadside tree objects 16 are disposed in a straight line along the v direction, but they may be disposed in a staggered manner with a slight offset in the u direction, may be disposed on only one side of the vertical passage 15, or may be disposed in two or more rows.

Here, a drawing function when the first object 3 moves from position E1 to position E3 on the field object 77 will be described. This type of movement may be realized by a user's operation or may be realized as an output of a demonstration image. It is assumed that the positions E1 and E2 are not specific positions, that there is no specific position between the positions E1 and E3, and that the positions E1 and E2 are not located within an interpolation processing range related to other specific positions or specific objects. In addition, the floating object 19 (specific object G2) is associated with a value β _G2 of a deformation parameter A1 and a value γ _G2 of a distance parameter A2, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

When the first object 3 is located at position E1, the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position of the first object 3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is set to a normal value θ ₀ , that is, the projection vector V′ (see FIG. 11 ) is set perpendicular to the moving direction (the u direction in this case) of the first object 3. At this time, the first object 3 may be located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, and the field image G24A shown in FIG. 29A may be drawn. In this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the normal value β ₀ of the transformation parameter A1, and the first object 3 and the like have a display size according to the normal value β ₀ of the distance parameter A2.

When the first object 3 is moved from position E1 to position E3 along the side passage 14 (u direction) by the movement amount Δu for each processing cycle, each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is moved along the u direction by the movement amount Δu for each processing cycle. During this time, the value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is fixed.

The values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 when the first object 3 has reached position E2 correspond to the position of the first object 3 when it has reached position E2, and the value of the orientation parameter θ is the same as when the first object 3 is located at position E1. At this time, the floating object object 19 is located at the end (right end) of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, and a field image G24B shown in FIG. 29B may be drawn. In this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the second value β" of the deformation parameter A1 (the value β of the updated deformation parameter A1 obtained in the second deformation parameter calculation process (step S2104)), and the first object 3 etc. have a display size according to the value γ' _G* (interpolated value γ' _G* ) of the distance parameter A2 calculated by the second distance change unit 14212. Note that since the interpolated value γ' _G* is smaller than the normal value γ ₀ , as shown in FIG. 29B, the display size of the first object 3 is larger than the field image G24A shown in FIG. 29A.

The values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 in a state where the first object 3 has reached the position E3 correspond to the position of the first object 3 having reached the position E3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ is the same as that in a state where the first object 3 is located at the position E1. At this time, the floating object object 19 may be located in the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, and the field image G24C shown in FIG. 29C may be drawn. In this case, the horizon HL has a height according to the value β _G2 of the deformation parameter A1 (the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the floating object object 19), and has a display size according to the value γ _G2 of the distance parameter A2 (the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with the floating object object 19).

Here, as described above, the value β _G2 of the deformation parameter A1 is greater than the normal value β _0. Therefore, in the field image G24C, the degree of bending deformation of the field object 77 is greater than in the field image G24A. Therefore, as shown typically in Figs. 29A and 29C, the position of the horizon HL in the image changes significantly. In addition, the value γ _G2 of the distance parameter A2 is greater than the normal value γ _0. Therefore, in the field image G24C, the display size of the floating object object 19 is larger.

Here, Fig. 29D shows an example of a field image G24D related to position E3 in another operation example. In the other operation example shown in Fig. 29D, unlike the above-mentioned operation example, the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with position E3 is the same normal value γ ₀ as the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with position E1. In this case, although the height H1 of the horizon HL changes between the field image G24A and the field image G24D, the display size of the first object 3 and the like remains the same. Therefore, the display size of the floating object object 19 located behind the roadside tree object 16 is relatively small and is not easily noticeable.

In contrast, according to the operation example described with reference to Figs. 16 to 28, as described above, the display size of the floating object 19 is relatively large in the field image G24C, so that the floating object 19 can be made to stand out effectively. This can attract the user's interest in the floating object 19.

In addition, other operation examples, such as drawing a field image G24D as shown in FIG. 29D, can realize a more diverse expression of the virtual space viewed from the virtual camera 60 compared to an operation example (not shown) according to a comparative example in which the value of the deformation parameter A1 is always constant, but if the amount of change in the degree of deformation (the amount of change in the height H1 of the horizon HL) becomes relatively large, it may give the user a sense of discomfort.

In contrast, according to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 28, the height H1 of the horizon HL changes between the field image G24A and the field image G24B, and the display size of the first object 3 and the like also changes. This reduces the sense of incongruity that may be caused to the user due to the change in the degree of deformation (the change in the height H1 of the horizon HL). That is, the change in the display size of the first object 3 and the like is likely to attract the user's attention and is impressive, thereby erasing the sense of incongruity that may be caused due to the change in the height H1 of the horizon HL. In this way, by making the value of the corresponding deformation parameter A1 different between the positions E1 and E3 and also making the value of the corresponding distance parameter A2 different, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that may be caused due to the change in the degree of deformation (the change in the height H1 of the horizon HL) while realizing various expressions in the virtual space viewed from the virtual camera 60. In relation to such an effect, it is also possible to eliminate the sense of incongruity by providing a predetermined relationship between the change in the value of the distance parameter A2 and the change in the value of the deformation parameter A1. For example, if the change in the value of the distance parameter A2 is steep, the sense of discomfort can be reduced even if the change in the value of the transformation parameter A1 is steep.

In addition, by varying the value of the corresponding transformation parameter A1 between positions E1 and E3 and also varying the value of the corresponding distance parameter A2, the transition mode of the field image becomes novel and the interest of the game can be increased. In addition, the presence of the vertical passage 15 can be emphasized, and the second object (e.g., roadside tree object 16) placed in the vertical passage 15 and its periphery can be made to stand out along with the specific object, the floating object 19. This effect is particularly noticeable when the terminal device 20 outputs the field image on a relatively small screen, such as the screen of a smartphone. In addition, since the restriction that other second objects cannot be placed in order to highlight a specific object is relaxed, the degree of freedom of the second object placement on the field object increases. For the same reason, the degree of freedom of the area in which the first object can move on the field object can also be increased.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 28, when a second object such as a roadside tree object 16 that overlaps with the line of sight V is placed, the sense of depth can be enhanced and an impressive expression can be achieved by increasing the degree of bending of the bending deformation of the field object 77. This can also motivate the user to want to move the first object 3, for example, along the vertical passage 15.

Here, FIG. 29E shows an example of a field image G24E relating to position E3 in yet another operation example. In this operation example, unlike the operation examples described above (operation examples described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 28), the origin position (the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object 77 corresponds) is set to the position of the first object 3. In this case, the first object 3 is positioned at the highest position of the field object 77 and is therefore entirely visible, whereas the floating object 19 is partially hidden (its lower part) beyond the horizon HL. In other words, the floating object 19 is not entirely visible and is relatively hard to notice.

In contrast, according to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 28, the origin position is set to the position of the specific object, the floating object 19, instead of the position of the first object 3. In this case, the first object 3 is positioned at the highest position of the field object 77, so that the entirety of the first object 3 is visible. This makes it possible to effectively highlight the specific object, the floating object 19, and to make the entire floating object 19 (e.g., floating state) visible. Furthermore, if the range of the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 is relatively wide, the state in which the origin position is set to the position of the floating object 19 tends to continue for a relatively long time, so that the floating object 19 that is desired to be noticed can be effectively highlighted.

Also, for example, even if overlap (overlap) may occur between the specific object and the first object and/or second object in the viewing direction V of the virtual camera 60 when the specific object is located in the center of the area within the angle of view, as described above, the origin position is set to the position of the floating object 19, so that the objects that may overlap tend to be separated vertically from each other. In other words, the overlapping first object and/or second object slides downward within the angle of view relative to the specific object, so that it is possible to reduce the number of objects that overlap with the specific object. This makes it possible to effectively highlight the floating object 19 that is desired to draw attention to.

By highlighting the specific object, if the specific object is an object related to the user's operation (e.g., a moving target), input to the specific object becomes easier, improving operability. In addition, the influence of the presence of second objects before and after the specific object can be reduced to some extent, which increases the freedom in arranging the second object and allows for a variety of field images to be realized.

According to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28 in this way, by changing the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the setting mode of the origin position, the deformation mode of the field object 77 can be made different between a case where it is determined that a specific object is not located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 and a case where it is determined that a specific object is located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. This makes it possible to realize an expression that can effectively emphasize a specific object, such as making the specific object stand out, while diversifying the field image.

In addition, according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the value of the deformation parameter A1 is changed depending on whether the floating object 19 is located at the edge of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the second range) or the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the first range). As a result, even while the floating object 19 is located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, by changing the degree of deformation of the field object 77, it is possible to create a display effect such as changing the appearance of the floating object object 19.

In addition, according to the operation example described with reference to Figs. 16 to 28, when the floating object object 19 is located in the center (one example of the first range) of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (for the center, see range 771 in Fig. 11A), the value of the deformation parameter A1 is made larger than when the floating object object 19 is located at the edge (one example of the second range) of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (for the edge, see ranges 772 and 773 in Fig. 11A). As a result, when the floating object object 19 reaches a relatively easily visible position (center) on the field image, the degree of bending deformation of the field object 77 is increased, making the floating object object 19 stand out more effectively.

According to the operation example described with reference to FIG. 16 to FIG. 28, as the position of the floating object object 19 changes from the end to the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes (increases) from an interpolated value (an example of a second set value) greater than the normal value β ₀ (an example of a predetermined set value) to a value β _G2 (an example of a first set value) via one or more interpolated values (an example of a second set value). As a result, a gentle change is realized compared to the case where the change of the deformation parameter A1 from the normal value β ₀ to the value β _G2 is realized in the processing cycle in which the floating object object 19 reaches the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. As a result, it is possible to effectively reduce the sense of incongruity that may be given to the user due to the change in the degree of deformation. The same applies to the change of the distance parameter A2 from the normal value γ ₀ to the value γ _G2 and the change of the origin position. Furthermore, if the above-mentioned interpolation is not used, restrictions such as not placing specific positions or specific objects close to each other are likely to occur in order to avoid sudden changes. In this regard, by using the above-mentioned interpolation, the degree of freedom in arranging specific positions and specific objects can be increased. As a result, it is possible to further diversify field images.

In addition, according to the operational example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, for example, each position between position E2 and position E3 can be assigned an appropriate value of the transformation parameter A1 by interpolation, so that the storage capacity for the transformation parameter data can be used more efficiently than when each value of the transformation parameter A1 is assigned to each of the positions on the transformation parameter data. This also applies to other parameters such as the distance parameter.

Note that while FIG. 28 describes the movement of the first object 3 from position E1 to position E3, the reverse may also be achieved with respect to the movement of the first object 3 from position E3 to position E1. Also, while FIG. 28 describes the movement of the first object 3 from position E1 to position E3, the same may also be achieved with respect to the movement of the first object 3 from a specific position to position E3.

In addition, when the specific position is relatively close to position E3 (the position of the virtual camera 60 when the floating object object 19 is located in the center of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77), according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, as described above, the interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 and the distance parameter A2 calculated based on the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the value of the distance parameter A2 corresponding to the specific object related to position E3 are adjusted depending on whether _dL (k+1)>d(k+1) (see step S2518).

In addition, in this embodiment, the case where two or more specific objects are located within the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 may be processed in the same manner as the case where the specific position and the specific objects are relatively close to each other. For example, here, it is assumed that the specific objects include a first specific object and a second specific object, and the above-mentioned specific object area includes an object area in which both the first specific object and the second specific object are located. In this case, the object area includes a first object area in which the first specific object is located at the center, a second object area in which neither the first specific object nor the second specific object is located at the center, and a third object area in which the second specific object is located at the center.

Here, the first to third specific object regions will be described with reference to FIG. 11B. FIG. 11B shows regions R4, R5, and R6 that fall within the angle of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 when three different camera parameters (here, camera parameters 4, 5, and 6) are used. The camera parameters 4, 5, and 6 differ in at least one value among the elements (X, Y, A2, θ, ψ) of the above-mentioned camera parameters. Therefore, the three regions shown in FIG. 11B are different regions. And, of the three regions R4, R5, and R6 shown in FIG. 11B, the first specific object G11 is placed in the center (see range 771) of region R4. Therefore, in this case, region R4 is an example of the first object region. On the other hand, neither the first specific object nor the second object is placed in the center (see range 771) of region R5. That is, the first specific object and the second object are respectively located at either end of the center of region R5 (see ranges 772 and 773). Therefore, in this case, region R5 is an example of a second object region. Region R6 has a second specific object G12 located in its center (see range 771). Therefore, in this case, region R6 is an example of a third object region.

In this case, the value of the deformation parameter A1 (an example of a first set value) associated with the first specific object (and therefore the first object region) and the interpolated value of the distance parameter A2 calculated based on the value of the deformation parameter A1 (an example of a first set value) associated with the second specific object (and therefore the third object region) and the interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 calculated based on the value of the distance parameter A2 are adjusted depending on whether d _L1 (k+1)>d _L2 (k+1). In this case, d _L1 (k+1) is the horizontal distance related to the first specific object, and d _L2 (k+1) is the horizontal distance related to the second specific object. Specifically, if d _L1 (k+1)>d _L2 (k+1), an interpolated value (an example of the second set value) of the deformation parameter A1 or the distance parameter A2 associated with the second specific object is adopted, and if d _L1 (k+1)≦d _L2 (k+1), an interpolated value (an example of the second set value) of the deformation parameter A1 or the distance parameter A2 associated with the first specific object may be adopted. This is the same for the origin setting process shown in FIG. 26 and the second distance parameter calculation process shown in FIG. 27. Specifically, when d _L1 (k+1)>d _L2 (k+1), the second specific object is treated as the "specific object" described in Figures 26 and 27, and when d _L1 (k+1)≦d _L2 (k+1), the first specific object is treated as the "specific object" described in Figures 26 and 27, so that the same effect can be achieved while adjusting between the two specific objects. Note that this modified example is also suitable for the case where the specific object moves. For example, when the first specific object and/or the second specific object are moving objects, the distance between the first specific object and the second specific object may change, resulting in the above-mentioned second object area.
Also in this case, when the positions of the first specific object and the second specific object simultaneously belong to the area within the angle of view, an average value or a weighted composite value may be used. In the case of weighting, for example, the updated composite value β _com '(k+1) may be calculated as follows using weighting coefficients w3 and w4, where the value β of the deformation parameter A1 calculated based on the first specific object is β _A1 '(k+1) and the value β of the deformation parameter A1 calculated based on the second specific object is β _A2 ''(k+1):
β _com '(k+1)={w3×β _A1 '(k+1)+w4×β _A2 ''(k+1)}/(w3+w4)
In this case, for example, the weighting coefficients w3 and w4 may be as follows:
w3 = 1/d _L1 (k+1), where β _com '(k+1) = β _A1 '(k+1) when d _L1 (k+1) = 0
w4 = 1/d _L2 (k+1), where β _{com '} (k+1) = β _A2 ''(k+1) when d L2 (k+1) = 0
16 to 28, even if it is determined that a specific object is not located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, the value of the deformation parameter A1 and/or the value of the distance parameter A2 are changed based on the relationship between the specific position and each value (X, Y) of the position parameter of the virtual camera 60. That is, the value of the deformation parameter A1 and/or the value of the distance parameter A2 are made different between a case where it is determined that the virtual camera 60 is at a position (an example of a first position) where each value (X, Y) of the position parameter corresponds to the specific position (for example, "YES" in step S1700 of FIG. 17 and/or "YES" in step S2300 of FIG. 23) and a case where it is determined that the virtual camera 60 is at a position (an example of a second position) where each value (X, Y) of the position parameter does not correspond to the specific position (for example, "NO" in step S1700 of FIG. 17 and/or "NO" in step S2300 of FIG. 23). This allows further diversification of the field image even when a specific object is not located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. When it is determined that the virtual camera 60 is at a position (an example of a first position) where each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position (for example, "YES" in step S1700 of FIG. 17), the value γ(k+1) of the updated distance parameter A2 is set to a value corresponding to the specific position (step S1702), whereas when it is determined that the virtual camera 60 is at a position (an example of a second position) where each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) does not correspond to a specific position (for example, "NO" in step S1700 of FIG. 17), the value γ(k+1) of the updated distance parameter A2 is set to the normal value γ ₀ or an interpolated value (steps S1712 and S1710). Therefore, in the case of a specific position where both the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the value of the distance parameter A2 are associated with each other, such as the specific positions A and B shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 after update may be set based on the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after update. For example, when the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after update is a value corresponding to a relatively large distance (an example of a first distance), the value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 after update may be set so that the degree of deformation is smaller than when the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after update is a value corresponding to a relatively small distance (an example of a second distance). In addition, as another embodiment, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be linked according to the value of the distance parameter A2. For example, the value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 after update may be calculated according to the value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after update in the relationship of the value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 after update=normal value β ₀ × _normal value γ 0 /value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 after update. In this case, when the updated value γ(k+1) of the distance parameter A2 corresponds to a relatively large distance (an example of a first distance), the updated value β(k+1) of the deformation parameter A1 is linked so that the degree of deformation is smaller than when the updated value γ(k+1) corresponds to a relatively small distance (an example of a second distance). This makes it possible to save storage space compared to the case where each value of the deformation parameter A1 and each value of the distance parameter A2 are stored separately. In addition, by changing the value of the distance parameter A2 between the normal value γ ₀ and the value of the distance parameter A2 defined in the distance parameter data 14A (for example, value γ ₁ , etc.) via the interpolated value as described above, the value of the deformation parameter A1 can also be changed in the same way, so that it is possible to simultaneously reduce the sense of incongruity caused by the sudden change in the values of both of these parameters.

Next, a variation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 30 is an example of a functional block diagram relating to the drawing function of a server device 10A according to a modified example. The server device 10A according to the modified example differs from the server device 10 according to the above-described embodiment in that the drawing processing unit 140 is replaced with a drawing processing unit 140A.

The rendering processing unit 140A of this modified example differs from the rendering processing unit 140 of the above-described embodiment in that the distance change unit 1421 is replaced with a zoom amount change unit 1421A (an example of a parameter value change unit).

The zoom amount change unit 1421A changes the values of optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60, such as the focal length and the angle of view. The zoom amount change unit 1421A may change the values of the optical parameters so as to achieve the same effect as that of the distance change unit 1421. For example, the effect obtained by the distance change unit 1421 reducing the value of the distance parameter A2 may be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount increases. Similarly, the effect obtained by the distance change unit 1421 increasing the value of the distance parameter A2 may be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount decreases. In this way, the function of the distance change unit 1421 can be achieved by the zoom amount change unit 1421A.

In another modified example, the distance change unit 1421 and the zoom amount change unit 1421A may function simultaneously. Also, only one of the first distance change unit 14211 and the second distance change unit 14212 of the distance change unit 1421 according to the above-described embodiment may be realized by the zoom amount change unit 1421A.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or some of the components of the above-mentioned embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the process of setting the value of the deformation parameter A1, the value of the distance parameter A2, and the origin position based on the positional relationship between the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object and the specific object is executed in the deformation process accompanying the movement of the specified object (step S1615 in FIG. 16), but instead of or in addition to this, it may be executed in the bending deformation process of the field object after the rotation process (step S1619 in FIG. 16). In this case, the value of the deformation parameter A1, the value of the distance parameter A2, and the origin position may be similarly set based on the positional relationship between the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object after the rotation process and the specific object.

Specifically, for example, in a rotation process related to revolution and/or rotation, when the virtual camera 60 rotates by a predetermined angle for each processing cycle, there are a number of areas that fit within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object for each predetermined angle (in the case of a rotation process related to the angle of attack, the number corresponds to the variable range), which will be referred to as a predetermined area below. Among the multiple predetermined areas for one revolution, there are areas where a specific object is located (specific object areas) (an example of a second predetermined area), and areas where a specific object is not located (an example of a first predetermined area). Note that there may be a situation where a specific object area does not exist depending on the position of the virtual camera 60. In a situation where a specific object area exists among a plurality of predetermined areas of one revolution, when the area in the field object that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 changes between areas where a specific object is not located based on the rotation process related to revolution and/or rotation, the value of the deformation parameter A1 is not changed, while when the area in the field object that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 transitions between an area where a specific object is not located and a specific object area, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be changed. In this case, when the area in the field object that fits within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 changes between areas where a specific object is not located based on the rotation process related to revolution and/or rotation, a bending deformation of the field object 77 according to the changed line of sight V (bending deformation of the same deformation mode as seen in the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60) is realized, so that the height H1 of the horizon HL does not change. This makes it possible to keep the height H1 of the horizon HL constant while making the virtual camera 60 follow the curved movement of the first object 3. However, in a modified example, the height H1 of the horizon HL may be changed within a level that does not cause a sense of discomfort to the user. For example, a level that does not cause a sense of discomfort to the user may be a level that corresponds to minute irregularities that the field object may have (i.e., a shape that is slightly different from the shape of the field surface 70). If the change is within such a level, the height H1 of the horizon HL will remain approximately the same.

On the other hand, while the value of the deformation parameter A1 is not changed, when the area of the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 transitions between an area where the specific object is not located and an area where the specific object is located, the degree of deformation is increased, so that the specific object can be effectively highlighted as described above. In this case, similar to the above-mentioned case, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be changed when the specific object is located at the end (an example of the second range) of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 and when the specific object is located at the center (an example of the first range) of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. Furthermore, based on the rotation process related to revolution and/or rotation, as the position of the specific object changes from the end to the center of the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be changed ( _increased ) via one or more interpolated values (an example of the second set value) from an interpolated value (an example of the second set value) that is greater than the normal value β 0 (an example of the predetermined set value) to a value β _{G *} (an example of the first set value).

In the above embodiment, the process of setting the value of the transformation parameter A1, the value of the distance parameter A2, and the origin position based on the positional relationship between the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object and the specific object is executed in the transformation process accompanying the movement of the specific object (step S1615 in FIG. 16). However, instead of or in addition to this, it may be executed in a distance change process not accompanying the movement of the specific object (for example, a distance change process in response to a distance change instruction that may be included in the operation information from the user) (not shown). This is because even if the values (X, Y) of the position parameters of the virtual camera 60 do not change, the value of the distance parameter A2 may change, causing a transition between a state in which a specific object is located in the area within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 and a state in which the specific object is not located. This is also the case with the process by the zoom amount change unit 1421A according to the above-mentioned modified example (process of changing the value of the optical parameter related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60).

Specifically, for example, in a distance change process in response to a distance change instruction from a user, when the value of the distance parameter A2 of the virtual camera 60 changes by a predetermined distance for each processing cycle, the number of areas that fall within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object corresponds to the variable range of the distance for each predetermined distance, and among these multiple areas, there are areas where a specific object is located (specific object areas) and areas where a specific object is not located. Note that there are also situations where a specific object area does not exist depending on the position of the virtual camera 60. In a situation where a specific object area exists among these multiple areas, based on the distance change process in response to the distance change instruction, when the area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object changes between areas where a specific object is not located, the value of the deformation parameter A1 is not changed, whereas when the area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object transitions between an area where a specific object is not located and a specific object area, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be changed. In this case, when the area in the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 changes to the area in which the specific object is located based on the distance change process in response to the distance change instruction, the degree of deformation is increased, so that the specific object can be effectively highlighted as described above. In this case, as in the above-mentioned case, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be changed between the case in which the specific object is located at the end of the area in the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the second range) and the case in which the specific object is located at the center of the area in the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the first range). In addition, as the position of the specific object changes from the end to the center of the area in the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 based on the distance change process in response to the distance change instruction, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be _{changed (} increased) via one or more interpolated values (an example of the second set value) from an interpolated value (an example of the second set value) that is greater than the normal value β 0 (an example of the predetermined set value) to a value β _{G *} (an example of the first set value).

In the above-described embodiment, the bending deformation of the field object is achieved by bending the entire field object, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the bending deformation of the field object may be performed only on the area of the entire field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, or only on a partial area that includes that area.

In the above-described embodiment, the values of various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 during the movement of the predetermined object are the same every time when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are the same. For example, when the predetermined object is located at a certain position during the movement of the predetermined object, the values of the same various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) are realized for the certain position. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the values of various parameters (e.g., distance parameter A2, orientation parameter θ, attack angle parameter ψ, etc.) associated with each value of the position parameter (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 during the movement of the predetermined object may be changed according to the progress of the game or other factors (e.g., the moving direction of the predetermined object, etc.) even when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) are the same. For example, the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific position A may be set to a value β1 when a predetermined condition is established based on the progress of the game or other factors, and may be set to a normal value β0 otherwise. In addition, such a change may be performed, for example, when a predetermined event occurs, when the moving second object enters an area in the field object that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 (is placed on the screen), or in response to a manual operation by a user to change the angle of view. In the above-mentioned embodiment, each specific position such as the specific positions A and B is a fixed position on the field object, but may be a movable position on the field object. For example, a part of the specific positions may be set corresponding to the position of a moving predetermined second object among the second objects. In this case, one specific position may be a position having a predetermined relationship with the position of one moving predetermined second object.

Also, in the above-described embodiment, as a case where the interpolation processing range for a specific position (hereinafter, the same applies to the interpolation processing range for a specific object) is fixed without being dynamically changed, when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ is normal value γ ₀ , ψ ₀ , the specific position related to the interpolation processing range may be set so as to be located within an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object even when the orientation parameter θ is any value, as described above. For example, Fig. 31 shows the interpolation processing range Rs(A) for the specific position A in a plan view, and Fig. 32 shows a cross-sectional view along the line J1-J1 of Fig. 31 superimposed on a cross-sectional view along the line J2-J2. In this case, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to position P260 and the values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , as shown in Fig. 32, when the value of the parameter θ is θ(P260) as shown in Fig. 31, the specific position A is located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Note that the boundary line 6211 in Fig. 32 is the upper boundary line of the angle of view 62 (the angle of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z direction) (see Fig. 5) of the virtual camera 60. Therefore, in this case, position P260 belongs to the interpolation processing range Rs(A). On the other hand, when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to position P261 and the values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , as shown in Fig. 32, even when the value of the parameter θ is θ(P261) as shown in Fig. 31, the specific position A is not located in an area that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Therefore, in this case, the position P260 does not belong to the interpolation processing range Rs(A). However, as another setting mode, the interpolation processing range may be set to change dynamically based on the values of the camera parameters at that time. For example, the interpolation processing range for one specific position may be dynamically set so that when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is located within the interpolation processing range and each value of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ after (or before) the update (which may be different from the normal values γ0, ψ0) is applied, the one specific position is located in a region that falls within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 even when the value of the orientation parameter θ is any value. This is because even if each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is outside a certain interpolation processing range, the value of the distance parameter A2, etc. may be an interpolated value that is not a normal value because it is located within another interpolation processing range. Note that, although a specification in which the revolution or rotation of the virtual camera 60 is possible at any position is assumed here, in a specification in which the revolution or rotation of the virtual camera 60 is possible only at a limited position or a specification in which the revolution or rotation itself is impossible, "even when the value of any orientation parameter θ" in the above description may be read as "when the value of the orientation parameter θ at that time point is".

The width of the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the rate of change (amount of change per time) of each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60, such that the interpolation processing range is wider as the rate of change (amount of change per time) of the values is greater. Alternatively, based on a similar concept, a predetermined margin may be set for the interpolation processing range regardless of the rate of change. This can reduce inconvenience (a feeling of discomfort that may be felt by the user due to a relatively sudden change in the field image) that may occur when each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 changes to a value corresponding to a specific position (or specific object) while the rate of change (amount of change per time) of each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 remains large.

In addition, if the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 is variable, the width of the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the angle of view of the virtual camera 60, such that the smaller the angle of view, the wider the interpolation processing range. This can reduce inconvenience (a feeling of discomfort that may be felt by the user due to a relatively sudden change in the field image) that may occur when, for example, the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 change to values corresponding to a specific position (specific object) while the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 remains small.

In the above embodiment, whether or not to perform the interpolation process is determined based on whether or not each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) is located within the interpolation process range, but this is not limited to the above. For example, equivalently, an area (i.e., the above-mentioned area within the angle of view) in the field object that is within the angle of view of the virtual camera 60 may be derived based on the updated distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ, and it may be determined whether a specific position or a specific object is located within the area within the angle of view. In this case, if a specific position or a specific object is located within the area within the angle of view, but the values of the updated position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 do not correspond to the specific position or the specific object, the interpolation process may be performed.

In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first movement processing unit 1420 may be omitted.

The following notes are further provided with respect to the above examples.

[Appendix 1]
An information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
a change processing unit that changes an area of the field object that falls within an angle of view of the virtual camera;
a transformation processing unit that transforms the field object,
The information processing device, when the area is changed by the change processing unit, determines whether or not the specific object is located in the area after the change, and differs the deformation mode of the field object when it is determined that the specific object is located in the area after the change from when it is determined that the specific object is not located in the area after the change.

[Appendix 2]
The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein, when the area is changed by the change processing unit, the deformation processing unit further determines whether the specific object is located within a first range in the area after the change or within a second range adjacent to the first range in the area, and differs the degree of deformation of the field object when it is determined that the specific object is located within the first range from when it is determined that the specific object is located within the second range.

[Appendix 3]
the second range is located on both sides of the first range in a lateral direction of the angle of view of the virtual camera,
The information processing device described in Appendix 2, wherein the deformation processing unit, when determining that the specific object is located within the first range, increases the degree of deformation of the field object compared to when determining that the specific object is located within the second range.

[Appendix 4]
The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein, each time the area is changed by the change processing unit, if the position of the specific object in the area after the change changes from one horizontal end side of the area after the change toward the center, the transformation processing unit increases the degree of deformation of the field object each time the area is changed by the change processing unit.

[Appendix 5]
the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
The information processing device described in Appendix 1, wherein on a plane including the line of sight of the virtual camera and the third axis, a predetermined position is defined as the origin, an axis passing through the origin and parallel to the third axis is defined as the Y axis, a direction toward the upper side with respect to the field object is defined as the positive side of the Y axis, and an axis passing through the origin and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as the X axis, the transformation processing unit deforms the basic surface according to a function in which the Y coordinate value monotonically decreases linearly or nonlinearly as the absolute value of the X coordinate value increases.

[Appendix 6]
the transformation processing unit transforms the base surface based on a value of a transformation parameter that can change in accordance with a change in the area and that determines a degree of transformation of the field object;
The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the transformation parameters include a coefficient assigned to a term relating to the value of the X coordinate in the function.

[Appendix 7]
the regions include a predetermined object region in which the specific object is not located, a first object region in which the specific object is located at a center portion, and a second object region in which the specific object is located at an edge portion,
the transformation parameter values include a predetermined setting value set in the predetermined object region, a first setting value set in the first object region, and a second setting value set in the second object region;
The information processing device of claim 6, wherein the first setting value realizes a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the second setting value, and the second setting value realizes a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the specified setting value.

[Appendix 8]
The information processing device described in Appendix 7, wherein the transformation processing unit changes the value of the transformation parameter to the first setting value or the specified setting value via the second setting value when the change processing unit changes the area between the specified object area and the first object area via the second object area.

[Appendix 9]
the specific object includes a first specific object and a second specific object;
the region includes a predetermined object region in which neither the first specific object nor the second specific object is located, and an object region in which both the first specific object and the second specific object are located,
the object region includes a first object region in which the first specific object is located at a center, a second object region in which neither the first specific object nor the second specific object is located at a center, and a third object region in which the second specific object is located at a center,
the values of the transformation parameters include a predetermined setting value set in the predetermined object region, a first setting value set in the first object region and the third object region, and a second setting value set in the second object region;
The first set value realizes a deformation degree of the field object that is greater than the second set value, and the second set value realizes a deformation degree of the field object that is greater than the predetermined set value;
The information processing device described in Appendix 6, wherein the transformation processing unit changes the value of the transformation parameter to the first setting value or the specified setting value via the second setting value when the change processing unit changes the area between the specified object area and the first object area or the third object area via the second object area.

[Appendix 10]
The information processing device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the transformation processing unit, when it determines that the specific object is located in the area after the change, determines the predetermined position based on the position of the specific object.

[Appendix 11]
the change processing unit includes a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera,
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the area changes when the first movement processing unit changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object.

[Appendix 12]
the specific object is fixed relative to the field object;
The objects further include a predetermined object arranged relative to the field object;
a second movement processing unit that changes a position of the predetermined object relative to the field object within a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis,
11. The information processing device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the transformation processing unit, when it is determined that the specific object is not located in the area after the change, determines the predetermined position based on the position of the specific object.

[Appendix 13]
The information processing device described in any one of Appendix 1 to 12, wherein the transformation processing unit further determines whether a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is at a first position or a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight direction of the virtual camera when it is determined that the specific object is not located in the area after the change, and differs the degree of deformation of the field object when it is determined that the position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is at the first position from when it is determined that the position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is at the second position.

[Appendix 14]
The information processing device described in Appendix 13, further including a distance change unit that changes the distance between the virtual camera and the field object in the line of sight direction of the virtual camera when the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is the first position and when the position is the second position.

[Appendix 15]
the change processing unit further includes a distance change unit that changes a distance between the virtual camera and the field object in a line of sight direction of the virtual camera,
13. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the area changes when the distance change unit changes a distance of the virtual camera with respect to the field object.

[Appendix 16]
The information processing device described in Appendix 15, wherein the deformation processing unit further determines whether the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is a first distance or a second distance different from the first distance when it determines that the specific object is not located in the area after the change, and differs the degree of deformation of the field object between a case where it is determined that the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is the first distance and a case where it is determined that the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is the second distance.

[Appendix 17]
the change processing unit further includes a rotation processing unit that changes a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object around the third axis,
17. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the area changes when a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is changed by the rotation processing unit.

[Appendix 18]
the region includes a plurality of predetermined regions each falling within an angle of view of the virtual camera in turn each time the line of sight direction is changed by a predetermined angle around the third axis by the rotation processing unit,
the plurality of predetermined areas include a plurality of first predetermined areas in which the specific object is not located, and a plurality of second predetermined areas in which the specific object is located;
The information processing device described in Appendix 17, wherein when the line of sight direction is changed around the third axis by the rotation processing unit, the deformation processing unit determines whether the area changes from one of the plurality of first specified areas to another one, and if it determines that the area changes from one of the plurality of first specified areas to another one, bends and deforms the field object so that the deformation appearance is the same when viewed in the line of sight direction before the change and when viewed in the line of sight direction after the change.

[Appendix 19]
The objects further include a background object;
19. An information processing device according to any one of appendices 1 to 18, further comprising a background processing unit that determines whether or not a degree of deformation of the field object deformed by the deformation processing unit changes, and when it is determined that the degree of deformation of the field object changes, changes a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis.

[Appendix 20]
1. An information processing method for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
determining whether or not the specific object is located in a region of the field object that is within an angle of view of the virtual camera after the region is changed;
When it is determined that the specific object is located in the area after the change, the field object is transformed in a first transformation manner;
An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: when it is determined that the specific object is not located in the area after the change, transforming the field object in a second transformation manner different from the first transformation manner.

[Appendix 21]
1. An information processing method for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
determining whether or not the specific object is located in a region of the field object that is within an angle of view of the virtual camera after the region is changed;
When it is determined that the specific object is located in the area after the change, the field object is transformed in a first transformation manner;
when it is determined that the specific object is not located in the area after the change, the field object is transformed in a second transformation manner different from the first transformation manner.
An information processing program that causes a computer to execute processing.

1 Game system 3 First object 10 Server device 11 Server communication unit 12 Server memory unit 13 Server control unit 14 Horizontal passage 15 Vertical passage 16 Roadside tree object 20 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit 30 Network 60 Virtual camera 62 View angle 70 Field surface 72 Background surface 77 Field object 130 Drawing information storage unit 132 Operation information acquisition unit 134 Drawing data transmission unit 140 Drawing processing unit 142 Change processing unit 1420 First movement processing unit 1421 Distance change unit 14211 First distance change unit 14212 Second distance change unit 1421A Zoom amount change unit 1422 Orientation change unit 1423 Angle of attack change unit 1424 Update reflection unit 1425 Rotation processing unit 14251 Revolution processing unit 14252 Rotation processing unit 14253 Angle of attack processing unit 144 Second movement processing unit 145 Transformation processing unit 1451 First transformation parameter calculation unit 1452 Second transformation parameter calculation unit 1453 Transformation parameter adjustment unit 1454 Origin setting processing unit 1455 Transformation function application unit 146 Projection processing unit 147 Background processing unit 148 Drawing data generation unit

Claims (12)

An information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
a change processing unit that changes an area of the field object that falls within an angle of view of the virtual camera;
a transformation processing unit that transforms the field object,
The deformation processing unit varies a deformation mode of the field object based on a lateral position of the specific object within the area. the field object is shaped based on a deformable base surface;
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, on a plane including the line of sight of the virtual camera and the third axis, a predetermined position is defined as an origin, an axis passing through the origin and parallel to the third axis is defined as a Y axis, a direction toward the upper side with respect to the field object is defined as the positive side of the Y axis, and an axis passing through the origin and perpendicular to the Y axis is defined as an X axis, the transformation processing unit deforms the basic surface according to a function in which the Y coordinate value monotonically decreases linearly or nonlinearly as the absolute value of the X coordinate value increases. the transformation processing unit transforms the base surface based on a value of a transformation parameter that can change in accordance with a change in the area and that determines a degree of transformation of the field object;
The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the transformation parameters include a coefficient assigned to a term relating to the value of the X coordinate in the function. the change processing unit includes a first movement processing unit that changes a position of the virtual camera relative to the field object in a direction intersecting a line of sight direction of the virtual camera,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the area is changed by changing a position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object by the first movement processing unit. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a distance change unit that changes the distance between the virtual camera and the field object in the line of sight of the virtual camera when the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is a first position and when the position is a second position different from the first position. the change processing unit further includes a distance change unit that changes a distance between the virtual camera and the field object in a line of sight direction of the virtual camera,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the area is changed by changing a distance of the virtual camera from the field object by the distance change unit. the change processing unit further includes a rotation processing unit that changes a line of sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object around the third axis,
The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the area is changed by changing a line-of-sight direction of the virtual camera with respect to the field object by the rotation processing unit. The objects further include a background object;
8. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a background processing unit that determines whether a degree of deformation of the field object deformed by the deformation processing unit changes, and when it is determined that the degree of deformation of the field object changes, changes a position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the change processing unit changes the position of the virtual camera based on a parameter different from the position of the specific object in the field object. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the position of the specific object is fixed on the field object or is changed based on a parameter different from the position of the virtual camera. An information processing device for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space, comprising:
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
changing an area of the field object that falls within an angle of view of the virtual camera;
An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: deforming the field object in a manner that causes the deformation manner of the field object to differ depending on a lateral position of the specific object within the area. 1. An information processing program for rendering an object disposed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis perpendicular to each other, as viewed from a virtual camera disposed in the virtual space,
the objects include a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, and a specific object arranged in the field object;
changing an area of the field object that falls within an angle of view of the virtual camera;
deforming the field object in a manner that varies the deformation manner of the field object depending on the lateral position of the specific object within the area;
An information processing program that causes a computer to execute processing.