JP7844064B2 - Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program - Google Patents

Description

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

Information processing devices are known for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space using a representation as seen from a virtual camera placed in that virtual space.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-208269

With conventional technologies like those described above, it is difficult to generate diverse representations that depend on the relationship (e.g., positional relationship) between the virtual camera and a specific object.

Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to generate diverse representations depending on the relationship between a virtual camera and a specific object.

In one aspect, an information processing device for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, as viewed from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
The object includes a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes, and a specific object placed on the field object.
A change processing unit that changes the area within the field object that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera,
Includes a deformation processing unit that deforms the field object,
The deformation processing unit is provided as an information processing device that causes the deformation pattern of the field object to differ based on the lateral position of the specific object within the region.

In one respect, the present invention makes it possible to generate diverse representations depending on the relationship between the virtual camera and a specific object.

This is a block diagram of the game system according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of a field image. This is a plan view showing the entire field surface that forms the field object and the background surface that forms the background object. This is a perspective view showing the field surface and a portion of the background surface. This is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by rendering it as seen from a virtual camera. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of deformation parameters for achieving bending deformation of the field surface. This is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation of a field surface based on a function. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the application of bending deformation on a field surface. This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and the bending deformation of the field surface. This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and the bending deformation of the field surface. This is an explanatory diagram (part 3) showing the relationship between the virtual camera and the bending deformation of the field surface. This is an explanatory diagram of the degrees of freedom for changing the position of a virtual camera. This is an explanatory diagram for rotating the line of sight of a virtual camera. This is a diagram explaining camera parameters. This is an explanatory diagram of a specific object area, etc. This is a diagram illustrating various object regions. This is an example of a functional block diagram related to the drawing function of a server device. This is an explanatory diagram of the deformation parameter data. This is an explanatory diagram of the distance parameter data. This is an explanatory diagram of the orientation parameter data. This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing flow implemented by the server control unit. This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the first distance parameter calculation process (step S1608). This is an explanatory diagram of the interpolation processing range. This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the direction parameter calculation process (step S1610). This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the angle of attack parameter calculation process (step S1612). This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a deformation process (step S1615) associated with the movement of a predetermined object. This is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation process. This is a schematic flowchart showing the first deformation parameter calculation process (step S2102) performed by the first deformation parameter calculation unit. This is a schematic flowchart showing the second deformation parameter calculation process (step S2104) by the second deformation parameter calculation unit. This is a schematic flowchart showing the deformation parameter adjustment process (step S2106) performed by the deformation parameter adjustment unit. This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the origin setting process (step S2108) performed by the origin setting processing unit. This is an explanatory diagram of the internal division point Pi. This is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the second distance parameter calculation process (step S1623). A plan view of a field object. This figure shows an example of a field image related to position E1. This figure shows an example of a field image related to position E2. This figure shows an example of a field image related to position E3. This figure shows an example of a field image related to position E3 in other operation examples. This figure shows an example of a field image related to position E3, which is related to further examples of operation. This is an example of a functional block diagram related to the drawing function of a server device, using a modified version. This is a diagram (part 1) illustrating how to set the interpolation processing range. This is a diagram (part 2) illustrating how to set the interpolation processing range.

The following describes each embodiment in detail, referring to the attached drawings.

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

The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server managed by a game operator. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, PC (Person
The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a computer or a game device. The terminal device 20 is capable of executing the 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 the terminal device 20
The data may be pre-stored in a storage medium such as a memory card that is readable by the storage device or terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to each other via the network 30 so that they can communicate with each other. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to perform various processes related to the game.

Network 30 includes wireless communication networks, the Internet, and VPNs (Virtual
Private Network), WAN (Wide Area Network)
This may include, a wired network, or any combination thereof.

Here, we will describe the outline of the game according to this embodiment. The game according to this embodiment is, for example, a role-playing game or a simulation game, and a game medium is used when the game is played. For example, the game according to this embodiment is a game in which the game medium is moved on a field in a three-dimensional virtual space.

Game media refers to electronic data used in a game, and includes any medium such as cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-game currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. Game media may also refer to game-related information such as level information, status information, game parameter information (such as health points and attack power), or ability information (such as skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). Game media is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, enhanced, sold, discarded, or gifted by the user within the game, but the manner in which game media are used is not limited to those explicitly stated herein.

Unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated with the user's user ID. "Assigning game media to a user" means associating the game media with the user ID. "Discarding game media owned by a user" means dissolving the association between the user ID and the game media. "Consuming game media owned by a user" means that dissolving the association between the user ID and the game media may result in some effect or impact within the game. "Selling game media owned by a user" means dissolving the association between the user ID and the game media, and associating the user ID with other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items). "Transferring game media owned by one user to another user" means dissolving the association between one user's user ID and the game media, and associating the game media with the other user's user ID.

The game according to this embodiment generally consists of a first game part and a second game part.
This includes the third game part.

In the first game part, the user controls a user character to explore a field in a virtual space and progress through the game. Specifically, the user character moves around the field in response to user actions. The field contains various areas, such as towns and dungeons, and various events occur depending on 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 these events are completed. Also, in the first game part, if the user wins a battle against an enemy character, for example, the user may be awarded game media such as items, virtual currency, or characters. The awarded game media can be used in the third game part, which will be described later.

In the second game part, the user changes the ownership status of the game media. The user,
For example, players can collect various game media such as items, virtual currency, and characters. Specifically, when a user character moves to a specific area on the field, such as a mining area or a fishing pond, or when a specific game media such as a character is selected (for example, by touching the screen), a sub-event occurs in which game media can be acquired. Sub-events include, for example, progressing through a sub-story and playing a mini-game, but the content of sub-events is not limited to these. Depending on the result of executing the sub-event, various game media may be granted to the user. The granted game media can be used, for example, in the third game part described later.

In the third game part, the user changes parameters related to the game medium. For example, the user enhances their character. Specifically, as described above, various game parameters of the user character change as the game medium granted to the user in the first and second game parts is consumed. The game parameters are:
This includes, but is not limited to, the user character's level, HP, attack power, defense power, attributes, and skills. The user character is strengthened in accordance with changes in the user character's game parameters. Strengthening the user character increases the probability that the user character will win battles against enemy characters in the first game part.

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

(Server configuration)
The configuration of the server device 10 will now be described in detail. The server device 10 is composed of server computers. The server device 10 may be realized by multiple 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.
It is equipped with.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface for communicating with external devices wirelessly or via wired connection and for sending and receiving information. The server communication unit 11 includes, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area
It may include a network communication module or a wired LAN communication module, etc. The server communication unit 11 can send and receive information with the terminal device 20 via the network 30.

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

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

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

Furthermore, the server storage unit 12 can store, for example, buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs (Non-Play)
It stores images related to the game medium, such as r Character. Hereinafter, any game medium different from the first game medium (for example, buildings, walls, trees, or NPCs, etc.) that can be placed on the field objects described later will be referred to as the second game medium.
The object onto which the second game medium is projected is also referred to as the second object. In this embodiment, the second object may include objects fixed to the field object described later, or objects that are movable to the field object described later. Furthermore, the second object may include objects that are always placed on the field object described later, or objects that are placed only when certain conditions are met.

Furthermore, the server storage unit 12 stores background images, such as the sky or a distant landscape. Hereinafter, objects onto which the background image is projected will also be referred to as background objects. Multiple types of background images may be prepared and used interchangeably.

Furthermore, the server memory unit 12 stores an image of a field (for example, the ground) (field image). The field image is projected onto the field surface, which will be described later. Hereinafter, an object onto which the field image is projected onto the field surface will also be referred to as a field object. The field object is used as a virtual field (ground) within the virtual space.

Here, the field image has a texture coordinate system with mutually orthogonal u-axis and v-axis, as shown in Figure 2, for example. In this embodiment, the field image has a horizontal path 14, a vertical path 15, and a curved path 17. The horizontal path 14, the vertical path 15, and the curved path 17 form paths through which the first object in the field object can move. Although Figure 2 shows a specific path configuration, the path configuration is arbitrary. Also, although the field image in Figure 2 is rectangular, it may take other forms.
Additionally, multiple types of field images may be provided and used interchangeably.

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

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

For example, the server control unit 13 displays a field image on the display unit 23, which shows the field object and the first object. The server control unit 13 also moves the first object relative to the field object on the field object in the virtual space in response to a predetermined user operation. The specific details of the server control unit 13's processing will be described later.

(Terminal device configuration)
The configuration of the terminal device 20 will be explained in detail. As shown in Figure 1, the terminal device 20 is:
It comprises 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 for communicating with external devices wirelessly or via wired connection and for sending and receiving information. The terminal communication unit 21 includes, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolu
Wireless communication module compatible with mobile communication standards such as tion (registered trademark), wireless LA
It may include an N-communication module or a wired LAN communication module, etc. The terminal communication unit 21 can send and receive information with 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, terminal storage unit 2
2 may include semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory, etc. The terminal storage unit 22 is
The terminal communication unit 21 stores various information and programs used for game processing, which are received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for game processing may also be obtained from external devices via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the game application program may be obtained from a predetermined application distribution server. Hereinafter, the application program will also be simply referred to as the application. Also, for example, some or all of the above-mentioned information about the user and information about the game medium that is the opponent may be obtained from the server device 10.

The display unit 23 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminous) display.
The system includes display devices such as a screen. 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 for detecting various user operations.

The input unit 24 includes an input interface, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 is capable of receiving user input to the terminal device 20. The input unit 24 may also include physical keys, or any other input interface, such as a pointing device like 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 for 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 launches the game application in response to user input. The terminal control unit 25 works in cooperation with the server device 10 to execute the game. For example, the terminal control unit 25
The display unit 2 displays various images used in the game (for example, various field images described later).
Display it in 3. On the screen, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that detects user operations.
The "server Interface" may be displayed. The terminal control unit 25 can detect user operations on the screen via the input unit 24. For example, the terminal control unit 25 can detect user tap operations, long tap operations, flick operations, and swipe operations. A tap operation is an operation in which the user touches the display unit 23 with their finger and then lifts their finger. The terminal control unit 25 transmits the operation information to the server device 10.

(Graphics functions in games)
The server control unit 13 works in cooperation with the terminal device 20 to display a field image on the display unit 23 and updates the field image according to the progress of the game. In this embodiment, the server control unit 13 works in cooperation with the terminal device 20 to render objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space as they appear from the perspective of a virtual camera placed in the virtual space.

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

Figures 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of field objects and background objects.
Figure 3 is a plan view showing the entire field surface 70 that forms the field object and the background surface 72 that forms the background object, and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the field surface 70 and background surface 72 when viewed in an oblique direction including the direction component of arrow R0 in Figure 3. A virtual camera 60 is also schematically illustrated in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the background surface 72 is shown in the form of a background object onto which a background image including images of clouds and the sun is projected.

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

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

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 positioned in correspondence with the xy plane such 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. In Figure 3, the u-axis, v-axis, and origin of the texture coordinate system are shown separated from the x-axis, y-axis, and origin of the global coordinate system, representing the state before correspondence. The field surface 70 is prevented from translational movement (linear movement) in the x, y, and z directions. However, in other embodiments, the field surface 70 may be allowed to translate in the global coordinate system.

The field surface 70 is deformable from its normal state, when the plane parallel to the xy plane is considered 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 relative to the plane parallel to the xy plane by being shaped based on the field surface 70 deformed from its normal state. Hereinafter, deformation of the field surface 70 and the field object refers to deformation when the plane parallel to the xy plane is considered the normal shape (state), unless otherwise specified. The deformed field object may be realized by projecting a field image onto the deformed field surface 70, or by projecting a field image onto the field surface 70 in its normal state and then deforming the field surface 70.

Furthermore, when a field image is projected onto the field surface 70, under normal circumstances, it can inherit the texture coordinates of the projected field image. That is, each position on the field surface 70 onto which the field image is projected can be identified in effect using the texture coordinate system of the field image (see Figure 2). Hereafter, the coordinate system used to identify each position on the field surface 70 will coincide with the texture coordinate system of the field image projected onto the field surface 70 and will also be 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 positioned at an angle with respect to the z-direction. In Figure 3, the background surface 72 is positioned to surround the field surface 70. In this case, the background surface 72 may be fixed with respect to the global coordinate system, or it may be movable only in the z-direction, as will be described later.
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 rotate in accordance with the rotation of the virtual camera 60, which will be described later. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the background surface 72 is positioned around the field surface 7
Like 0, it may be considered deformable.

Figure 5 is a plane that includes the line of sight direction V and the z direction of the virtual camera 60 shown in Figure 4 (hereinafter referred to as "V").
This is an explanatory diagram showing various positional relationships when viewed perpendicularly to the z-plane (also called the z-plane). Figure 5 schematically shows the first object 3 located within the field object region of the virtual camera 60's field of view. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a field image obtained by rendering as seen from the virtual camera 60.

Figure 5 schematically shows the field of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 (the field of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z-direction) between the boundary lines 6211 and 6212. In this embodiment, the field of view of the virtual camera 60 is constant, but in other embodiments, the field of view of the virtual camera 60 may be variable.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the field of view 62 is where the upper boundary line 6211 intersects with the background surface 72 (point P2
(See reference), the lower boundary line 6212 intersects with the field surface 70 (see point P1). In this case,
As shown in Figure 6, the field image G60 includes the background surface 72 (and the associated background objects) and the field surface 70 (and the associated field objects). In Figure 5, since the first object 3 is located within the field object area of the virtual camera 60's field of view, the field image G60 includes a representation of the first object 3.

In this embodiment, the field surface 70 (and the field objects associated with it) is bent and deformed as shown in Figure 5 so that a virtual horizon HL (Figure 6) is represented by the field surface 70. Specifically, the field surface 70 deforms downwards as it moves further away in the line of sight direction V (i.e., towards the background surface 72). This deformation may be realized only within the field of view of the virtual camera 60, or it may be realized over the entire field surface 70.

If the entire field surface 70 is deformed, the field surface 7 when cut along the Vz plane
The shape of 0 (the shape represented by lines as shown in Figure 5) may be approximately the same at any cross-sectional position.
In other words, the cross-sections may be approximately the same. Note that "approximately the same" means that an error of 10% or less is acceptable. Note that, as described above, the field object is shaped based on the field surface 70, so the shape of the field object when cut in the Vz plane is Vz
The shape is the same as the field surface 70 when cut in a plane, but it may have a shape that is slightly different from the shape of the field surface 70 (for example, fine irregularities).

As shown in Figure 5, the horizon HL in this representation is formed by the intersection point P3 of the tangent lines 6213 (tangent lines within the field of view 62) from the virtual camera 60 to the field plane 70.
In Figure 6, since the first object 3 is located in front of the horizon HL, part of the representation of the horizon HL will be 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 Figure 6) is the tangent 6213 to the boundary line 6212.
It depends on the angle α formed by the two. The angle α can change depending on the bending pattern of the field surface 70.
For example, in the case of the field surface 70' shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, the angle α' made by the tangent line 6213' to the boundary line 6212 becomes smaller than angle α, and therefore the height H1 of the horizon HL
The value becomes smaller (not shown). In this way, it can be seen that the height of the horizon HL can be changed by changing the bending pattern of the field surface 70. Note that when the height of the horizon HL changes, the range of the background surface 72 that fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 also changes accordingly.

In this embodiment, the horizon HL can be appropriately represented as the field surface 70 is bent downwards as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight direction V. Furthermore, the height H of the horizon HL can be changed by changing the deformation pattern (degree of deformation, etc.).
1 (and consequently the visible range of field objects, background objects, etc.) can be freely changed. Below, a bending deformation in which the field surface 70 deforms downward as it approaches the background surface 72 when viewed in the line of sight direction V will be simply referred to as "field surface 7
It is also called "zero bending deformation."

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

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

Function F1 is a function in which the value of the Yc coordinate decreases monotonically in a nonlinear manner as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate increases. Furthermore, function F1 is symmetric with respect to the Yc axis. However, in other embodiments, function F1 may decrease monotonically in a linear manner as the absolute value of the Xc coordinate increases, and/or may be asymmetric with respect to the Yc axis. In this embodiment,
As an example, function F1 is a quadratic function and can be 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 function F1 described above is merely an example; other functions, such as the following, may also 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 -a ≤ xc ≤ a.

Alternatively, 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 xc = -a1 may be set to coincide with the intersection point (point P1 in Figure 5) of the lower boundary line 6212 of the field of view 62 and the field surface 70.

In other embodiments, multiple types of functions may be provided, 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 the function F1.

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

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

Figure 8 is a plan view of the field object 77, where Figure 8A is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface at position M1, Figure 8B is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface at position M2, and Figure 8C is an explanatory diagram of the bending deformation state of the field surface at position M3. In Figure 8, the field object 77 is shown as a representation of the field image projected onto the field surface 70 in a normal state. In Figure 8, from position M1 to position M3
An example is shown where positions M2 and M3 are near the start and end positions of the curved path 17. In Figures 8A to 8C, for drawing purposes, the curved path 17 etc. have a portion that is separated from the field surface 70 (the portion outside the field of view 62 of the virtual camera 60), but the entire thing may be projected onto the field surface 70.

Here, positions M1 and M3 correspond to the intersection points between the line of sight V of the virtual camera 60 and the xy plane (or the field surface 70 before deformation), respectively. Figure 8 shows position M2
The projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 (the projection vector V' on the xy-plane in the line of sight direction V) is shown. Positions M1 and M3 correspond to the positions of the first object 3. That is, the bending deformation of the field surface 70 accompanying the movement of the virtual camera 60 when the first object 3 moves along the curved path 17 from position M1 to position M3 is explained.

When the intersection point 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 as shown in Figure 8A is realized.
When the intersection point 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 as shown in Figure 8B is realized. When the intersection point 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 as shown in Figure 8C is realized.

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, the field object 77 undergoes bending deformation corresponding to the changed line of sight direction V (bending deformation with the same deformation pattern as viewed from the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60).
This will be realized.

Incidentally, when the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (its position relative to the field object) changes, the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (for example, the area of the field object) also changes, thus enabling the diversification of the field image.
However, even in this case, the position of the virtual camera 60 (position relative to the field object)
Even if the field of view changes, if the state of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 remains monotonous, it will not be possible to diversify the field image. Therefore, by making the position of the virtual camera 60 in the virtual space (position relative to the field object) changeable, and by increasing the number and types of second objects placed on the field object, it is possible to effectively diversify the field image. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the position of the virtual camera 60 refers to its position relative to the field object.

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

Furthermore, if the position of the virtual camera 60 can be changed, the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object will change as the position of the virtual camera 60 changes. Therefore, if various second objects are placed on the field object in various ways, the way the first object that the user is operating on is displayed and the degree to which multiple second objects overlap will change, thus diversifying the field image obtained by rendering as seen from the virtual camera 60.

Here, the advantage of diversifying the game field is that it becomes possible to highlight parts of the game field, improving the user's visibility of objects, and further improving operability by making the objects being manipulated and the areas being manipulated clearer. In addition, even if multiple objects exist within a limited screen, the situation in the virtual space can be represented without compromising visibility (without limiting the amount of information). This effect is particularly noticeable on small screens such as smartphones.

Furthermore, since the representation of the horizon and other elements can be achieved through a simple process of bending the field object, the processing load can be kept down. Also, since it is not necessary to render (hidden) objects outside the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object,
In that respect, it can also reduce the processing load.

In this embodiment, not only is the position of the virtual camera 60 changeable, but the degree of deformation related to the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and consequently the field objects) is also changeable. When the degree of deformation related to the bending deformation of the field surface 70 (and consequently the field objects) changes, the appearance from the virtual camera 60 differs even in the same area of the field object, thus enabling further diversification of the field image obtained by rendering in the way seen from the virtual camera 60.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a single material for the field object (field image and field surface 70) is used, and by changing the degree of deformation related to the bending deformation of the field surface 70, a variety of field object forms can be realized. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the memory area for field objects compared to the case where a variety of field objects (field objects in a fixed, immovable form) are prepared in advance. In other words, a variety of field object forms can be realized by efficiently utilizing the memory area.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 changes, the height H1 of the horizon HL will change, which may cause discomfort to the user. For example, if the position of the virtual camera 60 remains fixed while the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 changes, it is likely to cause discomfort.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the area of the field object that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 changes, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 is changed in accordance with that 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 that change. This reduces the inconvenience (i.e., the discomfort that may be caused to the user) that may arise from a change in the degree of deformation of the field surface 70.

For example, the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 may be greater when the virtual camera 60 is located at one or more specific locations or within a specific range than when it is not. This allows the field image when the virtual camera 60 is located at a specific location or within a specific range (
In other words, the representation of various objects within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 can be expressed in a different manner than the field image when they are in other positions. For example, it is possible to make the field image related to a specific position stand out more than the field images related to other positions, or to give a specific meaning to the field image related to a specific position. The specific position or specific range may be set to correspond to, for example, the position where the first object turns while moving (for example, the intersection of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15 shown in Figure 2), or to the position where an object to be emphasized (for example, an object related to a game medium with a low probability of appearance) is placed. In this case, for example, the specific position may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the position of the object. Furthermore, the specific position may change dynamically. For example, one or more specific positions may include a specific position that is set to correspond to the position where an object related to a game medium with a low probability of appearance is placed, only when such an object is placed.

If the position of the virtual camera 60 is made changeable, then the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object will change as the position of the virtual camera 60 changes. In this case, if various second objects are placed on the field object in various ways,
Since the appearance of the first object being manipulated by the user and the degree of overlap of multiple second objects change, the field image obtained by rendering with a representation as seen from the virtual camera 60 can be diversified. Furthermore, even if overlapping occurs between the second object and/or the first object, as described above, by adjusting the degree of deformation of the field surface 70, the overlapping objects are positioned vertically offset from each other. Therefore, the visibility of individual objects or one or more objects of focus among the overlapping objects can be improved.

Furthermore, by diversifying the field images obtained by rendering them from the perspective of the virtual camera 60, it becomes possible to highlight parts of these field images, improving the user's visibility of objects. In addition, operability is improved as the objects being manipulated and the manipulation areas become clearer. Moreover, even if multiple objects exist within a limited screen, the situation in the virtual space can be represented without compromising visibility (without limiting the amount of information). These effects are particularly noticeable on small screens such as those of smartphones.

Furthermore, since the representation of the horizon and other elements can be achieved through a simple process of bending the field object, the processing load can be kept down. Also, since it is not necessary to render (hidden) objects outside the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object,
In that respect, it can also reduce the processing load.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the degrees of freedom for changes in the position of the virtual camera 60. As shown in Figure 9, changes in the position of the virtual camera 60 include changes V1 along the line of sight direction V, changes V2 and V3 in directions intersecting the line of sight direction V, and combinations thereof. Change V2 is a change in the Vz plane, and V3 is a change in a direction perpendicular to the Vz plane. Changes in the position of the virtual camera 60 may be realized by displacement (movement) of the virtual camera 60 in the global coordinate system, by displacement (movement) of field objects in the global coordinate system, or by a combination thereof.

Thus, in this embodiment, the way in which the position (relative position) of the virtual camera 60 changes is that the position relative to the field object is in a direction (V2, V3) that intersects the line of sight direction V.
This includes a mode in which the relative position changes (hereinafter referred to as the "first mode of change") and a mode in which the position relative to the field object changes in a direction along the line of sight direction V (V1) (hereinafter referred to as the "second mode of change").

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

Furthermore, when the degree of deformation of the field surface 70 changes, the changes that occur simultaneously (i.e., changes in the area of the field object that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera 60) are as follows:
Not limited to changes in position (relative position) relative to field objects, the virtual camera 60
This may also be achieved by rotating the line of sight V (see Figure 10). Also, the virtual camera 60
By making the optical parameters of the virtual camera 60 variable, it is also possible to change the area of the field object that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 by 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 focal length and field of view.

In this embodiment, as an example, the virtual camera 60 is not only capable of changing its position (relative position) with respect to the field object, but also its line of sight direction V is also capable of changing. Specifically, the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 is an axis parallel to the z direction (hereinafter,
Rotation around the orbital axis Pc is possible. The line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 may be limited to rotation around the orbital axis Pc, or it may also be limited to rotation around other axes (rotation, which will be described later). For example, the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 may be limited to rotation around an axis perpendicular to the Vz plane. That is, the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 may be rotated in a manner that changes the angle of attack of the virtual camera 60 (the angle of attack parameter ψ, which will be described later). 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 this predetermined relationship may be fixed or changeable.

Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the rotation of the virtual camera 60 refers to a rotation in which the line of sight V rotates around the orbital axis Pc. The orientation of the virtual camera 60 refers to 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 V of the virtual camera 60, and schematically shows the virtual camera 60 and its field of view 62 as viewed in the z direction. Figure 10 schematically shows the virtual camera 60 at two positions during rotation.

In Figure 10, the orbital axis Pc of the virtual camera 60, relative to the line of sight direction V, is, when viewed in the z direction, located through the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 and offset to the rear side of the line of sight direction V from the virtual camera 60. In this case, when the virtual camera 60 rotates 360 degrees, the virtual camera 60 traces a circular trajectory C70 around the orbital axis Pc when viewed in the z direction. However, the position of the orbital axis Pc is arbitrary and may be a position that has a predetermined relationship with the virtual camera 60, and this predetermined relationship may be fixed or changeable. However, in this specification, the orbital 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.

In Figure 10, the line of sight direction V, when viewed in the z direction, always passes through the orbital axis Pc and moves away from the orbital axis Pc while the virtual camera 60 is rotating, but is not limited to this. For example, the line of sight direction V, when viewed in the z direction, may always pass through the orbital axis Pc and move toward the orbital axis Pc while the virtual camera 60 is rotating. That is, the orbital axis Pc, when viewed in the z direction, may pass through the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 and be offset from the virtual camera 60 toward the front (far side) of the line of sight direction V. In this case, the orbital axis Pc may be set to pass through a predetermined object (for example, a predetermined object described later) that you want to show to the user from all directions. In another embodiment, the line of sight direction V, when viewed in the z direction, may rotate on its own axis while the virtual camera 60 is rotating (revolving). That is, the virtual camera 60 may be able to rotate (rotate) around its rotation axis 61. Alternatively, the line of sight direction V may be able to rotate independently of the orbit.

Incidentally, as mentioned above, the horizon HL is formed by the bending deformation of the field surface 70. Therefore, as the line of sight direction V changes with the rotation of the virtual camera 60, the deformation pattern of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 changes accordingly. That is, the virtual camera 6
As rotation of 0 changes the line of sight direction V, Vz changes accordingly based on the changed line of sight direction V.
The deformation pattern of the bending deformation of the field surface 70 is changed so that the Xc axis of the local coordinate system is located within the plane. As a result, even if the line of sight direction V changes due to the rotation of the virtual camera 60, the horizon HL in the virtual space can be realized in a manner that does not feel unnatural.

Next, with reference to Figure 11 and subsequent figures, further details of the drawing function of the server device 10 will be explained.

Here, we will first refer to Figure 11 to explain the camera parameters used in the explanation from Figure 12 onwards, and then describe the details of the server device 10.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the camera parameters. Figure 11 shows the field plane 70 (normal state) positioned in the global coordinate system. Note that the field plane 70 is
As described above, bending deformation is possible, but translation and rotation of the entire field surface 70 in the global coordinate system are not possible. Therefore, the coordinates of each position on the field surface 70 in the field coordinate system can be converted to the coordinates of each position in the global coordinate system using a predetermined conversion formula, and the reverse conversion is also possible. For the purposes of explanation below, 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 (= 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 (= v-axis of the texture coordinate system) coincides with the y-axis of the global coordinate system. Below, unless otherwise specified, the field surface 70 refers to the field surface 70 with the field image projected onto it (the field surface 70 of the field object).

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 relative to the global coordinate system.

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

Note that these camera parameters are for illustrative purposes only, and in actual processing, different parameters may be used equivalently.

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 deformation parameter data. In Figure 13, "-" indicates an arbitrary value, and "..." indicates a similar repetition. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of distance parameter data. Similarly, in Figure 14 (and Figure 15), "..." indicates a similar repetition. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of direction 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 implemented by the server storage unit 12 shown in Figure 1, and the operation information acquisition unit 132 and the drawing data transmission unit 134
This can be achieved by the server communication unit 11 shown in Figure 1, and the drawing processing unit 140 can be achieved by the server control unit 13 shown in Figure 1. In the following discussion of the processing of each unit, "calculation" is a concept that includes processing that simply reads calculated values, set 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 deformation parameter data 13A related to the specific position described above. Hereinafter, the specific position is defined as a position where a predetermined object, described later, can be located. That is, the specific position is defined as a position that can coincide with the position of the predetermined object, described later.

In the deformation parameter data 13A, each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position described above is associated with a value of deformation parameter A1 that is different from the normal value _β0 . While the normal value _β0 of deformation parameter A1 is a constant value, it may be a variable value that differs for each field image if multiple types of field images G60 are provided. Furthermore, the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific position may also be associated with a value of the orientation parameter θ. For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, each value of the position parameters (X, Y) related to the specific position (X _A , Y _A ), (X _B , Y _B ), (X _C , Y _C ), etc., is associated with a value of deformation parameter A1 corresponding to the value of the orientation parameter θ for each specific position. For example, in the deformation parameter data 13A of Figure 13, specific position A = (X
For _A , Y _A , the value _β1 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. On the other hand, for a specific position C = (X _C , Y _C ), the value _β3 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated when the orientation parameter θ = θ _C1 of the virtual camera 60.
When the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is such that the orientation parameter θ = θ _C2 , the value of the deformation parameter A1 is β _4.
These are associated with each other. Below, a specific position C, where the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes according to the orientation of the virtual camera 60, will also be referred to as a "specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60," and an orientation (orientation parameter θ = θ _C) to which values different from the normal value _β0 , such as values _β3 and _β4 , are associated on the deformation parameter data 13A.
The direction in which the value is ₁ or θ _C2 is referred to as the "specific direction." The specific direction is fixed, but it may be changed. In other embodiments, a specific position in which the degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60 does not need to be set. Also, although two specific directions are set for the specific position C, only one may be set, or three or more may be set.

Furthermore, the data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes deformation parameter data 13B related to a specific object. In the deformation parameter data 13B, a value of deformation parameter A1 different from the normal value _β0 is associated with the specific object. The specific object is any object different from the predetermined object described later. For example, the specific object is preferably one of the second objects that the user wants to focus on. For example, the specific object may be an object related to a moving object (e.g., a character) or an object related to a fixed object. In the deformation parameter data 13B of Figure 13, the value _βG1 of deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G1, and the value _βG2 of deformation parameter A1 is associated with the specific object G2. On the other hand, the orientation parameter θ is associated with the orientation of the virtual camera 60 for the specific object G3.
When θ = _C3 , the value β _G3 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated, and when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ = θ _C4 , the value β _G4 of the deformation parameter A1 is associated. Similar to the case of deformation parameter data 13A, below, a specific object G3, in which the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes according to the orientation of the virtual camera 60, will also be referred to as a "specific object whose degree of deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60," and the orientation to which a value different from the normal value _β0 , such as the value β _G3 or the value β _G4 , is associated on the deformation parameter data 13B (the orientation to which the orientation parameter θ = θ _C3 or θ _C4 ) will be referred to as the "specific orientation." The specific orientation is fixed, but may change. For example, if the specific object G3 has a front direction, the specific orientation may change in accordance with the change in the orientation of the front direction of the specific object G3.

Furthermore, the data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes the distance parameter data 14A related to the specific location described above. In the distance parameter data 14A, a value of distance parameter A2, which is different from the normal value _γ0 , is associated with each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the specific location. Note that the normal value _γ0 of distance parameter A2 is a constant value, but if multiple types of field images G60 are prepared, it may be a variable value that differs for each field image. The value of distance parameter A2 related to a specific location of a certain virtual camera 60 may be determined so that the corresponding area (and objects located within that area) is captured at a desired distance by the virtual camera 60 positioned at that specific location. For example, if it is desired to show a specific second object to the user at close range, the value of distance parameter A2 such that the specific second object is captured at close range by the virtual camera 60 may be associated with each value of the position parameters (X, Y) related to that specific location. For example, Figure 14
Then, the value _γ1 of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific position A = (X _A , Y _A ).
A specific location B = (X _B , Y _B ) is associated with the value _γ² of the distance parameter A².
The same applies hereafter. In this embodiment, as an example, the values of distance parameter A2 defined in distance parameter data 14A, such as value _γ1 and value _γ2 , are assumed to be significantly smaller than the normal value _γ0 . The smaller the value of distance parameter A2, the shorter the distance between the virtual camera 60 and the field object.

Furthermore, the data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes distance parameter data 14B related to a specific object. In the distance parameter data 14B, each specific object is associated with a distance parameter A2 value smaller than the normal value γ _0. In the distance parameter data 14B of Figure 14, the specific object G1 is associated with the distance parameter A2 value γ _G
1 is associated with it, and the value γ _G2 of the distance parameter A2 is associated with the specific object G2.

In this embodiment, the distance parameter data 14A related to a specific position does not define a specific position in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes according to the value of the direction parameter θ. However, as with the deformation parameter data 13A described above, a specific position may be defined in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes according to the value of the direction parameter θ. That is,
A specific position may be defined where the value of the distance parameter A2 changes during the orbit of the virtual camera 60. In this case, preferably, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific orientation related to a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the orbit of the virtual camera 60. For example, at a specific position C = (X _C , Y _C ), the orientation of the virtual camera 60 corresponds to the orientation parameter θ.
When θ = _C1 , the value γ ₃₁ of the distance parameter A2 may be associated, and when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is the orientation parameter θ = θ _C2 , the value γ ₃₂ of the distance parameter A2 may be associated. This makes it possible to change the value of the distance parameter A2 when the degree of bending deformation changes during the revolution of the virtual camera 60.

Similarly, in this embodiment, distance parameter data 14B relating to a specific object.
In this case, no specific object is defined in which the value of the distance parameter A2 changes according to the value of the direction parameter θ, but as in the deformation parameter data 13B described above,
A specific object may be defined such that the value of the distance parameter A2 changes depending on the value of the direction parameter θ. That is, a specific object may be defined such that the value of the distance parameter A2 changes while the virtual camera 60 is orbiting. In this case as well, preferably the virtual camera 6
For a specific object whose degree of deformation changes during its revolution, the value of the distance parameter A2 is associated with a specific orientation related to that object. For example, for a specific object G3, when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is orientation parameter θ = θ _C3 , the value of the distance parameter A2 γ _G31 is associated, and when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is orientation parameter θ = θ _C4
In this case, the value of the distance parameter A2, γ _G32, may be associated with it. 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.

Furthermore, the data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes orientation parameter data. In the orientation parameter data, the position parameter of the virtual camera 60 related to the orientation change position (
A value of the orientation parameter θ is associated with each value of X and Y. The value of the orientation parameter θ relating to the position of a particular virtual camera 60 may be determined so that the desired area is contained within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 at that position. For example, if you want to show a specific second object to the user, the orientation parameter θ may be determined so that the specific second object is located in an area that is contained within the field of view.
The value of may be associated with the respective values of the position parameters (X, Y) related to that position. The orientation change position is, for example, the position where the first object changes orientation while moving (for example, the start and end positions of the curved path 17 shown in Figure 2, or the intersection of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15).
It may be set in accordance with the following. For example, in Figure 15, the orientation change position T1(XP1, YP1
The direction parameter θ is associated with the value θ1, and the direction change position T2 (XP2, YP2
The value θ2 of the direction parameter θ is associated with the position θ, and so on. The direction change positions T1 and T2 may be positions such as specific positions A and B, to which a value of the deformation parameter A1 different from the normal value β0 is associated, and/or to which a value of the distance parameter A2 different from the normal value γ0 is associated.

Furthermore, the data stored in the drawing information storage unit 130 includes angle of attack parameter data. In the angle of attack parameter data, although not shown in the figures, similar to the orientation parameter data, the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ may be associated with each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 related to the angle of attack change position. The value of the angle of attack parameter ψ related to the position of a certain virtual camera 60 is:
The desired area may be determined so that it fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 at that location. For example, if a specific second object is to be shown to the user, the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ may be associated with the respective values of the position parameters (X, Y) related to that location so that the specific second object is located in an area that fits within the field of view.

Furthermore, 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, and may be managed in an integrated manner as appropriate.

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

The drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits the drawing data for the field image generated by the drawing processing unit 140 to the terminal device 20. As described above, in other embodiments, some or all of the drawing processing of the drawing processing unit 140 may be implemented on the terminal device 20 side. For example, if the drawing processing unit 140 is implemented 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, and a deformation processing unit 14
It includes 5, 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 fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 according to the operation information, etc. For example, the change processing unit 142 changes the area of the virtual camera 6
The values of the position parameters (X, Y) are changed, and the position parameters (X, Y)
When any of the values are changed, various processes corresponding to those changes are executed.

In this embodiment, a specific object is placed in the field object 77. Therefore, if the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object is changed, the specific object may be located within that area. In other words, the area within the field of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 in the field object is substantially the same as all possible combinations of camera parameter values. Among these are the area where the specific object is located (hereinafter also referred to as the "specific object area"), as well as the area surrounding the specific object area (an example of a predetermined object area), and so on. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the camera parameter values can be changed with relatively small resolution, the specific object area includes a first object area where the specific object is located in the center and a second object area where the specific object is located at the edge.
Here, we will explain specific objects, etc., referring to Figure 11A. Figure 11A shows,
The regions R1, R2, and R3 within the field of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 are shown for each of three different camera parameters (referred to here as camera parameters 1, 2, and 3). Camera parameters 1, 2, and 3 differ in at least one of the elements of the camera parameters (X, Y, A2, θ, ψ) described above. Therefore, the three regions shown in Figure 11A are all different regions.
Of the three regions R1, R2, and R3 shown in Figure 11A, specific objects G5 and G7 are located in regions R1 and R3. Therefore, in this case, regions R1 and R3 are examples of regions containing specific objects. On the other hand, no specific objects are located in region R2.
Therefore, in this case, region R2 is an example of a predetermined object region where the specific object is not located. Note that if the specific object is a moving object, a region that was the specific object region at one point in time may cease to be the specific object region at another point in time. For example, in the case of region R2, if the specific object G6, which was located outside the field of view 62 at that time, moves to a position within region R2, then region R2 becomes the specific object region.

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

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

The distance modification unit 1421 associates the value of distance parameter A2 with each of the updated position parameter (X, Y) values. In this embodiment, the distance modification unit 1421 is connected to the drawing information storage unit 130
The distance parameter A2 value is calculated by referring to the internal distance parameter data and corresponding to each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y). At this time, on the distance parameter data 14A,
If the values of the distance parameter A2 are not associated with each of the updated position parameter (X, Y) values, an interpolated value may be associated with each of the updated position parameter (X, Y) values. An example of how to calculate this interpolated value will be described later. In other embodiments, if the values of the distance parameter A2 are not associated with each of the updated position parameter (X, Y) values in the distance parameter data, the distance modification unit 1421 may associate the normal value _γ0 directly instead of the interpolated value.

The distance changing unit 1421 includes a first distance changing unit 14211 and a second distance changing unit 14212. In other embodiments where a specific position is not set, unlike the example shown in Figure 14, the first
The distance changing section 14211 may be omitted.

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

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

Furthermore, the second distance changing unit 14212 controls the virtual camera 60 in the field object.
When a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60, the value of the distance parameter A2 may be calculated according to the position of the specific object within that field of view. In this case, the second distance changing unit 14212 may change the value of the distance parameter A2 depending on whether the specific object is located in the center of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object or at either end. Specifically, when the specific object is located in the center of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object, the second distance changing unit 14212 may set the value of the distance parameter A2 to be smaller than when the specific object is located at either end. This makes the specific object more prominent when it is located near the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60. Note that the central part of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object is, for example, as shown in Figure 11.
In the upper specific object region of A, it may be the portion of the range 771 within a distance L0 centered on its centerline CT. In this case, the distance L0 is arbitrary as long as it is significantly smaller than the total distance L1 of the specific object region, for example, it may be about L1/2.
In this case, the portions related to ranges 772 and 773 on both sides of range 771 correspond to the edges of the central region. An example of the second distance parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figure 27.

The orientation change unit 1422 associates the values of the orientation parameter θ with the updated values of the position parameters (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 values of the orientation parameter θ corresponding to the values of the position parameters (X, Y). In this case, if the values of the orientation parameter θ are not associated with the updated values of the position parameters (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of the method for calculating this interpolated value will be described later. The orientation change unit 1422 then associates the calculated values of the orientation parameter θ with the updated values of the position parameters (X, Y). In other embodiments, if the values of the orientation parameter θ are not associated with the updated values of the position parameters (X, Y) in the orientation parameter data, the orientation change unit 1422 may simply 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 a predetermined object in the z-direction view.

The angle of attack changing unit 1423 associates the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each of the updated position parameter values (X, Y). In this embodiment, the angle of attack changing 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 of the position parameter values (X, Y). In this case, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each of the updated position parameter values (X, Y) in the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack changing unit 1423 may calculate an interpolated value. An example of the method for calculating this interpolated value will be described later. The angle of attack changing unit 1423 then associates the calculated value of the angle of attack parameter ψ with each of the changed position parameter values (X, Y). In other embodiments, if the value of the angle of attack parameter ψ is not associated with each of the updated position parameter values (X, Y) in the angle of attack parameter data, the angle of attack changing unit 1423 may simply associate the normal value ψ0.

The update reflection unit 1424 processes the updated position parameters (X, Y) and various parameters (distance parameter A2,
Based on the values of the orientation parameter θ and the angle of attack parameter ψ, the virtual camera 60 is positioned relative to the global coordinate system. This positions the virtual camera 60 relative to the field plane 70 (and consequently the field objects).

The rotation processing unit 1425 executes rotation processing for the virtual camera 60 when predetermined rotation conditions are met. The predetermined rotation conditions may be determined, for example, based on operation information (rotation instructions for the virtual camera 60), or they may be met based on the progress of the game or other factors.

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

The orbital processing unit 14251 realizes rotation in the line of sight direction V around the orbital axis Pc (see Figure 10) away from the virtual camera 60. The orbital processing unit 14251 may appropriately set the position of the orbital axis Pc according to the position of the virtual camera 60, the position of a predetermined object, etc.

The rotation processing unit 14252 controls the rotation axis 61, which is an axis parallel to the z-direction passing through the virtual camera 60.
(See Figure 10) This enables rotation in the line of sight direction V.

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

In addition, within a single processing cycle, two or more processing units among the revolution processing unit 14251, the rotation processing unit 14252, and the angle of attack processing unit 14253 may perform processing simultaneously.

The second movement processing unit 144 updates the position of a predetermined object relative to the field object when a predetermined second movement condition is met. The predetermined object can be any object whose position relative to the field object can change, but preferably,
As mentioned above, this is the first object. The predetermined second movement condition is arbitrary, but may be satisfied, for example, by operation information (movement instructions for the predetermined object), or 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 adjusts the field surface 70 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60.
A bending deformation process is performed to bend the field surface (and the field object) accordingly. The bending deformation of the field surface 70 is as described above. In the deformation parameter data 13A shown in Figure 13, for example, if each value of the position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position A (X _A , Y _A ), the deformation processing unit 145 bends the field surface 70 (and the field object) based on the value _β1 of the deformation parameter A1, regardless of the orientation of the virtual camera 60. Also, if each value of the position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to a specific position C (X _C ,
When the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is "θ _{C1 "} , the deformation processing unit 145 bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the field object thereafter) based on the value _β3 of the deformation parameter A1, and when the orientation of the virtual camera 60 is "θ _C2 ", it bends and deforms the field surface 70 (and the field object thereafter) based on the value _β4 of the deformation parameter A1.

In this embodiment, the deformation processing unit 145 includes a first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451, a second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452, a deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453, and an origin setting processing unit 14
This includes 54 and the deformation function application unit 1455. In other embodiments where a specific position is not set, unlike the example shown in Figure 13, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 and the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 may be omitted.

The first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451, referring to Figure 13, refers to the deformation parameter data 13A related to the specific position as described above, and based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60,
The value of deformation parameter A1 is calculated (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 Figure 23.

The second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 calculates the value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60, by referring to the deformation parameter data 13B related to the specific object as described above, with reference to Figure 13 (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 Figure 24.

If the value of deformation parameter A1 calculated by the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 does not match the value of deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 calculates an interpolated value by interpolation processing. An example of interpolation processing related to deformation parameters will be described later. In other embodiments, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 calculates the deformation parameter A calculated by the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451.
If the value of 1 does not match the value of deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452, one of them (for example, the value of deformation parameter A1 calculated by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452) may be used preferentially.

The origin setting processing unit 1454 determines the position to which the origin O of the local coordinate system in the field object is associated (hereinafter referred to as the "origin position") based on the position and orientation of the virtual camera 60.
The origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the origin position using 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 predetermined object as the first setting mode, and sets the origin position based on the position of a specific object different from the predetermined 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 field of view of the virtual camera 60, and if it determines that a specific object is located in an area that fits within the field 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 a specific object is not located in an area that fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60, it sets the origin position based on the position of a predetermined object. In other embodiments, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the origin position based on the position of the virtual camera 6
The origin position may be set based on the position of a predetermined object, regardless of whether a specific object is located within the field of view of 0, or based on other factors.

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

The projection processing unit 146 places various objects other than the background object (second object, etc.) on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the deformation processing unit 145. The placement of various objects can be achieved based on the correspondence information described above. In this case, the projection processing unit 1
46 places the predetermined object at the position calculated by the second movement processing unit 144. The field image may be projected after the field surface 70 has been bent and deformed, as described above.

The background processing unit 147 places background objects on the field surface 70 that has been bent and deformed by the deformation processing unit 145. The background processing unit 147 determines the position of the background objects 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 objects along the z direction relative to the field objects based on the height H1 of the virtual horizon HL represented by the field objects (see Figure 6). For example, if the height H1 of the horizon HL decreases due to a change in the degree of bending deformation of the field surface 70, the background processing unit 147 moves the position of the background objects in the z direction downward. For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, when the angle changes from α to α',
The background processing unit 147 may move the position of the background object in the z direction downward by a distance Δ1. As shown in Figure 5, the distance Δ1 is the distance between the intersection point P4 of the tangent line 6213 (tangent line within the field of view 62) from the virtual camera 60 to the field surface 70 and the background surface 72, and the same intersection point P5 of the tangent line 6213'. In this case, even if the height H1 of the horizon HL changes due to a change in the degree of bending deformation, the background object can be positioned in a manner that does not easily cause a sense of incongruity due to the change.

Furthermore, the background processing unit 147 may, in certain cases, not change the position of the background object along the z-direction relative to the field object. For example, if the amount of change in the degree of bending deformation by the deformation processing unit 145 is relatively small, the position of the background object along the z-direction relative to the field object may not be changed.

The drawing data generation unit 148 generates a field image (drawing data) that includes representations 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 Figure 16 and subsequent figures. In the following processing flow diagrams (flowcharts), the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between the inputs and outputs of each step is not impaired.

Figure 16 is a schematic flowchart showing the processing flow implemented by the server control unit 13.

The process shown in Figure 16 may be executed at predetermined processing cycles. The predetermined processing cycle may be the same as the frame cycle (update cycle) of the field image. Note that "before update" below refers to
The value of corresponds to the previous value (the value derived in the previous processing cycle (k)) based on a certain processing cycle (k+1), and the value of "after update" corresponds to the current value derived in the current processing cycle (k+1). Here, as an example, in the first processing cycle, the position of the predetermined object after the update (u(0), v(0)) is set to a predetermined initial position, and the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 after the update (X(0), Y(0)) are set to the position of the predetermined object (
Set to the same as u(0), v(0)), and each value of the camera parameters (X(0), Y(0)
γ(0), θ(0), and ψ(0) are set to their respective normal values.

In step S1600, the operation information acquisition unit 132 acquires operation information. The operation information may be received from the terminal device 20 via 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 the operation information from the predetermined storage unit.

In step S1602, the second movement processing unit 144 determines whether the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes a movement instruction for a predetermined object. If the determination result is "YES",
If the condition is met, proceed to step S1604; otherwise, proceed to step S1616.

In step S1604, the second movement processing unit 144 calculates the position of the predetermined object after movement based on the movement instruction of the predetermined object obtained in step S1600. Here, the position of the predetermined object after movement is in field coordinates (u(k+1)),
Let v(k+1) be the value. The position of the predetermined object before movement 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)). The instruction to move the predetermined object may be an instruction representing such a movement vector (direction of movement).

In step S1606, the first movement processing unit 1420 calculates the updated position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) based on the position of the predetermined object after movement (u(k+1), v(k+1)) obtained in step S1604. Assume that the position parameters (X, Y) before the update are (X(k), Y(k)). In this case, the change vector 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)) is (X(k+1)-X(k), Y(k+1)-Y(k))=(u(k+1)-
It is acceptable to calculate u(k) and v(k+1)-v(k) in this way.

In step S1608, the first distance changing unit 14211 of the distance changing unit 1421 changes each value (X(k+1), Y(k+
1)) Based on this, the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) corresponding to (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is calculated (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 changing unit 1422 uses the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) to determine the (X
The value θ(k+1) of the orientation parameter θ, which corresponds to (k+1) and Y(k+1), is calculated (orientation parameter calculation process). A specific example of this orientation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figure 19.

In step S1612, the angle of attack changing unit 1423 adjusts the (X) based on the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 (X(k+1), Y(k+1)).
The value of the angle of attack parameter ψ, ψ(k+1), which corresponds to (k+1), Y(k+1) is calculated (angle of attack parameter calculation process). A specific example of this angle of attack parameter calculation process will be outlined later with reference to Figure 20.

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

In step S1616, the second movement processing unit 144 sets the position of the predetermined object after the update (u(k+1), v(k+1)) to the position of the predetermined object before the update (u(k), v(
Set it to k). In other words, the current value will be the same as the previous value.

In step S1617, the rotation processing unit 1425 determines whether the operation information obtained in step S1600 includes a rotation instruction for 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 performs 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) based on the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60 after the rotation processing in step S1618, with reference to Figures 7 and 7A, etc.

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

In step S1623, the second distance changing unit 14212 of the distance changing 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 Figure 27.

In step S1624, the update reflection unit 1424 performs steps S1606 to S
The updated values of the various parameters obtained in 1612 (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+
1) θ(k+1), ψ(k+1)), or step S1606, step S1610
The updated values of the various parameters obtained in steps S1612 and S1623 (
Based on X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1), θ(k+1), and ψ(k+1), the virtual camera 60 is positioned in the global coordinate system.

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

In step S1626, the drawing data transmission unit 134 transmits the drawing data generated in step S1625 to the terminal communication unit 21. Upon receiving the drawing data, the terminal 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 Figure 16, drawing data reflecting the operation information received from the terminal device 20 can be generated and transmitted to the terminal device 20. Therefore, the field image can be updated in real time as the game progresses.

Figure 17 is a schematic flowchart 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 plane 70.

In step S1700, the first distance modification 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 an arbitrary specific position set in the distance parameter data 14A (see Figure 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 changing unit 14211 changes the updated distance parameter A2
The value γ(k+1) is used to determine the updated position parameters (X, Y) values (X(k+1), Y(k
The value of distance parameter A2, which is associated with a specific location corresponding to +1), is associated with that location.
For example, in the example shown in Figure 14, the updated position parameters (X, Y) have the following values (X(k+1)
If Y(k+1) corresponds to a specific position A(X _A , Y _A ), then the value of the distance parameter A2 is set to γ(k+1) = γ ₁ .

In step S1704, the first distance modification unit 14211 determines whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained in step S1606 is within the interpolation processing range associated with any specific position set in the distance parameter data 14A (see Figure 14). The interpolation processing range is set for each specific position in the texture coordinate system (
It may also be set in correspondence with the field coordinate system. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the interpolation processing range is assumed to be within a circular area with radius r centered on a specific position, as shown in Figure 18. In this case, each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)
) can be determined to determine whether or not it is within a circular region with radius r centered on a specific position. However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined by a region of other form. For example, the interpolation processing range may be set such that, when the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are located within the interpolation processing range and the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter are normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , the specific position related to the interpolation processing range is located within the region that fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60, even when the orientation parameter θ is of an arbitrary value. The same applies to other interpolation processing ranges described later. Figure 18 schematically shows three specific positions Ps(1) to Ps(3) on the field surface 70, and the interpolation processing ranges Rs(1) to Rs(3) associated with each are schematically shown. Note that in Figure 18, the interpolation processing range Rs(2) and the interpolation processing range Rs(3) overlap, and the overlapping region Rs' is shown as a hatched region. Note that each specific location Ps(1), Ps(2), Ps(3)
These are set in the distance parameter data 14A (see Figure 14), such as specific locations A, B, etc. Note that the interpolation processing range (and similarly the interpolation processing range for other parameters described later) may also be defined in advance in the distance parameter data 14A, etc.

In step S1706, the first distance changing unit 14211 changes the updated position parameter (X
The distance (interpolation distance) between each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) and a specific position Ps(1) related to the interpolation processing range Rs to which each value belongs is calculated. For example, in the example shown in Figure 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 Figure 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 a specific position Ps(1) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(1) is calculated.
If (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is located within the overlapping region Rs', then the distance d(2) between (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) and the specific position Ps(2) related to the interpolation range Rs(2) is also calculated.
, the distance d between Y(k+1) and the specific position Ps(3) related to the interpolation processing range Rs(3)
3) Calculate the value.

In step S1708, the first distance changing unit 14211 calculates an interpolated value of the distance parameter A2 based on the distance obtained in step S1706. For example, the distance d(1) described above
The interpolated value γ(1) of the distance parameter A2 related to this 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 a specific position Ps(1), and as mentioned above, it is smaller than the normal value γ ₀ .
On the other hand, if each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) lies within the overlapping region Rs', the interpolated value γ(Rs') is the interpolated value γ(2) of the distance parameter A2 related to the distance d(2) described above, and the distance parameter A2 related to the distance d(3) described above.
Based on the interpolated value γ(3), it may also be calculated using the following formula.
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 × (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 specific positions Ps(2) and Ps(3), respectively.
As mentioned above, the normal value γ is smaller than _0. B0 is a coefficient that varies within the range of 0 to 1.
The updated position parameters (X, Y) approach 1 as they get closer to the specific position Ps(2), and become 1 at the boundary position on the Ps(2) side of the overlapping region Rs'. Also, coefficient B0
The updated position parameters (X, Y) approach 0 as they get closer to the specific position Ps(3), and become 0 at the boundary position on the specific position Ps(3) side in the overlapping region Rs'. For example, B
0 may be as follows:
B0=(rd(2))/{(rd(2))+(rd(3))}
In step S1710, the first distance changing unit 14211 changes the updated distance parameter A2
The value γ(k+1) is set to the interpolated value calculated in step S1708.

In step S1712, the first distance changing unit 14211 changes the updated distance parameter A2
The value γ(k+1) is set to the normal value _γ0 .

In this way, according to the process shown in Figure 17, the value of the distance parameter A2 can be gradually changed in conjunction with the changes in each value of the position parameters (X, Y) at predetermined processing cycles. For example, compared to the case where the value is abruptly changed from the normal value γ ₀ to value γ ₁ at the processing cycle when a specific position is reached,
This allows for gradual changes in distance. As a result, the value of the distance parameter A2 can be changed while reducing the potential discomfort it may cause the user.

Figure 19 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the direction 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 an arbitrary orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see Figure 15). If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S1902; otherwise, proceed to step S1
Proceed to 904.

In step S1902, the direction changing unit 1422 changes the value of the direction parameter θ θ(k+1)
Next, the value of the orientation parameter θ is set, which is associated with the orientation change position corresponding to each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y). For example, in the example shown in Figure 15, if each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) corresponds to the orientation change position T1(XP1, YP1), the value of the orientation parameter θ is θ(k+1
Let ) = θ1.

In step S1904, 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 is within the interpolation processing range associated with an arbitrary orientation change position set in the orientation parameter data (see Figure 15). The interpolation processing range may be set for each orientation change position. In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply defined, similar to the interpolation processing range for the distance parameter A2.
The interpolation processing range is defined as a circular region with radius r centered on the orientation change position (see Figure 18). However, in other embodiments, the interpolation processing range may be defined by a region of other 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; otherwise, proceed to step S1912.

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

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

In step S1910, the orientation changing unit 1422 changes the value of the orientation parameter θ θ(k+1)
The interpolated value calculated in step S1908 is then set.

In step S1912, the direction changing unit 1422 changes the value of the direction parameter θ θ(k+1)
The normal value θ0 is set to the movement vector (u(k+1) of a given object.
The projection vector V' may be set to be perpendicular to ) - u(k) and v(k+1) - v(k).

In this way, according to the process shown in Figure 19, the value of the orientation parameter θ can be gradually changed in conjunction with the changes in each value of the position parameters (X, Y) at predetermined processing cycles. Therefore, compared to, for example, a sudden change from the normal value θ0 to value θ1 in the processing cycle that reaches the orientation change position, a gentler change in orientation can be achieved, which reduces the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user.

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

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

In step S2102, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 refers to the deformation parameter data 13A (Figure 13) related to the specific position and calculates the updated value of deformation parameter A1 β(k
The first deformation parameter calculation process calculates β(k+1) (+1). Hereafter, the updated value β(k+1) of 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 for distinction. A specific example of the first deformation parameter calculation process will be described later with reference to Figure 23.

In step S2104, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 calculates the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) by referring to the deformation parameter data 13B (Figure 13) related to the specific object (second deformation parameter calculation process). Hereafter, the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) obtained in the second deformation parameter calculation process will be used for distinction.
This is 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 Figure 24.

In step S2106, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 sets the final updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) based on the first updated deformation parameter A1 value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 and the second updated deformation parameter A1 value β''(k+1) 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 is associated) (an example of a predetermined position). A specific example of the origin setting process will be outlined later with reference to Figure 26.

In step S2110, the deformation function application unit 1455, based on the origin O associated with the origin position set in step S2108 and the value θ(k+1) of the direction parameter θ,
The local coordinate system (see Figures 7 and 22) is mapped to the field coordinate system (texture coordinate system of the field image) of the field surface 70. Specifically, the axis passing through the origin set in step S2108 and making a connection with respect to the x-direction with a value of the orientation parameter θ (k+1) is defined as the Xc axis. In the example shown in Figure 22, (u(k+1), v(k+1)) is on the field surface 70.
This shows that the local coordinate system is associated with the origin position.

In step S2112, the deformation function application unit 1455 uses the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) set in step S2106 and the field surface 7
The field surface 70 is bent and deformed based on the local coordinate system associated with the field coordinate system of 0. In this case, for example, the deformation function application unit 1455 can bend and deform the field surface 70 based on the function F1 described above, with reference to Figure 7.

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

In step S2300, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 performs the following steps in step S1606
It is determined whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained corresponds to an arbitrary specific position set in the deformation parameter data 13A (see Figure 13). If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S2302; otherwise, proceed to step S2304.

In step S2302, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 sets the first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to each value (X(k) of the updated position parameters (X, Y)
The value of deformation parameter A1 is set to correspond to a specific position corresponding to (X + 1) and (Y (k + 1)). For example, in the deformation parameter data 13A shown in Figure 13, if each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X (k + 1), Y (k + 1)) corresponds to a specific position A (X _A , Y _A ), then the value of the updated deformation parameter A1 is set to β(k + 1) = β ₁ .

In step S2304, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 performs the following steps in step S1606
It is determined whether each value (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) of the updated position parameters (X, Y) obtained falls within the interpolation processing range associated with any specific position set in the deformation parameter data (see Figure 13). The interpolation processing range may be set for each specific position.
In this embodiment, the interpolation processing range is simply defined as a circular area with radius r centered on the specific position (see Figure 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 by other forms of regions, 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 parameters (X, Y) and a specific position related to the interpolation processing range to which each value belongs. The method for calculating this distance may be the same as in step S1706 described above.

In step S2308, the first deformation parameter calculation unit 1451 performs the following steps in step S2306
Based on the distance d(k+1) obtained, the interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 is calculated. The method for calculating the interpolated value may be the same as in step S1708 described above.

However, the virtual camera 60, as shown in the deformation parameter data 13A in Figure 13, has a specific position C.
In the case of a specific position where the degree of deformation changes during the orbit, the value of the orientation parameter θ is θ(k+1).
Based on this, it may be calculated as follows. Here, we will explain with respect to a specific position C.
First, the value β( _C0 ) of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific position C is θ _C1 - Δθ
When 1 ≤ θ(k+1) ≤ θ _C1 + Δθ1, then by the following equation (1), θ _C2 - Δθ1 ≤
When θ(k+1) ≤ θ _C² + Δθ¹, the value can be calculated using the following equation (2), and in other ranges, the value β( _C₀ ) may be taken as the usual 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), the value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of (θ(k+1) - _θC1 ) by ( _β3 - _β0 )/Δθ1 and subtracting this value from _β3 is given by β( _C0 ). Here, Δθ1 is a value that defines the interpolation angle range, and _β3 and _β4 are values of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific orientation of a specific position C, and as mentioned above, they are greater than the normal value _β0 . Note that here, equation (1
Although the same Δθ1 is used in equation (1) and equation (2), different Δθ1 may be used.
Then, if the distance between a specific position C and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is the distance d(d _C ), then the interpolated value β(d _C ) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d(d _C ) is the β(
Using _C0 ), it may also be calculated using the following formula.
β(d _C )=(β(C ₀ )−β ₀ )/r×(rd(d _C ))+β ₀
Furthermore, for example, the interpolation processing ranges related to specific position A and specific position B overlap in region Rs'.
The same applies when there is a distance parameter A2. Specifically, if each value of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is located within the overlapping region Rs', the distance between a specific position A and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) is the distance d(d _A ).
Let the distance between a specific position B and (X(k+1), Y(k+1)) be distance d(d _B ). Then the interpolated value β(Rs') is the interpolated value β(d A) of the deformation parameter A1 related to distance d(d _A ).
_A ) and the interpolated value β( _dB ) of the deformation parameter A1 related to the distance d( _dB ) may be calculated using the following formula.
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 changes within the range of 0 to 1, and as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach a specific position A, it approaches 1, and becomes 1 at the boundary position on the specific position A side of the overlapping region Rs'. Also, as the updated position parameters (X, Y) approach a specific position B, the coefficient B1 approaches 0, and becomes 0 at the boundary position on the specific position B side of the overlapping 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 first value β'(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to the interpolated value calculated in step S2308.

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 deformation parameter calculation process (step S2104) by the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452.

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

Furthermore, the lateral distance (for example, the distance in the field coordinate system) of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in a field object in a normal state is determined according to the value of the distance parameter A2. Therefore, for example, if the lateral distance of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in a field object is L1, then the distance d L 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 "lateral direction") is d _L
Based on (k+1), it may be determined whether L1/2 ≤ d _L (k+1). In this case, if L1/2 ≤ d _L (k+1), it may be determined that a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.

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

In step S2400, if the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S2402; otherwise, proceed to step S2410.

In step S2402, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 determines whether the specific object is located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 within the field of view of the field object. For example, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 may determine that the specific object is located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 within the field of view of the field object if 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 1
452 is a distance where the lateral distance d _L (k+1) is significantly smaller than a predetermined distance (L1/2).
For example, if it is less than or equal to L1/4, it may be determined that a specific object is located in the center of the field object within the field of view of the virtual camera 60. Note that the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 is the updated values of the position parameter and orientation parameter obtained in steps S1608 and S1610 (X(k+1), Y(k+1), θ(
This can be derived based on k+1). If the result of the determination is "YES", proceed to step S2404; otherwise, proceed to step S2406.

In step S2404, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 sets the second value β''(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 to the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific object located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. For example, in the case of the deformation parameter data 13B shown in Figure 13, if a specific object G1 is located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the second value β''(k+1) of the updated deformation parameter A1 is set to the value of the specific object G
The value β _G1 of the deformation parameter A1, which is associated with 1, is associated with it.

In step S2406, the second deformation parameter calculation unit 1452 calculates an interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 based on the lateral distance _dL (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object. For example, using the lateral distance _dL (k+1) described above, the interpolated value β( _dL ) 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 within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, and the specific object G1
In this case, the value β is _G1 . L1/2 is the virtual camera 60 in the field object.
It is half the horizontal distance L1 of the area within the field of view.

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 shows the deformation parameter adjustment process by the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 (step S
This is a schematic flowchart illustrating 2106).

In step S2500, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether 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 adjustment unit 1453 sets the parameter state to "normal state". The normal state corresponds to a state where the value of deformation parameter A1 is the normal value β ₀ .

In step S2504, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 associates the normal value _β0 with the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1).
The adjustments made by 453 will not be implemented.

In step S2506, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether the second value β''(k+1) obtained in step S2104 is the normal value _β0 . 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 "first
Set to "State". The first state corresponds to the state where 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 updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) with the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102.

In step S2512, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines whether the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 is the normal value _β0 . If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2514; otherwise (i.e., neither is the normal value), the process proceeds to step S2518.

In step S2514, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 sets the parameter state to "second
Set to "State". The second state corresponds to the state where the value of the deformation parameter A1 is the second value β''(k+1). Hereafter, in this second state, the specific object related to the second value β''(k+1) will also be referred to as the "specific object under focus".

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

In step S2518, the deformation parameter adjustment unit 1453 determines the lateral distance d _L (k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object, and in step S23
Based on the interpolation distance d(k+1) obtained in step 06, it is determined whether _dL (k+1) > d(k+1). Note that if the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific position (see step S2302), the interpolation distance d(k+1) = 0. Similarly, the second value β''( obtained in step S2104)
If k+1) is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with a specific object (see step S2404), then the lateral distance d _L (k+1) = 0. If the judgment result is "YE
If the result is "S", proceed to step S2508; otherwise, proceed to step S2514.

Thus, according to the process shown in Figure 25, the first value β'(k) obtained in step S2102 is obtained.
If both the value obtained in step S2104 (+1) and the second value β''(k+1) are not the normal value β = ₀ (for example, if a specific position and the position of a specific object both belong to the area within the field of view),
In a manner in which the smaller of the aforementioned distance d(k+1) and the horizontal distance _dL (k+1) is preferred, one of the first value β'(k+1) and the second value β''(k+1) is selected. Therefore, when a specific object is located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with that specific object is preferred.

However, in the modified example, the first value β'(k+1) obtained in step S2102 and step S2
If the second value β''(k+1) obtained in 104 is not the normal value _β0 (for example, if a specific position and the position of a specific object both belong to the area within the field of view), then the average value or a weighted composite value may be used. In the case of weighting, for example, the updated composite value _βcom (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 and w2 may be as follows:
w1 = 1/d(k+1), where d(k+1) = 0, then β _com (k+1) = β
(k+1)
w² = 1/d _L (k+1), however, when d _L (k+1) = 0, β _com (k+1)
= β''(k+1)
Figure 26 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the origin setting process (step S2108) performed by the origin setting processing unit 1454. Figure 26A is an explanatory diagram of the internal division point Pi.

In step S2600, the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines whether a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. The determination method may be the same as in step S2400 in Figure 24 described above. If the determination result is "
If the answer is "YES", proceed to step S2602; otherwise, proceed to step S2610. In the following, "specific object" refers to the specific object that was determined in step S2600 to be located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.

In step S2602, the origin setting processing unit 1454 determines whether a specific object is located in the center of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 within the field of view of the field object. The determination method may be the same as in step S2402 in Figure 24 described above. If the determination result is "YES", proceed to step S2604; otherwise, proceed to step S2606.

In step S2604, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position of the specific object at 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 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 of the specific object. However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation does not need to exactly coincide with the position of the specific object; it may be in its vicinity.

In step S2606, the origin setting processing unit 1454 calculates the updated position parameters (X, Y) values ( _X (k+1), Y(k+1)) and the position of the internal division point Pi between the position of the specific object and the position of the specific object (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) based on the lateral distance d L(k+1) between the projection vector V' of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object. The internal division point Pi is calculated as shown in Figure 26A, based on the updated position parameters (X, Y) values (X(k+
1) This is the position obtained by dividing the distance between Y(k+1) and the position of a specific object by m:(1-m). In this case, m approaches 0 as the horizontal distance _dL (k+1) increases, and when the horizontal distance _dL (k+1) = L1/2, m = 0. Note that when m = 0, the internal division point Pi is the value of each of the updated position parameters (X, Y) (X(k+1), Y(k
This matches +1). L1 is as described above, and is the lateral distance d that a specific object can take when it is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object.
This is the maximum value of _L (k+1). Also, m is the horizontal distance d. The smaller _L (k+1) is, the 1
As it approaches, when the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) = 0, m = 1. Note that when m = 1, the internal division point Pi coincides with the position of a specific object.

In step S2608, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the origin position in step S260
The position of the internal division point Pi obtained in step 6 is set. That is, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position of the field surface 70 (the field surface 70 on which the field image is projected) in step S260
The origin O of the local coordinate system is associated with the position of the internal division point Pi (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)) obtained in step 6. Therefore, in this case, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position of the internal division point Pi (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+1)). However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position of the internal division point Pi (X _Pi (k+1), Y _Pi (k+
1)) does not need to be exactly the same as; it can be in its vicinity.

In step S2610, the origin setting processing unit 1454 sets the position of the predetermined object after movement (u(k+1), v(k+1)) at 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 predetermined object after movement (u(k+1), v(k+1)) 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 of the predetermined object after movement (u(k+1), v(k+1)). However, the origin O of the function F1 used for bending deformation is associated with the position of the predetermined object after movement (u(k+
1) It does not need to be exactly the same as v(k+1); it can be in a neighborhood.

As shown in Figure 26, the virtual camera 6 in the field object
If it is determined that a specific object is located within the field of view of 0, the origin position is set based on the position of that specific object. This makes the entire specific object more visible, allowing it to be effectively highlighted. For this reason, the specific object is preferably an object that you want the user to focus on.

Furthermore, according to the process shown in Figure 26, if it is determined that a specific object is not located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position is set based on the position of the predetermined object (u(k+1), v(k+1)). This makes the entire predetermined object more visible, and the predetermined object can be effectively highlighted.
Furthermore, when transitioning from a state where it is determined that a specific object is not located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object to a state where it is determined that a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position changes from the position of a predetermined object toward the position of the specific object. This change can produce a visual change (effect) in the field image, thereby effectively highlighting the specific object.

Furthermore, according to the process shown in Figure 26, in the processing cycle transitioning from a state in which it is determined that a specific object is not located within the field 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 within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position does not abruptly change from the position of a predetermined object to the position of the specific object. That is, once it is determined that a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, the origin position gradually changes from the position of the predetermined object to the position of the specific object as the interpolation distance d(k+1) decreases (see step S2608). As a result, compared to the case where the change in the origin position described above is realized in a relatively small number of processing cycles (for example, one processing cycle), the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user due to this change can be reduced.

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 the 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 terminates. If the process terminates, the value of the distance parameter A2 is determined to be the value calculated by the first distance modification unit 14211 (step S1608) as described above.

In step S2702, the second distance changing 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 watched (the interpolated value associated in step S2408). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2704; otherwise (i.e., the second value β''(k+1) is the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being watched), the process proceeds to step S2703.

In step S2703, the second distance changing unit 14212 changes the updated distance parameter A2
The value γ(k+1) is associated with the distance parameter A2 of the specific object being watched.
The value (normal value) is associated with γ _G* . In this case, the updated distance parameter A2 value γ
(k+1) is the value calculated by the first distance changing unit 14211 described above (Step S1
Instead of 608), the value of the distance parameter A2 (normal value) γ _G* associated with the specific object being watched will be associated. In this case, the update reflection unit 1424 will
Step S1606, Steps S1610 to S1612, and Step S16
The updated values of the various parameters obtained in step 23 (X(k+1), Y(k+1), γ(k+1))
Based on θ(k+1) and ψ(k+1), the virtual camera 60 is positioned in the global coordinate system (see step S1624).

In step S2704, the second distance changing 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 watched.
In other words, the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the specific object being watched is β _G
* Assuming this, the ratio = β''(k+1)/β _G* is calculated. Note that in the deformed parameter data 13B of Figure 13, if the specific object being watched is specific object G1, the ratio =
β''(k+1)/ _βG1 is calculated.

Here, the ratio = β''(k+1)/β _G* represents the proximity of the position of the specific object being watched to the center of the field of view. When β''(k+1)/β _G* = 1, it corresponds to the state where the specific object being watched is located in the center of the field of view, and β''(k+1)/β _G
As the asterisk _(*) decreases, the specific object being focused on is closer to the edge (horizontal edge) of the field of view.

In step S2706, the second distance changing unit 14212 calculates the interpolated value γ' _G* based on the ratio = β''(k+1)/β _G* obtained in step S2704. Specifically, if γ _G* is the value (normal value) of the distance parameter A2 associated with the specific object being watched, the interpolated 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 γ G* associated with the specific object being watched as β''(k+1)/β _{G *} approaches 1 (i.e., as the specific object being watched approaches the center of the field of view). Note that in the distance parameter data 14B of Figure 14, if the specific object being watched is specific object G1, the value γ _G*
=γ _G1 .

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

Note that in the process shown in Figure 27, the interpolated value γ' _G* is calculated from the normal value γ _Gr according to the ratio = β''(k+1)/β _G* , but this is not the only method. For example, the interpolated value γ' G _* may be calculated from the normal value γ _G* according to the ratio of the horizontal distance d _L (k+1) and L1/2 as described above. Specifically, it is as follows.
γ' _G* = d _L (k+1)/L1/2×γ _G*
Furthermore, in the process shown in Figure 27, if it is determined in step S2700 that the parameter state is the second state, the process proceeds to step S2702, but it is not limited to this. For example, in step S2700, it may be determined whether or not the specific object to be watched is located within the field of view, and if it is determined that the specific object to be watched is located within the field of view, the process proceeds to step S2702.

Furthermore, in the process shown in Figure 27, for example, when a specific position and the position of a specific object simultaneously belong to the area within the field of view, the value of the distance parameter A2 may change relatively large when the parameter state transitions from the first state to the second state. Such relatively large changes may be corrected as appropriate (they may be filtered to reduce the change). This reduces the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user due to such relatively large changes (and the abrupt changes in the field image that accompany them). For example, when the parameter state transitions from the first state to the second state, if the difference between the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) and the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) may be further corrected in a direction that brings it closer to the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k). Furthermore, to ensure that the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) does not become larger than the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k), if the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k) is larger than the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k), the pre-update distance parameter A2 value γ(k) may be maintained. In this case, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort that may be caused to the user due to the unstable behavior in which the distance parameter value decreases, then increases, and then decreases again (and the resulting unstable changes in the field image).

Next, referring to Figures 28 to 29C, we will describe an example of an application scenario for the operation example explained with reference to Figures 16 to 27.

Figures 28 to 29C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the application of the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, Figure 28 is a plan view of the field object 77, and Figure 29A is position E
Figure 29B shows an example of a field image G24A related to position E2, and Figure 29C shows an example of a field image G24C related to position E3. In Figure 28, the field object 77 is shown as a representation of the field image projected onto the field surface 70 in a normal state. In Figure 28, positions E1 to E3 are illustrated, with position E3 corresponding to the intersection of the horizontal passage 14 and the vertical passage 15, and a plurality of street tree objects 16, which are second objects, are placed on both sides of the vertical passage 15.
Multiple street tree objects 16 are erected on the field object 77 and extend in the z direction. In addition, balloon-like floating object objects 19 are placed in the vertical passage 15. Here, the floating object objects 19 are assumed to be specific object G2. In Figure 28, the floating object objects 19 are placed in the v direction further from position E3 than the street tree objects 16. Position E2 corresponds to the position before 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 less than or equal to L1/2 as described above, but is significantly greater than 0. L1 is the horizontal distance of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, as described above. In Figure 28, as an example, multiple street tree objects 16 are arranged in a straight line along the v direction, but they may also be arranged in a staggered pattern with a slight offset in the u direction, or they may be placed only on one side of the vertical passage 15, or they may be arranged in two or more rows.

Here, the first object 3 moves from position E1 to position E on the field object 77.
The drawing function when moving to 3 will be explained. This type of movement may be achieved by user operation or by outputting a demonstration image. Positions E1 and E2 are not specific positions; there are no specific positions between position E1 and position E3, and positions E1 and E2 are not located within the interpolation processing range related to other specific positions or specific objects. Also, the floating object 19 (specific object G2
As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the values of the deformation parameter A1 (β _G2 ) and the distance parameter A2 (γ _G2) are associated with each other.

When the first object 3 is located at position E1, the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position of the first object 3, and the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is set to the normal value θ ₀ , that is, so that the projection vector V' (see Figure 11) is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first object 3 (in this case, the u direction). At this time, the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 contains the first object 3
The position is such that the field image G24A shown in Figure 29A may be drawn. In this case,
The horizon HL has a height corresponding to the normal value _β0 of the deformation parameter A1, and the first object 3, etc., has a display size corresponding to the normal value _β0 of the distance parameter A2.

When the first object 3 moves by a displacement amount Δu along the lateral passage 14 (u direction) from position E1 to position E3 with each processing cycle, the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are moved.
Each of the values in the u-direction is moved by an amount Δu in each processing cycle.
The value of the orientation parameter θ of the virtual camera 60 is fixed.

When the first object 3 reaches position E2, the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position of the first object 3 at position E2, and the value of the orientation parameter θ is the same as when the first object 3 is at position E1. At this time, a floating object 19 is located at the edge (right edge) of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, and the field image G24B shown in Figure 29B may be drawn. In this case, the horizon HL is the second value β'' of the deformation parameter A1 (second value).
The updated deformation parameter A1 obtained in the deformation parameter calculation process (step S2104)
The first object 3 has a height corresponding to the value β) and a display size corresponding to the value γ' _G* (interpolated value γ' _G* ) of the distance parameter A2 calculated by the second distance changing unit 14212. Since the interpolated value γ' _G* is smaller than the normal value γ ₀ , the display size of the first object 3 is larger than the field image G24A shown in Figure 29A, as shown in Figure 29B.

When the first object 3 reaches position E3, the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 correspond to the position of the first object 3 at position E3, and the value of the orientation parameter θ is the same as when the first object 3 is at position E1. At this time, the floating object 19 is located in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, and the field image G24C shown in Figure 29C may be drawn. In this case, the horizon HL has a height corresponding to the value of the deformation parameter A1 β _G2 (the value of the deformation parameter A1 associated with the floating object 19), and a display size corresponding to the value of the distance parameter A2 γ _G2 (the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with the floating object 19).

Here, as mentioned above, the value of deformation parameter A1 β _G2 is greater than the normal value β _0. Therefore, in field image G24C, the degree of bending deformation of the field object 77 is greater than in field image G24A. For this reason, Figure 2
As schematically shown in 9A and Figure 29C, the position of the horizon HL in the image changes significantly.
Furthermore, the value of the distance parameter A2, γ _G2 , is greater than the normal value γ _0. Consequently, the display size of the floating object 19 is larger in the field image G24C.

Here, Figure 29D shows an example of a field image G24D related to position E3 in another operation example. In the other operation example shown in Figure 29D, unlike the operation example described above, the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with position E3 is the same normal value _γ0 as the value of the distance parameter A2 associated with position E1. In this case, field image G24A and field image G24D
Although the height H1 of the horizon HL changes between these points, the display size of the first object 3 and other objects remains the same. Therefore, the floating object 19, which is located further back than the street tree object 16, has a relatively small display size and is less conspicuous.

In contrast, as described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, in the field image G24C, the display size of the floating object 19 becomes relatively large, so the floating object 19 can be effectively made to stand out. This can attract the user's attention to the floating object 19.

Furthermore, other examples of operations, such as drawing the field image G24D as shown in Figure 29D, are:
Compared to the example of operation using a comparative example where the value of deformation parameter A1 is always kept constant (not shown),
While it is possible to realize diverse representations within the virtual space as seen from the virtual camera 60, 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 cause the user to feel uneasy.

In contrast, according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, between field image G24A and field image G24B, the height H1 of the horizon HL changes, and the display size of the first object 3, etc., also changes. As a result, the degree of deformation (horizon H1) changes.
The discomfort that may be caused to the user due to the change in the height H1 of L can be reduced. That is, the first
The change in the display size of object 3, etc., is more eye-catching and impressive to the user, thereby eliminating any sense of incongruity that may arise from the change in the height H1 of the horizon HL. In this way,
By making the corresponding deformation parameter A1 and the corresponding distance parameter A2 different between position E1 and position E3, diverse representations of the virtual space as seen from the virtual camera 60 can be realized, while also changing the degree of deformation (change in the height H1 of the horizon HL).
This can reduce the discomfort that may arise from this. In relation to this effect, the distance parameter A
By establishing a predetermined relationship between the change in the value of 2 and the change in the value of the deformation parameter A1, the sense of incongruity can be further reduced. For example, if the change in the value of the distance parameter A2 is steep, the sense of incongruity can be reduced even if the change in the value of the deformation parameter A1 is also steep.

Furthermore, by making the values of the corresponding deformation parameter A1 and the corresponding distance parameter A2 different between positions E1 and E3, the transition patterns of the field image become more novel, enhancing the game's appeal. It also becomes possible to emphasize the presence of the vertical passage 15, making the second objects (e.g., street tree objects 16) placed in and around the vertical passage 15 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 to a relatively small screen, such as a smartphone screen. Additionally, restrictions such as not placing other second objects to highlight a specific object are relaxed, increasing the freedom of placement of second objects on the field object. Similarly, the degree of freedom of the movable area of the first object on the field object can also be increased.

Also, as shown in Figure 28, for example, there are overlapping street tree objects 1 along the line of sight direction V.
When a second object like 6 is placed, increasing the degree of bending of the field object 77 enhances the sense of depth and creates an impressive expression. This can also motivate the user to move the first object 3 along, for example, the vertical passage 15.

Here, Figure 29E shows a field image G24E relating to position E3, which is a further example of another operation.
An example of this is shown. In further other operation examples, unlike the operation examples described above (operation examples explained with reference to Figures 16 to 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 located at the highest position of the field object 77 and is therefore fully visible, while the floating object 19 is partially hidden (lower part) behind the horizon HL. In other words, the floating object 19 is not fully visible and is relatively inconspicuous.

In contrast, according to the operation example explained with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the origin position is the first
Instead of the position of object 3, the position of the specific object, floating object 19, is set. In this case, the entire first object 3 becomes visible because it is located at the highest position of the field object 77. This makes the specific object, floating object 19, stand out effectively, and makes the entire floating object 19 (for example, in its floating state) visible. Furthermore, if the central part of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 is made 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 the floating object 19 that you want to draw attention to can be effectively made stand out.

Also, for example, when a specific object is located in the center of the area within the field of view, the virtual camera 6
Even if overlapping occurs between a specific object and the first and/or second object in the line of sight direction V at 0, as described above, since the origin position is set to the position of the floating object 19, each object that could overlap tends to be separated from each other vertically. In other words, the overlapping first and/or second objects slide downward relative to the specific object within the field of view, thus reducing the number of objects that overlap with the specific object. This makes it possible to effectively highlight the floating object 19 that you want to draw attention to.

Furthermore, by highlighting specific objects, usability is improved because it becomes easier to input information into those objects, especially if they are related to user interaction (e.g., movement targets). Additionally, the influence of second objects before and after the specific object can be mitigated to some extent, increasing the flexibility of second object placement and enabling the creation of diverse field images.

As described in the operation example with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the deformation pattern of the field object 77 can be made different by changing the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the setting of the origin position depending on whether it is determined that a specific object is not located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 or whether it is determined that a specific object is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. This makes it possible to diversify the field image while effectively highlighting specific objects, such as making them stand out.

Furthermore, as shown in the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes depending on whether the floating object 19 is located at the edge of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of a second range) or at the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of a first range). This makes it possible to change the appearance of the floating object 19 and produce display effects such as changing the way the floating object 19 looks by changing the degree of deformation of the field object 77, even while the floating object 19 is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77.

Furthermore, as shown in the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, when the floating object 19 is located in the central part of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the first range) (see range 771 in Figure 11A for the central part), the value of the deformation parameter A1 is increased compared to when the floating object 19 is located at the edge of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the second range) (see ranges 772 and 773 in Figure 11A for the edge). As a result, when the floating object 19 reaches a relatively easily visible position (central part) on the field image, the degree of bending deformation of the field object 77 can be increased, making the floating object 19 more effectively visible.

Furthermore, according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the floating object 19 moves from the edge to the center of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77.
As the position changes, the value of the deformation parameter A1 changes from an interpolated value (an example of a second setting value) that is larger than the normal value _β0 (an example of a predetermined setting value) to a value _βG2 (an example of a first setting value),
It changes (increases) via one or more interpolation values (an example of a second setting value). This results in a gentler change compared to the case where the deformation parameter A1 changes from its normal value β ₀ to value β _G2 in the processing cycle when the floating object 19 reaches the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77. This effectively reduces the sense of unnaturalness that may be caused to the user due to such changes in the degree of deformation. This is related to the distance parameter A
The same applies to the change in the normal value γ from ₀ to γ _G2 , and to the change in the origin position.
If the above interpolation is not used, restrictions such as avoiding placing specific positions or objects close together tend to arise in order to avoid abrupt changes. However, by using the above interpolation, the degree of freedom in placing specific positions and objects can be increased. As a result, further diversification of field images can be achieved.

Furthermore, according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, for example, position E2 and position E
Since appropriate values of deformation parameter A1 can be associated with each position between 3 by interpolation, the storage capacity for deformation parameter data can be used more efficiently compared to associating each value of deformation parameter A1 with each position on the deformation parameter data.
This also applies to other parameters, such as distance parameters.

In Figure 28, the movement of the first object 3 from position E1 to position E3 is described, but the reverse movement of the first object 3 from position E3 to position E1 may also be realized. Similarly, in Figure 28, the movement of the first object 3 from position E1 to position E3 is described, but the movement of the first object 3 from a specific position to position E3 may also be realized.

Note that the specific location and location E3 (the position of the virtual camera 60 when the floating object 19 is located in the center of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77)
When the two points are relatively close, as described in the operation example with reference to Figures 16 to 28, the interpolated values of the deformation parameter A1 and distance parameter A2 calculated based on the values of the deformation parameter A1 and distance parameter A2 associated with the specific position, and the interpolated values of the deformation parameter A1 and distance parameter A2 calculated based on the values of the deformation parameter A1 and distance parameter A2 associated with the specific object related to position E3, are adjusted according to whether d _L (k+1) > d (k+1) (see step S2518).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when two or more specific objects are located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, the same approach may be used as when the specific position and the specific object are relatively close. For example, here we assume that the specific object includes a first specific object and a second specific object, and the specific object region described above includes an object region in which both the first specific object and the second specific object are located. In this case, the object region includes a first object region in which the first specific object is located in the center, a second object region in which neither the first nor the second specific object is located in the center, and a third object region in which the second specific object is located in the center.

Now, with reference to Figure 11B, the first to third specific object regions will be described.
Figure 11B shows three different types of camera parameters (here, camera parameter 4).
The regions R4, R5, and R6 that fall within the field of view 62 of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 are shown when the conditions are 5 and 6 respectively. Camera parameter 4,
Regions 5 and 6 differ in at least one of the camera parameter elements (X, Y, A2, θ, ψ) described above. Therefore, the three regions shown in Figure 11B are distinct regions. Of the three regions R4, R5, and R6 shown in Figure 11B, region R4 has the first specific object G11 located in its central part (see range 771). Therefore,
In this case, region R4 is an example of the first object region. On the other hand, in region R5, neither the first specific object nor the second object is located in its central part (see range 771). That is, the first specific object and the second object are, respectively,
They are located at both ends of the central part of region R5 (see ranges 772 and 773). Therefore,
In this case, region R5 is an example of a second object region. In region R6, the second specific object G12 is located in its central part (see range 771). Therefore, in this case, region R6 is an example of a third object region.

In this case, the interpolated value of the deformation parameter A1 (an example of the first setting value) and the distance parameter A2 calculated based on the, which are associated with the second specific object (and the third object region), are equal to d _L1 (k+1) > d _L
2. It will be adjusted depending on whether it is (k+1) or not. In this case, d _L1 (k+1)
d _L1 (k+1) is the lateral distance related to the first specific object, and d L2 (k+1) is the lateral distance related to the second specific object. Specifically, d _L1 (k+1) > d _L2 (k+1)
If d L1 (k+1) ≤ d L2 (k+1), the interpolated value of the same parameter (an example of a second setting value) calculated based on the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the distance parameter A2 associated with the second specific object may be adopted, and if d _L1 (k+1) ≤ d _L2 (k+1), the interpolated value of the same parameter (an example of a second setting value) calculated based on the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the distance parameter A2 associated with the first specific object may be adopted. This is the same for the origin setting process shown in Figure 26 and the second distance parameter calculation process shown in Figure 27. Specifically, d
If _L1 (k+1) > d _L2 (k+1), then the second specific object is treated as the "specific object" explained in Figures 26 and 27, and d _L1 (k+1) ≤ d _L2 (k+1)
In this case, the first specific object is treated as the "specific object" described in Figures 26 and 27, thereby enabling the same effect to be achieved while coordinating between the two specific objects. This modification is also suitable when the specific object is moving.
For example, if 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, which may result in the creation of the second object region described above.
In this case as well, if the positions of the first specific object and the second specific object both belong to the same area within the field of view, the average value or a weighted composite value may be used. In the case of weighting, for example, weighting coefficients w3 and w4 can be used to obtain the updated composite value β _com '(
k+1) is the value _β of the deformation parameter A1 calculated based on the first specific object.
When ₁ '(k+1) and the value β of the deformation parameter A1 calculated based on the second specific object is β _A2 ''(k+1), it may be calculated as follows.
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), however, when d _L1 (k+1) = 0, β _com '(k
+1)=β _A1 '(k+1)
w4 = 1/d _L2 (k+1), however, when d _L2 (k+1) = 0, β _com '(k
+1)=β _A2 ”(k+1)
Furthermore, according to the operation example described with reference to Figures 16 to 28, even if it is determined that a specific object is not located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77, the value of the deformation parameter A1 and/or the distance parameter A2 are changed based on the relationship between the specific position and the values (X, Y) of the position parameters of the virtual camera 60. That is, if it is determined that the values (X, Y) of the position parameters are at a position of the virtual camera 60 that corresponds to the specific position (an example of a first position) (for example, in step S1700 of Figure 17, "YE
S'' and/or "YES" in step S2300 of Figure 23, and each value of the position parameter (
When it is determined that X, Y) is in a position of the virtual camera 60 that does not correspond to a specific position (an example of a second position) (for example, "NO" in step S1700 of Figure 17 and/or "NO" in step S2300 of Figure 23), the value of the deformation parameter A1 and/or the distance parameter A
The value of 2 is changed. This affects the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77.
Even when a specific object is not located within the field of view, further diversification of the field image can be achieved. Note that the updated position parameters (X, Y) are each value (X(k+
1) If it is determined that Y(k+1)) is at a position of the virtual camera 60 corresponding to a specific position (an example of a first position) (for example, “YES” in step S1700 in Figure 17), then the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) is set to the value associated with that specific position (step S1702), whereas the updated position parameters (X, Y) each value (X(k
If it is determined that Y(k+1) is at a position of the virtual camera 60 that does not correspond to a specific position (an example of a second position) (for example, "NO" in step S1700 of Figure 17), then the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) is set to the normal value _γ0 or an interpolated value (steps S1712, S1710). Therefore, equivalently, in the case of specific positions such as specific positions A and B shown in Figures 13 and 14, where both the value of the deformation parameter A1 and the value of the distance parameter A2 are associated, the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) may be set based on the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1). For example, if the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1) corresponds to a relatively large distance (an example of a first distance), the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) may be set such that the degree of deformation is smaller compared to when it corresponds to a relatively small distance (an example of a second distance). In another embodiment, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may be linked to the value of the distance parameter A2. For example, the updated value of deformation parameter A1 β(k+1)
The relationship is = Normal value β ₀ × Normal value γ ₀ / Updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1), and the updated deformation parameter A1 value β corresponds to the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1).
(k+1) may be calculated. In this case, the updated distance parameter A2 value γ(k+1
When the value corresponds to a relatively large distance (an example of the first distance), the updated deformation parameter A1 value β(k+1) is adjusted so that the degree of deformation is smaller compared to when the value corresponds to a relatively small distance (an example of the second distance). As a result, the deformation parameter A
Compared to individually storing each value of parameter 1 and each value of distance parameter A2, this method saves memory space. Furthermore, by changing the value of distance parameter A2 between the normal value γ ₀ and the value of distance parameter A2 defined in distance parameter data 14A (for example, value γ ₁ ) via interpolation as described above, the value of deformation parameter A1 can also be changed in the same way. This simultaneously reduces the sense of incongruity caused by abrupt changes in the values of both of these parameters.

Next, with reference to Figure 30, a modified example of the above-described embodiment will be explained.

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

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

The zoom amount changing unit 1421A changes the values of optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60, such as focal length and angle of view. The zoom amount changing unit 1421A is controlled by the distance changing unit 1
The values of the optical parameters may be changed to achieve the same effect as in 421. For example,
The effect obtained by the distance changing unit 1421 reducing the value of the distance parameter A2 may also be achieved by the zoom amount changing unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount increases. Similarly, the effect obtained by the distance changing unit 1421 increasing the value of the distance parameter A2 may be achieved by the zoom amount changing unit 1421A changing the value of the optical parameter so that the zoom amount decreases. In this way, the function of the distance changing unit 1421 can be realized by the zoom amount changing unit 1421A.

In other modifications, the distance changing unit 1421 and the zoom amount changing unit 1421A may function simultaneously. Also, the first distance changing unit 14 of the distance changing unit 1421 in the above-described embodiment
Only one of 211 and the second distance changing unit 14212 is the zoom amount changing unit 142
This may be achieved by 1A.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Furthermore, it is possible to combine all or more of the components of the embodiments described above.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the process of setting the value of deformation parameter A1, the value of distance parameter A2, and the origin position based on the positional relationship between the field object and the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 and a specific object is performed in the deformation process associated with the movement of a predetermined object (step S1615 in Figure 16). Alternatively, or in addition to this, the bending deformation process of the field object after rotation (step S1619 in Figure 16) may be performed.
This may be performed in the following case. In this case, the values of the deformation parameter A1, the distance parameter A2, and the origin position may be set similarly based on the positional relationship between the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 and the specific object in the field object after rotation processing.

Specifically, for example, in rotation processing related to revolution and/or rotation, if the virtual camera 60 is rotated by a predetermined angle at each processing cycle, the virtual camera 6 in the field object
The area that fits within the field of view of 0 consists of a number of regions corresponding to one full rotation for each predetermined angle (or, in the case of rotation processing related to the angle of attack, a number corresponding to its variable range), and is hereinafter referred to as the predetermined region. Among the multiple predetermined regions that make up one full rotation, there are regions where a specific object is located (specific object region) (an example of the second predetermined region), and regions where a specific object is not located (an example of the first predetermined region).
There are also cases where a specific object region does not exist depending on the position of the virtual camera 60. In situations where a specific object region exists within multiple predetermined regions that make up one rotation,
Based on rotation processing related to revolution and/or rotation, if the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object changes between areas where the specific object is not located, the value of the deformation parameter A1 does not change. However, if the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object transitions between an area where the specific object is not located and an area where the specific object is located, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may change. In this case, based on rotation processing related to revolution and/or rotation, if the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 of the field object changes between areas where the specific object is not located, a bending deformation of the field object 77 corresponding to the changed line of sight direction V (a bending deformation with the same deformation pattern as viewed from the line of sight direction V of the virtual camera 60) is realized, so 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 allowing the virtual camera 60 to follow the curved movement of the first object 3. However, in the modified example, the height H1 of the horizon HL may change within a level that does not feel unnatural to the user. For example, a level that does not feel unnatural to the user may be one 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). Within such a level of change, the height H1 of the horizon HL will remain approximately the same.

On the other hand, if the value of deformation parameter A1 does not change, but the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object transitions between an area where the specific object is not located and the area where the specific object is located, the degree of deformation is increased, which makes the specific object stand out effectively as described above. In this case as well, as in the case described above, the edges of the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (second
The value of the deformation parameter A1 may change depending on whether the specific object is located within an example of the range, or in the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the first range). Furthermore, as the position of the specific object changes from the edge to the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 based on rotation processing related to revolution and/or rotation, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may change to an interpolated value (an example of a second setting value) that is greater than the normal value _β0 (an example of a predetermined setting value).
The value may change (increase) from β _G* (an example of a first setting value) via one or more interpolated values (an example of a second setting value).

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, 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 field object and the area within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 and a specific object is performed in the deformation process associated with the movement of a predetermined object (step S1615 in Figure 16), but instead of or in addition to this,
This may also be performed in distance change processing that does not involve the movement of a predetermined object (for example, distance change processing in response to distance change instructions that may be included in user operation information) (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 changes, causing the virtual camera 6 in the field object 77 to change.
This is because there may be a transition between a state in which a specific object is located within the field of view of 0 and a state in which the specific object is not located. This is also true in the case of the processing by the zoom amount changing unit 1421A as described above (processing to change the value of optical parameters related to the zoom amount of the virtual camera 60).

Specifically, for example, in distance change processing in response to a distance change instruction from the user, if the value of the distance parameter A2 of the virtual camera 60 changes by a predetermined distance at each processing cycle, the area of the field object that fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 will change at each predetermined distance.
There are a number of regions corresponding to the variable range of distance, and among these multiple regions, there are regions where a specific object is located (specific object region) and regions where a specific object is not located. Note that the specific object region may not exist depending on the position of the virtual camera 60. When the specific object region exists among these multiple regions, the virtual camera 60 in the field object is processed based on the distance change process corresponding to the distance change instruction.
When the area within the field of view changes between areas where a specific object is not located, the value of deformation parameter A1 does not change, while the virtual camera 60 in the field object
If the area within the field of view transitions between an area where a specific object is not located and an area where a specific object is located, the value of deformation parameter A1 may change. In this case, the virtual camera 6 in the field object will change based on the distance change processing in response to the distance change instruction.
When the area that fits within the field of view of 0 changes to the area where a specific object is located, the degree of deformation is increased, which makes the specific object stand out effectively as described above. In this case as well, similar to the case described above, when the specific object is located at the edge of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the second range),
The value of the deformation parameter A1 may change depending on whether a specific object is located in the center of the field of view area of the virtual camera 60 in the field object 77 (an example of the first range). Also, based on the distance change processing in response to the distance change instruction, the field object 7
As the position of a specific object changes from the edge to the center of the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in 7, the value of the deformation parameter A1 may change (increase ₎ via one or more interpolation values (example of a second setting value) from an interpolation value (example of a second setting value) that is larger than the normal value β 0 (example of a predetermined setting value) to the value β _G* (example of a first setting value).

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the bending deformation of the field object is achieved by bending the entire field object, but it is not limited to this. For example, the bending deformation of the field object is achieved by bending the entire field object, specifically the virtual camera 6
The process may be performed only on the area that fits within the field of view of 0, or only on a portion of the area that includes that area.

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

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the interpolation processing range for a specific position (hereinafter the same applies to the interpolation processing range for a specific object) is fixed and not dynamically changed,
As mentioned above, when the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are located within the interpolation processing range and the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are set to normal values _γ0 and _ψ0 , the specific position related to the interpolation processing range may be set so that it is located within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object, even when the orientation parameter θ is set to an arbitrary value. For example, Figure 31 shows the interpolation processing range Rs(A) related to the specific position A in a plan view, and Figure 32 shows a cross-sectional view along line J1-J1 and line J2-
A cross-sectional view along J2 is shown superimposed. 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 the normal values _γ0 and _ψ0 , as shown in Figure 32, when the value of parameter θ is θ(P260) as shown in Figure 31, then the specific position A is located in the region within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Note that the boundary line 6211 in Figure 32 is the upper boundary line of the field of view 62 (field of view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the z direction) of the virtual camera 60 (see Figure 5). Therefore, in this case, position P260 is within the interpolation processing range Rs(A
) belongs to the same place. On the other hand, each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 is position P261
Corresponding to this, and when the values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ are the normal values γ ₀ and ψ ₀ , the value of parameter θ is as shown in Figure 32, and θ(P261) is as shown in Figure 31.
Even in this case, the specific position A is not located in an area that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera 60 in the field object. Therefore, in this case, position P260 is within the interpolation processing range Rs(
A) Not included. However, as a further alternative setting, 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 a particular position may be set dynamically so that the particular position is located in an area that fits within the field of view of the virtual camera 60, even when the orientation parameter θ is an arbitrary value, provided that the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are located within the interpolation processing range and the updated (or pre-update) values of the distance parameter A2 and the angle of attack parameter ψ (which may be different from the normal values γ0, ψ0) are applied. This is because even if the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 are outside one interpolation processing range, they may be located within another interpolation processing range, meaning that the values of the distance parameter A2, etc., may be interpolated values that are not normal values. Here, we assume that the virtual camera 60 can revolve and rotate at any position. However, in specifications where the virtual camera 60 can only revolve and rotate at limited positions, or where revolving and rotating itself is impossible, the phrase "even when the orientation parameter θ is at any value" in the above explanation may be replaced with "when the orientation parameter θ is at that point in time."

Furthermore, the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the rate of change (amount of change per unit time) of each value of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60, such that the interpolation processing range becomes wider as the rate of change increases. Alternatively, based on a similar concept, a predetermined margin may be set for the interpolation processing range regardless of the rate of change. This allows, for example,
This reduces the inconvenience (discomfort that may be caused to the user due to relatively rapid changes in the field image) that may occur when the values of the position parameters (X, Y) of the virtual camera 60 change to values corresponding to a specific position (or specific object) while the rate of change (amount of change per unit time) of each value of the virtual camera 60 remains large.

Furthermore, if the field of view of the virtual camera 60 is variable, the interpolation processing range may be dynamically changed according to the field of view of the virtual camera 60, such that the smaller the field of view, the wider the interpolation processing range becomes. This reduces, for example, the inconvenience (discomfort that may be caused to the user due to relatively rapid changes in the field image) that may occur when 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 field of view of the virtual camera 60 remains small.

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

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

Furthermore, the following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[Note 1]
An information processing device for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, in a representation as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
The object includes a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes, and a specific object placed on the field object.
A change processing unit that changes the area within the field object that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera,
Includes a deformation processing unit that deforms the field object,
The deformation processing unit determines whether the specific object is located in the changed region when the region is changed by the change processing unit, and determines whether the deformation of the field object differs depending on whether it is determined that the specific object is located in the changed region or whether it is determined that the specific object is not located in the changed region.

[Note 2]
The deformation processing unit further determines, when the region is changed by the change processing unit, whether the specific object is located within a first range in the changed region or within a second range adjacent to the first range in the region, and the degree of deformation of the field object differs depending on whether it is determined that the specific object is located within the first range or within the second range, as described in Appendix 1.

[Note 3]
The second range is located on both sides of the first range in the lateral direction of the field of view of the virtual camera.
The deformation processing unit, when it is determined that the specific object is located within the first range, increases the degree of deformation of the field object compared to when it is determined that the specific object is located within the second range, as described in Appendix 2.

[Note 4]
The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein each time the region is changed by the change processing unit, the position of the specific object in the changed region changes from one lateral end toward the center of the changed region, and the deformation processing unit increases the degree of deformation of the field object each time the region is changed by the change processing unit.

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

[Note 6]
The deformation processing unit is a deformation parameter whose value can change in accordance with the change in the region,
Based on the value of the deformation parameter that determines the degree of deformation of the field object, the basic surface is deformed.
The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 5, wherein the deformation parameter includes a coefficient assigned to the term relating to the X coordinate value in the function.

[Note 7]
The region includes a predetermined object region where the specific object is not located, a first object region where the specific object is located in the central part, and a second object region where the specific object is located at the edge.
The value of the deformation parameter includes 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 apparatus according to Appendix 6, wherein the first setting value achieves a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the second setting value, and the second setting value achieves a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the predetermined setting value.

[Note 8]
The deformation processing unit, when the region is changed by the change processing unit between the predetermined object region and the first object region via the second object region, changes the value of the deformation parameter to the first setting value or the predetermined setting value via the second setting value, as described in Appendix 7.

[Note 9]
The aforementioned 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 in the center, a second object region in which neither the first specific object nor the second specific object is located in the center, and a third object region in which the second specific object is located in the center.
The value of the deformation parameter includes 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 setting value achieves a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the second setting value, and the second setting value achieves a degree of deformation of the field object that is greater than the predetermined setting value.
When the deformation processing unit causes the region to be changed by the change processing unit between the predetermined object region and the first object region or the third object region via the second object region, the deformation processing unit sets the value of the deformation parameter via the second setting value.
An information processing device as described in Appendix 6, which changes the value to the first set value or the predetermined set value.

[Note 10]
The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 5 to 9, wherein the deformation processing unit determines that the specific object is located in the transformed region, and determines the predetermined position based on the position of the specific object.

[Note 11]
The change processing unit includes a first movement processing unit that changes the relative position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object in a direction intersecting the line of sight of the virtual camera,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the region is changed by the first movement processing unit changing the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object.

[Note 12]
The aforementioned specific object is fixed to the field object,
The object further includes a predetermined object that is placed relative to the field object,
The system further includes a second movement processing unit that changes the relative position of the predetermined object with respect to the field object within a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes,
If the deformation processing unit determines that the specific object is not located in the transformed region, it determines the predetermined position based on the position of the predetermined object, as described in Appendix 5 to 1.
An information processing device as described in any one of the items 0.

[Note 13]
If the deformation processing unit determines that the specific object is not located in the transformed region, it determines whether the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is at the first position, or whether it is at a second position different from the first position in a direction intersecting the line of sight of the virtual camera.
An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, which determines whether the virtual camera is in a position and determines that the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is in the first position, and determines that the position of the virtual camera relative to the field object is in the second position, thereby differentiating the degree of deformation of the field object.

[Note 14]
The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 13, further comprising a distance changing unit that causes the distance between the virtual camera and the field object in the line of sight of the virtual camera to differ depending on whether the position of the virtual camera with respect to the field object is the first position or the second position.

[Note 15]
The change processing unit further includes a distance changing unit that changes the distance between the virtual camera and the field object in the line of sight direction of the virtual camera,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, wherein the region changes as the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is changed by the distance changing unit.

[Note 16]
The deformation processing unit further determines, when it determines that the specific object is not located in the transformed region, whether the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is a first distance or a second distance different from the first distance, and the degree of deformation of the field object differs depending on whether it is determined that the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is the first distance or the distance of the virtual camera to the field object is the second distance, as described in Appendix 15.

[Note 17]
The change processing unit further includes a rotation processing unit that changes the line of sight direction of the virtual camera to the field object around the third axis,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 16, wherein the region is changed by the rotation processing unit changing the line of sight of the virtual camera to the field object.

[Note 18]
The region includes a plurality of predetermined regions, each of which sequentially falls within the field of view of the virtual camera each time the viewing direction is changed by a predetermined angle around the third axis by the rotation processing unit,
The plurality of predetermined regions include a plurality of first predetermined regions where the specific object is not located,
The region includes a second predetermined region in which the specific object is located,
The deformation processing unit determines whether the region changes from one of the plurality of first predetermined regions to another when the line of sight direction is changed around the third axis by the rotation processing unit, and if it is determined that the region changes from one of the plurality of first predetermined regions to another, it bends and deforms the field object so that the deformation pattern 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, as described in Appendix 17.

[Note 19]
The aforementioned object further includes a background object,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 18, further comprising a background processing unit that determines whether the degree of deformation of the field object deformed by the deformation processing unit changes, and if it is determined that the degree of deformation of the field object changes, changes the position of the background object relative to the field object along the direction of the third axis.

[Note 20]
An information processing method for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
The object includes a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes, and a specific object placed on the field object.
When changing the area within the field of view of the virtual camera in the field object, it is determined whether or not the specific object is located in the changed area.
If it is determined that the specific object is located in the changed region, the field object is deformed in the first deformation mode.
A computer-based information processing method, which includes, if it is determined that the specific object is not located in the changed region, deforming the field object in a second deformation mode different from the first deformation mode.

[Note 21]
An information processing method for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
The object includes a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes, and a specific object placed on the field object.
When changing the area within the field of view of the virtual camera in the field object, it is determined whether or not the specific object is located in the changed area.
If it is determined that the specific object is located in the changed region, the field object is deformed in the first deformation mode.
If it is determined that the specific object is not located in the changed region, the field object is deformed in a second deformation mode different from the first deformation mode.
An information processing program that instructs a computer to perform a task.

1 Game System 3 First Object 10 Server Device 11 Server Communication Unit 12 Server Storage Unit 13 Server Control Unit 14 Horizontal Path 15 Vertical Path 16 Street Tree Object 20 Terminal Device 21 Terminal Communication Unit 22 Terminal Storage Unit 23 Display Unit 24 Input Unit 25 Terminal Control Unit 30 Network 60 Virtual Camera 62 Field of View 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 Direction Change Unit 1423 Angle of Attack Change Unit 1424 Update Reflection Unit 1425 Rotation Processing Unit 14251 Orbital Processing Unit 14252 Rotation Processing Unit 14253 Angle of Attack Processing Unit 144 Second movement processing unit 145, deformation processing unit 1451, first deformation parameter calculation unit 1452, second deformation parameter calculation unit 1453, deformation parameter adjustment unit 1454, origin setting processing unit 1455, deformation function application unit 146, projection processing unit 147, background processing unit 148, drawing data generation unit

Claims (12)

An information processing device for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, in a representation as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
An information processing device comprising a deformation processing unit that deforms a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, based on whether or not a specific object is included in the area that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as the "field of view area"). The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the deformation processing unit does not deform the field object if the specific object is not included in the area within the field of view. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object according to at least one of the type, orientation, and position of the specific object, as described in claim 1 or 2. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object if the orientation of the specific object is a first value, and does not deform the field object if the orientation of the specific object is a second value, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object depending on whether the specific object is located in the center of the area within the field of view, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object according to the distance in a direction perpendicular to the projection vector between the projection vector obtained by projecting the line of sight direction of the virtual camera onto a plane including the first axis and the second axis and the specific object, as described in any one of claims 1 to 5. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object more significantly as the distance decreases, according to claim 6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aforementioned specific object is an object that the user is intended to focus on. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object based on the position of the virtual camera, as described in any one of claims 1 to 8. The deformation processing unit deforms the field object based on the orientation of the virtual camera, as described in any one of claims 1 to 9. An information processing method for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space,
An information processing method that deforms a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first and second axes, based on whether or not a specific object is included in the area that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as the "field of view area"). An information processing program for rendering objects placed in a three-dimensional virtual space defined by mutually orthogonal first, second, and third axes, as seen from a virtual camera placed in the virtual space, wherein the information processing device is
An information processing program that functions as a deformation processing unit that deforms a field object associated with a two-dimensional plane defined by the first axis and the second axis, based on whether or not a specific object is included in the area that falls within the field of view of the virtual camera (hereinafter referred to as the "field of view area").