JP2002373350A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Modifications) [Problem] For a game developed in a virtual space defined in three dimensions, it is possible to easily determine whether lock-on is necessary or not, for example, an image suitable for an interactive game Provide processing technology. An image processing system performs predetermined processing on image data defined in three dimensions to obtain a series of display image data.
0A. The determination object to be locked on is determined by determining the presence or absence of a two-dimensional overlapping of the cursor for lock-on and the display object on the display screen (20).
2). Next, it is determined whether or not the determination object should be locked on (203), and if this is affirmed,
The user is allowed to select an action that his model can take (205).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image display technique for generating an image of a model arranged in a so-called virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, and more particularly, to a conversation in which a plurality of models in a virtual space have a conversation or the like. The present invention relates to a technique for easily specifying a capture target in a pattern game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of computer graphics technology in recent years, image processing devices such as video game machines and simulation devices have become widely used. In particular, a game apparatus of a type in which a three-dimensional space in which a plurality of segments are arranged is captured from a predetermined viewpoint, developed on a two-dimensional screen, and displayed on a monitor has a high commercial value. For example, in an interactive game device called a role playing game, a player moves a specific segment (hereinafter referred to as a model) in a virtual space by moving an input device. This model approaches other segments (representing humans or treasure chests; hereinafter referred to as “targets”) arranged in the virtual space and communicating between the model and the target. I do. The term “communication” refers to, for example, performing a “conversation” in which words are exchanged between a model and a person who is a target, and performing an interactive operation such as opening a treasure chest that is a target. Whether or not to communicate is determined by a contact determination or the like that determines whether or not the model and the target are in contact.

In a conventional role playing game, a game is played in a virtual space defined in two dimensions. Since the virtual space is two-dimensional, the apparent distance between the model and the target on the display screen is the distance in the game development between the model and the target, and the player must intuitively grasp the positional relationship between the two. Was completed.

[0004] However, as described above, in a game device for specifying a position of a model or the like in three dimensions, a model or a target can be observed as if it were in the real world, so that a contact on the display screen is required. Even if it is not done, a state where the other party can be clearly seen from the mutual positional relationship may appear. Even in such a case, if the user cannot communicate without contacting the model and the target like a conventional two-dimensionally defined game device, the game lacks realism and makes the game uninteresting. .

[0005] If the contact is made a condition of communication, the following inconvenience occurs. Normally, in a game device defined in three dimensions, a viewpoint of a visual field change for observing a virtual space is set at a position distant from the viewpoint of the model in order to improve visibility. When an obstacle is placed between the model and the target, the model and the target can be seen from the viewpoint of the visual field conversion, but the target cannot be seen from the viewpoint of the model.

In such a case, since it is reasonable that the model cannot move in the direction of the target, it is necessary to control the model so that it cannot move beyond the obstacle or to indicate that the model cannot contact the target. Display is required.

Further, when a virtual space is defined in three dimensions,
If the coordinates in the depth direction of the screen (Z-axis direction of the viewpoint coordinate system) are different, for example, when the model and the target are observed from directly above a plane in the virtual space, the coordinates of the model and the target are Even if there is a difference in the value (height), the difference hardly appears on the display screen, so that it is expected that it will be difficult to operate the model to make contact with the target.

Further, even if the model is brought closer to the target, it is necessary to change the orientation of the model so that the model faces the target. That is, in a game device that performs perspective transformation for converting a segment defined in three dimensions into two-dimensional coordinates in order to display the segment on a monitor, when the method used for a role-playing game defined in two dimensions from the beginning is applied, It is considered that various inconveniences as described above occur.

On the other hand, as a method of specifying a target using a game device defined in three dimensions, a known aiming fixation (that is, a certain target is used as an attack target) used in a game machine or the like simulating a conventional aerial battle is used. (Hereinafter, also referred to as “lock-on”). Therefore, using this technique, it is conceivable that the cursor is placed on a target object that the player wants to communicate with and locked on.

[0010]

However, such a conventional game machine that simulates an aerial battle simulates an aerial battle in a virtual space that mimics the sky. It is assumed that there is no obstacle between the model and its own model. For this reason, a game machine simulating this type of aerial battle only determines whether or not the cursor is over an enemy aircraft, and does not determine whether or not an obstacle will prevent an attack. Did not.

Therefore, this conventional lock-on technique cannot be applied to a game device assuming that an obstacle exists between the model and the target.

Further, the conventional lock-on technique is a monotonous display in which a cursor is simply fixed on a display object, and an image with little change is obtained.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image processing technique capable of determining whether or not a segment arranged in a virtual space can be captured. That is, a first object of the present invention is to determine an additional condition even when a segment is at a position where a segment can be captured. The second object of the present invention is to
If the segment satisfies the conditions that can be captured, the next processing can be selected. A third object of the present invention is to bring about a change in image display of a sign used for capturing. A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a new form of capturing in a virtual space defined in three dimensions. A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a method for specifying a segment to be actually captured when a plurality of segments can be captured in a virtual space defined in three dimensions.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for displaying an image of a segment arranged in a virtual space, a method thereof, or program data for realizing the method. A recording medium in which a display position determining means (step) for determining a display position of a marker to be displayed on a display screen based on an operation signal; and a marker determined by the display position determining means (step), A positional relationship determining unit (step) for determining whether or not a condition that the target segment is in a predetermined positional relationship with the target segment; and the marker is assigned to the target segment by the positional relationship determining unit (step). State determination means (step) for determining whether or not the target segment satisfies conditions that can be captured when it is determined that the target segment has a predetermined positional relationship; Image display means (step) for displaying the sign, and displaying an image indicating that the target segment is captured when the state determination means (step) determines that the target segment has conditions capable of being captured. , Is provided.

Note that a sign refers to a cursor or the like used to indicate a specific position on a display screen. A segment refers to an aggregate of display elements that are formed of, for example, polygons and that can move as one, and refers to an object to be displayed having a form simulating a person, an object (a jewelry box), or the like.
Here, the display position determining means (step), the positional relationship determining means (step) and the state determining means (step) correspond to a processing circuit. The image display means (step) corresponds to an image display circuit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of accurately, easily and quickly determining whether or not a segment can be captured. Therefore, when this image processing apparatus is applied to, for example, a game machine that simulates an interactive game in a virtual space, it is accurately determined whether or not conditions for capturing a target segment are provided.

In particular, a segment operated on the basis of the operation signal is displayed in the virtual space, and if it is determined that the target segment has a condition capable of being captured, the segment operated on the basis of the operation signal It is preferable to display an image showing the correlation between the target segment and the target segment.

It is preferable that the condition determined by the positional relationship determining means ("step") is that the marker and the target segment overlap on the display screen.

Furthermore, it is preferable to set the condition that can be captured by the state determining means ("step") to determine whether or not the target segment is a processing target of the image display means ("step").

According to the invention for solving the above-mentioned second problem, an action selecting means for displaying a plurality of options indicating an action to be taken next when a target segment can be captured.
("Step"), and the image display means ("step") displays an image based on the input operation signal corresponding to the selection displayed by the action selecting means ("step").

According to the invention for solving the third problem, the display mode of the sign is changed according to the type of the target segment.

In the invention for solving the fourth problem, the contents of image display are changed according to the distance between the marker and the target segment.

According to the invention for solving the fifth problem, the distance from the viewpoint for displaying an image is calculated for each of the segments overlapping the determination range set around the sign, and the calculated distance is the shortest. The segment is determined as a target segment satisfying the above condition. Therefore, when a plurality of display objects are present overlapping from a predetermined viewpoint in the virtual space, the segment closest to the viewpoint is determined as a target, and then it is determined whether or not this target can be captured. With this configuration, when there is an obstacle around the segment to be captured, it is possible to prevent the segment hidden by the obstacle from being captured.

Note that the recording medium is a medium on which information (mainly digital data and programs) is recorded by some physical means, and performs a predetermined function on a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor. That can be done. In short, any method may be used as long as the program is downloaded to the computer by some means and a predetermined function is executed. For example, flexible disk, fixed disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk, CD
-Including ROM, DVD, ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, etc.

It is assumed that data is transferred from a host computer via a wired or wireless communication line (public line, data line, satellite line, etc.). The so-called Internet is included in the recording medium referred to herein.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is used for home TV.
This is applied to a game machine.

(Apparatus Configuration) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a game machine according to the present invention. As shown in FIG.
The game device according to the present embodiment includes a game device body 1, a pad 2b.
And a monitor device 5. Game device body 1
Houses the image / audio processing apparatus of the present invention inside. The exterior is provided with an interface (I / F) unit 1a for connecting a ROM cartridge and a CD-ROM drive 1b for reading a CD-ROM. The pad 2b includes a cross cursor 2bb and a plurality of operation buttons, and is configured to be able to generate an operation signal based on a player's operation. The operation signal can be supplied to the connector 2a via the cable 2c. Pad 2b
Is detachably provided to the game apparatus main body 1 by the connector 2a, and is configured such that two pads can be connected so that two players can operate at the same time. Note that a mouse, a remote controller, a keyboard, or the like may be connected instead of the pad. The monitor device 5 is connected to a video output terminal Vo and an audio output terminal Ao (not shown) of the game device main body 1 via a video cable 4a and an audio cable 4b.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a game device to which the image processing device of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the game device includes a CPU block 10, a video block 11, a sound block 12, and a subsystem 1.
3.

(CPU Block) The CPU block advances the game processing according to the program and controls the image processing of the present invention.
em Control Unit) 100, main CPU 101, RA
M102, ROM 103, sub CPU 104 and CP
It is constituted by a U bus 105 and the like.

The main CPU 101 has a DSP inside.
(Digital Signal Processor), CD-ROM1
It is configured to be able to execute a process based on the program data transferred from the PC at a high speed. RAM 102 is a CD-R
Program data of application software read from OM1, sound control program data, waveform data, work area for decoding MPEG images, and CD-R
It is configured to be usable as an error correction data cache at the time of OM decoding. The ROM 103 is configured to be able to store initial program data for initialization processing of the device. The SCU 100 includes buses 105, 10
It is configured to be able to control the transfer of data performed through 6 and 107. The SCU 100 has a D
An MA controller is provided so that image data required during the execution of the game can be transferred to the VRAM in the video block 11, and sound control program data and waveform data can be transferred to the sound block 12.

The sub CPU 104 is an SMPC (System Man
ager & Peripheral Control), the main CPU
An operation signal from the pad 2b can be collected in response to the request of 101.

(Video Block) Video Block 11
Are VDP (Vis) so that the image processing of the present invention can be executed.
deo Display Processor) 120, VDP 130, VR
AM121, frame buffers 122 and 123, VRA
M131 and memory 132 are provided.
The VRAM 121 stores the SCU1
It is configured to be able to store the drawing command transferred via the “00”.

The VDP 120 performs generation of bitmap image data based on polygon data or bitmap data, deformation of figures, color calculation such as shadow and shading, etc., based on the drawing command stored in the VRAM 121, and generation. Framed image data
22 and 123 are configured to be writable. The frame buffers 122 and 123 are configured to be able to store the image data generated by the VDP 120.

The VRAM 131 is configured to be able to store image data of a background image, a data table necessary for realizing the functions of the VDP 130, and the like. The VDP 130 is
M131, based on image data stored in the frame buffers 122 and 123, such as window processing for setting a selection frame, shadowing processing, enlargement / reduction, rotation, mosaic processing, moving processing, clipping and display priority processing, etc. Image processing such as hidden surface processing is performed, and display image data can be stored in the memory 132. Memory 132
Stores image data for drawing by the VDP 130,
It is configured to be able to output to the encoder 160.

The encoder 160 converts the drawing image data stored in the memory 132 into a video signal format, performs D / A conversion, and supplies it to the monitor device 5 via the video output terminal Vo. . TV receiver 5
Is configured to be able to display an image based on the supplied video signal on a display unit.

(Sound Block) Sound Block 1
2 includes a DSP 140 and a CPU 141. The CPU 141 converts the sound control program data and the waveform data transferred from the main CPU 101 into a DSP.
140. The DSP 140
It has a built-in acoustic memory. And CPU1
Under the control of 41, waveform generation, delay data generation, and voice synthesis are performed by the PCM or FM sound source with reference to the waveform data, and the generated voice data can be output to the D / A converter 170. DSP140
Has functions such as frequency control, volume control, FM calculation, modulation, speech synthesis, reverb, etc. by these actions.
The D / A converter 170 is configured to convert the audio data generated by the DSP 140 into a two-channel signal and supply the signal to the speakers 5a and 5b via the audio output terminal Ao.

(Subsystem) The subsystem 13 has a C
D-ROM drive 1b, CD interface (1 /
F) 180, CPU 181, MPEG audio circuit 1
82 and an MPEG video circuit 183.

The CD-ROM drive 1b has a CD-RO
M. The program data, image data, sound control program data and waveform data of the application software are read from M.
It is configured to be able to be supplied to the PU block 10. Also,
The CPU 181 is configured to control the MPEG audio circuit 182 and the MPEG video circuit 183 so as to be able to decode the image data and the audio data that have been highly efficient code-compressed according to the MPEG standard.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an image processing system implemented by the game machine shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 3 in comparison with FIG. 2, the image processing system 200A includes a CPU block 10 (mainly a main C
PU101), and the memory 200B mainly includes the RAM 102 (and the ROM 103 as necessary).

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing system 200A
Is input with operation data from the pad 2b.
Also, various data can be taken from the memory 200B. This memory 200B has a CD-ROM
Image data, sound control data, and program data necessary for the game processing are transferred from the ROM cartridge or the ROM cartridge. Further, the memory 200B includes an image processing system 200.
Various data calculated in A can also be stored.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing system 200A of the game machine 200 includes a display position determining means 201 for determining the display position of the cursor (S401, S401 shown in FIG. 4 described later).
A determination object determining means 202 (corresponding to S402), which determines a determination display object (refers to a target segment) (S4 described later)
03 to S409), the state of the judgment display object designated by the cursor, that is, the judgment object state judgment means 203 (corresponding to S411 described later) for judging whether or not the object is a target to be caught, Next, the action selection means 204 (S412, S41 to be described later) that allows the player to select the content to be taken next
3), an image output control means 205 for controlling an image output from the processing results from the means 201, 202, 204.
And display control means 206 for forming a video signal based on image data stored in the memory 200B under the control of the means 205.

The display control means (circuit) 206 is provided in the memory 2
The image data GD stored in 00B is taken out to form a video signal and supplied to the TV receiver 5. The image output control means 205 and the display control circuit 206 mainly include a CPU
Block 10, video block 11, and encoder 1
60 is realized.

Hereinafter, a cursor used as a sight for capturing a specific segment as a target is referred to as a “lock-on cursor”.

The determination object determining means 202 is supplied with the determination object data HD. Lock-on cursor data L
The CD is provided to the determination means 203 for determining the state of the determination object, and the action data ACD is provided to the action selection means 204. The contents of the determination object data, the lock-on cursor shape determination data LCD, and the action data ACD will be described later with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.
The image data GD is provided to the display control means 206.
For example, data of the cross key 2bb of the pad 2b is given to the action selecting means 204.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an image processing operation in the image processing system. FIGS. 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5 by the image processing system processing the flowchart of FIG. Here, a role playing game in which segments are arranged and processed in a virtual space defined in three dimensions will be described as an example.

First, when the CPU block 10 executes application software (game program), the video block 11 operates to operate the TV receiver 5.
For example, a screen 300 shown in FIG. At this time, it is assumed that a display object 310 that can be locked on is displayed on the screen 300. The "lock on" process will be described as follows.

5A and 5B are images viewed from the viewpoint of a model (for example, a segment simulating a person) that can be operated by a player. This model is
Communication such as conversation and movement can be exchanged with the display object 310 (also a segment simulating a person virtually).

At this time, the state in which it is determined to enter this mode in which communication is possible or the state in which it is required to enter this mode is "lock on". Here, the lock-on has substantially the same content as “lock-on” in the aerial combat simulation game as described above. That is, lock-on means that the display object specified by the lock-on cursor is to be processed, for example,
In the case where the displayed object is a person, the player touches or approaches the displayed object by the operation, and the target is to start a conversation or start an operation. If the displayed object is something other than a person, such as a "treasure box", the model operated by the player is set as a target to approach the treasure box and perform an operation such as opening a jewelry box lid. I say that. In the present invention, the lock-on cursor is generally referred to as a “sign”. For example, in order to take this communication, a model operated by the user is displayed on the display object 310.
A series of actions taken to lock on, such as approaching or contacting with, is defined as “access”.

The player operates the pad 2b to determine the display of the lock-on cursor (step S401).
For example, a display object is displayed on the screen, and the display object 3
When the player desires communication with the player 10, the lock-on cursor can be displayed. This choice is
This is possible by pressing a predetermined button of the pad 2b. When the button is pressed, an access state, that is, a lock-on mode is provided to the player.

When the lock-on cursor is determined to be displayed, a screen 30 displayed on the display unit of the TV receiver 5 is displayed.
In FIG. 5, a lock-on cursor LC as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed.

Although the lock-on cursor LC has a cross shape in this embodiment, the lock-on cursor LC is not limited to this and may have a square, round or triangular shape. As will be described later, the form of the cursor can be changed depending on the type of the display object. If the display of the lock-on cursor LC is not determined (S401; NO), the process exits the flowchart of FIG. In this case, for example, the character himself or herself can approach the display object in the three-dimensional space, and can communicate with the display object.

When the display of the lock-on cursor is selected (S401; YES), the player operates the peripheral 2b to move the lock-on cursor LC in the screen 301 in the direction of the arrow 320 shown in FIG. Attempt to lock on the display object 310 (S402). That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, the player operates the cross key 2bb of the pad 2b shown in FIG.
It can be moved in the direction of 0. When playing alone, one of the pads 2b may be used. Then, when the display position of the lock-on cursor LC for designating a display object is determined, the display position determining means 201 realized by the main CPU 101 calculates a certain range determined by the lock-on cursor, and calculates this range. RAM
It is stored in the storage 102 (S402). That is, for example,
The coordinates of the screen within a circle connecting the tips of the crosses of the lock-on cursor LC can be set as this range. Hereinafter, this range is referred to as a lock-on cursor determination range.

Next, the display position of the lock-on cursor and the range for determining the presence or absence of lock-on are calculated based on the lock-on cursor. Then, in step 403, the image data of the display object in the virtual space defined in three dimensions is converted from the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight to image data defined in the coordinates of the visual field coordinate system. The data is perspectively projected (perspectively transformed) and converted into image data defined by two-dimensional coordinates.

Each of these conversions is performed by a known image processing technique. Here, the display object is the one shown in FIG.
Are a person 310, a building 310A, a background 310B resembling a mountain range, and the like. These are displayed as two-dimensional images on the screen of the display unit of the TV receiver as shown in FIG. Normally, a background image is displayed by image data defined by two-dimensional coordinates, and other segments such as display objects are composed of polygons.

Next, in step 404, it is determined whether or not the lock-on cursor range includes a two-dimensional display position of these displayed objects on the display screen. For example, it is determined whether or not the whole or a part of the graphic overlaps between the lock-on cursor and the display object. In this determination, when it is determined that the display object 310 is not within the control cursor determination range (S40).
4; NO), the process returns to step 403. In order to facilitate the determination of the overlap, it is possible to determine the degree of overlap by replacing the display object with a simple model such as a circle or an ellipse.

If the determination in step 404 is affirmative, the distance from the viewpoint (camera) to the display object in the three-dimensional coordinate system is calculated. The display object for which the distance is calculated in this manner is referred to as a determination object.

Thereafter, steps 404 to 40
The determination display object to be locked on is determined by 9. Before describing each step, the principle for determining this determination object will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of objects to be displayed in the virtual space. Reference numeral 310 denotes a display object corresponding to the above-described person, and 320Z and 330Z are display objects, but obstacles that should not be locked on (for example,
S) is a viewpoint (hereinafter, referred to as a camera in the sense that a virtual space is photographed), and S1 and S2 indicate distances from the viewpoint S to each display object. FIG. 12 is a screen displayed by the TV receiver, viewing each of these displayed objects from the viewpoint S.

As can be seen from FIG. 12, in the virtual space, the wall 330Z is disposed closest to the viewpoint, and is hidden behind this wall, and the other wall 320Z and the person 3
10 is displayed. In this state, even if the lock-on cursor LC overlaps the person 310, the person 310 should not be locked on to this person because it is hidden behind the walls 330Z and 320Z.
It is not possible to determine whether to lock on the person or the wall by simply determining the overlap.

On the other hand, in FIG. 11, the person 310 comes to the foreground on the screen viewed from the viewpoint SS, as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the lock-on cursor LC overlaps the person 310, the lock-on cursor LC can be applied to the person 310.

Steps 405 to 410 are steps for judging this. In this description, it is assumed that there is an obstacle in front of the person, as in the case of aiming at the person from the viewpoint S in FIG.
In step 405, distances S1 to S3 (see FIG. 11) between the viewpoint and each display object are calculated with reference to the position data of each display object and the position data of the viewpoint. The distance is calculated, for example, as the distance between the center (geometric center of gravity) of the display object and the viewpoint.

Next, in step 406, first, the person 310 is set as a temporary judgment display object. Next, the distance S2 between the wall 320Z and the viewpoint and the distance S3 between the person and the viewpoint are compared. S2 is smaller than S3 (S40
6; YES), that is, since the wall 320Z is in front of the person 310, the temporary
The value is changed to 0Z (S407).

Next, the process proceeds to step 408, and when these processes are executed for all the displayed objects, the wall 330Z finally becomes a temporary judgment object (S409). That is,
The determination object that is the closest from the viewpoint S is determined. In step 405, the initial temporary determination object is set to the person 310, but this may be set to any of the walls 320Z and 330Z. Regardless of what display object is set, the wall 330Z is finally determined as a temporary determination object, and
Shift to 09. When the wall 330 </ b> Z is used as the initial temporary determination object, the temporary determination object is not changed to another display object (310 or 320 </ b> Z) in step 407. Note that a flag indicating that the object is the closest object may be set in the data group of the closest object (330Z).

On the other hand, when the viewpoint is at the position of the viewpoint SS in FIG. 11, it is determined that the person 310 is the final judgment object (the closest judgment object). The judgment object data in FIG.
For example, the distance from the viewpoint of the display object described here, a flag indicating that the object is the closest object, and the like correspond to the object.

At step 410, it is determined whether or not the closest object can be locked on. The purpose of lock-on is to achieve communication with the displayed object (in the case of a role-playing game). Therefore, a wall that is a still life is not treated as a lock-on target. In this case, the process returns to step 401 and the lock-on process is not performed.

On the other hand, if the object to be determined is changed from the walls 320Z and 330Z to a person, the closest object to be determined may be treated as a lock-on target. However, it may be possible to lock on the wall itself. That is, whether or not the display object can be locked on is an item that can be arbitrarily set by the game program. Whether or not the display object can be locked on can be easily determined by using a predetermined flag.

If it is determined that the closest object is a lock-on target, steps 410 to 41 are performed.
Move to 1. In step 411, the display form of the lock-on cursor is to be changed from the above-described cross shape according to the type of the closest object. For example, if the lock-on determination object is a model of a friend who is not hostile to the player on the game program, a circular lock-on cursor is used. On the other hand, if the enemy is an enemy, a triangular (for example, equilateral triangle) shape is used. For example, a lock-on cursor is displayed.

This can be achieved by setting a flag for specifying the type of each judgment object in advance. By changing the display form of the lock-on cursor, the player can accurately and quickly know the type of the determination object to be locked on from the display form of the lock-on cursor. The lock-on cursor type determination data LCD shown in FIG. 3 refers to data of this type of flag and the like. By checking the flag set in the closest determination object, it is possible to quickly determine what form of cursor needs to be displayed.

Step 412 determines whether or not the player permits lock-on, that is, whether or not lock-on completion has been confirmed by the player by pressing a predetermined button of the pad 2b.

On the screen 302 shown in FIG. 5C, the lock-on cursor overlaps the person 310 as a display object, this person is determined to be the closest determination object, and it is determined in step 410 that the lock-on can be locked on. And, furthermore,
In step 411, the lock-on cursor is arranged in the form of a cross in the center, and is present around the surroundings as a substantially bracket-shaped overall marker LC.

When the player stops the lock-on by operating the pad 2b (S412; NO), step 401
Return to When the player operates pad 2b and locks on (S412; YES), screen 303 in FIG. 5D
As shown in FIG. 5, the brightness of the lock-on cursor is increased to notify the player that lock-on is completed.

Next, in step 413, the screen shifts to the screen 304 in FIG. 6, where the lock-on cursor is deleted from the screen, and options indicating actions that can be executed by the player are displayed in the form of icons (311 and 312). )
To display on the screen.

The player selects a desired icon in the selection using the cross key of the pad or the like, and selects a desired action. The action to be displayed in the selection options is, for example, greeting from a distance (icon 311) or approaching the building and greeting (icon 312).
Of course, the contents of the options can be appropriately set according to the story of the game. By selecting the icon 311, a model 330 operated by the player is displayed on the screen, and a screen 305 for accessing the person as a determination object from a distance by greeting “Hello!” Is displayed. (FIG. 6B). The action data ACD in FIG. 3 refers to data for developing an action selected for each icon on a screen. Then, a screen 306 as shown in FIG. 6C viewed from the viewpoint of the model operated by the player is displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5. The screen 306 is displayed in a state where the model operated by the player looks up the display object 310 from below. Display 3
10 says "Hello, how are you!" (Displays a message) so that the two can communicate with each other.

When the display objects 310, 320Z, and 330Z in the virtual space have a positional relationship as viewed from the viewpoint SS in FIG. 11, the closest object is determined to be the person 310 (FIG. 13). 13), it is determined that lock-on is possible for this person (S410).

As described above, when the lock-on cursor is overlaid on the display object 310 as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, lock-on becomes possible. Therefore, this has the following advantages over the role playing game system in the virtual space defined in three dimensions.

The player moves the model operated by himself / herself in the three-dimensionally defined virtual space, and proceeds with the game while checking whether or not his / her model has touched the display object from a predetermined viewpoint. The screen of the display unit of the TV receiver 5 is obtained by perspective-transforming image data defined in three dimensions into two-dimensional coordinates. By deciding whether or not to communicate based on the presence or absence of the conventional contact, the operator can determine the contact of the segment in the virtual space defined in three dimensions while watching the display screen displayed in two dimensions. It requires a great deal of skill. For example, the user can accurately grasp the sense of distance to the display object 310, fine-tune the position of the model operated by the player when approaching the display object 310, and furthermore, make the model correctly face the display object 310 (face Fronts face each other).

However, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the lock-on cursor is overlaid on the display object 310, the lock-on can be easily performed. Therefore,
Even if the model operated by the user and the person 310 do not come into contact with each other on three-dimensional coordinates, and even if the user is not skilled in the operation, it is possible to easily and quickly capture the target.

FIG. 7 shows a display example when the present invention is applied to a game. FIG. 7A is a display example in which the model 330a operated by the player and the display object 310a are separated from each other. FIG. 7B shows a model 330a operated by the player.
7 shows a display example in which the display object 310b is approaching the display object 310b.

Here, referring to FIG. 7A, the model 330a
The relationship between and the display object 310a will be described. First, the character 330a and the display object 31 are displayed on the screen of the TV receiver 5.
It is assumed that the screen 350 is displayed in a state where the screen 350 is separated from 0a. The player decides to display the lock-on cursor and operates the pad 2b. Thus, the flowchart of FIG. 4 is executed by the image processing system 200A of FIG. Next, the player moves the lock-on cursor L
C is moved, and an attempt is made to lock on the display object 310a. Thereby, if lock-on is possible, the display object 310a is locked on. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, the model 330 operated by itself is displayed on the screen 350.
a and the display object 310a become accessible. For example, in the screen 350, the model 330a is referred to as "Oh !!"
0a can display a screen 350 that answers “Yo!” To the model 330a.

Next, a screen 351 in FIG. 7B is displayed, which shows a state in which the communication on the screen 350 in FIG. 7A has progressed. That is, the model 330a is a person 3 as a display object.
After greeting from a distance to FIG. 10a (FIG. 7A), the model 30a comes closer to the ear of the person 310b and "actually ..."
That is, the person 310b starts a conversation saying “Humhum”. FIG. 8 also shows another example of communication. On the display unit of the TV receiver 5, two display objects 310c and 310d which can be seen from a distant window 340.
To the screen 3 where the model 330b is looking through the binoculars 341
52 is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the player has locked on the two display objects 310c and 310d. This makes it possible to display an image as if the model 330b is eavesdropping on the conversation between these two displayed objects from a distance.

FIG. 9 shows a similar example of communication. It is assumed that the model 330c is inside the building 342 opposite, and the display object 310e is inside another building 344. Model 330c is window 345 of building 342 opposite.
Therefore, it is assumed that a screen is displayed that is viewing the display object 310e of the window 346 of another building 344. At this time, the display object 310e that is visible in the window 346 of the other building 344 is locked on, and the other display object 310
An image 353 that snipes e can be created.

FIG. 10A shows a screen at a certain time, and FIG. 10B shows a screen when a certain time has elapsed from that time. In FIG. 10A, a screen 35 where a model 330d corresponding to a player calls a display object 310f that is far away is displayed.
4 is displayed. In this image example, the player locks on a display object 310f that is far away. This makes it possible to display an image as if the model 330d is calling a display object 310f that is far away.

Further, as shown in FIG.
When the display object 310f that has come near 30d looks back at the place where the display object 310f has been located, a screen 355 can be displayed in which a large rock 348 falls at that position.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, an operation that can be performed only because of a long distance can be incorporated into the development of a scene in a game or solving a mystery.
Therefore, there is an advantage that a variety of games can be developed.

(Other Modifications) In the above embodiment, the position of the lock-on cursor is moved by operating the pad. However, the position of the lock-on cursor is fixed at a predetermined position on the screen, and the field of view is changed instead. The aim may be adjusted by moving the coordinates for. For example, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed at the center of the screen, and the screen 301 is set so that the cursor cannot be moved from this position. In this state, the direction of the line of sight is toward the other side of the road via the position of the lock-on cursor.

In this state, when the player operates the pad, the position of the viewpoint to be changed in the visual field is changed according to the operation. For example, when the viewpoint moves from the position of the viewpoint in FIG. 14 to the right of the screen, the lock-on cursor LC relatively moves in the direction of the arrow 320.
As a result, the lock-on cursor can be adjusted to the position of the person 310 as shown in FIG. This operation is similar to the aiming operation in a so-called flight simulator.

In such a modification, it is assumed that the position of the viewpoint matches the viewpoint of the model operated by the player.
The image viewed from this model will be displayed. Also,
Although the position of the viewpoint does not coincide with the position of the viewpoint of the model, it may be set so as to follow the movement of the model while maintaining a fixed positional relationship with the model (for example, behind and above the model).

In such a modification, since the position of the lock-on cursor is fixed on the screen, the cursor need not be particularly displayed. In other words, it is sufficient for the player to operate the player in such a manner that the display object at the center of the screen can always be aimed.

Further, even when the lock-on cursor LC is displayed, the lock-on cursor LC may be displayed only at the time of lock-on as in the above-described embodiment, or may be displayed at all times. In addition, in addition to an interactive game such as a role-playing game, an adventure game, an action game, and the like can be used as long as there is communication between a plurality of models through conversations and actions. It may be.

[0090]

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not a segment arranged in a virtual space is in a state where it can be captured. That is, according to the present invention, even when the segment is located at a position where the segment can be captured, additional conditions can be determined. Therefore, various conditions can be set according to the type of the segment and the surrounding conditions.

Further, according to the present invention, the following processing can be selected when the condition that the segment can be captured is satisfied. Therefore, by selecting the processing, it is possible to provide various processing contents. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to bring about a change in the image display of the sign used for capturing. Therefore, the monotonousness of the capturing operation can be eliminated. Further, according to the present invention, in a virtual space defined in three dimensions, it is possible to capture even if the marker and the segment do not overlap.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of segments can be captured in a virtual space defined in three dimensions, the actually captured segment is specified by referring to the distance, so that the plurality of segments approach each other. It is possible to capture even if it is arranged in a position. Therefore, when a plurality of segments are overlapped when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint in the virtual space,
The goal is to determine the segment closest to the viewpoint,
Then, by determining whether or not this target can be captured, it is possible to prevent a segment hidden by the obstacle from being captured when there is an obstacle around the segment to be captured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an embodiment of a TV game machine to which an image processing device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the TV game machine.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an image processing system of the TV game machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of image processing performed by the TV game machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the screen of the TV receiver when the processing is performed according to the flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the screen of the TV receiver when the processing is performed according to the flowchart.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that can be created by applying the image processing system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that can be created by applying the image processing system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that can be created by applying the image processing system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that can be created by applying the image processing system.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an arrangement of a judgment display object in a virtual space.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a screen viewed from a viewpoint S in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a screen viewed from the viewpoint SS in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state of a screen according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of a screen according to another embodiment.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yojiro Ogawa 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Sega Corporation (72) Inventor Tatsuo Yamajiri 1-2-12 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term (reference) in Sega Corporation 2C001 AA11 BA05 BA06 BC01 BC05 BC08 CA01 CB01 CB04 CB06 CC02 5B050 BA07 BA09 CA07 EA27 EA28 FA02 FA09 FA16 5E501 AA17 AC15 BA09 BA17 EB05 FA02 FA14 FB30

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for displaying an image of a segment arranged in a virtual space, wherein a display position of a sign displayed on a display screen is determined based on an operation signal corresponding to an operation of an operator. Display position determining means, and a positional relationship determining means for determining whether or not the marker determined by the display position determining means satisfies a condition that the marker has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target segment. When the marker is determined to be in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target segment,
Further, a state determining means for determining whether or not the target segment has a condition capable of being captured, and displaying the mark, and determining that the target segment has a condition capable of capturing the target segment by the state determining means. An image display means for displaying an image indicating that the image is captured when the image processing is performed. 2. The segment operated on the basis of the operation signal is displayed in the virtual space, and the image display means, when it is determined that the target segment has a condition capable of capturing, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image indicating a mutual relationship between a segment operated based on an operation signal and the target segment is displayed. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the condition determined by the positional relationship determining means is that the marker and the target segment overlap on a display screen. 4. The condition that can be captured and determined by the state determination unit is whether or not the target segment is a processing target of the image display unit.
An image processing apparatus according to the item. 5. An action selecting means for displaying a plurality of options indicating an action to be taken next when said target segment can be captured, wherein said image display means includes: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is displayed based on an input operation signal corresponding to the selection displayed by (1). 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image display unit changes a display mode of the sign according to a type of the target segment. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image display means changes the content of image display according to a distance between said marker and said target segment. 8. The position relation determining means calculates a distance from a viewpoint for displaying an image for each of the segments overlapping the determination range set around the marker, and calculates a segment having the shortest calculated distance. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus determines a target segment satisfying the condition. 9. An image processing apparatus for displaying an image of a segment arranged in a virtual space, comprising: an input device for outputting an operation signal corresponding to an operation of an operator; A processing circuit that calculates the position coordinates of the segment and the display position of the marker based on the operation signal, and outputs image data including the image of the segment to be displayed and the marker based on the calculation result; and An image display circuit that displays an image based on image data, wherein the processing circuit determines a display position of a marker to be displayed on a display screen based on the operation signal, and the marker that determines the display position is a target. It is determined whether a condition that a predetermined positional relationship is satisfied with respect to a certain segment is satisfied, and it is determined that the marker is in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target segment. In this case, it is further determined whether or not the target segment has conditions that can be captured, and if it is determined that the target segment has conditions that can be captured, image data indicating that the target segment has been captured is determined. An image processing device for outputting. 10. The processing circuit outputs image data of a segment operated based on the operation signal, and when it is determined that the target segment has a condition that can be captured, the processing circuit outputs the image signal to the operation signal. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus outputs image data indicating a correlation between a segment operated based on the target segment and the target segment. 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the condition of the predetermined positional relationship determined by the processing circuit is that the marker and the target segment overlap on a display screen. Image processing device. 12. The image according to claim 9, wherein the condition that can be captured and determined by the processing circuit is whether or not the target segment is defined in advance as a processing target. Processing equipment. 13. The processing circuit outputs, when the target segment can be captured, image data for displaying a plurality of options indicating an action to be taken next. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising outputting image data based on the input operation signal. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processing circuit outputs image data for displaying a marker having a different display form according to the type of the target segment. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said processing circuit changes contents of image data to be output according to a distance between said marker and said target segment. 16. The processing circuit calculates a distance from a viewpoint for displaying an image for each of the segments overlapping the determination range set around the marker, and determines a segment having the shortest calculated distance. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image processing apparatus is determined as a target segment satisfying the condition. 17. A game machine comprising the image processing device according to claim 1. Description: 18. An image processing method for displaying an image of a segment arranged in a virtual space, comprising: a display position determining step of determining a display position of a marker to be displayed on a display screen based on an operation signal; A positional relationship determining step of determining whether or not the mark determined in the display position determining step satisfies a condition that the marker has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target segment; When it is determined that the target segment is in a predetermined positional relationship, a state determination step of further determining whether or not the target segment has a condition that can be captured, and displaying the sign, An image table displaying an image indicating that the target segment has been captured when it is determined in the state determination step that the target segment has a condition capable of being captured; Image processing method characterized by comprising the steps, a. 19. An image processing for displaying an image of a segment arranged in a virtual space on a computer, the display position determining step of determining a display position of a sign displayed on a display screen based on an operation signal. A positional relationship determining step of determining whether or not the marker determined in the display position determining step satisfies a condition that the marker has a predetermined positional relationship with the target segment; and When it is determined that the target segment has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target segment, a state determination step of further determining whether the target segment has a condition capable of being captured, and displaying the sign With, when it is determined by the state determination step that the target segment has a condition that can be captured,
A machine-readable recording medium storing program data for executing an image display step of displaying an image indicating that the image is captured. 20. An image processing apparatus for displaying an image of a display object arranged in a virtual space, comprising: a display position determining means for determining a display position of a sign displayed on a display screen based on an operation signal. And a positional relationship determining unit that determines whether or not the marker determined by the display position determining unit satisfies a condition that the target has a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target display object. When the marker is determined to be in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the target display object, state determination means for further determining whether or not the target display object has conditions that can be captured. An image processing apparatus comprising: 21. An image display means for displaying the sign and displaying an image indicating that the target object has been captured when the state determination means determines that the target display object has a condition capable of being captured. The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: 22. An image processing apparatus in which an object displayed in a display image of a virtual space viewed from a predetermined viewpoint can be captured based on a player's operation, wherein a capturing cursor is moved by the player. Means for displaying on the display screen in association with the operation, means for determining whether the object is in a communicable range when viewed from the viewpoint, and communication with the object when viewed from the viewpoint Means for determining whether or not this object corresponds to an object set in advance as an object that can be captured, when it is determined that the object is within a possible range; Means for changing the display of the cursor so that a player can recognize that the target object can be captured when it is determined that the object corresponds to the object. 23. An image processing apparatus in which a target displayed in a display image of a virtual space viewed from a predetermined viewpoint can be captured based on a player's operation, wherein a capturing cursor is moved by the player. Means for displaying on the display screen in association with the operation, means for determining whether or not the object is in a range that can be seen from the viewpoint, and that the object is in a range that can be seen from the viewpoint. If it is determined, means for determining whether or not this object corresponds to an object that is set in advance as being capable of being captured, and it is determined that the object corresponds to an object that can be captured. Means for changing the display of the cursor so that the player can recognize that the target object can be captured when the object is captured.