JP4204525B2 - 3D image generation apparatus and 3D image generation program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image generation apparatus and a three-dimensional image generation program, and more particularly, for example, a three-dimensional image generation for generating a virtual three-dimensional animation image such as a game synthesized in real time using polygon data and displaying it on a screen. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a three-dimensional image generation program.

  Conventionally, it is well known that an animation image such as a game is generated from polygon data or the like using a computer graphics theory assuming a virtual three-dimensional space. Such an animation image is usually generated according to data of a reproduction procedure (sequence) intended by the creator (creator). For this reason, as long as the same animation data is used, the same image is displayed every time.

  On the other hand, there is a technique that devised to expand the variation of the video expression so that the image display is not the same every time. According to Patent Document 1, a technique for determining the center of a space (the center of gravity of a rectangular parallelepiped including the object group) from an object group existing in a three-dimensional space and determining a gazing point or the like based on this center point is disclosed. . As a result, an optimal image corresponding to the object on the screen can be obtained.

  According to Patent Document 2, when displaying a character (moving body) operated by a player, a technique for changing viewpoint control according to the type of the moving body in consideration of the player's skill (beginner or advanced). Is disclosed. This makes it possible to select easy-to-operate viewpoint switching when the moving body will be selected by beginners, and advanced users can select viewpoint switching that provides powerful images.

  Furthermore, according to Patent Document 3, a technique is set that is set so that a different viewpoint control program can be selected for each specific point of a course along which an object moves. As a result, an image suitable for the course situation can be obtained.

According to Patent Document 4, a face image captured by an actual camera is used as an object generated in a virtual three-dimensional space, and an appropriate animation is selected based on feature data input at that time. A technique for displaying is disclosed.
JP-A-8-106545 Patent No. 30465578 Japanese Patent No. 3127137 JP2004-46793A

  However, with the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the processing load increases as the number of objects in the virtual three-dimensional space increases. Furthermore, since the viewpoint is determined based on the center of gravity of the rectangular parallelepiped that includes the object, for example, an image that does not match the video expression intended by the creator of the animation may be generated.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, only different viewpoint control is performed for each moving body that will be selected according to the skill of the player, and the same moving body is selected. In some cases, the same video is generated, and the player may get bored with the video.

  Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, the viewpoint control program is switched in the middle of the course, but only switching suitable for the state of the course and the play feeling is performed, and a video rich in change can be obtained. Could not be generated.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 4, since an appropriate animation is automatically selected according to the feature of the object, the viewer does not know what animation is displayed. , You can have a sense of expectation. However, it is not possible to change the video pattern of the animation once selected. In other words, it was not possible to generate a video that is rich in change.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel three-dimensional image generation apparatus and three-dimensional image generation program.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional image generation apparatus and a three-dimensional image generation program capable of displaying an animation in consideration of the viewer not getting bored even in the same scene.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional image generation apparatus and a three-dimensional image generation program capable of generating an image rich in change while reflecting the intention of the creator in reproducing an animation.

  The invention of claim 1 is a three-dimensional image generation device for generating a virtual three-dimensional image, and includes a display means, a gazing point data storage means, a camera control program storage means, a camera control means, a three-dimensional image data storage means, an image A generation sequence storage unit, a designation data storage unit, a virtual three-dimensional image generation unit, a two-dimensional image display control unit, and a designation data update unit; The display means displays an image. The gazing point data storage means stores a plurality of gazing point data. The camera control program storage means stores a plurality of camera control programs for controlling a virtual camera that captures an image when viewed from a viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the gazing point data in the virtual three-dimensional space. To do. The camera control means controls the virtual camera according to the camera control program. The 3D image data storage means stores 3D image data for generating a virtual 3D image. The image generation sequence storage means stores the generation timing of the virtual three-dimensional image in time series. The designation data storage means stores designation data for designating a plurality of sets of any one gazing point data and any one camera control program in time series according to the image generation sequence. The virtual three-dimensional image generation unit generates a virtual three-dimensional image at the generation timing stored in the image generation sequence storage unit using the three-dimensional image data stored in the image data storage unit. The two-dimensional image display control means captures the virtual three-dimensional image generated by the virtual three-dimensional image generation means with a virtual camera whose viewpoint is controlled according to the designated data, and displays the captured image on the display means. Then, the designated data update means randomly updates the contents of the designated data storage means every time the image generation sequence is repeated.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the three-dimensional image generation apparatus (11: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment; hereinafter the same) includes a display means (14) for displaying an image. The gazing point data storage means (11b) stores gazing point data. The camera control program storage means (11b) controls a plurality of virtual cameras for capturing an image when viewed from a viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the gazing point data in the virtual three-dimensional space. Stores the camera control program. The camera control means (11a, S29, S37, S45) controls the virtual camera according to the camera control program. The three-dimensional image data storage means (11b) stores three-dimensional image data for generating a virtual three-dimensional image. The image generation sequence storage means (11b) stores the generation timing of the virtual three-dimensional image in time series. The designation data storage means (11b) stores designation data for designating a plurality of sets of any one gazing point data and any one camera control program in time series in accordance with the image generation sequence. The virtual three-dimensional image generation means (11a) uses the three-dimensional image data stored in the image data storage means (11b) and generates the virtual three-dimensional image at the generation timing stored in the image generation sequence storage means (11b). Is generated. The two-dimensional image display control means (11a) captures the virtual three-dimensional image generated by the virtual three-dimensional image generation means (11a) with a virtual camera whose viewpoint is controlled according to the designated data, and displays the captured image. Displayed in (14). The designated data update means (11a, S49) updates the contents of the designated data storage means (11b) at random each time the image generation sequence is repeated (“YES” in S47).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the contents of the designated data storage means are updated randomly each time the image generation sequence is repeated. Therefore, if the number of times of reproduction is different, the same gaze point data or It is possible to avoid selecting the same camera control program. In other words, since a variety of animated images can be displayed, the viewer does not get bored with the video.

  The invention of claim 2 is dependent on claim 1, and the designation data storage means includes gazing point group data storage means for storing gazing point instruction data each indicating a plurality of gazing point data for each desired group. The data updating unit rearranges the gazing point instruction data stored for each group in the gazing point group data storage unit at random within each group.

  In the invention of claim 2, the gazing point group storage means (11b) stores gazing point instruction data each indicating a plurality of gazing point data for each desired group. The designated data updating means (11a, S49) rearranges the gazing point instruction data stored in the gazing point group data storage means (11b) at random within each group.

  According to the invention of claim 2, for example, if the gaze point instruction data is grouped according to the intention of the developer or creator of the three-dimensional image generation program, the gaze point direction data is rearranged randomly in each group. Even in this case, the animation image can be changed while reflecting the intention.

  The invention of claim 3 is dependent on claim 1 or claim 2, and the designated data storage means stores camera control instruction data indicating each of a plurality of camera control programs for each desired group. The designated data updating means randomly rearranges the camera control instruction data stored for each group in the camera control group data storage means within each group.

  In the invention of claim 3, the camera control group data storage means (11b) stores the camera control instruction data indicating each of the plurality of camera control programs for each desired group. The designated data updating means (11a, S49) rearranges the camera control instruction data stored for each group in the camera control group data storage means (11b) at random within each group.

  According to the invention of claim 3, for example, if the camera control instruction data is grouped according to the intention of the developer or creator of the three-dimensional image generation program, the camera control instruction data is randomly rearranged within each group. Even in this case, the animation image can be changed while reflecting the intention.

  The invention of claim 4 is dependent on any one of claims 1 to 3, the image data storage means stores object data for generating one or more objects composed of a plurality of polygons, and the gazing point data is: The three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional image generation apparatus is set based on an arrangement position of the object in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  In the invention of claim 4, the image data storage means (11b) stores object data for generating one or a plurality of objects composed of a plurality of polygons. The gaze point data is set based on the arrangement position of the object in the virtual three-dimensional space. For example, it is possible to set the arrangement position of the object at the position of the foot of the object and set the gazing point at the center position of the head (face) of the object.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the gazing point is set based on the arrangement position of the object, it is possible to easily reflect the intention of the creator of the animation.

  The invention of claim 5 is a display means for displaying an image, a gazing point data storage means for storing a plurality of gazing point data, and a camera control program storage means for storing a plurality of camera control programs for controlling a virtual camera. A plurality of sets of image generation sequence storage means for storing the generation timing of the virtual three-dimensional image in time series, and one of the gazing point data and one of the camera control programs in time series in accordance with the image generation sequence A three-dimensional image generation program for a three-dimensional image generation apparatus, comprising: specification data storage means for storing specification data to be specified; and image data storage means for storing three-dimensional image data for generating a virtual three-dimensional image. . The three-dimensional image generation program causes a processor of the three-dimensional image generation apparatus to execute a camera control step, a three-dimensional image generation step, a two-dimensional image display control step, and a designated data update step. The camera control step controls the virtual camera according to the camera control program based on the gazing point data in the virtual three-dimensional space. In the virtual three-dimensional image generation step, a virtual three-dimensional image is generated at a generation timing stored in the image generation sequence storage unit using the three-dimensional image data stored in the image data storage unit. In the two-dimensional image display control step, the virtual three-dimensional image generated by the virtual three-dimensional image generation step is photographed by a virtual camera whose viewpoint is controlled according to the designated data, and the photographed image is displayed on the display means. In the designated data update step, the contents of the designated data storage means are randomly updated each time the image generation sequence is repeated.

  In the invention of claim 5, as in the invention of claim 1, an animation image rich in change can be displayed.

  According to the present invention, since the contents of the screen switching control are changed every time the animation is reproduced, the same animation is not generated every time. That is, it is possible to generate a video that is rich in change, and to prevent the viewer from getting bored.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an image processing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a stationary game apparatus 11 to which a controller 12 is connected. The stationary game apparatus 11 includes a three-dimensional image generation apparatus (including a CRT 14 described later) and a three-dimensional image generation program. A controller 12 is connected to the stationary game apparatus 11. The controller 12 includes an operation switch 12a and a joystick 12b. The operation switch 12a is mainly used for a determination operation on the menu selection screen. The joystick 12b is mainly used for a direction instruction operation or a selection item changing operation on a menu selection screen.

  A program for causing the stationary game apparatus 11 to function as a three-dimensional image generation apparatus, that is, a three-dimensional image generation program, is supplied (loaded) from an external storage medium 13 such as a disk-type ROM. A CRT (monitor) 14 is connected to the stationary game apparatus 11. The CRT 14 is typically a television monitor, and a three-dimensional image (including a character image) created by the above-described processing of the three-dimensional image generation program is displayed on the CRT 14. For example, the operator can change the shape of the character image by operating the controller 12 while viewing the three-dimensional image displayed on the CRT 14. Further, the CRT 14 is provided with a speaker 14a, from which sound necessary for the game such as character voice and game music (BGM) related to the character image is output.

  Note that an external data storage medium 15 such as a memory card may be connected to the stationary game apparatus 11. If the progress (character data) of the character generation process is stored in the external data storage medium 15, the character generation process can be temporarily interrupted. Further, the result (result data) of the character generation process can be stored in the external data storage medium 15.

  The image processing system 10 includes a portable game device 20 that functions as an imaging device. The portable game device 20 includes a portable game device main body 21 and an imaging cartridge 22. The portable game apparatus body 21 has an operation switch 21a. When photographing a subject, the operator uses the operation switch 21a as a shutter button. The portable game device 20 also includes an LCD monitor 21b. The LCD monitor 21b displays the result of the program processed by the portable game apparatus body 21 as an image.

  The imaging cartridge 22 is provided with an imaging unit 22a. A ROM 22b (see FIG. 2) of the imaging cartridge 22 stores a program and data for causing the portable game device body 21 to function as an imaging device. Image data captured by the imaging unit 22a is stored in a backup RAM (or flash memory) 22c (see FIG. 2) of the imaging cartridge 22. The portable game device 20 is connected to the stationary game device 11 via the connection cable 16. The image data stored in the backup RAM 22c can be used by the stationary game apparatus 11.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image processing system 10. The stationary game apparatus 11 has a built-in CPU 11a that performs overall control thereof. A RAM 11b is connected to the CPU 11a. The RAM 11b temporarily stores programs and data processed by the CPU 11a.

  An image processing unit 11c and an audio processing unit 11g are further connected to the CPU 11a. The image processing unit 11c processes the image data stored in the RAM 11b based on an instruction from the CPU 11a. The image data generated by the image processing unit 11c is output from the CRT 14 via the video encoder 11d. The voice processing unit 11g processes the voice data stored in the RAM 11b based on an instruction from the CPU 11a. The audio data generated by the audio processing unit 11c is output from a speaker 14a provided in the CRT 14.

  An interface 11e is further connected to the CPU 11a. The interface 11e is also connected to the RAM 11b. The controller 12 is connected to the CPU 11a via the interface 11e. A disk drive unit 11f is also connected to the interface 11e. Data in the external storage medium 13 is read by the disk drive unit 11f based on an instruction from the CPU 11a. The read data is transferred to the RAM 11b. When storing data obtained by program processing, this data is read from the RAM 11b and transferred to an external data storage medium (for example, a memory card) 15 via the interface 11e.

  The portable game device body 21 has a CPU 21c. The CPU 21c is connected to the RAM 21d. In the RAM 21d, data obtained by the program processing of the CPU 21c is temporarily stored. The image processing unit 21e is connected to the CPU 21c and the RAM 21d. The image processing unit 21e processes the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 21d based on an instruction from the CPU 21c, and stores the processed image data in the VRAM 21f. The image data stored in the VRAM 21f is output from the LCD monitor 21b via the LCD driver 21g.

  The imaging cartridge 22 can be attached to and detached from the portable game apparatus main body 21 via a connector. In addition, the imaging cartridge 22 includes the above-described imaging unit 22a, ROM 22b, backup RAM 22c, and an interface 22d for connecting to the portable game apparatus body 21.

  The CPU 21c of the portable game apparatus body 21 accesses the imaging cartridge 22 via the interface 21h. That is, the CPU 21c drives the imaging unit 22a based on the program and data stored in the ROM 22b, and generates imaging data by a predetermined process. If the generated image data is stored in the backup memory 22c, the image data can be used in other portable game devices.

  For example, when the operator operates the operation switch 21a, predetermined processing is performed on the image data (for example, face image data) of the subject imaged by the imaging unit 22a, and the processed image data is stored in the backup RAM 22c. . This image data can be used as texture data to be pasted on the face portion of the character image. Further, by the operation of the operation switch 21a by the operator, the characteristics of the subject, in this embodiment, “sex”, “body shape”, “personality”, and “age” are determined, and the corresponding data (subject (Feature data) is stored in the RAM 22c in association with the image data. The image data (face image data) and subject feature data obtained in this way can be transmitted to the stationary game apparatus 11 via the connection cable 16 by the operator operating the operation switch 21a.

  FIG. 3 is a memory map 30 of the RAM 11 b provided in the stationary game apparatus 11. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, the RAM 11 b is divided into a program storage area 32 and a data storage area 34. The program storage area 32 stores a three-dimensional image generation program (32a to 32g) and a three-dimensional image display program (32h). The three-dimensional image generation program includes an object generation program 32a, an animation selection program 32b, a camera processing program 32c, a camera control program 32d, a screen switching control program 32e, a two-dimensional image generation program 32f, and a screen switching data update program 32g. .

  The object generation program 32a is a program for generating an object that exists in a virtual three-dimensional space using object image data (see FIG. 4). The animation selection program 32b is a program for selecting animation data (see FIG. 4) prepared in advance. The camera processing program 32c reads the identification information of the camera pattern stored corresponding to the screen switching timing at the screen switching timing included in the animation data, and the gazing point information set in the camera pattern indicated by the read identification information The camera control program 32d is set so as to control (viewpoint control) a virtual camera (not shown) according to the gazing point indicated by the camera control information and the camera operation program.

  Here, the gazing point information is a pointer indicating a storage area in which designation data indicating a gazing point of a subject to be photographed by the virtual camera, that is, an object existing in the three-dimensional virtual space is stored, and the camera control information is a camera operation. It is a pointer indicating a storage area in which designation data indicating a program is stored. Note that the gaze point and the camera operation program will be described later in detail.

  The camera control program 32d is a program for controlling camera operations (virtual camera operations) in accordance with the gazing point and camera control set by the camera processing program 32c. In this embodiment, the camera control program 32d includes a first camera operation program 322, a second camera operation program 324,. Here, the camera operation program is a program for controlling the operation of the virtual camera, and controls at least one of the orientation, zoom (zoom in / zoom out) and rotation (left rotation, right rotation) of the virtual camera. It is a program. Therefore, the camera control program 32d is an operation according to the camera operation program set by the camera processing program 32c, and performs viewpoint control of the virtual camera so that the virtual camera faces the gazing point set by the camera processing program 32c. is there.

  The screen switching control program 32e is a program for switching images according to screen switching data (see FIG. 4) at the screen switching timing (switching control position) included in the animation data selected by the animation selection program 32b. The two-dimensional image generation program 32f is a program for converting (projecting) a three-dimensional image obtained by viewing the three-dimensional virtual space from the viewpoint. That is, it is a program for generating an image obtained by photographing a three-dimensional virtual space with a virtual camera.

  When the display of the animation according to the animation data ends and the display of the animation is repeated, the screen switching data update program 32g indicates the content of the screen switching data storage area 48, that is, the gaze point instruction included in the screen switching data storage area 48. This is a program for randomly updating the contents of the data storage area 48a (see FIG. 4) and the camera control instruction data storage area 48b (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the identification information of the gazing point data stored for each group in the gazing point instruction data storage area 48a is rearranged at random in each group, and the camera control instruction data storage area 48b for each group. The identification information of the stored camera operation program is rearranged randomly within each group. The image display program 32h is a program for displaying on the CRT 14 a two-dimensional image generated according to the two-dimensional image generation program 32f.

  FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing specific contents of the data storage area 34 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, a data storage area 34 includes a gazing point data storage area 40, an object image data storage area 42, an animation sequence data storage area 44, a camera pattern data storage area 46, a screen switching data storage area 48, and others. Data storage area 50.

  The gazing point data storage area 40 stores first gazing point data 40a, second gazing point data 40b,. These gazing point data are, for example, characters (objects) such as human characters and animation characters existing in the three-dimensional virtual space, and coordinates (3) regarding the gazing point set at a desired position with respect to the desired object. (Dimensional coordinates) data (hereinafter referred to as “coordinate data”).

  For example, the gaze point can be set at the head of a character (object), but is not limited to this, and can be set at a different position for each object. In addition, only one gaze point is not set for a desired object. For example, for one person (object), different gaze point data may be set for the head, torso, left arm, right arm, and the like. Good.

  The object image data storage area 42 stores first object data 42a, second object data 42b,. Each object data includes polygon data and texture data for generating an image of the object. For example, the first object data 42 a is composed of polygon data 420 and texture data 422. The second object data 42b is composed of polygon data 424 and texture data 426. However, each polygon data is data for a plurality of polygons, and each texture data is data for a plurality of textures.

  The animation sequence data storage area 44 stores first animation data 44a, second animation data 44b,. The animation data is data for causing each object existing in the three-dimensional space to perform an operation intended by the developer or creator of the three-dimensional image generation program. For example, in a three-dimensional virtual space assuming a live venue, it is possible to perform an operation such as causing one or a plurality of objects to play a musical instrument or sing a song. Also, in a 3D virtual space assuming a park, one or more objects can be played with playground equipment (such as swings, horizontal bars, slides, etc.), or multiple objects can be brought together to play a game. . That is, the animation data is data for executing an animation for one or a plurality of objects. The animation data stores screen switching timing for designating timing for generating (switching) the screen. As described above, the screen switching timing is used to identify camera pattern data (pattern data). Information (label) is stored.

  The camera pattern data storage area 46 stores pattern α data 46a, pattern β data 46b,. The pattern data is a pointer for designating gaze point data and a camera control program included in the screen switching data storage area 48, and is fixedly determined. The identification information (label) of the pattern data is stored (recorded) corresponding to the above-described animation data screen switching timing. Therefore, at the screen switching timing, the gazing point data and the camera control program indicated by the pattern data corresponding to the screen switching timing are read out, and the virtual camera is controlled accordingly. More specifically, the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program stored at the address indicated by the pointer included in the pattern data are read out from the screen switching data storage area 48 described later, and the identification information indicated by each identification information is indicated. The viewpoint data and camera operation program are set. The operation of the virtual camera is controlled according to the set camera operation program, and is controlled so as to face the gazing point indicated by the set gazing point data. In this way, the operation of the virtual camera is controlled (viewpoint control).

  The screen switching data storage area 48 is an area for storing data for screen generation or screen switching (screen switching data), and further includes a gaze point instruction data storage area 48a and a camera control instruction data storage area 48b. The gazing point data storage area 48a stores identification information for specifying (instructing) gazing point data, and the camera control program storage area 48b stores identification information for specifying (instructing) a camera operation program. In this embodiment, a plurality of pieces of identification information of the gazing point data and identification information of the camera operation program are prepared, and are grouped according to a collection intended by the developer or creator of the image generation program.

  In FIG. 4, the object name and the name of the camera operation program are described as identification information for convenience of explanation.

  For example, in the gazing point instruction data storage area 48a, as group A, the identification information of the first object (for example, the first gazing point data) is stored at the address indicated by the pointer PA-1, and the address indicated by the pointer PA-2 is set. The identification information of the fourth object (for example, the fourth gazing point data, which is omitted in FIG. 4) is stored. Similarly, in the gazing point instruction data storage area 48a, as group B, the identification information of the nth object (for example, the nth gazing point data, which is omitted in FIG. 4) at the address indicated by the pointer PB-1. Is stored, and identification information of the second object (for example, second gazing point data) is stored at the address indicated by the pointer PB-2.

  Although a plurality of instruction data is described in each group in FIG. 4, the instruction data in the group may be one (in this case, the same instruction data is selected every time), while the instruction data is As the number increases, the elements of the instruction data to be rearranged increase, so that more random animations can be displayed.

  In the camera control instruction data storage area 48b, as group A, the identification information of the first camera operation program is stored at the address indicated by the pointer CA-1, and the second camera operation program is identified at the address indicated by the pointer CA-2. Information is stored. Similarly, in the camera control instruction data storage area 48b, as group B, identification information of the nth camera operation program (omitted in FIG. 3) is stored at the address indicated by the pointer CB-1, and indicated by the pointer CB-2. Identification information of the fifth camera operation program (omitted in FIG. 3) is stored in the address.

  Note that at least two or more identification information of the camera operation program is stored in each group, similarly to the identification information of the gazing point data.

  The other data storage area 50 is an area used for temporarily storing data and flags generated by the execution of the image generation program and the image display program.

  FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a screen (animation image) displayed on the CRT 14. In FIG. 5, the face of the person A (for example, the first object) existing in the center of the screen of the CRT 14 is the face of the person B (for example, the second object) and the person C (for example, the third object) that exist on the left and right. It is displayed larger than the face. When displaying such a screen, for example, the gaze point is the person A, that is, the first object. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 6, the first to third objects are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the first object is arranged at a position closer to the virtual camera than the second object and the third object. Further, it is assumed that the virtual camera is rotated left by a predetermined angle from the position indicated by the dotted line to the position indicated by the solid line. Therefore, in this case, at the screen switching timing, it is understood that the gazing point data of the first object is selected according to the camera pattern data, and the camera operation program for rotating the virtual camera to the left is selected.

  In FIG. 5, since a moving image cannot be displayed, the screen after the virtual camera is operated is shown as shown in FIG.

  7 is an illustrative view showing a specific example of the screen switching data storage area 48 (screen switching data) shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is a time series according to certain animation data based on the screen switching data shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view for explaining change (switching) of the screen display of the CRT 14 with respect to (image generation sequence).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the label of the camera pattern α (pattern α) is stored at the switching control position α. In this camera pattern α, as shown in FIG. 4, a pointer PA-1 is set as gazing point information, and a pointer CA-1 is set as camera operation information. Therefore, here, the identification information of the object (gaze point data) stored at the address indicated by the pointer PA-1 is acquired, and the identification information of the camera operation program stored at the address indicated by the pointer CA-1 is acquired. .

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, for easy understanding, it is assumed that the name of the person object is stored as the identification information of the gazing point data, and the name of the camera operation is the identification information of the camera operation program. It is as being memorized. Therefore, according to the camera pattern α, as shown in FIG. 7, “KEIKO” is acquired as the identification information of the gazing point data, and “ZOOM IN” is acquired as the identification information of the camera control program. In accordance with the acquired contents (gazing point and camera operation program), the viewpoint of the virtual camera is controlled, and as shown in the upper right part of FIG. Is displayed.

  In FIG. 8, since a moving image cannot be displayed, the screen after the camera operation is controlled is shown. The same applies hereinafter.

  Next, the label of the camera pattern β is stored at the switching control position β shown in FIG. In this camera pattern β, as shown in FIG. 4, a pointer PB-1 is set as gazing point information, and a pointer CA-1 is set as camera operation information. Therefore, here, the identification information of the object (gaze point data) stored at the address indicated by the pointer PB-1 is acquired, and the identification information of the camera operation program stored at the address indicated by the pointer CA-1 is acquired. . Therefore, according to the camera pattern β, as shown in FIG. 7, “Takashi” is acquired as the identification information of the gazing point data, and “Zoom in” is acquired as the identification information of the camera operation program. In accordance with the acquired contents (gaze point and camera operation program), the viewpoint of the virtual camera is controlled, and the “Takashi” face is gradually enlarged (zoomed) on the CRT 14 as shown in the middle right part of FIG. Is displayed.

  In addition, since the same pointer CA-1 can be designated in the camera pattern α and the camera pattern β in this way, it is possible to reflect the intention of the producer to intentionally perform the same camera operation at the switching control position. it can.

  Further, at the switching control position γ shown in FIG. 8, the label of the camera pattern γ is stored. In this camera pattern γ, although omitted in FIG. 4, a pointer PA-2 is set as gazing point information, and a pointer CC-1 is set as camera operation information. Therefore, here, the identification information of the object (gaze point data) stored corresponding to the address indicated by the pointer PA-2 is acquired, and the identification information of the camera operation program stored at the address indicated by the pointer CC-1 is obtained. To be acquired. Therefore, according to the camera pattern γ, as shown in FIG. 7, “Noriko” is acquired as the identification information of the gazing point data, and “right rotation” is acquired as the identification information of the camera operation program. The viewpoint of the virtual camera is controlled according to the acquired contents (gaze point and camera operation program), and as shown in the lower right part of FIG. 8, the virtual camera is rotated to the right while photographing the face of “Noriko”. A screen is displayed on the CRT 14.

  In this way, the screen display is changed according to the animation data. However, since the camera pattern is fixed, if no care is taken, the same video will be displayed many times if the screen display is repeated according to the same animation data. Will also be displayed. For example, when such a screen display is applied to a game, the same image is displayed in the same scene, the user or player gets bored with the video, and further, the interest in the game itself has declined. There is a risk.

  In order to avoid this, in this embodiment, when the screen display sequence according to the same animation data is repeated, the contents of the screen switching data storage area 48 are updated immediately before the next sequence is started. However, in order to display the screen reflecting the intention of the developer and creator of the screen generation program, the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program are grouped and are randomly identified within each group. The information is rearranged. In this respect, the group of identification information of the gazing point data can be said to be a group of desired subjects to be displayed at a certain time, and the group of identification information of the camera operation program is a group of camera operations necessary for a desired effect. It can be said.

  A specific description will be given below. FIG. 9A shows an example of screen switching data (screen switching data storage area 48) used for the first reproduction (screen display) according to certain animation data, and FIG. 9B shows the second time according to the animation data. The example of the screen switching data used for reproduction | regeneration of this is shown. As described above, the screen switching data shown in FIG. 9B is displayed in the screen switching data shown in FIG. 9A prior to starting the second playback according to the animation data after the first playback according to the animation data is completed. The contents (screen switching data storage area 48) of the screen switching data shown in FIG.

  Although illustration is omitted, the contents of the screen switching data are also updated in the third and subsequent reproductions just before the reproduction is repeated.

  Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the contents of the gazing point instruction data storage area 48a and the camera control instruction data storage area 48b are compared between the first reproduction and the second reproduction, It can be seen that the identification information within is sorted. This is because the identification information is rearranged randomly. That is, in this embodiment, “randomly rearrange” means that the identification information is rearranged so that a gaze point and a camera operation program different from the previous time (before rearrangement) are selected.

  When screen display (reproduction) is performed using the screen switching data (screen switching data storage area 48) as shown in FIG. 9A, a camera corresponding to the screen switching control timing as shown in FIG. The screen display changes according to the pattern. However, since the screen switching data shown in FIG. 9A is the same as the screen switching data shown in FIG. 7, when the screen is displayed according to the same animation data as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, the screen display is performed as in the case shown in FIG. Since the detailed content of the screen display in this case has already been described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a duplicate description is omitted.

  When playback is performed using the screen switching data as shown in FIG. 9B, the screen display is changed as shown in FIG. However, FIG. 10B shows the second playback, and is executed according to the same animation data after the first playback shown in FIG. That is, in order to follow the same animation data, the labels of the camera patterns stored corresponding to the switching control positions α, β, γ are the same. However, as described above, since the content of the screen switching data is updated, a different screen (video) is displayed.

  Specifically, in the second playback, the label of the camera pattern α is stored at the switching control position α, and as described above, the pointer PA-1 is set as gazing point information for the camera pattern α. The pointer CA-1 is set as camera operation information. According to this camera pattern α, as shown in FIG. 9B, “NORIKO” stored at the address indicated by the pointer PA-1 is acquired, and “ZOOM OUT” stored at the address indicated by the pointer CA-1 is acquired. Is acquired. Accordingly, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 10B, the virtual camera is zoomed out so that the face of “Noriko” becomes gradually smaller.

  Further, the label of the camera pattern β is stored at the switching control position β. As described above, the pointer PB-1 is set as the gazing point information and the pointer CA− is set as the camera operation information. 1 is set. According to this camera pattern β, as shown in FIG. 9B, “Akira” stored at the address indicated by the pointer PB-1 is acquired, and “Zoom out” stored at the address indicated by the pointer CA-1 is acquired. Is acquired. Therefore, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 10B, the virtual camera is zoomed out so that the face (whole body) of “Akira” gradually becomes smaller.

  Further, the label of the camera pattern γ is stored at the switching control position γ. As described above, the pointer PA-2 is set as the gazing point information and the pointer CC− is set as the camera control information in the camera pattern γ. 1 is set. According to this camera pattern γ, as shown in FIG. 9B, “Keiko” stored at the address indicated by the pointer PA-2 is acquired, and “left rotation” stored at the address indicated by the pointer CC-1 is acquired. Is acquired. Therefore, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 10B, the virtual camera is rotated counterclockwise so that the face of “Keiko” is photographed from the left.

  In FIGS. 10A and 10B, since a moving image cannot be expressed, a screen after camera control is shown.

  As described above, even when the screen (video) is repeatedly displayed according to the same animation data, the screen switching data (screen switching data storage area 48) is updated every time the time is different. The display can be avoided. However, as described above, since the contents of the screen switching data are rearranged randomly, the same screen may be displayed in the previous and current times at a certain screen switching timing. Since it is different as a whole, the user will not get bored even if it is reproduced repeatedly.

  Specifically, the CPU 11a shown in FIG. 2 executes screen generation / display processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 11, when starting the process, CPU 11a executes an initial setting in step S1. For example, a menu screen is displayed to allow a user to select a situation (for example, a live house or a park) for determining animation data, or to select a person (object) appearing in the situation. Further, after the selection of the situation and the characters is completed, a start menu for selecting whether to start animation display (screen display) is displayed.

  In the next step S3, it is determined whether or not to display an animation. That is, it is determined whether or not the start of animation display is selected in the start menu. If the start of animation display is not selected, “NO” is determined in the step S3, and the process returns to the step S1 as it is. However, if the start of animation display is selected, an animation is selected in step S5. That is, animation data corresponding to the situation selected in the initial setting is selected from the animation sequence data storage area 44 provided in the data storage area 34 of the RAM 11b.

  Subsequently, in step S7, an animation process (see FIGS. 12 and 13), which will be described later, is executed. In step S9, it is determined whether or not to end the screen generation / display process. That is, in this step S9, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the end of the animation display. If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if the animation display is not finished, the process returns to the step S1 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S9, that is, if the animation display is ended, the image generation / display processing is ended.

  Although illustration is omitted, when animation display is started, an image captured by the virtual camera is displayed on the CRT 14.

  12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the animation process in step S7 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, when the CPU 11a starts the animation process, the CPU 11a performs the initial setting of the animation in step S21. Here, for example, the initial arrangement position of the character selected by the user is set. That is, the position coordinates corresponding to the initial arrangement positions of the characters are stored in the gazing point data storage area 40 of the data storage area 34. Thereafter, the position coordinates of each character, that is, each object are updated according to the animation data.

  In the next step S23, the animation data selected in step S5 shown in FIG. 11 is read. In step S25, the camera pattern α indicated by the label stored corresponding to the switching control position α is read out. In this embodiment, as described above, the pointer PA-1 is set as the gazing point information and the pointer CA-1 is set as the camera control information in the camera pattern α (see FIG. 4). That is, in step S25, these pointers are read out. The same applies hereinafter.

  In the next step S27, the actual gazing point is specified from the gazing point information (pointer PA-1) designated by the camera pattern α. That is, the gaze point data, that is, the coordinate data is acquired from the gaze point data storage area 40 based on the identification information of the object (gaze point data) stored at the address indicated by the pointer PA-1. Next, in step S29, viewpoint control is performed on the actual gazing point specified by the camera pattern α according to the camera control program corresponding to the camera operation information (pointer CA-1) specified by the camera pattern α. Therefore, as described above, in the first reproduction, the screen is displayed so that “KEIKO” is gradually enlarged.

  Subsequently, in step S31, the animation data is read out, and in step S33, the camera pattern β is read out. As described above, in the camera pattern β, the pointer PB-1 is set as the gazing point information, the pointer CA-1 is set as the camera operation information, and these pointers are read out.

  In the next step S35, the actual gazing point is specified from the gazing point information (PB-1) designated by the camera pattern β. Since the gaze point is identified in the same manner as in step S27 described above, a duplicate description is omitted. Subsequently, in step S37, viewpoint control is performed on the actual gazing point specified by the camera pattern β according to the actual camera control program corresponding to the camera operation control information (CA-1) specified by the camera pattern β. Therefore, as described above, in the first playback, the “Takashi” face is displayed on the screen so that it gradually becomes larger.

  As shown in FIG. 13, subsequent to step S37, the animation data is read and the viewpoint control is performed in accordance with the camera pattern stored in the animation data. The number of stored camera patterns (screen switching positions) (strictly speaking, The same number of times as the total number of camera patterns-3) is performed as described above. In step S39, animation data is read out, and in step S41, the final camera pattern is read out. Next, in step S43, the actual gazing point is specified from the gazing point information specified by the final camera pattern. In step S45, the final gazing point is determined according to the actual camera control program corresponding to the camera operation information specified by the final camera pattern. The viewpoint control is performed on the actual gazing point specified by the camera pattern.

  In step S47, it is determined whether to repeat the animation. That is, it is determined whether to continue screen display according to the animation data. Here, if “NO”, that is, if the animation is not repeated, the animation processing is returned as it is. On the other hand, if “YES”, that is, if the animation is repeated, in step S49, the identification information of the gazing point information and the camera operation information is randomly rearranged for each group, and the process returns to step S21 shown in FIG. .

  Although illustration is omitted, the operation of the object existing in the three-dimensional virtual space is controlled according to the animation data. Further, the video (image) captured by the virtual camera is displayed on the CRT 14 as a two-dimensional image after the viewpoint is converted. Therefore, an image obtained by viewpoint control can be displayed on the CRT 14.

  According to this embodiment, when the animation is repeated, the contents of the screen switching data between the gazing point information and the camera control information are updated, so that the same animation can be prevented from being displayed. In other words, a screen display that does not bore the user is possible.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program grouped for the purpose of the developer or creator of the image generation program are only rearranged within each group. It is possible to generate an image rich in change while reflecting the intention of the person or the like.

  Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the point of gaze is set based on the arrangement position of the object, it is possible to easily reflect the intention of the creator of the animation.

  In this embodiment, the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program are grouped, and when the screen display according to the animation data is repeated, both identification information is randomly rearranged within each group. However, even if any one of the identification information is rearranged, a different video can be displayed every time the times are different.

  Further, in this embodiment, in order to select a different gazing point and camera operation program each time, the identification information is rearranged at random. However, at all switching control positions, different gazing points and cameras are not necessarily arranged. If the creator does not intend to select a control program, the identification information may be shuffled. That is, the arrangement of part of identification information (within a certain group) may be the same before and after shuffling.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the image generation apparatus and the image generation program are applied to a stationary game apparatus has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a portable game apparatus or other apparatus (equipment) having an image generation function. It is.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of an image processing system including a stationary game apparatus to which the image generating apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a memory map of a RAM provided in the stationary game apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing a specific example of a data storage area included in the memory map shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of a display screen of the CRT shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view for explaining the arrangement of objects in the virtual three-dimensional space and the operation of the virtual camera when the display screen shown in FIG. 5 is output. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a specific example of the screen switching data storage area shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an illustrative view for explaining a change in screen display according to certain animation data based on the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program stored in the screen switching data storage area of FIG. . FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing an example of a screen switching data storage area in the first reproduction and the second reproduction. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing an example of screen display when the identification information of the gazing point data and the identification information of the camera operation program stored in the screen switching data storage area shown in FIG. 9 is used. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing screen generation / display processing of the CPU of the stationary game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a part of the animation processing of the CPU of the stationary game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another part of the animation process following the flowchart shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image processing system 11 ... Stationary type game device 12 ... Controller 13 ... External storage medium for stationary type game devices 14 ... CRT
20 ... Portable game device 21a ... Operation switch 21b ... LCD monitor 22a ... Imaging unit

Claims (7)

A three-dimensional image generation device that generates a virtual three-dimensional image,
Display means for displaying images,
Gazing point data storage means for storing a plurality of gazing point data;
Camera control program storage means for storing a plurality of camera control programs for controlling a virtual camera that captures an image when viewed from a viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the gazing point data ,
Camera control means for controlling the virtual camera according to the camera control program;
3D image data storage means for storing 3D image data for generating the virtual 3D image;
Image generation sequence storage means for storing the generation timing of the virtual three-dimensional image in time series;
A designation data storage means for storing designation data for designating a plurality of sets of any one of the gazing point data and any one of the camera control programs in time series according to the image generation sequence;
Virtual three-dimensional image generation means for generating the virtual three-dimensional image at the generation timing stored in the image generation sequence storage means using the three-dimensional image data stored in the image data storage means;
2D image display control means for taking a virtual 3D image generated by the virtual 3D image generation means by the virtual camera whose viewpoint is controlled according to the designated data, and displaying the taken image on the display means; And a virtual three-dimensional image generation device comprising specified data update means for updating the contents of the specified data storage means at random each time the image generation sequence is repeated. The specified data storage means includes gazing point group data storage means for storing gazing point instruction data respectively indicating a plurality of gazing point data for each desired group,
The three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated data updating unit rearranges the gazing point instruction data stored for each group in the gazing point group data storage unit at random within each group. The designation data storage means includes camera control group data storage means for storing camera control instruction data indicating each of a plurality of camera control programs for each desired group,
3. The three-dimensional image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated data update unit rearranges the camera control instruction data stored in each group in the camera control group data storage unit at random within each group. The image data storage means stores object data for generating one or more objects composed of a plurality of polygons,
The three-dimensional image generation device according to claim 1, wherein the gazing point data is set based on an arrangement position of the object in the virtual three-dimensional space. Display means for displaying an image; gazing point data storage means for storing a plurality of gazing point data; camera control program storage means for storing a plurality of camera control programs for controlling the virtual camera; Image generation sequence storage means for storing generation timing in time series, and designation data for specifying a plurality of sets of any one of the gazing point data and any one of the camera control programs in time series in accordance with the image generation sequence A three-dimensional image generation program for a three-dimensional image generation apparatus, comprising: stored designation data storage means; and image data storage means for storing three-dimensional image data for generating a virtual three-dimensional image,
In the processor of the three-dimensional image generation device,
A camera control step of controlling the virtual camera according to the camera control program based on the gazing point data in a virtual three-dimensional space;
A virtual three-dimensional image generation step of generating a virtual three-dimensional image at a generation timing stored in the image generation sequence storage unit using the three-dimensional image data stored in the image data storage unit;
A two-dimensional image display control step of photographing the virtual three-dimensional image generated by the virtual three-dimensional image generation step by the virtual camera whose viewpoint is controlled according to the designated data, and displaying the photographed image on the display means; And a three-dimensional image generation program that executes a specified data update step of updating the contents of the specified data storage means at random each time the image generation sequence is repeated. The specified data storage means includes gazing point group data storage means for storing gazing point instruction data respectively indicating a plurality of gazing point data for each desired group,
6. The three-dimensional image generation program according to claim 5, wherein the designated data update step rearranges the gazing point instruction data stored for each group in the gazing point group data storage means at random within each group. The designated data storage means further includes camera control group data storage means for storing camera control instruction data respectively indicating a plurality of virtual camera control programs for each desired group,
The three-dimensional image generation program according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the designated data update step rearranges the camera control instruction data stored in the camera control group data storage means at random within each group.

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