HK1105601A - Video generation device, load display method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Description

Image generating device, load display method, recording medium, and program

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image generating device, a load display method, a recording medium, and a program suitable for easily grasping the behavior of a virtual vehicle by appropriately visualizing a load according to a traveling condition.

Background

Currently, game devices for business use or home use are widely spread. Such a game device can play a racing game based on a vehicle such as a car, for example.

Such a racing game is generally a game in which a user (player) operates a controller or the like to drive a virtual vehicle (e.g., an F1 racing car or a commercially available car) traveling in a virtual space to a predetermined target point, and the user races the other vehicles with the arrival timing or the required time.

Further, there is disclosed a technique of a racing game apparatus in which even a user who is not skilled in game operation can play a racing game by a relatively simple operation (for example, see patent document 1).

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. H11-114222 (pages 2 to 3, FIG. 1)

However, in the conventional game devices for entertaining the racing game, the player often cannot sufficiently grasp the behavior of the virtual vehicle.

That is, in a real vehicle, a driver or the like experiences a backward load or a forward load due to the inertial force during acceleration, deceleration, or the like. Further, when a vehicle turns around a curve or the like, a load in the opposite direction to the turning direction is applied by the centrifugal force. By such a load, the driver or the like can easily grasp the behavior or the traveling condition of the vehicle.

In contrast, in the player of the racing game, there is a problem that the user cannot sufficiently grasp the behavior of the virtual vehicle because the player does not feel any load from the displayed video.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generating apparatus, a load display method, a recording medium, and a program for realizing these by a computer, which can easily grasp the behavior of a virtual vehicle by appropriately visualizing a load according to a display situation.

An image generating apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an operation input receiving unit, a front image generating unit, a tire image generating unit, and a display control unit, and is configured as follows.

First, the operation input receiving unit receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space. The front image generation unit generates a front image (such as a driver's view) of the virtual vehicle that travels in accordance with the received operation input.

The tire image generating unit generates tire images having different shapes according to the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle. The display control unit combines and displays the generated front image and the tire image.

Thus, the shape of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle, and the user is exposed to the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

The tire image generating unit may generate the tire image of the plane having the different vertical or horizontal width according to the load.

For example, the tire image generating unit increases the vertical width of the left and right front wheels when the running condition is deceleration, and increases the lateral width of the right and left front and rear wheels when the running condition is left/right cornering.

That is, since the vertical width or horizontal width of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition, the user feels the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

An image generating apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an image information storage unit, an operation input receiving unit, a driving condition management unit, a front image generating unit, a load calculating unit, a tire image generating unit, and a display control unit, and is configured as follows.

First, the image information storage unit stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space. The operation input receiving unit receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in the virtual space. The running state management unit manages the running state of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input. The forward image generating unit generates a forward image (for example, a driver's view) of the virtual vehicle based on the stored image information and the managed traveling situation.

The load calculation unit calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle based on the managed running condition. Further, the tire image generating unit generates tire images having different shapes according to the calculated load. The display control unit combines the generated front image and the tire image and displays the combined image.

Thus, the shape of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle, and the user is exposed to the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

Further, the load calculating unit may calculate a load applied to the virtual vehicle by an inertial force when the running condition is acceleration or deceleration, calculate a load applied to the virtual vehicle by a centrifugal force when the running condition is cornering, and generate the tire image of the plane having a different vertical or horizontal width according to the calculated load.

For example, the tire image generating unit increases the vertical width of the left and right front wheels when the running condition is deceleration, and increases the horizontal width of the right and left front and rear wheels when the running condition is left/right cornering.

That is, since the vertical width or horizontal width of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition, the user is exposed to the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

Further, the tire image processing apparatus may further include a mask image generating unit that generates mask images having different shapes in accordance with the load, and the display control unit may combine the generated front image and the mask image and then combine the tire image.

In this case, the display form of the front screen changes according to the load based on the traveling condition, and the user can experience the load from the front screen.

A load display method according to a third aspect of the present invention is a load display method using an image information storage unit (storing image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space), and includes an operation input receiving step, a front image generating step, a tire image generating step, and a display control step, and is configured as follows.

First, in the operation input reception step, an operation input is received for a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space. In the front image generating step, a front image (for example, the driver's view) of the virtual vehicle traveling in accordance with the received operation input is generated based on the stored image information.

Further, the tire image generating step generates tire images having different shapes in accordance with the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle. And a display control step of combining the generated front image and the tire image with a predetermined display device and displaying the combined image.

Thus, the shape of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle, and the user is exposed to the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

A load display method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a load display method using an image information storage unit (storing image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space), and includes an operation input receiving step, a running condition managing step, a front image generating step, a load calculating step, a tire image generating step, and a display control step, and is configured as follows.

First, in the operation input reception step, an operation input is received for a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space. In the running state managing step, the running state of the virtual vehicle is managed based on the received operation input. Then, in the front image generating step, a front image (for example, the driver's view) of the virtual vehicle is generated based on the stored image information and the managed traveling situation.

In the load calculation step, the load applied to the virtual vehicle is calculated based on the managed running condition. In the tire image generation step, tire images having different shapes are generated in accordance with the calculated load. In the display control step, the generated front image and the tire image are synthesized and displayed.

Thus, the shape of the tire image changes according to the load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle, and the user is exposed to the load applied to the virtual vehicle from the tire image. As a result, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer (including a game device) to function as the image generating device.

The program can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical magnetic disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, or a semiconductor memory.

The program can be distributed/sold via a computer communication network independently of a computer executing the program. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a typical game device outline configuration of an image generating device for realizing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of an image generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an example of information managed by the traveling condition management unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an example of information managed by the traveling condition management unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a view field image drawn by the image generating unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 5A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tire image drawn by the tire drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tire image drawn by the tire drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 5C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tire image drawn by the tire drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 5D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tire image drawn by the tire drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 5E is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tire image drawn by the tire drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a display area and a tire tread area arranged in a frame buffer;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image in which a field image and a tire image are synthesized;

fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of a load display process executed in the image generating apparatus;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image generating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 11A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mask image drawn by a mask drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 11B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mask image drawn by the mask drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 11C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mask image drawn by the mask drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 11D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mask image drawn by the mask drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

fig. 11E is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mask image drawn by the mask drawing unit of the image generating apparatus;

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

FIG. 12C is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display image;

description of the reference symbols

100 game device

101CPU

102ROM

103RAM

104 interface

105 controller

106 external memory

107DVD-ROM drive

108 image processing unit

109 sound processing unit

110NIC

200 image generating apparatus

201 operation input accepting unit

202 image information storage unit

203 running state management unit

204 image generating unit

205 load calculation unit

206 tire drawing unit

207 frame buffer

208 display control unit

Detailed Description

(embodiment mode 1)

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a typical game device configuration for realizing an image generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings.

The game device 100 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (random access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external Memory 106, a DVD (Digital Versatile disc) -ROM drive 107, an image Processing Unit 108, a sound Processing Unit 109, and an NIC (network interface Card) 110.

The DVD-ROM storing the game program and data is mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the power of the game device 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the image generating apparatus of the present embodiment.

The CPU101 controls the overall operation of the game device 100, and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data.

The ROM102 stores an IPL (Initial program loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when the program is executed, the program stored in the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM103 and the execution by the CPU101 is started. Further, the ROM102 stores a program of an operating system and various data necessary for controlling the operation of the entire game device 100.

The RAM103 is a device for temporarily storing data or programs, and stores programs or data read from the DVD-ROM and data necessary for the progress of other games or chat communications.

The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed by a user during game execution.

Data indicating the progress status of the game, data of a log (record) of chat communication, and the like are stored in a rewritable manner in the external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104. The user makes an instruction input via the controller 105, and thus, these data can be appropriately stored on the external memory 106.

A program for realizing a game and image data and audio data accompanying the game are stored in the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107. Under the control of the CPU101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process of the DVD-ROM mounted thereon, reads a necessary program or data, and temporarily stores them in the RAM103 or the like.

The image processing unit 108 processes data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU101 or an image calculation processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and stores the processed data in a frame memory (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108. The image information stored in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. This enables various image displays.

The image calculation processor can perform a high-speed superimposition calculation of two-dimensional images, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations.

Further, the calculation of obtaining a rendering image looking down at the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined viewpoint position by rendering (rendering) the polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information by the Z buffer method can also be performed at high speed.

Further, the character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image to the frame memory or drawn to each polygonal surface in accordance with font information defining the shape of the character by the coordinated operation of the CPU101 and the image calculation processor. Font information is stored on the ROM102, but dedicated font information stored on the DVD-ROM may also be utilized.

The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected to the audio signal. Further, under the control of the CPU101, effect sounds or music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sounds corresponding to these are output from the speaker.

The NIC110 is a device for connecting the game device 100 to a computer communication Network (not shown) such as the internet, and is configured by a device conforming to the 10BASE-T/100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network), an analog modem for connecting to the internet by a telephone Line, an ISDN (Integrated Services digital Network) modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric digital subscriber Line) modem, a cable modem for connecting to the internet by a cable television Line, and the like, and an interface (not shown) as an intermediate medium between them and the CPU 101.

The game device 100 may be configured to use a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk to realize the same functions as the ROM102, the RAM103, the external memory 106, and the DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107.

Further, a mode of connection with a keyboard for accepting an edit input of a character string from a user, a mouse for accepting designation of various positions and a selection input, or the like may be employed.

Note that a general computer (a general-purpose personal computer or the like) may be used instead of the game device 100 of the present embodiment. For example, a general computer includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, a DVD-ROM drive, and a NIC, as in the game device 100, an image processing device having a function simpler than that of the game device 100, a hard disk as an external storage device, and a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, or the like. In addition, not only the controller but also a keyboard, a mouse, or the like can be used as an input device.

(outline Structure of image generating apparatus)

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image generating apparatus according to the present embodiment, and the following description will be made with reference to this diagram.

The image generating apparatus 200 includes an operation input receiving unit 201, an image information storage unit 202, a running condition management unit 203, an image generating unit 204, a load calculating unit 205, a tire drawing unit 206, a frame buffer 207, and a display control unit 208.

The image generating apparatus 200 is, for example, an image generating apparatus that is applied to a racing game such as a racing car that runs on a track in a virtual space.

First, the operation input receiving unit 201 receives an operation input to a racing car (virtual vehicle) running on a track in a virtual space.

For example, the operation input receiving unit 201 receives operation inputs such as a brake operation, an accelerator operation, a steering operation, and a shift operation required for running a racing car.

The controller 105 also has a function as an operation input receiving unit 201.

The image information storage unit 202 stores image information defining a landscape image or the like including a travel route of a track in a virtual space. The image information storage unit 202 also stores image information specifying a plurality of racing cars including a racing car operated by the user.

The DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107, the external memory 106, and the like have functions as the image information storage unit 202.

The running state management unit 203 manages the running state of the racing car operated by the user and the running state of the other racing cars.

For example, the running condition management unit 203 manages information defining the running conditions shown in fig. 3A and 3B.

The information shown in fig. 3A is updated as appropriate in accordance with various operation information sent from the operation input receiving unit 201. That is, the running state of the racing car operated by the user is managed by the information of fig. 3A.

The information shown in fig. 3B is automatically updated according to a predetermined logic or parameter. That is, the running state of the other racing car which automatically runs is managed by the information of fig. 3B.

The running condition management unit 203 also manages contact and collision between racing cars based on the information shown in fig. 3A and 3B.

The CPU101 also has a function as the running condition management unit 203.

The image generating unit 204 generates an image (image of the traveling direction) of the front of the racing car operated by the user based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit 202 and the traveling situation managed by the traveling situation management unit 203.

Specifically, the image generating unit 204 draws a view image (driver view) shown in fig. 4 viewed from the driver seat of the racing car to the outside of the car. The generated view image is written in a display area of a frame buffer 207 described later.

The image processing unit 108 also has a function as the image generating unit 204.

The load calculation unit 205 calculates the load applied to the racing car (more specifically, two tires of each of the front wheel and the rear wheel) operated by the user based on the running condition managed by the running condition management unit 203.

For example, when the managed running condition is acceleration or deceleration, the load calculation unit 205 calculates the load in the front-rear direction and the magnitude thereof due to the inertial force or the like. Specifically, the load calculation unit 205 calculates the direction of the load in the opposite direction to the direction of the acceleration, and calculates the magnitude of the load by multiplying the weight of the racing car by the acceleration (see, for example, equation 1). The weight of a racing car varies depending on the type and installation of the car, and the like, and varies depending on the fuel consumption state (when the gasoline is full to when the gasoline is reduced) based on the number of running turns and the like.

(formula 1)

f＝mα

f: load weight

m: weight of racing car

α: acceleration of a vehicle

Further, the load calculation unit 205 calculates the load in the left-right direction and the magnitude thereof due to the centrifugal force when the managed running condition is turning. Specifically, the load calculation unit 205 calculates a turning radius from a steering angle or the like, calculates a direction of the load in a direction toward the center of the arc, calculates an angular velocity from the velocity and the turning radius, and calculates a magnitude of the load by multiplying the weight of the racing car by the square of the angular velocity (for example, refer to equation 2).

(formula 2)

f＝mα＝mrω²

f: load weight

m: weight of racing car

α: acceleration of a vehicle

r: radius of turning

ω: angular velocity

The CPU101 also functions as the load calculation unit 205.

The tire drawing unit 206 generates tire images having different shapes based on the load (direction and magnitude) calculated by the load calculation unit 205.

For example, the tire drawing unit 206 generates the tire images of the planes having different shapes as shown in fig. 5A to 5E. The tire image is a pattern of a contact surface with a running path during running.

First, the tire image of fig. 5A is an example generated when the load is equally applied to the 4 tires (T1 to T4) on the front and rear wheels (during constant-speed running or the like). The tire image in fig. 5B is an example generated when a load acts on the left and right front wheels (T1, T2) (during deceleration due to braking or during sudden stop).

The tire image in fig. 5C is an example generated when a load acts on the right front and rear wheels (T1, T3) (during a left turn). The tire image in fig. 5D is an example generated when a load acts on the left front and rear wheels (T2, T4) (during a right turn).

The tire image of fig. 5E is an example of a case where a load acts in the vertical direction (vertical direction) (when the vehicle travels on a gravel road).

That is, when the load acts in the front direction, the tire drawing unit 206 generates a tire image of the vertical width of the left and right front wheels, as shown in fig. 5B.

Further, when a load acts in the right direction, as shown in fig. 5C, a tire image is generated in which the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is reduced and the lateral width of the right front and rear wheels is extended, and conversely, when a load acts in the left direction, as shown in fig. 5D, a tire image is generated in which the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is extended and the lateral width of the right front and rear wheels is reduced.

The image processing unit 108 also functions as the tire drawing unit 206.

Frame buffer 207 is configured by a two-dimensional array memory of a predetermined capacity, and, for example, as shown in fig. 6, a display area a1, a tire drawing area a2, and the like are set.

The display area a1 is an area in which the sight field image (driver's sight field) generated by the image generation unit 204 is written.

The tire drawing area a2 is an area in which the tire image generated by the tire drawing unit 206 is written.

In addition, the frame memory of the image processor 108 has a function as the frame buffer 207.

The display controller 208 appropriately combines the view field image stored in the display area a1 of the frame buffer 207 and the tire image stored in the tire drawing area a2, converts the combined image into a predetermined image signal, and displays the image signal on an external monitor or the like.

For example, when the field of view image shown in fig. 4 is written in the display area a1 and the tire image shown in fig. 5A is written in the tire drawing area a2, the display controller 208 generates a display image in which the tire images are combined at four corners of the field of view image as shown in fig. 7.

The display control unit 208 converts the display image thus generated into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing, and supplies the video signal to an external monitor or the like.

The image processing unit 108 also functions as the display control unit 208.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of the load display process executed in the image generating apparatus 200. Next, description will be made with reference to this drawing. The load display processing is started together with the progress of a racing game, for example, when the racing game is executed.

First, when the racing game is started (step S301), the image generating apparatus 200 receives an operation input and updates the running state of the racing car (step S302).

That is, when the operation input receiving unit 201 receives an acceleration operation, a brake operation, a steering operation, a shift operation, and the like performed by the user, the running condition management unit 203 updates the running condition (the current position, the running direction, the speed, and the like) according to the operation.

The image generating apparatus 200 draws a view image in the frame buffer 207 (step S303).

That is, the image generating unit 204 generates a visual field image (driver visual field) based on the image information stored in the image information storage unit 202 and the driving situation managed by the driving situation manager 203. Then, the rendered field-of-view image is written to the display area a1 of the frame buffer 207.

The image generating apparatus 200 calculates the load based on the running state (step S304).

That is, the load calculation unit 205 calculates the load (direction and magnitude) of the racing car operated by the user based on the running condition managed by the running condition management unit 203.

For example, when the managed running condition is acceleration or deceleration, the load calculation unit 205 calculates the load in the front-rear direction due to the inertial force and the magnitude thereof. Further, when the managed running condition is turning, the load in the left-right direction and the magnitude thereof due to the centrifugal force are calculated.

The image generation device 200 draws a tire image based on the calculated load (step S305).

That is, the tire drawing unit 206 generates a tire image of a plane with a deformed vertical or horizontal width based on the load (direction and magnitude) calculated by the load calculation unit 205. Then, the generated tire image is written in the tire drawing area of the frame buffer 207.

The image generating apparatus 200 displays an image based on the frame buffer 207 (step S306).

That is, the display controller 208 appropriately combines the view field image stored in the display area a1 of the frame buffer 207 and the tire image stored in the tire drawing area a2, converts the combined image into a predetermined image signal, and displays the image signal on an external monitor or the like.

For example, when a racing car operated by the user turns left on a curve, as shown in fig. 9A, a tire image in which the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is narrowed and the lateral width of the right front and rear wheels is widened is displayed together with the visual field image. Then, a centrifugal force is generated along with the left turn, and a state in which a load is applied to the right by the centrifugal force is shown.

That is, the user can feel the load in the right direction (horizontal G) by narrowing the left tire width and widening the right tire width.

In contrast, when the racing car turns right on a curve, as shown in fig. 9B, a tire image in which the lateral width of the right front and rear wheels is narrowed and the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is lengthened is displayed together with the visual field image.

That is, the user can feel the load in the left direction (lateral G) by narrowing the lateral width of the right tire and widening the lateral width of the left tire.

In addition, when the racing car brakes suddenly on the track, as shown in fig. 9C, the vertically elongated tire images of the left and right front wheels are displayed together with the visual field image. In this way, the inertial force is generated in accordance with the deceleration caused by the braking, and the inertial force causes a state in which a load is applied forward.

That is, the user can feel the load in the forward direction by stretching the front tire.

Then, the image generation apparatus 200 determines whether the game has ended (step S307).

When determining that the game has not ended, the image generating apparatus 200 returns to the process of step S302 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S302 to S307.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the game is ended, the image generating apparatus 200 ends the load display process.

In this way, in the present embodiment, by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped.

(other embodiments)

In the above embodiment, the description has been given only of the case where the load is visualized by the tire image, but the load may be visualized by synthesizing the visual field image by masking the visual field image with the mask image, or by making the peripheral portion of the visual field image translucent.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention in which a mask image is provided in the peripheral portion of a field image and a load is visualized appropriately will be described.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image generating apparatus according to another embodiment.

The image generation apparatus 400 includes: an operation input receiving unit 201, an image information storage unit 202, a running condition management unit 203, an image generation unit 204, a load calculation unit 205, a mask drawing unit 401, a tire drawing unit 206, a frame buffer 207, and a display control unit 208.

That is, the image generating apparatus 200 shown in fig. 2 is provided with a mask drawing unit 401.

The mask drawing unit 401 generates a frame-shaped mask image for masking the visual field image generated by the image generation unit 204. At this time, mask images having different shapes are generated based on the load (direction and magnitude) calculated by the load calculation unit 205. The generated mask image is then written to the frame buffer 207.

For example, the mask drawing unit 401 generates a square mask image having different sizes or arrangement positions as shown in fig. 11A to 11E.

First, the mask image of fig. 11A is an example generated when a load is applied rearward (during constant-speed travel). The mask image in fig. 11B is an example generated when a load is applied forward (during deceleration or sudden stop due to braking).

The mask image in fig. 11C is an example generated when a load is applied in the right direction (during left turn). Fig. 11D shows an example of the load generated when the load is applied to the left (during a right turn).

Fig. 11E shows an example of the generation of a mask image in a case where a load is applied in a vertical direction (vertical direction) (e.g., when the vehicle travels on a gravel road).

That is, the mask drawing unit 401 generates a mask image in which the widths of the four sides increase as shown in fig. 11A when a load is applied rearward, and conversely generates a mask image in which the widths of the four sides decrease as shown in fig. 11B when a load is applied forward.

In addition, when a load is applied to the right, a mask image in which the left width is narrowed and the right width is increased as shown in fig. 11C is generated, and conversely, when a load is applied to the left, a mask image in which the left width is increased and the right width is narrowed as shown in fig. 11D is generated.

The image processing unit 108 also functions as the mask drawing unit 401.

The display control unit 208 synthesizes the mask image generated by the mask drawing unit 401 and the visual field image generated by the image generation unit 204, and makes the peripheral portion of the visual field image translucent. In addition, instead of making the peripheral portion translucent, the peripheral portion may be colored with the same color or may be blurred.

The display control unit 208 synthesizes the tire image generated by the tire drawing unit 206 with the view field image in which the peripheral portion is made translucent or the like.

This makes it possible to display the image illustrated in fig. 12 on an external monitor or the like.

First, fig. 12A shows an image of a case where the racing car manipulated by the user turns left on a curve. That is, the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is narrowed, the tire image in which the lateral width of the right front and rear wheels is widened is displayed, and the visual field image in which the display position is shifted to the left is displayed. This shows that a centrifugal force is generated accompanying a left turn, which causes a state in which a load is applied to the right.

Thus, by moving the display position in the left direction, the user can relatively feel that the right load (lateral G) is applied to the user and the head moves in the right direction.

Fig. 12B is an image showing a case where the racing car turns right on a curve. That is, the lateral width of the right front and rear wheel is narrowed, and a tire image in which the lateral width of the left front and rear wheels is widened is displayed, and a visual field image in which the display position is moved rightward is displayed. This shows that a centrifugal force is generated accompanying a right turn, which causes a state in which a load is applied toward the left.

Thus, by moving the display position to the right, the user can relatively feel that the left load is applied to the user and the head moves to the left.

Fig. 12C is an image showing a situation where the racing car brakes suddenly on the track. That is, the tire image with a long width of the left and right front wheels is displayed, and the visual field image with an enlarged display range is displayed. This shows that an inertial force is generated along with deceleration of the brake, and the inertial force causes a state in which a load is applied toward the front.

Thus, the user can relatively feel that the load in front is applied to the user and the head moves forward by enlarging the display range.

In this way, in the other embodiment, by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the tire image is synthesized at the four corners of the visual field image and displayed has been described, but the synthesis position of the tire image may be arbitrary without being limited to the four corners of the visual field image.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the shape of the tire image is changed in accordance with the calculated load, but the color or the like may be changed in accordance with the load.

For example, the load may be changed to red as the load that the tire can grip approaches, thereby informing the user of the critical load that the rotation is generated.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the racing car as an example of the virtual vehicle, but the present invention is applicable to any vehicle having tires.

For example, in the case of a motorcycle that runs in a virtual space, two tire images are displayed, and the center lines as auxiliary lines are also simultaneously displayed. Then, during cornering, a tire image is generated and displayed in which the front and rear wheels are shifted to one of the left and right from the center line and the lateral width is extended, thereby indicating the load on one of the left and right sides.

Thus, even when the vehicle is applied to a motorcycle or the like, the behavior of the virtual vehicle can be easily grasped by appropriately visualizing the load according to the running condition.

In addition, the present application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2004-257260, which claims priority, and the contents of the basic application are incorporated in their entirety into the present application.

Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided an image generating device, a load display method, a recording medium, and a program, which are suitable for visualizing a load according to a traveling situation appropriately, thereby making it easy to grasp the behavior of a virtual vehicle.

Claims (11)

1. An image generation device is characterized by comprising:

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle that travels in accordance with the received operation input;

a tire image generation unit that generates tire images having different shapes according to a load based on a running condition of the virtual vehicle; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

2. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1,

the tire image generating unit generates a tire image of a plane having a different vertical width or horizontal width according to the load.

3. An image generation device is characterized by comprising:

an image information storage unit that stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space;

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a running state management unit that manages the running state of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle based on the stored image information and the managed travel situation;

a load calculation unit that calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle based on the managed running condition;

a tire image generating unit for generating tire images having different shapes according to the calculated load; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

4. The image generating apparatus according to claim 3,

the load calculation unit calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle by an inertial force when the running condition is acceleration or deceleration, calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle by a centrifugal force when the running condition is cornering,

the tire image generating unit generates a tire image of a plane having a different vertical width or horizontal width according to the calculated load.

5. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1,

further comprises a mask image generating section for generating mask images having different shapes according to the load,

the display control unit combines the generated front image and the mask image, and then combines the tire images.

6. A load display method using an image information storage unit that stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space, the load display method comprising:

an operation input reception step of receiving an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a front image generation step of generating a front image of the virtual vehicle traveling in accordance with the received operation input, based on the stored image information;

a tire image generation step of generating tire images having different shapes in accordance with a load based on the running condition of the virtual vehicle; and

and a display control step of combining the generated front image and the tire image on a predetermined display device and displaying the combined image.

7. A load display method using an image information storage unit that stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space, the load display method comprising:

an operation input reception step of receiving an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a running state management step of managing the running state of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input;

a front image generation step of generating a front image of the virtual vehicle based on the stored image information and the managed traveling condition;

a load calculation step of calculating a load applied to the virtual vehicle based on the managed running condition;

a tire image generation step of generating tire images having different shapes in accordance with the calculated load; and

and a display control step of combining and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

8. A recording medium storing a program, characterized in that,

the program causes the computer to function as:

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle that travels in accordance with the received operation input;

a tire image generation unit that generates tire images having different shapes according to a load based on a running condition of the virtual vehicle; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

9. A recording medium storing a program, characterized in that,

the program causes the computer to function as:

an image information storage unit that stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space;

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a running state management unit that manages the running state of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle based on the stored image information and the managed travel situation;

a load calculation unit that calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle based on the managed running condition;

a tire image generating unit for generating tire images having different shapes according to the calculated load; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

10. A program, characterized in that,

the program causes the computer to function as:

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle that travels in accordance with the received operation input;

a tire image generation unit that generates tire images having different shapes according to a load based on a running condition of the virtual vehicle; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.

11. A program, characterized in that,

the program causes the computer to function as:

an image information storage unit that stores image information including a landscape image arranged in a virtual space;

an operation input receiving unit that receives an operation input to a virtual vehicle traveling in a virtual space;

a running state management unit that manages the running state of the virtual vehicle based on the received operation input;

a front image generation unit that generates a front image of the virtual vehicle based on the stored image information and the managed travel situation;

a load calculation unit that calculates a load applied to the virtual vehicle based on the managed running condition;

a tire image generating unit for generating tire images having different shapes according to the calculated load; and

and a display control unit for synthesizing and displaying the generated front image and the tire image.