JP4530326B2 - Image generation system and information storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image generation system and an information storage medium.
[0002]
[Background Art and Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
Conventionally, a game system that generates an image that can be seen from a given viewpoint in an object space that is a virtual three-dimensional space is known, and is popular as a device that can experience so-called virtual reality.
[0003]
Now, in such a game system, it is an important technical problem to generate a more realistic image in order to improve the player's virtual reality. Here, since the effect of light is important for generating a more realistic image, the light source processing corresponding to the image to be expressed is performed to more realistically express the three-dimensional effect and texture of the object.
[0004]
For example, the spherical object in FIG. 1A is an example of an image that has been subjected to glow shading with a light source in the upper left direction. In this method, the sphere is approximated by a polygon, and the luminance calculation is performed by taking into account the light source in the upper left direction at each vertex of the polygon, and each point in the polygon is drawn by obtaining the luminance by complement processing.
[0005]
When it is desired to express more intense light reflection, an image in which a highlight is generated on a part of the surface of the spherical object is generated as shown in FIG. If the luminance value by specular reflection is calculated for each point in the sphere object, the calculation load becomes enormous. For example, environment mapping is performed to express the highlight as shown in FIG.
[0006]
In such a light source processing method, the intensity of reflection is expressed by changing the size and brightness of the highlight in the object. However, it was not possible to express how the object was shining as if the object itself was emitting light due to strong reflection.
[0007]
In both cases, FIGS. 1A and 1B require a light source calculation at the apex of the sphere object and the calculation load is large.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation system and an information storage capable of expressing a strong highlight effect caused by light reflection on an object with a small calculation load. May provide media.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(1) The present invention is an image generation system for generating an image,
Means for determining an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating an image of a highlight generated in the object by reflection of light based on a reflection point of light on the surface of the object;
Means for arranging a highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object;
It is characterized by including.
(2) The image generation system of the present invention includes:
At least one point on the object is defined as a reflection point in advance, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the arrangement position of the highlight effect object is determined based on the reflection point, and the highlight effect image overlaps the object An image is generated.
(3) The present invention provides a computer,
Means for determining an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating an image of a highlight generated in the object by reflection of light based on a reflection point of light on the surface of the object;
Means for arranging a highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object;
It is a computer-readable information storage medium that records a program for functioning as a computer.
(4) The information storage medium of the present invention is
At least one point on the object is defined as a reflection point in advance, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the arrangement position of the highlight effect object is determined based on the reflection point, and the highlight effect image overlaps the object An image is generated.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present embodiment is a game system for generating an image, and based on a reflection point of light on the surface of the object, an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating a highlight image generated in the object by reflection of light And a means for arranging a highlight effect object at the decided arrangement position and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object.
[0011]
The reflection point of light on the surface of the object may be calculated by a predetermined algorithm, or may be a point set in advance as a reflection point.
[0012]
Here, the highlight effect object may be formed of a polygon object, a free-form surface, a sprite, or another method.
[0013]
Further, the coordinates of the reflection point may be given along with the object, or a predetermined point in space may be given. Further, it may be given in three-dimensional coordinates or in two-dimensional coordinates.
[0014]
For example, in the case of a polygon object, the three-dimensional coordinates of the reflection point may be set as the arrangement position. In the case of a sprite, a two-dimensional coordinate obtained by converting the reflection point into a screen coordinate system may be used as the arrangement position.
[0015]
According to the present embodiment, the highlight effect object is provided separately from the object that reflects light. And, by placing the highlight effect object on the object that reflects light, to express the reflection of light, generate an image that shines as if the object itself is emitting light beyond the drawing area of the object can do.
[0016]
Further, since light source calculation at the vertex of the object is not necessary, an image in which light is reflected can be realized with a small calculation load.
[0017]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a game system and an information storage medium that can express a strong highlight effect caused by reflection of light on an object with a small calculation load.
[0018]
The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment are characterized in that an image in which a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image and overlaps is generated.
[0019]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate an image in which the highlight effect image protrudes from the object. Therefore, strong light reflection on the surface of the object can be expressed.
[0020]
The present embodiment is a game system that performs image generation, and in the case of expressing strong light reflection on the surface of an object, an object image in which a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image and overlaps Means for generating a highlight effect image is included.
[0021]
The information storage medium according to the present embodiment is an information storage medium that can be used by a computer, and includes a program for executing the above means. The program according to the present embodiment is a program that can be used by a computer (including a program embodied in a carrier wave), and includes a processing routine for executing the above means.
[0022]
In addition, the game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment define at least one point on the object as a reflection point in advance, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the placement of the highlight effect object based on the reflection point A position is determined, and an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object is generated.
[0023]
The highlight set point is preferably set according to the shape and properties of the object. The predetermined condition may be, for example, a case where the reflection point, the light source, and the viewpoint have a predetermined positional relationship, or a case where a reflection timing is set and coincides with the timing.
[0024]
In this way, the light source calculation for setting the reflection point is not necessary, so that it is possible to reduce the calculation impossibility. Moreover, since reflection is performed when a preset reflection point satisfies a predetermined condition, the reflection of light can be expressed in a pseudo manner in a mode suitable for the game conditions.
[0025]
The game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present embodiment add a highlight effect image based on the means for calculating the intensity of reflected light of the object according to a predetermined algorithm and the intensity of the reflected light. Means for determining at least one of presence / absence, brightness of a highlight effect image, and size of a highlight effect image.
[0026]
According to the present embodiment, since at least one of the presence / absence of addition of the highlight effect image, the brightness of the highlight effect image, and the size of the highlight effect image is determined based on the intensity of the reflected light, The expression of light is not monotonous, and a reflection image rich in variety can be generated.
[0027]
Further, the game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment generate an image in which presence / absence of addition of a highlight effect image to an object changes according to a change in the intensity of the reflected light. To do.
[0028]
According to the present embodiment, an object is highlighted or not depending on the change in the intensity of the reflected light, which is effective in expressing the change in the intensity of the reflected light.
[0029]
In addition, the game system, the information storage medium, and the program according to the present embodiment are images in which at least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image that overlaps the object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light. Is generated.
[0030]
According to the present embodiment, when at least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image that overlaps the object changes according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light, the change in the intensity of the reflected light is expressed. It is effective for.
[0031]
The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment generate an image of an object in which a lens flare image overlaps with a highlight effect image.
[0032]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate an image of an object in which a lens flare image overlaps with a highlight effect image, which is effective when expressing strong reflected light.
[0033]
In addition, the game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment can control the intensity of the reflected light based on the angle formed by the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the ray vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point and the line-of-sight vector. It is characterized by calculating.
[0034]
The case where the intensity of the reflected light is calculated based on the angle formed by the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the line-of-sight vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point and the ray vector is also included in the scope of the present embodiment.
[0035]
For example, when the light source is a point light source, the light vector incident on the reflection point may be a vector having a direction connecting the point light source and the reflection point with the reflection point as a viewpoint. Further, for example, when the light source is a parallel light source, a vector having a parallel ray direction with the reflection point as the viewpoint can be set as a light vector.
[0036]
The reflection vector of the light vector can be obtained, for example, by reflecting the light vector about the normal line set at the reflection point.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, the closer the angle formed between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is to 0, the stronger the reflected light can be expressed. In general, the closer the angle between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is to 0, the stronger the specular reflection becomes. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to express highlights by specular reflection reflecting the light source, the reflection point, and the viewpoint position.
[0038]
In addition, the game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment determine at least one of the reflection point and the intensity of reflected light at the reflection point based on the luminance value obtained when the light source calculation of the object is performed. It is characterized by that.
[0039]
In general, luminance is obtained when an object is shaded. In the present embodiment, this is used to determine at least one of the reflection point and the intensity of reflected light at the reflection point. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform a new calculation to determine the reflection point and the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point, so that a highlight effect image corresponding to the reflected light is generated at an optimal position without increasing the calculation load. can do.
[0040]
In addition, the game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment allow a highlight effect image in which highlights at each reflection point are integrated to overlap an object when a plurality of reflection points are close to each other. It is characterized by.
[0041]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to display a highlight having a natural shape in an area including adjacent reflection points, as compared with a case where a highlight effect image is individually set for each point.
[0042]
The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment are characterized in that an image in which a flare is applied to a reflection area of an object is generated as a highlight effect image that overlaps the reflection area.
[0043]
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate a highlight effect image having a shape corresponding to the reflection area.
[0044]
The game system, information storage medium, and program according to the present embodiment are
The reflection position specifying information is embedded in the texture mapped to the highlight effect object.
[0045]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0046]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a block diagram of the present embodiment. In this figure, the present embodiment only needs to include at least the processing unit 100, and the other blocks can be arbitrary constituent elements.
[0047]
Here, the processing unit 100 performs various processes such as control of the entire system, instruction instruction to each block in the system, game processing, image processing, sound processing, and the like. , DSP, etc.) or ASIC (gate array, etc.) or a given program (game program).
[0048]
The operation unit 160 is used by the player to input operation data, and the function can be realized by hardware such as a lever, a button, and a housing.
[0049]
The storage unit 170 serves as a work area such as the processing unit 100 or the communication unit 196, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a RAM.
[0050]
An information storage medium (storage medium usable by a computer) 180 stores information such as programs and data, and functions thereof are an optical disk (CD, DVD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a magnetic disk, and a hard disk. It can be realized by hardware such as a magnetic tape or a memory (ROM). The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present invention (this embodiment) based on information stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) (particularly, the blocks included in the processing unit 100).
[0051]
Part or all of the information stored in the information storage medium 180 is transferred to the storage unit 170 when the system is powered on. Information stored in the information storage medium 180 includes program code, image data, sound data, display object shape data, table data, list data, and data for instructing the processing of the present invention. It includes at least one of information, information for performing processing according to the instruction, and the like.
[0052]
The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function thereof can be realized by hardware such as a CRT, LCD, or HMD (head mounted display).
[0053]
The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by hardware such as a speaker.
[0054]
The save information storage device 194 stores player's personal data (save data), and the save information storage device 194 may be a memory card or a portable game device.
[0055]
The communication unit 196 performs various controls for communicating with the outside (for example, a host device or other game system), and functions thereof are various processors, hardware such as a communication ASIC, It can be realized by a program.
[0056]
The program or data for executing the means of the present invention (this embodiment) may be distributed from the information storage medium of the host device (server) to the information storage medium 180 via the network and the communication unit 196. Good. Use of such an information storage medium of the host device (server) is also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0057]
The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 110, an image generation unit 130, and a sound generation unit 150.
[0058]
Here, the game processing unit 110 receives a coin (price) reception process, various mode setting processes, a game progress process, a selection screen setting process, the position and rotation angle (X, Processing to obtain the rotation angle around the Y or Z axis), processing to move the object (motion processing), processing to obtain the viewpoint position (virtual camera position) and line-of-sight angle (virtual camera rotation angle), objects such as map objects Various games such as processing for placing a game in the object space, hit check processing, processing for calculating game results (results, results), processing for multiple players to play in a common game space, or game over processing The processing includes operation data from the operation unit 160, personal data from the save information storage device 194, Carried out on the basis of such as the over-time program.
[0059]
The highlight effect processing unit 120 determines an arrangement position of the highlight effect object for generating a highlight image generated in the object due to the reflection of light based on the reflection point of the light on the surface of the object, and is determined A process of arranging the highlight effect object at the arrangement position is performed.
[0060]
Here, it is preferable to arrange the highlight effect object so that a part of the highlight effect image protrudes from the object image and generates an overlapped image.
[0061]
Further, at least one point on the object may be defined as a reflection point in advance, and the arrangement position of the highlight effect object may be determined based on the reflection point when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
[0062]
The intensity of reflected light of the object is calculated according to a predetermined algorithm, and based on the calculated intensity of reflected light, whether or not a highlight effect image is added, the brightness of the highlight effect image, the size of the highlight effect image You may make it determine at least one of these.
[0063]
Whether or not a highlight effect image is added to the object may be changed according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light.
[0064]
At least one of the brightness and the size of the highlight effect image overlapping the object may be changed according to the change in the intensity of the reflected light.
[0065]
The lens flare image may overlap the object together with the highlight effect image.
[0066]
The intensity of the reflected light may be calculated based on the angle formed by the reflection vector obtained by reflecting the ray vector based on the normal vector at the reflection point and the line-of-sight vector.
[0067]
At least one of the reflection point and the intensity of the reflected light at the reflection point may be determined based on the luminance value obtained when the light source calculation of the object is performed.
[0068]
When there are a plurality of reflection points close to each other, a highlight effect image obtained by integrating highlights at the reflection points may be overlapped with the object.
[0069]
Processing necessary to generate an image with a flare in the reflection area of the object as a highlight effect image may be performed.
[0070]
The image generation unit 130 performs various types of image processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, for example, generates an image that can be seen from a virtual camera (viewpoint) in the object space, and outputs the generated image to the display unit 190. In addition, the sound generation unit 150 performs various types of sound processing in accordance with instructions from the game processing unit 110, generates sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and voices, and outputs them to the sound output unit 192.
[0071]
Note that all of the functions of the game processing unit 110, the image generation unit 130, and the sound generation unit 150 may be realized by hardware, or all of them may be realized by a program. Alternatively, it may be realized by both hardware and a program.
[0072]
The game processing unit 110 includes a movement / motion calculation unit 112.
[0073]
Here, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 calculates movement information (position data, rotation angle data) and movement information (position data of each part of the object, rotation angle data) of an object such as a car. Based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a game program, or the like, a process of moving or moving an object is performed.
[0074]
More specifically, the movement / motion calculation unit 112 performs processing for obtaining the position and rotation angle of the object every frame (1/60 seconds), for example. For example, the position of the object in the (k-1) frame is PMk-1, the speed is VMk-1, the acceleration is AMk-1, and the time of one frame is Δt. Then, the position PMk and speed VMk of the object in the k frame are obtained, for example, by the following equations (1) and (2).
[0075]
PMk = PMk-1 + VMk-1 * .DELTA.t (1)
VMk = VMk-1 + AMk-1 * .DELTA.t (2)
The image generation unit 130 includes a geometry processing unit 132 and a drawing unit 134.
[0076]
Here, the geometry processing unit 132 performs various types of geometry processing (three-dimensional calculation) such as coordinate transformation, clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source calculation. Then, the object data (shape data such as vertex coordinates of the object, vertex texture coordinates, luminance data, etc.) after geometry processing (after perspective transformation) is stored in the main memory 172 of the storage unit 170.
[0077]
The drawing unit 134 performs processing for drawing the object (model) after the geometry processing in the frame buffer 174.
[0078]
Note that the game system of the present embodiment may be a system dedicated to the single player mode in which only one player can play, and not only such a single player mode but also a multiplayer mode in which a plurality of players can play. A system may be provided.
[0079]
Further, when a plurality of players play, game images and game sounds to be provided to the plurality of players may be generated using one terminal, or connected via a network (transmission line, communication line) or the like. Alternatively, it may be generated using a plurality of terminals.
[0080]
FIG. 3 is an example of a spherical object image in which the highlight effect images overlap in the present embodiment.
[0081]
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, it is possible to generate an image in which a part of the highlight effect image 10 protrudes from the spherical object image and overlaps.
[0082]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to express a state where the object itself is shining as if it is emitting light, and thus it is possible to express strong light reflection on the surface of the object.
[0083]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a generation example of a highlight effect image when a plate polygon is used as a highlight effect object.
[0084]
As shown in the figure, the reflection point 220 of light on the surface of the spherical object 210 arranged in the viewpoint coordinate system (three-dimensional space) is determined as the arrangement position of the plate polygon 230, and the plate polygon 230 is arranged. Here, for example, the reflection point 220 may be set in advance to a point where reflection is desired or a point where reflection is likely to occur. Further, based on the viewpoint position and the light source position, a point where specular reflection is most likely to occur may be calculated in real time and set as a reflection point.
[0085]
Then, by drawing the sphere object and the plate polygon using the method of generating a three-dimensional image, it is possible to generate an image of the sphere object in which the highlight effect images overlap as shown in FIG.
[0086]
According to the method of this embodiment, after the plate polygon for generating the highlight effect image is arranged at the reflection point, it is only necessary to perform normal three-dimensional image generation. That is, if a reflection point is given, light source calculation at the vertex of the sphere object or the like is not required after that, so that light reflection can be expressed with a small calculation load.
[0087]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a generation example of a highlight effect image when a sprite is used as a highlight effect object.
[0088]
As shown in the drawing, the arrangement position of the sprite 280 is determined at the light reflection point 270 on the image 260 of the spherical object drawn in the drawing area (two-dimensional space) 250, and the sprite 280 is arranged.
[0089]
Here, when the reflection point is given, for example, in a three-dimensional manner, this is coordinate-converted into a screen coordinate system to obtain a light reflection point 270 on the drawing area.
[0090]
As shown in the figure, by drawing a sprite 280 that maps textures for a highlight effect image in an overlapping manner with a sphere object image 260, a sphere object with a highlight as shown in FIG. An image can be generated.
[0091]
According to the method of the present embodiment, it is only necessary to arrange the sprite for generating the highlight effect image at the reflection point, and it is not necessary to perform light source calculation at the vertex of the spherical object. For this reason, the reflection of light can be expressed without increasing the calculation load.
[0092]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for obtaining the intensity of reflection at a light reflection point in the present embodiment.
[0093]
Reference numeral 320 denotes a reflection point given on the spherical object 310, and the light source 340 is assumed to be a point light source. A normal vector 350 is set at the reflection point 320.
[0094]
Since the light source 340 is a point light source, a vector having a reflection point 320 as a starting point and a direction connecting the reflection point 320 and the light source 340 as a direction is referred to as a light vector 370. Then, the reflection vector 360 is obtained by reflecting the ray vector 370 with the normal (normal vector 350) set at the reflection point 320 as an axis.
[0095]
A vector having the reflection point 320 as a starting point and the direction connecting the reflection point 320 and the viewpoint 330 as the direction is defined as a line-of-sight vector 380.
[0096]
In the present embodiment, the intensity of the reflected light is set to increase as the angle formed by the reflection vector 360 and the line-of-sight vector 380 is closer to zero.
[0097]
Even in the real world, specular reflection becomes stronger as the angle between the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is closer to zero. Therefore, by setting in this way, highlights by specular reflection reflecting the positions of the light source 340, the reflection point 320, and the viewpoint 330 can be expressed.
[0098]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a reflection point setting method.
[0099]
For example, when an image of a fighter object as shown in FIG. 7 is generated, the glass window portion is the portion where the light reflection is most likely to occur in the fighter aircraft.
[0100]
Therefore, for example, a glass window portion is set as the reflection region 450, and a plurality of reflection points 460 are set in the reflection region. For example, the highlight effect image may be set when the reflection intensity at the reflection point reaches a predetermined value.
[0101]
In this way, by estimating the reflective area where specular reflection is most likely to occur based on the material and shape of the object, and setting the reflection point there to generate a highlight effect image, it is possible to easily create a realistic reflected image in a pseudo manner Can be generated.
[0102]
Further, for example, an area of a glass window may be set as a reflection area, and an image with a flare on the reflection area may be generated as a highlight effect image that overlaps the reflection area.
[0103]
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining changes in the highlight effect image according to the intensity of the reflected light.
[0104]
8A shows a case where the reflected light is weak, FIG. 8B shows a case where the reflected light is strong, and FIG. 8C shows a case where the reflected light is very strong.
[0105]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the size and brightness of the highlight effect image are increased as the reflected light becomes stronger.
[0106]
For example, a plurality of sprites for generating highlight effect images of different sizes are prepared, and the optimum sprite is selected according to the intensity of reflected light obtained by the method of FIG. An image may be generated.
[0107]
By changing the size or the like of the highlight effect image in this way, it is possible to simulate the appearance of the reflected light becoming stronger.
[0108]
Further, in the present embodiment, when the reflected light becomes stronger, as shown in FIG. 8C, an image of the object that overlaps the lens flare image together with the highlight effect image is generated.
[0109]
As a result, it is possible to simulate a state in which the reflected light is very strong.
[0110]
FIG. 9 is an example of a highlight effect image in which highlight effect images at a plurality of reflection points are integrated.
[0111]
In this embodiment, when a plurality of adjacent points 410 and 420 are set as reflection points, a highlight effect image in which highlight effect images set at the respective reflection points are integrated as shown in 430 is generated. Is done.
[0112]
By doing so, it is possible to generate a highlight effect image having a more natural shape as compared with the case where a highlight effect image is individually set for each point.
[0113]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which highlight effect images overlap.
[0114]
First, when generating model information, a reflection point is set for the object, and the reflection point information is prepared as model information (step S10). Here, a plurality of reflection points may be set. The reflection point may be set to a point where specular reflection is likely to occur, for example, from the shape or material of the object.
[0115]
As reflection point information, for example, coordinates P (X, Y, Z) of the reflection point, normal vectors at the reflection point, highlight attributes (type, pow, c), and the like are set. Here, type is a sprite type and indicates a sprite type used to generate a highlight effect image. pow is the highlight intensity, and is used as a coefficient when calculating the highlight size and brightness of the highlight effect image. Further, c is a threshold value of θ for determining whether or not a highlight effect image is generated at the reflection point.
[0116]
Next, in the image generation process, the processes in steps S20 to S90 are repeated until the process is completed for all the reflection points set in step S10.
[0117]
That is, first, a ray vector is obtained with the reflection point as the start point and the direction connecting the reflection point and the light source as the direction (step S20, see 370 in FIG. 6).
[0118]
A reflection vector is obtained by reflecting the ray vector around the normal vector set as the reflection point information at the reflection point (see step S30, 360 in FIG. 6).
[0119]
Further, a line-of-sight vector 380 is obtained as a vector having the reflection point as the start point and the direction connecting the reflection point and the viewpoint as the direction (see step S40, 380 in FIG. 6).
[0120]
Then, an angle θ formed by the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector is obtained (step S50).
[0121]
When θ is equal to or smaller than the threshold set in the reflection point information, the highlight size and brightness of the highlight effect image are based on the value of θ and the highlight intensity set as the reflection point information at the reflection point. Is calculated (steps S60 and S70).
[0122]
A sprite for generating a highlight effect image having the calculated size and brightness is set as a reflection point (step S80).
[0123]
If the above processing has not been completed for all the set reflection points, the processing of steps S20 to S90 is performed for the next reflection point, and if the above processing has been completed for all the set reflection points, the processing is performed. Exit.
[0124]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which highlight effect images according to a curved line (two points) equation are overlapped.
[0125]
First, when generating model information, a reflection region R connecting two reflection points (P0, P1) to an object is set, and reflection region information is prepared as model information (step S110). Here, a plurality of reflection regions may be set. For example, an area where specular reflection is likely to occur may be set based on the shape or material of the object.
[0126]
As the reflection area information, the normal vector (n0, n1) of the reflection point (P0, P1), the highlight attribute (sprite type, intensity, threshold value), etc. are set. Here, the two normal vectors (n0, n1) are set so as not to be parallel.
[0127]
Next, in the image generation process, the processes in steps S120 to S160 are repeated until the process is completed for all the reflection areas set in step S110.
[0128]
First, the reflection point Pt at which the angle θ formed by the reflection vector reflecting the ray vector in the reflection region R and the line-of-sight vector is minimized is calculated (step S120).
[0129]
That is, θ is determined for each point on the reflection region R by the same method as in steps S20 to S50 in FIG. Here, each point on the reflection region R is regarded as a point on a continuous curve sandwiched by (P0, P1), and is calculated assuming a continuous value in the range of the normal vector (n0 to n1) of each point. To do.
[0130]
When θ is equal to or less than the threshold set in the reflection area information, the highlight size and brightness of the highlight effect image based on the value of θ and the highlight intensity set as the reflection point information at the reflection point. Is calculated (steps S130 and S140).
[0131]
A sprite for generating a highlight effect image having the calculated size and brightness is set as the reflection point Pt (step S150). The shape of the highlight in this case is preferably a shape integrally formed along a line connecting two points as shown in FIG. 9, for example.
[0132]
If the above processing has not been completed for all the set reflection areas, the processing of steps S120 to S160 is performed for the next reflection area, and if the above processing has been completed for all the set reflection areas, the processing is performed. Exit.
[0133]
By setting a reflection region R surrounded by three reflection points (P0, P1, P2) on the object, an image of the object in which the highlight effect image by the curved surface (three points) equation is overlapped may be generated. it can. Here, the normal vectors (n0, n1, n3) of (P0, P1, P2) are set so as not to be parallel to each other.
[0134]
In the case of the curved surface (three points) equation, in step S120 of FIG. 11, among the reflection region R surrounded by the three reflection points (P0, P1, P2), the reflection vector and the line-of-sight vector reflected by the light vector are reflected. The reflection point Pt that minimizes the angle θ formed may be calculated. Here, the normal vector of each point may be obtained by regarding the reflection region R as a smooth curved surface surrounded by (P0, P1, P2).
[0135]
Next, an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0136]
The main processor 900 operates based on a program stored in the CD 982 (information storage medium), a program transferred via the communication interface 990, or a program stored in the ROM 950 (one of information storage media). Various processes such as processing, image processing, and sound processing are executed.
[0137]
The coprocessor 902 assists the processing of the main processor 900, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel calculation, and executes matrix calculation (vector calculation) at high speed. For example, if a physical simulation for moving or moving an object requires processing such as matrix operation, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs (requests) the processing to the coprocessor 902. )
[0138]
The geometry processor 904 performs geometry processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, light source calculation, and curved surface generation, has a product-sum calculator and a divider capable of high-speed parallel computation, and performs matrix computation (vector computation). Run fast. For example, when processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective transformation, and light source calculation is performed, a program operating on the main processor 900 instructs the geometry processor 904 to perform the processing.
[0139]
The data decompression processor 906 performs a decoding process for decompressing the compressed image data and sound data, and a process for accelerating the decoding process of the main processor 900. As a result, a moving image compressed by a given image compression method can be displayed on an opening screen, an intermission screen, an ending screen, a game screen, or the like. Note that the image data and sound data to be decoded are stored in the ROM 950 and the CD 982 or transferred from the outside via the communication interface 990.
[0140]
The drawing processor 910 performs drawing (rendering) processing of an object composed of primitive surfaces such as polygons and curved surfaces at high speed. When drawing an object, the main processor 900 uses the function of the DMA controller 970 to pass the object data to the drawing processor 910 and transfer the texture to the texture storage unit 924 if necessary. Then, the rendering processor 910 renders the object in the frame buffer 922 at high speed while performing hidden surface removal using a Z buffer or the like based on the object data and texture. The drawing processor 910 can also perform α blending (translucent processing), depth cueing, mip mapping, fog processing, bilinear filtering, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing, shading processing, and the like. When an image for one frame is written in the frame buffer 922, the image is displayed on the display 912.
[0141]
The sound processor 930 includes a multi-channel ADPCM sound source and the like, and generates high-quality game sounds such as BGM, sound effects, and sounds. The generated game sound is output from the speaker 932.
[0142]
Operation data from the game controller 942, save data from the memory card 944, and personal data are transferred via the serial interface 940.
[0143]
The ROM 950 stores system programs and the like. In the case of an arcade game system, the ROM 950 functions as an information storage medium, and various programs are stored in the ROM 950. A hard disk may be used instead of the ROM 950.
[0144]
The RAM 960 is used as a work area for various processors.
[0145]
The DMA controller 970 controls DMA transfer between the processor and memory (RAM, VRAM, ROM, etc.).
[0146]
The CD drive 980 drives a CD 982 (information storage medium) in which programs, image data, sound data, and the like are stored, and enables access to these programs and data.
[0147]
The communication interface 990 is an interface for transferring data to and from the outside via a network. In this case, as a network connected to the communication interface 990, a communication line (analog telephone line, ISDN), a high-speed serial bus, or the like can be considered. By using a communication line, data transfer via the Internet becomes possible. Also, by using the high-speed serial bus, data transfer between other game systems and other game systems becomes possible.
[0148]
All of the means of the present invention may be executed by hardware alone, or may be executed only by a program stored in an information storage medium or a program distributed via a communication interface. Alternatively, it may be executed by both hardware and a program.
[0149]
When each means of the present invention is executed by both hardware and a program, a program for executing each means of the present invention using hardware is stored in the information storage medium. Become. More specifically, the program instructs each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc., which is hardware, and passes data if necessary. Each processor 902, 904, 906, 910, 930, etc. executes each means of the present invention based on the instruction and the passed data.
[0150]
FIG. 13A shows an example when the present embodiment is applied to an arcade game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the lever 1102, the button 1104, and the like while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1100. Various processors and various memories are mounted on the built-in system board (circuit board) 1106. Information (program or data) for executing each means of the present invention is stored in a memory 1108 which is an information storage medium on the system board 1106. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as storage information.
[0151]
FIG. 13B shows an example in which this embodiment is applied to a home game system. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while viewing the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD 1206 or a memory card 1208, 1209, which is an information storage medium that is detachable from the main system.
[0152]
FIG. 13C shows a host device 1300 and terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n connected to the host device 1300 via a network 1302 (a small-scale network such as a LAN or a wide area network such as the Internet). An example of applying this embodiment to a system including In this case, the stored information is stored in an information storage medium 1306 such as a magnetic disk device, a magnetic tape device, or a memory that can be controlled by the host device 1300, for example. When the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n can generate game images and game sounds stand-alone, the host device 1300 receives a game program and the like for generating game images and game sounds from the terminal 1304-. 1 to 1304-n. On the other hand, if it cannot be generated stand-alone, the host device 1300 generates a game image and a game sound, which is transmitted to the terminals 1304-1 to 1304-n and output at the terminal.
[0153]
In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13C, each unit of the present invention may be executed in a distributed manner between the host device (server) and the terminal. The storage information for executing each means of the present invention may be distributed and stored in the information storage medium of the host device (server) and the information storage medium of the terminal.
[0154]
The terminal connected to the network may be a home game system or an arcade game system. When the arcade game system is connected to a network, the save information storage device can exchange information with the arcade game system and exchange information with the home game system. It is desirable to use (memory card, portable game device).
[0155]
The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
[0156]
For example, in the invention according to the dependent claims of the present invention, a part of the constituent features of the dependent claims can be omitted. Moreover, the principal part of the invention according to one independent claim of the present invention can be made dependent on another independent claim.
[0157]
In this embodiment, the case where the highlight effect object is a sprite or a plate polygon has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be composed of a polygon object composed of a plurality of polygons, or may be composed of a free-form surface.
[0158]
In this embodiment, the case where a reflection point is provided as model information of an object has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, reflection position specifying information may be embedded in the texture mapped to the highlight effect object.
[0159]
The present invention can also be applied to various games (such as fighting games, shooting games, robot battle games, sports games, competitive games, role playing games, music playing games, dance games, etc.).
[0160]
Further, the present invention can be applied to various game systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, and a system board for generating game images.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining conventional light source processing.
FIG. 2 is an example of a block diagram of the game system of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an image example of a spherical object in which highlight effect images in the present embodiment overlap.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a generation example of a highlight effect image when a plate polygon is used as a highlight effect object.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a generation example of a highlight effect image when a sprite is used as a highlight effect object.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a technique for obtaining the intensity of reflection at a light reflection point in the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a reflection point setting method;
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams for explaining changes in the highlight effect image according to the intensity of the reflected light. FIGS.
FIG. 9 is an example of a highlight effect image in which highlight effect images at a plurality of reflection points are integrated.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which highlight effect images overlap.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for generating an image of an object in which highlight effect images are overlapped by a curved line (two points) equation;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration capable of realizing the present embodiment.
FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of various types of systems to which the present embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 processor
110 Game processor
112 Movement / motion calculation unit
120 Highlight effect processing section
130 Image generator
132 Geometry processing part
134 Drawing part
150 sound generator
160 Operation unit
170 Storage unit
172 Main memory
174 frame buffer
180 Information storage medium
190 Display
192 sound output section
194 Information storage device for saving
196 Communication Department

Claims (4)

An image generation system for generating an image,
An arrangement position determining means for determining an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating an image of highlight generated in the object by reflection of light;
Means for arranging a highlight effect object at a determined arrangement position, and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object,
The arrangement position determining means includes
Reflection point information is set as model information for one or more reflection points set in advance on the object, and the intensity of reflection at the reflection point is calculated using the reflection point information. An image generation system that determines whether or not to place a highlight effect object at the one or more reflection points. In claim 1 ,
The arrangement position determining means includes
An image generation system characterized in that a portion where specular reflection is likely to occur due to the material and shape of the object is set as a reflection area, and a plurality of reflection points are set in the reflection area. A computer-readable information storage medium,
An arrangement position determining means for determining an arrangement position of a highlight effect object for generating an image of highlight generated in the object by reflection of light;
A program for causing a computer to function as a means for arranging a highlight effect object at the determined arrangement position and generating an image in which a highlight effect image overlaps the object is stored,
The arrangement position determining means includes
Reflection point information is set as model information for one or more reflection points set in advance on the object, and the intensity of reflection at the reflection point is calculated using the reflection point information. An information storage medium for determining whether or not to place a highlight effect object at the one or more reflection points. In claim 3,
The arrangement position determining means includes
An information storage medium characterized in that a portion where specular reflection is likely to occur depending on the material and shape of the object is set as a reflection area, and a plurality of reflection points are set in the reflection area.

Images